Midwest City High School

Midwest City High School
Location
213 Elm Drive Midwest City, Oklahoma, 73115 United States
Information
Type	Co-Educational, Public, Secondary
Established	1943
School district	Mid-Del School District
Principal	Daryla Combs
Grade Levels	9-12
Enrollment	1,606
Color(s)
Athletics	Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball,etc.
Athletics conference	Class 6A District 2
Mascot	Bomber
Rival	Del City High School
Feeder schools	Jarman Middle School, Monroney Middle School.
Website	school website

Midwest City High School is one of the two high schools in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Part of the Mid-Del School District, the school serves more than 1,600 students.^[1]

History

In 1941, the Midwest City–Del City area was farmland consisting of wheat farming, dairies, and cattle ranches. Several rural schools made up the centers of their respective communities. Farmers and others living on acreages traveled to Oklahoma City to purchase what could not be produced from the land. The federal government had determined that the country would soon be in the war that was spreading in Europe and the Far East. Construction of Tinker Field began and W. P. Atkinson, seeing an opportunity, purchased 160 acres (0.65 km²) of farmland with the intention of developing a new community.

On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. With the growth of Tinker Field, Midwest City increased as well. More families meant higher school enrollment. Children had to travel to Oklahoma City to attend school above the eighth grade. To meet the crisis, the Sooner School Board agreed to an expansion of the school system by April 1943; members of the Sooner School Board were: Tom Townsend, Furman L. Fox, Cecil Fish, and Oscar Rose, Superintendent of Sooner School District No. 52.

In May 1943, Rose organized for the upcoming school year. The high school was held and J.E. Sutton was hired June 1943 to be the first principal of the high school. In August 1943, the school plan was organized but there was no school building. Even though the building was not finished, it had 17 teachers and 413 students on the first day and over one thousand students to enroll during the school year. Furniture was borrowed from Draughon's Business College; half day sessions were in operation for the lower grades. Mr. Rose borrowed an old school bus from Bearan, Oklahoma, the school district he came from. There was no heat, and students had to wear their coats in class during the winter. Later people loaned stoves to the school.

The first night in April 1944, a wind hit the campus (several military huts for buildings), turning some buildings at a forty-five degree angle and it demolished the entire English room. Buildings were left where the wind pushed them, foundations were put back and the school continued. During the school year, a new brick building had been under construction next door to the collection of huts and was ready for occupancy by Spring. Students moved to the new building on April 6, 1946; it was later dedicated in May.

There were fourteen students in that first senior class. Despite the weather, cold, mud, and wind storm, the hutment (collection of huts) served its purpose. This was the beginning of three great high schools: Midwest City High School, Carl Albert High School, and Del City High School.

During much of the first chapter of MCHS's existence, it resided on McArthur Drive near Rose Field. At this location, the school grew very quickly and even survived an airplane crash as a small, single-engine fighter from Tinker crashed into the school late one evening. The damaged portion was later rebuilt. Shortly thereafter (late '50s), MCHS moved to its current location. The old MCHS is still in use today as Jarman Middle School.

After several years at the current site, the school was found to be inadequate for the growing population and was almost completely torn down. This allowed for the construction of several new wings. The new building no longer faced Elm, but instead faced Maple (the school maintains its previous address at 213 Elm). In 1957, the auditorium was completed. In 1969, the new band hall was constructed. During the mid-'70s there was a fire in the auditorium that caused significant damage, but the building was repaired. During the '70s, the Fieldhouse was also constructed. Later more wings were added to accommodate a larger student population. In 1978, there was a flood in the band room that caused damage to much of the music library.

In the mid 1990s, the entire school's facade was given a facelift as most of the brick was covered with stucco and painted. At that time, the auditorium was remodeled yet again to create "the premier performance hall in eastern Oklahoma County". At this time, the administration building was also relocated to the MCHS grounds, facing 15th street.

During the Winter Break of the 1998-99 school year, a flood inside the auditorium caused significant damage to the electronic equipment. These problems were patched, but were not correctly repaired until the summer of 2006 when the electronic equipment was replaced with top-level equipment.

In the 2007-08 school year, freshmen were moved into the high schools. To accommodate the students, another wing was added to the building. The building currently has five wings, as well as several disconnected facilities (such as the band room, fieldhouse, locker rooms, etc).

During the summer of 2009, a strong windstorm tore parts of the roof off the commons area of the high school. This allowed rain to flood the commons and library.

Extracurricular activities

Band

The MCHS Bomber Band has spanned the time from the inception of MCHS. Throughout the years, the MCHS Band has earned countless awards, plaques, and trophies. While the band has varied in size from year to year, its enthusiasm and support for the school has never diminished. The students are as motivated and energetic as ever. The band has been named State Champs during the concert season in the past during the time at which a state champion was named. Between the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band, the MCHS Band has earned more than 100 "Superior" awards as well as many "Sweepstakes" awards. The Jazz Band was also consistently in the top 3 while directed by Bill Pearson and Belinda Miller.

The band moved into its current band hall during the 1970s. It is the same structure as located at Del City High School. An ongoing remodeling project recently replaced light fixtures, tiling, and carpeting throughout the band hall. Before moving to its current facility, the band squeezed more than 120 students into a much smaller facility that resembled a temporary structure more than anything.

Previous Band Directors

• Howard White
• Jack Clark
• J.B. Rounds
• Lyle Work 1954-1957
• Jack Irwin 1957-1959
• E. Paul Enix 1959-1977
• Guy Burkhardt 1977-1978
• Pat Burney 1978-1982
• John Davis 1982-1999
• Charles Bartrug 2000-2001
• A.L. Hullum 2001-2002
• John Davis 2002–Present

Previous Assistant Directors

• Mike DeWoody 1970-1972
• Steve Rimicci 1972-1975
• Guy Burkhardt 1976-1977
• Joe Lake 1977-1978
• John Davis 1979-1982
• Bill Pearson 1982-1994
• Belinda Watson (Miller) 1994-2000
• John Strange 2000-2001
• David Bellows 2001-2002
• Mark Hensley 2002–Present

Athletics

Baseball

Head Coach: Craig Troxell
Assistant Coach: Bryce Maddux

Spring Ball State Champs 5A 1988

Basketball

Girl's Basketball
Head Coach: Art Bode
5A State Champs 1992
6A State Champs 2010

Boys basketball
Head Coach: Dewayne Bradley
6A State Champs 1998, 2000, 2001, 2007

Wrestling

Midwest City Bomber Wrestling is known throughout the state and across the nation. It alone holds one of the nations top high school wrestling traditions to this date.

National Champions 1981, 1990, 1991

Team State Championships 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1995, 2007, 2008

Dual State Championships 1990, 1991, 1995, 2001, 2006

The Bomber wrestling program also consists of over 90 individual state champions and an impressive 59 Oklahoma High School wrestling All-State athletes.

Head Coach: Cory Wilson Asst. Coach: Brian McCalip and Mark Morgan

Track and field

Boys Team State Champs 2A 1965 5A 1998 6A 2006, 2007

Girls Team State Champs 6A 1999, 2000, 2008

Football

In the early 1940s, Midwest City was a city on the rise. With the development of Tinker Air Force Base, Midwest City was making a name for itself. It was growing so fast that the city leaders decided that it was time to develop a high school for the city and neighboring students. One late night, as a plane was taking off from Tinker Air Base, the plane crashed and killed all twelve people on board. The plane crashed into a field not far from the air base. A few years later, the school district decided to build Midwest City’s football stadium there. To this day, the “Ghost of Rose Field” haunts the stadium at night and is said to be one of the many reasons Jim Darnell Stadium is one of the hardest places to play in the state of Oklahoma. This all began in 1945 under Midwest City’s first official coach Fred Barlow. The Midwest City football program consists of a tradition that is second to none. It includes over 90 All-Staters, five state championships, thirteen state championship appearances, and 45 consecutive winning seasons. In addition, the MCHS football team was named as the first undefeated 6A football national champion. At Midwest City High, it's often stated: "Winning, it's not pressure, it's a way of life". Some call it tradition and some call it spirit, but the Midwest City community calls it "Bomber Magic".

COACH JIM DARNELL Since its first season under coach Fred Barlow in 1945, Midwest City has had only 11 coaches in over 60 years. From 1955-1977 legendary coach Jim Darnell led the football program. Coach Jim Darnell grew up in Chickasha and graduated from Chickasha High in 1947, where he played football, basketball and track. He attended Cameron College, graduating from Central State College in 1952. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1956, with a master’s in secondary administration. He began his coaching and teaching career at Altus High School. In 1953, he became Midwest City High School’s assistant football coach and teacher. Within two years, he became the head coach and athletic director. As the head coach for the Bombers he compiled a record of 186 wins, 50 losses and 10 ties. His teams won nine conference championships, eight district titles, a state championship in 1960 and three state second-place finishes in 1967, 1969 and 1971. He never had a losing season. He was named Coach of the Year, Mid-Land Conference in 1955; Head Coach of the Oil Bowl, 1960; Coach of the Year, Mid-State Conference in 1964; Head Coach, South All-State Game, 1967; Oklahoma Coaches, Coach of the Year, 1970; Outstanding Educator of America, 1974; National District Athletic Director of the Year, 1975; Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee, 1978; MCHS Wall of Fame inductee, 1995; Oklahoma Chapter National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Contribution to Amateur Football Award, 1996; and Chickasha High School Hall of Fame inductee, 2004. In 2001, the Midwest City stadium was named “Jim Darnell Stadium” at Rose Field. He is recognized as a coaching legend in the State of Oklahoma High School football community.

COACH DICK EVANS After taking over the Bomber Football program in late 1977, Dick Evans knew that he had heavy shoes to fill and tradition to build on. As a former player and all stater for Coach Darnell, Evans pride and joy was on Friday nights during the fall. Under his command, Coach had many All Americans including two brothers in Mike and Cale Gundy. In 1985, Coach Evans and former Bomber quarterback Mike Gundy played all the way to the state championship against powerhouse Muskogee. The Bombers were losing to the Roughers from up north with less than a minute to play. Though, with Mike Gundy, who went on to play for Pat Jones and the Cowboys of Oklahoma State, leading the way, the Bombers claimed victory going almost 100 yards in 45 seconds to win the 1985 State Championship. His 1988 campaign with the Bombers may best be remembered as the Cinderella story of high school football. The bombers were led by standout quarterback Cale Gundy, who went on to play at the University of Oklahoma, who entered the playoffs with a 6-4 record. As Mike did, Cale led his team to a 9-4 record and the 1988 State Championship with three huge playoff upset victories- pronouncing that Bomber Magic continues. At the end of the 1991 season, Coach Evans retired his coaching record with the Bombers. In 13 years, Coach Evans only lost 33 times with over 133 victories at hand. Evans left the program-inspiring many lives of both young men and women.

COACH DENNIS HUGGINS In the middle of the 91 school year, board members decided to name Bomber assistant coach Dennis Huggins the new Sheriff in town. For Huggins things started off slow but continued to build on what Evans left for the program. Soon the Bombers were the ones being-hunted. During the 1994 season Huggins led the Bombers to the state's first ever 6A Championship. They accomplished that while at the same time having an undefeated season. By virtue of their finishing 14-0 ESPN pronounced the Midwest City Bombers the 5th best high school football program in the nation. The following year they repeated as State Champs defeating Blankenship and the Tulsa Union Redskins. Soon, both coach Huggins and the Bombers of Midwest City were facing national exposure in the so called new fad-the national high school football championship. After their dominating performance in 1995, polls were ready to give the Bombers a national number one ranking and the Mythical high school national championship. At the end ESPN claimed the Bombers at number two in the nation while others had them at one. Huggins soon retired from all coaching in the early spring of 1996. All in all, Coach Huggins left Midwest City Football in style and a place known as a tradition of winning.

COACH STEVE HUFF For many years, the Midwest City football program was out of swagger. The win and loss column made any alumni and fan scratch their asking what has happened to their program? In 2006, the community received their answer. In late 2006, the Midwest City football head coaching position went national. After almost 23 resumes were looked at Steve Huff was hired to lead the Bombers back to its dominant self. Coming from A&M Consolidated High School in College Station, Texas, Coach Huff had to take on the task of soon to be program with lost tradition. Steve Huff comes to Midwest City looking to win his first ever state title as a head coach for football. In his first season at Midwest City he brought the Bombers back to the playoffs after a four year absence. He finished his first year at Midwest City 6-5. In 2009, Midwest City and Head Coach Steve huff continued the tradition of winning. The team finished 10-2, losing in the quarter-finals to heavy powerhouse Broken Arrow. Although, there is no doubt that the community knows that Midwest City Football is back as they won their third straight district title and conference championship. Coach Huff's record is 40-9(0.816) in fours years as the Bombers head football coach. His accomplishments includes four straight playoff seasons, two semi-final appearances, in 2008 had a number one ranking through week 13, three District 6A-2 Championships, three Conference Championships and was the 2008 6A All State Head football Coach. Coach Huff will be entering his fifth season in 2010.

Midwest City vs. Del City

Every year, Midwest City plays Del City in the Sooner Road rivalry during "Beat Del City Week." Although Del City won the first meeting between these football powers, Midwest City has largely dominated the series since its inception in the 1950s. On September 1, 2007, Midwest City played at Del City, continuing the winning streak against their bitter rivals, defeating the Eagles 34-14 in front of a nearly sold out crowd. With the win, Midwest City recorded its 501st win in team history. In 2009, Del City finally broke the 7 year losing streak, beating the Bombers for the first time since 2002^[2] by a score of 27-15. The last time the two teams met in the playoffs, Del City prevailed.

2010 Field Turf

Early in 2009, the Midwest City-Del City School Board held a bond to detail and build a new turf field for Midwest City High School. The bond issue passed with a 79% approval rating. The field will be open for the 2010 football season.^[3]

Bombers Football Winnings

• 1 "Mythical" National Championship (1995)
• 5 State Championships (1960, 1985, 1988, 1994, 1995)
• 8 State Finalist (1952, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1996)
• 17 District Championships (1967, 1970, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)
• 26 Conference Championships (1952, 1954, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1989, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)
• 44 Oklahoma High School Playoffs Berths (1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1960, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980,1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)
• 90 Oklahoma High School Football All-Staters.
• First ever National 6A Undefeated State Champion (1994)
• Back to Back Undefeated State Champions (1994–1995)
• 45 Consecutive Winning Seasons (1955–1999)
• A Winning Percentage of 0.756/1.000 (737 games totaled) (544 wins - 176 losses - 17 ties)

Football Coaches

• 1944 Jack Furr
• 1945-1946 Fred Barlow 3-10-2
• 1947-1948 Jack Huffman 8-8-1
• 1949-1954 Jack Spahn 47-14-2 (4)
• 1955-1977 Jim Darnell 183-51-12 (1) 1 State Championship
• 1978-1991 Dick Evans 144-33 (2) 2 State Championships
• 1992-1995 Dennis Huggins 45-7 (5) 2 State Championships *National Champions*
• 1996-1999 Brian Vaverka 27-20
• 2000-2004 Ricky Oliver 31-19
• 2005-2006 Jesse Wall 6-4
• 2006- Steve Huff 50-10 (3)

Air Force JRotc

Lt. Col. Penning with cadets.

Midwest City High School's Air Force Jrotc unit started in 1993, giving it the unit number OK931. The honor guard (Normally known as color guard. however, the name was taken by the flag girls) present the colors at most of the football and basketball games, along with other events, such as a New Orleans Hornets game during their relocation to Oklahoma City.

The current SASI is retired Lt.Col. Mike Penning, he replaced retired Col. Cross. The current ASI is retired Chief Master Sergeant Tim Egan.

DECA

MCHS has a very successful chapter of DECA, the high school marketing organization headed up by advisor Dawn Boland. The chapter is always well represented at state competition and has produced two state officers in the last 5 years. The chapter also operates the popular student store and sells Otis Spunkmeyer cookies as a fundraiser.

References

1. ^ Midwest City High School, http://www.education.com/ Education.com] (accessed June 9, 2010).
2. ^ http://www.newsok.com/nick-warehime-a-wizard-for-del-city/article/3399408?custom_click=lead_story_title
3. ^ Track and Field Updates for Carl Albert, Del City and Midwest City High Schools, accessed May 12, 2010.

External links

• Official Website
• Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association

Coordinates: 35°27′10″N 97°23′59″W / 35.452802°N 97.399596°W / 35.452802; -97.399596