National Signing Day is an important day for a lot of high schools. And the first Wednesday in February is no different at Lincoln Christian, as the annual day of recognition continues to be represented by on and off-the-field success. Last week, eight athletes from Lincoln signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the next level, representing the Bulldogs around the region in a variety of sports.
The senior class was well-represented in four different sports, as the Bulldogs continue to excel in boys and girls sports across the school. Five football players that helped bring home Lincoln's 3rd state title in December inked their commitment to play collegiately. Sawyer Brooks and Caden Ricke are headed to Emporia State, while Luke Milligan and Grayson Swafford will attend Northeastern State and David Smithwick will enroll at UCO.
Olivia Brown will continue her softball career at Seminole State after a strong senior season and career. The most decorated athlete in Lincoln history, Jackson Strode, will take his outstanding running career and continue it at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in the track program. And Emory Oakes, a Lincoln student that has excelled in club rowing, was the lone Division-1 signee, as she will attend SMU.
Let's start there, as we take a deeper look into all eight of the Bulldogs who will officially take their talents to the next level.
Lincoln's Emory Oakes finds success in club rowing, will compete at SMU
Lincoln student Emory Oakes has a unique journey, as the senior doesn't necessarily compete for Lincoln, but is still a standout. Oakes only began rowing as a freshman and started competing at the Tulsa Youth Rowing Association three years ago. She was a team captain for the TYRA and has a GPA of over 4.0. And now, she is headed to the highest level collegiately, as she will row for SMU in Dallas. "It's such a high honor and privilege to compete at the Division 1 level," Oakes said. "I'm so grateful for this opportunity. I am excited to see all that will come to pass in college athletics. God is so faithful and all the glory goes to Him."
Oakes finished 4th individually in November at the Waco Rowing Regatta on the Brazos River. She was also top 15 in both races at the Head of the Hooch Regatta on the Tennessee River last November. "It was definitely a faith filled journey," she said. "All the sacrifices that I had to make have led me to this point in my career. I wouldn't trade it for anything." "I look back with so much gratitude to see where I was and where God has brought me. I am so excited for the future."
Olivia Brown moving to next level, signs with Seminole State
The heartbeat of Lincoln softball is headed to Seminole State to continue her career after wrapping up a great senior season and four years as a Bulldog. She finished her senior season with three doubles and 19 RBIs, while scoring 28 runs. Brown had 25 hits for the Bulldogs, as well as a .971 fielding percentage. "It is such a blessing to be able to continue my career at the next level," Brown said. "To know all of the hard work and the hours unseen has paid off feels great. I am so excited. This means the world to me."
She was a 3-time academic state champion and was selected to the all-district first-team. "I made lifelong relationships at Lincoln," she said. "We have the best coaches and I will never forget some of the mentors that I had. I've made some of my best friends here and what we did was special." Brown is looking forward to continuing what made her successful at Lincoln as she moves on to the next level. "I know heading into college that I'll have a strong foundation of team work, commitment and being able to communicate with one another," Brown said.
Her head coach, Lacy Ragland, agreed when speaking about her career at the NSD ceremony last Wednesday. "Olivia is the epitome of Lincoln softball," Ragland said. "She held a heavy leadership role for us this year through passion, hard work, and grit. She has experienced movement all over our field in her four years in our program and was a four year starter." Ragland also spoke about the legacy Brown left on the Lincoln softball program. "She completely changed the dynamics of our team if we don't have her on the field or in the lineup," Ragland said. "With her in our program, we were stronger and better in every way. For these reasons, Olivia was our MVP."
Jackson Strode leaves unmatched legacy, will continue career at UCCS
Senior Lincoln standout runner Jackson Strode had a career that was unmatched. With five state championships, more than any Lincoln athlete in any sport, Strode certainly left his mark on the Bulldog track program. And now, he will continue to lead the pack at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, joining the track program. "I'm really looking forward to the community within the program at UCCS," Strode said.
Strode is looking forward to a change of scenery for the next chapter in his life. "I grew up in Tulsa and this is going to be something different. It will be a new atmosphere and that's exciting," Strode said. "I have some family in the area and that will help with the transition." Strode was a leader on this year and last year's cross country state title teams, as well as the 2021, 2022 and 2023 state championship teams in track. He feels blessed to have been a part of such a unique culture and team at Lincoln. "We were able to accomplish these things because we were a complete team," he said. "No one ran for themselves. Track or cross country, a lot of times, unless it is a relay, you are competing for yourself, but we never did that at Lincoln. We were one team and that's what I'll remember."
Grayson Swafford caps off career with a title, heading to NSU
After being a big part of a dominant offense that led the way to an undefeated and state championship season, Lincoln senior Grayson Swafford is excited to bring the winning culture to his new home. Swafford signed with Northeastern State in Tahlequah last week, staying close to home as he continues his career with the Riverhawks on the offensive line. "I'm very excited to continue playing football at the next level," said Swafford. "There is a new coaching staff there and I am really looking forward to playing for them. It's a really exciting time for the program."
Swafford was a 1st team all-district offensive lineman selection in 3A-3. He and the rest of the offensive line helped the Bulldogs average 267 rushing yards per game. "I'll always be thankful for my teammates and what we accomplished," he said. "We went through hard work together, hot days in practice and tough times during games. Those are the things you remember - the time with your teammates." Swafford is also a starter on the Lincoln basketball team.
Caden Ricke continues family legacy at Lincoln, and now Emporia State
Lincoln senior Caden Ricke has been around the program for as long as he can remember. The son of head coach Jerry Ricke, he always dreamed of being able to build his own legacy as a Bulldog. "Growing up, I obviously saw all of the good teams and I wanted to be a part of something like that," he said. "We were fortunate enough to play in two state championships, but came up short. To be able to get back to a third and win - I couldn't think of a better way to finish off my career."
He did, helping Lincoln to an undefeated 14-0 season and the school's 3rd state title in 2023. And now, he will work to build a new legacy, as he signed his letter of intent to play at Emporia State. "It means a lot to go play at such a great program," Ricke said. "They are in such a great conference in the MIAA that is really competitive. They have a great coaching staff and I'm really excited."
Ricke's older brother, Chase, is heading into his senior year at Emporia State, so the familiarity with the program is already there. "I have been up there enough to be around a lot of the guys. They feel like family already and that's another thing that I'm really looking forward to," said Ricke. Ricke was a 1st team all-district offensive lineman selection in 3A-3 and an honorable mention selection to the All-World team, voted on by the Tulsa World.
David Smithwick closes Lincoln chapter as state champion, signs with UCO
David Smithwick accomplished quite a bit during his high school career at Lincoln. His success on and off the field is easy to notice, but Smithwick was an integral part of the dominant Lincoln offensive line that helped pave the way to an undefeated and state championship season in 2023. Now, Smithwick will head west to Edmond, as last week he made it official, signing with the University of Central Oklahoma. "I'm really looking forward to the community that the UCO program offers," Smithwick said. "I know some of the guys up there and have played against some of the players that are joining me in this class."
Smithwick is looking forward to the family atmosphere at UCO, something he grew to love about Lincoln. "They have a great coaching staff that is smart and really cares about their players," he said. "I have enjoyed my time with them already and can't wait to get started." Smithwick was the district 3A-3 Lineman MVP for 2023 and was an honorable mention selection to the All-World team, voted on by the Tulsa World. "I will take with me the spiritual lessons I have learned, along with all of the things you get out of football," Smithwick said. "Obviously you have to be disciplined and be able to work hard, so those things I can carry with me."
Luke Milligan leads Lincoln to state title, garners all-state nod before signing with NSU
Luke Milligan knew he would have to be at his best in his senior season. And he certainly was. Milligan capped off his career as a state championship winning quarterback, an all-state selection and some impressive numbers. He'll look to do that at the next level too, as Milligan signed his letter of intent with Northeastern State in Tahlequah last week. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to compete at the next level," Milligan said. "It's going to be a new environment with a new coaching staff. I really liked the school and just everything about the program, along with the chance to continue playing football."
Milligan was the district 3A-3 MVP, an honorable mention selection to the All-World team, voted on by the Tulsa World, and was one of two Lincoln seniors to be named to the Oklahoma Coaches' Association all-state team. Milligan completed 70% of passes in his senior season for 2,701 yards and 38 touchdowns, throwing just four interceptions. He finished his career with a 71% completion percentage, 6,753 total passing yards and 85 touchdowns. He threw just 13 career interceptions in 48 games. "Last year was all about growth for us as a team and I feel like my career was about growth, as a player," said Milligan. "We knew we needed to grow to get back where we needed to be. We had to work hard as a team and individually, and keep that drive in front of us to go win a state championship."
Sawyer Brooks leads Lincoln to title, now turns the page to play at Emporia State
Sawyer Brooks was a huge factor for Lincoln on both sides of the football as a senior. The standout running back and linebacker had a huge final season, helping lead Lincoln to a 14-0 record and Class 3A state title. He will try to make as big of an impact at the next level, as he joins Caden Ricke in continuing his career at Emporia State, signing with the Hornets last week.
Brooks was an OCA all-state selection, as well as the district 3A-3 MVP. He was also a 1st team selection to the All-World team and is a player of the year finalist, voted on by the Tulsa World. Brooks is looking forward to continuing his growth as a player and man when he moves onto Emporia State. "I'm looking forward to getting better each day, becoming a better man and a better follower of Christ," he said. "I'm hoping to get bigger, faster and stronger."
Brooks ran for 1,324 yards and 17 TDs, while amassing 229 yards and three scores on 23 catches. He led the Lincoln defense with 85 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. Brooks spoke about how the senior class stayed together to make their last season a special one. "The other seniors and myself, we all bought in together," he said. "We had a small senior class, so it was easier to control everything and we are all such close friends. We had great chemistry and everyone wanted to make each other better."
As Brooks prepares for the next chapter, he feels more than prepared and cherishes his time as a Bulldog. "Lincoln prepared me to become a better man and a better follower of Christ, which is important in any aspect of life," he said. "The coaches really care about you, they value integrity and love their players like they love Jesus."
