Six Lincoln athletes made it official last week, as these select Bulldogs will be continuing their athletic careers at the next level.
It was another banner day for the athletic program, as four programs were represented on what was a memorable day for athletes and families.
On the girls side, Olivia Tucker, an all-state volleyball player, will head to McPherson College. Ally Huxtable, a numerous time state champion and one of the more decorated athletes in program history, will run track at ORU.
Ellie Stine, one of the most decorated throwers in school history, will continue her field career at Liberty. And Addison Whitmire, the leader for several years of the softball program and one of the top hitters during her career, will play in the infield at Evangel.
For the boys, two football players will continue their careers at the next level.
Mason Torres, the leader of the back-to-back state champions and an All-World nominee at linebacker, will head to Northeastern State, while Gage Puryear, a senior running back and receiver, will play at Evangel.
Their stories are featured below.
Photos by Frannie Rollandini
TUCKER FINISHES SENIOR SEASON WITH HIGH HONORS, WILL LOOK MAKE SIMILAR IMPACT AT MCPHERSON
Lincoln's Olivia Tucker had a record setting career for the Bulldogs, capped off by an all-state senior season.
There's no telling what she might do at the next level.
But we will find out, as Tucker signed with McPherson College next week, continuing her volleyball career for the next four years.
Tucker was one of two all-state selections for Lincoln and head coach Deidra Rader, as she helped lead another Lincoln volleyball team back to the state tournament.
"Olivia lit it up her senior year," said Rader. "I am truly mesmerized by the transformation from her freshman to senior season."
Tucker finished her career 4th all-time in career kills with 702.
She was a first-team selection in the Pinnacle Conference, as well.
Rader raved about Tucker's presence on and off the court, highlighting her leadership to the younger volleyball team members.
"She is so intentional about building relationships with the underclassmen and shows them 'the ropes' with unconditional love," Rader said. "She led on the court with humility and confidence and I am so thankful for the role model and captain she's been for our program."
Rader also praised Tucker for her consistency, both in performance, versatility and understanding of the game.
"The coaching staff could not have fully predicted the consistency and strength she would offer the team this season," Rader said. "As a player that's gotten varsity playing time in about every position since her freshman year, her adaptability and volleyball IQ made her pretty unstoppable."
Tucker will represent Lincoln at the All-State games this summer in Tulsa.
"She knows what it means to pull from the grit of the Bulldog persona as she joins her new team of Bulldogs t McPherson," Rader said.
HUXTABLE TAKES HISTORIC LINCOLN TRACK CAREER, TURNS IT INTO OPPORTUNITY AT ORU
Lincoln's Ally Huxtable has accomplished more than any other track athlete in school history.
And last week, she signed up to set more records at an even higher level, as Huxtable inked with Oral Roberts to continue her track career.
"This opportunity is a dream come true," she said. "I'm so fortunate that God has put me on this path and blessed me wit the abilities I have."
Huxtable is top 10 in 13 different events at Lincoln and holds eight school records in everything from the 60-meter dash to the 3200-meter relay.
"She is the most decorated track athlete we have ever had," Lewelling said. "I have enjoyed coaching her immensely and I cannot thank her family enough for trusting us to lead her."
Huxtable is a 3 time state champion, playing a big part in taking home the state track title last spring, as well as being a contributor for two state championship teams in cross country
"She's been there when we were 11th at state her freshman year, then led us to a state title last season," Lewelling said.
Lewelling spoke about her impact on the program and the culture.
"Ally has been a program changer for us," said Lincoln head coach Stephen Lewelling. "From the day she came in, she pushed everyone around her to be their best. Her actions inspire others to do more, compete harder and achieve their goals."
And although she will take her talents across town next fall, her contributions to Lincoln will not be forgotten.
"Her passion and energy are contagious and our program would not be where it's at without her," Lewelling said.
STINE LOOKS TO FINISH STRONG IN FINAL TRACK SEASON BEFORE HEADING TO LIBERTY
Senior track and field athlete Ellie Stine has been one of the top throwers in the state throughout her career.
And as she prepares for her final spring inside the discus ring, Stine cemented her plans after graduation, as last week she signed to throw at Liberty.
"This journey has been so fun and I couldn't have done it without my parents, coaches, teammates, friends and most importantly, God," Stine said.
Stine, a runner-up at state last spring, has qualified for the state meet in all three of her high school seasons.
"She has been one of our most consistent throwers over the last three years," said Lincoln throwing coach Doug Nelson. "She is the captain of our throw team, is a 4.0 student and even works with our younger throwers during her free time."
Stine won six meets in her sophomore year and then followed that up with seven wins during her junior season, including a win at the Meet of Champions.
"She is a unique thrower and is left-handed, which has made some things harder for her because most rings are set up for right-handed throwers," Nelson said. "But that hasn't stopped her. She has continued to hit new marks and do great things in the sport."
Stine will be the third thrower from Lincoln to compete at the Division-1 level in the last decade and this spring, hopes to be the school's third state champion in the discus.
"She is going to do great things," Nelson said. "She is an outstanding kid that has put in tons and tons of work. She is very dedicated."
Stine was also a part of a very successful Lincoln volleyball program, helping lead the Bulldogs to the state tournament during her senior year.
WHITMIRE EXCELS ON DIAMOND FOR LINCOLN, HEADS TO EVANGEL TO CONTINUE HER SUCCESS
Lincoln softball player Addi Whitmire was the heart and soul of the program over the last few years, for her leadership on and off the field.
And while her impact will be missed at LCS, Whitmire will have a new opportunity to do the same, as last week she signed to play at Evangel.
"I am most looking forward to the Evangel softball team's culture of glorifying God," Whitmire said. "I cannot wait to be a part of their 'dugout revivals' where all of the girls come together and praise the Lord with their chants during the games."
Whitmire was named all-region utility and first-team all-district utility following her senior season.
She led the Bulldogs with a .388 average in 2024. She was also tops on the team with a .447 on-base percentage, a .518 slugging percentage and a .974 OPS.
"Addi has been a constant for Lincoln softball," said head coach Lacy Ragland. "She is a leader both on and off the field. She has a smile that is infectious."
She also led the Bulldogs in hits (33), doubles (9) and tied for the team lead with Ryan in RBIs (16). Whitmire also had an .846 fielding percentage defensively and scored 19 runs.
Whitmire was also named the Offensive Player of the Year at the LCS team banquet.
"Her contagious spirit has been a catalyst of love and encouragement throughout the last six years and will be missed in our program," Ragland said. "However, I do believe she's had such an impact that another will pick up where she has left off."
Whitmire will have a great chance to be a part of something special at Evangel, as she continues to grow in her faith through the sport she loves.
"My expectation at Evangel is to continue to grow spiritually," Whitmire said. "I want to use the gifts God has given me to reach others for His kingdom through the game I love the most."
TORRES SHINES AS LEADER OF BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPS, TAKES ELITE LINEBACKER PLAY TO TAHLEQUAH
Mason Torres, the heart and soul of the Bulldogs' defense that helped Lincoln win 28 straight games, will be wearing some different colors than black, maroon and gold next season.
But you can still expect the same great, Christian leader, even in green, as Torres signed with nearby Northeastern State last week.
The senior was named the 3A-3 defensive player of the year and was recently named an All-World all-state selection, as well as an All-World Player of the Year finalist.
"Mason was our defensive leader for the past two seasons," said Lincoln head coach Jerry Ricke. "He helped lead a defense that gave up only seven points per game the last two seasons. He was a big reason why we were able to win 28 straight games, including two state championships."
Torres had 82 tackles, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 2024 as the leader of a Bulldog defense that allowed less than seven points per game.
"What separated Mason from others was his toughness," Ricke said. "Mason dealt with a few injuries in his career, but you would never know it. He gutted through many practices and there was never a doubt that he would be there when you needed him."
Torres was also named the Defensive MVP of the team, handed out at the annual banquet on Dec. 15.
For his career, Torres had 205 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, five interceptions and two forced fumbles. He was also a team captain in 2024.
What stands out for Ricke about Torres is not only what he accomplished on the field, but the person he was off of it.
"Mason also used football as an opportunity to spread the love of Christ to his teammates and even his opponents," Ricke said. "One of my most memorable moments from the State Championship game was watching Mason pray with some of the Sulphur players after the game."
"I love that Mason took the time to put off a personal and team celebration to pray with others. That is what Mason Torres is all about."
Torres was also named 2nd-team all state by The Oklahoman.
PURYEAR EXEMPLIFIES COMMITMENT TO LINCOLN STANDARD, AIMS TO DO THE SAME AT NEXT LEVEL
Lincoln senior Gage Puryear was always there.
He showed up every day and as much as anyone, was someone the Lincoln coaches, players and program could count on.
He will look to do the same at the next level, as last week Puryear signed with Evangel to play football for the Valor.
Puryear loved the fit at Evangel, as it is something he hopes will make him a better player, as well as a better follower of Christ.
"The opportunity to be part of a brotherhood, grow in my walk with God, and contribute to a winning culture is something I can't wait to experience at the next level," Puryear said. "I'm expecting to grow both on and off the field, physically, mentally, and spiritually."
Puryear thinks he will have a chance to do that, as the experience of the coaching staff and their focus on faith is something that attracted him to Evangel.
"At the next level, I'm most looking forward to growing as a player, and developing my skills under experienced coaches," he said. "I'm also looking forward to representing Jesus Christ on and off the field at the next level."
Ricke and his coaching staff were with Puryear from start to finish, as they relied on Puryear day-in and day-out for his hard work.
"Gage was your typical Lincoln lifer in his time in our football program," Ricke said. "He came to practice every single day with a great attitude and willingness to help his team get better. He understood his role on our team and did his best to thrive in that role."
And by every day, they mean every day.
Puryear is likely the only one in program history to not miss a day of summer pride, from junior high until this summer, something that Ricke knows will help him at the next level.
"What separates Gage from other players is his accountability," Ricke said. "From the 7th grade on, Gage did not miss one single day of Summer Pride. That is six years of getting up early in the summer to go workout in a very difficult environment. The consistency and dedication that shows is a great testament to the type of man Gage is. I am so proud of him."
For Puryear, he is hoping to take with him what he learned at Lincoln and become even better during the next four years at Evangel.
"I want to compete with my teammates, push myself to be the best athlete I can be, and contribute to my team's success," Puryear said. "But more importantly, I hope to be a light for Christ in everything I do, leading by example through my work ethic, character, and how I treat my teammates and coaches. I want to use football as a platform to glorify God, build meaningful relationships, and positively impact everyone around me."
