❤️ Hall of Fame Spotlight: Joe Freeman — “Uncle Joe”
Born on March 31, 1936, in Claremore to John and Donie Freeman, Joe graduated from Claremore High School in 1954. After graduation, he went to work for Bells Confectionary on Main Street and began writing weekly sports stories for the Claremore Progress, capturing the excitement and pride of his beloved Claremore Zebras. His passion for Zebra athletics was evident even then, long before it became his legacy.
Over the years, Joe’s work life took him many places, from managing the Cardinal Lounge and the Elks Lodge to returning home to Claremore Schools, where he served as a custodian and substitute teacher. But no matter his title, Joe was best known for his unwavering support of Claremore students.
A true sports enthusiast, Joe’s love of athletics extended far beyond Claremore. His home was a museum of sports devotion, filled with newspaper clippings, autographed balls, photos, and letters from coaches and players. Whether wearing his Detroit Tigers cap (he swore it made him look like Magnum P.I.), his Duke Blue Devils hoodie, or a throwback Dallas Cowboys jacket, Joe was always ready to talk sports.
But nothing compared to his Zebra pride. His wardrobe overflowed with Claremore red, and his memorabilia chronicled decades of local athletic history, from state championship hats to programs from every sport. If the Zebras were playing, Joe was there. Varsity or JV, home or away, Zebras or Lady Zebras, Uncle Joe was in the stands.
He was a constant source of encouragement, greeting players after every game with either congratulations or a few words of comfort. For Joe, supporting Claremore athletes wasn’t a pastime; it was a calling. His dedication, kindness, and unshakable loyalty made him a beloved figure in the Zebra community.
Today, we celebrate Joe Freeman’s induction into the Claremore Public Schools Hall of Fame, honoring not just his love of the game but his lifelong commitment to the students, coaches, and teams who made Claremore home.
Once a Zebra, always a Zebra.❤ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Born on March 31, 1936, in Claremore to John and Donie Freeman, Joe graduated from Claremore High School in 1954. After graduation, he went to work for Bells Confectionary on Main Street and began writing weekly sports stories for the Claremore Progress, capturing the excitement and pride of his beloved Claremore Zebras. His passion for Zebra athletics was evident even then, long before it became his legacy.
Over the years, Joe’s work life took him many places, from managing the Cardinal Lounge and the Elks Lodge to returning home to Claremore Schools, where he served as a custodian and substitute teacher. But no matter his title, Joe was best known for his unwavering support of Claremore students.
A true sports enthusiast, Joe’s love of athletics extended far beyond Claremore. His home was a museum of sports devotion, filled with newspaper clippings, autographed balls, photos, and letters from coaches and players. Whether wearing his Detroit Tigers cap (he swore it made him look like Magnum P.I.), his Duke Blue Devils hoodie, or a throwback Dallas Cowboys jacket, Joe was always ready to talk sports.
But nothing compared to his Zebra pride. His wardrobe overflowed with Claremore red, and his memorabilia chronicled decades of local athletic history, from state championship hats to programs from every sport. If the Zebras were playing, Joe was there. Varsity or JV, home or away, Zebras or Lady Zebras, Uncle Joe was in the stands.
He was a constant source of encouragement, greeting players after every game with either congratulations or a few words of comfort. For Joe, supporting Claremore athletes wasn’t a pastime; it was a calling. His dedication, kindness, and unshakable loyalty made him a beloved figure in the Zebra community.
Today, we celebrate Joe Freeman’s induction into the Claremore Public Schools Hall of Fame, honoring not just his love of the game but his lifelong commitment to the students, coaches, and teams who made Claremore home.
Once a Zebra, always a Zebra.❤ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
🏆 Hall of Fame Spotlight: 1992–1993 Claremore High School Varsity Cheer
The 1992–1993 Claremore High School Varsity Cheer team made history, not once but twice, by bringing home both State and National Championships in consecutive years.
In June 1992, the varsity squad of 15 athletes earned a bid to compete in the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Championship in Dallas, Texas. Facing 178 teams from across the country and all school classifications, the Zebras rose to the top with an impressive score of 406 points, defeating the runner-up team from Grapevine, Texas, by a decisive 10-point margin.
Their success didn’t stop there. The team captured back-to-back OSSAA Class 4A State Championships (1992 & 1993) and another NCA National Championship in 1993, cementing their legacy as the only Claremore team in history to win consecutive State and National titles.
The 1992–1993 CHS Varsity Cheer Team was coached by Pat Hecksher and Evette Wood Barham.
Coach Hecksher, a former Oklahoma State University cheerleader (1977–1979), began coaching in Claremore in 1988 and played a pivotal role in forming Oklahoma’s governing body for competitive cheer in 1992. She was later inducted into the Oklahoma Cheer Coaches Association (OCCA) Hall of Fame in 2022.
Coach Barham, a 1991 CHS graduate, cheered for Claremore from 1988–1991 and was a member of the 1990 OSSAA Class 4A Regional and State Champion Cheer team.
Team Members:
Jackie Amos Clement • Rashell Attebury Leslie • Angel Brock Ray • Janette Hemphill Saroka • Gina Johnson Bennett • Danielle Larabee Fraser • Julie LeFlore Hayward • Julie McGehee Watson • Michelle Adams Eaton • Sara Robertson Stockinger • Tabitha Stout Parker • Claire Tanner Kornmeyer • Michelle Townsend Brown • Mandie Wiley Blenden • Tiana Wood Nichols
🏅 Be sure to visit the National Champion exhibit honoring this historic team at the Claremore Museum of History! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
The 1992–1993 Claremore High School Varsity Cheer team made history, not once but twice, by bringing home both State and National Championships in consecutive years.
In June 1992, the varsity squad of 15 athletes earned a bid to compete in the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Championship in Dallas, Texas. Facing 178 teams from across the country and all school classifications, the Zebras rose to the top with an impressive score of 406 points, defeating the runner-up team from Grapevine, Texas, by a decisive 10-point margin.
Their success didn’t stop there. The team captured back-to-back OSSAA Class 4A State Championships (1992 & 1993) and another NCA National Championship in 1993, cementing their legacy as the only Claremore team in history to win consecutive State and National titles.
The 1992–1993 CHS Varsity Cheer Team was coached by Pat Hecksher and Evette Wood Barham.
Coach Hecksher, a former Oklahoma State University cheerleader (1977–1979), began coaching in Claremore in 1988 and played a pivotal role in forming Oklahoma’s governing body for competitive cheer in 1992. She was later inducted into the Oklahoma Cheer Coaches Association (OCCA) Hall of Fame in 2022.
Coach Barham, a 1991 CHS graduate, cheered for Claremore from 1988–1991 and was a member of the 1990 OSSAA Class 4A Regional and State Champion Cheer team.
Team Members:
Jackie Amos Clement • Rashell Attebury Leslie • Angel Brock Ray • Janette Hemphill Saroka • Gina Johnson Bennett • Danielle Larabee Fraser • Julie LeFlore Hayward • Julie McGehee Watson • Michelle Adams Eaton • Sara Robertson Stockinger • Tabitha Stout Parker • Claire Tanner Kornmeyer • Michelle Townsend Brown • Mandie Wiley Blenden • Tiana Wood Nichols
🏅 Be sure to visit the National Champion exhibit honoring this historic team at the Claremore Museum of History! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
SOFTBALL REGIONALS 🥎
We’re proud to host Regionals on our home field as our Zebras take the next step toward STATE!💪🏼🥎🦓
📍: Claremore Softball Field; Claremore High School
📆: Wednesday, October 8th
🕓: 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
🥎: If there is a tie, the third game will be played on Thursday, October 9th, at 5:00 PM at home.
🦓: Let's pack the stands in our #CPSZebraPride and rally behind our girls! Good luck, Zebras, bring the heat!📣
There’s no place like home. 🏈🦓
The lights of Legendary Lantow Field shined a little brighter Friday night as the Zebras took the field for Homecoming 2025. Fueled by the roar of a hometown crowd and the nostalgia of generations cheering from the stands, Claremore delivered a thrilling win that echoed with tradition and pride.
From coronation to kickoff, the energy was electric, and our Zebras rose to the moment. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
The lights of Legendary Lantow Field shined a little brighter Friday night as the Zebras took the field for Homecoming 2025. Fueled by the roar of a hometown crowd and the nostalgia of generations cheering from the stands, Claremore delivered a thrilling win that echoed with tradition and pride.
From coronation to kickoff, the energy was electric, and our Zebras rose to the moment. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
🏐 SENIOR NIGHT
Let’s pack the gym and celebrate our Zebra Volleyball seniors as they take the court at home one last time! 🎓❤️
📍 Claremore vs. Edison
📆 Monday, October 7
⏰ 9th/JV @ 4:30 PM | Varsity to follow
📣 Come show your support for these Zebras. It's more than a game — it’s a legacy.
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball | #SeniorNight
Let’s pack the gym and celebrate our Zebra Volleyball seniors as they take the court at home one last time! 🎓❤️
📍 Claremore vs. Edison
📆 Monday, October 7
⏰ 9th/JV @ 4:30 PM | Varsity to follow
📣 Come show your support for these Zebras. It's more than a game — it’s a legacy.
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball | #SeniorNight
The Regional Tournament will be a 2 out of 3 series between Claremore and Shawnee.
Game 1 : Wednesday, October 8 @4PM, Game 2: Wednesday, October 8 @6PM
Game 3: (If needed) Thursday, October 9 @5PM #ZEBRAPRIDE
Game 1 : Wednesday, October 8 @4PM, Game 2: Wednesday, October 8 @6PM
Game 3: (If needed) Thursday, October 9 @5PM #ZEBRAPRIDE
🏃♂️🏃♀️ ZEBRA XC MEET DAY
The herd is staying HOME 🦓📍 Catch our JH & HS Cross Country teams racing through familiar ground at Claremore Walnut Park!
📆 Meet Day:
🏞️ Location: Walnut Park, Claremore
👟 Teams: Junior High & High School
💨 Let’s run fast, run proud, and show that #CPSZEBRAPRIDE on our home turf!
📌 Disclaimer: This graphic is the property of Claremore Public Schools and may not be altered, redistributed, or used on other accounts. Please share only directly from the official Claremore Public Schools platform and communications.
The herd is staying HOME 🦓📍 Catch our JH & HS Cross Country teams racing through familiar ground at Claremore Walnut Park!
📆 Meet Day:
🏞️ Location: Walnut Park, Claremore
👟 Teams: Junior High & High School
💨 Let’s run fast, run proud, and show that #CPSZEBRAPRIDE on our home turf!
📌 Disclaimer: This graphic is the property of Claremore Public Schools and may not be altered, redistributed, or used on other accounts. Please share only directly from the official Claremore Public Schools platform and communications.
🎉🏈 YOU KNOW WHAT DAY IT IS... IT'S ZEBRA GAME DAY! 🦓💪🏼
It’s HOMECOMING at LEGENDARY LANTOW FIELD and our Zebras are ready to take on Nathan Hale under the Friday night lights! Let's pack the stands and show out for our champs and our court! 👑📣
📍: Legendary Lantow Field
📆: Friday, October 3rd
👑: Homecoming Coronation – 6:30 PM
⏰: Kickoff – 7:00 PM
🎫: Admission - $10 Adults & $7 Students
🎥 Can’t make it? ZTV has you covered:
https://youtube.com/live/PwmmXT8EJXA?feature=share
🔒 Reminder: ZTV will NEVER require payment. Ignore any spam links.
❤️🖤 Let’s light up Lantow and show that #CPSZEBRAPRIDE loud and proud!
#ZebraFootball #Homecoming2025 #FridayNightLights
📌 Disclaimer: This graphic is the property of Claremore Public Schools and may not be altered, redistributed, or used on other accounts. Please share only directly from official CPS platforms.
It’s HOMECOMING at LEGENDARY LANTOW FIELD and our Zebras are ready to take on Nathan Hale under the Friday night lights! Let's pack the stands and show out for our champs and our court! 👑📣
📍: Legendary Lantow Field
📆: Friday, October 3rd
👑: Homecoming Coronation – 6:30 PM
⏰: Kickoff – 7:00 PM
🎫: Admission - $10 Adults & $7 Students
🎥 Can’t make it? ZTV has you covered:
https://youtube.com/live/PwmmXT8EJXA?feature=share
🔒 Reminder: ZTV will NEVER require payment. Ignore any spam links.
❤️🖤 Let’s light up Lantow and show that #CPSZEBRAPRIDE loud and proud!
#ZebraFootball #Homecoming2025 #FridayNightLights
📌 Disclaimer: This graphic is the property of Claremore Public Schools and may not be altered, redistributed, or used on other accounts. Please share only directly from official CPS platforms.
Soccer tryouts are coming up for varsity boys. #ZEBRAPRIDE
SHOUTOUT TO COACH BAUGHMAN!🏐💪🏼
Four seasons. 105 wins. One legendary assistant coach.
THE WINNINGEST ASSISTANT IN CLAREMORE VOLLEYBALL HISTORY!
Coach Baughman has served as our 7th-grade coach, JV coach, and varsity assistant for the past 4 seasons, playing a vital role in 105 varsity wins and counting.
Thank you for the leadership, energy, and heart you bring to our program and the athletes we support every single day. Here's to many more wins, memories, and milestones to come! ❤️🖤
#CPSZebraPride
Four seasons. 105 wins. One legendary assistant coach.
THE WINNINGEST ASSISTANT IN CLAREMORE VOLLEYBALL HISTORY!
Coach Baughman has served as our 7th-grade coach, JV coach, and varsity assistant for the past 4 seasons, playing a vital role in 105 varsity wins and counting.
Thank you for the leadership, energy, and heart you bring to our program and the athletes we support every single day. Here's to many more wins, memories, and milestones to come! ❤️🖤
#CPSZebraPride
JOM / Indian Education Elections
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
6:00 PM
CPS Enrollment Center
101 W 11th Street - Claremore, OK 74017
Contact: Jackie Boyd
More Info: https://www.claremore.k12.ok.us/page/federal-programs
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
6:00 PM
CPS Enrollment Center
101 W 11th Street - Claremore, OK 74017
Contact: Jackie Boyd
More Info: https://www.claremore.k12.ok.us/page/federal-programs
🏐 ZEBRA VOLLEYBALL — IT’S GAME DAY! 🏐
It's a Zebra vs Cardinals showdown!
📍 @ Collinsville High School
📅 Tuesday, September 30
⏰ 9th/JV – 4:30 PM | Varsity – approx. 6:30 PM
Let’s bring the energy, finish the month strong, and rep that #ZebraPride on the road!
Disclaimer: This graphic is the property of Claremore Public Schools and may not be altered, redistributed, or used on other accounts. Please share only directly from the official Claremore Public Schools platform and communications.
#CPSZebraPride | #ClaremoreVolleyball
🥎 GAME WEEK: Finishing September Strong! 🥎
Let’s keep the momentum going, Zebras! 🦓
📆 Monday, Sept. 29
🆚 Pryor (HOME)
⏰ 5:00 PM
📆 Tuesday, Sept. 30
🆚 Bishop Kelley (AWAY)
⏰ JV – 5:00 PM | Varsity to follow
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraSoftball | #WinTheDay
Let’s keep the momentum going, Zebras! 🦓
📆 Monday, Sept. 29
🆚 Pryor (HOME)
⏰ 5:00 PM
📆 Tuesday, Sept. 30
🆚 Bishop Kelley (AWAY)
⏰ JV – 5:00 PM | Varsity to follow
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraSoftball | #WinTheDay
📣 STATE - Claremore Cheer Takes the Mat! 🦓
Let’s fill the stands and bring the energy. Claremore Cheer is ready to bring it! 🖤❤️
📍 UMAC – 6836 S Mingo Rd, Tulsa
📆 Saturday, Sept. 27
🕓 Performance Time: 4:05 PM
🎟 Tickets:
🔗 https://gofan.co/event/4551962?schoolId=OSSAA $11.50
💵 $13.00 cash at the gate
Heads up:
🚫 No outside food/drinks, noise makers, or signs.
🍿 Concessions open
#CPSZebraPride | #CZC | #TAKESTATE
🏈 ZEBRA GAMEDAY🏈
Claremore hits the road under the Friday night lights to take on the Tahlequah Tigers in the first game of district play!
📅 Friday, September 26
📍 Tahlequah High School
🆚 Tahlequah Tigers
🕖 Kickoff 7:00pm
🎥ZTV Link: https://youtube.com/live/yIk6fIU1eYo?feature=share
Bring the energy, wear your red, and rep that #CPSZebraPride loud and proud. It’s time to go to work. Let’s ride, Zebras! 🦓🔥
#ZebraFootball | #FridayNightLights
🏐 Zebra Volleyball: Road-Tested & Ready 🦓💪
Let’s pack the gym tonight and send them off strong for a weekend of competition across state lines!
🔴 THURSDAY, SEPT 25
🆚 Rejoice Christian (HOME)
⏰ 7th Grade – 4:30 PM | Varsity to follow
⚪ SATURDAY, SEPT 27
🎟 Carl Junction Tournament
📍 Carl Junction, MO
⏰ Varsity – First match at 9:00 AM
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball
Let’s pack the gym tonight and send them off strong for a weekend of competition across state lines!
🔴 THURSDAY, SEPT 25
🆚 Rejoice Christian (HOME)
⏰ 7th Grade – 4:30 PM | Varsity to follow
⚪ SATURDAY, SEPT 27
🎟 Carl Junction Tournament
📍 Carl Junction, MO
⏰ Varsity – First match at 9:00 AM
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball
🏆 NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 🏆
Last Friday, we honored the best of Zebra Nation — our state placers, national qualifiers, regional champions, and history makers.
👏 From the mat to the track, the green to the court — your hard work and achievements represent the grit, excellence, and pride that define Claremore.
🎖 Special recognition to our Girls Track & Field Team and Boys Golf Team, who made school history as the 2025 OSSAA State Champions. Your legacy is now part of Zebra tradition!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraExcellence | #NightOfChampions | #HistoryMakers
Last Friday, we honored the best of Zebra Nation — our state placers, national qualifiers, regional champions, and history makers.
👏 From the mat to the track, the green to the court — your hard work and achievements represent the grit, excellence, and pride that define Claremore.
🎖 Special recognition to our Girls Track & Field Team and Boys Golf Team, who made school history as the 2025 OSSAA State Champions. Your legacy is now part of Zebra tradition!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraExcellence | #NightOfChampions | #HistoryMakers
A packed house. Big energy. Zebra grit.
Our Zebras opened the home slate with intensity and pride under the Friday night lights. Thanks to everyone who brought the heat on the field and in the stands. We’re just getting started. 🦓🏈
#ZebraFootball | #CPSZebraPride
Our Zebras opened the home slate with intensity and pride under the Friday night lights. Thanks to everyone who brought the heat on the field and in the stands. We’re just getting started. 🦓🏈
#ZebraFootball | #CPSZebraPride
🎉 REGIONAL RUNNER-UP! 🏆
Huge congratulations to our incredible Claremore Cheerleaders on earning the 2025 5A Regional Runner-Up title!
Your grit, discipline, and relentless dedication are unmatched. Next stop? STATE. 💪🔥
Let’s keep that #CPSZebraPride alive!
#ATTAFF | #CZC | #Tradition | #ZebraNation | #OnToState
Huge congratulations to our incredible Claremore Cheerleaders on earning the 2025 5A Regional Runner-Up title!
Your grit, discipline, and relentless dedication are unmatched. Next stop? STATE. 💪🔥
Let’s keep that #CPSZebraPride alive!
#ATTAFF | #CZC | #Tradition | #ZebraNation | #OnToState
A packed house. Big energy. Zebra grit.
Our Zebras opened the home slate with intensity and pride under the Friday night lights.
Thanks to everyone who brought the heat on the field and in the stands.
We’re just getting started. 🦓🏈
#ZebraFootball | #CPSZebraPride
Our Zebras opened the home slate with intensity and pride under the Friday night lights.
Thanks to everyone who brought the heat on the field and in the stands.
We’re just getting started. 🦓🏈
#ZebraFootball | #CPSZebraPride
