By Randy Cowling, Managing Editor
September 3, 2009 — Rivalries bring out the best and sometimes the worst from school’s fans. Days before the 18th annual meeting between Claremore and Oologah on the football field the rivalry has turned ugly.
Late Monday night several car loads of alleged Claremore Zebra fans vandalized property at Oologah High School.
“A teacher was working late and saw someone coming through,” said Rick Thomas, Oologah-Talala Public Schools superintendent. “The teacher ran them off.”
School officials did talk with the Oologah Police Department and the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, but did not file a report.
Mike McClaren, Claremore Public Schools superintendent, “This was more than vandalism it was breaking and entering. This is not the image we want to present.”
The vandals poured an unknown substance on the school’s football field.
“Our biggest concern was the football field,” said Thomas. “It was near the 40 yard line. We don’t know if it was diesel or Roundup. We are waiting to see, but it looks like the field will be fine.”
Oologah school officials worked with Claremore school officials to determine who was responsible. McClaren said those students involved in the incident have been identified.
The Claremore students have been disciplined and school officials have met with their parents regarding the incident.
“We have taken measures according to our policies, disciplined them and moved ahead,” McClaren said.
Several signs were sprayed with red paint and a light was damaged. Thomas said maintenance workers are trying to remove the paint, but repairing the light will cost more than $100.
“These rivalries are good, but when things like this happen we get a black eye,” Thomas said. “Nine times out of 10 it has never been the athletes who are responsible. It is other students. These rivalries are good for Oologah and Claremore.”
McClaren would not specify how many Claremore students were involved or if any athletes participated in the vandalism.
Claremore and Oologah open the 2009 football season at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Lantow Field.
