'We Have One Goal, And That's To Win': Barnsdall Prepares For First Home Game Since Tornado

“When you drive around town, it's still there.”

It's been nearly four months since an EF-4 tornado ripped through the heart of Barnsdall. The physical and emotional scars continue to heal, and the town of one thousand people has rallied around each other during the rebuilding process. For the 34 members of the Panther football team, the sport, and the stadium, have been an oasis as the community returns to normalcy.

“We've been together, practicing, staying in unison,” says senior quarterback Maverick Lanphear. “Just having each other to help each other out through this tough time has been great.”

“Everything is becoming more routine. It's not the out of the routine. We've got to go deal with this today, or deal with the cleanup today,” adds head coach Kylee Sweeney. “We're back in school. We're back in class. We're back in normal practice routine, and just getting out here amongst their brothers.”

The Barnsdall community will take another huge step in the healing process Friday night, as the team hosts Oklahoma Union in the first home game since that night the town was changed forever. A moment that signals a sense of normalcy, but also a celebration. 

“Just having that sense of getting back out. Getting to see people. Getting to celebrate this team, rally behind these boys, and just yell on a Friday night,” says Sweeney. “Just to have that sense of camaraderie for not just them, but the camaraderie amongst this team and how they celebrate each other and go to battle for each other.”

Faith, family and football. It's a slogan the Barnsdall coaching staff and team have adopted over the years. And after the events of 2024, the slogan has taken on a whole new meaning

“When they go home, if these kids were affected, or if they were displaced, when they're here, they're around their peers, they're around their teammates, their coaches more than they are their own families sometimes,” says Sweeney. “So making sure we have that stability, having that sense of being safe, having that sense of camaraderie”

With the finishing touches being put on the playing field, the team went through one final walkthrough on Thursday. With some smiles, but plenty of seriousness, these Panthers know it will mean more to put on their jerseys tomorrow night and play for Barnsdall across the front.

“Just having this community behind my back, supporting me,” says Lanphear. “Just being there for them through this tough time. Just playing for them is the biggest thing for me.”