Originally published Nov. 7, 2024:
Perry Softball Players Earn All-State & Coach Hayes Receives Honors
The Oklahoma High School Fast-pitch Softball Coaches Association (OHSFSCA) announced the 2024 All-State team last week. The slate of athletes across the state was extra tough this year, but Perry prevailed with two athletes named to All-State and one more selected as an alternate.
Perry High School seniors, Emery Halford and Alley Kennedy were named to the 2024 All-State Softball Middle West Team (3A-4A). Halford was selected as a middle infielder/utility and Kennedy was selected as corner infielder.
Bonnie Jo Childs was selected as the first alternate for the All-State team. If there is any player who is unable to fulfill their role or becomes injured, she will receive full All-State credentials.
Lady Maroons softball head coach Bryan Hayes commented, "In my opinion, this is absolutely the most difficult class in the state. The competition this year was FIERCE for positions on the team. Only two girls on the whole west half of the state were selected that did not come from a state tournament team. In addition, it was an extremely difficult year to get middle infielders on the team as there were more than 10 nominated, and Perry’s two middle infielders had to compete for this award against each other, unfortunately.”
The All-State award is the highest possible award given to high school softball players. Outside of a state championship medal, it is the pinnacle of recognition in Oklahoma.
"We are super proud to have these three young ladies recognized for their hard work and talent,” added Hayes.
In addition, Coach Bryan Hayes has also received impressive recognition at the state level. The OSSAA selected Hayes as the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Oklahoma Softball Coach of the Year for 2023-2024. He will be presented the award by the Athletic Directors of the OSSAA on November 13. This selection qualifies him to represent Oklahoma for the national award level.
As a result of the successful softball program, dedicated athletes, and parent support for the past 23 seasons as head coach, Hayes was honored to hear about another award nomination. The OHSFSCA announced that Coach Hayes will be inducted into the OHSFSCA Hall of Fame. This recognition is determined based on many factors, including career wins, team success, association involvement, tutelage, reputation, and more. He will be inducted at the All-State banquet on Friday, June 6 at 7pm at Oklahoma Christian University.
"This is obviously a huge honor for me, but certainly to the credit of the many years of Perry Lady Maroon softball players' dedication, desire, hard work, and grit. It's a career award for Perry Lady Maroon Softball,” said Hayes.
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UPDATE Feb. 6, 2025:
Bonnie Jo Childs has officially received the honor of ALL-STATE SOFTBALL (formerly selected as an alternate). Making three All-Staters from the 2024 PHS Lady Maroons Softball team!
The Oklahoma High School Fast-pitch Softball Coaches Association (OHSFSCA) will recognize all three players and Coach Hayes (Hall of Fame inductee) at the banquet on Friday, June 6, 2025. The All-State games will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Congratulations to all!