Tornado Rips Through Little Axe Football Stadium

Originally Published: May 10, 2010 9:47 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Oklahoma saw several tornadoes Monday, including one that ripped through the Little Axe High School football stadium.

The twister formed near Lake Thunderbird, located about a mile from the school. Barry Damrill, Little Axe Superintendent, was at his home watching NEWS 9’s coverage of the severe weather.

“When ya’ll were announcing there was a water spout on Thunderbird Lake, I knew it was headed right for us,” Damrill said.

When the weather calmed down, Damrill drove to the campus to evaluate the damage. The administration building was leveled -- completely demolished by the powerful tornado. His office and the main office were also both damaged.

The twister’s trail could be spotted by the line of debris left behind.

The football stadium also suffered damage. The tornado had lifted the bleachers and strewn them yards away. The lights were missing and the field posts were gone.

“It’s a shock at first, but you just kind of roll with it,” Damrill said. “You start figuring out what you’re going to do to correct all the problems you have.”

Inside the high school’s main building, 15 students were attending an alternative class. The instructor was alerted of the tornado and ushered the students to a safe place in the building. No one was reported injured, but it was a close call.

“We’re going to give him a definite round of applause at the next teachers’ meeting,” Damrill said.

Due to the damage and power outages, classes for Little Axe Schools were canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday, as the assessment continues.

One person was killed in Little Axe due to the storm.