Candace McCurdy
McCurdy is a 1986 graduate of PHS.
Growing up in Purcell, Candy participated in a multitude of sports.
She loved all things “sports” and competing was in her blood. Her mother was overheard many times, begging her to wear anything other than cleats and a baseball cap.
During her time at Purcell High School, she lettered in basketball, track, cross-country and softball.
As a freshman, she was a member of the first girls track team to ever win a meet title. This team continued to win multiple meet and conference titles over the next few years. She was a track All-Stater as a freshman, winning the title of Class 2A high jump state champion.
She was the first leg on the mile and two mile relay teams, which came in fourth place at state for two consecutive years.
She was also a state qualifier in the 800m run. She held school records in the 800m, as well as the mile and two mile relay teams. The record that inspired her the most was the school high jump record she shared with her sister, Lynn. Being compared to or measuring up to her big sister was a thrilling accomplishment. She was a member of the girls cross-country team of 1984. This team was the first Purcell team to earn the honor of Regional champions and qualify for the state meet, ultimately winning third place.
As a basketball player, she averaged 23 points per game during her sophomore and junior years.
She was named Little All-City Honorable mention her sophomore year, and Little All-City as a junior.
She was also named to the Heart of Oklahoma All-Tournament team and was an All-Conference selection for the Arbuckle conference. Three of her most prized awards were being named PHS MVP of girls’ track, basketball’s “Most Dedicated Offensive Player” and the coveted Jack Angel award for the outstanding female athlete. She suffered a career ending knee injury just before her senior basketball season began, but received the Southern and Central Oklahoma Region 5 “Injured Athlete of the Year” award at the end of her senior year.
She continued her studies at OU, participating in the President’s Leadership Class and graduated with a degree in education in 1991. This is her 18th year of teaching, with the last ten teaching English at Purcell High School. She has four children including son, Jake Sheehy of Norman, and daughters Jordan Simmons and husband, Jake, of Purcell, Kaitlyn Sheehy of Edmond, and Abby Sheehy of Purcell. She also has two grandchildren.
Candy is extremely honored by this selection and grateful to be included with these amazing athletes and friends. She credits her mentors Randy Belicek, LeAnn Musgrove, Harold Petree, Dick Gray, Bob Hale and Jo Tahsuda.
Once a Dragon, always a Dragon.
