W E E K E N D E D I T I O N | A P R I L 19 - 2 2 , 2 0 18 | T W I C E W E E K LY I N P R I N T | O U D A I LY. C O M
OU DAILY
PHOTO GRAPHIC BY CAITLYN EPES
DUAL DEDICATION Junior Kyler Murray plays on the OU baseball and football teams. Murray spent April 14 playing in the spring football game and starting in the baseball game against Texas.
Two-sport star Kyler Murray balances baseball, football by keeping it simple, as told by Future lyrics
K
yler Murray jogged onto Owen Field in front of 52,102 fans prepared for a battle to succeed a Heisman Trophy-winner as the starting quarterback at Oklahoma. Six hours, 51 minutes and one Jimmy John’s sandwich later, Murray strolled to the plate for No. 11 Oklahoma at L. Dale Mitchell Park, and his walkup song — “Solo” by Future — played in the background as he stepped into the box. “I’m tryna keep it as simple as possible,” Future said as the center fielder settled in, waggling his bat before the first pitch. Murray’s day was not so simple, playing both football and baseball games in the span of nearly 11 hours. But after a day spent tracking his movements on, off and in between two fields, it’s clear his innate ability to conserve energy propels him to compete at a high level, while also exuding an unmatched confidence that makes a day like Saturday appear to come with ease. Murray is used to days like Saturday by now. He splits his time on the gridiron and diamond, becoming a rarity — a freak of nature in college athletics. Murray’s day was brutal. He ate only two small meals the entire day, with seemingly only one break to catch his breath. But it’s nothing new to Murray. People have come to expect great things from Murray, who opted to attend Texas A&M instead of being a potential first round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft out of Allen High School. He makes throwing touchdowns and hitting home runs look effortless. From being one of the top baseball and football prospects in the country out of high school to,
GEORGE STOIA • @GEORGESTOIA presumably, becoming the starting quarterback for Oklahoma while also leading the baseball team to a first-place start in the Big 12, Murray has perfected a balancing act that few would even attempt. Murray is a model of efficiency when he moves — watch the way he runs, jogs and walks. He doesn’t waste energy; rather, he conserves it and unleashes it at opponents’ most vulnerable moments. He’s become a master mechanic for the human body. “What he’s been doing is incredible,” an anonymous MLB scout said late Saturday, 12 hours into Murray’s day. “I’ve never seen anything like it ... It’s crazy.” Murray’s abilities were on full display Saturday. The following is a look back at the hectic yet impressive day from Murray, as told by the lyrics in “Solo” by Future. “I’m a solo now, I’ve been going solo now” — 9:15 a.m. Murray arrived at Oklahoma’s football facilities for team breakfast, where he had a plethora of options to fuel the start of what would be a very long day. Teammates loaded up on eggs, bacon, sausage, made-to-order omelettes and waffles, while Murray opted for a couple pieces of French toast. He’s never liked eating before games with the possibility of food affecting his performance. And while that may sound odd — well, it’s gotten him this far, so why change it up. Murray was questioned a lot throughout Saturday about his routine and what he planned to eat to keep him fresh. He answered each question the same, giving short answers and saying things like, “Just got to stay
fresh,” or “I don’t know what’s next.” Murray wastes no time in his responses, already thinking of what’s to come next. There aren’t many people Murray can turn to for advice. From Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson to Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, the list of players able to accomplish the feat Murray is attempting is short. “If he wanted to, he could probably go out and play with the basketball team, too,” Murray’s high school football coach Tom Westerberg said. “He’s just an unbelievable athlete.” “Be quiet, don’t brag” — 1:26 p.m. Murray ran onto Owen Field ready to show Sooner Nation why he should be Baker Mayfield’s successor. On and off the field, Murray wanted to prove he can be the type of leader a quarterback needs to be. Murray isn’t the most outspoken person, but he has a confidence about himself. Murray’s swag is hard to describe. It’s the opposite of boisterous Mayfield. Murray has a quiet confidence. He’s not going to go on a five-minute rant about Texas or run down the field waving his arms up and down at the crowd. He’s going to toss the ball to the ref after a big play, briefly say what he means if asked about it and hold his head high throughout it all. Oklahoma fans shouldn’t expect Murray to be similar to Mayfield. In fact, they’re complete opposites in most areas. You won’t see Murray telling opponents he’s their daddy or grabbing his crotch on the sideline. Instead, Murray lets his play do the talking. “We’re t w o totally different (players),” Murray said.
“Obviously, he was one of the best here and in the game of college football. It was great to watch him for however long I did. I’ll just keep grinding, being around and proving myself every day ... For me, there is no new role.” One commonality unites the two, though. “He just kind of gives you a wink and says, ‘We’re good,’” Westerberg said of Murray, reminiscent of Mayfield’s seeming ability to will his team to victory. “There are times you can see it in his eyes, there’s a look that says, ‘All right, we’re fixing to win this,’ and that always happens.” “Gotta make it count” — 1:38 p.m. Murray’s first possession of the game was nothing special. A few short passes here, a few long runs there, Murray showed small flashes of his potential. He’s no stranger to making big plays on big stages — winning three straight football state championships at Allen High School and taking his first snap as the starting quarterback for Oklahoma 65 yards. On Saturday, Murray had the chance to separate himself in a tough quarterback battle with sophomore quarterback Austin Kendall, but 40 mph winds and a short game structure limited both quarterbacks. Dur ing the game, Mur ray showed little emotion, taking care of business and running the offense as if he’s done it for years. He clapped at himself after missed throws and patted teammates on the back after missed plays. He was calm and collected, not dwelling on the last play but looking toward the next one. Murray has been the assumed
frontrunner to succeed Mayfield. His incredible athleticism was on display Saturday, with what seemed like him bursting through open holes in the defense every few plays, running for 35 yards in the game. “There’s not any quarterback in the country, probably, that’s as mobile as Kyler,” coach Lincoln Riley said. “Keep it on track” — 4:07 p.m. Murray stood before the media following the spring game wearing a hoodie with “Know yourself” written in all caps across it. Bombarded with questions about fatigue and the high winds that shaped the game, he shrugs off questions about his hectic day, confident in the approach he’s taking. Murray’s hoodie embodies the way he carries himself, knowing exactly what he wants to be and the way he’s going to achieve it. Given that no one at OU is doing what he is, he must know himself well enough to understand his limits and his capabilities. “He’s very quiet, yet very confident,” Westerberg said. “It’s his confidence level. He’s puts in a lot of work. To be that special of an athlete and play at that level, it doesn’t just happen that easy.” “I enjoyed our time we been on the low for a while” — 5:15 p.m. After a short breather at home, Murray headed to L. Dale Mitchell Park for a matchup with Texas. When Murray arrived, they had see KYLER on Page 2
BOREN RECOVERS AFTER STROKE
OU President David Boren has made a full recovery after suffering a minor stroke April 14, according to press secretary Matt Epting. Epting said Boren was released from the hospital and returned to Boyd House on Monday, and he will participate in festivities beginning April 20th for his 77th birthday. “He and Mrs. Boren look forward to this special celebratory weekend filled with friends and family,” Epting said in an email. Boren suffered the stroke following remarks at the dedication ceremony of Bob Stoops’ statue on campus. Boren was taken to OU Medical Center, where several tests were conducted. Boren underwent heart surgery in spring 2017 and will officially retire as OU’s president effective June 30. Jordan Miller
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• April 19-22, 2018
SPORTS KYLER:
It’s recovery, taking care of your body, that type of stuff,” Murray said. “But mentally, I’m prepared for that.”
Continued from Page 1
“Got my name too big, everybody know right food waiting for him, only his now” — 8:22 p.m. second meal of the day — a turkey sandwich from Jimmy After reaching first on a John’s. fielder’s choice in the first inMurray wasted little time ning, Murray quickly roundgetting ready, taking batting ed the bases a batter later, practice just over two hours beating the throw to the plate after finishing the spring by more than 3 feet on a play game. All spring, this has that the average player would been Murray’s life. Football to have had to slide. Murray’s baseball, baseball to football had arguably the best season and, somewhere in there, he of his career on the diamond, goes to class, too. Murray, a hitting the second-highest human relations major, said slugging percentage on the he rarely gets tired mentally, team (.537) and hitting the saying it’s more of a physical second-most home runs for fatigue than anything. the Sooners (5). “Playing both spor ts, About a month ago, coach you’re always on your feet. Skip Johnson recalls Murray
George Stoia, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports
saying during the fourth or fifth inning of a game, “I’m not tired,” but Johnson could tell his center fielder needed a break. Johnson sent Murray to the locker room, telling him to rest. An inning later, a teammate found him passed out in a recliner. “ H e ’s a c o m p e t i t o r,” Johnson said Saturday. “He’s not going to want to come out of this game for nothing.” Murray’s rare dual-sport ability has become a fan-favorite, with large crowds attending baseball games. Saturday was no different, with many fans going to both of Murray’s events despite the 40-degree weather. “The fact that he has to come play Texas at 8 p.m. tonight, and start, that’s a full day,” said Justin Pratt, a fan who attended both the spring
game and baseball game. “We’ve had some discus“Just the fact that he can do sions on that,” Riley said. both is unbelievable.” “We’re open and honest about that together.” “You got it made right “That’s totally up to him now” — 10:38 p.m. and his family,” Johnson echoed. “I support whatever A strikeout and ground- he wants to do.” out later, Murray came to the Murray said he won’t make plate for the fourth time of the his decision until a later date, night. Simultaneously, the although, at times, it seems ESPN broadcast, which raved clear Murray intends to play about Murray all night, began football. Why else would he playing highlights of him from go through all this trouble? Oklahoma’s spring game. As Murray grounded out to third, “ Yo u a m a z e d r i g h t the announcers talked about now” — 11:57 p.m. the decision he will soon have to make. Minutes after popping out With the way Murray is to left field to end his night, playing, and with the MLB Murray stands before a small Draft on June 12, he will have group of reporters, wearing the opportunity to decide if he the same hoodie from before wants to go pro in baseball or and holding a plastic constick around to potentially be tainer of oranges. He answers OU’s quarterback. a few questions, finally saying
he felt a little fatigued and will definitely feel the effects of it all in a couple days. “I might order a pizza,” Murray said with a laugh when asked what he was going to do when he got home. Murray then exited OU’s baseball facility and slowly walked to his Chevy Camaro with his oranges in his hand. Fourteen hours and two minutes after he walked into OU’s football facility, his feet dragged against the pavement. “I’m tryna keep it as simple as possible.” George Stoia
georgestoia@ou.edu
Sooners rack up early commits
Weekend of spring game ends in recruiting success GEORGE STOIA @georgestoia
Oklahoma had 18 official visitors over its spring game weekend, with seven players committing in the span of 72 hours. This past weekend was one of the most successful recruiting weekends in recent history at Oklahoma. The Sooners earned commitments from Arjei Henderson (five-star WR), Theo Wease (five-star WR), Jamal Morris (four-star DB), Derek Green (threes t a r D L ) , Ja r r i a n Jo n e s (thre e-star DB), Jaylan Knighthon (four-star RB) and Jay Hayes (grad-transfer DL). “One of the most epic recruiting weekends that w e’ve ever had,” coach Lincoln Riley said in a video thanking fans. Riley has been building up the spring game since January, asking for 80,000 fans to show up. Events included a concert performed by Trace Adkins, multiple student contests, food trucks and much more. And despite some fan displeasure with the choice of Adkins, the Sooners may just have to
CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
OU’s red team prepares for a play during the spring game April 14. The spring game offered OU one of the best recruiting weekends that the program has ever seen.
sign him to a long-term deal with the way the weekend turned out. Only 52,102 fans came, but it was clearly enough to have one of the best recruiting weekends
Oklahoma has seen. “You could feel the energy,” running backs coach Jay Boulware said. “There’s nothing that gives me chills more, being from Oklahoma, than hearing
the chant ‘Boomer Sooner’ when we walk out.” “Anytime you have the star power that this program can put out there on a given weekend, that’s i n f l u e n t i a l ,” d e f e n s i v e
coordinator Mike Stoops echoed. Riley has brought a new energy to Oklahoma when i t c o m e s t o re c r u i t i n g . Eyeball emojis, hype videos, graphics, Grow U and
of course winning. Riley and his recruiting staff have brought Oklahoma to new heights and has most importantly made Oklahoma feel like home. “He’s just very energetic, very involved, very engaging” Stoops said. “Kids can read the program very easily, and the coach they’re dealing with.” Before Riley arrived at Oklahoma, the Sooners were seeing a slip in recruiting. Since his arrival, Oklahoma has returned as a recruiting powerhouse and, once again, a national title contender. Oklahoma still has a ways to go, but this past weekend proved the Sooners will more than likely be one of the top programs in the country while Riley is in command. “The great thing about Oklahoma is you have the chance to be in it ever y year — that’s what kids are starting to realize,” Stoops said. “All the ‘Southeast, Southeast,’ well there’s A l ab a ma. T h e re ha s n ’ t been anyone else. Right? So we have a chance every time we step on the field.” George Stoia
georgestoia@ou.edu
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SPORTS
• April 19-22, 2018
Sooners crave coveted 3-peat
Women’s team keeps eyes on prize for final weekend JADYN WATSON-FISHER @jwatsonfisher
Oklahoma has become an elite gymnastics program in the last decade and a half, earning 15-straight NCAA Championship appearances, nine consecutive regional championships and three national titles in the last four years. This weekend, the Sooners have an opportunity to join Florida, Georgia and Utah as the only programs to complete the elusive three-peat. “I think this team has a ton of potential, and I think we definitely showed that we’ve separated ourselves this season,� sophomore Maggie Nichols said. “I’m really excited to finish it out strong and to show how we’ve really worked our butts off in the gym, and it’s going to pay off.� They were the heavy favorites all season but getting back to this point has still
PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY
Senior A.J. Jackson smiles after finishing her final performance at the Lloyd Noble Center on March 9.
taken a lot of work. Oklahoma introduced new freshmen into the lineups, some athletes overcame injuries to compete again and others took on new leadership roles as seniors. Then, the team had a wake-up call when it suffered a loss — the first time since 2016 — to Florida by less than 3/100ths of a point,
three weeks into the season. Now, the Sooners are ready to tackle their final test of the season, and they say the adversity and recognition that there are other strong teams working toward their own championship hopes, motivated them to be better than they ever have been. “I’ve found them to be
really detail-focused, dialed in, hard-working from the get-go,� coach K.J. Kindler said. “I’m not surprised that kind of fired them up.� Nichols and senior A.J. Jackson both said losing reminded them of the effort it takes to stand on the podium with streamers falling from the ceiling, holding the trophy
at the end of the season. “We came in the gym the next day and just worked our butts off for the next meet,� Jackson said. “We learned what we needed to do better to really be successful.� Oklahoma never looked back. Their trip to Florida was the first of eight meets with a score of 198 or higher,
the most in program history. The Sooners took the top spot on at least three events and all-around in 11 of 13 meets, with Nichols recording seven perfect 10s over the course of the year. With the final weekend ahead, Nichols is ready to go after another championship. She’s confident in her teammates, the training they’ve undergone and the impact of their “be a whole step further than anyone else� philosophy. “We’ve put in the numbers, we’ve put in the hard work and I think if we go out there and hit our routines like we do in training, it’ll be great,� Nichols said. The Sooners will compete in the second semifinal round at 6 p.m. CT Friday in St. Louis. They will face Florida, Utah, Washington, California and Kentucky. The top three teams will advance to the Super Six at 6 p.m. CT Saturday. Jadyn Watson-Fisher jlfwf96@gmail.com
Men’s gymnastics goes for gold once again Oklahoma looks to win fourth straight national title MITCHELL BARNES @mitchell_e_ou
This season has been nothing but success for the Sooners. Going undefeated, winning a seventh consecutive Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title and winning awards along the way, the Sooners have been an absolute powerhouse in and out of the gym. Struggling against a canceled meet, outstanding competitors and heartbreaking injuries, the Sooners have fought to where they stand, going into the NCAA Championship as No. 1 yet again. On Friday and Saturday, Oklahoma will compete for what could be its fourth consecutive national title. Oklahoma has dominated for the past three years, and achieving yet another
title would only further prove the point they’ve already made throughout the season. The Sooners are all in, or “All4One� as they would put it. This team is led by some of this season’s gymnast stars like world champion junior Yul Moldauer and senior Hunter Justus, a NissenEmery Award finalist. For Justus and fellow senior Reese Rickett, winning this championship would mean not only securing another national title but also leaving their collegiate gymnastics careers behind without a single loss. Newcomers like freshman Gage Dyer have breathed new air into lineups as well, with Dyer posting big scores on both vault and floor throughout the season, leading to his nomination for rookie of the year. During this final week of preparation, coach Mark Williams has been active in his support of the team. Williams was recently
Season tickets to go on sale for students Sooner football will play in extra home game next season GEORGE STOIA @georgestoia
Oklahoma student season tickets are set to go on sale at 10 a.m. April 23 for $210. Students must purchase their tickets before May 31 to be eligible for OU-Texas tickets. Season tickets for incoming freshmen will be sold at a later date. The price of tickets went up $30 from last season ($180), most likely due to the extra
home game this upcoming season. The Sooners will play Florida Atlantic, Army, UCLA, Kansas, Baylor, Oklahoma State and Kansas State at home next year. The Sooners are coming off a College Football Playoff appearance in which they lost to Georgia in the Rose Bowl. Oklahoma is expected to be a national title contender once again and is the favorite to win the Big 12. Oklahoma’s season will kick off Sept. 1 against Florida Atlantic.
George Stoia
georgestoia@ou.edu
Previous Solution
Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard
Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
named Mountain Pacific Sports Federation coach of the year, and he has proven it in his experience and ability to drive his team to this level of competition on a consecutive basis. Oklahoma faces pressure in the final week leading up to the climactic finish of the season, but, to the team, it’s just another week in the gym perfecting its craft. “We see every team as the team to beat, so this is no different,� said junior Levi Anderson. Competing against several of the nation’s best teams, the Sooners will need this mindset to secure another title. Starting April 20, the championships will begin with two pre-qualifying sessions conducted at the UIC Pavilion on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago. From there, three teams will move on to the finals April 21. Mitchell Barnes
mitchell.e.barnes-1@ou.edu
Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy Parker April 19, 2018
ACROSS 1 With a wee opening 5 Writer Thomas or Tom 10 Nectar source 14 Spectacular star 15 “It’s been ___ pleasure!� 16 Untoppable point 17 Cooking show winner 20 Like good marchers 21 Farces and spoofs 22 Shot on ice? 24 Type of wear or room 25 Baseball necessity 28 Lux hotel attraction 29 Type of welder 30 Lawyers’ grp. 33 Shocks 35 Flamboyance 37 Hawkeye 39 McDonald’s serving 42 Church’s due 43 Assortment 44 Walked heavily 45 Place for a mud bath? 46 N. or S. state 4/19
48 Guileful 50 Direction in “greeneyed� 51 Usable info 52 Gets out of here quick 54 Uber’ed to dinner 57 Prepares clams 61 Noisy appetizer? 65 Lake to the Hudson 66 Birch bark floater 67 Small monkey 68 Key and Danson 69 Injectors, briefly 70 Abrupt closure DOWN 1 Oppositional one 2 New Testament book 3 Not sts. 4 Goes on at the mouth 5 Kitchen wrap 6 Food morsel 7 One state-ly neckpiece 8 Not near 9 No-bigwedding doer 10 Deals 11 Lingering sound 12 “I’ll second that�
CALEB WELLER/THE DAILY
Junior Yul Moldauer during his ring routine Feb. 3.
13 Officiates b-ball 18 Snaky fishes 19 Pope’s envoy 23 Big, goofy oaf 24 Far from feminine 25 Thailand bills 26 Bide one’s time 27 Cranky 30 With eyes darting 31 Drum major’s item 32 Battery projection 34 “Not a sound!� 36 Piercing tool 38 Baseball legend Mel 40 Besmear 41 Shines, as shoes
47 Fasten 49 Elusive cryptid 51 Magistrates of yore 53 Split-off groups 54 Support a robber 55 Empty truck’s weight 56 Children’s writer Blyton 58 Bloodrelated 59 Prefix with “morphic� 60 Remove locks? 62 Not aye 63 Vital economic stat. 64 Loveydovey sound
PREVIOUS PREVIOUSPUZZLE PUZZLEANSWER ANSWER
HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last
Copyright 2015, Newspaper Enterprise Assn. FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018 ASTROGRAPH by Eugenia Last ARIES (March 21-April 19) -There are no shortcuts if you want to get things done right the first time. Size up your workload and manage your time with precision and firmness. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- An opportunity will intrigue you. Consider the pros and cons and what it will take to initiate a positive change. Trust and believe in yourself, and present what you have to offer. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- It’s important to keep your story straight. If you exaggerate or lead someone to believe you are willing to do something you are not, you will end up looking bad.
4/18 2018 Andrews McMeel Syndication 4/16 ŠŠ2018 Andrews McMeel Syndication www.upuzzles.com www.upuzzles.com
SIDE SALAD By Timothy E. Parker
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -Know what you want, and don’t let anyone manipulate you or put you on the spot. Control the situation instead of letting it control you. If you aren’t ready to make a decision, back away. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Don’t expect to get the best price or be told the truth when someone is asking for your help. Your generosity will be taken advantage of if you are gullible. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- A sensitive situation surrounding a partner must be addressed diplomatically. Look for the perfect moment to make your point without hurting someone’s feelings or causing a scene. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Don’t
trust what others tell you. Get firsthand information and don’t make changes that can disrupt important relationships. Take your time and only pursue what’s feasible. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- A change may appear to be favorable, but go over the fine print before you take part. Play it safe and get what you want in writing before you proceed. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Make plans to enjoy downtime with a loved one. Spending time together will help you iron out any conflicts you may have with each other. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You’ll have to ask direct questions if you want to hear the truth. Someone will distort a message or mislead you. Getting together with someone from your past isn’t recommended. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Stick close to home and iron out any difficulties or changes you want to make. Discussions will lead to solutions and positive changes that put your mind at ease. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -Don’t be too trusting. Someone will exaggerate or offer a false impression regarding a deal or purchase that he or she wants you to buy into. Say no to risky joint ventures.
April 19-22, 2018 •
NEWS
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Emma Keith, news managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily
Gallogly sends email to OU staff Next president outlines hopes, plans for future EMMA KEITH @shakeitha_97
OU President-designate James Gallogly introduced himself to the university’s staff in an April 17 email, praising staff members for their work and challenging them to prepare to grow the university. Gallogly, who will succeed current OU President David Boren beginning July 1, used the email to express interest in meeting and speaking with university staff in the months before he assumes office. He thanked staff members for their contributions to the university, saying he hopes to meet many of them during OU Staff Week April 23 through April 27. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with you. During my service on the College of Engineering Board of Visitors, I have
been keenly aware that one of our university’s greatest strengths is the devotion, c o m m i t m e n t a n d h a rd work of OU staff members,” Gallogly said in the email. “Through my experiences here, I know that our faculty often are the first to champion the vital role of staff in all of our success, which speaks volumes as to the unity of our community.” The note primarily focused on Gallogly’s vision of excellence for OU, as he noted that while he has much to learn about the functions of the university, he plans to help OU “stay ahead of the competition find success and satisfaction.” Gallogly repeated the goals he expressed at the March 26 announcement of his selection as president, telling staff he plans to continue Boren’s legacy while striving “to take OU to the top.” “ T h e m e a s u re o f o u r success here is not shareholder value, but academic excellence,” Gallogly wrote. “That means sending well-educated and
well-rounded graduates into society; that means impactful and world-changing research and creative activity at the highest levels and across all disciplines and areas of expertise; that means serving others in our community, our state and nation, and around the world. It also means high expectations and accountability, transparency and integrity, commitment to the power of a collaborative culture, and building a genuinely diverse and inclusive community.” Gallogly concluded his message by asking that university staff members begin thinking about ways to move the university forward, and that they help him implement them come July 1. “I challenge each of you to join me in thinking about our university’s future and thinking big,” Gallogly said. “Let’s work together to imagine the possibilities.” Emma Keith
emmakeith97@ou.edu
CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
OU President-designate James Gallogly is recognized at the “Salute to Stoops” event April 13. Gallogly sent an email to OU staff members April 17.
SGA congress gathers to discuss changes Meeting results in new resolutions, elected postions GRACE MITCHELL @Graceem__
O U ’s Undergraduate Student Congress met April 17 to consider multiple resolutions, appoint SGA Superior Court justices and elect officer positions for next year. Among those elected was new chair of the congress, Tom Cassidy, a representative from the social sciences concentration who recently authored several passed bills changing the SGA Code Annotated. Cassidy said he was excited for the next year and that he believes the congress can be an advocate for the student body. “This next year’s a big
one, and a lot of changes are going to be made,” Cassidy said. “I really am honored that congress has chosen me to be the voice representing undergraduate students.” Cassidy was in competition with Jake Mazeitis, a humanities representative who is also one of the longest-serving members of the congress. Despite the loss, Mazeitis said he plans on returning to congress in the fall and bears no ill will toward Cassidy. “Regardless of the body’s decision tonight, we (Mazeitis and Cassidy) are good,” Mazeitis said. Others elected tonight include Mackenzie Cordova, the former secretar y of congress, who succeeded Sanah Lalani as vice-chair of congress. Cordova ran against Gabi Thompson and Timothy Kuketz, who both said they would consider returning to congress in the
fall. Cordova said she was happy to be elected and is looking forward to the next year. “It’s incredible,” Cordova said. “I can’t wait to begin implementing my platform points and start working with the new administration.” The last elected was Richard Holt, who replaced Cordova as secretary. Holt was the sole nominee and was elected unanimously. Holt said he was glad the body elected him and that he’s excited to work toward m a k i n g c o n g re s s m o re inclusive. The body also passed a resolution asking the OU administration to not consider nonviolent criminal histories in the determination of accepting new students to the university. Kimberley Bishop, co-author of this resolution, said
CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
Members of the Student Government Association sit during a meeting on Feb. 13.
it was modeled after a similar resolution passed in Louisiana, and that it encourages the OU administration to opt out of considering past nonviolent crimes when reviewing applicants. Severe felonies, like sexual assault, murder and stalking would still be considered in
the application process. Bishop acknowledges that while going through the Common Application checking the box in regard to past felonies is required, but this bill would ask OU’s administration to not consider them on the OU-specific applications.
Congress also passed legislation that would appoint Amy Oliver, Jacob Downs and Nick Marr as new justices for the SGA Superior Court. Grace Mitchell
GraceMitchell222@OU.edu
Norman Public Schools to extend hours, year District will add time following teacher walkouts ANNA BAUMAN @annabauman2
Norman Public Schools will add extra time to the school day and extend the school year by four days after being closed for two weeks during a statewide teacher walkout. Schools will add 30 minutes to school days starting April 23 and will extend the school year to May 31, Norman Public Schools Superintendent Nick Migliorino announced in a press release April 17. The additional time is necessary
to meet the required 1,080 hours of instructional time. The school year was originally scheduled to end May 25. Migliorino thanked parents and other local agencies for the support and patience shown during the walkout. “It was also heartening to see how parents across the community united to stand with our educators,” Migliorino wrote in the release. “From early morning send-offs and lunch tents at the State Capitol to flowers and evening meals for teachers, the amount of respect, admiration and trust shown to our teachers was astounding.” Students and teachers in Norman schools returned
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April 16 after two weeks during which many protested at the Capitol for higher funding for education. Migliorino applauded the efforts of all involved. “The funding gains are a critical first step, but it will take time and advocacy to continue the momentum and fully fund public schools,” Migliorino wrote. “Parents are the loudest voice, and I encourage you to continue visiting the Capitol, meeting with legislators and sharing your thoughts and opinions on issues surrounding school funding. Our students’ future depends on it.” Anna Bauman
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Protesters stand outside the Oklahoma Capitol during the teacher walkout April 2. Norman anna.m.bauman-1@ou.edu Public Schools will extend the school year because of the walkouts.
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A poster of the OU Helmerich School of Drama’s Lab Theatre production “We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884–1915” in the Old Science Hall on April 17.
Play to discuss history, race Drama school will present retelling of tribe’s genocide SAMANTHA TONKINS @samanthatonkins
The OU Helmerich School of Drama’s latest Lab Theatre production provides OU students with a history lesson while discussing the complex issue of racial divisions. The production’s title is “We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884– 1915.” It is a play within a play. The characters are actors who are trying to create a presentation to describe what happened to the Herero tribe during the German occupation of present-day Namibia. While the play is a comedy, it addresses issues of racial stereotypes and prejudices. Throughout the play, the characters fight as they try
to decide how to tell the story of the Herero people. Since there is little documentation of the genocide, the characters re-enact the contents of German letters while imagining a stor y around them. Anita Gonzalez is a professor of theater and drama f ro m t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Michigan. She was invited to OU to direct the play. Gonzalez said she likes to focus on theater as a means of social exchange between cultures. “ Th e p l ay w r ig ht w h o created this work, Jackie Sibblies Drury, was trying to tell the story of the Herero, and she realized it was an impossible story to tell because there is not enough evidence and because you don’t really know what happened,” Gonzalez said. “The play is about people trying to tell the story of Herero, but not being able to get out of their own stereotypes and fantasies about both Africa and Germans.” Gonzalez said this play examines the differences and similarities of two cultures separated by distance
and history. She said even though the play is a comedy, it addresses very powerful issues of society. “In rehearsals, people have been crying because it’s about the impossibility of being able to tell stories of people who are lost,” Gonzalez said. “It’s also about the impossibilities of having a common perspective because of racial divides, and it’s about the kinds of mythologies we have about one another and how they play out.” Gonzalez said OU students viewing the play will not only learn about history but also gain a deeper understanding of their role in society. “Students will come to the show and wonder about themselves, which I think is actually one of the best things theater can do,” Gonzalez said. Julian Socha, an acting senior, plays the characters of Actor 3 and “Another White Man.” He said this play allows people to learn there was a genocide in Africa before World War I. He also said the play is very different from anything he
has done before. “The script is very different than anything I’ve worked with,” Socha said. “It’s not entirely based in reality. It’s a departure from realism.” Socha said he hopes the play will cause people to want change in society. “I hope that people who see the show are willing to have conversations about it afterwards,” Socha said. The end of the play is shocking and scary, and it is a stern contrast from the playful beginning. The last words of the characters hang in the air as the actors leave the stage, and they leave the audience in silent contemplation. Maria Doutey, stage management and dramaturgy junior, is the dramaturg for the show. Doutey said the play is centered on the idea that no one can truly understand something unless they have experienced it. “They all kind of can’t quite touch it because they all haven’t been to Africa,” Doutey said. “They all haven’t lived that experience. It’s sort of like a parable of
us trying to understand, as Americans, things we can’t understand.” She said the play itself asks very abstract questions that force audience members to look at the world around them more closely. “ T h e s h ow i s a l o t o f questions rather than answers, in terms of what compels humans to commit such acts as genocide, such atrocities as that,” Doutey said. “It’s sort of searching for that answer in all the wrong places, but it winds up finding it in all the right places”. “We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884– 1915” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 17–21 and at 3 p.m. April 22 in the Beatrice Carr Wallace Old Science Hall’s theater. Tickets are $6 for students and $8 for adults. Samantha Tonkins
samantha.tonkins@ou.edu
@theoklahomadaily
@theoudaily oudaily
Escape rooms to be Netflix-themed
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UPB brings unique twist to popular monthly event
oudaily.com
HEATH KUYKENDALL
oudaily
VOL. 103, NO. 28
© 2018 OU Publications Board FREE — Additional copies 25¢
@@HeathKuykendal1
With the success of its monthly escape room, OU’s Union Programming Board has announced a special
set of Netflix-themed escape rooms. Since the beginning of t h e s e m e s t e r, s t u d e nt s vo t e d o n t h e i r f avo r i t e Ne t f l i x o r ig i na l s h ow s, with the top three bec o m i ng t h e t h e m e s f o r a set of special UPB escape rooms. The winners were “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “A Series of Unfor tunate Events”
and fan-favorite “Stranger Things.” Olivia Spruill, a graduate student in education and an assistant for the UPB, said the rooms will each feature locations and events from the shows they are based on. Players will find themselves navigating New York as the lovable Titus or outsmarting the conniving Count Olaf
and escaping the mysterious Upside Down. Spruill said she could not say more than that, as she wants to keep the puzzles and the outcomes of each room a secret. Spruill said the UPB has been working on the rooms throughout the semester. “We’re just trying to put a different twist on the escape rooms from the past,”
Spruill said. “It’s another great way to engage the student population.” The rooms will open at 6 p.m. April 27 and noon April 28. Admission is free, and students can reserve a spot in one of the rooms via UPB’s website. Heath Kuykendall
kuykendallheath@ou.edu
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