November 9-12, 2017

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W E E K E N D E D I T I O N | N O V E M B E R 9 -12 , 2 0 17 | 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

Adjunct professor Gary Davis teaches an American Sign Language class in Collings Hall Nov. 7. Davis is teaching one of OU’s first ASL courses.

CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY

LENDING A HAND OU professors bring new ASL classes to campus

O

n Tu e s d ay s a n d Fridays in Collings Hall 223, an entire class period goes by without a single word spoken. The classroom is completely quiet — at no point do the students speak out loud to professor Gary Davis, and he doesn’t speak out loud to them. That’s because Davis is deaf and is teaching his students sign language. The silence is only ever broken by students’ laughter — usually when Davis pokes fun at a student’s sloppy use of a sign and shows the student the correct sign, much like a Spanish professor correcting the pronunciation of a word. Davis, an adjunct professor, is teaching one of the first American Sign Language courses offered at OU — a program administrators have pursued for many years that finally came to fruition fall 2017. “ D on’t b e intimidate d by the silence and all the signing,” Davis said through a translator. “If students are depending on your skills, they’ll ignore the receptive skills that they need and they’ll depend strictly on the sound, and won’t develop the skills needed to understand the signs that are being utilized.” Davis, who will start as a full time professor at OU in January, is teaching students more than simply how to articulate language with their hands — he’s teaching students about the culture of the deaf community.

NICK HAZELRIGG • @NICKHAZELRIGG Davis said it doesn’t take long for students to catch on to the nuances of sign language. Philip Johnson, academic adviser for elementary and special education in the College of Education who has pushed for ASL classes to be brought to OU since 2010, said OU was previously the only school in the Big 12 not offering ASL. One of Davis’ students, special education junior Brittany Anderson, said she’s already capable of holding conversations with members of the deaf community when she attends events for the class. “I was actually surprised I was able to hold a conversation with somebody after only 11 weeks in the class,” Anderson said. “I was scared at first, but the teacher is really nice and accommodating. He’s really sweet and he’s always there to help with whatever we need.” In Davis’ curriculum, he focuses on developing the student’s eye for reading facial expressions, which he said are incredibly important to understanding sign language. “I have several sections where we talk about facial expressions, what they mean and what those words mean with them. We start with basic words like ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and what facial expressions go with simple phrases,” Davis said. “For example, when you use the word ‘why,’ your eyebrows naturally tend to furrow and when they do that, that is important in the sign language process.”

The Department of Educational Psychology offers ASL courses to interested students, filling what Johnson said has been a growing desire among students. Bringing ASL courses to OU has been a dream of Johnson’s since he started at the university in 2010, and he has worked with other faculty to shape a curriculum and plan the class. Johnson said the program is incredibly popular, with extremely long waiting lists for each section filling up as soon is it became an option. Johnson said the college offers four sections of ASL, and each class has roughly 20 to 25 students in each section.

“If students are depending on your skills, they’ll ignore the receptive skills that they need and they’ll depend strictly on the sound, and won’t develop the skills needed to understand the signs that are being utilized.” GARY DAVIS, SIGN LANGUAGE PROFESSOR

“Even as an admissions officer, I would receive quite a few inquiries as to whether or not OU offered sign language as a world language,” Johnson said. “My top priority for special

education — not only to secure its notoriety but to also provide it with avenues for future programs — was to see the implementation of American Sign Language.” Johnson said finding instructors such as Davis is incredibly important to the continuation of the program. Before class starts, Jo h n s o n a p p ro a c h e s D av i s and uses the knowledge he has picked up through observing OU’s ASL classes to ask, “How are you doing?” in sign language. “Not many people know that sign language is recognized as one of the top five languages utilized in the United States today,” Johnson said. “With it being a top five language, and it not being offered at OU, that’s what I saw as a disconnect.” Davis said ASL classes make members of the deaf community feel more comfortable at the university. “I’ve been teaching for about 16 years,” Davis said. “The first time I went into a regular setting, I did feel extremely isolated and it was somewhat intimidating, but as I began to teach sign language classes, I felt this sense of inclusion, this sense of community and a willingness to work and communicate with one another.” Nancy Marchand-Martella, cha i r o f t h e D e pa r t m e nt o f Educational Psychology, said members of the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education will be undergoing basic instruction for ASL as well in order

to help accommodate new professors for the program. “I want Gary to do trainings for our departments and our college because he’s our colleague. I want for us to be able to have conversations with him,” Marchand-Martella said. “We’re all going to be trained in sign and we’re all really excited about it. For me that specifies what this college is all about — being inclusive.” Marchand-Martella said she and Johnson worked closely with the deaf community in the creation of the course, to help focus the course on the culture surrounding ASL. “Sure, we’re teaching signing, but we’re also teaching culture. In order to teach about the culture we wanted the best experts who live and breathe the culture to impart that on the students,” Marchand-Martella said. “I feel very strongly about the model we have.” Marchand-Martella said the recently created American Sign Language Club on campus already has roughly 80 members, which Johnson said was important to help students understand deaf culture. “We recognize that every language comes from a culture, and for us to teach a culture without teaching the language is detrimental to both culture and language,” Johnson said. “So to be

see ASL Page 4

Local music, dance staple remembered Family, friends look back on life of former Norman musician SUPRIYA SRIDHAR @supriyasridhar

Thomas Young rubs his beard while standing outside The Deli on Campus Corner. He remembers his late friend, musician Boyd Littell. He smiles at the thought of filling

in with one of Boyd’s Norman-area bands and how Boyd would sit next to him at rehearsals and tell him if he was playing a song right. “Whether he wanted to be an educator or not,” said Young of the musician and former OU School of Dance employee, “he most definitely was to a lot of people.” Littell died after a bike crash last week in Portland at age 40. Communities of musicians and dancers in Oklahoma and Oregon were staggered by the loss of Littell, who lived with the belief that less

is more — whether in stripping down music to its essential elements, never getting a driver’s license or simply tucking his jeans into his socks to keep his pant leg out of his bike chain wherever he rode. In Portland, dozens turned out Nov. 5, the night after his death, for a vigil in Colonel Summers Park, the site of his crash. Back in Norman, family and friends hope more will turn out Nov. 24 for a wake at The Deli, a site of some of his early musical ascents.

TRADING CDS Boyd grew up in a house full of music, with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Frank Zappa filling his ears. He and his two older siblings traded music the way some kids traded Halloween candy, consuming as much as possible. As they got older, Littell took the lead. He would introduce them to new music and artists, recognizing his siblings’ and friends’ musical tastes. But Littell could play,

too. He began to hone what would become his life’s craft in both garage bands and the Norman High marching band, where he was a percussionist, before graduating in 1995. “You’d just hand him an instrument and within five minutes he’s got it figured out,” said Susan Greer, Boyd’s older sister, who is director of alumni outreach at OU’s College of Education. see BOYD Page 4

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• November 9-12, 2017

NEWS

Emma Keith, news managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily

Pride gives back to young fan Band travels to Arkansas, gives concert for family ANNA BAUMAN @annabauman2

It sounded just like any other Saturday in the fall. The steady beat of a drumline sprang to life, cymbals clashed and blaring brass instruments joined in. The rise and fall of “Boomer Sooner” filled the afternoon air as members of the Pride of Oklahoma marching band did what they do best. Except, this time, the band was in uncharted territory. There was no football game, and it wasn’t a stadium full of screaming fans that surrounded them, but a sunny park hundreds of miles from Norman. Though far from home, the band’s music met an equally receptive audience w ith the S chwammlein family. Peter, a 14-year-old music lover, stood yards from the line of performers, surrounded by dozens of his extended family members, and grinned from ear to ear as the band continued with other hits like “Go Big Red” and “Oklahoma.” Fifteen members of OU’s marching band made the trek to Fayetteville, Arkansas, not to cheer on the football team like usual, but to support Peter in his fight against a different opponent — cancer. “The OU fight song has taken on a new meani n g f o r u s,” s a i d B r i a n Schwammlein, Peter’s dad. “Whenever I’m watching

VIA FACEBOOK

Members of the Pride of Oklahoma traveled to Arkansas to support a young Sooner fan with cancer. Peter Schwammlein is a 14-year-old music lover.

the game, hearing the OU fight song come on, I’m like, ‘Yeah, let’s fight cancer too, let’s do it, come on now.’” Pride member Brenna O’Hara said the band’s mission goes beyond its primary purpose of cheering on OU athletics, something that became evident through its Arkansas road trip. “As a band,” O’Hara said, “our support extends beyond the team to individuals like Peter, like the fans of the university, the people who are really invested in the culture we have here.” A DIFFERENT OPPONENT Peter can appreciate a good marching band. He first picked up an instrument in seventh grade and now loves music so

much he spent his entire summer using a computer program to compose his own songs. The high school freshman had just joined his school’s marching band when his pursuit of playing the mellophone was put on pause by a diagnosis of brain cancer, which took his younger sister Natalie’s life five years ago. It was early September when he was supposed to play in his first band performance. That Friday, he was excited and a little nervous that he might mess up. But a CT scan that morning led to an MRI, revealing a brain tumor that called for immediate surgery at Arkansas Children’s Hospital two hours from home. “I was still hopeful that I

our grads, our book

would get to come back and, even if not perform, be there for the band,” Peter said. “And then we had to drive to Little Rock that night, so I never went.” The tumor, later determined to be malignant, was removed after an hourslong surgery two days later. Post-surgery, Peter wasn’t allowed to play his mellophone for several weeks. Then came the radiation treatment. As the teen’s days filled with nurses, tests and hospital rooms, he was unable to spend as much time composing music and playing his instruments. Still, the Schwammleins brought a keyboard and a ukulele to their temporary Memphis apartment where they stayed during treatment. The

instruments are nice to have, (Peter) was sick, I just wantPeter said, to help process ed to do whatever I could to things. help their family because they mean so much to me, ON THE ROAD and they’ve already been Born in Norman, where through so much,” Sutherlin his family lived from 2000 to said. “I reached out to some 2006, Peter said the Sooners local organizations, includare probably his favorite ing the Pride of Oklahoma college team, although he’s and some local high schools, never been a huge football to make a video get-well fan. Still, the Schwammlein card for Peter, and the Pride family’s ties to their old home of Oklahoma actually took in Norman were strong that a couple of steps farther enough to elicit a large re- and have done so much for sponse from the community. him that it’s been very, very M i c h e l l e S u t h e r l i n , meaningful.” a school counselor at Peter’s story struck a chord Norman North High School with Kaleigh Guess, an eleand a close friend of the mentary education sophoSchwammleins, said she cre- more who plays french horn ated a Facebook page where in the Pride, when she first anyone can post videos of encouragement for Peter. see PRIDE Page 3 “Whenever we found out

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NEWS

November 9-12, 2017•

PRIDE:

Hi OU student, I’m Dad: Dad’s Day events to take place all weekend

Continued from Page 2

heard it at band practice from the director. Guess lost her great-grandpa to brain cancer, so she understands the devastating effect it can have on families. After the Pride recorded a video of support to share on the Love for the Schwammleins Facebook page at Sutherlin’s request, Guess knew she wanted to do more. “I thought it would be cool to let (Peter) know, ‘Hey, the Pride of Oklahoma is here for you, we want to cheer you on and be there for you every step of the way,’ because something like that is something that you don’t want to go through thinking that you’re unnoticed or that people don’t ... know what you’re going through,” Guess said. “So I thought it would be cool if we showed him, ‘Hey, we care. We’re here for you. And we want to make sure that you get better.’” Guess and Sutherlin arranged the details of a surprise trip for the Saturday of OU’s bye week. Brian said he thought the idea was a terrific one. “My first response — my jaw was dropping, like, ‘Oh my god, this is unbelievable. Absolutely, we’ll do whatever we can to adjust our schedule to make it work,’’’ Brian said. When Guess announced the plan to the entire Pride, she was surprised by the amount of interest. “At first, it was just going to be a few people from my section go up there and play for him or something like that, but as I started talking about it with more people, it caught on,” Guess said. “People were very interested in it, and so it kind of grew from there.” Fifteen Pride members, w ith hefty instr uments in tow, piled into cars to make the four-hour drive to Fayetteville, which turned into over seven hours after a dead car battery delayed their departure. They didn’t return to Norman until well into the early morning hours of Sunday.

VIA FACEBOOK

Members of the Pride of Oklahoma traveled to Arkansas to support a young Sooner fan with cancer. Peter Schwammlein is a 14-year-old music lover.

“It was so much more than a pep band,” said Meagan Millier, a Pride member who made the trip to Fayetteville. “It was so much more than just driving down there, playing a couple pep tunes and then leaving. It was about seeing (Peter), talking to him and his whole family ... just letting him be a normal kid for a little while.” The OU students connected easily with Peter, whom they said they loved getting to know through their shared love of music and marching band. “That was just really cool for me because it was an instant bonding point where there was an immediate connection of something we both like and love,” Peter said. “That was really nice to have that.” Brian stood nearby, beaming with pride, as his son was engulfed by a group of college students. “Here’s, you know, our son just being surrounded by a group of college students just laughing with him, sharing stories, talking about band stuff — stuff that totally goes over my head, but they’re all understanding it, and it was a real gift,” Brian said. “Not just the music — the coming out, just getting to know them, hear their stories and make

those connections.” A LASTING IMPACT The Pride’s visit to the home of the Arkansas Razorbacks left a lasting impact on the extended Schwammlein family, many of whom gathered at the park for the Pride performance. “We have family that live here in Fayetteville, and they’re life-long Razorback fans, and they left that gathering, though, with OU pride and said, ‘Well, I can be a Sooner fan now, I’m all right with that,’” Brian said. “And they kept their word. They were rooting for the Sooners the following week ...they got disappointed when OU lost. So that’s been fun for us as a family.” The effort has reached beyond the Pride, as well. Janna Martin, a human relations faculty member who knew the Schwammleins when they lived in Norman, asked her students, including athletes like Baker Mayfield, to make a video for Peter and post it on his page. Another Pride member strapped a GoPro camera on his instrument during halftime of the OU-Texas game for Peter to experience what it’s like to be in the marching band. Peter said he thought the videos were “very cool.”

“It goes a long way,” Brian said of the supportive gestures. “It’s nice to have them on video so we can go back and watch them again or share them with a friend or say, ‘Hey, here’s somebody else wishing Peter well.’ It just creates some positive momentum in the midst of something that requires a lot of adjusting to and some unknowns, so that’s been appreciated.” Sutherlin, an OU alumna, said she has never been more proud to be a Sooner. There’s something special about OU students, members of the Pride in particular, she said. “I don’t even know how to describe how wonderful it made me feel to know that something that I love and care about, which is the University of Oklahoma, would turn around and do something so kind — and totally above and beyond any expectation or request — for a young man they’d never met, who lives in a different state,” Sutherlin said. “I’ve just never been prouder to be an Oklahoma Sooner.” Anna Bauman

anna.m.bauman-1@ ou.edu

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Dad’s Day weekend is taking place this weekend from Friday to Sunday. Fathers will be flooding campus giving students the opportunity to show off OU. Here’s a few events happening to help you make the most of your weekend: • Performance of comedian Andrew Norelli: Norelli is a medalist in the Boston Comedy Festival, and has performed on shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Late Show with David Letterman. He will be performing 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Free food will be provided. • Casino Night: The Oklahoma Memorial Student Union will offer raffle prizes and card games in the Will Rogers Room of the Union 9 p.m. Friday. • Dad’s Day Tailgate: Prepare for the OU vs. TCU football game at the Dad’s Day Tailgate 5 p.m. on Saturday in the Walker Adams Mall. Enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers before kickoff 7 p.m.! • University Sing: Grab the last tickets for University Sing at the Reynolds Performing Arts Center to watch organizations on campus participate in the annual show! Performances start 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. • Father of the Year Brunch: Campus Activities Council winds up the weekend with the Father of the Year Brunch 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. Come to the Beaird Lounge at the Oklahoma Memorial Student Union for free brunch and the Father of the Year announcement. Haleigh Lao, @Haleigh_Lao

Students for Justice in Palestine to raise awareness with cultural event A new OU student organization will host an event to bring awareness to the struggle for freedom Palestinians currently face. Students for Justice in Palestine is presenting “A Night in Palestine” from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday in Traditions East Storm Shelter, according to the event’s Facebook page. The evening will feature live Palestinian music, free Arabic food and henna tattoos for students to enjoy, according to the Facebook page. While the focus of the organization is mainly political, the event will also act as the organization’s introduction to the student body by showcasing Palestine’s rich culture, said Nazha Diwan, chemical biosciences sophomore and Students for Justice in Palestine vice president. “This type of event is going to be mainly a showcase of Palestinian culture, Palestinian food ... to raise awareness of the Palestinian-Israeli question, but at the same time, introduce the rich Palestinian culture that people in North America in general often forget about,” Diwan said. Students for Justice in Palestine was founded in 2006 with the goal of informing students and raising awareness of the conflict occurring between Israel and Palestine, according to the organization’s Facebook page. Julia Reese, @adventurerjules

Students, Have you ever wondered how your college consolidated course and program fees or college technology fees are being utilized? Here is your opportunity.

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The office of the Senior Vice President & Provost is pleased to provide a master list of meetings the Norman Campus Deans have scheduled to discuss the previous year’s expenditure of course and college fees including the college technology and college consolidated and program fees, their current year budget plans for this revenue and any proposals for fee increases for next year.

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These revenues are used within each degree granting-college to provide the kinds of specific instructional materials, technology, and instructors needed to best deliver the degree programs to the students with each college. These meetings are a great opportunity to review the positive impact these fees have within your college. Plan on attending your Dean’s meeting. **NOTE: The Colleges of Business, Fine Arts, and Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences do not plan to make any fee changes for the next school year and will not be hosting a meeting. Dr. Kyle Harper Senior Vice President & Provost

Way to go! Keep up the good work!

Architecture

11/15

11:30 AM

Gaylord Hall, Hall of Fame Room

Arts & Sciences

11/20

4:00 PM

Zarrow Hall Community Room (first floor)

Aviation

11/15

12:30 PM

Max Westheimer Terminal Bldg, Rm #205

Earth & Energy

11/14

3:30 PM

Sarkeys Energy Center, Room #340

Education

11/28

2:00 PM

Collings Hall, Room #175

Engineering

11/29

4:00 PM

Carson Engineering Center, Room #100

International Studies

11/09

3:30 PM

Farzaneh Hall, Room #142

Journalism

11/21

2:00 PM

Gaylord Hall, Hall of Fame Room

The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution. For accommodations on the basis of disability, call 325-7869.

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NEWS

• November 9-12, 2017

SGA presidential candidates react after Shurbaji wins runoff election Yaseen Shurbaji thanked the student body and shared his administration’s first steps after winning the Nov. 6 runoff election to secure his place as OU’s 2018 Student Government Association president. Shurbaji received 66.93 percent of the vote, defeating his opponent Vanessa Meraz, who received 33.07 percent of the vote. Pending the validation of the election results by the SGA Superior Court, Shurbaji and running mate Hannah Hardin will be sworn in as president and vice president in December. “I’m feeling excellent,� Shurbaji said. “From the very beginning we’ve always said ‘where there’s a will there is a way,’ and tonight we really showed that. We showed that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. If you have a solid vision and you want to make a difference, it’s very possible.� Shurbaji said the first goals of his administration will be to alleviate food insecurity for students on campus by codifying and expanding the Swipe-toShare program he helped start last semester, as well as searching for sponsors to help fund the OU Food Pantry. Shurbaji thanked Meraz for a well-fought campaign following the announcement of the results. “I have great respect for Vanessa Meraz,� Shurbaji said. “I want her to know that she fought a great battle, and that I have nothing but respect for her.� Meraz said she is thankful for her campaign, which she said was “genuine, intentional, and clean,� and wouldn’t have changed anything about it. “Every step of the way, every person that was on board, every decision that we made, has been true and has been the best that it could be,� Meraz said. “It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career.� Meraz said she would be willing to help Shurbaji’s administration, should he ask for her help, and said she plans to continue working for the OU community. “I’m not done yet. I don’t need a title — I firmly believe everything happens for a reason,� Meraz said. “If this isn’t my calling, if this isn’t what the platform in which I can fulfill my duty to my community and other communities, then I’ll find another way to do it. And that’s what’s important to me.� Shurbaji and Hardin will replace current SGA president and vice president J.D. Baker and Cameron Burleson after being sworn in. Shurbaji said he was thankful to the student body for this opportunity. “Thank you,� Shurbaji said. “Thank you for believing us, for believing in our vision. We won’t let you down.�

PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY

Boyd Littell’s friends gathered in Portland Nov. 5 to memorialize his life. Littell died last week falling off his bike.

BOYD: Continued from Page 1

In life, and death, Littell shared commonalities with his older brother Paul, who was a musician as well. Both could immediately pick something up after hearing it on the radio. Both were bike enthusiasts turned bike messengers who never got their driver’s licenses. And, in a freak coincidence, both died in crashes — Boyd cracked his skull on Halloween, and Paul ruptured a thigh artery in San Francisco in 1993 at 20 years old. Littell, 15 when Paul died, inherited the bike messenger bag his brother rode with in San Francisco. “That was sort of the talisNick Hazelrigg, @nickhazelrigg man for him,� Greer said of the bag and its influence, recalling how Boyd dove into music and bike culture after his brother’s death. Stay connected with The Daily She doesn’t yet know whether her little brother Follow @OUDaily for breaking news and campus info had it with him at the time of his crash. But he used it every single

ASL:

Continued from Page 1

able to have the deaf community teach the language and also convey the culture, it’s a combo that is invaluable.� Anderson said she has greatly enjoyed interacting

using sign language both inside and outside of the classroom and hopes to use it in her future career in teaching. “It’s America. There are all sorts of different types of people,� Anderson said. “It’s important to be able to communicate with them.� Davis said he attends deaf social events on

campus, and it was “inspiring� to see deaf and nondeaf students communicating with each other using sign language. “ The fact that they’re not using their voice, that they are out there signing with the deaf community is inspiring,� Davis said. “I love it. For them to get out and socialize

Street renaming process may change

The Norman City Council’s oversight committee discussed new procedures for renaming streets at its Nov. 8 meeting. A new street naming procedure, part of a recommendation by the oversight committee that will next move on to a council study session, would allow new avenues for a street name change to be initiated. A mayor, three city councilmembers or the city’s Human Rights Commission could initiate a street name change if a street name is deemed “derogatoryâ€? or “offensive,â€? per the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance. The council has voted to change the name of DeBarr Avenue by June 1, 2018 — named for a former national KKK chaplain, Edwin DeBarr — by June 1, 2018, after efforts failed to get 75 percent of adjacent property owners to agree to a name change. The street could get a new name by March 2018, Councilmember Kyle Allison said. The city council could pass the new street name procedures before Christmas, Mayor Lynne Miller said. The ďŹ rst council meeting in January could then formally initiate the street renaming process for DeBarr Avenue under the new renaming procedures, she said. Dana Branham, @danabranham

Previous Solution

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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.

day, she said. LIVE MUSIC Feeding her brother ’s love of music, Greer used to sneak Littell into Liberty D’s — now Pepe Delgados — to watch regular live music when she bartended there in college. He would hide at a back table with a Coke as he absorbed blues, reggae and rockabilly and expanded his musical diet. The love of live music grew within him. Soon, Littell went from listening to performing. He became a staple at The Deli, which advertises itself as Norman’s only 7-daya-week live music venue. Eventually, friends and family say, he played with almost every band in Norman there. “The word that I would use to describe Boyd is ‘authentic,’� said Justin Morris, 37, while tuning his guitar before a recent show at The Deli. He and Littell met in 1998 when Morris, a guitarist, came to college and needed to learn how to play bass as well. Littell gave him advice, teaching him how to create is critical. For them to go out to these events helps them significantly to pick up the language. And the idea that they’re doing that shows they are brave and confident.� Nick Hazelrigg

hazelriggn@gmail.com

Universal Crossword

11/9

51 Choose 53 Snooty one 55 Test the water? 56 Lands of Latins 58 Dolphins’ home 61 Two Henrys: slugger, historian 66 Old Monopoly token 67 Strong smell 68 Grim 69 Harp ancestor 70 Wax’s opposite 71 Befuddle DOWN 1 Hebrides hat 2 Legal org. 3 Downpour for champions 4 Shamu, e.g. 5 Recipe direction 6 Emergency 7 KO verifier 8 Fuss 9 Something to the wise 10 Ghana capital 11 Roof of the mouth 12 Makes excited 13 Most crafty 18 Bird beak

AN EYE FOR DANCE Over time, Littell’s musical influence crossed from Ca mpu s C o r n e r t o O U, where he worked as an accompanist in Austin Hartel’s modern dance classes for 15 years. He spent enough time in Hartel’s classes that he could probably teach them himself, the OU associate professor said. Littell collaborated with Hartell and students, writing music for many of their capstone projects and performing live with them. They would spend extra hours together talking, innovating and creating. “He developed an eye for dance,� Hartel said. Their creative process worked harmoniously and created a friendship that extended beyond the classes.

“We worked together, but it never felt like work really,� Hartel said. Littell came to see all the ballet and modern dance performances and in return, Hartel went to Littell’s concerts. “He could get up and give corrections and tell my students what they were doing wrong,� Hartel said. “I’d be like, ‘Boyd, what did that look like?’ And he’d be like, ‘Well, they didn’t get it.’� When Littell left for Portland in 2014, he needed a new challenge. Boyd had played out the Oklahoma music scene and needed to expand his horizons. Hartel told him he could always come back and play for his class. “In the back of my mind, I always thought he would come back,� Hartel said. “I just kind of have to let go of that I guess.� Greer is planning a wake celebrating her brother’s life. It will take place 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24 at the Main Street Event Center and then 7 p.m. at The Deli. Supriya Sridhar

supriyasridhar@ou.edu

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Edited by Timothy Parker November 9, 2017

ACROSS 1 Mexican munchies 6 Sticking point 10 Jungle primates 14 Scuttle a takeoff 15 Perform again 16 A poker strategy 17 Three Henrys: music man, factory innovator, orator 20 Bus charges 21 Lower the grade of 22 St. crosser 24 Ship’s post 27 Fence openings 28 Beamed from earto-ear 31 Fleece 33 Cold finish? 34 Bright aquarium fishes 36 Dazzling success 38 Two Henrys: actor, explorer 42 Prolonged attack 43 Bully, to a child 45 Spoil 48 Faint 50 Attire

his own style and space with the instrument. He remembers Littell’s blunt honesty and how he would never sugar-coat anything as a player or a peer. “He had a really uncanny way of balancing the line between a great hang and a critical mentor,� said Morris.

19 Cheapened 22 PC key 23 Hotel room perk 25 At that point 26 Type of support 29 Large containers 30 India neighbor 32 Grad 35 Horseracing legend Seattle 37 Bygone autocrat 39 Psyche components 40 Biased 41 Not yet final, law-wise 44 Paranormal ability 45 Like some prices 46 Chicago fire name

47 Overwhelming fear 49 “I’ve had enough� 52 Witchy old woman 54 Drill insert 57 Flatbottomed boat 59 Actress Jessica 60 Gelatin dish, e.g. 62 Toothpasteapproving org. 63 Voyage beginning? 64 Who may come before Friday? 65 Barely achieve (with “out�)

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HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last

Copyright 2017, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 ASTROGRAPH by Eugenia Last Emotional issues will cause confusion this year where work and finances are concerned. Updating your resume and picking up additional skills will help you remain in demand when jobs are scarce. Don’t be impulsive, but be ready to make a move when opportunity comes along. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -Emotions will be difficult to control. Avoid a trap set by one of your peers. If you want to get things done, work alone. Don’t venture too far from home. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -Financial concerns will add to your stress and could affect your health if you aren’t careful when handling settlements, investments or joint funds. Honesty will be a step in the right direction.

11/8 Š 2017 Andrews McMeel Syndication 11/6 Š 2017 Andrews McMeel Syndication www.upuzzles.com www.upuzzles.com

HONORING HENRY By Timothy E. Parker

that will help ease stress, it will encourage you to relax and let life unfold naturally. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Someone will not be happy with the way things are going at home or work. Don’t let your emotions take the reins and lead to regret. Remain calm and do your best. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Following your emotions will lead to temptation and misrepresentation. Be careful not to promise something you don’t want to actually carry out. Be frank and willing to deliver what’s expected of you. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Money problems will surface if you are extravagant or you can’t say no to someone asking for too much. Trying to buy someone’s affection will not help you gain respect or love.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- A problem will crop up if you let a sensitive issue metastasize. Do your best to contain your emotions and deal with matters professionally and without hesitation.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You’ll tend to overreact, be indulgent and end up in an emotional situation you will regret. Use your smarts to avoid trouble. Exercise and proper eating and drinking habits are encouraged.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -Emotional spending, overreacting and getting involved in indulgent behavior won’t resolve matters. Do what needs to be done and move on.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Avoid being impulsive when dealing with investments, contracts or emotional matters. Take time to figure out the best way to advance. You want to make money, not lose it.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Plan a day trip or get out and shop for someone you love. You’ll find out something about someone close to you if you have lunch with an old friend.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Don’t let impulse get the better of you. When in doubt, take a step back and think about the probable outcome of your actions. Don’t let an assumption ruin a relationship.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You need a break. Whether you take a staycation or sign up for a class

November 9-12, 2017 •

SPORTS

5

Kelli Stacy, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports

Senior defensive back WIll Johnson tackles his opponent Oct. 7. Johnson is suspended for the first half of the TCU game.

PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY

Injury, penalty cost OU at safety With two players down, TCU game may be challenge ABBY BITTERMAN @abby_bitterman

Thanks to an injury and a p e na l t y , t h e S o o n e r s will have an issue at safety against TCU. Oklahoma will start against the Horned Frogs down two players at safety. Coach Lincoln Riley announced Monday junior Kahlil Haughton will be

unavailable for Saturday’s game after suffering an injury against Oklahoma State. Senior Will Johnson will be unavailable for the first half of the game after being ejected fourth targeting late in the third quarter against the Cowboys. “Yeah we’re down some guys, but we’ll be ready,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said. The loss of Johnson will be especially detrimental to the Sooners. Stoops said he needs to be able to adjust to that and whatever else happens in the first half.

Sophomore Chanse Sylvie and freshman Robert Barnes are the two options to step up for the start of the TCU game. Stoops said he doesn’t know who Oklahoma will go with for the first half. Most of Sylvie’s time so far this season has been spent on special teams. He has played in nine games and recorded a total of six tackles. Barnes came into the game against Oklahoma State after Johnson got ejected. On the final play of the game, he intercepted

senior quarterback Mason Rudolph to s e cure the Sooners’ win. In the five games he has played in so far, Barnes has made five tackles. “Robert’s going to do a fantastic job,” senior safety Steven Parker said. “He’s already up to date with everything, and he’s been doing a great job already. All he’s going to do is just keep on adding to his caliber.” The defense is already the biggest concern for the team, and having one player group with a large hole to fill will prove even more

problematic. Johnson’s re- defense and the leader in turn in the second half will the back end.” be helpful, but the Sooners can’t afford to lose anyone else. With younger guys on Abby Bitterman abbybitt@ou.edu the field, Parker will have to be more of a leader. “As a safety and as a leader on this team, I have to OU VS. TCU basically open my mouth up and be able to talk to evWhen: 7 p.m., Nov. 11, erybody on the field. That’s 2017 lining the corners up, linWhere: Norman, ing up any safety — which Oklahoma it could be Rob or Chanse depending on if we’re nickHow to watch: FOX el or regular. But really I just basically have to make sure Source: soonersports.com I’m being the captain of the

6

SPORTS

• November 9-12, 2017

‘Workhorse’ earned Heisman Steve Owens was ‘Mr. Consistency’ for ‘60s OU team

Jesse Pound Editor in Chief Emma Keith News Managing Editor Siandhara Bonnet Engagement Editor Kelli Stacy Sports Editor Supriya Sridhar A&E Editor

JOE BUETTNER @joe_buettner

Hope felt lost inside Oklahoma Memorial Union. It was there Steve Owens and his wife, Barbara, awaited an important phone call on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 1969. He was told he would know around 11 a.m. if he had won the Heisman Trophy, the award annually given to college football’s most outstanding player. The phone didn’t ring, and he knew the Downtown Athletic Club called only the winner. Owens had to get to football practice soon, so he departed the union under the impression he fell short of becoming Oklahoma’s second Heisman Trophy winner. He headed to practice with his final game at Oklahoma a few days away, but as he walked across campus he was stopped by someone who broke the news to him. Owens had won the Heisman. A trio of quarterbacks were his biggest challengers — Purdue’s Mike Phipps, Ohio State’s Rex Kern and Ole Miss’ Archie Manning. Each played for teams with better records than the 6-4 Sooners of 1969, but team success carried less weight with Heisman Trophy voting in Owens’ era. What helped was that his name resonated with voters. He had a memorable performance in 1968 against powerhouse Nebraska, scoring five touchdowns in a 47–0 win on national television late in the year. Owens, then a junior, rushed for 1,536 yards and 21 touchdowns, but wouldn’t sniff the Heisman due to an even better season from Southern Cal running back and 1968 Heisman Trophy winner O.J. Simpson. The Nebraska game set Owens up to compete for the award his senior year when he once again tortured Big 8 Conference defenses. However, he wasn’t breaking off any long scampers to the end zone or producing any jaw-dropping highlights like most running backs who contend for the award today. Owens recorded only one rushing attempt for more than 40 yards in his career as a Sooner. The year he won the Heisman, Owens racked up 1,523 rushing yards on 358 carries and 23 touchdowns and averaged 4.3 yards per attempt. “He was a workhorse,” said Barry Switzer, who was wrapping up his fourth season as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator when Owens won the Heisman. “Not many people could carry the ball as many times he did a game and hold up physically, but he did. He carried it 30-something times a game, but he was physically and mentally tough. Basically of all the yards he made, 90 percent of them were inside the tackles.” Owens’ durability is rare in modern college football. He averaged 35.8 carries a game his Heisman-winning season. Alabama running backs Derrick Henry, the 2015 winner, and Mark Ingram, the 2009 winner, carried the ball 26.3 and 19.3 times per game, respectively, the seasons they won. You have to go back nearly two decades to find the last running back to win

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Steve Owens won the Heisman award in 1969. Owens averaged 35.8 carries per game that year.

the award and average more than 30 carries a game — Ricky Williams of Texas, the 1998 winner, averaged 32.8 carries in his winning season. All the more impressive for Owens was the lack of a strength and conditioning program like today’s tailbacks enjoy. In order to endure the weekly punishment of carrying the ball close to 40 times a game, Switzer recalls watching Owens remove his pads immediately after practice to go lift weights. It was that type of work ethic and dedication that allowed him to win college football’s most prestigious individual award, which he never thought obtainable growing up in the 9.8-square mile town of Miami, Oklahoma. ••• Owens’ roots were nothing short of humble. He credits much of his success to the lessons he learned as one of 11 children, the son of a truck driver and a mother who cleaned houses and took care of kids. Owens himself worked at a shoe and clothing store, called the Hub, on the weekends in his tiny hometown in northeast Oklahoma. He’d sneak to the back of the shop to listen to the voices of Bob Barry Sr. and Jack Ogle calling Oklahoma football games on the radio during his shifts. It was there his passion for Oklahoma football began during the days of legendary Oklahoma coach Bud Wilkinson. “When I was young, I used to get every magazine I could find to read about the history of Oklahoma football,” Owens said. “At that time as just a kid, I was thinking, if I work hard and am fortunate, maybe someday I’ll have the opportunity to play at Oklahoma.” Owens eventually developed into a high school star, drawing interest from Arkansas. Jim Mackenzie was an assistant coach for the Razorbacks and heavily recruited Owens to stay within 100 miles of home just across the state line, as opposed to a 200-mile drive to Norman. It was Owens’ dream to play for Oklahoma and walk in the footsteps of one of his first idols, 1952 Heisman

OWENS VS. THE LAST FIVE RBS TO WIN THE HEISMAN Highlighted stat: Carries/game 1969: Steve Owens, Oklahoma, 35.8 1998: Ricky Williams, Texas, 32.8

1999: Ron Dayne, Wisconsin, 28.1

2005: Reggie Bush, USC, 15.3

2009: Mark Ingram, Alabama, 19.3

2015: Derrick Henry, Alabama, 26.3

Trophy winner Billy Vessels. The only things holding Owens back from following his dream were Arkansas’ pitch to him as one of the best teams in the country in the late ’60s and Oklahoma struggling in the early years following Wilkinson’s retirement. Wilkinson’s successor, Gomer Jones, lasted two seasons before stepping down in the aftermath of a 3-7 year in 1965. His departure made way for Mackenzie, however, to take over in Norman. Convincing the running back he heavily recruited to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to change his mind wouldn’t be much of an issue.

“When I was young, I used to get every magazine I could find to read about the history of Oklahoma football. At that time as just a kid, I was thinking, if I work hard and am fortunate, maybe someday I’ll have the opportunity to play at Oklahoma.” STEVE OWENS, HEISMAN WINNER

“(Mackenzie) called me and said, ‘Forget all that stuff I’ve been telling you about Arkansas,’” Owens said. “‘You need to follow your dreams and go to Oklahoma.’” ••• Tragedy struck a year after Owens followed Mackenzie to Oklahoma. Following a 6-4 season in 1966 that included a win over fourth-ranked Nebraska, Mackenzie died of a heart attack after returning to Norman from a recruiting in Amarillo, Texas, in the spring of 1967. He was 37 years old. Owens never got the chance to play for the man who brought him to Norman, because freshmen players weren’t eligible to play on varsity until the NCAA changed the rule in 1972. But he stayed the course, and quickly became the star Mackenzie saw blossoming in Miami. As a sophomore, Owens technically never started a game, according to Oklahoma football historian Mike Brooks. He shared time with the team’s more-experienced running back, Ron Shotts of Weatherford,

Oklahoma. The two rotated series, but it was clear who was better. “Owens was a budding star,” said Brooks, who started to closely follow Oklahoma football during Owens’ playing days. “Kind of think about Samaje Perine his sophomore year. He didn’t shy away from contact. Good, but not great speed, and very durable.” Owens wasn’t flashy. He was a north-and-south runner, a slasher and could make you miss going straight ahead, Switzer said. He made his living picking up four or five yards at a time and wearing down defenses that couldn’t pull him down. He was “Mr. Consistency,” Brooks said. Switzer had a different name for the 6-foot-2, 200pound back. “I used to call him a Ricochet Romance,” Switzer said. “You hit him, most of the time people would come ricocheting off of him.” One of the games Owens is best known for came Nov. 29, 1969, against Oklahoma State, a few days after he was named the 1969 Heisman winner. He ran the ball for a grueling eight consecutive plays at one point against the Cowboys and was so worn down he was forced to make a request to his quarterback, Jack Mildren. “Jack, you have to call timeout,” Owens pleaded. “I can’t breathe.” The request was granted, confusing Switzer. The Oklahoma play-caller asked Mildren on the sideline who was responsible for the stop in action. Mildren told him it was Owens, to which Switzer replied, “Well, you tell him he can rest when the game is over.” Owens powered through to finish with 261 yards rushing on a whopping 55 carries in Oklahoma’s classic 28–27 win over Oklahoma State, capping an already special week for the running back and leaving his final footprint on Owen Field. ••• A trip to New York City awaited Owens less than a week after his collegiate career ended against the Pokes. Owens — along with his wife, parents, coaches and teammate Mike Harper, a close friend and the fullback who blocked for Owens in 1969 — flew to New York for the senior to accept college football’s most coveted individual accolade. His trip became more unbelievable for the boy from Miami when he received a phone call from then-President Richard Nixon. One of Nixon’s aides called to invite Owens and his wife

to be the president’s guests to fly to the de facto nationa l c ha mp i o n s h i p ga m e that Saturday between No. 1-ranked Texas and No. 2 Arkansas, the school that once recruited him. Owens’ Sooners had no bowl game to prepare for, so he took the president’s offer. He then flew to the city where he almost spent his collegiate days with Nixon on Air Force One before driving back to Norman from Fayetteville in a beat-up Chevy with some friends who went to the game. “You just recall those memories, and you don’t forget those things,” Owens said. “It was just a tremendous experience for me and my family.” Nearly five decades later, Owens, who turns 70 on Dec. 9, feels blessed for everything Oklahoma gave him and his family. He was the No. 19 overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft, playing from 197074 with the Detroit Lions, and was named to the Pro Bowl in ’71. He later became Oklahoma’s athletic director in 1996 before Joe Castiglione assumed the position in 1998. His younger brother, Tinker, also played for Oklahoma and was a two-time All-American. He’s grateful for the fraternity of Heisman winners he gets to share with his hero Vessels, Billy Sims, Jason White and Sam Bradford. He’s hoping OU quarterback Baker Mayfield — a frontrunner for the award following last week’s performance against Oklahoma State — will soon join them. He never expected he would cement his legacy with a larger-than-life replica of himself outside Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. He didn’t expect any of this would happen when he was just the kid at the Hub, tuning into hear his heroes play on Owen Field where he’d later set Oklahoma’s program record for career rushing touchdowns with 57, which still stands. “When I was a kid at that shoe store, I never thought I’d have a statue at OU,” Owens said. “I wanted to come here and be a part of this great tradition, but I never thought I’d have a statue.” Joe Buettner

joebuet@ou.edu

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Heisman Series This is the third article in The Daily’s “Heisman Evolution” series. A new article will run every week for the rest of the football season, and the pieces can be found at projects.oudaily.com

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SPORTS

November 9-12, 2017 •

7

Meet OU’s basketball players TRAE YOUNG

Five Sooners bring edge to determined team this season JADYN WATSON-FISHER @jwatsonfisher

OU vs. OMAHA When: 2 p.m., Sun, Nov. 12, 2017 Where: Norman, OK How to watch: SSTV Source: soonersports.com

PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY

Freshman guard Trae Young smiles during basketball Media Day Oct. 31.

KAMERON MCGUSTY

PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY

Despite the Sooners’ 11-20 finish last year, Kameron McGusty is a sophomore guard coming off a big freshman season. He was a four-star recruit from Katy, Texas, when he arrived in Norman and made an impact early on, starting 17-of-31 games. McGusty averaged 10.9 points per game and led the Sooners during Big 12 play with 14.4 points. He was a member of the All-Big 12 Newcomer team and was named All-Big 12 honorable mention to become the most decorated freshman during the Kruger era. McGusty is a natural starter at the two, based on his ability to hit deep shots — last year he averaged 35.2 percent — and his ball-handling abilities, though he could step into the point guard role if necessary. Kruger said the biggest jump for players is from freshman year to sophomore year, but he hopes McGusty will continue to build on the progress he made during season one.

KHADEEM LATTIN

PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY

Khadeem Lattin, the Sooners’ only senior, hails from Houston. Having started every game on Oklahoma’s Final Four team, then following it with OU’s worst season under Kruger, he is looking to have a season worth remembering. Lattin will need to be a consistent force — including shooting from three — in order for Oklahoma to achieve this season’s goals. Although he is listed as a forward, Lattin tends to start at center, which likely won’t change. With four players who could regularly play the five, he could see his minutes vary based on the game he’s having on any given day. “He consistently improves,” Kruger said. “He knows what lies ahead, he knows what the team needs from him. I think he’s a guy that sets the tone defensively. He runs the floor, offensively, he’s converting opportunities in practice and getting more of those. I think we’ll continue seeing that development and progress.”

Trae Young is a freshman guard for the Sooners. He was a five-star recruit from Norman North High School who had more than a dozen Division I scholarship offers but chose to stay close to home. Young averaged 42.6 points per game in his senior season, and through Oklahoma’s first five exhibition games, he’s already averaging a team-high 21.4 points and 7.4 assists. The freshman is going to see a lot of playing time this year as the Sooners’ starting point guard, replacing Jordan Woodard, whose graduated after tearing his ACL. “He’ll very definitely be a key guy,” coach Lon Kruger said. “As a point guard triggering transition, setting the offense into motion. No question, he’ll definitely be a center of the schemes.” Young isn’t just a key figure on the court. While he’s only a freshman and has been getting most of the attention, Young’s showing leadership by his work ethic and being focused on the team, not just himself. “He knows he needs his teammates to play well, and he’s doing everything he can to help encourage them and motivate them to do everything they can,” Kruger said. “Certainly, his teammates appreciate what he can do.”

BRADY MANEK

Brady Manek is the Sooners’ second home-grown freshman. He’s a four-star recruit from Harrah, Oklahoma, where he averaged 24.3 points and 11.6 rebounds his senior year. Manek, who is averaging 13.2 points and six boards during Oklahoma’s first five preseason games, is proving himself to be a reliable shooter. If he maintains consistency, Manek could find himself in the starting lineup on a regular basis. Kruger has praised Manek’s skills and hard work on both sides of the floor. “Brady’s a guy that has really good instincts and shoots the ball really well. He’s a good rebounder and has a good feel for things defensively,” Kruger said. “I expected him to be a really good college player. I didn’t know for sure how quickly he would be comfortable after high school making that transition. Brady has showed a quicker comfort level than we expected, especially on the trip overseas, and he’s

PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY

CHRISTIAN JAMES

Returning to Oklahoma as a junior guard, Christian James is looking to redeem himself from his subpar performance the second half of last season. The Houston native started last season, averaging double digits before dropping down to a little more than five. James is already off to a good start, averaging 18.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in the Sooners’ first five preseason contests. Kruger said James focused on every aspect of his game — from workouts to conditioning to general health — and they’ve seen good results. “I think his foundation this year is totally different than it was a year ago,” Kruger said. “I think he’ll handle things consistently better and keep showing progress.” Jadyn Watson-Fisher jwatsonfisher@ou.edu

PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY

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