May 3-9, 2022 by OU Daily

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W E E K LY E D I T I O N | M AY 3 - 9, 2 0 2 2 | O U D A I LY. C O M

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Drake Brooks (from left), Nicholas Nair and Gavin Short during a stormchasing trip in an image shared to social media. The OU students died Friday near the Kansas border.

‘THEY WILL STILL ALWAYS BE WITH US’ OU remembers 3 meteorology students — Drake Brooks, Nicholas Nair, Gavin Short — who died in a car crash while returning from a stormchasing trip PEGGY DODD, KAROLINE LEONARD, TAYLOR JONES peggy.f.lail-1@ou.edu karolineleonard@ou.edu taylor.p.jones-1@ou.edu

The OU community mourned the deaths of three meteorology students whose time storm chasing and pursuing the field they loved was cut short in a car crash Friday. Nicholas Nair, 20, Gavin Short, 19, and Drake Brooks, 22, lost control of their 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan around 11 p.m. Friday near Tonkawa on Interstate 35, where they were struck by a semi-truck. The trio was returning from storm chasing near the Oklahoma-Kansas border after a powerful tornado touched down in Andover, Kansas. Nair, Short and Brooks were members of the Met Crew Chasers, which is a group of meteorology students that gains real-life experience through research, classes and storm chasing. Nair, a meteorology sophomore, served as a camp guide for Camp Crimson, where he met

Olivia Sadler, a biology sophomore. She said Nair was one of the closest friends she ever had. “His smile was contagious, his eyes were the kindest I’d ever seen and he didn’t know a stranger,” Sadler said. “I am a better friend and a better person because I knew Nic Nair, and I can tell you that every single person who knew him will tell you the exact same thing.” Sydney Bush, a public relations freshman and web team member for The OU Nightly, met Nair while working for The Nightly. Nair served as a weather anchor and, although Bush didn’t know him well, she said he spread kindness everywhere he went. “I truly saw no malice or jealousy or saw any wrong intentions in the way he lived his life. He was so sweet, smart and kind, and just happy to be wherever and do whatever,” Bush said. Brooks, a meteorology senior at OU, became a member of Met Crew Chasers earlier this year, and friends said he had the ability to make everyone laugh. Leigh O’Neil, a geographic information

science sophomore and Met Crew Chasers member, said his humor was infectious. “Drake was the newest to our group. He was always in a good mood and ready to make anyone laugh,” O’Neil said. “Please treat others with respect and kindness as they did. They didn’t judge anyone at all.” Preston Roesslet, a meteorology sophomore and member of the Met Crew Chasers, said Brooks always had a meme for every situation and could always make his friends smile. Roesslet also said Short had a great passion for meteorology, and he believes Short would have been the next top scientist in his field. Marissa McGuire, a former OU student and friend of the three students, wrote in a message to The Daily that Short was one of the smartest people she knew. He always seemed to know the answer to any problem, and McGuire wrote that she admired him for his willingness to help his classmates. She wrote that he always put his friends first. “Something I want everyone

to know about him is that he was someone everyone could be friends with,” McGuire wrote. “He welcomed everyone in with open arms, his laughter and his kindness. He is going to be so missed among our friend group, the university, the weather community — everyone. He will be cherished in everyone’s lives forever.” The National Weather Service in Norman dedicated their Saturday evening weather balloon launch to Nair, Short and Brooks. Other branches of the NWS, including locations in New Orleans and Rapid City, dedicated their evening balloon launches to the students. OU President Joseph Harroz wrote in a Saturday letter to the OU community that the passion of all three students “serves as an inspiration to us all.” He wrote that OU is “immensely grateful” for each of the students and the impact they had on the OU community. The OU College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences also released a statement Saturday extending its

condolences to the students’ families and friends. “Our community in Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences is close-knit, and our School of Meteorology is very much a family,” the statement read. “Now, more than ever, we must come together in kindness and heartfelt support for one another.” The Met Crew Chasers organized a GoFundMe that will be split evenly between each family to aid them in travel and memorial expenses. The School of Meteorology is also planning a “celebration of lives event,” which is likely to occur on May 9 at the National Weather Center, according to an email from the school. One thing Roesslet said he will remember the most about the three storm chasers is their shared passion for meteorology. “Chasing storms with all three of them was so much fun,” Roesslet said. “I think that’s definitely one thing I’ll cherish forever and especially in the future going on storm chases. They will still always be there with us.”

Former student convicted of assault, battery Gage Ford found guilty of domestic violence against pregnant girlfriend JONATHAN KYNCL jkyncl@ou.edu

Former OU student Gage Ford was found guilty Friday of two felony counts of assault and battery by means of force likely to produce death against Ally and Steele Stephens and one count of domestic violence against a pregnant

woman. The two felony counts carry a 35year and a 40-year sentence and the additional count carries a one-year sentence. Ford was accused of repeatedly abusing his girlfriend, Ally, when

he was allegedly trying to kill her then-unborn baby, Steele. Ally was checked into the hospital Oct. 17, 2020, with severe injuries after the incident. Ford turned himself in Oct. 23, 2020, after U.S. Marshals were searching for him. According

to KFOR, the defense attempted to argue for the felony charges to be dropped to misdemeanors. They said there wasn’t enough evidence that he was trying to kill the unborn baby. This request was denied.

NEWS

• May 3-9, 2022

Stitt appoints Braught as new regent Alumnus fills Phil Albert’s vacancy following resignation

Braught will fill the vacancy left by former OU Regent Phil Albert, who resigned from his seat on the board in January amid an ongoing embezzlement lawsuit from Pelco BLAKE DOUGLAS bdoug99@ou.edu Structural, a Claremore construction company Albert preOU graduate and Duncan viously served as president. businessman Rick Braught Following Albert’s resignation, was appointed to the OU student leaders at OU lobbied Board of Regents on Friday. state legislators to consider

appointing a student member to the OU Board of Regents, a proposition supported by current regent Rick Nagel. Like Albert, Braught has a business background as the current president of Investors Trust Co. in Duncan, Oklahoma. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from OU in 1984 and 1989, respectively. If approved

by the state senate, Braught will become the second appointment by Gov. Kevin Stitt in the past month, following Inasmuch Foundation CEO Bob Ross, who was appointed on March 30 to replace former Board of Regents Chairman Michael Cawley. As Albert’s term had not expired, Braught will serve until at least March 21, 2023.

ALEXIA ASTON/THE DAILY

The OU Board of Regents and OU President Joseph Harroz (center) meet on Dec. 2, 2021.

OU recognizes 170 students as 4.0 graduates ARI FIFE Ariani.S.Fife-1@ou.edu

OU will recognize 170 students who have maintained 4.0 GPAs throughout their undergraduate studies in a ceremony from 2-4 p.m., May 2 at the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom. This 4.0 class will be one of the largest in school history, with 87 students originally from Oklahoma, according to a university press release. Each student included in the ceremony will receive a bronze medallion on a crimson ribbon, which will be worn during graduation ceremonies. The spring 2022 graduates from Oklahoma being recognized include:

biology; Michael J. Grunsted, biomedical engineering; Nava Mansouri, social work; Jacob P. Markman-Fox, music; Nathan A. McMillen, mechanical engineering; Christy L. Phelps, art; Havyn R. Phillips, nursing; Elizabeth Schroeder, elementary education; Anastasia M. Soreghan, Russian; Reza J. Torbati, computer science; Taylor M. Woodin, nursing

OKLAHOMA CITY: Kiernan E. Arledge, physics; Charlotte M. Bailey, computer science; Vijay Bhupathiraju, biology; Daisy A. Butzer, public health; Christopher A. Candler, biology; Michael E. Cheng, biomedical engineering; Gabriel W. Cohlmia, planned program; Jessica T. Dees, chemical biosciences; Deenna ARDMORE: Meredith N. D. Doan, biomedical engiHendry, microbiology; Nikole neering; Aanahita T. Ervin, K. Humphries, English; chemical engineering; Shane Paxton E. Little, interior A. Flandermeyer, electrical design engineering; Isaiah W. Gilley, mathematics; Ethan J. Ho, BIXBY: Hannah Bowlin, computer science; Grace A. communications Johnson, health and exercise science; Andrew K. Kim, comBLAIR: Payson G. Ramirez, munity health; Ashley Luong, political science finance; Liliana R. Macias, human relations; Gabriel BROKEN ARROW: Jacob P. Ngo, international security Mattke, French studies; Bella R. Quan, microbiology; Gant Roberson, CHOCTAW: Jack M. Bennett, history, Spanish, and internaclassics tional development; Winston J. Scambler, public health; CLAREMORE: Zach W. Kamran A. Steppe, chemical Monahan, biochemistry biosciences; Loc T. Vu, computer engineering; Austin C. CLEVELAND: Jessie M. Wilkie, industrial and systems Merrifield, biology engineering COLLINSVILLE: Dulce Kelley, nursing EDMOND: Madeline G. Allen, health and exercise science; Brenna T. Arledge, psychology; Camdyn E. Hart, health and exercise science; Jason L. Hughes, history, and international studies; Justin Jayne, journalism and mass communication, and creative media production; Caleb I. Lagge, mathematics, and computer engineering; Ethan B. Maddy, economics; Madeleine E. Murray, psychology; Carson T. Schlittler, economics; Sworup Thapa, biology; Kamryn M. Yanchick, Native American studies FAIRLAND: Trinity J. Pruitt, multidisciplinary studies GROVE: Ian Patrick, science education GUTHRIE: Mathew Boyd, organizational leadership

OWASSO: Taylor J. Gardner, biology; Mesa R. Morris, accounting PERKINS: Connor Cowan, music POTEAU: Grayson E. Wise, French, and art history PURCELL: Brenda Diaz, management

ACWORTH, GEORGIA: Jessica H. Reese, musical theatre CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS: Michael Muzinich, biology, and Japanese DEKALB, ILLINOIS: Katherine G. Sharp, social work LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS: Charles F. Hojjat, biology DERBY, KANSAS: Quinn M. Meyer, biochemistry; Gracyn M. Reynolds, chemical engineering

YUKON: Jessica K. Lawson, criminology; Kevin Pham, JENKS: Grace Benham, mechanical engineering; Tien African and African American G. Tran, mathematics; Tori studies; Kolten M. Kemper, Venske, music accounting The out-of-state and international spring 2022 MEEKER: Madeleine E. graduates being recognized Ozan, Spanish include:

WICHITA, KANSAS: Thomas P. Mondry, economics, and music; Andrew L. Wertheimer, aviation management CLINTON, MISSISSIPPI: Noah G. Bridges, mathematics, and industrial and systems engineering STRATFORD, NEW JERSEY: Leah A. Pomerantz, economics LANGHORNE, PENNSYLVANIA: Julianna G. Schwab, chemistry

ARGYLE, TEXAS: Landon C. Rosckes, chemical biosciences ARLINGTON, TEXAS: Daniel S. Erickson, chemistry, and biochemistry ATHENS, TEXAS: Jamie A. Boyd, physics AUSTIN, TEXAS: Sophie Guess, finance BELTON, TEXAS: Marcus C. Ake, mathematics

MIAMI: Taylor Addington, world language education

TEMPE, ARIZONA: Carter B. Sampson, accounting

CARROLLTON, TEXAS: Kit Hawkins, music

MIDWEST CITY: Bailey H. Looper, computer engineering

SAN RAMON, CALIFORNIA: Haley R. Lewsey, community health

CEDAR CREEK, TEXAS: Eric B. Davis, music

MOORE: Jacinda Hemeon, journalism and mass communication; Chase L. Hibbard, civil engineering; Jonathan G. Miller, industrial and systems engineering; Rachel Orland, public relations

BROOMFIELD, COLORADO: Michelle L. Hendrix, psychology

MUSTANG: Luke A. Denton, economics; Elaina T. Kropelin, criminology; Marycruz Flores Reynoso, English NORMAN: Lettie E. Clifton,

FULSHEAR, TEXAS: Kelli Claytor, advertising

COPPELL, TEXAS: Justin A. Sharma, biomedical engineering

GRANBY, COLORADO: Cole A. Walker, civil engineering

CYPRESS, TEXAS: Gillian Sauer, public relations; Morgan Simon, drama

HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLORADO: Madison M. Burns, biomedical engineering

DALLAS, TEXAS: Amanda M. Blewett, marketing DOUBLE OAK, TEXAS: Hope I. Arnold, nursing

RIDGWAY, COLORADO: James C. Statton, energy management

FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS: Melanie G. Baxter, drama; Teresa K. McGee, sociology; Riley J. Miller, biology;

GRAPEVINE, TEXAS: Chloe J. Markle, management information systems; Ethan D. Williams, finance; Evan G. Williams, finance

RICHARDSON, TEXAS: Nicholas R. Martin, accounting; Kaitlyn L. Zimmerman, nursing

environmental design DEFOREST, WISCONSIN: Audrey Williams, public relations PULASKI, WISCONSIN: Julianna R. Voelker, astrophysics, and music SANTA CRUZ DO SUL, BRAZIL: Pedro Henrique Wink Reis, chemical engineering SAO PAULO, BRAZIL: Eduarda Barros de Oliveira, chemical engineering

MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE: Ifechukwu C. Nwafor, health ROCKWALL, TEXAS: Erika P. and exercise science Brown, nursing SALADO, TEXAS: Aaron J. RAMLAH, OMAN: Yousuf Torczynski, management Mohammed Salim Al Siyabi, LEAWOOD, KANSAS: HASLET, TEXAS: Taylor chemical engineering Eleanor S. Mendelson, enviGlissman, public relations SPRING, TEXAS: Joshua ronmental studies P. Overcash, mechanical KRUSEVAC, SERBIA: KATY, TEXAS: Morgan B. engineering Martina Dimitrijevic, OLATHE, KANSAS: Kenton Humphrey, mechanical engianthropology A. Huff, mathematics, and TROPHY CLUB, TEXAS: computer science; Timothy J. neering; Devin Staton, management information systems Emily G. Chippendale, music BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA: Schmidt, music education Daniela Kosnacova, environOVERLAND PARK, mental sustainability KANSAS: Rose M. Muldoon, KELLER, TEXAS: Lauren E. Lancaster, microbiology KAYSVILLE, UTAH: Caroline music education; Nathan B. A. Simon, architectural VALENCIA, SPAIN: Ismael Preuss, computer science LUCAS, TEXAS: Jordan M. studies Carmona Casado, internaGrebe, economics tional studies, and supply SHAWNEE MISSION, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA: chain management KANSAS: Madelyn J. Musson, MANSFIELD, TEXAS: Natalie E. Burlew, accounting GARDEN CITY, KANSAS: Caitlyn Harman, psychology, and women’s and gender studies

ADDISON, TEXAS: Emily A. SHAWNEE: Ashley N. Maggia Miller, history Irby, music ALLEN, TEXAS: Parker SKIATOOK: Zachary C. M. Primrose, public and Arnold, biology nonprofit administration, and journalism and mass STILLWATER: Kendall communication; Nicole M. Allsup, chemical engineering Shroyer, accounting TULSA: Catherine G. Easterling, accounting; Tara M. Meeker, chemical engineering; Divyen J. Patel, finance; Blake A. Winchester, supply chain management

Cameron ten Napel, public Faith I. Ette, supply chain relations; Nicole L. Zimmerer, management computer science MCKINNEY, TEXAS: Lauren FORT WORTH, TEXAS: T. O’Connell, marketing; Jillian R. Romack, entrepreSarah Reitmeier, advertising neurship and venture management, and professional PLANO, TEXAS: Abigail writing; Aaron M. Turner, Hosterman, public relations; letters Claire M. Nagel, health and exercise science; Addison L. FRISCO, TEXAS: Emma M. Newman, accounting; Alyson LaPinta, communication; O’Shea, public relations Brianna L. Patterson, psychology; Nolan Taylor, profes- PROSPER, TEXAS: Kamryn sional writing B. Jackson, biology

SPORTS

May 3-9, 2022 •

7 Sooners drafted to NFL Oklahoma tops Big 12 in players selected to draft MASON YOUNG, AUSTIN CURTRIGHT, COLTON SULLEY masyoung@ou.edu austincurtright@ou.edu colton.m.sulley-1@ou.edu

Seven former Oklahoma players were selected during the 2022 NFL Draft last weekend in Las Vegas. OU produced the most 2022 draft picks in the Big 12, and its count tied future Southeastern Conference opponent Alabama for the fifth most naTREY YOUNG/THE DAILY tionally. The seven draftees also tied for the Sooners’ sec- Former OU linebacker Nik Bonitto attempts to break through the Baylor offensive line during the game against No. 13 Baylor in Waco on Nov. 13, 2021. ond most in a single draft since 2005. B r i a n A s a m o a h , sacks while wearing crimson All-Big 12 Second Team selecOklahoma has now produced at least four draft picks linebacker — Minnesota and cream. Before his time at tion. In four seasons with the for 15 straight years, which Vikings; Round 3, Pick No. 66 OU, Winfrey was a four-star Sooners, Turner-Yell appeared A s a m o a h prospect in the 2020 recruit- in 36 games. He recorded 191 is the longest streak nationl e d t h e ing class and was the No. 1 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, ally. OU’s 409 all-time draft Sooners with junior college defensive tack- 0.5 sacks and four interceppicks are the fifth most in the 90 total tackle and player nationally and tions in his OU career. country. les last sea- the No. 1 player in Illinois, The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Here’s a look at each of the son. The red- per 247Sports’ composite Hempstead, Texas, native hails former Sooners chosen by shirt junior rankings. from Hempstead High School. NFL teams: Winfrey ran a 4.89 40-yard He was a three-star recruit and also registered four tackles dash at the NFL combine in the No. 894 ranked player naNi k B o n i tt o, o u t s i d e for loss and a March. However, a hamstring tionally in the 2018 recruiting linebacker — Denver sack in 2021 and was select- injury during that perfor- class according to 247Sports’ Broncos; Round 2, Pick No. ed to the All-Big 12 Second mance held him from partic- composite rankings. Turner64 I n 2 0 2 1 , Team. In three seasons with ipating in any other events in Yell ran a 4.47-second 40-yard B o n i tt o l e d OU, Asamoah made 19 starts Indianapolis or at OU Pro Day. dash and produced a 122-inch the Sooners and totaled 179 tackles with 13 Yet, the 6-foot-4, 292-pound- broad jump at the 2022 NFL with 15 tack- for loss. He also forced three er had already significantly Combine. l e s f o r l o s s fumbles in his career, with an bolstered his draft stock with three tackles for loss and two Mike Woods, wide receiver and amassed interception and five sacks. sacks in the Reese’s Senior — Cleveland Browns; Round The 6-foot-1, 228-pound seven sacks, w h i c h w a s s p e e d s t e r h a i l s f r o m Bowl, which earned him MVP 6, Pick No. 202 In 11 games s e c o n d o n Columbus, Ohio, where he honors after the contest. One of the highlights of and nine the team. A attended St. Francis DeSales starts last searedshirt junior last season, High School. Asamoah was Winfrey’s time at Oklahoma son, Woods Bonitto was a three-year start- a three-star recruit and was came last Nov. 20 against caught 35 er and registered 117 career the No. 529-ranked play- Iowa State when he leveled passes for 400 tackles and 32 tackles for loss. er nationally, according to Cyclones quarterback Brock yards and two He also recorded 18.5 career 247Sports’ composite rank- Purdy, delivering one of the touchdowns sacks, which ranks No. 13 in ings. Asamoah ran a 4.56-sec- more vicious hits of the 2021 after transOU history. The 6-foot-3, 240- ond 40-yard dash at the 2022 season. He also notably saved ferring from pound defender hails from NFL Combine. He also pro- the Sooners from defeat Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and duced a 124-inch broad jump against Texas in 2020 when Arkansas. Woods recorded attended St. Thomas Aquinas and a 36.5-inch vertical jump he blocked a Longhorns field 1,248 yards and 10 touchgoal to force a decisive fourth downs in 29 starts during his at the event. High School. Perrion Winfrey, defensive overtime. stint with the Razorbacks. Bonitto was a four-star reThe Magnolia, Texas, nacruit and the No. 220 over- tackle — Cleveland Browns; Delarrin Turner-Yell, tive was a three-star recruit all player nationally, per Round 4, Pick No. 108 W i n f r e y safety — Denver Broncos; out of high school, accord247Sports’ composite ranks p e n t t w o Round 5, Pick No. 152 ing to 247Sports’ composite ings. The second round pick Turner-Yell rankings. He originally chose seasons with only participated in one event recorded 53 Arkansas over the likes of the Sooners during his OU Pro Day on total tackles Southern Methodist, Houston after transMarch 9, and improved his last season. and Iowa State. The 6-footferring from bench press to 22 reps. Bonitto T h e s e n i o r 1, 204-pound receiver ran a Iowa Western ran a 4.54-second 40-yard also registered 4.55-second 40-yard dash at Community dash and tallied a 35.5-inch 2.5 tackles for the NFL Combine. He also College. The vertical jump at the 2022 NFL loss and three recorded a 34.5-inch vertical Maywood, Combine. interceptions jump. Illinois, native amassed 42 and was an tackles — 17 for loss — and six

Blake Douglas Editor-in-Chief Jillian Taylor News Managing Editor Mason Young Sports Editor Trey Young Visual Editor Justin Jayne Video Editor

Chandler Engelbrecht Enterprise Editor Jazz Wolfe Culture Editor Makenna Buckskin Engagement Editor Francisco Gutierrez Copy Chief Seth Prince Staff Adviser

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One free copy of The Daily is available to members of the OU community. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents by at 405-325-2521. Corrections: The Daily is committed to accuracy in its publications. If dailynews@ou.edu or visit oudaily. com/site/corrections.html to submit a correction form.

Previous Solution

6 8 1 9 8 2

2 6 7

1 9

4 5 1 4 6

2 9 5 3 2 8 9 3 7 4 4 5 3 6 Instructions: Fill in the grid so7that every row, 3 every column 1 8and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that V. EASY in any row, column or box. no number is repeated

HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last

TUESDAY, MAY 3 2022 ASTROGRAPH by Eugenia Last TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Stand up for your rights and make yourself heard. Take the initiative and put your plans in motion. Make decisions and act on them with passion and clarity. Anger will get you nowhere.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) An unexpected change will work in your favor. Refuse to get overwhelmed by what you have no control over. Concentrate on the things and people who make you feel good about yourself.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Concentrate on what’s doable and stop worrying about things you cannot alter. A positive attitude will help you achieve what you set out to do and get you the backup you will need.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) A low profile and patience will help you navigate your way through the ups and downs you encounter. Put more thought into your appearance, health and lifestyle.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Don’t scrimp when it comes to meaningful pursuits. Explore the possibilities and let your imagination run wild, but don’t let your emotions spin out of control. Don’t be rattled by any setbacks.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Take a walk down memory lane, attend a reunion or reach out to someone who brings out the best in you. Look for innovative ways to make the most of what you have.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Say no to changes that don’t suit your Spend time with people who stimulate needs, and do your own thing. Build a your mind and offer enlightening solid foundation for what you have perspectives on life, love and happiness. planned. Invest in your surroundings. What you share will change how Now’s the time to go for broke. you think and help you choose a suitable path. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Don’t share secrets. Put your energy VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) where it will do some good. A change of Absorb what others say, and it will help heart will help clear up uncertainty and you understand the best way to gain encourage you to do what’s best for approval, respect and the assistance you. Clear up financial problems. required to get what you want. Consider what you can do to move things along. ARIES (March 21-April 19) Put your energy to good use, and it will LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) help you control your emotions. Refuse Stop dreaming and start doing. How you to let others get to you. Go about your perceive situations and handle money business, and let your accomplishments will be crucial. Cut your costs by doing speak for you. things yourself instead of hiring someone to do things for you.

6 4

7 2 9 2 4 5 2 3 8 6 7 5 8 1 6 5 4 9 3 5 8 6 4 7 5 8 2 3 1 8

V. EASY

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Isaiah Thomas, defensive end — Cleveland Browns; Round 7, Pick No. 223 Thomas wa s a n A l l Big 12 Second Te a m s e lection by the league’s coaches last season and started in 11 of the Sooners’ 13 games. He recorded 38 total tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks, in 2021, before opting out of the Sooners’ Alamo Bowl matchup with Oregon to prepare for the draft. In four seasons with OU, Thomas totaled 81 tackles with 26.5 for loss. He also recovered three fumbles in his Sooners career and racked up 18.5 sacks. The 6-foot-5, 266-pound defender from Tulsa was a four-star recruit out of high school, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. He was rated the No. 20 weakside defensive end in the nation and the No. 4 overall player in the state of Oklahoma. Thomas ran a 4.7-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine. He also recorded a 31.5-inch vertical jump and a 117-inch broad jump at the event. Marquis Hayes, offensive guard — Arizona Cardinals; Round 7, Pick No. 257 During the 2021 season, Hayes started all 13 of OU’s games at left guard and was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection by the coaches and the Associated Press. Pro Football Focus also named him to its conference second team. The St. Louis native was a four-star prospect out of Pattonville High School and was rated the No. 2 overall recruit in Missouri in the 2017 class. The move to Arizona reunites Hayes with his former Sooners teammates, quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver Marquise Brown. Player photos courtesy of OU Athletics.

OU lands new guard Aubrey Joens transfers from Iowa State to Sooners NICK COPPOLA

nicholas.w.coppola-1@ou.edu

Former Iowa State guard Aubrey Joens is transferring to Oklahoma, she announced via Twitter on Friday. Joens played two seasons at Iowa State, averaging 5.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. She started 15 games for the Cyclones last season, shooting 42 percent and averaging 6.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. Prior to her college career, the 5-foot-8 sophomore received two first-team AllMississippi Valley Conference selections at Iowa City High School. She was also named Girls Basketball Player of the Year twice by The Gazette. Joens is the younger sister of Iowa State senior guard Ashley Joens, a two-time Firstteam All-Big 12 selection who earned unanimous Secondteam All-American honors last season. Aubrey’s younger sister Kelsey, a 5-foot-9 guard in the 2023 class, committed to Iowa State in August 2021. “It was a very hard decision knowing that I wasn’t going to get to play with Ashley again and knowing that Kelsey was coming here, and I wouldn’t get to play with her again and all my teammates in general,” Aubrey told the Des Moines Register. “I just overall wanted more playing time and wanted a bigger role, and I thought that this is a good decision for me.” Joens is head coach and Iowa native Jennie Baranczyk’s first acquisition from the transfer portal this offseason. Junior guard Gabby Gregory is the only Sooner to enter the portal this offseason, and she committed to Kansas State on April 6.

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg May 3, 2022

ACROSS 1 Union foe 5 Like a sensational description 10 Camera Roll’s tablet 14 Part of aka 15 Mexican marinade 16 More than serious 17 “___ la vie” 18 Campaign ad target 19 Fairy tale opener 20 Language spoken in Port-auPrince 23 Fire crime 24 “I think,” in texts 25 Nightclub VIPs 28 “No doubt in my mind” 33 ___ gobi (Indian potato dish) 34 Bakery allure 35 Deeply engaged 39 Billing period, often 42 BBC viewer 43 Give the go-ahead 45 Metal in steel 47 Grand performances? 52 Babe’s home 53 Kylo ___ of “Star Wars” films 54 Wheelchair access routes

5/3

57 Variety of responses, or a hint to the word scrambled within 20-, 28- and 47-Across 62 “Come again?” 64 Pick up from school? 65 Rick’s love, in “Casablanca” 66 Grains in a feed bag 67 Greatly bother 68 Search for 69 Food for Miss Muffet 70 Word before “code” or “coat” 71 Jekyll’s counterpart DOWN 1 Borat portrayer ___ Baron Cohen 2 Transparent 3 Town with the Basilica of St. Francis 4 Bench warmer? 5 Volcano flow 6 Thick Japanese noodle 7 Campus military org. 8 Spain’s peninsula 9 Timeless musical trio? 10 One whose autograph is sought 11 Desired intensely

12 “Story” or “electric” follower 13 Ruby of “Do the Right Thing” 21 Ancient Peruvian 22 Chaplin of “Game of Thrones” 26 ___ Hendrix Experience 27 Bit of info on a baseball card 29 Stately tree 30 Pooh’s bounding pal 31 Kind of water at a bar 32 Sphere 35 Knocks loudly 36 Touched down 37 Seesaw partner 38 Freight unit 40 Arm muscle, informally

41 All the rage 44 Power tool brand with an apt-sounding name 46 One may seize kilos 48 Staggered 49 Make well-liked 50 Somewhat tardy 51 :-) 55 Prepared to be photographed 56 Serpent 58 Teeny-tiny 59 Hotel room fee 60 Historical periods 61 Some march in tiny armies 62 Amaze 63 “That’ll teach ya!”

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

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All Over the Place by Roland Huget

CULTURE

• May 3-9, 2022

Norman Music Festival returns JAZZ WOLFE jazzwolfe@ou.edu

Brother Bear Dixon performs at Bluebonnet during Norman Music Fest on April 28.

Norman Music Festival returned to the city in full-force last weekend. Shari Jackson, executive director of the festival, said on Sunday morning that she was still filled with the adrenaline of the event. “The adrenaline will take a couple days to get out of my body, I think,” Jackson said. Despite losing two years of the annual festival, Jackson said that the return was the “most polished it has ever been.” She credited the success to the many volunteers that make up the board, along with sponsors of the event and their business partners downtown. “Everybody pitched in and helped make it happen,” Jackson said. “Our community came together and made this happen.” The event saw a massive turnout in downtown Norman, Jackson said, though they are not prepared to release an official number of attendees. Previous Norman Music Festivals saw upwards of 100,000 people at the event and this year almost certainly surpassed that, Jackson said. “We spent the weekend with tens of thousands of our closest friends,” Jackson said. All Phtotos By Trey Young

Bad Athlete performs at The Brewhouse during Norman Music Fest on April 30.

Chelsea Days performs on the Opolis Indoor Stage during Norman Music Fest on April 29.

King Pink performs during Norman Music Fest at Resonator on April 28.

Burl performs on the Toucan Alley State during Norman Music Fest on April 30.

Jabee performs at The Winston West Stage during Norman Music Fest on April 29.