Friday, August 13, 2021
Cowboys coming back Anna Pope News Editor OSU’s in-person restriction-free campus events and normal class sizes will take place for the first time since the spring semester of 2020. For over a year and a half, guidelines like social distancing were put in place for students to follow. Enforced restrictions prevented events like the university’s America’s Greatest Homecoming and certain graduations from taking place and resulted in many online courses. However, as COVID-19 cases lowered and vaccination rates went up, occasions were steadily brought back. Students are not only eager to attend game days, students are also hoping to walk at an in-person graduation. Beth Beker, a senior management science and information systems major, will graduate next spring. Beker said she is looking forward to accepting her degree in-person on stage at the end of the year. For Beker this year is not just about attending missed events due to the pandemic. “Being, like, a senior and going into like, your final year, everything just feels completely different,” Beker said. “Things that you’ve done before just feel a lot more nostalgic cause
Abby Cage
Eagerly waiting for welcome week activities, OSU students meet outside the Student Union.
now you realize it’s like, your last time getting to do them again.” Beker said she is worried about the possibility of the university going back into lockdown and having a less flexible schedule due to in-person instruction. However, she is interested to see how things work out. Over 24,000 students attend OSU and this past week the university greeted
incoming freshmen with Cowboy Welcome. The five-day event is meant to allow incoming freshmen to experience campus amenities while meeting other students. Dane Ellet is an incoming freshman and waiting in anticipation to experience OSU Homecoming’s famous celebrations. Ellet said he is looking forward to just being in col-
New Legacy First generation students Jessie Hernandez Staff Reporter With masks down, smiles can be seen illuminating the campus all around. OSU welcomed back its students this year, the campus is alive and buzzing with activities. Freshmen can be seen enjoying the events this welcome week and getting settled in. Freshman Mia Mares is excited about new experiences, making new friends, and going to football games. “Move in day was smooth,” Mares said. “ It was nice to move in early, so that way we weren’t all running into each other.” Fellow freshmen Tatum Newberry chimed in.
Abby Cage Freshmen ready for Rush week activities.
lege. Even though he is not too concerned about restrictions, he said if guidelines tighten, it will still be a good experience. Excel Maylem, an animal science graduate student, said she is ready for in-person instruction and events. Graduating this fall, Maylem, like Beker, said she is hoping to walk at graduation this semester and attend other activities.
Events to look forward to... Tuesday, Aug. 17 - Pete’s Pet Posse Yappy Hour Wednesday, Aug. 18 - Lights on Stillwater Saturday, Sept. 4 - OSU’s first football game FULL CAPACITY Friday, Oct. 8 - Tim McGraw at the McKnight Center Sunday, Oct. 24 -30 - OSU Centennial Homecoming Visit CampusLink for more!
“Some activities I’m thinking of participating in are intramural sports,” Newberry said. “I wanna try new things and I feel like that’s a great way to do so. I believe I’m also
“I’m so excited for homecoming because it’s the hundredth homecoming and this is going to be my last one, so I am really looking forward to it.” Maylem said she is unsure about how things will develop with the delta variant especially if cases get too high. news.ed@ocolly.com
WHAT’S INSIDE: Summer in Stillwater Pg. 6 Stillwater has proudly earned the title of a typical college town. Like many college towns across the country, the city’s population decreases drastically every year.
Poke-a-Poke Pg. 3 OSU’s Poke-a-thon campaign aims to get students vaccinated at the beginning of the fall semester.
Column: Hey Freshman... Pg. 5
See Legacy on pg.6A Graphic by Abby Cage
College can be a hard place if you let people walk all over you. But if you act like Shrum did this summer, it won’t happen to you at OSU.
Page 2A Friday, August 13, 2021
O’Colly
MEET THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Maddison Farris Editor-in-chief
Anna Pope News Editor
Dean Ruhl Sports Editor
Ellen Slater Lifestyle Editor
Hey there! My name is Maddison Farris and I am thrilled to be the Editor-In-Chief of The O’Colly this semester! I am a transfer student and have loved every second of my time in Stillwater. Writing has always been a passion of mine and I am majoring in strategic communication. I’m from Wichita, Kansas, but I’m proud to follow in my parents footsteps and wear America’s brightest orange.
Hello! My name is Anna Pope and I am a senior multimedia journalism major who is the News Editor. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Stillwater has always been in my life and I am eager to report on campus and local affairs. Creating content and telling engaging stories is my favorite part of being editor. If you have news tips, don’t hesitate to reach out!
My name is Dean Ruhl and I’ll be the sports editor at the O’Colly, a place I’ve worked for the past year. I’m a senior studying sports media. As a native of St. Louis, my life revolves around the Blues and Cardinals, but you can find me at just about any sporting event around. Outside of sports, I’m a fan of cooking and a good hike. I am also the treasurer for the Oklahoma State chapter of APSE.
Chris Becker Assistant Sports Editor
Karisa Sheely Design Editor
Abby Cage Photo Editor
Ben Hutchens Digital Editor
My name is Abby Cage, and I am the Photo Editor this year! I am a sophomore majoring in Graphic Design. I have two dogs back home, and two sisters. I love visiting my sisters at home, watching Disney movies and creating new art works as much as I can. Stillwater has become my favorite city and I can’t wait to capture campus life this year!
My name is Ben, but you can also get my attention by using the name of my identical twin brother, Sam. I am a junior here at OSU majoring in Sports Media and love writing about anything with a scoreboard. Last summer I delved into news reporting during an internship at my hometown paper, the Guthrie News Leader.
Hello! My name is Chris Becker and I’ll be the Assistant Sports Editor this semester, and could not be more excited. I have always loved sports, and when I could no longer play them I took on writing them. My favorite sports writer is Berry Tramel. I am a senior studying sports media, and I’m excited for a final year with the O’Colly.
Hi! I’m Karisa Sheely and I will be the design editor for the O’Colly. I am a junior majoring in graphic design and strategic communications. I have a love for sports design and creating new things. I am from Texas, but I love calling Stillwater home during the semester. When i’m not in class or working you can find me at Aspen with my friends or outside enjoying nature.
Hello! My name is Ellen Slater and I am the Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor for the O’Colly. I have been reporting news, lifestyle, and entertainment for the O’Colly throughout the past few semesters and I am excited to take on this new role. I am a multimedia journalism major and will be starting my senior year this fall. As a third generation Poke I have always felt at home in Oklahoma, and love calling Stillwater home.
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RUNNING TO WIN! “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run...Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games (athletics) goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No. I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (I Co. 9:2427 NIV) The Olympic games; every 4 years. Young men and women train and train to participate and hopefully win a medal. It is a great honor to win. However, it really counts only for this life. The Apostle makes it clear that believers are in a race for a crown that is eternal. The value of crown will never end. He challenges us to run to win! A faithful Christian leader is promised “the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Pet.5:4 NIV) The person who perseveres under trial “will receive the crown of life that the Lord promised to them who love him.” (Ja.1:12, Rev.2:10) This is a person that does not give up.
The Apostle said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim.4:78) Therefore a crown of righteousness will be given to him at that final judgment. Yet, not only to him but to all who long for Christ’s coming. Dear ones in Christ, whether young or older, let’s run with Christ. Let’s not give up! Let’s fulfil God’s plan for our lives.. Let’s be faithful to the end. The end will be glorious!
O’Colly
Friday, August 13, 2021 Page 3A
Poke-a-poke News
Abby Cage
OSU is encouraging students to get the vaccine.
OSU encouraging vaccination via raffle prizes Logan Smith Staff Reporter OSU’s Poke-a-thon campaign aims to get students vaccinated at the beginning of the fall semester. Prizes include $3,500 bursar scholarship, campus dining gift cards and more. As students return to Stillwater for school in the fall semester, university officials are concerned about vaccinations due to rising infections and hospitalizations. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Oklahoma has two out of 77 counties with a low rate of transmission. The delta
variant, the latest variant of the coronavirus, is a more transmissible form of COVID-19. The first round of the raffle ends on Aug. 12 and some students like Drew Underwood, a sophomore electrical engineering major, have positive opinions about the contest. “I think the contest is a great idea,” Underwood said. “It is a good way of stressing the importance of being vaccinated.” By awarding students who get vaccinated, Underwood, who will be entering into the raffle, said OSU has a good way to express its stance. However, some students have
negative opinions on Poke-a-thon like Nolan Cox, a sophomore entrepreneurship major. “No, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Cox said. “If anything, it reinforces people’s hesitancy towards the vaccine.” Instead of encouraging students to get the vaccine, Cox said the incentives are not convincing enough to those who are unvaccinated. Other students see the campaign from a bigger picture. Jillian Eckert, a sophomore English major, said this raffle might be the shove people need. “It’s a good idea,” Eckert said. “If this contest pushes more
people to get the vaccine, we can hopefully work towards eliminating the virus.” Eckert said incentives are fine to provide if it is for the sake of public health and safety, which is more important than the right or wrong of the issue. Eckert was considering entering the raffle. The Poke-a-thon can be found on the front page of the Oklahoma State University’s main website. The first round of raffle prizes were given out last Thursday and will continue every week for the next eight weeks. news.ed@ocolly.com
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Page 4A Friday, August 13, 2021
O’Colly
News
Abby Cage
Brian Blevins sitting down for an interview with Anna Pope in his office.
Q&A with Brian Blevins, Coordinator of OffCampus and Non-Traditional Student Services Anna Pope News Editor Brian Blevins, advises and provides resources by helping connect students with off-campus housing, adjust to college life and navigate issues. Since last January, he has advised the Off-Campus Student Association and the NonTraditional Student Organiztion. Q: How has this year already compared to last (academic) year, when you first started? Has the pandemic changed anything?
A: Not really. It was a basically virtual semester when I was here, and then over the summer it’s been pretty quiet around the Union. So, I haven’t really seen any changes. But within the last couple days, with everything going on, just within these last couple days I have been able to see a shift in community coming back and everything. I’m more or less curious how it will look once we’re back in the swing of things with COVID and the delta variant, and how we as a community decide to, you know, take that on. Q: Why is it important to do what you do? A: I think it’s important because there’s more to going to college than just going to your classes, you know? We grow so much as individuals outside of the
classroom and people, like in my position or in the student volunteer positions... they kind of help students navigate their feelings, their thought process to build those leadership skills. So, yes, we may not be teaching students about engineering but there’s so much more than academics that come along with it. Yes, (academics) is a huge part, but I think it’s very important for us to help students grow as individuals. Q: What challenges do nontraditional students face rather than traditional students? A: A lot of it is work and family restraints. You’ll see a lot of non-traditional students who have children and so now, they’re having to put school schedules in or daycare, and they have jobs so they can pay for school and
for their kids. I think time management is, like everyone deals with that, but I feel like it’s on a different scale when it comes to non-traditional students. And then, priorities are just different. Like, I was a traditional student going through, and I rushed a fraternity and all that but, you know, nontraditional students have different priorities. It’s like, ‘I’m here so I can get a degree - I want to be engaged to campus but it’s going to be at a limited capacity or not (in) that traditional sense.’ We have a lot of veteran students. I think the big thing is just learning the non-traditional student story to see what obstacles they might be facing cause they are all so unique. news.ed@ocolly.com
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O’Colly
News
Friday, August 13, 2021 Page 5A
Column: Hey freshmen, OSU’s president is new here too
Ryan Novozinsky Staff Reporter The first week at OSU is always chaotic for freshmen. Most students will scramble around campus after not walking their schedule beforehand – a handful of whom are going to end up in an organic chemistry lecture when they should be in creative writing. Some forget to call their parents because their professor already assigns them a dreaded test in the first week. At some point, you’ll probably feel like your new world is overwhelming. As hectic as it seems, keep this in mind: new OSU President Kayse Shrum had a much rougher start when she got here this summer. Before she even took over, Shrum’s workload was daunting. She had to plan what the school would look like from a COVID-19 restrictions perspective, create a vaccine campaign and further push OSU’s mental health resources to students. Not to mention, she also had to move houses and learn the tedious day-to-day aspects of being OSU’s president. It was a lot. Thankfully, it was July, things were quiet on campus, and there was no indication any bombshell stories would throw her off track. Yeah, that lasted less than a month. On July 21, 2021, days after Shrum’s first day, the Houston Chronicle reported Big 12 rivals OU and Texas were looking to leave the conference for the SEC. The story quickly developed from hearsay to grim reality and in the blink of an eye, they were gone. The move seemed especially petty since OU – a school that usually keeps OSU in the loop with things – did not communicate it at all,
Kelly Kerr
Running full steam ahead, OSU President Dr. Kayse Shrum shows no signs of backing down.
blindsiding Shrum and new athletic director Chad Weiberg. This is like the ultra-extreme version of your new OSU friend group ditching you at a party. Did Shrum cower in fear after this because she’s the new leader in town? Not at all. In fact, she pretty much crushed it with her response. “This action was strategic, deliberate and results from months of planning with the SEC,” Shrum said. “These conversations, which developed over a long period, are a clear breach of the Big 12 Conference bylaws and broke the decadeslong bond of trust between our universities. It is difficult to understand how an Oklahoma institution
of higher education would follow the University of Texas to the detriment of the state of Oklahoma.” Shrum’s message showed she’s not messing around with her time here. She could have easily released a monotone statement saying that “OSU is weighing their options,” but she chose to strike back. She didn’t let a little adversity get in the way of her goals to dominate. And you shouldn’t either. When looking at this year, you should treat every obstacle like Shrum did with this OU-Texas situation. Are you going to have exhausted days where you don’t feel ferocious enough to do so? Sure – finals week does exist after
all. However, you should always remember just because you’re new here doesn’t mean you can’t leave an impact. Shoot, just look at Cade Cunningham. The first overall pick of the NBA draft this year was taking freshman seminar class at OSU only a few months ago. Youth does not exclude you from reaching your dreams – and you can definitely do that at this school. College can be a hard place if you let people walk all over you. But if you act like Shrum did this summer, it won’t happen to you at OSU.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Page 6A Friday, August 13, 2021
O’Colly
Lifestyle
Legacy Continued from pg.1A gonna try the Big Committe for homecoming to get an inside look on how it’s all done as well. I’m most excited to meet new people and try new things!” For freshmen like Laura Smith, academic goals are never left far behind either. “I’m definitely most excited about getting into the Honors College because of the class opportunities it opens up,” Smith said. After facing many trials and tribulations during their senior year of high school, OSU’s Welcome Week has offered some normalcy to incoming students. Ireland Fowler, an incoming freshman is eager to start the year. “The biggest difference about this year is being able to actually socialize with people. My favorite thing about campus is the community and how everyone is so friendly, it makes it feel like home.” Fowler said Although the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect lives in a variety of ways, Sean Black shed some light and inspiration on the matter with his uplifting words. “I honestly don’t have any concerns because I feel that the community cares so much that they will find a way to handle any and all situations,” Black said. Following all the ups and downs of the 2020-2021 school year, the fall semester seems bright with an orange tint ahead. Welcome Week has offered students a taste of what could possibly lie ahead if we continue on a path towards success and positivity.
“I honestly don’t have any concerns because I feel that the community cares so much that they will find a way to handle any and all situations!” - Sean Black
entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
A Stillwater Summer
Abby Cage
A dead campus during summer waiting for classes to start again.
Emily Stuart Staff Reporter
Stillwater has proudly earned the title of a typical college town. Like many college towns across the country, the city’s population decreases drastically every year. The occupational hazard of being a college town means when the spring semester ends, students leave Stillwater and return home. Still, there are a select few who chose to stay over the summer. “This is my third summer in Stillwater,” psychology major Braxton Lamunyon said. Lamunyon made that decision every summer since he began studying at OSU. “I stayed over the sum-
mer here because of my leases,” Lamunyon said. “I couldn’t get out of them, and even if I could, I didn’t want to move home and still be paying rent somewhere, so I just stayed. I also have had jobs I didn’t want to leave, so I stayed in the summer to work.” Other students, like sophomore Callen Rigney, stay during the summer for similar reasons. “I worked all summer,” Rigney said. “But I also wanted to be a part of the community and learn more about local things around town and stay around the friends that I met while in college.” While Stillwater has a lot to offer during the school year with football games and the night life that accompanies the large group of college kids, many agree that some of the city’s charm is lost when the
students leave. “In the summer, it really has more of a small town feel because there’s like half the amount of people there, and it’s just generally dead,” Lamunyon said. This loss of population is felt in abundance by most left in the wake of the student migration. Rigney agrees. “I feel like there’s more of an atmosphere when school is in session,” Rigney said. “The roads suck. The traffic sucks a lot because no one knows how to drive. There’s not much to do in the summer.” Sienna Inso, animal science major said. There are also positives to staying in the more silent Stillwater for the summer.
See Summer on pg.7A
O’Colly
Lifestyle
Summer... Continued from pg.6A Anna Brown a nonprofit management major said, “I really like living here without everyone here because there’s not a lot of partying and I’m not a party person.” To Brown, another bonus to a summer in Stillwater is the number of things available. “Generally, there’s less people, so there’s more stuff,” Brown said. “During the school year, everything was out of stock.”
“Generally, there’s less people, so there’s more stuff.” -Anna Brown
To Inso, the main attraction to a summer in Stillwater is the food. “There’s a lot of chicken to eat,” Inso said. “Most pools are accessible. Drive-thrus are always great and the food is better in the summer because there’s not a lot of people” Brown agreed. “Whataburger is so much faster,” Brown said. Stillwater seems to be split into two towns; one fast paced and lively college town during the fall and spring semesters, and another slow and almost dull small town with not much to do. However, with the right friends and extra money to spend on food, Stillwater can provide smalltown joy in the desolate and hot summer days. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
Friday, August 13, 2021 Page 7A
Sisterhood found within the walls of brotherhood Bryanna Nickel Staff Reporter
After the spring semester, the Chi Omega house was torn down in order to make room for a new one. Without a house of its own, Chi Omega had to find a place to host recruitment week. The chapter decided on the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, also known as FIJI, house after a few weeks of decision-making. The chapter was reunited at the FIJI house on Thursday for the annual “work week,-” a week when sorority houses prepare to recruit a new member class. Makinley Kennedy, a sophomore and member of Chi Omega, returned for work and recruitment week in the days following up to school resuming. “I’m grateful that we have a place where we can all be together, and we can spend time with one another and create cherished memories,” Kennedy said. Despite being in a new place, the chapter found ways to hold many sister-bonding events including an outdoor movie night, a zumba class and a charcuteriethemed picnic. “I’m also grateful that we have a place where we can welcome young ladies and express love and kindness to them as they go throughout this week,” Kennedy said. Kynleigh Vela, Chi Omega’s recruitment week choir director said recruiting out of the FIJI house was not a big disadvantage. “Our house was just a physical place to meet, but the girls are what make Chi O home,” Vela said. “Whether we are in FIJI or Chi O, we still love getting to know the PNMs.” Many women in the chapter
Abby Cage Top photo is the Chi Omega house under construction, bottom is the Fraternity house it is currently using.
are looking forward to the new house, including Karson Dodd, a senior member of Chi Omega. “I will miss our old house and the many stories attached to it, but I know that the new house will be worth the wait,” Dodd said. The new house is anticipated to be finished for fall 2022 with new landscaping, bedrooms for 71 members and multiple living areas.
“I am confident that the new house will continue Chi Omega’s legacy of strong sisterhood and great memories,” Dodd said. Panhellenic recruitment is set to go through the end of this week, with Bid Day being planned for Saturday.
entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
Page 8A Friday, August 13, 2021
O’Colly
Annemarie Chaney
Tribune News Service
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O’Colly
Monday, July 19, 2021 Page 11
Presley excited for new role with OSU
Sudeep Tumma Staff Reporter
WHO STARTS? With key players leaving via the draft and graduation, what does OSU’s 2021 lineup look like?
Graphic by Karisa Sheely
Predicting OSU’s starting lineup Dean Ruhl Sports Editor As Oklahoma State walked of the field of Camping World Stadium in Orlando, they knew this would be the final time this group played together. Either to graduation, or an opportunity to play in the NFL, many key pieces departed from Stillwater. Roughly seven months later, the Cowboys are on the cusp of a new season. But with gaps needing to be filled, whether on offense or defense the question needs to be asked. Who starts? Offense It isn’t debated whether quarterback Spencer Sanders will shepherd OSU’s offense this season or not. A redshirt junior, Sanders has had consistent numbers in his first two seasons as a starter, and is anticipated to make a leap in performance this season. Under quarterbacks coach Tim Rattay, Sanders’ play will be imperative for OSU in 2021. In front of Sanders is an offensive line with a facelift. After a 2020 season riddled with injuries, the Cowboys front five brought
in two transfers with the capability to immediately impact. Center Danny Godlevske will start for the Cowboys, accompanied by left guard Josh Sills, who took on a leadership roll last year despite it being his first season in the program. Caleb Etienne transferred to OSU this offseason, and is competing for a starting spot at left tackle. Gundy said Taylor Miterko has the starting spot at the current moment. On the right side, right guard Hunter Woodard and right tackle Jake Springfield, two players who stepped up in 2020 after injuries to the line will likely start. The O-line will create gaps for running back LD Brown, who used his free year of COVID eligibility to return to OSU for his sixth season. Brown has struggled with injuries in past seasons, but with a reinforced running back corps, he could see his workload be more manageable. Dezmon Jackson, Jaylen Warren and Dominic Richardson all have starting capabilities, but the starting nod will be given to the veteran Brown. Complementing the run game will be a revamped pass game. Wide receivers Tylan Wallace and Dillon Stoner departed to the NFL this offseason, leaving questions for the receiving corps. See Starts on pg.4B
Brennan Presley exploded last time Oklahoma State fans saw him on a football field, but he doesn’t want to be remembered by just one game. “I just didn’t want to get complacent with everything,” Presley said. “I didn’t want to have just a good game and be like, ‘OK, well, that was one good thing.’ And then like, ‘Sucks the next year.’ I want to improve on that and have a great season. Not only season but just a great career here.” Presley’s comments refer to his sensational performance in OSU’s 3734 victory over Miami in the Cheez-It Bowl. The true freshman went off for six receptions, 118 yards and three touchdowns as he torched Miami’s secondary. It was Presley’s true “comingout party,” as he had only one reception prior to the game. The performance came out of nowhere, but the player certainly didn’t. OSU fans were eagerly waiting for the 3-star Oklahoma product from Bixby to show off his tantalizing skillset all season long. And he did. “He started to get considerably better at the See Presley on pg.4B
12-team playoff could be huge for Big 12 Chris Becker Assistant Sports Editor The landscape of college football could be shaken once again. Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, Notre Dame athletic director Jack Sawrbrick and Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson were the members of a sub-group nominated by
other members of the CFB management to discuss a playoff expansion. A release from the CFP said the sub-group had been working on the proposal for two years. The group settled on a proposal for a 12-team playoff. The proposal now awaits the September board meeting of the CFP committee. “I’m hopeful that we will have a decision at the September board meeting, but if we’re not able to touch the necessary bases and get agreement on how it fits together, we won’t be able to do that,” Bowlsby said “If we’re unable to See Real deal on pg.2B
Chris Becker With playoff expansion on the horizon, the Big 12 could reap benefits from it.
Page 2B Friday, August 13, 2021
sports
Mr. Amazon Bernard-Converse provides ‘steady’ influence on defense
Chris Becker/O’Colly With younger cornerbacks, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is pushing for more zone coverage, with Jarrick Bernard-Converse a leader for the group.
that steadying influence.” Knowles acknowledged coach Tim Duffie, OSU’s cornerback coach, as the person who gave Bernard-Converse the nickname. Dean Ruhl “It happened around the spring time and I just stuck with Sports Editor it,” Bernard-Converse said. “I’m trying to live up to it.” No, cornerback Jarrick The nickname was handed Bernard-Converse isn’t deliver- down during one of Knowles’ ing your latest book or newest “defender of the day” award set of pots and pans to your presentations he has with the front porch. defense after every practice. Instead, he is deliverKnowles said the awards help ing hits, interceptions and pass keep players in a competitive blocks, albeit at the same level mentality and focused in on of reliability the global comdefensive fundamentals. pany Amazon delivers packages The players agree with to your door. At least that is him. Bernard-Converse said how defensive coordinator Jim the meetings post-practice are Knowles and the rest of Oklaalways high energy, and he and homa State’s defense sees it. his teammates get very ener“We call him Amazon gized when the award is handed because he always delivers,” out. Knowles said. “I mean he is Safety Tanner McCalister just a steady guy, he has played and linebacker Mason Cobb every play since I’ve been here were award winners during fall and you can just really count on camp. Knowles said he stays out
O’Colly
of giving nicknames to players, instead opting for the team’s creativity to bestow a nickname onto a player. “It keeps everyone in a competitive nature,” linebacker Devin Harper said. “I mean you’ve got to be competitive. If you don’t eat you’re going to starve.” With Rodarius Williams’ departure to the NFL, BernardConverse becomes the leader of the unit, one season after he made the switch from safety to cornerback. “I look at it as being year four in the system,” BernardConverse said. “The guys look up to us, and we are experienced so coach Knowles relies on us to make sure that we’re leading the guys in the right way and according to what he wants.” Knowles said 2021 will be his first season with a new See Mr. Amazon on pg.5B
Real deal... Continued from pg.1B come to some closure on it either in September or at some period of time afterward, I guess that we’ll likely wait till the end of the 12-year agreement and implement it at that time.” Big 12 coaches and players were in agreement of the meaning the possible expansion had for not only the conference but other conferences as well. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said the playoff would help non-Power Five teams make it into the playoffs. Since the onset of the CFP no Group of Five team has been included in the final four of the college football season. The Group of Five has had a team in the top 12 in three of the last four seasons. “You’ve got to start somewhere. It addressed getting the conference champions in the playoff, which has needed to happen,” Riley said. “It addressed a pathway for a Group of Five member to be able to get into the playoffs, which honestly hasn’t been realistic under the current system.” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell, who experienced larger playoffs as a player at a Division III school, is excited for the added school involvement at the end of the season. “I certainly think the more teams that are competing for that playoff come November and December, the more universities and student bodies are engaged in the entirety of the finish of the season,” Campbell said. sports.ed@ocolly.com
If the CFP started at 12 teams, these schools would have gone in years past... 2014: Baylor (5), TCU (6), Kansas State (11) 2015: Oklahoma (4), TCU (11) 2016: Oklahoma (7), Oklahoma State (12) 2017: Oklahoma (2) 2018: Oklahoma (4) 2019: Oklahoma (4), Baylor (7) 2020: Oklahoma (6), Iowa State (10)
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sports
Cowgirls prepare for veteran-heavy roster, two key position battles
Sam Hutchens Staff Reporter When the Oklahoma State soccer starting lineup is introduced for the first time on Aug. 19, it will be one of great continuity. OSU returns nine of its eleven starting players from the 2020 team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament, including four seniors. Having players return who would otherwise have graduated is a benefit not unique to OSU. Some teams played more than others in 2020, but the NCAA granted every soccer athlete a one-year extension to their career. While not completely out of the picture (the Cowgirl’s still expect to utilize take-out dining on road trips and masks when appropriate) COVID precautions have been dialed back to allow for a more traditional season. OSU will again play twice weekly and navigate a robust schedule of nonconference and Big 12 games. “It’s strange because that was our normal for a long time,” Hannah Webb said. “Now it feels like we’re back to what we were doing and what we were getting really good at. It’s exciting to return to what was our old, old normal.” Along with Webb, Charmé Morgan, Kim Rodriguez and Gabriella Coleman opted to play a fifth year for OSU. The Cowgirls enter the season ranked third in the Big 12 preseason poll behind West Virginia and TCU. With the Horned Frogs and Mountaineers also reaping the rewards of retaining their seniors, coach Colin Carmichael is relying on his veterans to set the tone in what is shaping up to be a competitive race atop the conference. “Our identity will be what our leadership group makes it,” Carmichael said. “Those players from last year, so much experience and such a great season. They’ll lead the way.” Replacing the two departed starters — midfielder Camy Huddleston, who opted to pursue medical school, and goalkeeper Emily Plotz — is a challenge Carmichael and his coaches have been working through in the
Alicia Young/O’Colly With nine starters returning, the Cowgirls prepare to fight for a conference title.
offseason. Two freshman goalkeepers, Evie Vitali and Ary Purifoy, have been in competition with sophomore Amber Lockwood for the starting job. “It’s going to be interesting,” Carmichael said. “None of them have a ton of experience. Amber got to play quite a bit this spring which was great. Ary trained with us all spring but wasn’t able to play and then Evie is a freshman. Right now, it’s a battle.” Carmichael plans to play all three candidates in the upcoming exhibition match against Missouri. “They all have a couple things where they have an edge on the other player, but they all have things that they’ve got to get better at if they want to make that starting job their own,” Carmichael said. In Huddleston’s stead, some players to keep an eye out for include midfielder Shyann McClary, as well Logan Heausler and Samiah Phiri - two freshmen who have looked sharp during camp. Webb said a goal of hers and other team leaders is to overcome what could be a five-year age gap and make sure there is chemistry between their teammates. “We have a lot of new players coming in who have definitely made an impact on our overall culture and the energy within preseason,” Webb said. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Starts...
Ford, Isreal Antwine and Tyler Lacy anchor down the D-line. Ford is the youngest as a junior. A slew of familiar Continued from pg.1B names bolster the Cowboys secondary. Kolby HarvellTay Martin will likely Peel, Tre Sterling and Tanner fill in Wallace’s spot, and McCalister earned starting Brennan Presley for Stoner, spots, and the veterans combut the ‘X’ spot can be filled bine to give OSU a threeby numerous young players. headed monster at safety. Offensive coordinator Jarrick BernardKasey Dunn said freshmen Converse will start at one Bryson and Blaine Green are of the cornerback spots, suitors for the spot, but OSU but questions arise for the has numerous options. other spot. Christian Holmes “Langston Anderson will likely get the nod, but is over there as well,” Dunn defensive coordinator Jim said. “I might even put Jaden Knowles said Korie Black Bray over there, check that and Jabbar Muhammad, both thing out, but they’re cersophomores, are competing tainly the frontrunners for to start. that Depending on the spot right now.” coverage OSU plays, zone or OSU’s iconic cowboy man, you could see any three back spot will likely be filled of those players. by Logan Carter, but Braden Cassity and transfer Austin DT: Israel Antwine Jarrard have a chance at a DT: Brendon Evers starting role. DE: Tyler Lacy DE: Trace Ford QB: Spencer Sanders LB: Malcolm Rodriguez RB: LD Brown LB: Devin Harper WR: Brennan Presley S: Kolby Harvell-Peel WR: Tay Martin S: Tre Sterling WR: Blaine Green S: Tanner McCalister CW: Logan Carter CB: Jarrick BernardRT: Jake Springfield Converse RG: Hunter Woodard CB: Christian Holmes C: Danny Godlevske LG: Josh Sills Special teams LT: Taylor Miterko Kicker Alex Hale and punter Tom Hutton return in Defense 2021, making OSU’s special The offense is in a teams practically untouched “prove it” year, whereas the compared to the past season. defense will be marshaled by The punt returner will a handful of veteran players. change, a spot occupied Linebacker Malcolm by Stoner, and likely to be Rodriguez anchored not just fulfilled by Presley. Braydon his position group, but argu- Johnson could also fill in. ably the entire defense. He K: Alex Hale lost Amen Ogbongbemiga, P: Tom Hutton who was selected in the NFL KR: Braydon Johnson draft, giving Devin Harper an opportunity to start PR: Brennan Presley alongside Rodriguez. In front of them will be a veteran group of defensive linemen. sports.ed@ocolly.com Brendon Evers, Trace
2021 Big 12 preview: Texas Sam Hutchens Staff Reporter
Chris Becker With the loss of Tylan Wallace and Dillon Stoner, Brennan Presley is excited to fill their place, and prove his bowl game performance wasn’t a fluke.
Presley...
Continued from pg.1B based on reps,” coach Mike Gundy said. “Settled in starting to figure it out. You saw him improved, particularly in a bowl game.” Presley’s impact in the bowl game not only helped the Cowboys win the game, but it also cast a bright light on the future of the receiving corps. With Dillon Stoner, Landon Wolf and All-American Tylan Wallace departing, the Cowboys are losing 76.3% of their production from the wide receivers last year. OSU needs guys to step up, and Presley fits the bill. “Everything just clicks a little bit quicker with him so, you know, decisions that are being made on routes and stems and releases and all those things,” offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn said. “He’s just more comfortable and makes the decision quicker.” Dunn, also OSU’s receivers coach, talked about how Presley’s football IQ has improved and called Presley “a great leader.” Those are the intangibles,
but on the field, Presley is an explosive, dynamic weapon. Despite his 5-foot-8 stature, Presley’s pristine combination of speed, elusiveness and quickness is tantalizing. Those traits were on full display against Miami, and Presley will look to replicate that as the Cowboys thrust him into a fulltime starting role in 2021. Presley, along with senior Tay Martin, who also had a nice performance in the Cheez-It Bowl, are going to be integral parts of OSU’s passing game this season. The duo showed good chemistry with redshirt junior quarterback Spencer Sanders. Chemistry that continued to blossom over the offseason. “We worked out, but not just me, but the rest of the receiving corps,” Presley said. “We put in a ton of work this summer, just trying to get timing down, throws down. So just trying to work on every aspect of the game, and just really get better. Because, like this year, we know we’re going to run the ball because we have a lot of good running backs, but also, when we throw it, we’re trying to make one-play drives, not 20-play drives.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
It is said everything is bigger in Texas. There may not be a football team with bigger questions needing answered than the Texas Longhorns. Oklahoma State lost in overtime 41-34 against Texas last season in Stillwater. When the Cowboys travel to Austin this year, they will run up against a Longhorn team that looks quite different
Is this the year Texas is finally back?
from the one that ended OSU’s undefeated season. This offseason, national champion offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian of Alabama traded in his crimson for burnt orange and a six-year, $34 million contract as the head coach of Texas. The new-look Longhorn team will also be without four-year starting quarterback Sam Ehlinger. Two players have emerged as the potential next signal caller. Casey Thompson, a junior, made waves when he entered the Alamo Bowl game after Ehlinger left with a shoulder injury. Thompson completed 8-of-10 passes and recorded four touchdowns while leading his team to a blowout win over Colorado. See Texas on pg.5B
Brett Rojo
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Friday, August 13, 2021 Page 5B
sports
Mr. Amazon...
Texas...
cornerback since his first season with the Cowboys in 2018. He had AJ Green for two years, Williams for three, and BernardConverse for a season. Knowles said by adding in a cornerback without starting experience, he is relying on Bernard-Converse to help mentor. Knowles said he is seeing Bernard-Converse step up and the younger DB’s – something OSU has had in influx of in past recruiting classes – look up to him. “There is a lot of competition, and everybody is hungry to make plays and standout,” Bernard-Converse said. “I think it is going to be a good year for us. I’m very confident in the secondary.” With an abundance of younger defensive backs, Knowles has started to implement more zone coverage into his defensive schemes. With veteran players, man coverage is easier to play, but with a cornerback group of less experienced players, Knowles is adjusting by adding in more zone coverage alignments. “With a new corner, you always want to have ways to protect them, right? So if you’re in man coverage, you can’t protect him at all,” Knowles said. “We’re still going to (play man), but you want to have more tools, and as we grow the system, it is part of the system.” Playing in zone will be beneficial for young cornerbacks
“Casey Thompson is a guy who has been in the program a little bit longer,” Sarkisian said. “Everybody remembers what he did in the Alamo Bowl with four touchdown passes in the second half. Very athletic guy. Very driven, very focused. High football IQ. Great leader.” Thompson’s competition is Austinnative Hudson Card. A highly ranked dualthreat QB, Card has been good enough in camp as a redshirt freshman to make the decision awaiting Sarkisian “So hard.” “(Card has) tremendous passing ability, great instincts of passing the football,” Sarkisian said. “So we’re in a good position.” Sophomore running back Bijan Robinson returns after a fantastic 2020 season, and will be a stabilizing presence for UT. The Longhorn’s ceiling in 2021 is high. Both Thompson and Card have shown promise and the ability to harness the blue chipriddled roster into a powerful force worthy of a New Year’s Six Bowl. The Longhorn’s floor, however, is low. Regardless of talent, gelling an incoming head coach and first year starting quarterback is difficult. There is no concrete timetable on the delicate process, and the mid-season game against OSU could come at a good time for OSU. The Cowboys may well meet a team that has not yet found its stride. Entering the season with a preseason ranking of 18, the Horn’s enter the season with hype. However, the hype has remained a constant in Austin for a long time. This year, Texas looks to back it up.
Continued from pg.5B
Continued from pg.2B
OSU’s 2020 coverage Cover 1: 29.8% Cover 2: 5.9% Cover 3: 15.6% Cover 4/6: 24.8%
Chris Becker Bernard-Converse is mild-mannered, but has become a leader on OSU’s defense.
like Jabbar Muhammad and Korie Black, who are expected to see considerable playing time this season. Knowles said Muhammad has a high football IQ, and Black has all the markings of an NFL player. He said both will compete for a starting spot this season. “(Zone) has worked out well,” Bernard-Converse said. “We’ve gotten more turnovers so I think that is what (Knowles) has wanted, and it has worked out for us so it is looking pretty good for us this year.” Knowles said the team is still going to play a lot of man. He said OSU has players stronger in man coverage than zone coverage but wouldn’t name any names. It can be assumed Knowles is talking about Christian Holmes, who transferred from Missouri this past season. Knowles said Holmes struggled with confidence and gave up big plays in 2020, but his experience could give him the nod when the Cowboys play man coverage. Despite Holmes struggling with his first year in the system, he will be a huge asset because of his age. “He is trying to take his game to the next level,” Knowles said. “He really is. He is really
working hard. Times gonna tell, you know, he is gonna have to step up and do it in the game, but we’re counting on it.” Bernard-Converse thrived in man coverage in 2020. He has seven passes defended and one forced fumble in 10 games. “When the ball goes up it is either my ball or nobody’s,” Bernard-Converse said. “That is my mindset. When we’re both going up it is a 50/50 ball, but I want to come down with it 100% (of the time). I just go up with the mindset of attack the ball or not let the receiver come down with it.” The combination of young players and veterans isn’t just something exclusive to the defensive backs. The linebackers are dealing with a similar situation, anchored by veteran Malcolm Rodriguez and Harper, and joined by several younger players. The constant between the two groups is what the veterans all understand their purpose is. “We understand our assignments and what we’re supposed to do so now we’re just going out there and going to attack the ball and forcing turnovers,” BernardConverse said. sports.ed@ocolly.com
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Head coach: Steve Sarkisian (First year) 2020 record: 7-3 (5-3 Big 12) 3 key players: Joshua Moore - Wide receiver DeMarvion Overshown - Linebacker Bijan Robinson - Running back X-factor: Casey Thompson or Hudson Card
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Daily Horoscope
Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes
Today’s Birthday (08/13/21). Connection and partnership are your magic this year. Build and grow collaboration with steady coordination. Making new social connections this summer leads to a professional change this autumn. Family and romance light up this winter, inspiring a springtime career metamorphosis. Love is the active ingredient. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Enjoy deeper connection with your sweetheart or partner. Share imagination, playfulness and curiosity. You can make your own luck. Teach and learn together. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Proceed with caution. Prioritize health, vitality and wellness. Don’t overdo things; avoid accidents or injury. Monitor conditions and slow for sharp corners. Steady action wins. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Connect with people, activities and places that you love. Find beauty in the present moment. Relax and have fun. Discover a sense of playfulness. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Enjoy domestic comforts. Arrange rooms and spaces for family support. Plan renovations and upgrades. Handle household responsibilities. Prepare something delicious. Rest and recharge. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Edit and refine communications. Strengthen foundational elements. Reinforce basic structures. Rely on multiple verified data sources. Present research and discoveries clearly. Share your story. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Consistent efforts keep the ball rolling. Maintain momentum for positive cash flow. Focus on short-term objectives, for now. Prioritize the basics. Nurture peace of mind. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Emotional creativity works. You’re gaining confidence. Dress for success, and let your light shine. Smile for the camera. Use your influence for good. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Slow to consider where you’ve been and what’s ahead. Long-term ambitions may seem distant. Take care of yourself. Savor privacy, peace and quiet. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — One good friend leads to another. New facts dispel old fears. Make an excellent connection. Participate on team or community projects. Count your blessings. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Invest in your career. Explore an interesting opportunity. Prepare portfolios, presentations or marketing materials. Prepare for a test. Winning is a distinct possibility. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Expand your exploration. Imagine the results you’d like to achieve, as already accomplished. What route did you take to get there? Study options. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Coordinate with your partner. Keep things simple. Avoid waste and extra expenses. Collaborate for shared ease. Learn from and with each other.
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