Friday, January 21, 2022
MLK moving masses Abby Smith
An afternoon with Soledad O’Brien
Soledad O’Brien spoke about Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, in addition to diversity and inclusion.
OSU student Bri Kissling, who gave an introduction on O’Brien and the background of her career. At the talk, O’Brien stressed the importance of credible journalism and Teyte Holcomb the characteristics of being Staff Reporter a good journalist. Around 20 student-led questions American broadcast- filled the nearly hour-long er Soledad O’Brien came event. These questions to Oklahoma State’s Sturanged from information dent Union to discuss her about O’Brien’s percareer and those interested sonal life to key skills she in the journalism field. learned from her time in The event began with the media.
“Be that voice in the room, I bring a different perspective,” O’Brien said. O’Brien spoke about the history of her broadcasting career, and how the internet continues to impact journalism. O’Brien is an award-winning journalist, author, documentarian, speaker and philanthropist. She anchors and produces “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien,” is a correspondent for HBO “Real Sports” and the host of the podcast, “Very Opinionat-
ed with Soledad O’Brien.” She has been an anchor for CNN, NBC and MSNBC. She also discussed the longevity of credibility throughout her career, and how the impact of her work has been received among the public. O’Brien was featured at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts event, “An Evening with Soledad O’Brien.”
news.ed@ocolly.com
OSU, Stillwater community honor MLK in unity march
institutional diversity and chief diversity officer, Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce and OSU President Dr. Kayse Shrum. Kirksey spoke about Hundreds gaththe reflection of King’s ered at Oklahoma State’s words of strength and campus on Monday to unity in the community. celebrate Martin Luther “As we are gathered King’s impact and legacy. here today, I encourage Stillwater Community United, a community and challenge each of us organization dedicated to to recognize the meaning of Dr. King’s dream cultivating relationships, diversity, and understand- is what matters, not just the march,” Kirksey said. ing in Stillwater and surrounding area, the City “Hopefully all of us listen to each other, commit to of Stillwater and OSU learn from one another partnered to present the and aspire to be better program. The 2022 MLK Cel- today than we were yesterday.” ebration March began at With her fam2 p.m. at Spears Business ily standing behind her, School and ended at the Shrum spoke about the McKnight Center. In the events’ second importance of King’s message in her life. year, several university and community leaders spoke: Jason Kirksey, See Unity on 6A OSU’s vice president for
Emmett Smith Staff Reporter
Abby Cage Student keynote speaker Chideha Kanu speaks about the important of love and unity at the MLK Day march.
Abby Cage Before the march, some students volunteered at community organizations.
“All of habitat home owners are lowincome families who qualify, and the type of transformational change that happens with afAnna Pope fordable housing is the kind of a breaking of News Editor generational poverty that Dr. King’s legacy was to Hilary Hunt is fight against,” Hunt said. always looking for new Hunt said building volunteers. a house can take up to or For Dr. Martin Lu- a little less than a year to ther King Day, students build, and some Oklavolunteered to work on homa State students have projects at Habitat for been volunteering during Humanity, Mt. Zion building days. Baptist Church and the During MLK Day, Family Resource Center student did landscape (FRC). work, mixed paint primHunt is the exer, dirt work, cleared out ecutive director of a shed and toured a new Stillwater’s Habitat for home that is about to Humanity, a non-profit dedicated to family. organization that makes improvements or builds affordable homes for See Masses on 4A families in the city.
WHAT’s inside
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Livestock team members competed in a nation show.
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Race for a cure pg. 5A
Video game speed racing led to a $3.5 million donation to charity
Glass House pg. 6A
Brianna Harlan has an exhibition on display at the Gardiner Gallery of Art.
Page 2A Friday, January 21, 2022
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News
PHOTO OF THE WEEK BY ABBY CAGE
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
FUN FACT
Oklahoma State is home to the largest comprensive student union. Moussa Cisse (left) has blocked 29 shots for Oklahoma State in his 16 games.
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Friday, January 21, 2022 Page 3A
News
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. King would have turned 93-years-old on Monday. He was a Baptist minister and leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s up to his assassination in 1968. King promoted acts of civil disobedience, and was instrumental in the movement’s success in ending segregation in the United States. All photos by Abby Cage
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Page 4A Friday, January 21, 2022
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News
OSU Cornhole Club makes top 3 Brylee Nickel Staff Reporter
Tribune News Service
Oklahoma State’s cornhole club won $3,250 in scholarship money.
Masses... Continued from 1A “We really feel like we’re on the front lines of changing lives and lifting people and giving people a more just world to live in,” Hunt said. While student volunteers were finishing projects at Habitat for Humanity, other volunteers worked inside Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Additionally, students at the FRC cleaned the playgrounds in six neighborhoods, picked up trash and cleaned bulletin boards. Elizabeth Carver-Cyr is the assistant director of family
The club won $3,250 in scholarship money, with members reaching the top 16 in the college doubles category and third in the nation in The Oklahoma State’s cornthe college team event. hole club has grown since its start “It was a great experience,” over a year ago. Pifer said. “Everyone had a blast. Jager Pfier, a mechanical enFirst year (at the tournament), we’re gineering technology sophomore, is obviously going to have a couple president and founder of the club. hiccups, but it was a lot of fun.” “I like throwing cornhole with Pifer said all the members my family. It is so fun,” Pifer said. love the sport; during their off-time “I figured there was going to be a at the tournament, they played cornclub because when I got to OSU, hole in the hotel parking lot. I always heard, ‘There’s basically Pifer said he hopes to use this a club for everything.’ Obviously, experience to develop as a team there wasn’t.” and individuals, as well as grow the OSU did not have a cornhole club’s support and acknowledgeclub. ment. Although Pifer was still a “Everybody right now is so freshman, he decided to take initia- excited, and I hope that we can keep tive and start a cornhole club. He this momentum up, and I think that did not know many people, but he we can,” Pifer said. trusted a club devoted to playing Morgan Richards, a computer cornhole would appeal to others. and electrical engineering sopho“I really didn’t have a big more and Cornhole Club treasurer, audience because I was a freshsaid they want to get to a point man and didn’t know many people where the college recognizes the who wanted to play,” Pifer said. “I club. just started it and knew that people “We’re just starting, but I would come.” would like to get to that point where Due to the 2020 COVID-19 we are advanced past, ‘Just a club.’ regulations, Pifer could not begin I know we’ve got a long way to go, official on-campus cornhole pracbut that would be nice.” tices. So, the Stillwater Area Sports Pifer said visiting a weekly Association became a popular spot meeting and playing a round of for the cornhole athletes to throw. cornhole is the best way to support The club was able to begin the club. throwing and advertising in the “The bigger we grow, the 2021 fall semester. The club has more support from the school we held practice every Wednesday will get,” Pifer said. since August—even during Winter The club began with four Break. In addition to weekly meet- members in 2020, and last Wednesings, some club members travel to day, about 30 people came to the tournaments across the state. weekly meeting to play cornhole. The club held fundraiser “As long as we keep growing, tournaments to help raise funds to we’ll keep throwing,” Pifer said. compete in the National College Cornhole Championship. With hard work and the help of sponsors, the Cornhole Club funded 12 members to attend the tournament. news.ed@ocolly.com
graduate student housing and was in charge of community service on the MLK planning leadership team. She said there were about 24 volunteers organizing and cleaning inside Mt. Zion Baptist Church and 20 volunteers at the family students center. For Carver-Cyr, bring people together to volunteer their time to others, working for the common good and for a common goal is how people can build respect for other people and places. “It’s so important that we respect and love on one another because we are all human beings,” Carver-Cyr said.
news.ed@ocolly.com
via Ferguson College of Agriculture Website
OSU Livestock Judging Team sweeps stock show Members of the livestock judging team placed in individual results and the team won High Team Overall.
Abby Cage Stillwater and Oklahoma State community members marched in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
said. It is similar to track and field where each person’s success counts toward the whole team’s success. The teams evaluate and rank animals based on a set of priorities, and then the individuals give sets Rachel Williamson of reasons to defend his or her Staff Reporter their selection. “My favorite memory at Cattlemen’s was judging with The livestock judging a group of people I saw as my team brought home multiple biggest competitors in junior victories from this past week college,” Erickson said. “Beat Cattlemen’s Congress in ing able to combine all of our Oklahoma City. talent onto one team and come Lauren Erickson, a junior out on top, and with the High majoring in animal science, Individual showed me that hard placed 16th High Individual work can pay off.” and said the judging team won Cattlemen’s Congress the High Team Overall. Some is a new tradition in livestock team members also placed shows with cattle sales, shows highly in the individual results. and featured exhibitors from “Winning all of the 41 states and three Canaspecies is something that is dian provinces. It was created difficult to do,” Erickson said. because in the previous year, “We were able to come out on shows were postponed or cantop in cattle, sheep and goats, celed in the nation due to the and swine.” COVID-19 pandemic, includLivestock judging is as ing the Oklahoma Youth Expo. much of an individual sport In 2021, Gov. Kevin as it is a team sport, Erickson Stitt mentioned the creation of
Cattlemen’s Congress after the National Western Livestock Show in Denver was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said people in Denver turned their backs on the agriculture industry because of the canceled cattle show. “So we started a new tradition here in Oklahoma City, and the Cattlemen’s Congress brought $50 million to our economy,” Stitt said. Cattlemen’s Congress is planning on having shows for years to come, and Bray Haven, the Cattlemen’s Congress executive vice president, said the organization broke records in its inaugural year in Oklahoma City and the momentum is still here. “With resounding support from the City of Oklahoma City, the State of Oklahoma and their officials and the agriculture industry, Cattlemen’s Congress is truly the gathering place of an industry,” Haven said. news.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
Friday, January 21, 2022 Page 5A
News/Lifestyle
Nature inspires Red Earth, Frozen Rain Kaylie Sequira Staff Reporter
Courtesy of Ana Mae Morrow Ana Mae Morrow works as a coordinator for outdoor adventure and leadership at the Colvin Recreation Center.
Humans of OSU: Ana Mae Morrow
Dru Norton Lifestyle Editor
applied for a program and got in.” In 2021, Morrow received her master’s degree from James Madison University in sport and recreation leadership, concentrating in campus recreation. In May of 2021, she was hired at the Colvin Center. Morrow said there are exciting upcoming events and trips this semester. Some events, like “Glow Climb,” are free and hosted at the Colvin. There, students climb the rock wall under a black light with a glowing climbing route. This event is hosted on Feb. 11 from 9-11 p.m. Morrow said she is most excited about the upcoming trip “Chill with Alpacas” at Zena Suri Alpacas in northeastern Oklahoma. There, students will travel into the pasture with a small herd of alpacas and learn how alpaca fiber is used to make clothes and soap. This event will be on Feb. 19 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on upcoming events, students can visit rec. wellness.okstate.edu. Morrow said she enjoys working with students to ensure the program provides fun and educational trips. “My favorite part of the job is getting to work with students and getting to know them and their passions,” Morrow said. “A lot of the time, we will come up with program ideas and they execute it, not me. It’s just having that trust and faith and working with them. They are just awesome human beings.”
Ana Mae Morrow does not shy away from adventure. As a coordinator for outdoor adventure and leadership for the Colvin Recreation Center, Morrow manages the 24-inch-high climbing wall and coordinates day and trip outdoor adventure programs. “I mostly manage the climbing wall in the trips program, so our climbing wall not only has the day-to-day open schedule where you can come in and climb, but we also have programs that we run,” Morrow said. “My job is to come up with those ideas, and make sure we have the appropriate staff for them.” In 2018, Morrow received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and studio art from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. As a senior in college, Morrow said she had no idea what she wanted to do. “When I was an undergrad, I worked with our adventure program at James Madison,” Morrow said. “One day, my boss was like, ‘Hey, it seems like you like doing this. You know you can do this as a career?’ So, I took a year off between my undergraduate and my graduate degree to get some extra experience in outdoor education and recreation, and entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
The Department of Theatre sponsored Oklahoma State students dancing to pieces of a variety of styles including ballet, modern, contemporary and jazz. Students will perform the Winter Dance Concert Red Earth, Frozen Rain in the Seretean Performing Arts Center on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. The students and Emma Draves, the director of the dance program at the university, choreographed eight pieces to perform. Elizabeth Calandra, a junior theater major and dance minor, said she is performing in five dances and choreographed two of them. One of her pieces is set to the poem “For Grief” in honor of her grandfather who died in April. “I am looking forward to having all of the dancers in one room performing, since it has been so long since the dance program has been able to do something all together,” Calandra said. “It will show the talent we have and the creativity in our program, not only of the students, but also the directors.” Dance will not be the only thing performed at the concert, OSU Pokeapella will be guest performers at the concert. Dylan Aaron, the co-president of Pokeapella, said the acapella group will sing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” “This song is a staple in our repertoire because it is always a crowd-pleaser, and we just love to perform it,” Aaron said. “We added just a bit of choreography to this performance to make it special, since it is a dance concert after all.” The concert will not take place on a large stage, instead, it will be performed in the center’s movement lab. Drave said she wanted this concert to be in the room because it’s a more intimate space for performers and the audience. “Because we are a young program, it seemed nice to create a little bit more coziness (in the
performance),” Draves said. Oklahoma’s connection to nature inspired the title “Red Earth, Frozen Rain.” Draves is from Chicago, and said the nature in Oklahoma is a more immersive experience than the concrete and public transportation she was used to in the Windy City. “When I created the ballet, this piece of music made me think of figures of white dresses dancing in the fog, so we titled it ‘Ghost Fog,’” Draves said. “The modern piece feels like the meadow, which is very busy. There is just something about the natural elements of being here that I really am attuned to.”
Draves will host a director’s chat before the performance on Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come and ask questions. Tickets are free and became available today. To claim a ticket to either performance, go to theatre. okstate.edu. For questions, call the theater’s box office at 405-744-6094 or email Sandi DeVore at sandi. devore@okstate.edu. “This concert is the only opportunity this semester for dance minors to perform, so we would love for you to come experience it with us,” Calandra said. news.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little
The race to take down cancer Speedrunner gymnast98 streamed The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, raising over $1 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Gymnast86, a catalyst in The Legend of Zelda speed running community, ran The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D at the event. This year marked his eighth run he has completed for the organiEvery January since 2011, zation. With as much experience as Awesome Games Done Quick Gymnast86, he attended the event (AGDQ) hosts a 24/7 charity event when it was still held in person. to raise money for the Prevent “When AGDQ was on-site Cancer Foundation, an organization it always felt more like a vacation devoted to the early detection and than anything else,” Gymnast86 prevention of cancer. said. “Being able to see and hang In this event, video game out with my fellow speed running speedrunners from all over the friends which I normally only interworld meet to deliver six days of act with online is always a special nonstop video game speed running. experience.” Speed running is a playthrough of Alhough Gymnast86 has made a video game performed with the many memories throughout his time objective of completing a goal as competing at AGDQ events, it came fast as possible. full circle for him this year with the Although the past few years game he got to run. have been done virtually, AGDQ’s “Picking a favorite AGDQ reimpact still sends shockwaves lated memory is really difficult, but across the speed running commuI would probably have to go with nity. doing my first AGDQ run at SGDQ This year, the event ran from 2018,” Gymnast86 said. “I got to Jan. 9-16 and was nothing short of show off Majora’s Mask 3D while historic. Video games were beaten being surrounded by a lot of friends at record times, insane glitches were that I don’t get to hang around too performed and the all-time donaoften.” tion record was shattered. The event Speedrunner AFWagers made raised $3.4 million for the Prevent his AGDQ debut this year running Cancer Foundation. Sonic Adventure DX during the One of the runs of the marathon’s infamous Sonic block. showcase was when speedrunner Preparing for the back-to-back acMitchriz beat component Sekiro: tion that AGDQ events bring altered Shadows Die Twice, completely his streaming schedule. blindfolded. Overall, 143 games “I started to do ‘no reset’ were beaten over the showcase. runs,” AFWagers said. “No matter
Payton Little Staff Reporter
what error, I had to finish.” This helped AFWagers shape up to form and become more consistent in play within the later stages of the run. AFWagers started speed running Sonic the Hedgehog games in 2020, but his path to AGDQ has been a long time in the making. “I’ve always loved GamesDoneQuick, and it has been a dream of mine to run since I was about 15,” he said. “Being a part of this massive community working together to fight cancer was the highlight of my excitement.” This AGDQ event may have wrapped up, but the organization is constantly hosting events that make a difference in the online community needing support. Frost Fatales is an event running from Feb. 27-March 5 that is intended to raise money for the Malala Fund, a non-profit organization advocating for girls’ education. Those interested in these events can view the broadcast at twitch.tv/gamesdonequick. Soon, Summer Games Done Quick will be on the horizon, and the speed run community’s quest to give back to others will continue its spread.
entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
Page 6A Friday, January 21, 2022
O’Colly
Lifestyle
Karlie Boothe “Eat My Heart Out” is an installation about how humans end up consuming each other’s emotions to cope with “Grounded” part of Brianna Harlan’s exhibition in the Gardiner Gallery. loss.
Karlie Boothe
“Glass House” exhibit shatters expectations Jaden Besteda Staff Reporter
New York City artist Brianna Harlan presents “They Gave Us Glass Houses,” her solo exhibit at the Gardiner Gallery of Art. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Harlan is a multimedia artist who employs social interventions and recontextualized items to examine how social standards and sociopolitical processes affect health, relationships, individuality and communities. Harlan is also well-versed in using visual art to display themes of racism, activism and love. Recently, she teamed with Nancy Baker Cahill, creator of 4th Wall, to make an Augmented Reality (AR) monument for Breonna Taylor, the victim of a police shooting in March 2020. The monument was displayed in the 21C Museum Hotel in Oklahoma City. “The artwork features Breonna Taylor ascending to become a guardian angel in the city’s fight for equality,” Harlan told 21C. Harlan’s debut solo show took place in New York City, titled “Black Love Blooms.” This was a communitybased show featuring free flowers and
Karlie Boothe A student views Brianna Harlan’s artwork at the Gardiner Gallery. Harlan’s exhibit “They Gave Us Glass Houses” is on display until Feb. 11.
notes of love to and for Black people. Harlam said loss motivates her work and how others cope with loss of someone or something. Having this recurring theme in her work allows for interactive pieces and conceptual pieces, transformed into Harlan’s vision. Many “normal” things are twisted in Harlan’s work and shown with a raw vulnerability. For example, in one piece, a dinner table is transformed into her piece “Eat My Heart Out,” an installation about how humans consume each other’s emotions to cope with loss.
In her exhibit on display at Gardiner Gallery of Art, Harlan focuses on institutional relationships and the negative parts of them. She also explores the ability to survive a broken system and how others navigate that. Some of her work is personal and gives insight on how certain aspects affected her. Harlan’s exhibit is on display at the Gardiner Gallery until Feb. 11. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
Karlie Boothe Part of Brianna Harlan’s art exhibition in the Gardiner Gallery, titled “Call For Help.”
in Oklahoma City, moved to Nigeria at the age of eight. After returning to Oklahoma, Kanu graduated from OSU with his bachelor’s degree in May 2021 and is working on his Master of Business Administration degree. Kanu said the experience of living in the largest Black nation in the world, then attending a predominantly white institution was eye-opening. “One of the biggest things that I learned is that regardless of what we do, because we are in a community of people from different walks of life, race, ages and classes, there are certain things that we will not understand about the person next to us,” Kanu said. “That is Abby Cage because no matter where you are from, Student, faculty, staff and organizations marched in honor of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. what you do, there is a language we can “His life work taught us not only to all speak and I believe we can all speak fluently, and that is love.” recognize the reality of racial injustice The inspiration for his speech was and to be honest with ourselves about the need for change in the community, the inequities around us, but more so to Kanu said. do something about it and improve the Continued from 1A “The state of things in the comworld we live in,” Joyce said. “That work munity now is missing the love for one continues today. We are here in recognianother Dr. King talked about, as well “As the mother of a diverse famtion that the dream Dr. King envisioned as reading his works and seeing what he ily, I am equally mindful of Martin more than half-century ago is still in stood for,” Kanu said. Luther King Jr’s impact on my family,” our future. We have a role in making it Kanu said he is thankful OSU Shrum said. “I have a deep gratitude for become a reality.” shows support and inclusion for minorihis tenacity and persistence in the fight After Joyce’s speech, the march ties. against racial inequality.” continued, ending at the steps of the “I believe OSU just started (the Joyce spoke about the legacy of McKnight Center with student keynote march) last year, and it means a lot as King’s words and actions that conspeaker Chideha Kanu’s address. an African American student because it tinue to live on today. Kanu, a Nigerian-American born
Unity...
shows how committed OSU is to ensuring this is a suitable environment for everyone,” Kanu said. Former OSU student Al’aa Saloha attended the march to stand in solidarity with other minorities.
“I feel a need to show support with what MLK stood for and fought for.” “I feel a need to show support with what MLK stood for and fought for. It means more to me because I’m a minority and a person who is discriminated against indirectly at times,” Saloha said. “Being a Palestian American that was a former refugee puts me in a completely different category. So it means a lot to me to stand up with people who understand being slighted.” Rayhanna Elmawi, a student at OSU, said she has been attending MLK Day marches for as long as she can remember. This march had one of the best turn outs she has seen, Elmawi said. “Honestly, it makes me so happy to see people who come and show their support and understand, ‘Hey, you’re the same as me and I recognize that,’” Elmawi said. “It’s amazing to see so many students and people that aren’t minorities come together for those who are.” entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
SFC Welcomes Back a Fellow OSU Alumni! WHEN IS LITTLE MUCH?
There is a short chorus that has encouraged me many times. “Little is much if God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame. There’s a crown and you can win it. If you go in Jesus’ name.” The woman, who poured the precious ointment on Jesus just before he was crucified, was criticized for “wasting” this expensive item. Yet, Jesus said everywhere the gospel is preached this woman’s action would be told. (Mk 14:3-9) Little things mean a lot as we are willing to serve the Lord. Paul mentions many in Romans 16 who helped him. The Good Samaritan stopped to help the man beaten and robbed. (Lu.10:30-37) Paul writes as you have opportunity, do good to all men, especially to other believers.(Gal.6:10) When the poor widow dropped the two pennies, all that she had, into the temple offering. Jesus said she gave more the large offerings given. Her “large giving” was in relation to what she had. (Mk.12:41-44)
Monica Harden, D.O. is Now Accepting New Patients of All Ages Many people may plan to give when they receive a great amount of money, but that large amount of money may never come. We may plan to give time or talent to a project when we have more time, but that perfect time arrangement may never happen. Again, the apostle Paul encourages us “as you have opportunity, do good to all men.” We never know when a little gesture of kindness, with money, or helping in an area of service, spending a little time with a person, a word of encouragement, will be just the action that will be a great help to someone. These can be practical ways of living out the Lord’s challenge to love one another. This is the fulfilling of the many commandments in the Bible: loving people by word and action.
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O’Colly
Friday, January 21, 2022 Page 7A
Lifestyle/NEws
MLK events attendance grows in its second year on campus Habbie Colen Street cleaning is canceled for the week and residents may expect delays for trash pick-up.
Delays in Stillwater’s trash collection times Anna Pope News Editor
Every week, the City of Stillwater’s Waste Management picks up household trash, but collection may come at a later time. Because of COVID-19 infections, other illness and unfilled vacancies, waste management may have some postponements and delays on some of its services. For instance, the city did not take up yard waste Wednesday. Chris Knight is the waste management director for the city. “We are monitoring the situation and making decisions as quickly as possible based on available staff,” Knight said. “With the current health situation, delays could last throughout the next couple of weeks.” City officials are asking residents and businesses to have their trash and recycling bins out in the morning on collecting day. Although the trash will be taken up, there may be a delay. Street sweeping is canceled for the week. Other services like yard waste pick-up and rolloff containers or temporary dumpsters may be postponed when it is necessary.
Anna Pope News Editor Leon McClinton noticed not many Oklahoma State students attended Stillwater’s Martin Luther King Jr Day. events during his first few years working at the university. This prompted McClinton, who is the director of student housing and residential life, to pitch the idea for the school to hold formal MLK Day events to celebrate and remember King’s legacy. “I felt like students need to know and understand and learn about MLK’s legacy because it’s still relevant today,” McClinton said. He said university officials supported this initiative. In spring 2021, OSU held a formal MLK march for the first time on campus and McClinton said he was happy to see the amount of people in attendance. This year, he said the turnout has grown. On Monday, not only students but also faculty, staff and organizations like the OSU softball team participated in the event. The university coordinated with Stillwater Community United to link marches together once the organization’s march reached
Abby Cage Student, faculty, staff and organizations marched in honor of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
campus. At this event, participants heard comments made from school and city officials, and listened to Chideha Kanu, the event’s keynote speaker. Earlier in the day, McClinton visited each community service sites at Habitat for Humanity, Mt. Zion Baptist Church and the Family Resource Center before participating in the march. For McClinton, listening to Kanu, an OSU student, give the address was impactful because he has known this student and watched him grow during his college career. “That’s what is most rewarding to me is to get students to be leaders and be strong role-models because their the future of this country,” McClinton said. McClintock said the march in memory of MLK’s legacy symbolizes the community’s want to work to address societal issues. McClinton said there are specific messages
conveyed through the events. “I think one, is we all come from different walks of life, we have different backgrounds, but can we come together in once space and recognize that we still have some social injustices? And we’re going to continue to work together to address those,” McClinton said. Attendance is expected to be consistent through the week. McClinton said about 750 seats have been reserved and 200 seats are available for An Evening With Soledad O’Brien at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts. MLK events will wrap up on Saturday at Tulsa’s Greenwood District. Students can register to visit the Greenwood District and tour spaces like the Greenwood Rising Museum for free.
“Scream” revives franchise news.ed@ocolly.com
news.ed@ocolly.com
Tribune News Service
Ghostface returns in the newest “Scream.”
Jaden Besteda Staff Reporter
sions. And although some inevitably bite the dust, the kills don’t derive from sheer stupidity. “Scream” has had it’s special trio This time around, the fifth of heroes since the first movie in the “Scream” is everything horror fans franchise: Sidney, Gale and Dewey. could have asked for. Loyal fans to the original may be aware Anonymous phone calls? Check. that the story does not focus on them Shady friend group? Check. Meta this time, however, they still play a references? Check. Clumsy Ghostface? major role in the film. Taking the center Check. Sidney, Gale and Dewey being stage is Melissa Barrera’s character badasses. Check. Violence? Double Sam Carpenter and Jenna Ortega’s check. character Tara Carpenter. This “Scream’’ is the most meta Sam does not reach the hero film in the series, and this is a franchise standards of Sidney Prescott, the that takes pride in that aspect. The original protagonist of the “Scream” whole cast seems to understand that franchise. However, Sam is an interestthey are in a “Scream” movie, even if ing character who has connections to they don’t break the fourth wall. the past films, which I won’t spoil in In this movie, the intuition the this review. characters have benefits the film and There’s plenty of supporting moves the story in unexpected ways. It characters who are given time to helps the characters make smart decishine, including Jasmin Savoy Brown’s
he t t ou k c e Ch
way! a e d i H inal g i r O
character Mindy Meeks, a female version of Randy Meeks from the original “Scream.” This adds up because she is his niece in the film. The talented cast of Mikey Madison, Mason Gooding, Sonia Ammar and Dylan Minnette make up the rest of the Woodsboro High School friend group. Ghostface in this film is a good ole regular Ghostface. He’s clumsy, personal, hyperviolent and he has an epiphany for knives and throats. There’s not a thing I would change about him. However, if the franchise continues, it would be best to shake him up a bit. Like most “Scream” movies, the killer twist is unpredictable and it will leave you wondering, ‘How the hell did I not guess that?’ The film sets up enough red herrings and motivations that the reveal is as thrilling as when Billy and Stu were revealed in the first
film.
“What’s your favorite scary movie?” When watchers hear those five words in a “Scream” movie, they are most likely already yelling at the screen telling somebody to hang up the phone. This film is drowned in nostalgia. It works because it’s not nostalgia for these characters, it’s for the lessons each character has learned living in this frightful murder town. Every reference works, including the ones of present-day horror movies and past “Scream” movies watchers have forgotten. Ultimately, I found this to be the best sequel they have made since the original. I’m excited to see where the franchise will end up next. With this film and last Halloween, it’s safe to say “Scream” takes the lead of the best slasher franchise. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
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Page 8A Friday, January 21, 2022
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Lifestyle
Get Nutty
Squirrel Appreciation Day Dru Norton Lifestyle Editor Today is a day of appreciation for our beloved furry friends scampering among us, squirrels. Oklahoma State students walk past these friendly rodents every day, however, some may not realize what an integral part of the campus community these creatures are. To celebrate this sacred day, here are 10 nutty facts about squirrels: 1. According to the American Society of Mammalogists, humans introduced squirrels to most city parks and college campuses and occur on 95% of surveyed campuses. 2. The United States Department of Agriculture said humans should not feed squirrels, no matter how cuddly and friendly they might look. 3. A newborn squirrel is an inch long and weighs 15 grams. 4. A squirrel has four front teeth that never stop growing. 5. Squirrels come in many colors and over 285 species. They can have grey, white, black, brown, red or silver coats, depending on what region they are from. 6. Squirrels are able to smell their buried food beneath a foot of snow. These buried seeds also sprout trees,
Abby Cage Squirrels occur on 95% of survey campuses, according to the American Society of Mammalogists.
leading to forest regeneration. 7. Squirrels may increase their body weight by 25% during fall to prepare for the winter season. 8. Squirrels can leap up to 10 times their body length and turn their ankles 180 degrees to face any direction while climbing. 9. Squirrels have been proven to run up to 20 mph, however, most squirrels only run half this speed. 10. The squirrels used in the movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” were real. For the scene, 40 squirrels were professionally trained for 19 weeks to perform in the film.
entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
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Lack of talent not causing up-and-down Cowboy basketball season Sam Hutchens Assistant Sports Editor Coach Mike Boynton said it after the Cowboys were blown out 78-57 by Texas Tech. His belief was validated when OSU beat No. 1 Baylor in Waco this past Saturday. Talent was not the problem.
“I truly believe the answers are in the locker room,” Boynton said after losing to Texas Tech. “We have the right guys.” Boynton said the issue was more mental than physical. Despite a roster brimming with talent — sophomores Bryce Thompson and Moussa Cisse were five-star recruits and Avery Anderson and Bryce Williams average over 10 points per game — the Cowboys struggled early in the season. Even after winning two straight games, something OSU has not done since November, the Cowboys are 10-7 and have dealt with an up-and-down start to Big 12 play. See Talent on 4B
Abby Cage Senior guard Isaac Likekele is one of OSU’s leaders who helps the Cowboys fix mentality issues.
Shouldering the load Following surgery, Plott enjoying undefeated start Daniel Allen Staff Reporter
Littell’s small town start
Courtesy Lois Neisis and Lorie Godfrey
Jim Littell stands with his 1981 Oxford championship girls basketball team.
44-year coaching journey began with team of farm girls The rejection stung. Littell had a passion for coaching basketball and said he fancied himself as a boys coach. The rejection came with a solace. Oxford, a class 2A school in a southern Kansas town of about Ben Hutchens 1,000, offered Littell the girls basketStaff Reporter ball head coaching position, and he wouldn’t have to drive the bus. A lanky, long-haired Jim LitLittell accepted, and the trajectell picked up the phone and got bad tory of his coaching career and life news. was never the same. The decision Oxford High School wasn’t and ensuing lessons learned are the going to offer him the boys basketreason he is the Oklahoma State ball head coaching job for the 1979 women’s basketball coach. season. Shaping farm girls into winLittell graduated from Southners western College in 1977 and wrapped Littell had no reason to believe up his self-described “good not in the team. great” playing days by landing a The Oxford Wildcats girls basjob at a class 1A school in Burlinketball team won two games in the game, Kansas. In Burlingame, Littell previous three seasons, something coached six sports and drove the bus. Oxford’s administrators left out in
their conversations with Littell. “I didn’t know that necessarily when I took the job,” Littell said. “I may have had a different idea of taking it if I knew that.” Littell didn’t care about his team’s past. He didn’t care his team was glaringly undersized. He didn’t care he was coaching class 2A girls basketball in a tiny Kansas town. He was hungry for success. “To me, that job when I was there was the most important thing in the world other than faith and family,” Littell said. Lois Neisis ran point guard at Oxford from 1978-81. She was a quick, 5-foot-6 floor general and tremendous shooter. Her freshman season, the team had one victory. Then Littell was hired. See Littell on 5B
Collins working to end slump Calif Poncy Staff Reporter Taylen Collins was viewed as Oklahoma State’s new star. With the departures of Natasha Mack and Ja’Mee Asberry the Cowgirls entered the season focused on Collins, their sophomore forward, attempting to fill the shoes of the lost offensive production. The potential was there, with Collins earning an honorable mention nod on the All-Big 12 list following her freshman
campaign and an appearance on the All-Big 12 freshman team. Now nearing the halfway point of the season, the talent displayed as a freshman has only come in bursts. This season, Collins is averaging 8.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. She is shooting 53% from the field, but is only converting on 51% of her free throw attempts. It is a regression compared to her freshman season, where she converted 56% of her attempts. The regression carries over into other categories, as Collins is averaging less assists, steals and is turning the ball over more per game in 2021 than she did during her inaugural season in Stillwater. See Collins on 2B
Jaiden Daughty Despite struggles, OSU forward Taylen Collins set a new careerhigh in points with 21 against Iowa State this past weekend.
Dustin Plott wasn’t going to let a left shoulder injury outweigh the success he’d had his freshman season. It was Valentine’s Day 2021 in Gallagher-Iba Arena. Plott led Wyoming’s Hayden Hastings at the 174-pound finals in the Cowboy Challenge Tournament. Plott showed nothing short of dominance in the first two minutes of the first period of the dual. Plott grabbed Hastings by the legs at the edge of the mat to add to his lead. A stinging sensation mixed with intense throbbing and a major adrenaline rush flowed through Plott’s body as he realized something. He had dislocated his left shoulder. Plott released Hastings, as the official called an injury timeout. He popped his shoulder back into place and walked over to the center of the mat, resuming competition. Hastings would go on to defeat Plott. Plott would later find out he had suffered a torn labrum on his left shoulder. “My injury was weird,” Plott said. “I’d be wrestling and it (would) come out of socket, and then it would be really sore for like a day or two. It (would) come out, and most of the time come right back in.” Despite the injury, Plott remained determined to finish the season. The NCAA’s decision to grant a free year of eligibility to all student athletes in the 2020-21 athletic season resulted in him making the decision. Several times this past season, Plott would find himself shaking his shoulder in an attempt to pop it back into place. The injury was not remotely as hard on Plott himself as it was on his mother, Amy. Not just the injury, but the fact that he would face yet another set back in his college wrestling career despite the copious amount of work and training he had put into it.
See Shouldering on 4B
Alicia Young OSU wreslter Dustin Plott has accumulated an 8-0 record following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
What’s INSIDE
Tough start
pg. 2B
Walker working on turning conference play struggles around.
Promising freshmen Underclassmen filling in for pg. 4B
injured Wolfberg.
Increased intensity Cowboys entering chal-
pg. 8B lenging stretch in schedule.
Page 2B Friday, January 21, 2022
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sports
NEXT THREE
Noah Weber
MENS BASKETBALL Saturday | @ Texas AWAY | 1 p.m. Jan. 26 | vs. Iowa State HOME | 7 p.m. Jan. 29 | @ Florida AWAY | 3 p.m.
WOMENS BASKETBALL Saturday | vs. West Virginia HOME | 1 p.m. Jan. 26 | @ Oklahoma AWAY | 6 p.m. Jan. 29 | vs. Kansas HOME | 1 p.m.
WRESTLING
Sunday | vs. Lehigh HOME | 2 p.m. Jan. 29 | vs. Northern Iowa HOME | 7 p.m. Jan. 30 | vs. Iowa State HOME | 2 p.m.
MENS TENNIS
Jan. 29 | vs. Oregon AWAY | 11 a.m. Jan. 30 | vs. Texas or Columbia AWAY | 12 p.m. Feb. 4 | vs. Pepperdine HOME | 5 p.m.
WOMENS TENNIS
Sunday | vs. South Carolina HOME | 12 p.m. Jan. 29 | ITA Kickoff Weekend AWAY | TBD Feb. 3 | vs. Missouri HOME | 6 p.m.
TRACK AND FIELD
Friday | Red Raider Open AWAY | 10 a.m. Saturday | J.D. Martin Invitational AWAY | TBD Jan. 28 | Razorback Invitational AWAY | TBD
Courtesy of OSU Athletics
Abby Cage
Walker finding place after poor start to conference play OSU guard Rondel Walker had scored 10 points in five conference games prior to Wednesday’s 12-point performance.
the field, and 21% from 3-point range, with little improvement being shown. Despite the struggles offensively, Walker continues to earn around 18 minutes a game with the help of his defense. Prior to Wednesday’s contest with TCU, he was averaging 1.5 steals per game talChris Becker lying 25 across 16 contests. Editor-in-chief Walker could see the work he was putting in to get back to the player he was Rondel Walker looks a little differ- for the Cowboys last season. It started by ent this season. getting back to the basics. He was chipNot only is he sporting a new hair- ping away at a breakthrough. cut but he is also not the same player he One game it would click. was last season. That day came Wednesday night. Walker, OSU’s sophomore guard, Walker scored 12 crucial points for the was a major factor for the Cowboys this Cowboys in a narrow victory over TCU. past season, averaging nearly eight points “For me, I just had to reset and get per game as well as being a dynamic back to the basics, be in the gym more defensive threat. Walker was scoring and block out the outside noise,” Walker efficiently from the field (42%) and from said. “I feel like that is paying dividends the 3-point line (33%). right now.” Now, it looks a little different. His Walker’s 12 points marked the first percentages have dropped to 30% from time he scored more than 10 points since
Nov. 17. It was the second time since the beginning of Big 12 play in which he made more than two field goals. He had scored just 10 points total in five Big 12 games prior to his TCU performance. Walker also tallied three steals, three rebounds and a block in the game. Coach Mike Boynton saw the progress his sophomore spark plug had made prior to his big outing on Wednesday. “I feel like he is making progress again,” Boynton said. “He obviously hadn’t gotten off the start that he had hoped for and people expected from him. He kind of mired in a little bit of pity for a while I think. And I think once he started to figure out that it doesn’t get better that way, they started to focus on doing the things he can control, but just bringing energy to our team and shooting the ball confidently.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
Collins...
despite the Cowgirls’ loss, Collins shot 70% from the floor and contributed 16 of OSU’s 49 points. Cowgirl coach Jim LitContinued from 1B tell said the key for Collins is to carry her performances Despite the struggles, over consistently, and capiCollins has shown flashes talize on hustle plays. of what was expected of her “She needs to get six or heading into the season. eight points a game without This past week against Iowa anyone throwing her the State, Collins went through ball, on put-backs, steals and efficient stretches against hustle baskets around the one of the best teams in the rim,” Littell said. nation. She scored a careerLittell and Collins said high 21 points and grabbed the key for Collins to stay in eight rebounds. Additionally, the form she showed against Collins turned the ball over the Cyclones is to slow down twice, her fewest in her last and process the game. five games. “I tend to do things a “I was kind of just find- little bit too fast which can ing my rhythm, taking it one lead to those easy mistakes step at a time and going a lot that are very critical within slower and focusing on my the game, so slowing down is shots,” Collins said definitely going to be a key Collins followed up point,” Collins said. her career game against the Cyclones with another strong showing against Baylor on Wednesday night, where sports.ed@ocolly.com
Braden King After being named to the Big 12 Freshman Team, OSU forward Taylen Collins has regressed in several stat categories.
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Friday, January 21, 2022 Page 3B
Page 4B Friday, January 21, 2022
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Wolfberg’s absence leading to opportunities for younger Cowgirls Daniel Allen Staff Reporter
Junior Alana Wolfberg cheered from a distance as she watched her teammates dismantle the No. 23 Princeton Tigers on Wednesday night. Wolfberg and her teammates gathered around the sidelines of court six at the Greenwood Tennis Center, watching eagerly and yipping with excitement while Sofia Rojas won her match. Rojas’ win highlighted a 5-2 win over Princeton. Though Wolfberg, who was out with a right hand injury, didn’t necessarily contribute on the court, her presence was certainly felt from the energy she gave off. Cowgirl tennis coach Chris Young acknowledged that Wolfberg, one of OSU’s best players, was noticeable in some aspects in the Cowgirl’s upset win. However, Young also says her vacancy may have been “a blessing in disguise”. “So many new kids are getting a chance right now,” Young said. “We played three freshmen today. Here where I was at (courts) two, four, and six, it was all freshmen.” Cowgirl freshmen Mananchaya Sawangkaew and Sofia Rojas came out victorious in singles play, while Oona Orpana gave a valiant effort in a loss. Nonetheless, Young got what he needed out of the opportunity given to his newcomers; a showcase of the team’s depth. “That’s what you look for in these situations,” Young said. “It was kind of a next man up mentality. One of our best players was out, so some newcomers with little to no experience at the college level and are successful in doing so. It shows how deep this team is roster wise.” As Wolfberg’s return to the tennis courts draw closer by the day, Young places emphasis on the importance of having his veteran athlete healthy and at full strength in what
Best 3-point game: 47% V Texas Worst 3-point game: 24% V Kansas Best FG% game: 45% @ Baylor Worst FG% game: 32% @TTU Best FT% game: 75% @ Baylor Worst FT% game: 56% V. TCU
Talent... Continued from 1B
Courtesy OSU Athletics Wolfberg’s starting sport is not guaranteed when she returns from her hand injury.
is a rather arduous schedule from the start. However, after promising performances on Wednesday from his newcomers, Young claims the starting roster may not be concrete quite yet. “You know, this gave (these freshmen) opportunity to show what
they can do,” Young said. “We will continue to give the others opportunities and then, Alana will have to earn her spot back when she comes back healthy. I think that’ll make it rather competitive for everybody.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
OSU’s defense has continued to provide opportunities to win but the Cowboys offense has stagnated and cost OSU games. The Cowboys lost three of their first four Big 12 games. The lone win in the stretch coming at home against Texas. “We have talent, it is just internal things we must fix… It is not a coaching problem,” senior guard Isaac Likekele said after that stretch. “We go out there and not do what they say.” When OSU is clicking mentally and locked in, its talent shines through. The upset of Baylor was a glimpse of OSU at its peak. “I think it’s a step in the right direction,” Thompson said. “But…that is just one game. We have to be able to perform over and over. We had really good mental toughness in that game. Late, being able to close it out, get stops, all that different stuff.” The Big 12 is not kind to teams struggling to find their groove. If OSU does not play with mental toughness to match its talent, it will not reach its full potential. “This league is also one where you can play well and lose,” Boynton said. “There is no guarantees.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Shouldering...
Cowgirls open spring slate in the desert
Continued from 1B “You could see it was more mentally tough on him,” Amy said. “Seeing him struggle with it was extremely difficult on him obviously, because (we) knew he had wanted to grow up and wrestle for OSU and then he gets hurt. So yeah, it was hard.” After a valiant effort to finish the season in the midst of a torn labrum, he sought treatment for his shoulder injury. Dustin would undergo surgery on his left shoulder, followed by a rigorous rehabilitation process. Amy said she was not worried about her son being able to pull through and have a successful rehabilitation. “He is a tough kid,” Amy said. “His pain tolerance is definitely way higher. It is much better than what mine or any of ours are for sure.” After rehab, he was ready to go for the upcoming season. “(The process) was long,” Dustin said. “I’ll probably still do rehab throughout the rest of my competitive career. But, yeah, all summer I rehabbed pretty hard.” This would not be the first time Dustin would undergo surgery on that shoulder. Prior to 2021, Dustin faced a similar dilemma in his senior year of high school at Tuttle. He injured his left shoulder the summer heading into his senior season and had to decide on sitting out his final year of wrestling, or fight through the pain. After several days of contemplation and talking with his parents, Dustin decided he would have surgery on his left shoulder and sit out the season. “It had sort of been ongoing and it just kept getting worse and worse,” Plott told FloWrestling back in May 2020. “Then as I was wrestling I’d have to give up points or sacrifice position to avoid hurting myself (even more), so I figured it was time to get it fixed before it got any worse.” Now in his sophomore season at Oklahoma State, Dustin holds an 8-0 record and is ranked No. 8 nationally in the 174-pound weight class. He holds four ranked wins against opponents, and is projected to be an AllAmerican by the end of the season. Amidst the risk of re-injuring his shoulder, Dustin is not being
Conference play ups and downs
Chris Becker Editor-in-chief
Alicia Young Plott underwent surgery on the same shoulder prior to his senior year in high school.
overly cautious when he is on the mat. He said he is not doing anything different in regards to a routine eerily similar to last season when he originally tore his labrum. “I actually haven’t been much more cautious,” Dustin said. “My surgeon was great. (He) was great with the rehab and (strength) coach (Gary Calcagno) has been great with the strength, so I don’t really have to hold back at all. “Somewhat mentally, I’m not shooting as much as what I would like to. But, each week it has been progressing and getting better. But I definitely think by the end of the season I won’t be holding anything back.” Dustin says he still has occasional pain in his shoulder in spite of rehab. He still feels the stinging
sensation and throbbing pain he felt when he tore his labrum back in February 2021. To Dustin, however, the pain does not outweigh the end goal of winning a national championship. “He is a wrestler,” OSU head coach John Smith said. “He wants to be a wrestler, he wants to be great. Everything he does on a daily basis points to that. If there’s one particular guy on this team, who’s driven (to win) it is definitely him… Nothing has really slowed him down. At the end of last season he looked forward to going into the mode of rehabilitation on that shoulder, and he did a nice job of doing that.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Coach Greg Robertson isn’t talking about the Oklahoma State women’s golf team’s undefeated fall slate. The Cowgirls open up their spring season in Gold Canyon, Arizona at the Match in the Desert hosted by the University of Denver. The tournament will be Sunday and Monday. The Cowgirls will travel six to the tournament, but without Rina Tatematsu who didn’t qualify for this event. Caley McGinty, Isabella Fierro, Lianna Bailey, Maddison Hinson-Tolchard, Clemence Martin and Hailey Jones will travel for the event. The Cowgirls played three fall tournaments, and won all three leading to entering the spring slate as the No. 2 team in the country. However, the fall season isn’t talked about inside the program. They are sticking to living in the now and not in the past or future. “Our goal is to go into each tournament and each season with no expectations,” coach Greg Robertson told The O’Colly. “Just working on the things that we talk about. They’ve got control of their attitudes, the preparation and getting better in those areas. It’s about getting better everyday.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
WOMEN”S GOLF
O’Colly
Littell...
sports
Neisis said. The farm girls forming the Wildcat roster had tremendous work ethic, and Littell got the most out of them. “They knew what it was to work Continued from 1B hard,” Littell said. “They just hadn’t had anybody really work with them Neisis remembers her first impres- on the basketball side of it. So, there sion of Littell. were good athletes and there were great “One of the first things that comes kids that wanted to be coached. And it to mind right now is like ‘Oh my gosh, turned in a hurry.” this guy actually believes that we can Finding success actually do something, that we can be Neisis scored 40 points in Oxgood,’” Neisis said. ford’s first game under Littell. Littell said he believed in his team “That’s when I knew I was going of farm girls, some of whom had to to be a pretty good coach,” Littell said. pick strawberries each day before coming to practice. He did not know what triggered his belief, but he said when players on a team start believing in themselves and their teammates amazing things can happen. Building up his players up is the first step Littell took to turn the Wildcats around. Positive affirmation helped the girls believe they were something they weren’t. “We had a little chant, ‘Winners, winners, winners’ and, you know, it just it was a matter of getting (the players) to change their mindset and realize what they were capable of doing,” Littell said. The 1979 season opening game Lorie Godfrey played forward lives vibrantly in the memories of Neiat Oxford from 1979-82 and said she sis, Godfrey and Littell. It was an away remembers Littell immediately brought game against the Cedar Vale Spartans. a winning attitude. The Wildcats won 65-56. “I think he just programed that “That game I just couldn’t miss; I into our head,” Godfrey said. “We were think I was 13-of-17 but probably a lot going to be winners and there was no of those were layups because our press,” room for defeat. Don’t even think about Neisis said.
“That’s when I knew I was going to be a pretty good coach,” Littell said.
Courtesy Lois Neisis and Lorie Godfrey Oxford head coach Jim Littell cutting down the nets after the 1981 championship.
it, don’t let it enter your mind.” Littell’s improvement strategy was not limited to the psychological. Before Littell knew his players, he started them on a weightlifting program. Oxford did not have a weight room, so Littell did the next best thing: He mandated his players train on “the jumper.” Those words flooded back memories for Neisis and Godfrey, who described the workout machine as a squatting machine with pads that came over their shoulders. “Your thighs would burn,” Godfrey said. To ensure nobody skipped the exercise, Littell had the machine moved to the swimming pool connected to the school. The Oxford football coach ran the pool and Littell had him make sure the girls completed their workout before swimming. “We did it a bunch, probably more than we should have,” Littell said. “But I thought it built toughness in our kids and our kids became more explosive and jumped better and I thought it was just a big part of building confidence.” The practices were strenuous. They lasted two hours and focused on fundamentals and toughness. The team had a drill nicknamed the “purple heart” drill. It simulated cutting off the sideline during a press and forced players to fall to the floor taking charges from one another.
The 40-point feat is more impressive considering Neisis used a boy’s ball. There were not smaller balls for girls, and there was no 3-point line. Neisis said the Wildcats were nervous to begin the first game because nobody knew what to expect. However, Oxford’s style became more concrete and effective each game and soon the Wildcats knew what to expect. They were blowing teams out and
5-0 by Christmas. Littell always began the game in a press. It helped a small but athletic team tire opponents and make up for a lack of height. The press was so effective one game Oxford led 25-0 before Sedan High School crossed halfcourt. Oxford radically transformed in Littell’s first two seasons. Hardworking farm girls had learned to believe in one another and translate their belief to on-court success. The Wildcats were one of the most respected programs in their league, but a state championship remained elusive. The mountaintop The 1981 “transfer portal” for Kansas 2A girls high school basketball was not teeming with an abundance of talented players, but Littell found one. Before Littell’s third season, Oxford hired Lonnie Bratcher, a principal from Dexter, Kansas. Bratcher’s daughter, Jennifer, was 5-foot-10, and had wreaked havoc on Oxford’s guardheavy lineup as a class 2A rival. “I didn’t recruit, I didn’t hire the principal but I kind of recommended him,” Littell said. Jennifer played guard at Dexter and remembered Littell always shaking her hand after games telling her “good job” and he wished she would have “lightened it up a little out there.” “He was a very likable person, even if you were on the other team,” Bratcher said. Jennifer said she considered living in Dexter with another family to play her senior year. Because the Bratchers were so tightly knit Jennifer decided to play at Oxford, where Littell made her into a post player. “She was a really, really good player and was kind of the missing piece that we needed to go on win the state championship,” Littell said. In 1981, the Wildcats went 23-1, Littell’s best mark at the school. Oxford advanced to the state championship, held in Manhattan, to play Frankfurt. Frankfurt won the opening tip and entered into a stalling strategy. “I was looking at (the opposing coach) like, ‘Come on let’s play,’” Littell said. Oxford took a lead in the fourth quarter and stalled right back. Godfrey finished the game at the free-throw line, making one shot and scoring her miss off the front rim, Oxford won 43-37. It is Oxford’s only girls basketball state championship. “I was on a high for a week I think,” Neisis said. The team celebrated with steak dinners off white tablecloths at Houston’s. The restaurant had a dance floor, where the Wildcats danced to the recently released, “We are the Champions.” Moving on Godfrey knew in the back of her mind Oxford would not be Littell’s only coaching stop. She called herself lucky to have attended Oxford four of the five years Littell coached there. Although the Wildcats could not repeat as state champions in 1982, the four seasons Godfrey played the Wildcats went 76-11, a stark contrast to before Littell arrived. Friends University, a private fouryear college in Wichita, Kansas, noticed the success. An offer came. “It was just a chance to go coach at a higher level,” Littell said. “And that is what I ultimately wanted to do was be a college coach and get to this level and that seemed like the best opportunity at the time.” Achieving his goal of coaching college did not make leaving Oxford easy.
Friday, January 21, 2022 Page 5B
Courtesy Lois Neisis and Lorie Godfrey Jim Littell in 1981, posed next to a car.
“It’s hard to leave those kids that were counting on me to be there, and I was counting on them to do their work every day,” Littell said. Coming back As Littell stood in the OSU Cowgirls’ practice gym counting his four coaching stops in 38 years since coming to OSU, it was obvious his Oxford days were not forgotten. He remembers splitting his pants at a game in Argonia after jumping and landing in a squat. He remembers the euphoric feeling of winning a state championship. Most vividly, he remembers the people. “That is what is so neat about it, that he still remembers 43 years ago our names and remembers Oxford,” Neisis said. “That means a lot to me that he remembers his first team.” Littell embraces the times he is able to get back together with members of the Oxford teams he coached. In 2011, seven former Oxford players came to Stillwater to watch an OSU game in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the state championship. They toured the locker room and Littell took them out to dinner at Mexico Joe’s. Littell has brought players from his various past coaching stops to interact with players. Senior forward Abbie Winchester said it is cool to hear them talk about a long-haired Littell. “They always talk about how he was mean, but it was always for the best and how they turned out better because of it,” Winchester said. Many former Oxford players live in southern Kansas and make annual trips down to Stillwater to watch a game. Neisis and Godfrey are happy to pay for a ticket to support the Cowgirls but said Littell would be mad if he knew they paid to get in. If Littell knows they will be there, he gets them tickets behind OSU’s bench. Godfrey said she enjoys watching OSU games because it brings back memories of Littell, even though she thinks his personality has mellowed. “Most of the time I try to hug him after he has won,” Godfrey said. “If he hasn’t won, I try to stay away, but the one thing he always told me, which always made me feel so good is, ‘My Oxford girls are what got me here.’”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
“We would do anything for him because he just believed in us so much,” Neisis said. “We would do anything for him because he just believed in us so much,”
File Photo Jim Littell is in his 11th season as head coach of the OSU women’s basketball team.
Page 6B Friday, January 21, 2022
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Friday, January 21, 2022 Page 7B
Classifieds
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Daily Horoscope
Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (01/21/22). Your luck, power and confidence grow this year. Disciplined, consistent efforts generate personal victories. Reconnect with friends and community this winter, before springtime domestic bliss. Shift tack around professional obstacles next summer for exciting autumn career opportunities. You can realize a dream. 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 — Slow down when conditions require. Don’t push limitations or risk accidents. Look for simple efficiencies. Choose stability over illusion. Practice and prepare patiently. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Romantic fantasies dissipate. Distractions and irritations can take over. Relax and wait for better conditions. Find your sense of humor to diffuse tension. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Home and family have your attention. Don’t get pushy. Respect limitations and barriers. Have patience with someone who’s lost theirs. Good food helps. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Study the situation. A fantasy fades. You can see what doesn’t work. Slow to review. Verify facts and data. Welcome contributions from others. Summarize findings. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Monitor accounts to ensure positive cash flow. Adjust income and expenses as needed to adapt to a shortfall or financial barrier. Stay in communication. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Energy surges are predicted. Take extra care of yourself. Don’t overcommit. Find ways to reduce stress or irritation. Relax in hot water. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 6 — Lay low and avoid travel, chaos or traffic. Relax privately. Adapt plans. An illusion dissolves to reveal an unexpected reality. Don’t push. Think up solutions. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Social events or connections may not go as planned. Revelations or outbursts could disrupt. Tempers may run hot. Stay cool, respectful and reassuring. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Professional challenges require focused attention. Sort fact from fantasy. Keep your cool when the pressure is hot. Choose privacy over publicity. Coordinate and manage. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Research before launching an exploration. Monitor conditions carefully. Discover unexpected pitfalls. Slow and reflect. Don’t challenge authorities. Review reservations and paperwork. Clarify facts. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Strategize with your partner to manage a financial challenge. Prioritize practicalities and postpone unnecessary purchases. Avoid arguments with humor. Reward yourselves for finding solutions. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — A partner’s opinion is important. Listen generously or risk an upset. Support each other with revelations or changes. Share the load and share the prizes.
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 Like Jack Sprat, one would expect 5 Role in a Gershwin opera 9 Fellow 13 Her musical career started at age 16 at the Cotton Club 15 Pre-euro currency 16 Atomic physicist’s favorite cookie? 17 “__ a girl who sang the blues”: Don McLean lyric 18 Musicologist’s term 19 Deity with an eponymous day 20 Gaping mouths 21 Uncommon sense 22 Atomic physicist’s favorite Golden Age movie star? 25 U.N. Security Council permanent member 26 Poetic adverb 27 Say further 29 Word after look or sound 32 Wafer brand 34 “__ awake?” 35 Atomic physicist’s favorite side dish? 38 Consume 39 Lion __ 40 Mounted, as gems 41 Rightmost bowling pin 42 Wrath 43 Not leave alone 44 Atomic physicist’s favorite wall builder? 48 Beret relative 51 Move a bit 52 Superior cousin? 53 Takes charge of 54 Filled food 55 Atomic physicist’s favorite spy novelist? 57 Painter Nolde 58 As initially evident 59 Cozy places 60 Comprehends 61 Cretaceous giant
Level 1
1/21/22
By Jeffrey Wechsler
DOWN 1 Lingerie items 2 Assistance, with “a” 3 Accommodating places 4 W.C.’s “My Little Chickadee” co-star 5 ’80s South African president 6 Misstep 7 Coral reef visitor 8 Snowe of ME, once 9 Begin a flight 10 Region from the Sanskrit for “snow abode” 11 “Anything else?” 12 Light touches 14 Many Rwandans 16 Other side 22 He directed Samuel in “Pulp Fiction” 23 Do a vet’s job 24 Versatile mount 25 “Notorious” studio 28 Roomba target 29 Lie next to 30 Falls behind
2
3
Thursday’s Puzzle Solved
©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
31 Possible “Finish your tax return yet?” reply 32 “Got any examples at all?” 33 Dick was his veep 36 __ minimum 37 U.K. part 43 Holiday songs 45 Tests without papers 46 Orange Muppet
1/21/22
47 Goes (through) carefully 48 Safer way to think 49 Wing 50 Umami source 51 Broke the law, in a way 53 Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan __ 55 Apple product 56 Young newt
4
1/21/22
Solution to Thursday’s puzzle
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk
© 2022 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
Page 8B Friday, January 21, 2022
O’Colly
sports
Second semester strength Cowboys enter heart of season schedule Adam Engel Staff Reporter
sistency is coming. Eight duals remain in the next five weeks. Six of those duals are in Stillwater, something the Cowboys only had one time this past semester. Now, the Cowboys will be challenged. OSU will host No. 15 Lehigh on Sunday seeking revenge after a 21-20 road loss in November 2019. “Wrestling ranked guys is awesome,” Trevor Mastrogiovanni, OSU’s 125-pounder said. “It makes me better every weekend and that is why I want to wrestle.” Now, the intensity of the schedule increases for the remainder of the regular season. “We’re all ready to pick it up,” Mastrogiovanni said. “We’re looking forward to those big matches like Iowa and Missouri is no slouch. They’re a great team. All of this is building up to that one match and we have five tough matches which is good. That is a tough schedule right there and that is good.” While the schedule causes loads of potential battles, the Cowboys are focused on the present. “Prepare for the next match,” Wyatt Sheets, OSU’s 157-pounder said. “Can’t look too far ahead.”
No team could compete with Oklahoma State. At least not in the first semester of wrestling. The Cowboys sped through their first semester schedule with a plethora of blowout wins. No opponent managed more than 10 points or three individual wins in a dual. OSU (9-0 overall, 4-0 Big 12) outscored opponents 310-35. The dominance, albeit seemingly untested by ranked opponents, is not a concern. The records of Cowboy wrestlers reside in single digits. Nine dual matches. No tournaments for the starters. “We just need to make sure we stay healthy,” OSU coach John Smith said. “Once we get into the weekends where we’re going twice a week, those things help a lot. I think if you look around the country at some of the better programs, you’re seeing nine, 10, 11 and 12 matches. Same scenario.” The two duals in a weekend sports.ed@ocolly.com are coming. The schedule con-
Alicia Young Cowboy wrestler Trevor Mastrogiovanni is eager for the increase in ranked opponents he faces this season.
ON THE HORIZON...
No. 15 Lehigh Sunday
The four-time defending Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association champions step into Stillwater after a loaded first semester schedule that included wins over No. 15 Pittsburgh and No. 8 Cornell. Three of the Mountain Hawks’ four losses occurred against top 10 teams — No. 2 Penn State, No. 1 Iowa and No. 10 Missouri.
Northern Iowa Jan 29
The Panthers boast two returning Big 12 champions, Brody Teske (125) and Parker Keckeisen (184) but five of their starters currently own sub .500 dual records. Keckeisen finished fourth at the 2021 NCAA Tournament to earn All-American status.
No. 10 iowa state jan. 30
The Cyclones finished third to Oklahoma State at the 2021 Big 12 Tournament by 6.5 points. On paper, this will be OSU’s toughest challenge yet. Four Iowa State wrestlers currently reside in the top 15 at their weight, including No. 1 David Carr. He is the defending 157-pound national champion and hasn’t lost in 43 matches.