The O'Colly, Friday, June 2, 2023

Friday, June 2, 2023

Celebrating love

Why is Pride Month important?

academic reputation and diverse student population. Baker is passionate about others feeling safe on campus and making a difference for those in the community.

Jaycee Hampton Assistant News & Lifestyle Editor

June has been annually recognized in the United States as Pride Month, which is a time to show solidarity, support and respect for each other no matter your identity.

The LGBTQ+ community continues to fight for equality, all while simultaneously celebrating love and raising awareness about the issues and challenges members of the community still face today. The month is seen as a time to be proud of the progress the LGBTQ+ community has made.

First federally recognized in 1999 by President Bill Clinton as “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month,” former President Barack Obama declared June LGBT Pride Month in 2009. On June 1, 2021, current President Joe Biden declared June LGBTQ+ Pride Month, showcasing the growing inclusiveness at a federal level; However, there is still a lot of work to be done.

As June arrives, students at Oklahoma State University have been reflecting on what Pride Month is and why it is important for the community.

Andy Baker is a second-year graduate student majoring in public history. They stated they chose to attend OSU because of its excellent

“As a historian, I am committed to making a positive difference in the world and empowering people,” Baker said. “I want to use my degree to work for a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing queer history in the United States. To me, pride means being proud of who I am, regardless of what others think. It means being proud of my identity and my community.”

The 1900s were not a welcoming time for members of the LGBTQ+ community, but times are changing thanks to those who have continually persevered for equal rights. Pride Month originated after the Stonewall Uprising, a series of gay liberation protests in 1969, and has since spread outside of the United States. Every June there are a plethora of events to attend such as pride parades, and there are many opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ history.

“I have been fortunate to have an overall positive experience at OSU,” Baker said. “Although I have experienced some unpleasant incidents and situations, like being heckled while holding hands with my boyfriend, overall I feel safe on campus. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, please get in touch with a trusted friend or family member or the OSU LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Somebody cares about you and wants to help.”

See Pride on 8

The comeback kid

Throwing pitches instead of catching them.

Dalton Silva often recounts the first time he watched Juaron WattsBrown compete on a baseball diamond. Silva remembers the moment Watts-Brown threw a runner down at second base. WattsBrown was participating in the Babe Ruth Instructional Baseball League. Silva, a graduate assistant at Lubbock Christian, was there scouting. But back then, Watts-Brown’s duties weren’t even on the mound. They were behind the plate as a catcher. The instant the ball left Watts-Brown’s hand, Silva saw potential, but at a different position.

Don’t let their tears fool you; the Cowgirls

Gajewski said, with a laugh, about facing criticism. “I’m usually a guy that people like, so I’ve had to deal with that.”

Now, Watts-Brown is an ace pitcher at OSU and leads the Big 12 in strikeouts with elusive curveballs and wipeout sliders. Setbacks have been frequent for the redshirt sophomore. Still, he’s found a way around each.

“You could just see it then,” Silva said. “The arm slot he threw the ball with, the athleticism, just everything about him. He had so much potential on the mound, and it was so obvious.”

Silva understood having Watts-Brown -the most athletic guy on the roster -- at catcher. Still, he felt it necessary to make his opinion known.

So, he found the adolescent Watts-Brown postgame to give his opinion.

“Buddy, you need to tell your coach you’re not playing catcher anymore, you need to be pitching,” Silvia

instructed. “Stop catching, because you’re not gonna be a catcher in the future.”

To his surprise, Watts-Brown took his advice. He made his worth on the mound, impressing various scouts and coaches.

By Watts-Brown’s sophomore year of high school at Handford (California) High School, Silva had departed Lubbock Christian and became the pitching coach for Handford’s baseball team.

During their first bullpen session, WattsBrown displayed precisely what Silva had foreseen. Every pitch appeared better than the previous.

“I knew then the kid was gonna be elite,” Silva said. “His breaking pitches were on the level of elite. I remember being so surprised, and I knew how good he was.”

See Watts-Brown on 4

Ashton Slaughter Assistant Sports Editor

Tears poured down Kenny Gajewski’s face with one out remaining in the Stillwater Super Regional.

These tears weren’t brought on by sadness but by joy and a lot of relief.

It’s been a difficult year for the OSU head coach, who in his eighth season at the helm of the program led the Cowgirls to a fourth-consecutive Women’s College World Series. He parted ways with friend and hitting coach Jeff Cottrill, who left for Missouri; an influx of players came in and exited the program via the portal; he even faced criticism for the first time in his career after a losing streak.

“That’s been a new experience,”

The Cowgirls’ season seemingly hit a wall during their 2-11 streak to end the season. Fans and media — both local and national — were asking questions, intensifying the pressure on a team that was No. 2 in the country at one point.

And while the questions were ramping up, Gajewski admittedly didn’t have the answers for their slump.

“I wasn’t able to pinpoint what was going wrong,” he said. “I think I have a better feel of that now. I just wish I was 20 years in, and I could’ve said, ‘Hey, here’s what it is we got to get this fixed.’”

Entering the Stillwater Regional,

four staff members of D1Softball picked Wichita State to upset OSU. Skepticism was at an all-time high. They didn’t lose. Shocker.

The Cowgirls then rolled through Oregon the next weekend in the Super Regional, outscoring the Ducks 17-

1. There were no questions swirling around the program then; the Cowgirls were “back” in the eyes of most.

Gajewski wasn’t the only one fac

ing hardships this season.

Courtesy of Alexander Demyanenko

to be proud of the progress the LGBTQ+ community has made.

Andy Crown

Whether it was having scholarship offers pulled or rough patches at Long Beach State, Watts-Brown has always pushed onward.

Watts-Brown always comes back better from adversity

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Brueggemann taking nothing for granted this postseason

age all season. He is in a much different spot this June as OSU heads into the NCAA Regionals. Last June, he underwent shoulder surgery – his first major surgery – and missed summer baseball for the first time since he started playing when he was 9.

“Just got to keep it in perspective,” Dean said. “It wasn’t a career ender. It wasn’t anything that was gonna set him back long term or anything. There’s a lot worse things going on in the world than having shoulder surgery. You keep that in perspective.”

Braden Bush Sports Editor

Josh Holliday predicted it. Colin Brueggemann showed signs early in the season of his offensive potential. For much of the season, his batting average led the team as a sophomore in his first year at OSU. Earlier in the year, Holliday, OSU’s coach, said it was a matter of time before Brueggemann’s power and home run hitting came to fruition.

Against OU on May 18, it flashed its head. Brueggemann hit a grand slam in the third inning of OSU’s win and hit another home run in the sixth, bringing in five of the Cowboys’ 13 runs.

Brueggemann has gradually worked more and more into the OSU lineup, where he’s been toward the top in batting average and on-base percent-

“It was rough, to be honest,” Brueggemann said.

He was coming off a freshman season at Johnson County Community College in Kansas, where he was seventh in JUCO with 21 home runs. And now, he was sidelined for the entire summer as he headed to his new home in Stillwater.

For the first few months of recovery, Brueggemann didn’t even pick up a bat, and the only action he got in practice was fielding the occasional ground ball. His father, Dean Brueggemann, who played seven years in the Colorado Rockies organization, was there to help him through it.

“He knows a lot about the game and helped me not just with baseball, but with the mental side of it, too,” Colin said.

The mental side of it can be toughest. But Dean had advice.

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Mon–Fri 9:30–6:30, Sat 9:30–5:30, Sun 1–5

Colin slowly returned in the fall but said he couldn’t find his swing. The swing had always been there for Colin, even before his 6-foot-6, 231-pound frame filled out. Dean said Colin had a nice, short and simple swing throughout high school, but it wasn’t until his senior year, after time in the weight room, the power hitting came.

That same long frame made the shoulder recovery process tougher on Colin’s swing.

“Him being a tall kid with long arms, it takes a lot of work to keep it short and simple,” Dean said. “But he put in the work, and he realizes (he’s) in it for the long haul.” Through his first 12 games at OSU, Colin was batting .484 and earning a spot in the lineup, mostly as designated hitter – all while coming back from shoulder surgery and adjusting to Division I.

“He came back in January, and he did, he looked like a new guy,” Holliday said. And then from the time he broke into the lineup and got some key looks, he has been really, really good.”

Dean credits it to Colin’s swing mechanics – short and simple – his work ethic and pitch adjustments.

“Every time I go to the ballpark, I try to stick to my routine,” Colin said. “Even if I’m not in the lineup that day, I’m still asking guys what they’re seeing.”

And it has all paid off. Colin has made an impact in his first year, batting .336 with six home runs and a .450 OBP despite the injury. And he’s been a regular in the lineup, such as the Big 12 Tournament, where he started in five of OSU’s six games.

Colin kept perspective the entire process, and now he’s making the most of this season.

“Not being able to lift, swing, throw, nothing like that, it was rough,” Colin said. “But I knew I wasn’t taking anything for granted when I came back.”

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Colin Brueggemann adjusted to Division I this season while recovering from shoulder surgery and has made an immediate impact for the Cowboys.

4 Oklahoma State football kickoff times announced

bama at 6 p.m. and can be watched on ESPN+. The Cowboys’ first Big 12 home game will be Friday, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. vs Kansas State.

Four of the first five 2023 Oklahoma State football games have kickoff times set.

The opener vs Central Arkansas on Sept. 2 is set for 6 p.m. with the broadcast on ESPN+ and Big 12 Now. The Cowboys will appear on “Pac-12 after dark” on FS1 at Arizona State in Tempe on Sept. 9 at 9:30 p.m. CT. OSU will be back in Boone Pickens Stadium on Sept. 16 vs South Ala-

OSU played Central Arkansas once, in 2015, a 32-8 Cowboys win in Stillwater. Mason Rudolph threw for 401 yards and David Glidden had the best game of his career, with four catches for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Against teams from Arkansas, though, OSU is 16-29. OSU has also opened the season with a night game in six of the last seven years.

After a Week 2 game between the Cowboys and Sun Devils in Stillwater last season, OSU will travel to Tempe to face Arizona State in a rematch. OSU won 3417 in 2022 in one of its best overall games last season.

The Cowboys have played in Tempe twice before, a 12-10 loss in 1993, and the other a 45-3 win in ‘84. South Alabama won 10 games last season and will be playing in Stillwater for the second time in history. The Jaguars and Cowboys met in 2018, a 5513 OSU win, where Taylor Cornelius threw for 428 yards. In 2017, OSU also won a matchup with USA, a 44-7 game. In 2022, Kansas State defeated OSU in a historic game — a 48-0 Wildcat win vs the then No. 9 Cowboys, which started a downward spiral that season where OSU lost five of its last six games. In the past 20 years, the Cowboys are 7-1 vs Kansas State in games in Stillwater.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Continued from 1

Kelly Maxwell, the star AllAmerican pitcher for the Cowgirls, hasn’t lived up to expectations set by others following her masterful fourth season last year. Maxwell, who was just named a Second-Team All-American on Wednesday, still had an impressive season in the circle, but she wasn’t as dominant as last season; she knows that.

And Kiley Naomi has had a career season at the plate, batting .372 with a Big 12-leading 64 RBI (her next-best season was 34). Her numbers are staggering and easily recognizable as one of the best hitting seasons in not only the Big 12, but the country. Yet Naomi was left off the All-Big 12 teams.

Gajewski and his star Cowgirls aren’t hanging their heads, but instead they’re turning the obvious doubts and criticism into fuel for this postseason.

“I know what she’s (Kelly Maxwell) been going through; I know what Kiley feels like after she, (and) we, feel like she got

completely snubbed in the Big 12 awards, and it’s just like, ‘OK, we’re about to show you.

“’We’re gonna show you guys what this is all about,’” Gajewski said.

Although Naomi may not have been recognized as having one of the best seasons in her conference, she was recognized as a Third-Team All-American on Wednesday. Her teammates took note of her much-deserved recognition.

“Finally!” one teammate shouted in the video.

“I’m thankful to all of you,” Gajewski told his team. “It’s really cool; it’s exciting for our program. But Kiley, it’s especially cool.” Silence. Gajewski locks eyes on Naomi, who can’t help but cry.

For the first time in her fiveyear career, she’s an All-American. Forget the league awards.

Whether it’s Gajewski or Naomi, the Cowgirls have shed a fair amount of tears this season. For one reason or another, it’s been challenging.

But don’t let those tears fool you; they’re coming to OKC looking for blood and looking to do one simple thing.

“We’re trying to win the last game; that’s it,” Gajewski said.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Cooper Price

The 2023 OSU football schedule now has kickoff times set for the first four games, and all are at night.

Branson Evans

Kenny Gajewski hasn’t ever faced criticism like he did this season, but him and his team are silencing the critics now.

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Continued from 1

Christy Balderama always saw football as her son’s future -- only because he wanted it to be.

“For the longest time, he thought his ticket out of Hanford was through football,” Balderama, Watts-Brown’s mother, said. “I supported him regardless of what it was.”

But by his sophomore season, he knew baseball was his future. Silva had a paramount role in convincing him. Watts-Brown committed to Texas Tech before his junior season and kept in contact with the coaching staff.

“I was so excited to go there,” Watts-Brown said. “I remember when I took my official visit there, I was just blown away.”

Still, he remained dedicated to football. He exceled as a quarterback for Hanford, earning honors as the West Yosemite Player of the Year. He threw for 39 touchdowns and nearly 4000 yards as a senior.

For Watts-Brown, life was good. Until tragedy struck.

Late in his senior season, he was hit late out of bounds on a designed quarterback run.

The moment he sprang to his feet, he felt something wrong. He was diagnosed with an injury to his AC joint. Shortly after, Texas Tech pulled his offer, leaving WattsBrown scrambling for replacements.

“It was almost like it was a way out for (Texas Tech),” Silva said. “It was a normal football injury. Stuff like that happens all the time. It was total (nonsense).”

Silva aided in finding his pupil a new school. WattsBrown eventually attained an offer from Long Beach State, where he committed.

Watts-Brown saw the positives. A coaching staff with interest in him. A fresh start at a school just four hours from home instead of halfway across the country.

“I like to see the good in things,” Watts-Brown said. “It was something instilled in me at a young age. I had a new opportunity ahead of me and at the time, I was just looking to make the most of it.”

***

Midway through fall camp his redshirt freshman year, Watts-Brown became one of the most adept arms at Long Beach State. He performed on such a high level that he was slotted as the Game 3 starter for the Dirtbags’ Opening Weekend series at Mississippi State –the defending national champions. His inaugural outing was shaky, but he struck out seven in an eventual 12-4 loss for the Dirtbags.

“I remember it being alright but not so good at the same time,” Watts-Brown said. “I mean, it was my first outing, but I had such high expectations for myself that it stung.”

But Watts-Brown’s first start previewed what was to come – a strikeout machine who struggled with walks.

He displayed prolific outings, including a one-hit, seven-strikeout performance against top 25-ranked Gonzaga. But in most instances, the negatives outweighed the positives.

So, he was demoted to a bullpen role toward the midseason.

During that time, he had to self-reflect, and he spent countless hours talking with Silva on the phone. Then one day, it clicked.

“It’s like my whole mindset on pitching changed,” Watts-Brown said. “I felt like I didn’t really have anything to

sports

lose. I trusted my stuff and my breaking pitches, I just needed to show it.”

After a slew of quality relief outings, he was put back into the starting rotation against UC-Santa Barbra. The following week he recorded a six-inning, 10-strikeout outing against UC-Irvine, surrendering just one hit.

“I was confident,” WattsBrown. “Any time I’m confident, I feel like nobody can touch me.”

***

Balderama stood alongside her son as the hot, California sun glazed down on her. May 8, 2022. Mother’s Day. Balderama and mothers of other teammates were honored. Then, it was game time.

Watts-Brown said he vividly remembers the California afternoon skyline adorning the view of his mother in the stands.

He remembers smiling as he threw his first warm-up pitch.

“My walk-out songs always pump me up, but that sent joy through my body,” Watts-Brown said. “My mom, knowing all she’s done for me to help me get through life and seeing her there, it fueled me.”

His first inning featured a 1-2-3 frame in just seven pitches. So far, so good.

Through three innings, Watts-Brown had six strikeouts and still hadn’t put a batter on base.

“It just felt like a regular outing,” Watts-Brown said. “I didn’t know at that point I hadn’t given up a hit.”

In the top of the fourth, he surrendered his first walk. The thought of a ruined perfect game clouded his head, but there was another glaring possibility: a no-hitter.

Through six, he threw 11 strikeouts with his lone blemish being the walk. As the game progressed, WattsBrown felt stronger. By the ninth inning, everyone knew

what was at stake. In the midst of the noise, he saw his mother, smiling and clapping in sync with the crowd.

“Let’s do this,” he said to himself. “One more inning. One more.”

Three at-bats later, he had done it. A complete-game no-hitter, the first in Long Beach State history. WattsBrown have his mom the ball from the final out.

“It was the perfect Mother’s Day gift a baseball mom could ask for,” Balderama said. “It hit me that moment and I just couldn’t believe it.”

Watts-Brown’s 3.68 ERA and 110 strikeouts for that year garnered national attention and made him an All-Big West Conference honorable mention. Even then, he wanted to prove himself at a higher level.

Two months later, he committed to OSU.

Watts-Brown’s lone season as OSU’s ace pitcher has been up and down.

Prior to the Cowboys’ series at TCU in April, he was

listed on D1Baseball’s midseason All-American watchlist, donning 2.61 ERA. He was also tabbed as a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award – given to the nation’s top amateur baseball player.

Since, his ERA has elevated to 4.50, his strikeout rate has dwindled along with his strikeout-to-walk ratio.

This Friday, OSU will face Oral Roberts in the Stillwater Regional at O’Brate Stadium, with Watts-Brown getting the start on the mound.

If the Cowboys hope to make a run to the College World Series for the first time since 2016, they’ll need their early-season ace back – the one who dominated a top-25 Texas team in an eight-inning, 12-strikeout performance.

But he’s been through it before. And each time, he’s come back a better version of himself. As a result, a prime opportunity awaits him.

“I feel like everything that has happened to him, happened for a reason,” Balderama said. “It hasn’t been straight. It hasn’t been easy, but I truly believe he’s ended up where he belongs.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Chase Davis

Juaron Watts-Brown started his baseball career as a catcher before he was moved to pitcher.

Honors Weekend News

National Wrestling Hall of Fame celebrating Distinguished Members

greatly benefited the development and advancement of the sport.

Stephanie Landaverde News and Lifestyle Editor

On Friday and Saturday the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will celebrate the Class of 2023.

The Distinguished Members include Rich Bender, Jimmy Jackson, Patricia Miranda and Joe Williams. Also honored are Meritorious Official honoree Ed Kelly, Order of Merit recipient Frank Popolizio, Medal of Courage recipient Richard Perry and outstanding American honoree Bob Bowlsby.

The Hall of Fame Board of Governors approved the selections on October 26.

The Social & Presentation of Plaques will be Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. It is free and open to the public.

The Honoree Tribute Breakfast will be Saturday at 9 a.m. at the McKnight Center. The cost is $40 for adults, $20 for children ages 6-15 and free for children under six.

The Induction Ceremony will be Saturday at 7 p.m. at the McKnight Center. The cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. and the cost to attend is $95.

To purchase Honors Weekend Tickets, visit https:// bit.ly/3w2CQOM.

Distinguished members are wrestlers who have achieved extraordinary success in national and/or international competition; coaches who have demonstrated great leadership in the wrestling profession and have compiled an outstanding record; or contributors whose long-term activities have

Bender was named acting executive director of USA wrestling in November 2000 and permanent director in February 2001. He is the longestserving Executive Director in organization history. Under his leadership the United States has won 26 Olympic medals with nine gold, five silver and 12 bronze, and 100 World Championship medals with 27 gold, 26 silver and 47 bronze.

Jackson was a three-time NCAA champion and Big Eight Conference champion for Oklahoma State University. He died in 2008 at 51 years old after suffering from diabetes and congestive heart failure.

Miranda was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in wrestling at the first games to include women’s wrestling. She is the fifth woman to be inducted as a Distinguished Member. Miranda represented the U.S. in four Senior World Championships, earning silver medals in 2000 and 2003 and a bronze in 2006.

Williams was a threetime NCAA champion and four-time All-American for the University of Iowa. Williams finished fifth at the 2004 Olympics and competed in six World Championships, winning bronze medals in 2001 and 2005 while placing fourth in 1999 and fifth in 2007. He won gold medals at the Pan American Championships in 1999 and 2003 and was a four-time World Cup champion.

The Medal of Courage is awarded to a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome challenges that appear to be insurmountable, providing inspiration to others.

Perry suffered a head injury on August 27, 2018, during a USA Wrestling National Team racing camp at Marine

Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Perry was participating in a drill with foam-padded buttons, and he took a shot to the face and the foam protection dislodged. The central rod slipped, struck and shattered his eye orbit and the pieces penetrated his brain tissue. Initially doctors did not believe he would recover and said if he did survive, he would be bedridden or in a wheelchair for life. But Perry was determined to walk, and so he did.

In November of 2018, Perry walked out of his hospital without any assistance. After countless doctor visits, cognitive, speech and physical therapy and specialized strength and mobility sessions, Perry was able to continue wrestling in

December of 2020.

The Order of Merit goes to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sport but is not an athlete or coach.

Frank Popolizio is the founder of “Journeymen Wrestling”, which he created in 1999 after the excitement of watching his brother Pat wrestle in a home dual for OSU.

The Meritorious Official award recognizes a referee, judge or pairing official for outstanding service.

Ed Kelly officiated for 27 years and then served 22 years as an evaluator for the NCAA Division I Championships.

The Outstanding American award is presented to those individuals who have used

the disciplines of wrestling to launch notable careers in other walks of life, such as science and technology, business and industry, government and the military and the arts and humanities.

Bowlsby used his wrestling background, skill, expertise and leadership throughout his career to help the programs he has overseen achieve growth and financial success. Under his leadership, the Big 12 won 32 national team championships, including an all-time high eight national titles in 2021-22, and 175 NCAA individual event crowns. Read the full biographies here.

Courtesy of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

Jimmy Jackson was a three-time NCAA champion and Big Eight Conference champion for Oklahoma State University.

Kind Fest

SPL Summer Reading Kickoff

bringing adoptable animals looking for a forever home. Four-legged friends from The Alliance for Therapy Dogs will also be attending and hanging out for some furry therapeutic time.

something nice to help the community or even just see what laughter yoga is all about– there’s hopefully a little bit of something to appeal to everyone,” SPL faculty said.

Celebrating another summer of reading with a theme of kindness toward oneself, nature and peers.

The Stillwater Public Library will host the Summer Reading Kickoff: Kind Fest event this weekend. The festivities will take place at the Stillwater Public Library on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Attendance is free.

The kickoff is a part of the SPL’s summer reading program, “All Together Now.” To find more information on how to register, log reading times, earn prizes and participate in different fundraisers, visit http://library.stillwater.org/summer_@_your_library.php.

SPL will be hosting the Stillwater Animal Welfare and the Payne County Humane Society, where they will be

There will be lots of hands-on activities as well, such as making seed pots out of recycled newspapers, crafting dog toys that will be donated to local animal shelters, writing letters for nursing home residents and the option to participate in some laughing yoga.

Free healthy refreshments will be provided by TSET (Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust).

While the summer reading program is geared toward kids, Emily States, adult services librarian, and Elizabeth Murray, children’s librarian, made sure to try and have something for all ages who plan on attending.

“Whether you have been thinking about adopting a pet, want to do

The nationwide summer reading program has a shared theme that is different every year. This year’s theme available for viewing at the Summer Reading Kickoff is “All Together Now.”

“This summer’s theme is meant to highlight kindness, friendship and unity,” States and Murray said. “For the kickoff event, we wanted to have a celebration spotlighting kindness in its various manifestations– kindness to oneself, kindness to nature and kindness to others. We hope that people will leave the event feeling a little bit more connected to the world around them, and excited for summer reading.”

Participants can sign up for the summer reading program at the event

this Saturday. A designated staff member will be in the North lobby to help people register. Registration is available online and can be done using any of the available catalog computers in the library.

“First, register using our new online summer reading platform and app, Beanstack,” SPL faculty said. “The sign-up link can be found on our website, library.stillwater.org. You’ll use the app to track your reading progress, find out when you earn prizes, complete reading challenges and more.”

Once that is completed, participants can come by the library to get a copy of the summer event calendar, and kids can get a coupon for a t-shirt printed at Chris’ University Spirit. For more information about SPL’s Summer Reading Kickoff: Kind Fest this Saturday, visit http://stillwater.org/ event/view/id/3253/start/2023-6-3.

Courtesy of Stillwater Public Library

The Stillwater Public Library will host the Summer Reading Kickoff: Kind Fest event this weekend. The festivities will take place at the Stillwater Public Library on June 3 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Attendance is free.

Emilee Norton Staff Reporter

The Cowboy family suffers a loss

On Monday morning, Allen Apblett, an Oklahoma State University professor of chemistry, died in a head-on collision in Falmouth, Maine, after a local resident drove south in northbound lanes. His wife, Natalie Menzies, was in the car with him and survived. Police say she is in stable but critical condition. No further updates have been provided on her condition.

Nancy Ezhaya was the driver of the vehicle that crashed into Apblett’s. Ezhaya was also a decades-long educator and died in the crash.

OSU issued this official statement following the tragedy.

“The Cowboy family mourns the loss of Dr. Allen Apblett. He served the university’s chemistry department for over 25 years, cementing a legacy of scholarship and inspiring countless students. A distinguished fellow of the American Chemical Society, the National Academy of Inventors and the American Ceramic Society, Dr. Apblett was published over 100 times, holds multiple patents and awards and made lasting contributions to his field. The thoughts of the entire Cowboy family are with Dr. Apblett’s family at this time.”

Job McKee, a chemistry junior, was an informal worker in one of Apblett’s labs. Apblett wanted an undergraduate student to work in his lab, and McKee’s other professors connected him to Apblett.

“He had a project pretty much ready to go for me that I could start on even though I didn’t know anything, any

chemistry or I hadn’t worked in a lab before,” McKee said.

“Since then I’ve learned new techniques and methods and seen how a real lab works, and I’ve definitely improved my skills because of my involvement.”

Earlier this year, Apblett asked McKee to write him a letter of recommendation for the Distinguished Teaching Award.

“In my freshman seminar tour of the department, he encouraged us to pursue research opportunities and to seize on look for our opportunities in his inspiring word: serendipity,” McKee said in his letter.

McKee said Apblett made him feel welcome at OSU.

“What hit me hardest based on the brief time

that I’ve known him is that I’ll not get to hear more of his thoughts on that subject, because I think it is a very interesting one,” McKee said.

Ciara Kelley, a graduate student majoring in chemistry, was a student of Apblett’s who conducted research under him. For research, Apblett and Kelly would look at pond water, using water collected from her father’s farm. One day, Apblett went to collect pond water by himself, bringing apples and carrots for the horses and donkeys at the farm.

“The pond is probably half a mile from the gate, and he has a little Prius,” Kelley said. “He could not drive it, so he walks out there with all of our water-collecting gear and also this bag of apples and bag of carrots, trying to feed our horses just to pet them.”

Unfortunately for Apblett, the horses were not interested in the apples and carrots he had to offer.

“He comes back up here that following week and is like ‘your horses would not even come up to me, all I got to do was take pictures and watch them poop in the water,’” Kelley said.

Kelley said she has never met someone as smart as Apblett. Apblett knew so much, and not just about chemistry, she said.

“He could be tough, but he had your back,” Kelley said.

Nick Materer, OSU professor of chemistry, has been friends with Apblett since he arrived at OSU over 20 years ago. “He was an excellent mentor to his graduate students and his colleagues,” Materer

said. “He liked to take his science into real world applications and discuss that.”

Apblett received his B.S. from the University of New Brunswick in 1984 and his Ph.D. from the University of Calgary in 1989. His research interests included industrial, materials and environmental chemistry, nanotechnology and metallo-organic chemistry applied to development of new chemical processes.

Apblett’s research efforts were concerned with the utilization of metallo-organic and inorganic materials chemistry to the multitude of problems faced by industry today. “He was just a great teacher, great mentor, colleague and scientist,”Materer said.

Party/Semi-formal

Wedding

Courtesy of OSU

Allen Apblett served OSU’s chemistry department for over 25 years and inspired countless students.

Stephanie Landaverde News and Lifestyle Editor

OSU has a Safe Zone

Allyship program, which is a free workshop designed to identify and educate allies of the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Many places all across campus showcase a logo for the allyship, making it easy to identify a safe place for LGBTQ+ students.

“You are loved and deserve to be happy, never forget you are never alone and that you are part of a community. You are part of a people with a proud heritage, you belong with us. Be proud,” Baker said.

Wilson Lazo-Salmeron is a counseling psychology Ph.D. student at OSU. He has had the chance to help co-facilitate a LGBTQA+ Support Group on OSU’s campus, and he stated a huge reason he came to OSU to pursue his doctorate is to work with racial/ethnic minorities (especially the Latine community), sexual/gender minorities and people with body image dysphoria or disordered eating.

“My identities play a tremendous role in why I am here, I identify as El Salvadorian and gay,” Lazo-Salmeron said. “I want to increase the representation for marginalized individuals in the psychological and mental health fields. There are numerous barriers and stigmas surrounding mental health care, which I hope to reduce while advancing my educational and career goals. I recently earned the title Mr. Hispanic OSU, which is only the start of my journey in helping the Hispanic population and other marginalized communities.”

There are various programs that support students’ academic success through scholarships and educational opportunities and resources. Despite OSU having these resources for students, LazoSalmeron also states there are other resources available outside the university.

“OSU needs more affir-

mative care, but they are slowly on track with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and mental health services that provide affirmative care, for example, the OSU Tulsa Campus Clinic,” Lazo-Salmeron said. “The Trevor Project is one online space that offers resources and information. With increasing anti-LGBTQIA+ laws, building a safe community is difficult and more important than ever. It’s hard to stand out or put yourself out there, but try your best to do what you can to get through.”

Paige Wolfe is a sophomore psychology pre-law major, and she is a strong ally for the LGBTQ+ community.

“Pride month is important not just for people who identify with LGBTQ+, but for

those who do not,” Wolfe said. “Bringing awareness to it is important, especially to demonstrate that it is a positive celebration of love to those who are opposed or prejudiced.”

An understanding Wolfe has about the community is there is a great chance for hostility from those who are not accepting or fulling understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.

“I’m from Seattle and coming here [to Oklahoma] was quite jarring, I actually witnessed transphobia and homophobia for pretty much the first time,” Wolfe said. “Or at least I was old enough to properly identify it. Recently, banning drag has become a topic of discussion in Oklahoma politics. Alienating and vil-

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

lainizing the use of freedom of speech and freedom of expression is atrocious and something the government should not be doing.”

People in and out of the community see the precautions those in the community must face, despite changing times. Although Wolfe does not identify as LGBTQ+, she offers a supportive hand to her LGBTQ+ peers.

Pride Month is important for numerous reasons, but showing support for the community creates a safer place for everyone.

“Although I have never had to face the fear of coming out to my family, friends and the world in general, I have close friends who have struggled with this same battle,”

Wolfe said. “It’s extremely difficult to feel as though you may be unloved because of a choice you never made, but because you were born loving someone you can’t control. It’s frightening, isolating and frustrating, but the most important thing to realize is that there is always someone out there who will love you. No matter what, for who you are. The simple fact that you are capable of love is what is important; who it is aimed at is not.”

To learn more about OSU LGBTQ+ resources and programs, visit https://diversity.okstate.edu/departments/ multicultural-affairs/lgbtqresources.html

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Wilson Lazo-Salmeron

Wilson Lazo-Salmeron helped co-facilitate the LGBTQA+ Support Group on campus.

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

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Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda

Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (06/02/23). Let your heart guide your plans this year. Raise your professional status with diligence, determination and steady practice. Navigate physical changes this summer, before autumn love inspires. Redirect plans next winter, before romantic obstacles reveal an exciting party phase next spring. Organize and prepare.

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 a 6 — Pursue a dream with determination, step by step. Follow your heart to grow. Passion pulls you forward. Assess conditions. Your investigation shifts; try new directions.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Collaboration gets lucrative. You can get what you need. Draw upon hidden resources. Use what you’ve previously stashed. Replenish resources. Nurture seeds for growth.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Encourage your partner. Develop new possibilities together. Resolve challenges with love. Support each other around a transition. Listen generously. Share from your heart.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Envision a way to advance a dream. Make healthy changes for fitness and work. Try another direction. Follow your heart. Practice for ease. Monitor growth.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Relax for a moment, in luxury. Reconnect with someone you love. Share simple pleasures like good food, laughter and beauty. Consider what’s most important.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Imagine the potential. Consider the domestic changes you’d love. Color works wonders. Clean and declutter. Restore harmony with delicious treats, music and flowers.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 6 — Consider and reflect. Articulate what you want to express. Imagination and creativity provide new directions around obstacles. Review and edit later. Capture the story.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Ask for more and get it. Buy, sell and trade. Get something you’ve always wanted. Discover hidden treasure. Find new income sources. Count your blessings.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Prioritize self care and beautification rituals. A home spa moment could include bubbles and candles. Enjoy a haircut or style for a new personal phase.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 6 — Get lost in thought. Find a peaceful setting for planning. Creativity and imagination flower. Hope bursts through again, when least expected. Follow intuition.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — A friend inspires you. Shared dreams deepen bonds. Imagine beautiful results. Align forces for common gain and extra fun. Fight the good fight.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Discover lucrative opportunities in potentially new directions. Polish public bios, resumes and portfolios. Update websites and materials. Keep an open mind and stay in action.

ACROSS

1 Shea successor

5 Requirements for some new jobs, briefly

10 Bunch

14 Soba alternative

15 Facetious target of a series of guides

16 Film princess who says, “You came in that thing? You’re braver than I thought”

17 Chap, in British slang

18 Middle, approximately?

20 Start of an old boast

22 “That’s amazing!”

23 South American barbecue

24 Slushy drinks

26 Cartoonist Chast

27 Sequence, approximately?

30 Middle of a valley?

31 Abbey area

32 Prefix with male or female

35 Straight, approximately?

40 French chum

41 Heart

42 Enthusiasm

44 Right, approximately?

49 Oakland-to-Palo Alto dir.

52 Fantasy author Canavan

53 Goes to press?

54 Place with crude buildings?

56

Joe Deeney

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

“Barry” series finale

To put it lightly, “Barry’s” fourth and final season has been a rollercoaster. While it has some amazing highs and terrible lows, it’s all worth it for the ride it gives you in the end. Bill Hader’s directorial debut series has always been a messy, yet worthwhile attraction in that regard. “Barry” season 4 manages to double down on every pro and con the series has to offer.

On one hand, the story is incredi-

bly bold and nuanced. This season takes some of the biggest risks and twists I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, not every twist pays off. The narrative ultimately feels disjointed after episode four, due to an insane left turn in the story. There is so much content stuffed into these eight, short episodes. Because of this, while the ideas and plot lines are excellent on paper, they feel rather sudden and unsatisfying in execution. The series would’ve benefited greatly from longer episodes. Although the lighting fast pace of the show is electrifying, the entire season feels incredibly rushed due to the 30-minute runtime.

One thing “Barry” always shines in is its incredible performances across the board. Bill Hader himself manages to provide a visceral and compelling

profile of the titular Barry Berkman.

Henry Winkler gives a late career best as Gene Cousineau. Sarah Goldberg excellently illustrates the deeply complex character of Sally Reed.

As inferred before, the series got really weird this season. The finale itself is one of the most creative yet unsatisfying series finales that television has to offer, that’s both a compliment and an insult. It gives the same feeling

“The Sopranos’” infamous cut to black did, but for 35 whole minutes. Sure, the characters all reach devilishly ironic and fitting conclusions that will linger in the viewer’s mind, but the route in which we reach those locations feels like a frustrating attempt to subvert expectations rather than sending off the characters in a meaningful fashion. The

final minutes of the series finale are going to be remembered as one of the boldest and most bizarre endings of all time. It’s a hilarious, sudden and extremely fitting ending. It’s a shame that the path to this conclusion feels lackluster at times.

Despite all that, “Barry” manages to give a decent ending to all of its characters in an impressively short runtime. Season 3’s ending feels much more satisfying narratively and in terms of themes and pacing, yet this finale is just as important, as it shows what these characters truly deserve. Whatever Bill Hader does next, I’ll be the first person in line.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Tribune News

Michael Clark Staff Reporter Review