The O'Colly, Friday, March 8, 2024

Friday, March 8, 2024

‘Open-air prison’

Students speak out on war in Gaza

When Menatallah Awad left Gaza in 2008, she didn’t know it would be the center of global conflict 16 years later.

But it’s not a surprise.

Awad, who is a Palestinian born in Gaza, has watched the conflict evolve as her extended family sits in its crosshairs. It has been five months and one day since Hamas, a Palestinian political and militant group, attacked and killed at least 1,139 Israelis, according to Al Jazeera. In retaliation, Israel declared war. Recent counts put the death toll in Gaza at more than 30,000 people killed.

Despite perceptions that the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians started on Oct. 7, 2023, Awad said it started 75 years ago.

Thomas Carlson, an associate professor who specializes in medieval Middle Eastern society, said the start date is debated.

“There’s one sector of Israeli and American society that would say, ‘Look, we need to start this story on Oct. 7 of 2023 when Hamas committed a terrorist attack and killed 1,200 Israelis or so,” Carlson said.

“(There’s) a separate segment of Israeli and American society who would say we need to start at least 1,400 years ago, when Islam conquered Palestine. And then there’s anywhere in between.”

Awad left Gaza with her family to escape violence. Since, Gaza has continued to be a place of unrest.

Awad said families or groups of

10-20 people are surviving off a small tank of water for 1-2 weeks.

“It is a refugee open air prison; that’s what it is,” Awad said.

People in Gaza have faced an on-

going threat of bombings and invasion. As the conflict has evolved, they have been displaced further, pushed south toward Egypt. Until Oct. 7, 2023, Carlson said

Israel has historically killed about 10 Palestinians for every Israeli killed.

Awad said Gaza is already home to displaced people, such as her grandmother, who were driven out of a town near Jerusalem into Gaza. When a family member of Awad returned to Gaza last summer, she saw people living in tents and refugee camps.

“From when she got to Jordan to get into Gaza, it took her 12 hours,” Awad said. “The plane ride wasn’t even that long.”

A few of Awad’s family members about 10 checkpoints to enter Gaza, each one about 20 minutes apart. Awad said it was an Israeli tactic to make them not want to return.

Israeli forces control most movement in and out of Gaza. President Joe Biden has recently leaned harder on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid in. Israel is a longtime ally of the United States, which can complicate the relationship. “Most Americans don’t realize the degree to which even what we might call liberal mainstream media, this is repeating Israeli propaganda,” Carlson said. “So often, I’ll see the New York Times or The Washington Post— these are not considered conservative news outlets, but they’re just quoting an Israeli military spokesman with no fact checking, with no pushback.”

Carlson said reading sources such as Al Jazeera, an English-language news network financed by Qatar, along with other balanced news organizations, can give different perspectives to Americans who want news without a western focus.

See Gaza on 5A

The face behind SGA

Women’s history month Echols leads with love, responsibility

that I could have asked.”

alma matter and place of work.

For Melisa Echols, blood does not define family. Love does.

Growing up as an only child, Echols, the coordinator of student government programs at OSU, knew from an early age she was adopted. Her parents never saw a reason to hide it. And she never saw a reason to question it.

“ I am thorough in knowing that I had the life I was supposed to have,” Echols said. “And the mother that gave me up did so for the reasons and I respect her for that choice. And I think that for me, that is all

Echols always knew where she belonged. From looking up to female role models to becoming one, she built a career focused on education and connection, where she spends her days guiding OSU students toward their goals. While navigating losses and heartbreaks, Echols found freedom in her family, friendships, her work and her students.

Echols connection with OSU started early. When Echols was in 8th grade at the Glenpool Middle School, she was selected as a state member to play for OSU’s centennial celebration. Years later, OSU would become her

Echols’s family moved to Tulsa when she finished 8th grade. They wanted her to have a better education, and Glenpole was not offering that at the time.

At Metro Christian Academy, Echols noticed something that would later turn into her mission and passion: education. During her time at a private high school, Echols noticed how different education was between public and private schools. She was 14, but she knew it wasn’t fair. Everyone deserves an education with quality, she said. Echols would never forget that feeling.

Courtesy of the City of Stillwater Stillwater is expanding to fit its growing population, with projects such as Block 34 to attract new residents.

Main Street in Stillwater has looked the same for decades.

Old brick buildings embrace visitors with history.

The small town atmosphere is one of Stillwater’s most beloved qualities for students away from home. However, in recent years, there have been significant building contributions to lure new residents to Stillwater.

Stillwater may be a smaller town, but its recent construction growth might change this.

Rachel Mosier, an associate professor in the division of engineering and technology, said Stillwater doesn’t look like it used to.

“Stillwater has gone through many changes since the athletic village based on the Boone Pickens donation,” Mosier said. “With the loss of many rental homes between the north side of the stadium and Will Rogers Elementary School, areas for housing have shifted to the south and east of campus. New housing is also being built in larger developments to the north and west of Stillwater.”

See Growing on 4A

Courtesy of Maha Achour

The Muslim Student Association set up a display to honor martyrs of the conflict in Gaza.

Courtesy of Melisa Echols

Melisa Echols’ father died a month after her masters graduation. This is the last picture they took together. From left to right, George and Glenda Meinheit, Echols and Don Echols.

Luisa Clausen Editor-in-Chief

Oklahoma Attorney General shares story of accountability, ethics

Drummond transitioned the conversation from his accomplishments to ethics, using his time in the Air Force as an example.

one who decides the right thing regardless of the cost,” Drummond said.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond returned to his alma matter.

Drummond spoke to students on Feb. 29 about how to be the “ethical leaders of tomorrow.” Drummond gave a lecture on accountability, transparency and ethics in government.

Drummond talked about election promises and what his office had done to accomplish them.

The largest promise was rooting out illegal weed farms. He created a special task force to tackle the massive undertaking of shutting down these farms.

At the time of his election, about 12,000 farms were in operation in Oklahoma, and with his task force shutting down an average of 15 per day, Drummond brought the number down to 2,800.

“Truly, I think only a 1,000 are legal and another 1,700 need to go,” Drummond said.

While on a flight mission in Iraq, he was instructed to shoot down a perceived enemy plane. Drummond hesitated, fearing the plane he was instructed to take down was not an enemy, but an ally.

Drummond turned his plane around and proceeded back to base where handcuffs greeted him.

In the time it took him to be escorted from the runway into a holding cell, the truth had been revealed.

The plane belonged to the Saudi Prince, and the story of not being shot down made its way swiftly up the chain of command, then across to Drummond’s commanding officers. They commended him on his decision making skills.

The handcuffs were immediately removed, and Drummond received the Flying Cross Medal. “In this world, where there are opportunities to do the wrong thing and to do many things wrong and get away with it, you must be the

Drummond said more power has been granted to him throughout his term so far, but he is fearful of government accountability when it comes to his future predecessor.

“I don’t make policy, I enforce policy,” Drummond said. “I am a steward of the people holding in check our elected officials and appointed officials for the betterment of society.”

Drummond said things happened that upset him as a community member. So he took action.

“Instead of being an 85-year-old in my La-Z-Boy saying ‘I could have, I might have, I would’ve like to do that,’ I decided that I was going to do that,” Drummond said.

Drummond challenged the audience to go out and try new things.

“Even though the failure rate is high, and I have failed an infinite number of times, I am still going to try,” Drummond said.

Sports

Classifieds

Business Squares

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

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6

Monday thru Saturday

Houses for rent

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR BOTH SUMMER SEMESTER 2024 and FALL SEMESTER 2024 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THE O’COLLY

Applications for both Summer Semester 2024 and Fall Semester 2024 Editor-in-Chief of The O’Colly will be accepted from now thru Friday, March 8, 2024

Applications are now available in the Paul Miller Journalism and Broadcasting Building, room 106. Applicants must return their completed applications to room 106 no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024. This application process involves two separate positions; EIC for Summer and EIC for Fall. Applicants can apply for one or the other, or both positions. Be sure to indicate which position(s) you wish to be considered for on the application form.

To be eligible for Editor-In- Chief, the applicant must be a student on the Stillwater campus of Oklahoma State University, be in good academic standing (i.e., not on academic probation), have a grade point average of not less than 2.5, and have completed at least 60 hours toward a degree. Applicant must show evidence of having worked one semester writing for The O’Colly. Students serving as an Editor-in-Chief may take up to 6 credit hours of independent study in consultation and approval of their major advisor.

An internship on a newspaper in a newsroom capacity may be substituted for one semester of service on The O’Colly. The internship must meet School of Media and Strategic Communications’ current internship course.

Cowboy Calendar

Friday, March 8

Adventuring Academy: A Pathfinder @ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Stillwater Public Library

https://stillwaterok.gov/Library

Cowboy Baseball: OSU vs. Mercer @ 6 p.m.

Location: O’Brate Stadium

https://okstate.com/sports/baseball/schedule

Classic Cinema At The Center: Walking Ned Devine @ 7 p.m.

Location: Stillwater Community Center

https://www.sccfoundation.org/classic-cinema-2024/waking-ned-devine

Cowboy Tennis: OSu vs. Arizona @ 5 p.m.

Location: Greenwood Tennis Center

https://okstate.com/sports/mens-tennis/schedule

Downtown Funk @ 8 - 10 p.m.

Location: EM Curators of Craft

Admission: $5 Cover

https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/on-stage

Friday Flix @ 2 - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu

Spring Into Summer Craft Show @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Payne County Expo Center

https://pcexpocenter.com/event/spring-into-summer-craft-show-2/

AR Workshop Presents Hats & Brews Burning & Decorating @ 8: 30 p.m.

Location: Stonecloud Brewing Company

Admission: Starts at $69, you can bring your own hat to decorate for $32

https://www.arworkshop.com/stillwater/ Creative Writing Workshop @ 6 - 8 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

Admission: Free- Register at: https://forms.gle/ksuj24sJui9SH2daA

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyz MFLnV2uxNGEhgz5w9wxAuG3YPar_buij-rpOpy8Cigyjw/viewform

Saturday, March 9

Kaitlin Butts Live @ 8 p.m.

Location: Tumbleweed DanceHall & Concert Venue

Admission: $15

https://www.calffry.com

Saturday Jazz Brunch @ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Location: Em Curators of Craft

https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/weekly-events

Second Saturday @1 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://www.facebook.com/events/70120442842116

some horticultural work

16 Group with reserves

17 R

20 Widespread alert, for short

21 “The Tilled Field” painter Joan

22 Speed

23 Leaves in hot water?

24 B

27 Trifle (with)

29 __ pen

30 Whit

32 What coastlines and hairlines may do

35 Reel Big Fish genre

38 P

41 “Three Little Kittens” treat

42 Quick bursts

43 Go

44 Like racehorses

45 Skin pic

46 T

51 “Go me!”

54 Harvest

55 “__ Flux”: 1990s MTV series

56 HHS agency

57 “That’s a lost opportunity,” and what can be said to the writer of four clues in this puzzle

61 Spoonful, perhaps

62 __ learning

63 “Go me!”

64

1 Major key for some piano works by Chopin and Schubert

2 Travel to an away match?

3 Climactic scene in the Eminem film “8 Mile”

4 Bks.-to-be

5 Revealing, in a way

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

by Patti Varol

6

7 Help for the overnight shift, maybe 8 Writer/activist Harris in the documentary “Hacking

9 Procedural franchise since 2000

10 Mental decline

11 Unit in geochronology

12 Top of the art world?

13 Distant

18 Hollywood VIP

19 “Jinkies!”

25 Chris who won four straight US Opens in the 1970s

26 Tapered haircuts

28 Wine cask wood

30 Web access co.

31 “Certainement!”

32 Tend to an overgrown plant

33 Give off

34 EMT skill

35 Number of squares on a chess board

Today’s Birthday (03/08/24). Share, connect and collaborate this year. Organization and steady practices can achieve personal dreams. Springtime collaborative efforts hit gold; save a cushion for unexpected summer expenses. Autumn prizes reward you personally, before empowering collaborative efforts around shared winter shortfalls. Write, record and share your discoveries.

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 7 — Review priorities. Make time to reorganize and update. A dreamy situation lies within reach. Find ways to reduce waste. Save time, money and energy.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — You’re on the same page. Align forces for common gain. A shared dream lies within reach. Connect and share to get farther, faster.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Keep professional objectives in mind. Fix something before it breaks. Realize dreams with disciplined action and communication. Consider the big picture while taking small steps.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Discover dreamy views and new ideas along your path. An investigation reveals rare treasure. Disciplined plans and preparation unfold in new directions. Explore.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Work together for lucrative gain. New income is possible, or a delightful discovery. Count your blessings. Experience pays nice dividends. Take advantage of shared strength.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Reconnect with your partner. You’re especially in tune with each other. Practice your favorite routines. Share sweet exchanges. Discover something new about someone familiar.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — A dreamy goal inspires physical practice. Disciplined efforts earn reward. Get feedback from trusted coaches. Adjust techniques and methods for efficiency. You’re growing stronger.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Dive into a passion project. Disciplined work generates beautiful results. Creativity blossoms into brilliant ideas. Capture them onto paper or screen. Have fun.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Your heart is at home. Small improvements have big benefits. Realize domestic dreams with disciplined planning and action. Research purchases for value. Savor the results.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Get clever ideas onto paper. Words are only part of the package. Envision the visual details. Sketch and design. You’re especially creative. Craft and mold.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Maintain momentum. Disciplined work pays in gold and silver. Let others know what you’re up to. Your efforts are gaining recognition. Make valuable connections.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 6 — Imagine an inspiring possibility. Invent a way of being, such as “courageous,” “passionate” or “wise.” Wear something to reflect that idea. Play around with it.

©2024

36 Fish that can transform into a dragon, per Japanese legend

37 Little pest

39

40

44

45

46

49

52

53

59

Solution

to Thursday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every

OSU students to pay for parking ticket with donation

Luisa Clausen Editor-in-Chief

OSU students will be able to make donations to pay for parking tickets after the Student Government Association passed a recommendation on Wednesday.

When students get a parking ticket on campus, they will decide whether they want to pay the ticket or use their one-time $30 parking citation as a donation. If they get a ticket of that value, they can choose to either donate the amount to the Student STACHE Network or donate items such as ready-to-eat meals, grab-and-go snacks, hygiene products and feminine care products.

Once they decide, the price of the ticket can be donated to Student STACHE Network or they can take donation items to the Student Union. Once a worker

confirms the donation, the parking ticket will be marked as paid. The recommendation only applies to students, not faculty or staff.

The recommendation is going through a trial run with SGA members and is expected to be fully implemented by the end of the semester or beginning of fall.

Hilary Albrecht, SGA vice president, and Cannon Mitchell, SGA senator, worked with parking and transportation services to understand how SGA could improve parking on campus.

Albrecht met with Steve Spradling, director of the parking and transportation services, who said parking is a common topic and when discussing how to improve it, it’s important to balance the needs of students and employees.

As the university committee chair, Mitchell’s goal is to go through recommendations that improve OSU

campus. With Albrecht’s passion project being parking improvements, they both saw an opportunity to start a partnership and take action.

“This is why we joined SGA, to help students,” Mitchell said. “This allows students to donate and help students who need to use our Student STACHE Network.”

Changes in the parking system are not simple.

Albrecht said working as the middle man with different entities was the biggest challenge with the recommendation. The pair had to learn how to introduce the issue to faculty, then introduce solutions and demonstrate how that would benefit students.

“We are here for the students and want to help anyway we can,” Spradling said. “I hope this will help the STACHE Networks while educating students about parking on campus.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Growing . . .

Continued from 1A

City Councilwoman

Christie Hawkins said she believes Stillwater can accommodate more residents.

“We have housing areas in development now, with a broad price range to meet most needs,” Hawkins said. “We also have several infrastructure projects underway, from water to roadways, electric and more.

“Our city continuously seeks ways to strengthen infrastructure – ensuring residents and businesses are provided with healthy, safe and reliable water, electricity, transportation avenues and other core services.”

Hawkins said many new projects will be added to the Stillwater experience. An entertainment lawn called “Block 34” will be built by fall 2025.

The lawn will be east of the Stillwater Community Center and will mimic the Guthrie Green in Tulsa. The project broke ground on Feb. 7.

Longtime Stillwater

resident, Cloyann Fent, 78, said he thinks Stillwater has many attractions to potential residents.

“It is a very popular retirement site,” Fent said. “For sports fans, easy access to all the events. Many others have family here, so they chose to downsize and move here.”

Fent said Stillwater still struggles to maintain “big city” aspects.

“The desire to expand is there, but roads, water and utilities lag way behind,” Fent said.

Another Stillwater resi-

dent, Carol Stewart, has lived in the town since 1974. She said a lot has changed since. She said Hall of Fame Road was dead. Then, a grocery store and new apartments were built. Restaurants popped up. The Homeland was built.

Despite all the development, some residents agreed Stillwater will still give the feeling of home for many residents and students.

“We will always be a college town,” Fent said. news.ed@ocolly.com

Hair under the crown

Miss Black OSU’s hairstylist adds culture, identity

Jocelyn Perez Staff Reporter

Khalia Ladawn watched from the sidelines as Albony Bryles was crowned Miss Black OSU on Feb. 29.

Ladawn, a student and hairstylist, styled Bryles’ hair to prepare her for the pageant.

Although this was her first time doing hair for a pageant, Ladawn is a licensed hairstylist and has won regional hair competitions. The two collaborated for the pageant and created hairstyles that represented Bryles.

They discussed how the hair would fit against the different outfits for the pageant while also staying true to Bryles’ style and personality.

“We were very collaborative when deciding on what style to do,” Ladawn said. “While I did the style, Albony helped a lot by explaining her vision. We made a great team.”

Every hairstyle brought to life represented different characteristics of Bryles and Black culture. The afro wig Ladawn styled for Bryles symbolized grace, unity and strength found in women and the Black community.

Before pageant day, Ladawn spent hours making sure the wig Bryles wore was styled to perfection. They stayed up late ensuring the length and layers framed Bryles flawlessly.

Ladawn predicted Bryles would win from the beginning.

“I immediately knew she was going to win,” Ladawn said.

“From her charm, her character, Albony is an all around amazing person.”

Ladawn said she cried when Bryles won the pageant.

Being backstage ignited a spark in Ladawn, and she said she hopes to keep it aflame. She said the experience transformed her.

“Being backstage with everyone, doing what I love, I felt at peace,” Ladawn said. She said she is open to getting further involved in styling for pageants and films.

Ladawn sees Black hair as a big part of her representation and said she felt the media underrepresented her.

“Black hair means so much more than hair,” Ladawn said. “It’s culture, it’s history and the future.”

From the women around her, to the stars of her favorite TV show, Ladawn tries to find a muse in her everyday life.

The importance of hair runs deep in the Black community. Ladawn said she hopes to bring that symbolization up front with the styling of her clients after seeing so many missed opportunities for cultural mainstream media to represent Black culture.

Ladawn said she likes to see her own hair type used in television and media, for she views it as profoundly empowering. The styling of cornrows, braids and twists on Black women impacts young Black women to indulge in their own cultural identity and expression.

“Black bonds us in a way that is very unique with layers,” Ladawn said.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Alexis Higgins

With new SGA recommendations, students will be able to pay one parking ticket during their time at OSU with an item or money donation.

Courtesy of OSU News

Albony Bryles was crowned Miss Black OSU on Feb. 29. She had help from her hairstylist, Khalia Ladawn, to represent culture with her hair.

Bryson Thadhani

Construction on Block 34 is expected to last 15-18 months, with a grand opening at the end of 2025.

Gaza

Continued from 1A

Jake Williams, co-chair of OSU’s chapter of Young Democratic Socialists of America, said the Hamas leaders in Gaza aren’t necessarily a reflection of the people’s choice.

The median age in Gaza for 2024 is 19.8, according to statista.com.

“You have to keep in mind, this is a population of people who are younger than the U.S., and you also have to keep in mind that the last election in Gaza was in 2006,” Williams said. “So you’re also talking about a population that didn’t choose the groups that may represent them.”

Because of the U.S.’s allyship with Israel and its largely Jewish population, some Americans fear criticism of Israel is considered antisemetic.

Jewish, because there was no correlation,” Clemmons said.

Being Palestinian is an ethnicity, and Palestinians hold a wide variety of faiths, including Islam and Christianity.

Maha Achour, president of the Muslim Student Association, has tried to share information about the conflict with students.

The MSA hosted a vigil to honor martyrs of the conflict, wrote messages in chalk across campus and tabled to share information and its perspective.

When they call, Awad said they always ask how she is doing, saying they know the conflict is harder on her. Awad disagrees.

A family member, who is a lawyer, doesn’t have enough resources to find bread for his family. After earning a degree from outside Gaza, he returned. Despite his skills, he now has one priority: to keep his family alive.

Continued from 1A

“I absolutely loved the education I was getting,” Echols said. “My parents wanted a different and better life for me.”

And they got their wish.

Years later, Echols would get her undergraduate and masters degree at OSU, and will start her doctorate in the fall.

During her undergraduate, Echols joined Alpha Delta Pi, a sorority, and had a glimpse of what would be like if she had sisters. As a first generation student coming from a smaller high school, Echols didn’t have much to connect her to life on campus. Greek life changed that.

Not only did it introduce her to lifelong friends, but it introduced her to her future husband.

They met when she was on a date with her boyfriend at the time. She was waiting for her date in the car as him as his friends talked to a stranger, who one day would become a familiar face.

The stranger caught her attention, but the thought soon passed. Life moved on, but everything changed when she broke up with her boyfriend of the time.

In an attempt to get her back into the dating pool, Echols’ sorority president introduced her to a guy she described as a “good influence.”

For Echols surprise, it was her future husband, the stranger from a while back. The two soon found much in common.

“We were awestruck with each other,” Echols said. “ This May we will be married for 25 years, and we still just are engrossed in each other, it feels like yesterday for us.”

in that time,” Echols said. “ I learned from students and this is an opportunity to mold and guide new leader.” Charmaine Motte met Echols in 2017 during a work project. They instantly clicked.

Motte, the coordinator of graduate recruitment, said they bonded over sharing experiences as two women of color who are part of the minority at OSU. The duo is constantly doing mental health checks and going to lunches to catch up.

“She has been a great role model, not only to students, but to her friends and colleagues,” Motte said. “We appreciate everything she has done.”

In her early 30s, Echols found out she couldn’t have children. Although adoption was an option, Echols realized there were other ways she could express love, and for her it was through education.

“I realized that was maybe why I was being led into education,” Echols said. “ I am expressing love through it. Whether that’s supporting somebody else’s leadership or guiding somebody, it’s something as small as that and that’s the way I get to give of myself to others.”

Echols’ colleagues and students agree on one thing: Melisa takes care of students as if they were her own.

Taylor Johnson, SGA AFAP director, met Echols during her freshman year. Echols amazed Jonhson from day one. Johnson noticed Echols was busy and knowledgeable in several topics but still managed time for all of her students.

“She is what one could hope to be as a person in education,” Johnson said. “She is both professional and personal. It’s a tough line to walk and one she walks masterfully. She is inclusive, while catering to individual needs. It makes students here at OSU feel like they belong and have something to contribute.”

Josh McDoonnell agreed.

“A lot of people see it as a political affair, but it’s human rights.”

Maha Achour

Muslim Student Association president

John Clemmons, secretary of OSU’s chapter of Young Democratic Socialists of America, said it is a misunderstanding.

“So many people, I think, want to conflate criticism of the Israeli government as criticism of Jewish people, as if it’s reflected on the Jewish identity or people who are ethnically

Awad said students are not quick to engage on the topic. When students see “Palestine” written on signs at a MSA table, they put their heads down and walk away.

“A lot of people see it as a political affair, but it’s human rights,” Achour said. Awad still talks with her extended family frequently.

Because of her personal connection, Awad posts frequently about Palestine and the situation in Gaza on her social media. Through her online activism, she has received threatening messages. Although she does not know any of the senders personally, she said they are people on campus who decide to send messages after learning she is Palestinian. Although receiving threatening messages can be outraging, Awad is continuing her activism. She encourages others to do the same.

“When I hear people go, ‘Well, I didn’t know, or I don’t know how I can help,’” Awad said. “Simply by educating yourself. Call your representatives. Educate yourself, educate the people around you, speak up.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Don Echols was there for Melisa Echols when her dad, George Meinheit, died of leukemia in 2015. Menheit and Echols were close. Like friends, they called each other every day. Although she was an only child, with him, she never felt alone. He fought for education, and a month before Menheit died, he attended her masters graduation. “I was so excited he was able to come,” Echols said. “That’s when I took my last photo with him. When he passed away, I was distraught. The next six to eight months was pretty much a blur for me. I don’t remember much of it.”

Echols said losing her dad reminded her the importance of nurturing relationships. At the time of her dad’s passing, Echols had been working at OSU for seven years. Her boss and coworkers didn’t rush her grief; they gave her space. Echols said her colleagues at the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs helped her stay pushed her to keep going at work.

A year and a half later, her life would change again. This time, for the better.

Echols was hired as the first coordinator for student government programs.

“It was freeing for me

The graduate assistant for SGA said Echols puts things into perspective. The two meet every morning for work updates, but their conversation is never shallow. They exchange life experiences and opinions about important topics.

“She is really good at putting things into perspective,” McDonnell said. “She empowers younger women in the organizaion and makes that a point of care and pride. She is a hard worker and cares about her students.”

During her 16 years working at OSU, Echols learned from people in the community, spread what she learned to students, juggled personal challenges with the goal of always getting back on her feet and continues to pursue her education. She plans on keep doing just that.

“I would love to be simply remembered as someone who cared about students,” Echols said. “Somebody who took the time to hear their stories was concerned with their experiences here on campus and did their best to make sure that this was a welcoming space for them.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Maha Achour

Mena Awad, a Palestinian who was born in Gaza, is active on social media and across campus to share her perspective on the conflict.

Increase in utility rates shock Stillwater residents

Stillwater residents have noticed a steep jump in their utility bills in the past month.

For some, it is $200 more than their usual payments with little to no change in usage.

Residents and OSU students Nathan and Sophia Stene said that in February, their rent nearly doubled its normal cost.

“It’s been going up slowly over the past few months,” Sophia Stene said. “But this time it was a much bigger jump than usual.”

The City of Stillwater credited the jump to a rate increase, which the city council approved back in November.

The city released a statement about the increase.

“In November 2023, the Stillwater Trustees approved new, aligned rate increases on water, wastewater, electric and

drainage fees to meet the cost of service and infrastructure projects,” the statement said. “The increase was effective January 2024 and is reflected on February statements.”

Brooke Holloway, a Stillwater resident, was aware of the statement. She was shocked at how much her bills increased.

“I was expecting the rate increase we were told about,” Holloway said. “But what I wasn’t expecting was that my usage level had somehow doubled what it was last February, even though I haven’t done anything different.”

Brooke said this was frustrating.

She did not remember doing anything out of the ordinary in February. “I’ve been in the same house for five years now, and I’ve never had a winter bill with even close to that much usage,” Holloway said.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Olivia Rodrigo brings ‘GUTS’ tour to OKC, students pay more than $1,000 for tickets

Grace Balducci Staff Reporter

American singer and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo performed her opening show for her “GUTS” world tour in Palm Springs, California, on Feb. 23.

Rodrigo, 21, will travel around the U.S., as well as Europe, for the second tour of her career. In July, she will perform in Oklahoma.

Rodrigo released her second album, “GUTS,” on Sept. 8, 2023. With a mix of alternative, indie and pop tunes, the young singer once again drew in millions of listeners.

Hayden Laub, a freshman, will attend the “GUTS” tour on July 27 in Oklahoma City.

“I was lucky enough to get into the presale for her tour and knew I wanted to go since I haven’t been to a concert in a long time,” Laub said. “I logged on to Ticketmaster around 10 minutes early to get ready for the queue, and when it came time, I kind of just got lucky with the tickets. Olivia made it so her tour tickets couldn’t be resold, so anyone that bought tickets were stuck with them.”

Laub got two VIP tickets for $550 each. She said the price was worth it for the benfits the tickets come with.

After Rodrigo’s first album, “SOUR,” was successful, winning three Grammy awards, many people had high hopes for her new album.

Laub’s friend, Ellie Blankenship, a freshman, will attend the concert with him.

“I started listening to Olivia Rodrigo after the ‘High School Musical: The Series,’” Blankenship said. “I did not go on the ‘SOUR’ tour. I tried to get tickets myself for both, but my presale code didn’t work.”

A friend of Blankenship’s gave her a free ticket to the upcoming show. Rodrigo gained a lot of followers and media spotlight

TRUST THE LORD! (Part #2)

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” (Is.30:15 NIV) This is what God was saying to his people, but their reaction was to reject his counsel, then struggle and try to work out their troubles in their own way.

God was telling them to turn to him (repentance), stop your fretting, quiet yourselves and look to me; trust me! Let God be the objective of your faith. God never gets tired, but he strengthens the tired and weary. (Is.40:28-29) It is so easy to go the way of his ancient people; trying to work things out ourselves.

When we talk of quieting ourselves; this is not passiveness or inactivity, but a turning in our thoughts to the one who has promised so much to those who will

trust him. Look at Ps.123:2, “As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master...so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.” How about Ps.131:1-2

“...I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother.” Our activity is turning and quieting ourselves before the one who is truly our helper.

Returning to Is. 30; verse 18: Here is God’s attitude toward us; “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.” Isaiah finishes by saying; “Blessed are all who wait for him!” God is good toward us because of Christ. He wants to take action, so He says stop! (seems contrary) Spent some time with him and trust him in the challenges of life. He will lead and work his way! Trust him; you will not be ashamed! (Ro.10:11)

after playing Gabriella in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” on Disney+, which first aired in 2019. She gained more press when she and her co-star Joshua Bassett came out as a couple around the airing of Season 1. Although some are willing to splurge on “GUTS” concert tickets, not all are.

Freshman Ava Wise said tickets are too expensive.

“I do think she has a really good voice, but I wouldn’t personally go to a concert, because I don’t love her music enough,” Wise said. “I also don’t think I would want to spend my money on her highly priced tickets.”

Tribune News Service

Olivia Rodrigo will perform her “GUTS” world tour in Oklahoma City on July 27.

Ava Whistler Staff Reporter

Courtesy of Visit Stillwater

Stillwater’s residents experienced large increases in their utility bill rates in February from a measure the city council approved in November 2023.

‘It’s his year’: Fix eyeing storybook postseason run to end OSU career

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Daton Fix stared across the mat toward his opponent with intent.

Oklahoma State opened its season against Bucknell, and as always, Fix would be at the forefront for the Cowboys at 133 pounds.

The roar of the OSU fans at Gallagher-Iba Arena bolstered an adrenaline rush for Fix as public address announcer A.L. Haizlip gave OSU’s star an introduction.

The Jumping Man, Daton Fix.

Fix rolled onto the mat. Sprung to his feet. Underwent his signature leap into the air – hence, the nickname – and squared up to his opponent.

Fix said the excitement of his return to the mat for the season opener resurfaced

throughout the match. It was a feeling the super senior has experienced four other times at OSU, but there was a stark contrast between this one and past ones. This was Fix’s last. He wanted to make it count. He wanted to set the tone for a prolific final chapter to his storied college wrestling career.

Storied, yet empty. Fix dons all the accolades to be deemed a Hall of Famer. His moxie, swagger and demeanor is respected across wrestling. He has the pedigree: a four-time All-American and a 118-6 record. A great career. But three of his losses have come when it matters most – the championship round at Nationals.

“If you’re making the finals, more often than not, you’re good enough to win the title,” FloWrestling analyst, Christian Pyles said. “And if you make it three times, then you’re among the elite in the sport. For whatever reason, Daton Fix hasn’t been able to win that final match that is so hard to clinch.”

OSU’s first All-American woman never stopped running through life

Ashton Slaughter Assistant Sports Editor

Suzie Byrd wasn’t popular with the schoolboys in Hennessey; she was too damn fast.

Byrd, formally Suzie Winningham, outran everyone — male or female — in her small town, some 48 miles west of Stillwater. She was a natural-born speedster, and she jokingly refers to her younger self as an undiagnosed, probable ADHD child who never lacked energy.

The girl who was never absent of energy never slowed down. Not when she played basketball and ran track at Hennessey. Not when she played basketball her freshman year at Oklahoma State and ran track her other college years. Not when she was recognized as an All-American hurdler, then forgotten of that title until publicly, and rightfully, declared one again nearly 50 years later. Nope. Never.

Byrd — on and off the track, court or whatever other athletic environment she was placed in — has always been resilient; she’s always been confident, but not too cocky, and she has hardly stood still, never passing up on a challenge.

“Being a strong female and being an athlete, and following through on

my goals has made me the kind of person that looks at life as more of an adventure,” Byrd said.

Byrd was a tomboy growing up.

While other girls wore cheer skirts, she wore a baseball glove, often playing with her older brother, Ross.

Byrd’s love and talent for sports were apparent. Although she was often teased for being unlike other girls, she never shied away from who she was.

“I always wanted to play dolls, and she always wanted to play Cowboys and Indians,” Byrd’s sister, Dr. Sandy Jay, said. Among football, softball and swimming, Byrd’s two loves were: basketball and track. Her first memory of basketball is playing on a dirt patch with a gas can as the makeshift hoop. Her speed, though, everyone noticed.

“First time I saw Suzie, I knew she was going to be an athlete. You didn’t have to guess,” said David Cofer, Byrd’s junior high basketball coach. “She had something that other kids didn’t have, and mainly speed.”

The Hennessey superintendent watched Byrd run and talked with her father, A.J., about putting her in track. Her father jumped at the opportunity, becoming her first track coach. Jay remembers that at her sister’s first track meet, she didn’t have track shoes or a starting block; the school didn’t have them.

Byrd liked running track, sure, but after her second meet she made it clear: she wouldn’t run if she didn’t have what the other kids had. So, the superintendent got them for her. She no longer ran shoeless or without a starting block.

Along with the necessary apparel and equipment, a chalk-lined track on a field across from the school, with help from local construction companies, helped Hennessey host track meets. It helped Byrd grow into an even better sprinter, advancing to regional, state and national championship meets too, eventually guiding her school to its first girls state track championship title her senior year in 1972. She was too quick and too talented. Byrd, like all competitors, didn’t want to get stagnant; she needed a challenge. So she ran hurdles. Well, she “attacked” hurdles and preferred it over another race.

Byrd never lost in any event in Oklahoma. Never.

When she ran as the last leg of a four-girl relay team, nobody could keep up with her. Even a parent with an eight-millimeter film camera.

“They pass (the baton) off to Suzie, and he’s filming, and the stadium bleachers gets in his way, and then he gets past the stadium bleachers to look… And he keeps looking for her on the camera, and he can’t find her. And he comes around to where the finish line is, and Suzie’s walking back the other direction.

“She already crossed it,” Jay said.

See Running on 4B

OSU’s best 51 athletes since 2000

Oklahoma State has won 11 team national championships, dozens of individual national championships and produced many All-Americans across its NCAA sports since 2000.

Twenty-four years into the century feels like a good time to rank every OSU athlete who played in the 2000s.

Some rules and guidelines that were taken into place: NCAA sports only. Players were ranked on individual national prestigious awards and individual national championships, number of times voted All-American and All-Big 12, conference awards and records/stats broken at OSU. No professional success influenced the rankings. Team success weighted some, but not as much as personal success. Cool? Here’s the 51 best OSU athletes since 2000. Here’s the list reordered in reverse order:

51. Quinn Sharp — Football 2009-12 OK, this list is 51 athletes and not 50 because of Sharp. He was a three-time All-American, leads OSU in field goal percentage with at least 50 career attempts and missed one extra point out of 152 attempts.

50. Josh Fields — Football/Baseball 2001-03 Fifth all-time in passing touchdowns and sixth in passing yards at OSU, and hit .364 over three years at third base.

49. Tony Allen — Men’s basketball 2002-04 2003–04 Big 12 Player of the Year, All-American and helped OSU reach the Final Four.

48. James Anderson — Men’s basketball 2007-10 Big 12 Player of the Year (2009-10), consensus All-American and first at OSU in a single-season in player efficiency rating.

47. Tiffany Bias — Women’s basketball 2010-14

Two-time All-American, three-time All-Big 12 and OSU’s all-time leader in assists.

46. Grace Yochum — Soccer 2018-22 OSU’s all-time leader in points and goals, four-time All-Big 12 player and led OSU to NCAA Tournament appearance in 2020.

45. Austin Eckroat — Men’s Golf 2017-20

Four-time All-American, a part of the 2018 national championship winning team and All-Big 12 first team.

44. Maddison Hinson-Tolchard — Women’s Golf 2020-Present

Two-time Big 12 Player of the Year, two-time Big 12 individual champion and set OSU record in lowest 18-hole score.

43. Adrianna Franch — Soccer 2009-12

Two-time All-American, sixth in shutouts in NCAA history and third in single-season goals against average and save percentage (2011).

42. Brandon Weeden — Football 2008-11

Set OSU passing records, First Team All-Big 12 and led the Cowboys to a Fiesta Bowl victory in 2011.

41. Mason Rudolph — Football 2014-17

Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner, All-American and is first in a number of passing records at OSU including yards and touchdowns.

See 51 on 5B

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Marcus Conrad

Daton Fix is looking to become a five-time Big 12 champion this weekend.

Courtesy Suzie Byrd

Suzie Byrd (right) running hurdles for Hennessey in the 1972 girls state track championship.

Cowboys in the Bracket

The NCAA allocates a specific number of NCAA Championships automatic bids to be earned at each weight class during conference championships. Here are the Cowboys’ seedings and the automatic spots available at the Big 12 Championships.

125: No. 2 Troy Spratley

Top Six Qualify

133: No. 1 Daton Fix

Top Six Qualify

141: No. 2 Tagen Jamison

Top Five Qualify

149: No. 4 Jordan Williams

Top Six Qualify

157: No. 3 Teague Travis

Top Six Qualify

165: No. 4 Izzak Olejnik

Top Six Qualify

174: No. 3 Brayden Thompson

Top Six Qualify

184: No. 2 Dustin Plott

Top Five Qualify

197: No. 7 Luke Surber

Top Six Qualify

HWT: No. 5 Konner Doucet

Top Five Qualify

How a little ‘tinkering’ has Jamison growing at OSU

Editor

In the heat of wrestling season, with wrestlers working toward the postseason, Tagen Jamison takes time to work on his boat.

Jamison, Oklahoma State’s redshirt freshman 141-pounder, bought an old “junker” boat as a project, as if he doesn’t have plenty on his plate already. His father, Jame Jamison, said that’s just who Tagen is, though.

“He’s a tinkerer,”

Jame Jamison said. “He’s worked on this boat every day after practice. He drove to the house (Monday night), which is three hours, just to pick up some seats.”

Jame wasn’t the biggest fan of that decision. After all, the Cowboys are heading into the Big 12 Championships this weekend, and Jamison is the No. 2 seed at 141 pounds. Jame would rather Tagen get more rest instead of staying up late fixing up a boat. But he’s not surprised. Tagen has overcome serious injuries and worked to regain confidence the past two years, which required some tinkering to get him where he’s at.

“He is a dedicated tinkerer,” Jame said. “He won’t stop doing it until he gets it figured out. And he figures it out. That’s the one thing about him – he figures it out.”

Tagen was a two-time UIL Texas state champion and went 124-4 in at Durant High School and Plano West (Texas) High School. He spent his freshman season at Minnesota but never competed for the Golden Gophers because of an ACL tear, which forced him to medically redshirt. For six months, Tagen couldn’t practice, and that was after already dealing with back troubles. He spent another eight months training lightly. He transferred to OSU having not

wrestled in a year and a half.

“It sucked, honestly,” Tagen said. “When you don’t compete for two years, you don’t know your place. You gotta go find your place. I feel like all season I’ve been searching for that place. I know I can be the best wrestler in my weight class, but it’s like, I have to prove it to myself. So I’ve just been searching for that, when if I didn’t take two years (off from) competing, I wouldn’t be questioning myself at all.” *****

From Texas to Minnesota to OSU, Tagen has had one constant.

Troy Spratley. They graduated from Plano West together, then followed each other to Minnesota. Both redshirted last season before transferring to OSU. They’ve lived together a couple of different times. They’ve sparred for years.

“We’ve been training buddies for the last six years,” Tagen said. “It’s been pretty sweet.”

Spratley said it’s helped to have that relationship at every stop. Their personalities are different – Tagen is typically laid back and reserved, whereas Spratley is outgoing – but it works. Spratley said they balance each other out.

“It’s been pretty surreal to me that I’ve had a best friend for about six years now,” Spratley said. “Just to be able to share the moments that the good or the bad together for six years and just be there to support each other.

Spratley has been there to support Tagen often, too. Spratley jumped from the Golden Gophers to the Cowboys first, but not before some conversations with Tagen.

Once at OSU, Spratley told coaches they should take a look at Tagen. There wasn’t much tape on him, but Spratley knew Tagen was capable.

“(He was) like, ‘Hey, you need to look at Tagen. He don’t have much film because he didn’t wrestle for two years, but I’ve watched. I know what he can do. You guys need to give him a shot,’” Jame said. “And they did.”

About a month later, Tagen was reunited with Spratley. Still, Tagen was dealing with injuries, and Spratley continued to support his teammate.

Tagen was frustrated and struggling with confidence because of injuries, but Spratley was quick to help spark him. After so many years together, he had no problem giving Tagen some pep talks.

“I think it’s good to have a best friend that’s like, ‘Hey, you’re one of the best guys, whether you believe it or not – I know it. I’ve been around you for six years. I know how good you are,’” Spratley said. “It’s just keeping his mind right.”

While Tagen was getting back in his groove, Spratley was there the whole way.

“Troy’s always been a big advocate for Tagen,” Jame said.

Tagen has felt his confidence slowly coming back despite a few dings this season. He is ninth in InterMat’s 141-pound rankings, and he is 18-6 in his first season.

The Big 12 Champi-

Big 12 Wrestling Championships Schedule

Saturday

Session 1: Preliminary and quarterfinal matches – 10 a.m. (Big 12 Now on ESPN+)

Session 2: Semifinal and consolation quarterfinal matches – 5 p.m. (Big 12 Now on ESPN+)

Sunday

Session 3: Consolation semifinals and seventh-place matches – Noon (Big 12 Now on ESPN+)

Session 4: Finals – 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm

Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am

onships present another chance for a big confidence booster.

“When I message him or whatever – I’m big on the mental game – I’m like, ‘Hey, what’s up, Big 12 champ?’” Jame said. “You’ve got to believe it yourself before anybody else is gonna believe it.”

Tagen said on the mat, he’s seen himself improve most on bottom. But everyone in the program already knows he has the physical ability. Mentally, confidence has been the biggest area of improvement, and that’s most important to Tagen.

“I feel like I have everything I need technically, on my feet. I feel like I have it all,” he said.

“I just have to gain the confidence to pursue that in the match. And that’s really what it is for me.”

Just as Tagen has tinkered with his boat, he has tinkered on himself to become a big part of OSU’s quest for its first Big 12 title since 2021. The confidence is growing, and the progression is evident, but Jame said Tagen isn’t done yet.

He doesn’t stop until he’s got it all figured out.

“I think everybody has only seen just a little small snippet of what he can actually do,” Jame said. “And I’m not saying because he’s my kid. I’m saying that because I’ve watched him, and I know his abilities are.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

“We’ve got to go wrestle and probably have our best performance to take the trophy, and that’s what we’re going for − we’re going to win.”

— OSU Coach John Smith

Braden Bush Sports

Marcus Conrad

Tagen Jamison redshirted his freshman season at Minnesota but is now the No. 2 seed at 141 pounds at the Big 12 Championships for OSU.

Boynton expects to return as head coach next season

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Mike Boynton notices the criticism.

Oklahoma State is on a path to one of its worst seasons with Boynton, now in his seventh year as coach. The Cowboys are 1218 with at least two more games remaining, yet, he said he doesn’t see any reason to worry.

Boynton said during Thursday’s press conference before the regular season finale at BYU that he expects to be back as the team’s coach next year. If OSU doesn’t win the Big 12 championship it will be three years since the Cowboys last made the NCAA Tournament, which is Boynton’s only goal should he return.

“That’s got to be priority one for everybody associated with our program, starting with me with every player, every staff member and every GA, I want that to be the mindset of our administration if I’m fortunate to be back” Boynton said. “I don’t have any reason to believe I won’t. I’m not trying to speculate, but I know that’s a question. I don’t want to pretend like it’s not.”

His belief stems from his relationship with athletic director Chad Weiberg. Boynton said the

two have never met in the middle of a season to discuss job status. And with a week remaining, Boynton doesn’t think he will be called for one now. Boynton said he’s aware of what is said about him but does not focus on it like others.

He thinks about his family, especially his 11-year-old son who is old enough to understand what people are saying about Boynton and his job. In a community like Stillwater, Boynton can’t escape negativity and tries to think about doing the best job he can.

Getting OSU back to the NCAA Tournament has been the objective since the Cowboys were last in it. In 2021-22, the Cowboys were banned from the postseason after the NCAA’s investigation into a bribery scandal involving a former assistant coach, and OSU finished 15-15.

OSU was the first team out of the tournament last season, with the committee citing the Cowboys’ nonconference loss to Southern Illinois at home despite the team’s 20-16 record.

Now, baring a run in Kansas City next week, OSU’s offseason will again begin sooner and with a losing record.

Boynton still wants his team to finish the season strong and give seniors a last taste of college basketball before their careers end,

but he also wants to ensure his freshman players want to return to OSU next year with him. The danger of roster turnover is more apparent than ever with the transfer portal and NIL enticing players to change programs.

“You can’t have your head stuck in the sand,” Boynton said. “There are people outside of our program calling our kids. They can’t be hearing from other people how important they could be to them and not hear that from me and my staff.

“My first year I didn’t talk about next season until probably a week after our last game. I needed time to reflect, I didn’t want to get emotional about it. But you got to get over that now.”

Boynton said he leans on his faith through the hard times, something that’s been a constant to rely on in his life. In trying to prepare for next season and the expectations he and others have set, Boynton said changes to get there starts with him.

“I’ve got to grow as a coach,” Boynton said. “We’ve had games we’ve had leads and not closed them. We’ve had games maybe we didn’t shoot the ball as well and found another way to win. Those are things I’ll evaluate before we talk about anything a player has to do.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Godwin leading OSU’s offense as freshman

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

Close to three weeks ago, Oklahoma State scheduled a game against Florida 24 hours in advance to make up for lost games due to rain cancellations at the Clearwater Invitational.

The Cowgirls won, 1-0, as Karli Godwin’s solo home run proved to be the difference. She said it’s the highlight of her freshman season so far, not because it was a home run but because her swing didn’t fit the typical mold of one that ends in rounding the bases.

“It was really crazy,” Godwin said. “It’s funny cause it’s one of the worst swings I took all season, and then it just flew and got the job done.”

Godwin has walked into her first season and made a seamless transition at first base and at the plate. Although her swing on that home run against the Gators wasn’t all that

strong in her eyes, she hasn’t had many like that.

The freshman has started in each of OSU’s 20 games this season and is hitting .379. She has seven multi-hit games, is the Cowgirls’ leader in RBI, is second on the team in hits and doubles and tied for second in home runs.

Eye tests, stats or anything else used to form a conclusion will show Godwin is already one of — and maybe even the best — hitter(s) on the team.

“(I’m) just trying to stay within myself and play my game,” Godwin said. “That’s why I’m here and just having fun like I always have, and I think I’ve done that so far.”

The Cowgirls are hitting for more power and have so far turned that into their calling card. Players such as Godwin, Claire Timm, Tallen Edwards and more have credited the team’s improvements in different areas, and even day-to-

day life, to hitting coach Vanessa Shippy-Fletcher, who made the jump to that position from a volunteer this offseason.

Shippy-Fletcher, also a former OSU player, and her coaching style has resonated easily with Godwin. That’s because the first-year hitting coach is using simple, but fundamentally important contact drills similar to what Godwin’s father taught her growing up.

Godwin said those drills focus on the contact and momentum of the swing and that the similarities between her dad’s and Shippy-Fletcher’s tactics bring her back to old times and tie into the essentials of the game.

“I grew up like that and it kind of just brought me back (to learning hitting with my dad),” Godwin said. “It really helped me go into the basics and what I’ve always done.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Cowgirls to play TCU to open Big 12 Tournament

Kenzie Kraich Staff Reporter

Coming off a tough stretch of three contests against ranked teams, the Cowgirls are looking to use that experience heading into postseason play this weekend.

No. 8-seeded Oklahoma State will play No. 9-seeded TCU in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City at the T-Mobile Center on Friday at 1:30 p.m.

The Cowgirls won the matchup this season, 67-59, at TCU on Jan. 6, though the Horned Frogs were playing with a depleted roster. TCU forfeited two games a week later due to not having enough healthy players.

Both teams have dealt with injuries throughout the season, but the Cowgirls have remained strong in dealing with adversity, playing all scheduled games.

TCU’s Sedona Prince missed the first game against OSU but brings a level of play that can influence games. Prince, a 6-foot-7 center, averages a double-double with 20.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. She will be available for the tournament matchup, making for a different look on the court for the Cowgirls.

The last time out, redshirt freshman Praise Egharevba had a career-high 14

points, but the paint presence for TCU will look different this time around.

Junior guard Madison Conner has been consistent for the Horned Frogs, averaging 20 points and shooting 40% from beyond the arc this season. Conner played all 40 minutes against the Cowgirls and scored 20 points. This is another area of focus for OSU heading into the first round of tournament play.

OSU is No. 58 in the NET Rankings and is 14-15. The Cowgirls must win the conference tournament in order to play in the NCAA Tournament. Although this isn’t the position OSU coach Jacie Hoyt wanted to be in, she commends her athletes for persevering through the adversity they have faced this season and praise the Cowgirls’ fanbase for supporting the program.

“This team has been through so much heartbreak, whether it’s losing teammates to injuries, whether it’s losing close games, I mean, we’re basically playing six kids right now and not all of them are healthy,” Hoyt said. “So just for our fans listening, I want you all to know how much your support means to a group of kids that are literally giving us everything that they have, regardless of the circumstances.”

Davis Cordova OSU will miss the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row barring a Big 12 Championship.

Davis Cordova

The No. 8-seeded Cowgirls will play the No. 9-seeded TCU Horned Frogs in the Big 12 Tournament on Friday in Kansas City.

sports

Running...

Continued from 1B

In the fall of ‘72, Byrd enrolled at OSU, the same year the Title IX federal legislation was enacted, in hopes of progressing women’s sports and providing more opportunities for female athletes.

Despite the law changing and OSU having its Physical Education department, the climate around women’s sports was far from altered.

*****

When Byrd arrived on campus, the only place for women’s sports was the Colvin Center. No competitive sports; only participation.

“When I got to OSU, it’s like, ‘Are you going to be a participation female or are you going to be a competitive female? What is your choice?’” Byrd said.

Her choice was to play basketball her freshman year. She played in the Colvin Center, where intramural games are played now at OSU, with no bleachers.

When her mother and sister visited on different occasions, there was nowhere to sit. They stood along the side of the court. It was much different than back home, where the town would practically shut down and people celebrated women’s sports.

Sheer participation and Byrd didn’t click. That, along with her suffering grades, meant one year of hoops. After that, no basketball, no track. No sports for the first time in years.

But a men’s assistant track coach knew Byrd’s talents and was persistent in persuading her to run in the select women’s events that took place during the men’s meets.

Eventually, she caved. Her competitive fire took over. Her athletic career seemed to be left behind, but her speed never vanished. She ran a 4.7 handtimed 40-yard dash in college, which she only knows because she would often race top recruits OSU brought in for football and other sports. Coaches wanted to test them.

Byrd was a two-time Big Eight champion in the 100-meter hurdles in her two-year collegiate track career. In her junior season, she and two other runners took a three-day journey in an OSU van, driving 15 hours per day to Corvallis, Oregon, for the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women national meet (the NCAA had yet to sponsor women’s national championship events).

She, standing 5-foot-4, was facing athletes “who had muscles for miles” and placed fourth; it was the best she could do.

“I think that was the first time I remember her not being first,” Jay said. “She was always first.”

The fourth-place finish granted her an All-American distinction for 1975. She was the first female athlete in school history to receive the accolade.

After two successful seasons at OSU, financial struggles

caught up to Byrd. Coach Ralph Tate would bring her up to his office and let her fish through a box of clothes, and she would pick out any sweatpants or workout pants that the boys didn’t want and that would fit her.

Tate and fellow coach Bernie Sanders set her up in an offcampus apartment with free room and board. She was tasked with babysitting the kids of the woman she lived with, though she was far from the “babysitter type.”

Scholarships for female athletes were unheard of this early in the Title IX era. Tate wanted nothing more than to give Byrd a scholarship; he told her that, but he just couldn’t.

“He would give me these lectures, and he would tell me, ‘We just kicked somebody off the track team. It should be your scholarship, but we can’t do that,’” Byrd said.

Byrd went through her senior year as a normal student to focus on academics. And she took Tate’s lessons and adopted them, facing challenges headon, just like he told her to.

And there were challenges. *****

It was the mid-80s when Byrd saw a list of OSU’s AllAmerican athletes for the first time since she graduated.

She, despite finishing fourth in Oregon after driving a total of 45 hours, wasn’t listed.

OSU’s first female AllAmerican, several years after her removal, was erased. The pioneer was left out of the history books and looked over, like how women had been in athletics forever.

So, Byrd decided to do something about it, calling the athletic department. She wasn’t

taken seriously and was told that family members call about their dead relatives often, thinking they were given the prestigious honor of being an AllAmerican when they weren’t.

“Well, I’m not dead,” Byrd told the athletic department.

“And the girls are alive that went with me to the national championships.”

After Byrd called the university, both sides found news clippings proving her case and once again named her an AllAmerican.

But something happened. Another challenge, like Tate warned her about. A few years later, she was left off. Again. The school was “so sorry” for the mistake.

For years, Byrd told people she was an All-American and felt foolish when she saw she wasn’t listed as one. And after she knew she wasn’t listed, there was always more she would tell people when discussing her achievement.

“Someone would ask her about herself, and she’d say, ‘I’m an All-American, but I’m not recognized as one,’ and I always thought, ‘How sad to have to add that cortisol every time?’” Jay said.

Time went on. Byrd moved to Florida and became the owner of multiple businesses. She met President Barack Obama twice — once privately — and the famous poet Maya Angelou. Two words, or the absence of them, could have defied her, but they never did. Even when OSU did acknowledge her as an All-American, it was never public. OSU greats are dragged onto Eddie Sutton court and the Boone Pickens Stadium field often. But the trailblazing Byrd wasn’t invited.

“They drag Iba’s boys out every year; they have All-Amer-

icans out on the field at halftime at football games,” Jay said. “I remember all them coming out, and I often thought, ‘Where’s my sister? She should be out there. She’s an All-American.”

“I know it’s a tradition that they do (honoring the Men of Iba) and everything, but there’s not a tradition for the girls.”

Others, like Jay, took notice. So they did something about it.

Scott Hajek, a Hennessey native and OSU POSSE member, figured it was time his hero from sixth grade should be known.

When Byrd led Hennessey to its first girls state track championship, Hajek was in sixth grade and looked up to the girl who “put his town on the map.”

Now, he’s a suite holder at OSU and has been for several years. After Byrd moved back to Oklahoma following her stint in Florida, the two reacquainted. He heard her struggles and sadness regarding the lack of All-American recognition.

With the 50th anniversary of her distinction approaching in 2025, Hajek brought her revolutionary story to Larry Reece, the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development. He wasn’t aware of her story, but a conversation was all it took. It was time for Byrd to get what she deserved. “There was no women’s athletics before her,” Hajek said. At halftime of the Bedlam women’s basketball game on Feb. 3, Byrd, accompanied by her grandson, T.C., stood at centercourt. The GIA crowd was given an OSU athletics history lesson. And her grandson, 9, was taught a lesson, too.

“I told him, ‘You know why I got this award?’ and he said, “Why?’ and I said, ‘Because I’m a winner,’ and he said,

‘Does that mean you got first?’ and I said, ‘No, being a winner doesn’t mean you’re first.

“On that day, I was fourth, but I couldn’t have been any better. And I went to that to that meet across the country; three days of driving. It’s about being the best you can be in anything you want to do.’”

Women’s athletics has grown at OSU and beyond since Byrd’s departure. Whether it’s Caitlin Clark shattering basketball records at Iowa or Nebraska volleyball selling out a football stadium, things have gotten better. They aren’t perfect, as Byrd pointed out, but they are worth something and are important — a feeling she never truly felt as an athlete.

“The first time that I really realized it (women’s sports) was going to change was when my daughter, as a freshman, ran in the state championship,” Byrd said. “I’m driving up and I’m seeing all these cars, and I thought, ‘Oh my God.’ There’s girls everywhere, boys everywhere, big girls, little girls, pretty girls, and when I looped around the corner and saw the stadium and saw it was filled, I cried.

“And I’m not the only girl that had talent. There was other girls that missed out.”

Publicly recognized or not, Byrd is a cornerstone of OSU female athletics. The little girl, who was teased for playing sports and running quicker than the boys, became one of the nation’s best. Someone has to be the first, but that someone doesn’t necessarily have to be great, too. But she was.

“It’s hard enough being a woman, and it’s even harder when people don’t want to recognize excellence. And she was excellent,” Jay said.

Courtesy Suzie Byrd

Suzie Byrd with her 9-year-old grandson, T.C., at the Bedlam women’s basketball game on Feb. 3, where she was publicly honored for being OSU’s first female All-American.

Marcus Conrad

The trio of runners who went to Corvallis, Oregon, to compete in the the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women national meet. Sheryl Stevens Benbrook (top left), Suzie Byrd (top right) and Suzy Phelan Rojas (bottom).

40. Melinda Mercado — Soccer & Women’s basketball 2008-11

2010 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (soccer), AllBig 12 first team defense (women’s basketball) and led OSU to back-to-back Elite 8 appearances in 2010 and ‘11 (soccer).

39. Cade Cunningham — Men’s basketball 2020-21

Big 12 Player of the Year, Big 12 Freshman of the Year, averaged 20 points and led OSU to a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

38. Marcus Smart — Men’s basketball 2011-13

Big 12 Player of the Year, consensus All-American, twotime All-Big 12 and Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Led OSU to a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament in 2012.

37. Rashaun Woods — Football

2000-03

Two-time All-American, first in OSU history in receptions, receiving touchdowns and second in receiving yards.

36. Yolanda Odenyo — Soccer

2004-08

Three-time All-American, second in OSU history in goals scored and points, and led OSU to its first NCAA Tournament win.

35. John Lucas III — Men’s Basketball 2003-05

Two-time All-American, led OSU to the Final Four in the 2004 season with a game winning shot in Elite 8.

34. Vanessa Shippy — Softball

2015-18

Three-time All-American, two-time Big 12 Player of the Year, three-time All-Big 12, set 12 records at OSU including, runs, walks and games played.

33. Chuba Hubbard — Football

2017-20

Doak Walker Award finalist (2019), eighth in Heisman voting and All-American (2019). Top 10 in rushing yards and touchdowns in a career at OSU.

32. Kendall Hunter — Football

2007-10

Doak Walker Award finalist (2010), two-time consensus All-American, fourth in OSU history in rushing yards and fifth in touchdowns.

31. Lauren Bay — Softball

1999-2003

First-team All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year. Totaled 1,151 strikeouts in 853.1 innings with a 1.28 ERA in career.

30. Tylan Wallace — Football

2017-20

Two-time All-American, second in Biletnikoff award voting in 2018. Missed half of 2019 season with torn ACL.

29. Oleksandr Nedovyesov — Men’s tennis 2006-10

ITA National Player of the Year, Big 12 Player of the Year, two-time Big 12 champion, four-time All-American.

28. Rickie Fowler — Men’s Golf 2007-09

National Player of the Year (2008), Ben Hogan Award winner (2008) and two-time AllAmerican.

27. Mark Munoz — Wrestling 1997-2001 2001 national champion at 197 pounds, two-time AllAmerican and finished his career with a 111-27 record.

26. Andrea Riley — Women’s basketball 2006-10

Three-time All-American, leads OSU all time in 14 stats, including points and minutes.

25. Jonathan Moore — Men’s Golf 2004-07

2006 individual national champion and the winning stroke in the 2006 team national championship.

24. Ollie Gordon II — Football 2022-Present 2023 Doak Walker Award winner, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, unanimous AllAmerican and the FBS’ leading rusher.

23. Chad Noelle — Track & Field 2013-16

2016 NCAA national champion (1500m), four-time Big 12 champion and four-time AllAmerican.

22. Hunter Mahan — Men’s Golf 2001-03 2003 Haskins Award winner, two-time All-American, two-time Big 12 Player of the Year and co-Ben Hogan Award winner.

21. Zack Esposito — Wrestling 2002-06

2005 national champion at 149-pounds, three-time AllAmerican and finished career

with a 120-12 record. A part of four-straight team national championships and starter for three.

20. Coleman Scott — Wrestling 2004-08 2008 national champion at 133 pounds, runner-up in 2007, four-time All-American and two-time Big 12 champion.

19. Kaela Edwards — Track & Field 2013-17 2016 NCAA national champion (Mile), five-time AllAmerican and seven-time Big 12 champion.

18. James Washington — Football 2014-17

2017 Biletnikoff winner, unanimous All-American, alltime leader in receiving yards, two-time All-Big 12 First Team.

17. Viktor Hovland — Men’s Golf 2016-19

2019 Ben Hogan award winner, two-time All-American, three-time All-Big 12 player and part of 2018 national championship winning team.

16. Charles Howell — Men’s

Golf 1996-2000

2000 individual national champion with record setting 23-under, won 2000 team national championship. Haskins Award winner for best collegiate golfer.

15. Matthew Wolff — Men’s

Golf 2017-19 2019 NCAA individual national champion, two-time AllAmerican and part of the 2018 team national championship.

14. Taylor Roe — Cross Country 2019-present 2022 indoor individual national champion (3000m) seven-time All-American and

eight time All-Big 12.

13. Nick Miller — Track & Field 2012-16

2016 Hammer Throw national champion, five-time AllAmerican and seven-time Big 12 champion.

12. German Fernandez — Track & Field 2008-12

2009 national champion, five time All-American, seven-time Big 12 champion and set four records at OSU.

11. Natalja Piliusina — Cross Country and Track & Field

2010-15

2013 NCAA national champion (1500m), eight-time AllAmerican and 2014-15 OSU athlete of the year.

10. Dean Heil — Wrestling

2013-17

Two-time national champion, four-time All-American and finished his career with a 110-19 record.

9. Johnny Thompson — Wrestling 2000-03

Two-time national champion, four-time All-American and finished his career with a 127-14 record.

8. Chris Pendleton — Wrestling 2001-04

Two-time national champion, three-time All-American and finished his career with a 118-12 record.

7. Chris Perry — Wrestling 2009-13

Two-time national champion, three-time All-American and finished his career with a 122-11 record.

6. Jordan Oliver — Wrestling

2008-13

Two-time national champion (one at 133, one at 149), fourtime All-American and finished his career with a 127-6 record.

5. Johny Hendricks — Wrestling 2003-07

Two-time national champion, four time All-American, 2007 runner up and finished his career with a 159-13 record.

4. Fouad Messauodi — Crosscountry and Track & Field 2022-present

Highest rated active athlete, 2023 NCAA Indoor national champion, 2022 Relays national champion, two-time All-American and was a part of 2023 team cross country national championship.

3. Justin Blackmon — Football

2008-11

Two-time Biletnikoff winner, two-time Paul Warfield winner, two-time unanimous All-American, Big 12 offensive player of the year.

2. Jake Rosholt — Wrestling

2003-06

Three-time national champion (two at 197 pounds, one at 184), four-time All-American. Won four-straight team national championships.

1. Alex Dieringer — Wrestling

2011-16

Dan Hodge Award winner, three-time national champion (two at 165 pounds, one at 157), four-time All-American.

Fix...

A season ago, Fix logged a career-worst fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. Eventual national champion Vito Arujau of Cornell dominated Fix, 11-3. Arizona State’s Michael McGee furthered the damaged with a 2-1 decision in the third-place match.

It made Fix all the more eager for his opening match in November. Per usual, he seized the moment, downing his opponent via a 4-1 decision. Postdual, Fix emphasized a mantra he’s abided by throughout his wrestling career.

“Just go out there and wrestle,” Fix said. “That’s all I can do, right? Control what I can control. Get better every match, week-by-week, day-by-day and give it my all.

“And hopefully, by the end of it all, I can achieve my main goal.” Become an NCAA champion.

‘It hurt’

Fix didn’t even glance at the jumbo screen of the BOK Center last year. He didn’t want to. He said seeing the final score of his season-ending loss would only make matters worse.

A distraught Fix stared at the mat, sulking because of an unaccomplished mission. Next to him stood McGee, who had just recorded a one-point win to clinch third in the 133-pound weight class, handing Fix fourth place.

“It wasn’t easy, really at all,” Fix said. “Realizing you came up short, that’s never easy. I had obviously planned on making the finals and wasn’t able to do that. And it hurt me to know that.”

It was supposed to be his year. A milestone achievement after three consecutive runnerup finishes. Not to mention, the opportunity came in downtown Tulsa, 7.5 miles from his hometown of Sand Springs.

But in a heartbeat, fate trended elsewhere. What was supposed to be no longer was.

“The walk out of the arena, it hurt once everything kind of came into perspective for me,” Fix said. “I lost. I got beat. Losing is never fun. But losing like

that is heartbreaking. It hurt, to be brutally honest.”

Afterward, Fix, his father, Derek, girlfriend, Taylor, and other family members accompanied him at Andolini’s Pizzeria. A much-needed mental reset and momentary escape from reality.

Derek tried to shift the focus of each conversation away from wrestling.

“You’re trying your best to act like what happened didn’t just happen,” Derek said. “But sometimes, all you need is a mental break from things. A reset.”

Over the ensuing weeks, Fix took time off from wrestling. It was a tactic he used a year earlier after a second-place finish in nationals. So, he tried it again.

A month later, he continued training, acting as if what had transpired in nationals was merely a figment of his imagination.

“That’s the lowest he’s ever placed, and to be able to say that is amazing, quite frankly,” Derek said. “There’s a lot of people who come out of that tournament and they’re eighth place, and they’re as happy as can be. He took it all pretty much in stride, which is something he’s done so well throughout his career.”

Fix has always been a gritty competitor, Derek said. In his mind, losing is never an option.

Derek recalled an instance during Fix’s junior season at Sand Springs High School when he enrolled Fix in the Las Vegas Juniors – a showcase which features wrestlers up to age 20. Fix was 17.

Admittedly, Derek was slightly worried. As for Fix?

“Absolutely not,” Derek said. “That didn’t faze him at all. He took that in stride about as well as he does everything else.”

Fix won four consecutive matches against college wrestlers. Two were All-Americans. He teched each and won the tournament. Shortly after, he was named to the Junior World Team.

On his flight back to Oklahoma, Fix sat alongside Derek and his mother, Stacee. His parents were excited, but Fix remained stone cold. Their conversation, Derek said, couldn’t

sports

have been more fitting. “Son, that was a pretty darn good tournament that you had,” Derek told his son.”

“Yeah,” Fix responded. “To be honest, your mother and I, we’re kind of surprised,” Derek said. In seconds, Fix’s stone-cold expression transformed to one of bewilderment.

“What do you mean you’re surprised?” he said. “Well,” Derek said, “in all honesty, I kind of took you to that tournament to get you beat.”

“Dad,” Fix responded. “you really thought I’d go out there and get beat?”

“Daton is one of those guys who always expects to win, regardless of the situation,” Derek said. “And he sure as hell doesn’t over-celebrate or celebrate in excess when he does win.”

That mentality translated to the college level. Fix has one dual loss in four seasons as a starter but five at nationals.

His first runner-up finish came in a 4-2 loss to Rutgers’ Nick Suriano in double overtime in 2019. It was an upset loss several experts labeled controversial, but still, Fix lost.

In 2021 and 2022, Penn State’s Roman Bravo-Young downed Fix in the championship round, 4-2 in overtime and 3-2, respectively.

“Chalk it up to whatever you want, but Fix knows he simply hasn’t gotten the job done,” Derek said. “He hasn’t gone out and taken care of business when he’s needed to on the biggest stage. And like I said, he knows that.”

‘I think it sets up well for him’

What are the odds of a Fix storybook ending?

Pyles is no Las Vegas oddsmaker, but from his viewpoint, it’s favorable, if not likely.

“First off, I think (Fix is) very well positioned to get the 1 seed. If things break the way they seem to be, that could work out quite well for Daton,” Pyles said. “Obviously, nothing is guaranteed. But if that were to happen, I think that would benefit Daton in some significant ways.

“He’s always been good enough to win it. He’s been good enough every year, really.

He just hasn’t been good enough in certain moments to win that big match.”

Fix is 13-0 this season after missing two matches for the first time in his college career, due to illness. And he’s been dominant throughout. Eight of his wins have come with bonus points. Three have been tech falls.

As for top-ranked Ryan Crookham of Lehigh, Pyles believes from a tactical standpoint, Fix has the advantage.

“Crookham is a good matchup for Daton for a variety of reasons,” Pyles said. “He excels in areas that Daton does. If not the exact same spots. Daton, against really good guys, is always aggressive and tries to wear you down. And he’s good at it. He takes advantage of that tactic very well.”

OSU coach John Smith seconds that. In December, during his weekly radio show, Smith voiced his displeasure with Crookham being ranked over Fix.

Three days before, Fix missed OSU’s Dec. 8 home dual against Lehigh, so the FixCrookham bout didn’t happen. That didn’t hinder Smith from voicing his opinion.

“Who says Crookham is No. 1? I think he’s a good wrestler. Daton Fix would kick his butt.”

Should the results hold true to seedings, Fix would likely face only one of Arujau or Crookham.

Kaden Gfeller, Fix’s former teammate for five years, said he thinks the path to a national championship is in Fix’s favor.

“I expect Daton to go out there and win every match,” Gfeller said. “Every time he steps on the mat, I expect him to win. His attitude and the

way he treats every match is a lot different from how most wrestlers do. Daton is just built different, to put it simply. It’s his year.”

The road to glory

This weekend, Fix’s quest for a storybook ending to his OSU career begins at the Big 12 Championships at the BOK Center in Tulsa.

Smith said he has seen a notably different version of Fix this season. More mature. Tame. Rejuvenated, which Smith credited toward a more productive lineup putting less pressure on Fix for bonus points.

“I don’t think last year that Daton took (his losses) real well,” Smith said. “And now it’s (his) last shot. What are you gonna do? Are you gonna embrace the moment this time?”

Fix concluded his OSU career 36-0 in GIA, putting another stamp on his career.

“It’s been a fun journey to follow for a while,” Pyles said. “He makes the (All-American) walk as frequent as anybody in the sport. He’s been a staple of college wrestling for some time. He’s been in the mix and in the consciousness of the sport for a long time now. The title has eluded him multiple times. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t tab Daton Fix as a true winner. Because he absolutely is.”

First, his focus is on the opportunity for a fifth Big 12 title. Then, the main event in two weeks.

“I just wanted to thank all the fans for supporting me throughout my entire career,” Fix said. “I hope that I can finish the job here in a couple of weeks and really give them something to cheer about at nationals.”

File Photo

Daton Fix is 118-6 at OSU, but three of those losses have come at the NCAA finals.