The O'Colly, Friday, December 1.

Friday, December 1, 2023

2023 Big 12 Conference Championship Game Preview

Big 12 Busters

Payton Little

Gundy’s ‘best ever’ coaching job has scrappy Cowboys in Big 12 title game Mike Gundy (holding Brennan Presley) has had better seasons in his 19 years as OSU’s coach, but perhaps his most impressive feat is taking this Cowboy team to the Big 12 Championship Game.

a special season, and coach Mike Gundy had all the pressure of getting his program back up and running.

And after back-to-back losses to South Alabama and Iowa State, the 2-2 Cowboys seemed far away from even making a bowl game.

Braden Bush Brett McMurphy, a college football Sports Editor insider for Action Network, called his father after OSU lost to the Cyclones Oklahoma State’s projected win total and said OSU’s season was over. for 2023 was 6.5, and it was picked sev“Oklahoma State’s going to finish enth in the Big 12 preseason media poll. 2-10,” McMurphy said. “I was dead The Cowboys lost five of six games serious.” to end last season, a number of starters Nine weeks later, OSU stormed at key positions transferred, and they back and beat BYU for a spot in the Big hurried to find replacements. Bryan 12 Championship Game against No. 7 Nardo was an unknown, hired from Texas at 11 a.m. Saturday, and Gundy Division-II to run the defense. was named Big 12 Coach of the Year.

The Cowboys were a huge question It is a turnaround nobody anticipated. mark with not much reason to anticipate Even Gundy said he would have given

his team 5,000-1 odds to do it.

Gundy has had better teams in his 19 seasons. Seven OSU teams since 2010 have won at least 10 games, and yet this year’s 9-3 squad that was counted out early has a chance to be Big 12 Champions with wins against Oklahoma and Texas, something only one OSU team has even done. With all the questioning around him just two months ago, Gundy delivered one of his best coaching jobs.

“In my opinion, for Mike to take this bunch, and get into this game is probably their best coaching job,” said former OSU coach Pat Jones. “And with how many new guys that got in, to take that bunch and mold them to where they are now that they’re playing for the championship – and they can win this game, they can win this game – but for them to be the group that got hammered

by South Alabama and then just run out of the stadium at Central Florida, to this point, I think it’s an extremely good coaching job.

“Best ever.”

There are a number places to point fingers to for OSU’s rally. Alan Bowman has provided veteran leadership and made good decisions from the quarterback spot. The emergence of Ollie Gordon II as a Doak Walker Award finalist.

Senior wide receivers Rashod Owens, Leon Johnson III and Brennan Presley took over a depleted wide receiver room.

Nardo and his defense have been great at adjustments and kept OSU in many games during the 7-1 stretch since Iowa State.

See Gundy on 7A

Page 2A Friday, December 1, 2023

sports

O’Colly

Nardo’s bond with players reestablished OSU’s defense

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Payton Little The Cowboys lost 23 players in the portal, but have succeeded with their additions and subtractions.

At regular season’s end, Gundy won last season’s transfer portal Davis Cordova Staff Reporter Portal perceptions have changed in Stillwater. Dramatically.

Oklahoma State charges into Saturday’s Big 12 Championship Game months after doom dominated the narrative of a lopsided transfer portal cycle for the program.

Twenty-three players departed the Cowboys roster, including four-year starting quarterback Spencer Sanders and linebacker Mason Cobb, the team’s second-leading tackler. There were arrivals, too, yet none who immediately moved the needle in hope of a strong recovery.

In Stillwater, and beyond, most proclaimed the sky was falling.

The perception of Mike Gundy’s transfer portal performance to begin the season: a loss.

Now, weighing the additions and subtractions, it’s clear the Cowboys were winners. Big winners.

When the Cowboys take on Texas in the conference title game Saturday, making their second appearance in three years, six por-

tal additions will start for OSU, led by Alan Bowman, Sanders’ unheralded replacement at quarterback.

“That just shows that outside noise means nothing,” said OSU linebacker Collin Oliver.

“All those phrases came from people outside this facility on the transfers lost and the transfers that came in.

“We didn’t harp on that, we just went about our business and built the team up.”

Impactful transfers have played a major part in the Cowboys’ 9-3 record. Gundy hesitates to take away from the players who left, but he also recognizes what was gained.

“We still lost some really good players.

Guys that could have really helped our team this year,” Gundy said. “But we benefited from some young men who really wanted to be at Oklahoma State and wanted to play at this level and have helped the chemistry of this team.

“Ironically, it might have helped us more than if those guys wouldn’t have left.”

It was a lackluster year for former Cowboys. The players OSU probably misses the most are cornerback Jabbar Muhammed, who is part of Washington’s quest to a College Football Playoff berth, and safety Thomas Harper, who’s having the best season of his career at Notre Dame. Beyond Muhammed and Harper, the production is thin.

Bryan Nardo remembers one mistake in his coaching career.

When he helped Gannon win a share of the PSAC West title and played in a must-win game to get a spot in the playoffs a year ago, he realized he hadn’t prepared his players for postseason expectations.

“We talked about being a great defense, we talked about winning football games, but we didn’t talk about the Division-II playoffs,” Nardo said. “All of a sudden it was like, ‘The playoffs, the playoffs,’ and we hadn’t talked about it, and it became a reality. I didn’t want to make that mistake again.”

After being hired at Oklahoma State in January, Nardo made his goals clear in the first defensive meeting; they were going to compete for the Big 12 championship.

Players could have not believed the young, former D-II coach setting the standard,

especially after a poor season the year prior. But they didn’t.

With Nardo earning their trust and balance of emotions, he will be leading the defense in the Big 12 Championship Game on Saturday.

“He shows actual care,” said linebacker Xavier Benson.

“Knowing that he’s invested in all of his players, it’s an actual investment and love of football.

He’s the first person to be there after somebody makes a big play in the spring. It’s nice to see the DC running over there before anybody else. It shows he cares. I think that’s why he kept us balling.”

When he first arrived on campus, Nardo was open with his players. If he could be vulnerable with them, he thought they would reciprocate it when they needed to. The bonds he created translated to the field.

With personal connections, players began playing for him and learned his scheme.

In practice, some, such as Benson, described Nardo as a loud coach who celebrates just as much if not more than the team. In games, Nardo is viewed as the opposite. OSU has found a formula for second-half comebacks this season.

See Nardo on 3A

See Portal on 7A

Rucker’s growth from ‘knucklehead’ to ‘a quiet leader’ in OSU’s secondary Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Rucker was also arrested in June of 2021 for DUI, assaulting an officer, Ashton Slaughter resisting arrest and giving false Assistant Sports information to Editor a police officer.

His time at OSU Even a troublemaker can has been far WHEN: Saturday, 11 a.m. be a leader. from clean.

OSU coach Mike Gundy “He’s a WHERE: AT&T Stadium , Arlington, Texas agrees. He doesn’t shy away knucklehead; TV: ABC from the fact that Trey Ruck- he’ll get into RADIO: 93.7 FM er, starting Cowboy safety, is something, as SERIES: 26-11 Texas both. you know,” Rucker, who was arrested Gundy said.

PREVIOUS GAME: 41-34 OSU (2022) in September and charged “But he’s See Game Day Preview on 6A with operating a motor vehicle a good young under the influence of alcohol, man. He’s got a D-I job, Nardo was talking to will be in court come January good heart, and he has been a one of his players at Gannon to face his charges. real quiet leader.”

University, defensive back He missed the regular OSU defensive coordinator Kam Snell, whose hometown season in 2022 due to an Bryan Nardo heard of Rucker is an hour and 15 minutes eligibility issue before return- before he touched down in away from Rucker’s. ing against Wisconsin for the Stillwater. After accepting the See Rucker on 3A

Courtesy OSU Athletics / Bruce Waterfield Even players had their doubts when Bryan Nardo became their new defensive coordinator, but Nardo quickly put those doubts to rest.

vs.

Payton Little At his third school in six years, Bowman is starting for a team in a championsip game.

Bowman, once a third-string, back for redemption in Big 12 title game

Ethan Scott Trey Rucker celebrating a crucial interception against Houston. Plays like this have become the highlight of Rucker’s season.

football field for the remainder of his freshman year. His ensuing two seasons in Lubbock were up-and-down. Injuries resurfaced, and inconsistencies pointed toward a new coaching staff affected his play. After Daniel Allen transferring to Michigan followStaff Reporter ing the 2020 season, he served as a third, even fourth-string On a humid September 2018 quarterback. evening, Kirk Bowman proudly Now, after two off-the-radar watched his son from the Boone seasons, a grand resurgence has Pickens Stadium stands. transpired. He’s quarterbackAlan Bowman, quarterback- ing his third team in his sixth ing Texas Tech. season to a Big 12 Conference Kirk watched as Bowman, title game appearance against a freshman, torched Oklahoma the No. 7 Texas.

State’s defense; throwing for 397 And to those who watched yards and two touchdowns in a Alan blossom from a scrawny, win. curly red-headed backup pros“I looked up and saw he was pect to a Texas High School at 400 passing yards,” Kirk said. football hero at Grapevine, how “I didn’t even know for most of surprising is this sudden resurthe game, to be honest. I was so gence of a once forgotten name in tune.” in college football?

Then came the obstacles of life.

A 55% collapsed right lung See Bowman on 5A combated his success on the

O’Colly

Friday, December 1, 2023 Page 3A

sports

Gordon likely won’t win Heisman, but value is immeasurable to OSU Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Despite Gordon leading the country in rushing yards and touchdowns, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., Jalen Milroe, Carson Beck and Marvin HarriNo matter how many times OSU son Jr. will probrunning back Ollie Gordon II strikes ably finish ahead the Heisman pose after doing someof him in voting, thing on the field few others in the barring a historic country are, he faces an uphill battle to performance vs Texas in win the award. the Big 12 Championship Running backs, even the best in the Game on Saturday. country, will have a lower chance than a And that will stay quarterback’s. true next year. If Gordon Since 2000, just three non quarreplicates or is better in terbacks have won the award. Mark 2024 than this season, Ingram in 2009, Derrick Henry in 2015 quarterbacks like Milroe and Devonta Smith in 2020 — all play- will draw more attention ers on Alabama teams that won national from voters with the value championships. of their position.

Former OSU running back Chuba But if Gordon stays at Hubbard was No. 8 in the 2019 Heisman OSU, the Cowboys coaching voting with a better statistical seastaff will be able to thrive son than Gordon’s this year. Hubbard in the portal. If coach Mike rushed for 400 more yards and as many Gundy wants veteran quartertouchdowns but still couldn’t compete back, receivers and offensive with Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Justin linemen, he can use Gordon Fields and Trevor Lawrence. to help attract talent. A quar-

terback’s job would be much easier if he knows he can hand the ball off and watch Gordon carry it 70 yards on any play, and someone in the portal with experience in college may want that.

Winning a Heisman is probably something Gordon, as most football players, dreamed of when he was younger.

But if he could trade team success for personal, I bet he would. The Doak Walker will be waiting for him this year, anyway. It won’t be the Heisman, but it will still be the first major award for an OSU football player since James Washington won the Biletnikoff in 2017.

That comes with NIL, NFL hype and an another season to build his resume to end his career as one of the best OSU running backs this century and into the

Ring of Honor one day.

That will only cast more of a spotlight on OSU. After producing Hubbard, Jaylen Warren and Gordon backto-back-to-back, more backs may want to be coached by running back’s coach John Wozniak and Gundy.

Good players make programs better, and Gordon could do that and set up OSU for the next decade, even if the Heisman eludes him. Which if you ask me, is better than a trophy. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Bryson Thadhani Ollie Gordon II is a finalist for the Doak Walker award, given to the nation’s best running back.

Rucker...

offseason, his confidence in this year’s team never wavered.

“We already knew what we was gonna do,” Rucker said on the CrossContinued from 2A over with Ollie + E podcast. “We seen our own potential.”

Lines like this are what have made “Hey, my guy Trey Rucker (plays at Rucker a “quiet leader” on Nardo’s OSU). We’re both from the same area,” defense.

Snell told him.

Rucker’s leadership wasn’t brought So, when Nardo started introducfrom Wake Forest, though. Gundy said ing himself to players in the spring, he it took the safety “about a year” to and Rucker had an easy talking point. learn OSU’s culture. Now, his leaderThe conversation in Nardo’s office went ship spreads among the young secondfrom his connection to Snell to Ruckary, making the unit more confident as er’s tenure at Wake Forest before OSU a whole. and more about him as a person.

Despite the ups and downs, Rucker Fast forward to November, and has learned and thrived in OSU’s Rucker has made season-altering plays culture, going from a walk-on to a Big under Nardo. An interception late in 12 Defensive Player of the Week and a the first half against Houston flipped catalyst in turning the Cowboys’ seathe momentum in the Cowboys’ favor. son in their favor.

He forced the game-sealing turnover “He had to go through a transition against BYU in 2OT to clinch OSU’s to get to the point of where he is now. spot in the Big 12 Championship.

He’s really focused and zoomed in Yet, Rucker expected this. Through now,” Gundy said. the losses to South Alabama and Iowa State, and the roster turnover in the sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy OSU Athletics OSU defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo made sure to instill a championship mindset in his players.

Nardo...

out, and if things are not working, be able to adjust off those. I’m sure composure is all it takes. It keeps us calm as well. We’re really fortunate to have Continued from 2A a coach like that.”

The Cowboys’ defense has allowed less yards and points per game, forced The defense shut out Arizona State, more turnovers, sacked opposing quarheld Kansas to seven points — includ- terbacks more than last season, and are ing none in the fourth quarter — 10 to one of the best second-half defenses in Oklahoma, seven at Houston and three the country. Nardo doesn’t attempt to to BYU. prepare the team for “big games,” such OSU coach Mike Gundy and play- as the conference championship vs No. ers, such as linebacker Collin Oliver 7 Texas. Rather, he reminds them of — who’s played under three different the standard that they want to set. defensive coordinators in three sea“Our goal is to play at the highest sons — point to his demeanor. When level,” Nardo said. “We’re not gonna the first half doesn’t go as to the game be shocked when that happens. We’re plan, Nardo is quick to make adjustgonna be in that position. We’re gonna ments and stay calm. thrive in it and we’re gonna continue to “I’m no expert on coordinators, but work every day to achieve that goal.”

I’m sure you’d like to be composed,” Oliver said. “See things out, feel things sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy OSU Athletics Trey Rucker knew his team could be playingfor a Big 12 title. “We seen our own potential.”

brownsshoefitstillwater browns.stillwater 201 S. Perkins Rd · 405-372-7170 Mon–Fri 9:30–6:30, Sat 9:30–5:30, Sun 1–5

Page 4A Friday, December 1, 2023

sports

O’Colly

Garrison’s humility key part of development at OSU Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Payton Little Jamyron Keller is averaging 14 points per game through his first two games coming off a wrist injury.

Keller’s love for basketball helped return from injury

passer, he’s aways been. Because of his humility, he doesn’t necessarily give himself the credit for being as good as I think he Brandon Garrison was the should be able to be at this point. best player in Oklahoma, yet he He can be more assertive.” would still pass the ball more In seven years, Boynton’s than most. coached a number of great playIn high school, despite being ers and good college big men. taller than everyone on a court, He’s seen them all share the qualhe was a team-first player, allow- ity of wanting to be coached and ing his teammates to score and keeping their emotions in check. showcase themselves.

Garrison has “as little an ego as He’s taken his humility to you can gave,” but hasn’t let his Oklahoma State, where three past success tamper the slow ofgames into his freshman season fensive start to his season. he has inserted himself into the “There’s a flicker,” Boynton Cowboys’ starting lineup ahead said. “It’s not on always. But of veterans five years older than there’s things there that you rehim. In the short time, he’s top ally liked that you feel like you four in blocks in the Big 12. can build on. He’s young. He’s Defensively, he’s a natural with 19 still. There’s gonna be mohis height and length. His passments you scratch your head and ing has translated to college, but you have to jump on him. But the OSU coach Mike Boynton said beauty of Brandon is he wants Garrison’s not close to his full to be challenged. He wants to be scoring potential yet. coached because he wants to be “He’s got a lot of untapped really good. All the great players things still,” Boynton said. “I still I’ve been around have embraced think he’s a better shooter than the demand of being pushed.” he’s shown. He’s an excellent sports.ed@ocolly.com

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

that he just loves playing,” said OSU OSU’s next three games: coach Mike Boyn@ S. Illinois, Dec. 5 ton. “He was probCarbondale, Illinois Of all the skills freshably more frustrated man guard Jamyron Keller than I was that he has in his repertoire, his love couldn’t play the vs. Tulsa, Dec. 10 for basketball has been the first few games and Paycom Center, OKC biggest contributor to his hot show that he would start in an Oklahoma State have been able to vs. ORU, Dec. 17 uniform. help us in some Keller missed the first four way.”

Stillwater games of the season due to When Keller arc, attacking the basket with a wrist injury before returnstepped onto OSU’s explosive finishes, and drilled ing to action against New court for the first time, he Orleans, when he dropped 18 was thrown right into the fire. five of his eight 3-point shots, points on 70% shooting, find- The Cowboys weren’t easing shooting it with ultra-confiing a way to make an imme- into things, instead, they were dence.

Despite being the Texas diate impact. sitting at 1-3 and desperately High School Class 5A Player “I kind of lost myself looking for a win. in the game,” Keller said.

Quickly after subbing in, of the year just a year ago, he “Coach Mike tells us to do Keller ripped left from the top looks like he’s been playthat all the time, so I kind of of the key and charged toward ing college ball for multiple years. just lost myself in the game.” the goal before rising up for “That’s probably the thing Four days later, he put an acrobatic finish at the rim. that I was most surprised but up 10 points and dished out From that moment, he’s put a couple of assists in the the injury behind him and just also pleased with, was the level of comfort he appeared Cowboys’ 92-65 win against gone out there and played.

Houston Christian. Two ap“Probably because he was to play with,” Boynton said.

“It was definitely a welcome pearances, two successful excited (to play), honestly,” sight because we’re going to outings for Keller. said Javon Small, OSU’s need some more depth in our But why has the true starting point guard. backcourt, especially with freshman looked so comfortThrough the first two Bryce (Thompson) working able? Because he’s doing what games of his college career, he loves to do.

Keller missed just three shots his way back (from injury).”

“He loves to play basketfrom the field. He connected ball… He’s one of those kids on every look from inside the sports.ed@ocolly.com

Payton Little Brandon Garrison, a four-star freshman from Del City, was the No. 1 player in Oklahoma.

Cowgirls fighting through plague of injuries during nonconference stretch Calif Poncy Staff Reporter

Injuries aplenty

make adjustments,” Hoyt said.

“Whether that’s shortened practice, lighter reps, even Cowgirls who didn’t play vs. MSU finding ways defensively to Nonconference play rolls on. - Kennedy Fauntleroy (unknown injury) be a bit creative to alleviate The Oklahoma State Cowsome of the pounding and the - Brianna Jackson (unknown injury) girls have been a mixed bag type of minutes our players are to this point, playing a brutal playing.”

- Ale’Jah Douglas (unknown injury) schedule that includes two ranked opponents and Big TenEgharevba in action leading Penn State.

- Chandler Prater (ruptured achillies) Despite their 3-3 record, On the flip side, the Cowthe Cowgirls have performed girls did get freshman forward - Hannah Gusters (ineligible) how they were expected to this Praise Egharevba on the court point. With injuries piling up, for the first time during the - Landry Williams (torn ACL) and the most brutal stretch on team’s trip to The Bahamas. the schedule behind it, OSU’s Egharevba was with the with injuries that will keep season is just starting, and there them out in the short term. team last season but redshirted is plenty to discuss.

If OSU was going to pick a after coming to the U.S. folThe Cowgirls played only time to deal with depth issues, lowing her prep career with the eight players during their win Nottingham Wildcats of the it would be for its upcoming against Missouri State, with WBBL. stretch, but coach Jacie Hoyt two of them playing less than Egharevba brings an elehas been forced to adjust on the 10 minutes. ment of size that OSU has been fly early and often this season.

Guard Chandler Prater is out lacking this season, and with “As a staff, I think we are for the season, Hannah Gusters working hard to be mindful the injuries to the team piling remains ineligible and multiple of the limited numbers and up, she will immediately be a rotation players are dealing key cog in the Cowgirls’ rotation.

Egharevba is still young, so a rocky start is possible, but she could quickly rise up the ranks as one of OSU’s most important players.

“It was her first game in The Bahamas,” freshman guard Stailee Heard said. “She did very well, I mean, she’s getting thrown into the fire.”

Conner Fuxa The Cowgirls had just eight players available on Sunday against Missouri State.

Nonconference slate For the second time in as

Ethan Scott Praise Egharevba played in her first college game against Penn State, almost a year after she joined the OSU roster.

many offseasons, Hoyt was forced to rebuild her rotation on the fly.

With a relatively new team and injuries taking hold, the Cowgirls still played two top-20 teams, including a road game in Boulder against No. 7 Colorado.

The bright side is that OSU appears to be a legitimate threat to make the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season, and playing the level of competition the Cowgirls have prepares them for a brutal Big 12.

OSU has had an up-and-

down start to the season, but being battle-tested this early in the season is an edge that not many teams have.

“We performed well at some times, and at other times we made some mistakes,” OSU forward Rylee Langerman said.

“I think it’s going to be nice to look back and realize how far we’ve come, and to be able to say we played against some really tough competition.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, December 1, 2023 Page 5A

sports

Johnson III burned redshirt, now Big 12 title game means he ‘didn’t burn it for nothing’ Braden Bush Sports Editor

right.’ And so that was pretty much what kind of swayed me to play.”

Turns out, Dunn was right.

Leon Johnson III sat in The Cowboys take on No. 7 Kasey Dunn’s office and faced Texas in the Big 12 Championhis future. ship game on Saturday, and The OSU wide receiver Johnson will start at receiver. room was uncomfortably thin His career at OSU is cut short because of injuries, and Johnbecause of it, but Johnson son, a senior transfer from doesn’t have any regrets about George Fox University, was it. needed. The problem was if he “Now that (the Big 12 played this year, he would be Championship) is real, it’s like, giving up next season.

‘OK, I didn’t burn it for nothJohnson came to OSU with ing,’” Johnson said. “And so it’s one year of eligibility remainreally nice that this is happening. He planned to redshirt, ing now.” but now he was needed. OSU The hardest part of the decihad five games remaining, so sion for Johnson was having to if he decided to play, his only leave his friends. For months, Division-I season would be a he had accepted that he had anshort one. other year in Stillwater, allowIt was a tough call, but John- ing himself to get comfortable son is a team player, and Dunn, and make close friendships. It OSU’s offensive coordinator, was going to be his home for gave him the confirmation he another year. needed to make his decision.

Now, his football friend“(Dunn) said, ‘If you play ships were ending before the now, like if we keep playing year ends. and you keep playing the way “It’s different from normal you played at Cincinnati – the friendships. It’s kind of like Big 12 Championship’s conI imagined how boot camp firmed,’” Johnson said. “And would be,” said Sarah Johnson, so, I was like, ‘Yeah, you’re Leon’s mother. “You’re with

these folks all the time, and you’re going through some hard stuff and some amazing stuff together, and I think those relationships are the thing he’s really probably mourning the most in the whole thing.”

Sarah said Leon is a selfless person and always willing to do what is best for the team. This time, though, it was at the expense of another year of his college career.

“A part of me was like, ‘Pal, you know, if there’s ever a time it’d be selfish, maybe this is it,’” Sarah said. “You know, not encouraging him one way or the other, but really talking through his possibilities and what each one could mean Ethan Scott for him.”

Leon Johnson III had to decide if he wanted to burn his redshirt, and Kasey Dunn told him a As always, he decided to Big 12 Championship was on the way if he played. Now, it’s happening. do what the team needed. comfortable with friends and against BYU made it even Although, it wasn’t an everything,” Leon said. “It was easier. The Big 12 title game easy call.

Saturday makes it all worth it.

“A little bit of me wanted to really hard for me to realize now I’m gone in December “It was a really nice send (still redshirt) – I won’t lie, a instead of being gone next off, so I’m pretty happy with it,” lot of me wanted to – because Leon said.

I’m really about the social part December.”

The Bedlam win made it of everything, and while I love easier. The Senior Day win football, I think I finally got sports.ed@ocolly.com

Bowman...

Continued from 2A “I think it’s indicative of who he is both as a player and as a person,” said Richard Bishop, Alan’s offensive coordinator at Grapevine. “I’m not so sure many other folks that would go through what he has would be able to show the resilience he has shown time after time.”

When Alan transferred to Michigan, he was sold that he had an opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback spot.

“Alan came in thinking he could win it in six weeks,” Kirk said.

Fate trended elsewhere; junior Cade McNamara was named the Wolverines’ starter.

Don Williams, the Texas Tech beat writer for The Lubbock Avalanche Journal, covered Alan during his three seasons with the Red Raiders. Williams said he was astonished Alan had even considered transferring to Michigan due to its pro-style offensive approach. Alan led an air raid attack the prior three seasons. It made the outlook on Alan’s col-

lege career even more clouded.

“I don’t know how surprising it is as much as it is interesting (to see what he’s doing at OSU),” Williams said. “He did a lot of things he shouldn’t have around that time. Now, you have a guy who hasn’t played significant football in two, really three, years. And he’s leading a team to a conference title his first year back.

“Surprising? Not necessarily. Seeing him have this success right now is not surprising at all.”

When the Cowboys trot onto the field at AT&T Stadium, college football fans will be watching the veteran gunslinger aim for a storybook ending to a rather polarizing football career.

Can Alan lead OSU to its first conference title in 12 years? Can he lift the Cowboys to one final win over Texas before the Longhorns’ SEC departure?

Only time will tell. But one thing remains certain ahead of Saturday’s Big 12 title game: “You don’t count Alan out of anything,” Bishop said. “He’s just someone that you can’t count out.

“He’s been through so much, and yet, here he is. He’s got the grit and determination to overcome just about anything.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Oklahoma State XC/T&F via Twitter (X) Dave Smith won NCAA coach of the year and his fifth national champinship with OSU men’s cross country.

Smith named Coach of the Year, has OSU back on top Kenzie Kraich Staff Reporter Dave Smith was forced to coach through his wife’s eyes as she watched on TV, receiving phone calls and updates every three minutes as technical issues began to interfere with live results at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.

Smith, OSU’s cross-country director, led the men’s cross-country team to its fifth national championship after years of rebuilding and recultivating, earning himself National Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his career.

The OSU men’s crosscountry team made its presence known on all levels in the postseason, placing first

in the Big 12 Championship, Midwest Regionals and NCAA Championships.

Scoring 25, 19 and 49 points respectively, the team had one of the best seasons in school history.

This success, however, did not come without reconstruction from the inside out.

“In about 2016, ‘17, ‘18, I kind of realized that we were going in the wrong way,” Smith said. “We had to kind of restart and rebuild our program and our culture.”

Senior Alex Maier was part of the group Smith brought in to start the rebuilding of the team. Maier was also part of the team that took second at the 2022 national championships in a tiebreaker to Northern Arizona.

“It’s fuel for the fire,” Maier said. “That’s what

you use for motivation for your training throughout the season.”

With the second-place feeling from 2022 still lingering in the back of Smith’s mind, he wasn’t ready to celebrate the win until his fifth runner crossed the line.

“It’s not over ‘til it’s over,” Smith said.

Smith was named the Midwest Region Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year to add to his list of accolades this season. This comes as the women’s team had a successful season of its own, placing first at the Big 12 Championships, second at Midwest Regionals and a programbest third-place finish at the NCAA Championships.

Ethan Scott

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Alan Bowman earned the starting quarterback spot against Iowa State in Week 5.

Page 6A Friday, December 1, 2023

O’Colly

sports

Who has the edge? margin for error

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter Courtesy of Texas Athletics

OSU’s front seven vs Texas’ running backs

EDGE

In OSU and Texas’ last meeting, UT quarterback Quinn Ewers threw four interceptions. But he’s grown since then. This season, he’s only thrown five. When he does make mistakes, Texas can usually afford them. But OSU quarterback Alan Bowman has thrown six interceptions in the last three games, including two for touchdowns. When he turns it over, it typically puts them behind. If OSU wants to win, it needs to be perfect, while Texas doesn’t.

EDGE

Texas running back Jonathon Brooks was in the race for the best running back in the conference until he tore his right ACL vs TCU. The Longhorns’ backups — CJ Baxter, Jaydon Blue and Savion Red — have performed well in his absence, but against OSU’s linebackers, including Big 12 leading tackler Nickolas Martin, they may have few chances to break off large runs. And that’s if they get past OSU’s big defensive line with 350-pound nose tackle Justin Kirkland.

Ethan Scott

Texas’ passing game vs osu’s secondary

EDGE

With players such as Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and JaTavion Sanders, Texas has size and speed across the field. OSU’s secondary is particullary young, with underclassmen such as DJ McKinney, Dylan Smith and Cameron Epps playing most of the game. OSU is also susceptible to allowing big plays down the field. If Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers can connect with his weapons, OSU will have to rely on its offense to match the Longhorns’ firepower.

File Photo

big game experience

OSU coach Mike Gundy has been a head coach for almost a decade longer than Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, and he’s been at one school for all of it. But Sarkisian and Texas have been on big stages before. Sarkisian won a national championship as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2020, and Texas plays at the old Cotton Bowl each year. But Gundy has also coached in Big 12 championships and Fiesta Bowls. Each rosters is also full of players who have been at conference championships and playoff games before, too.

EDGE

Tie

File Photo

OVerall

EDGE

Texas is favored by two touchdowns for a reason. The Longhorns are one of the best teams in the country and the best UT team in a more than a decade. They are in the College Football Playoffs race with their great offense and defense. But if there’s one thing to be learned from watching OSU this season is to never count them out. The Cowboys have a tendancy of secondhalf comebacks behind Ollie Gordon II and a growing team as a whole. Still, Texas will prevail as champs.

Davis Cordova

By The Numbers

Ollie Gordon II vs Texas’ front seven OSU running back Ollie Gordon II is the favorite for the Doak Walker Award for the best back in the country. He leads the NCAA in rushing yards and touchdowns. But he faces a dominant Texas front with Big 12 preseason defensive player of the year, linebacker Jaylan Ford, and likely top NFL draft picks in defensive tackles T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II.

Leon Johnson III vs Ryan Watts Arguably OSU’s best reciever, Leon Johnson III, will be guarded by Texas’ best cornerback, Ryan Watts. The matchup will be one of length, with Johnson III standing 6-feet-5 while Watts is 6-3. They each took different paths to the championship game. Johnson III transferred from Division-III, and Watts was at Ohio State before Texas.

OSU’s 4th down conversion defense is the best in the country.

OSU’s Starting lineup

Defense

Steve Sarkisian vs Bryan Nardo Texas head coach and offensive play-caller Steve Sarkisian has won national championships, coached at Alabama, USC, Washington and in the NFL. Meanwhile, 36-year-old OSU defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo coached at Division-II before coaching at the Power Five, D-I level for the first time this season. Texas’ offense is slow but effective, while OSU’s defense is wild yet tough.

1

vs.

OSU coach Mike Gundy’s winning percentage vs Texas.

0-4

5 9

7 1

2

4

92

30

97

3

Texas and OSU first played in 1916 in San Antonio, with the Longhorns winning 14-7.

71

17

68

OSU linebacker Nickolas Martin leads the Big 12 in tackles with 120, and Texas has the No. 1 defense in the conference.

Kickers Bert Auburn (UT) and Alex Hale (OSU) lead the Big 12 in field goal percentage and attempts.

QUOTABLES “They’ve been this way defensively for a long time. They’ve got good players. I’ve got a lot of respect for them.”

- OSU head coach Mike Gundy “We know it’s going to be a fourth quarter game. It’s gonna be a heck of a challenge.”

- Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian “They have great athletes. They have great safeties, great linebackers and of course a great D-Line. It’s going to be a really great matchup.”

- OSU receiver Brennan Presley “(Ollie Gordon II)’s a big powerful, patient running back. He’s the goal of the offense. He keeps them going. He’s a tough runing back. It’s gonna be a good task for us to handle.”

- Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron

66

74

61

10 16

80 7

This will be OSU’s second appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game in three years, and Texas’ first since 2018.

0

Offense Offense

71 LT - Dalton Cooper 68 LG - Taylor Miterko 66 C - Joe Michalski 74 RG - Preston Wilson 61 RT - Jake Springfield 17 WR - Leon Johnson III 80 WR - Brennan Presley 10 WR - Rashod Owens 16 TE - Josiah Johnson 7 QB - Alan Bowman 0 RB - Ollie Gordon II

OSU’s record in AT&T Stadium since it opened in 2009.

94

DID YOU KNOW? OSU has won nine of the past 13 matchups vs Texas, but UT leads the series 26-11.

.500

92 97 94 1 4 30 2 5 9 7 3

Defense DE - Nathan Latu NT - Justin Kirkland DE - Anthony Goodlow LB - Xavier Benson LB - Nickolas Martin LB - Collin Oliver CB - Korie Black S - Kendal Daniels S - Trey Rucker S - Cameron Epps CB - Cam Smith

6.8

Miles AT&T Stadium is from OSU’s Ollie Gordon II’s high school.

+125 Texas’ odds at making the College Football Playoffs

28

Days since OSU last beat a top-10 ranked team (Nov. 4 vs OU)

O’Colly

Gundy...

Continued from 1A But it starts at the top. After OSU’s Bedlam win, Gundy was asked about who or what was responsible for OSU’s offensive line resurgence. He raised his hand.

“That’s my job,” Gundy said. “I just went in at one point and said, ‘Let’s talk about who we are. What’s the best thing we can do?”

Gundy simplified the offense, cutting down on blocking schemes and giving OSU an identity with Gordon – the nation’s leading rusher – leading the attack. With the threat of Gordon, that passing game opened and allowed big games from Bowman and the receivers.

The Cowboys aren’t the most talented team, and Gundy recognized that and made a change to create a more favorable position for them to win.

“I think what I’ve been most impressed with Mike with is that a lot of coaches run a system, and whoever the players are, they run the same system,” McMurphy said. “Gundy changes his system, I think anyway, based on his talent.”

Before the season, Gundy had to go find more talent, though. The transfer portal hasn’t always agreed with Gundy’s way of running a program, but he adapted.

Bowman came in to replace Spencer Sanders, Johnson transferred from D-III George Fox to beef up the receiving room and Josiah Johnson gave OSU a pass-catching tight end. Dalton Cooper provided more depth on the offensive line, and Justin Kirkland helped shore up the defensive front.

sports None of the additions were overly flashy. It is hard to gauge success in the portal in the preseason, especially after so many departures. But Gundy knew what he needed, and it panned out.

“The ultimate thing that matters is that your coaches understand what they need to get out of the portal,” said former OSU quarterback Clint Chelf. “I think Oklahoma State looked at, coach Gundy and the staff looked at, what we had lost and didn’t panic. And they knew better than anybody outside the program what this team could withstand and what they needed to add from the portal after what we lost.”

The real magic trick has been Gundy keeping everyone rooted. Transfers, new coaches, new schemes, old players with the frustrations of last year lingering. The team stayed grounded, even after a rough start.

“It takes a lot of mental fortitude,” Chelf said. “It takes a lot of mental toughness.”

There was a chance to fall off again after a blowout loss to UCF. The Cowboys showed they are still beatable and have little room for error. But OSU bounced right back for two wins and a title shot.

“Now, that’s where it’s real hard just to fathom that this bunch can win a ring this week,” Jones said. “I wouldn’t rule it out.”

But Gundy pulled it off. Regardless of what happens Saturday, through all the 10, 11, 12-win seasons, perhaps his most impressive job is these scrappy, 9-3 Cowboys.

“Totally shocked,” McMurphy said. “And best coaching job ever that he’s had? I mean, it certainly has to be, because when you base that on the expectations of the team and kind of the preconceived talent – yeah, absolutely.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

File Photo Former OSU quarterback Clint Chelf said Mike Gundy and his staff didn’t panic after last season and went and got players in the transfer portal that fit OSU.

Friday, December 1, 2023 Page 7A

Comparing key incoming, outgoing transfers

Additions

Subtractions

WR Leon Johnson III (George Fox)

- 27 rec., 446 yards, 1 TD

QB Spencer Sanders (Ole Miss) - 278 yards, 3 TDs

QB Alan Bowman (Michigan) - 2,808 yards, 10 TDs, 11 INT

WR JP Richardson (TCU) - 46 rec., 536 yards, 3 TDs

OT Dalton Cooper (Texas State) WR Bryson Green (Wisconsin) - No sack allowed since Week 4 - 25 rec., 375 yards, 1 TD DL Anthony Goodlow (Tulsa) - 14 solo tackles, 2 sacks

CB Jabbar Muhammad (UW) - 37 solo tackles, 3 INTs

DL Justin Kirkland (Utah Tech) RB Dominic Richardson (Baylor) - 8 solo tackles, 17 total - 125 carries, 519 yards, 1 TD TE Josiah Johnson (UMass) - 21 rec., 163 yards, 1 TD

Portal...

Continued from 2A Sanders spent the season as Ole Miss’ backup, throwing for 278 passing yards and three touchdowns. Cobb leads USC in tackles, though it’s a defense that’s widely maligned. Defensive end Trace Ford swapped orange and black for crimson and creme in Norman and finished with seven solo tackles as a reserve for the Sooners, who were toppled by the Cowboys in what may be the final Bedlam matchup.

OSU offensive lineman Preston Wilson said the difference between the additions and the subtractions to OSU’s roster is that the players who came to Stillwater, wanting to be a Cowboy.

“We got rid of the problem and added solutions,” Wilson said. “What we did is we brought in a bunch of guys that are class-act guys that want to be at Oklahoma State. They didn’t come in with selfish attitudes, they didn’t come in and try to do it their way, they came in with a fresh slate and said ‘I want to be a Cowboy, how do I get on the field?’ and that’s why we have had success.”

OSU didn’t do it by replacing Power Five starters with other Power Five starters. The Cowboys instead added players from more off the radar locales, most notably wide receiver Leon Johnson III, a transfer from George Fox Uni-

LB Mason Cobb (USC) - 44 solo tackles, 77 total versity, a Division-III school in Oregon.

Tight end Josiah Johnson arrived from UMass. Defensive tackle Anthony Goodlow from Tulsa. Offensive lineman Dalton Cooper from Texas State. Nose tackle Justin Kirkland from Utah Tech.

Gundy said finding portal additions from smaller schools was helpful in snagging them in the transfer window.

“When you look at it, we’ve had a number of guys that were not real hard for us to get to come to this level to play for us, that have played really good football,” Gundy said. “Most of our guys came from a lower level and moved their way up and I think when they got here they really liked it.

“They get NIL money, they get great facilities, they get food. I think they just liked it and I think that helped.”

The Cowboys got off to sluggish start to the season, with Gundy rotating three quarterbacks in an effort to provide an equal competition. Bowman eventually seized the job and became a major storyline to the season.

Gundy said he hopes the way he worked the quarterbacks to begin the season will look good to future transfer windows in hope that portal entrants see that Gundy gives everybody a chance to play.

“I think we gave everybody a chance and followed everything we said we would do,” Gundy said. “And for that reason, I think that we will have a tremendous run on the portal if we need portal players.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 8A Friday, December 1, 2023

O’Colly

sports

Point / Counterpoint Davis cordova

There’s a chance, and, if you’re a Cowboys fan, having Texas as your opponent might be a blessing in disguise.

Don’t get me wrong, Texas should win, the Longhorns are the better team, but Texas has been notorius for shying away in big moments. OSU may not be able to beat Texas, but the Longhorns could beat themselves and allow the Cowboys to finally win their first conference title game after coming up short, literally, in 2021.

Gabriel Trevino

Will OSU win the Big 12 Championship?

Not against Texas. The Longhorns are too good.

They’ve spent all season overcoming demons from the 2010s, and they will again redeem themselves with a championship in their last year in the Big 12. From quarterback to offensive line, to wide recievers to defensive line and the secondary, Texas is a much better team than not just OSU, but most others in the country. It beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa and blownout most Big 12 teams this year for a reason. OSU’s only chance is an Ollie Gordon 400-yard game.

The O’Colly Sports Picks Championship Week Games

*Highlighted games are locks of the week by the pickers

Braden Bush

Total ATS: 66-64 Last week ATS: 5-5 Total Straight: 87-43 Last week straight: 8-2 Lock of the week: 8-4

Ashton Slaughter Total ATS: 69-61 Last week ATS: 5-5 Total Straight: 85-45 Last week straight: 7-3 Lock of the week: 8-4

Gabriel Trevino Total ATS: 71-59 Last week ATS: 3-7 Total Straight: 92-38 Last week straight: 6-4 Lock of the week: 6-6

Davis Cordova

Total ATS: 70-60 Last week ATS: 6-4 Total Straight: 83-47 Last week straight: 7-3 Lock of the week: 5-7

Daniel Allen

Total ATS: 61-69 Last week ATS: 6-4 Total Straight: 66-64 Last week straight: 8-2 Lock of the week: 5-7

Texas (-14.5) vs OSU Big 12 CG

Ore (-9.5) Mich. (-23.5) UGA (-6.5) vs vs vs Washington Iowa Alabama Pac 12 CG Big 10 CG SEC CG

FSU (-2.5) vs Louisville ACC CG

Tulane (-4.5) Boise St(-2.5) Troy (-6.5) Toledo (-7.5) Lib. (-10.5) vs vs vs vs vs SMU UNLV App. State Miami OH NMSU AAC CG MW CG Sun Belt CG MAC CG CUSA CG

Texas

Oregon

Michgan

Georgia

Florida State

Tulane

Boise State

App. State

Toledo

Liberty

(34-27)

(38-34)

(36-12)

(28-27)

(30-28)

(37-33)

(21-20)

(29-24)

(32-39)

(35-28)

Texas

Oregon

Michgan

Georgia

Florida State

Tulane

Boise State

Troy

Toledo

Liberty

(34-20)

(40-30)

(27-3)

(24-18)

(28-17)

(40-30)

(35-32)

(31-30)

(31-28)

(35-15)

Texas

Oregon

Michgan

Alabama

Louisville

Tulane

UNLV

Troy

Toledo

Liberty

(45-30)

(32-30)

(30-6)

(34-31)

(25-20)

(27-21)

(30-27)

(23-21)

(24-22)

(33-27)

OSU

Oregon

Michgan

Georgia

Florida State

SMU

UNLV

Troy

Miami OH

Liberty

(33-31)

(41-36)

(55-10)

(37-28)

(33-27)

(51-40)

(22-18)

(34-30)

(24-20)

(40-28)

Texas

Oregon

Iowa

Georgia

Louisville

SMU

Boise State

App. State

Toledo

Liberty

(41-27)

(45-38)

(17-16)

(30-21)

(38-35)

(35-24)

(30-24)

(24-21)

(37-33)

(41-24)

STILLWATER’S MATTRESS STORE 424 SOUTH MAIN STREET, STILLWATER,OK 74074

405-624-3212

WWW.STILLWATERFURNITURESHOWCASE.COM

MONDAY-SATURDAY | 9:30 - 6:00 SUNDAY | 1:00 - 5:00

Friday, December 1, 2023

Courtesy of Wishes for Water

Wishes for Water

Tererai Trent (left) and Lily Chavez connected with each other during Lily’s first trip to Zimbabwe. Trent works to improve education in Zimbabwe.

Student leader makes global impact Kennedy Thomason News & Lifestyle Editor

of hit me really hard that there’s just no effort to, there was nothing to bridge that gap yet because we only went one time.”

Chavez, a senior, was part of the first President’s Leadership Council study abroad trip that traveled to ZimHalfway across the world, a few babwe during the summer of 2022. days in Zimbabwe solidified what Lily The group visited with prominent OSU Chavez already knew. alumna Tererai Trent, who has devoted She needed to help. herself to improving education in Zim“We go on this trip and we obbabwe and beyond through Tererai Trent serve, almost like birdwatching, exInternational. treme poverty,” Chavez said. “And we’re Students spent 10 days traveling not bringing anything to the table or around the country, visiting differgiving back in any way and so that kind ent schools and communities. Chavez

connected with Trent as the two shared their passion for helping others.

One school, Chivakanenyama Primary, stood out to Chavez.

The school had a borehole, which functions similarly to a well, delivering groundwater to the surface. In rural Zimbabwe, where women spend their days hauling enough water to provide for their families, it is a prized possession.

Seeing the locals struggle with the need for reliable access to water, Chavez said it felt wrong to move on after the trip. After taking some time to digest what she saw, Chavez was ready

to take action.

“It wasn’t right of us, and that’s just not that’s not the culture that OSU has or PLC has,” Chavez said. “And so we were just kind of brainstorming what is a way in which we can partner sustainably that empowers people and doesn’t, that adds to their dignity and it’s something that they would want as well.”

On her first day of work under Joshua Taylor, the director of the Hargis Leadership Institute, which runs PLC, Chavez marched into his office and pitched her idea: Wishes for Water.

See Impact on 4B

Cowboy Marching Band cannot catch a break Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

Courtesy of Ryan Austin Following its second place regional finish, the Flight Team is gearing up for the national competition in May.

Flying Aggies soar to second place Ashton Miller Staff Reporter

Now, he is pursuing his lifelong dream in college.

OSU’s Flight Team took second place in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Regionals on Oct. 16-20.

Ryan Austin has always “It was an amazing feelhad the “aviation bug.” ing to do so well at regionals,” “My dad was a U.S. Austin said. “The placements Air Force pilot and is now an don’t show it, but in the actual American Airlines pilot, my point breakdown, we came grandfather owns an aircraft very close to a first place fininstrument business and my ish.” other grandfather worked for There were 50 points several airlines,” Austin said.

Austin, the Flying Aggies between OSU’s Flight Team president, has always been sur- and first place. A 50-point rounded by aviation. Growing separation is small in flight competitions, considering the up in Wichita, Kansas, there third place recipients were 400 were planes flying overhead constantly, and he was exposed points behind second place.

Awarded top pilot at to flying through his family. regionals, along with numer-

What’s Inside

Ticket madness explained: Q&A with OSU Athletics spokesperson

ous other placings, Austin is one step closer to a career in aviation.

The preparation for these competitions is extensive and happens all school year. After tryouts during the first week of class, they spend eight hours every Sunday practicing at Perry Airport, along with two hours a week of ground event practice.

“It is a major commitment, but that helps us be successful, and we build amazing camaraderie as a team; we are a big family,” Austin said. “Our practices will pick up again early in the spring semester for nationals, and we have already begun practicing our ground events.”

See Aggies on 6B

3B

For some out-of-state students such as junior Lillian Davis, it meant staying in Oklahoma for Thanksgiving.

“I wasn’t able to go home because it’s a six-hour drive While most students to Arkansas,” Davis said. “If flocked home for fall break, I left when we got back, it members of the Cowboy would only give me maybe two Marching Band were hard at days, and I’d have to leave on work.

This year, the band came Thanksgiving for the practice on Friday.” out in full force to support Davis didn’t go home to OSU’s footbal team in its game see her family, but she found a against Houston on Nov. 18.

After returning Sunday night, way to make the best of it. She spent Thanksgiving in Tulsa the band came back early for with her boyfriend’s family. a Friday rehearsal to prepare They made a point to for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff the next include her. day.

See Band on 6B

File Photo Fall break is usually a time of rest for students, but not for members of the Cowboy Marching Band.

BOB gives students, staff chance to pursue passion

4B

‘The Crown’ gives tasteful telling of Princess Diana’s death

7B

Page 2B Friday, December 1, 2023

O’Colly

Page 2

Ben Holieway

Ethan Scott Students camped out on Sunday night in an effort to get tickets to Saturday’s Big 12 Championship football game.

Punching my carnival Favorite Christmas Song ticket to the Big 12 Eric Renner

Kennedy Thomason News & Lifestyle Editor

given to everyone in line. He said they would reflect your place in line and could be exchanged at 7 a.m. on Monday for an actual ticket.

When asked why they couldn’t provide the tickets instead of vouchers, Martin said they didn’t have enough staff to process everyone in the wee morning Monday hours.

Resolved to wait for the At the end of a 24-detickets we were already freezgree, five hour night, all I had ing over, my group of friends was a little red carnival ticket and I hunkered down. as my prize.

Then came the stampede It’s a fitting metaphor for of students rushing by. the situation.

OSU officials began On Sunday night, as the handing out the vouchers in temperature dropped, hunGIA, with little to no regard dreds of OSU students lined for the order we had already up outside of Gallagher-Iba placed ourselves in line.

Arena, myself included, — all Group after group sprinted of us vying for a ticket to the toward the front of the line, Big 12 Championship this all rules out the window. weekend.

From that point on, it What started out as op- was game on. timistic acceptance of waiting The crowd quickly rein the line that snaked around duced to pushing and shoving to the west side of Boone each other out of the way to Pickens Stadium, ended in earn a closer spot in line. near-frozen disbelief.

For all intensive purposWhen OSU officials es, it felt like being caught inrealized students intended to side a cattle shoot. The crowd stay the night, demonstrated that previsouly stretched to by the various tents, cots the other side of the stadium and other makeshift bedding now fit in a mob next to GIA. students set up, they adjusted There was no place to move, plans. no place to put your arms and Jesse Martin, the senior no control over what direction associate athletic director, you were heading next. made rounds to announce Students shoved each that ticket vouchers would be

Column

other into brick pillons as they rushed closer to the east doors.

The crowded surged and recoiled over and over again. The only reprieve was reaching the front of the line, where students were then hand selected in small groups to enter GIA. After five hours of waiting and battling for a spot in line, I received a small red ticket resembled the kind you used to get at your elementary school’s carnival.

It pretty much embodied the unbelievable series of events that led up to 3 a.m.

Then it was back at it by 6 a.m. to wait for the actual ticket.

One sunrise and threehour line later, I had my ticket and a poor taste in my mouth for OSU’s planning. For the over 1,000 students that received vouchers, there were two workers to register students for tickets.

I left GIA with a mix of triumphant emotions and a feeling that I had been cheated by the system.

I don’t discount the efforts of the OSU officials to try to get students out of the below freezing weather. However, a little bit of additional planning and better execution could’ve saved a lot of heartache. news.ed@ocolly.com

““You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” because it’s the Grinch, and why wouldn’t you have the Grinch on your playlist?”

Alyssa Massie ““Frosty the Snowman” because it’s a really jolly song and it always lifts my spirits.”

Editorial board

Cale Hartman ““All I want for Christmas is You” because it’s fun and Mariah Carey sings it.

I listen to the hardstyle version of it at the gym. It’s a really loud and upbeat version of the song.”

The O’Colly Staff News & Lifestyle reporters:

Editor-in-Chief Luisa Clausen editorinchief@ocolly.com

News & Life editor Kennedy Thomason news.ed@ocolly.com

Sports editor Braden Bush sports.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant News & Life editor Bella Casey news.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant Sports editor Ashton Slaughter sports.ed@ocolly.com

Photo editor Ethan Scott photo.ed@ocolly.com

Design editor Ben Holieway design.ed@ocolly.com

Adviser John Helsley john.helsley@okstate.edu

Addie Wagner Ashton Miller Cloe Campfield Hayden Alexander Isaac Terry Jaycee Hampton Jessica Pearce Lauren King Michael Clark Raynee Howell

Newsroom

108 Paul Miller Stillwater, OK 74078 (405) 744-6365

Sports reporters: Alyssa Brandon Baylor Bryant Calif Poncy Daniel Allen Davis Cordova Gabriel Trevino Gina Foster Griff McClellan Kenzie Kraich Parker Gerl Payton Little Savannah Chenoweth Tessa Dorrell

Photographers & Designers: Cassius Davis Davis Cordova Ethan Hilbert Jaycee Hampton Karlie Boothe Kendall McGhee Sam Beebe

O’Colly

Friday, December 1, 2023 Page 3B

News

A family affair

Bullet’s owners offer insight “My mom is always Charley Van Newkirk making sure everyone is O’Colly Contributor

Ethan Scott Students waited in lines for hours as Sunday night turned into Monday morning for the chance to get a ticket to the Big 12 Championship game on Saturday.

Ticket madness explained

Q&A with OSU Athletics spokesperson Bella Casey News and Lifestyle Assistant Editor

Q&A

Q: A girl passed out, and people who waited in line for It’s 3 a.m. on Monday, and stu- hours didn’t get tickets… What dents surround Gallagher Iba Arena. did Athletics learn from this expeStudents are camped out in rience? tents or wrapped in blankets. They A: We are continually rehave been there for hours. They are viewing how we do things so we waiting to claim Big 12 Champion- can improve how we operate. As it ship student tickets. pertains to this year’s student ticket When OSU played in the Big distribution process, the key issue at 12 Championship Game in 2021, hand was that demand was greater students claimed their tickets from than supply. There were about 1,300 the warmth of their apartments or vouchers issued and only about 50 houses. This year, they spent hours people who were in line did not outside shivering in the cold, and receive. Those 50 were the ones who some did not receive tickets. did not arrive as early as the others Gavin Lang, a spokesperson who did receive. Once the vouchers for OSU Athletics, explained why were distributed and it became clear changes were made since the last where the supply of vouchers would time OSU played in the Big 12 run out, the people beyond that spot Championship and why some stuin line were made aware and told to dents did not receive tickets. go home.

Q: The last time OSU made Q: If tickets were to be sold the Big 12 Championship, student in person again, is there anything tickets were sold online. Why was Athletics plans to do differently? the switch to claiming them in A: It’s still premature to get person made? too far into the specifics of that but A: We encountered some sig- we are continually reviewing how nificant problems when tickets to the we do things in order to improve.

2021 Big 12 Championship Game Something you should know is that were sold online. That’s why the the original allotment for student switch was made to in-person. We tickets from the Big 12 was 550. felt that picking up tickets in person OSU Athletics subsidized an addiwas the more fair and equitable ap- tional 500 seats and worked in other proach. ways to make an additional 250 Q: How many vouchers seats available for OSU students on did Athletics have to give out to top of that. students? How long did it take for Q: If OSU makes the Big 12 tickets to sell out?

Championship again, is it more A: We issued about 1,300 likely student tickets will be sold vouchers to our students. The last online or in person? Why? voucher was distributed sometime A: It’s still premature to make around 3 a.m. Everyone beyond that that decision as we have not yet gotpoint in line was sent home. ten through the game. news.ed@ocolly.com

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE! I, and seven other adults, recently returned from a week’s trip to southern Mexico. We were visiting a missionary work that started a number of years ago. Now, this includes an orphanage for needy children, a growing church work in spreading the Good News message of God’s love in Jesus for all mankind. It was a great time of “helping out” in a number of ways.

However, this growing work started a number of years ago in a very shaky way. A young couple sensed a call from God to go to southern Mexico to do missionary work. As we prayed, we went to this small town in southern Mexico. We searched for a number of days for a suitable place for them to live and begin their work. We could not find a place..I had to leave and get back to my pastoral duties in Okla. They kept looking, but found nothing.

They were about to give up when the man spotted a small sign in a store window; “House for Rent”. The couple

Within the years of equine experiences, Robsafe on the field while do- erts realizes the risks at ing their job,” Cunningham hand when working with said. a​1,300-pound animal in a Roberts said her job stadium setting.

Brushing their teeth “I mean, when you in Boone Pickens Stadium is a labor of love with just a little compensation, from think about it, it’s a bizarre is a typical game day for building relationships with experience; Bullet is the Jennifer Roberts’ youngest the team members to seeonly animal on a football kids.

“I would just take my ing her daughters grow up field with 60,000 screaming fans,” Roberts said. poor kids to band practice on the field.

“I’m not sure that Roberts makes sure in the morning in their there is anything more she assigns everyone a pajamas,” Roberts said. special than watching them designated responsibility Roberts, who owns in case of an emergency and cares for one of OSU’s be (on) mommy’s hip, to standing on my boots on so that the rider, the horse, mascots, Bullet, starts their tippy toes to see the and the fans can all be safe every game day morning during the game. by pulling the Bullet trailer game, to now confident women on the football “We medicate the from Tulsa to Stillwater. field,” Roberts said. risk of anything bad ever Her kids find it excitWithin the program, happening before people ing to sit in the truck and she has seen her students even realize it, so the rider feel the energy of their and kids understand these can execute her job in the beloved horse’s fans as best way,” Roberts said. they ride down the streets important lessons while on the field.

Roberts said Former Spirit Rider of Stillwater. learning how to represent Madeline McClaran said Roberts is seen as a something bigger than being on the team is an exmother to horses, teamyourself is an important perience unlike any other. mates, friends and daughprivilege they have.

She realized shortly after ters. Leading the OSU “Not many people my joining the team that she Spirit Rider program as the director, she is vigilant in age get to have a responsi- found a family through the bility and a role like this,” bonds she made. each situation.

“It’s really special “I was in a lot of dif- Cunningham said.

Falyn Cunningham, to see the girls contributferent situations that have 14, feels honored to be ing so much of their time prepared me to be on the alongside the Spirit Team. to this program and not field with Bullet,” Roberts Her first steps on the getting recognized, to now said. football team were at nine getting to see them on the Roberts said that it months old. She said havteam together,” said Mcis second nature, and she ing her mom as the coach Claran. doesn’t tend to think about and being on the team with Roberts said her girls all that the job entails.

Trusting a team when her family is special to her. don’t know a fall Saturday Falyn’s sister, Landry without OSU football. working with an unpredictCunningham, is not old With this program as a part able animal is essential to enough to share the uniof their lives, Roberts said everyone’s safety. form at 9, but said she feel they understand the work Roberts said she is and responsibilities of the thankful for her experience just as much a part of the team. job. growing up with horses So far, some of Although Roberts has because it has allowed her Landry’s favorite memobeen part of OSU’s Spirit to see all sides. ries are watching the team program for 20 years, she “We all need to be come out of the tunnel. said she doesn’t get near acutely aware of our surShe said she loves seeing enough of it these days. roundings, to be able to the field from a different Horses have always anticipate for what’s next perspective than anyone been a place of solace and and plan for the worst,” else.

Getting to watch her peace for Roberts to turn Roberts said. own Bullet grow up and do to.

Roberts said that winFalyn Cunningham, Roberts’ daughter, has seen his job on the field is some- ning buckles and trophies are nice when it comes to her mom lead in a different thing special to her.

“With my mom being her favorite moments, but light. Her motherly inthe coach, she really knows the quiet everyday mostincts allowed her to move quickly with care to protect how to take care of every- ments she has with horses one,” Landry said. are what she loves most. her team and children. news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Jennifer Roberts Jennifer Roberts acts as a mother for not only her daughters, but for Bullet and the Spirit Team.

checked it out. It was just what they needed. It was a “last minute” answer to prayer.

I want to encourage you, today, in reading this article, to pray about getting in involved in Christian missionary work. It may be through your local church you attend. It may be in contacting others you know who are envolved. I can testify that there is a deep satisfaction in working and serving in the work of God, and seeing fruit that will last for eternity. Even if you only can help in small ways; it can really count.

I remember a song years ago; “Thank you for giving to the Lord!” It spoke of a person that was thanked by others when he reached Heaven because of his service and giving to God’s work. There are lasting effects as we give and serve! .

Page 4B Friday, December 1, 2023

O’Colly

News Pastor, father balances faith, family in Stillwater Dalton Arredondo O’Colly Contributor

Ethan Hilbert The Big Orange Bus shuttles students and faculty between the OSU Stillwater and OSU Tulsa campuses.

BOB gives students, staff chance to pursue passion Jaycee Hampton Staff Reporter

Searching for another way to continue his education, he decided to enroll at OSU Stillwater.

Lamb said his trips to and from campuses are a good Hours of riding back and way to relax, but he stressed the forth from Tulsa to Stillwater importance of booking your seat is just another week for Ahren and time for departure ahead of Lamb. time.

Without the Big Orange “Always get there 10 minBus, the shuttle that runs beutes early because sometimes tween OSU Stillwater and OSU bus drivers leave early, and if Tulsa, Lamb’s education on they have closed the doors, you campus would not have been aren’t getting on,” Lamb said. possible this semester.

For Vivian Moore being a This fall, Lamb has com- BOB driver is a passion. muted three days a week.

In 2010, she began work“I don’t have a car, but I ing in public transit and starting still go to school from two hours in July she joined OSU’s Deaway and still make it on time,” partment of Parking and TransLamb said. “Of course, I am portation Services. proud to be a Cowboy.”

Moore said she was more Lamb, a sophomore, began than content when she was chohis undergraduate studies at sen to work for OSU as a driver Tulsa Community College, but because she had been interested as a pre-medical biology major, in the job for a couple of years.

TCC does not offer the higher“I love people,” Moore level courses he needs to comsaid. “I love my supervisors. plete his degree.

Anybody over me? They’re all

awesome. The people that drive the transit side, the few that I know, they’re awesome. There is nothing negative I could even say about OSU. I’m grateful to be there and like I said, my passion is driving.”

Moore said she loves her job and getting to know people’s faces and names.

She considers the bus rides to be a peaceful environment, and she enjoys conversing with passengers throughout her routes five days a week.

“I just want to make sure I get them from Stillwater to Tulsa safely,” Moore said.

The BOB has amenities such as reclining chairs and WiFi. The bathrooms are not for use currently.

Help is wanted due to a shortage of bus drivers. Services have been limited this semester.

To book your ride on the BOB, find out where to apply or learn more about OSU’s community transit, visit https://parking. okstate.edu/transit/. news.ed@ocolly.com

Impact . . .

We don’t know anything about anything.”

From the start, Chavez said Wishes for Water has challenged her to improve her public speaking and management skills, along with the technical aspects of running a nonprofit.

Sydney Engelking, one of Chavez’s best friends, said Chavez’s personality makes her a naturally ambitious leader.

“She’s very goal oriented, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to reach that goal,” Engelking said. “She probably works a little bit too hard and

As a daughter to two parents in the military and an older sister to three adopted siblings, Chavez learned leadership earlyContinued from 1B on.

Stacy Chavez, Lily Chavez’s mother, made sure of The organization, which it. had its first meeting last fall, is “Leadership has been a a nonprofit that raises money to thread of instruction from the help rural Zimbabwean schools moment Lily was born,” Stacy drill water sources.

Chavez said.

At 19, Chavez, the founder With childhood dreams and president, had the organizaof becoming a diplomat, Stacy tion established as a nonprofit Chavez said Lily Chavez has within six months. always looked to serve others.

When she initially pitched “Lily has a heart for serthe idea, Chavez said she vice,” Stacy Chavez said. hoped that Wishes for “And one of the things that Water would work directly we have taught Lily is in with the Hargis Leaderorder to be a leader you ship Institute. However, have to serve. A leader is she said it quickly became not always the person out apparent that Wishes for front. More times the leader Water should be indepenis the person in the backdent. ground pushing people to “I remember this go beyond what they can vivid moment where I was imagine.” sitting in my boss Josh’s Lily Chavez has office, and he was like, dedicated her full efforts to ‘Lily, I think you need to growing Wishes for Water start a nonprofit,’” Chavez to make it as effective as said. “And I was like, ‘Are possible. you kidding me? I’m 19 In the spring, Lily years old. What are you Chavez set a goal to raise talking about?’ Yeah, I $15,000 by May to implethink it took the rest of ment the group’s first water that day off of work beDirector of Hargis source. cause I was shocked.”

Attending meetAlthough Taylor recLeadership Institute ing after meeting to pitch ognized the strong leaderWishes for Water to various ship skills Chavez demonphilanthropic groups around strated through PLC, he Stillwater, Lily Chavez was had his reservations. over does it at times, but she unsure they would meet their “This was rather large, always gets it done.” goal. ambitious, though, and so I was Although her ambition During the first month of cautiously optimistic,” Taylor drives her work, being a leader fundraising, they had only $50 said. “I knew Lily, and I knew comes naturally to Chavez. to show for it. that she wasn’t going to let this That was clear to Brancen But Lily Chavez was go. But I also knew it was a mas- Redman, the director of public determined to lead her team to sive task.” relations for Wishes for Water. success. After 10 weeks, Wishes Chavez dove into the chalWhen Chavez pitched the for Water had $19,000 in its lenge head first, working to file nonprofit to a PLC class, Redbank account.

Wishes for Water as a 501(c)(3). man said her passion exuded The group was able to It proved to be a difficult under- from her. He was so inspired implement its first borehole, givtaking. that he joined Wishes for Water ing it a tangible sign of success.

Haley Velez, the vice that same day.

Although Lily Chavez said president of Wishes for Water, “I mean, she is just the ex- she is proud of the work she has was along for the ride. emplary poster child for what a put in, she is not satisfied yet.

“We’re in Lily’s office, in heartfelt leader should be like,” “I love that sense of justice the HLI office, and we’re sitting Redman said. that she has,” Taylor said. “A there, and we’re freaking out,” But these skills were culti- sense like, ‘There is injustice in Velez said. “Because we are not vated long before Chavez started this world, and I can do somelawyers. We are not accountants. the nonprofit. thing about it.’” news.ed@ocolly.com

“I love that sense of

Junior Max Wolfley was sitting outside of the Student Union reading poetry when Pastor Adam Dyess introduced himself.

The two found common ground and started to talk about poetry, but the conversation led to talking about Jesus and authenticity.

“I sat down with him, and we started discussing poetry of the Bible,” Dyess said. “We just kept talking about Jesus and what true love is.”

Wolfley said that conversation taught him something he carries with him to this day. To go past the surface level answer to the question of “How are you? I’m fine” to “Hey, I’m actually not fine.”

“Something Adam always encourages me to do is to be genuine,” Wolfley said. “He encourages me to be more sincere, which makes life a little more genuine.”

Dyess is from Houston, Texas, and has been evangelizing and sharing Christian ideals since he was in his early 20s. His evangelizing days started back in a college in Pasadena, Texas.

When he is not evangelizing on campus, he is a pastor at Grace Missionary Baptist Church and raising a family of six kids.

“I started evangelizing back when I was (at) San Jacinto University,” Dyess said. “I was going from door-to-door and then progressed to evangelizing on campus.”

In 2009, Dyess went on a mission trip to Stillwater. He met a missionary there that would lead him to be the reason of moving to Stillwater.

Since then, he continued to evangelize to college students, encouraging them to be a part of ministry. But that has brought challenges of its own.

“The big thing when it comes to evangelizing at Oklahoma State is the number of organizations there are,” Dyess said. “You want to invite people to be a part of ministry, but they may already be in one.”

One of the important lessons Dyess said he has learned is the art of discipleship.

He disciples an Oklahoma Baptist student named Collier Robertson, who is the director of Missionary Baptist of Student Fellowship at OSU. Robertson said he considers Dyess more than someone who disciples him.

“I would consider Adam my father in faith,” Robertson said. “Because he has helped me learn how to teach, preach and organize an event. He has served me in a lot of ways that... I can’t even articulate with words.”

In 2013, Dyess became a pastor at Grace Missionary Baptist Church after the pastor was diagnosed with ALS. Dyess wanted to incorporate a modern style to represent the student body while keeping some traditions to represent the older church members.

A tradition of the church is to sing hymns, while the modern style is worship songs, which include “Lord, I need you”, “Run to the Father” and “Make Room.”

“He values tradition to a point that he seeks to do the Lord’s will regardless of tradition,” Mike Heil said. “He opened my eyes to that fact (that) tradition isn’t necessarily the path just because that’s where we’ve been.”

One thing Dyess values more than a pastor is being a husband and a father.

He has been married to his wife, Nadine Dyess, for 13 years. The couple has four girls and two boys. The kids being homeschooled brings its own set of challenges to their household.

“It is challenging because there is a mess being made, a child needing attention or somebody getting hurt,” Nadine Dyess said.

“I think of homeschooling as more so of like guiding them as I’m doing things.

It’s hard to teach a child, a little five-year-old to empty the dishwasher, but once you do it, it’s done, and they know how to do it forever.”

Dyess said balancing the role of being a father and a pastor is far from perfection.

“At home, I’m father and husband, and I try not to let pastoral obligations come into my home,” Dyess said. “When I’m at the church, I try to do the job of being the pastor. I’m still learning on how to balance it to this day.” news.ed@ocolly.com

justice that she has.

A sense like, ‘There is

injustice in this world,

and I can do something about it.’”

Joshua Taylor

Courtesy of Dalton Arredondo Adam Dyess evangelizes to students outside of Edmon Low Library and the Student Union.

O’Colly

Friday, December 1, 2023 Page 5B

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

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 1, 2023

Houses for rent

Spacious 1100 sq. ft 2 bedroom home. Recently remodeled, CH/A, wood floors, nice yard. 2214 E. 6th Ave., Scarlett Bus Route.

405-372-7107.

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

Cowboy Calendar Friday 12/01/2023 40th Annual Ruby Gala Wes Watkins Center @ 7 p.m. https://smc-foundation.org/events/annual-gala/ AGR 23rd Annual Winter Bonanza Cattle Show Payne County Expo Center @ 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Build a Car TeamBuilding Activity For Men Family Resource Center Great Room @ 6 - 7:30 p.m. https://reslife.okstate.edu/ Calf Fry Christmas Tumbleweed Dancehall & Concert Venue @ 4 p.m. $35 https://www.calffry.com/online-store/CALF-FRY-CHRISTMAS-c156573252 Cross Brand Cowboy Church Presents Cowboy’s Christmas Joy 2700 S. Fairgrounds Rd, Stillwarer, OK Open December 1st & 2nd 5 PM- 9 PM and December 3rd 5 PM - 8 PM Painting/Ceramics with Pizza Friday’s StillyArts @ 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Book your tickets here: https://stillyarts.com/paintnights Fee: $20 (8x10 canvas + pizza) / $30 (11x14 canvas + Pizza) Stillwater Martial Arts Annual Decorating Party Stillwater Martial Arts @ 6 - 7 p.m.

Lights on the Lake Lake McMurtry @ 8 a.m. - 12 a.m. https://www.lakemcmurtry.org/events.html Saturday 12/02/2023 AGR 23rd Annual Winter Bonanza Cattle Show Payne County Expo Center @ 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Calf Fry Christmas Tumbleweed Dancehall & Concert Venue @ 4 p.m. $35 https://www.calffry.com/online-store/CALF-FRY-CHRISTMAS-c156573252 Christmas Around The World Family Resource Center @ 2 p.m.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Decorating Class Dragonfly Desserts @ 2 - 4 p.m. $50 / person https://www.facebook.com/dragonflydesserts21 Holiday Craft Show 2023 Payne County Expo Center @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/1138919513181269?re f=newsfeed Holiday Tree Embroidery Workshop Prairie Arts Center @ 1 p.m. $20 members; $25 non-members https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes/fiberarts/1301-holiday-tree-embroidery-workshop Martia McBride: Joy of Christmas Tour The McKnight Center for Performing Arts @ 7:30 p.m. https://mcknightcenter.org/Online/default.asp POP UP Art Shops Prairie Arts Center @ 10 a.m. https://artscenter.okstate.edu/activities/pop-up-artshops/1250-pop-up-art-shops-october-1-2023 Rug Tufting Prairie Arts Center @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $100+ https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes Santa & Mrs Claus

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol

ACROSS 1 Welcome gifts at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel 5 Deputy 9 Some parents 13 Mount near Taormina 14 Passing remark?

15 Nike rival 16 *LOL OMG 19 __ year 20 Actress Collette 21 Fatal flaw of some Greek heroes 22 *CU soon 25 Fuel for some grills 26 Youngest March sister 27 Some barbecue remains 29 Young chap 32 Tesfaye whose stage name is the Weeknd 35 Bandleader’s cue 37 Old-fashioned before 38 Classic demonstration, and a way to describe the relationship between each starred clue and its answer 42 Indifferent review 43 Queues 44 Fission target 45 Hindu title 46 Well-worn 47 Place for a paraffin body wrap 49 __ choy 51 *SRY 57 Tiny slice 60 Can of worms, maybe 61 “Narcos” org.

62 *TMI 65 Not buttoned 66 Actor Rami 67 Send for onboarding 68 Some twins 69 Beltmaking tools 70 Not so much DOWN 1 Abandon one’s inhibitions

Daily Horoscope

12/1/23

By Katie Hale

2 Hawke of “The Northman” 3 Clumsy 4 Like a tear-jerker 5 __ acid 6 Ancient Aegean region 7 Not yet settled 8 Make a lasting impression?

9 Green arboreal snake 10 Had to scramble to get out the door, perhaps 11 Calf-length skirt 12 Voices 14 Cream relative 17 Part of a collection 18 Really must, informally 23 “Come no further” 24 Palm fruits 28 Number of suspects in Clue 30 “Alligator Boy” in a 2021 Netflix animated film 31 Judge to be 32 Places for taking notes?

33 __ garden 34 Put on display 35 Accord maker

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

36 Barinholtz of “History of the World, Part II” 39 Chaps 40 Safflower __ 41 Polite address 47 Former weekend programming block that featured “Clarissa Explains It All” 48 Anti-fur gp.

12/1/23

50 Bakery features 52 Kids’ batting game 53 Fertile spots 54 __ Bauer 55 Gets warmer?

56 Chaucer works 57 Nose-in-the-air type 58 Casual gait 59 Oblong tomato 63 “Yup” opposite 64 Bruins’ org.

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (12/01/23). This year energizes your physical performance. Regular routines maintain domestic harmony.

Redirect your work and health around winter challenges, before springtime social changes require attention. Fall in love again next summer, before making domestic improvements for delightful autumn parties. Nurture yourself to grow and thrive.

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 9 — Can you work from home? Career opportunities multiply, with Mercury in Capricorn. Discuss ambitions with family. Speak with influential people over the next three weeks.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Enter a threeweek expansion phase, with Mercury in Capricorn. Travel, research and education flourish over three weeks. Broaden your horizons. Investigate a fascination.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Financial management comes easily, with Mercury in Capricorn. Get down to practical work. Learn economics, hands-on over the next three weeks. Budget for growth.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Collaborate for solutions. A three-week partnership phase begins, with Mercury in Capricorn. Share responsibilities and rewards. Blend your strengths for greater reach. Deepen connections.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Revise health practices for new goals. Get into a three-week physical phase, with Mercury in Capricorn. Work smarter and faster. Raise your performance level.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Let friends know how you feel. For three weeks, with Mercury in Capricorn, it’s easy to find the right words. Creativity comes easily. Express yourself.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Enjoy a three-week domestic phase, with Mercury in Capricorn. Apply creativity to home renovation. Share memories, rituals and traditions. Invent new family games.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Mercury entering Capricorn sparks a three-week creative communications phase.

Write, record and sketch. Edit and polish. Publish, share and promote. Connect and collaborate.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Collaborate for lucrative gain. Profit through communications with creative Mercury in Capricorn. Pay more attention to finances for three weeks. Use your wits.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Collaboration arises naturally. You’re especially charismatic, clever and creative, with Mercury in your sign. Advance personal projects through communication, including music, arts and design.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 6 — Prioritize health and efficient efforts. Envision, plan and organize, with Mercury in Capricorn. Finish projects and review progress made. Savor introspection, rituals and meditation.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Teamwork surges, with Mercury in Capricorn. It’s easier to speak to groups. Work together to get farther, faster. Everything you need is in your network.

Level 1 2 3 4

12/1/23

Solution to Thursday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

© 2023 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Page 6B Friday, December 1, 2023

O’Colly

News Band . . .

Although many other band students got to go home, they still had to cut their break short.

Senior Caleb Larsen left Continued from 1B Dallas early Friday morning to return to Stillwater. Larson said he knows that he is a part of a “His mom made me a bigger picture. dish that my mom makes every “I understand that it was year to make me feel at home,” required to ensure the band was Davis said. “I never expected to in the best condition to create an be welcomed by his family so electric game day experience,” quickly, which eased the home- Larsen said. “I am glad that I sickness.” was able to contribute to someSophomore Sarah Burks, thing larger than myself.” a guard member, also stayed in The crazy away game Stillwater. Instead of going home adventures, new friendships and to California for the biggest performing for 60,000 people meal of the year, Burks kicked are the highlights of being part back and took advantage of the of the Cowboy Marching Band. downtime.

“Every time I go to an “I relaxed and practiced a away game it makes all the hard trick with my flag (and) what we work that we’ve put into our were going to do in the halftime practices worth it because the show that weekend,” Burks said. whole experience during away Burks’ passion for guard games is so fun,” Burks said. drives her to daily commitment.

Although not everyone gets “I choose to be in a band to go home, Larsen said it’s a even though it means not going temporary inconvenience. home and putting in the extra “You have the rest of your work because I think that the life to be an Oklahoma State Cowboy Marching Band is a Cowboy, but you only have great program to be a part of, four years to be in the Cowboy and it’s always worth it in the Marching Band,” Larsen said. end,” Burks said. news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Derrick Denney OSU’s Flight Team placed second at its regional competition in October.

Aggies . . .

ment at the prospect of seeing all the hard work pay off.

Competing can be nerve wracking, but when it comes Continued from 1B down to it, Newman and other members of the flight team are prepared and know Similar to Austin, jutheir jobs well. nior Macy Newman grew up “Ensuring that I fly surrounded by flying. Newas accurately as possible to man’s dad and grandfathers secure the most amount of worked in the aviation indus- points attainable for my team try, so as a third generation was at the forefront of my pilot, Newman is no stranger mind,” Newman said. “It’s to being in the cockpit. incredible to see how quickly “Naturally, I fell in love me and my peers can go from with flying through exposure relaxing with each other and passion evident in my to being in the zone for a family members,” Newman ground or flight event.” said. “When we would visit The competition promy mom’s side of the famvides team members with ily, I would get to fly in my flying experience and the grandfather’s Cessna 185.” opportunity to be surrounded Although flying with by others who share the same family members is different passion. from flying in competition, “Some of the best Newman said the passion memories, both with my behind flying is still there. teammates and in college, lie In competition, Newwithin competition weeks, man said members of the and I can’t wait to experience flight team buzz with excite-

more of them with the team,” Newman said.

Kaylin Klein, a junior, is captain of the flight team.

Klein has been captain for a semester and has seen how the extensive team practices have paid off.

“The team worked so well together and made for a very fun, productive week that I think we are all proud of,” Klein said. “Whether it be moving airplanes around, waiting for an event to start, whatever it was; we felt like a coherent team.”

As captain, Klein has seen how hard the team has worked to prepare for regionals and how it has paid off.

The team is already preparing for nationals and is ready to fly stronger than ever.

“I am very excited for our national competition in May,” Klein said. “I think we are all very motivated and ready to put work in all of next semester.” news.ed@ocolly.com

File Photo The Cowboy Marching Band spent fall break in Houston on Nov. 18 and ended its break in Stillwater to cheer on the Cowboys for both football games.

25% TO OSU STUDENTS AND FACULTY

Y A D O UR T L L CA ET YO TO G

F F O % 5

2 (405) 372-7474 |

316 N. MAIN ST SUITE 1 ST I L LWAT E R , O K 74 07 5 WWW.STILLWATERDDS.COM

IMPLANTS | CROWNS | EXTRACTIONS | ROOT CANALS | INVISALIGN ACCEPTS MOST MAJOR INSURANCES

O’Colly

Friday, December 1, 2023 Page 7B

News

Tribune Content Agency The first part of Season 6 of “The Crown” tells a dignified story of Princess Diana’s death. The second part will show the beginning of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship.

‘The Crown’ gives tasteful telling of Princess Diana’s death Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

the queen’s passing, but the showrunner, Peter Morgan, said she will be honored in the final episode.

Part one of “The Crown” season six is out, and the four episodes are some of the most anticipated in the series.

Even in 2023, fans are still obsessed with Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki). “The Crown” covers her sudden death and the events leading up to it “God save the Queen” is the in four episodes. mantra of Netflix’s original series “The These episodes place a spotlight Crown.” on the final days of Princess Diana’s The historical drama features the life. The Princess and her two sons, reign of Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda William (Rufus Kampa) and Harry Staunton) as she navigates the role of (Fflyn Edwards), go on vacation with wearing the crown. the Fayeds. The elder Fayed organizes As the series develops, it explores a meeting between Diana and his son, the royal families’ best and worst moDodi Fayed (Khalid Abdalla). ments.

One thing leads to another, and The series takes a lot of creative the two form a relationship. It’s rife with liberty to delve into the royal family’s scandal and the paparazzi chase the pair private life. There are elements of truth around Paris, leading to a tragic acciin the major events covered, but much of dent. the show is fictional. That doesn’t stop The infamous crash that killed fans from loving the show, with an 81% Princess Diana and Fayed is done well rating on Rotten Tomatoes. in the show. It offers the princess the The show is in its final season, and dignity and respect that the paparazzi fans are getting the season in two parts. didn’t. Viewers see the car drive into the The second half of the series airs tunnel and hear the crash. on Dec. 14. It will chronicle the beginIt was an excellent choice by the ning of Prince William’s (Ed McVey) showrunners because they didn’t use the and Kate Middleton’s (Meg Bellamy) nature of her death to get more ratings. relationship. The show will not cover They offered a quiet end to pay tribute to

Review

the people’s princess.

Charles’ (Dominic West) reaction to her death is probably my favorite moment from him. The episodes established that Charles and Diana had reached a sort of friendship in hopes of raising their boys right.

Charles fights for Diana to receive the proper funeral and is devastated by her death, which mirrors the Prince’s real-life reaction.

“The Crown” lets Diana fall into motherhood, showing her connection to her children. She adores them, and they love her.

William’s relationship with his mother displays a typical familial relationship where, as kids grow, they become their parent’s confidants. William wants to protect his mother and constantly worries about her actions.

It’s tragic to see his fears become a reality when his mother dies, and it makes the viewers feel for him as he and Harry walk behind his mother’s casket.

Two children that grow up too fast. The series shows the unfairness of forcing the children to act like kings.

Fayed’s death and mourning get a good amount of screen time. However, his father is still a confusing subject. He battles grief and regret but still hopes that the royals will give him the attention he desperately craves.

The early romance between Diana

and Fayed makes sense. The pressure of expectations draws them together, but their feelings are often mismatched.

Debicki’s portrayal of Princess Diana is captivating, and in these final episodes, she offers the character more shades. She’s a woman who craves a life away from the spotlight dappled in peaceful sunlight.

The PR war and attack on privacy are at the forefront of the episodes, and the social commentary on the paparazzi is glaring. We witness the paparazzi camping out on Diana’s vacation and scaring her children. They chase Diana down the street, banging on her window and trying to open the door.

In a juxtaposition of the paparazzi, the crowds that gather are gentle as they mourn. The Queen’s reaction to Diana’s death is in the show. “The Crown” portrays her lack of response as her misunderstanding the situation, not necessarily protecting her grandchildren.

In the end, the Queen gives a speech, and the music swells to the images, actual footage and fictional plays over the address. “The People’s Princess” closes the mid-season finale with a final goodbye.

Part II will feature six new episodes to wrap up the series in time for a holiday binge. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 8B Friday, December 1, 2023

O’Colly