The O'Colly, Friday, December 21, 2023.

Friday, December 22, 2023

Last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas Kennedy Thomason News & Lifestyle Editor

For 22 days, your resident Elf of the Shelf has bopped around the house, taunting Santa’s arrival.

With two days left to go before the elf hitches a ride back to the North Pole with Santa, here are some ideas to end the season strong.

Zipping to Christmas This slightly elaborate idea requires string, some tape and a candy cane. To create the zip line, tape one end of the string to the corner or ceiling of the desired room. Tape the other end of the string slightly below it on the other side of the room, creating a downward slope.

Next, grab the candy cane and hang it from the sting. Make sure to securely take the elf’s hands to the candy cane.

Tape the candy cane to the middle of the string

so the elf is in the middle of the zip line. Then let the elf zip through your house.

Date night For this idea, your elf will be dining with a celebrity. Grab a Barbie, or another doll of your choosing, and set up a small table or picnic for them to eat at.

Snow angels This is another easy idea, although it is slightly messy. Grab some powdered sugar or flour and spread it in a circle. You will want to do this in the kitchen or on an easily cleaned surface.

Place your elf in the middle use it to make a snow angel in the powdered sugar or flour.

Hot chocolate bath This is another slightly messy, but fun, idea. Fill up a bathroom sink about halfway with water. Take a few packets of hot chocolate and mix them in with the water.

Add a few marshmallows to the top of the mixture.

Position your elf around the sink, preparing to bathe in the hot chocolate bath. news.ed@ocolly.com One of many Elf on the Shelf stunts is putting up a string zip line for the elf to ride one.

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Sexual education’s impact on sexual assault rates Jaycee Hampton and Autumn Sterling O’Colly Contributors

File Photo The rodeo team is a collegiate sport but is not classified under the athletic department at OSU.

College rodeo teams face lack of funding Charley Van Newkirk O’Colly Contributor

“I mean we call ourselves the Cowboys, we should have a team with funding, be well-coached and able to recruit,” Roberts said.

Despite these challenges, college rodeo plays a role Seeing the words “rodeo team meeting” etched in preserving a cultural heriinto the sidewalk with chalk, tage and offers an avenue for student-athletes passionate Jennifer Roberts knew she about the sport to compete at couldn’t pass the offer up.

“After the first meeting, the collegiate level.

At OSU, the team isn’t I knew it was over; I already classified under the athletic had my horses loaded up to come to OSU,” Roberts said. department. However, rodeo, a collegiate sport, has She not only spent her impacted not only the athcollege years as a member letes within the club but the on the team; she became an university itself. activist. Terry Hyman, the Roberts met with team’s adviser, appointed former OSU President James Roberts as the spokesperson Halligan to lobby for funding for the team. She led the for the rodeo team. Through charge for the organization conversation, Halligan and on campus to get the facilities and funding she believed Roberts struck up a deal.

If the rodeo team raised the team deserved. $10,000, Halligan would

match the money it gave toward the program.

Within the year, the team raised $16,000 at its first “Ride for the Brand” scholarship auction in Oklahoma City in 1999.

Halligan then matched that number to grant toward the team.

“I did my homework with Terry’s guidance and lobbied on behalf of my fellow rodeo students and mostly for the many to follow,” Roberts said.

Roberts also found donors in Wes and Lou Watkins when she and her dad visited their house, where meetings were held.

“Members of multiple departments on campus would sit and listen to our pleas and plans for the team for new stalls, pens and materials,” Roberts said.

See Rodeo on 8

“I can’t remember a time before the assault,” Weaver said.

“My whole life I had problems with being too inappropriate for my age and doing dangerous and sexual things at young ages. I never understood the reason behind these was my sexual assault Sexual assault can hapuntil I became an adult.” pen to anyone, anywhere, at any When she opted to try time. therapy, the therapist wanted to For Elizabeth Weaver, she do eye movement desensitizaknows this to be true. tion and reprocessing, EMDR, When she was 5, her immediately, which increased brother sexually assaulted her.

Weaver’s post-traumatic stress At 18, she decided to speak out disorder, PTSD, symptoms to the after years of trying to convince point she was almost homebound herself it all was a dream. her senior year.

She knew she needed help, Now 22, she still suffers but she didn’t get the response from severe PTSD from all facshe anticipated. tors of the incident. She is no “My mom knew about the longer in school because of the assault and never said anything symptoms she has after findto me about it or got me help,” ing out her family knew and did Weaver said. “She told me that nothing about it. sexual assault is something most “There are so many ways women go through, and it hapit still affects me to this day,” pened so long ago that it didn’t Weaver said. “I never got a real matter anymore.” childhood. My innocence was Through her adolescent taken at age five and could never years she attended Broken Arcome back from that.” row public schools.

With each state differing Growing up in a state that in mandates, it poses a quesdoesn’t mandate sex education, tion of whether states that don’t her only recollection of sexual mandate sex education, result in health in school was a puberty a higher rate of sexual assault video in fifth grade. Neither she cases. nor her mom was given a proper A data analysis was coneducation regarding sex growing ducted related to how manup in Oklahoma. dated sex education programs in For her senior year, she schools impact forcible rape incimoved to California and atdences in the general population. tended high school in San The data includes all U.S. states Diego. While Oklahoma doesn’t and the District of Columbia mandate sex education, Califor- with two sources, including the nia does, but she was still not Guttmacher Institute and the FBI properly equipped as she left Crime Database. high school.

See Rates on 6

Jaycee Hampton and Autumn Sterling Comparison of forcible rape cases based on whether sex education is mandated. The average of forcible rape cases is approximately 44 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Page 2 Friday, December 22, 2023

O’Colly

sports

Cowboys sign 17 to Class of 2024 Oklahoma State football early National Signing Day tracker Braden Bush Sports Editor

Entering Wednesday’s early National Signing Day, Oklahoma State was ranked as the No. 58 recruiting class in the Class of 2024, and it jumped a spot to No. 57.

The Cowboys had 16 expected signees, and each signed, along with one surprise flip from Del City defensive back LaDainian Fields, who was verbally committed to TCU. OSU has the No. 11 recruiting class in the Big 12, ahead of Kansas State (No. 60), Utah (No. 61), Baylor (No. 66), Houston (No. 71) and Colorado (No. 98).

The low ranking for the Cowboys is nothing new. OSU hasn’t been inside the top 30 since 2014 and the top 25 since 2011, but the program has still sustained success.

Here’s a look at the Cowboys’ 17 signees in the Class of 2024: Jonathan Agumadu, LB, McKinney, Texas Height, weight: 6-2, 220 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports and Rivals) Agumadu didn’t make a switch to defense until 2022, but he totaled 48 tackles and 4.5 sacks during his junior season at Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas. He chose OSU over offers from SMU, North Texas, Missouri, Memphis, Texas State and others.

Jaden Allen-Hendrix, RB, Columbia, South Carolina Height, weight: 6-2, 225 pounds Star rating: N/A The Cowboys got in late on Allen-Hendrix, offering on Dec. 4. He announced his commitment to OSU on Tuesday, then signed Wednesday. OSU was his lone Power Five offer, with other offers coming from Charlotte, Chattanooga, Howard, The Citadel and Wofford.

Landyn Cleveland, S, Mansfield, Texas Height, weight: 6-0, 185 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) As a junior, Cleveland recorded 116 tackles along with three interceptions and a pair of pass deflections. He was one of the most soughtafter recruits in OSU’s class, with more than 30 offers from the likes of Arkansas, Auburn, Michigan, Penn State, TCU, Texas and Washington.

LaDainian Fields, DB, Del City Height, weight: 6-1, 175 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) LaDainian Fields is the cousin of OSU commit Rodney Fields. LaDainian had been

committed to TCU since early August, but the Cowboys got in on him late, offering on Dec. 12, then he made the surprise flip from TCU to OSU on signing day. During his senior season, Fields recorded 1,450 receiving yards and 22 offensive touchdowns, along with seven interceptions on defense.

Rodney Fields, RB, Del City Height, weight: 5-9, 187 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) Rodney Fields ran for 1,147 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior at Southeast High School, averaging almost 11 yards a carry. He transferred to Del City his senior year and made it to the state title game.

Fields has plenty of speed, as he placed sixth in the Oklahoma 5A 100-meter championships.

Josh Ford, TE, Stillwater Height, weight: 6-5, 230 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) The Cowboy offense transitioned to one that uses more of a pass-catching tight end this season, and Ford has the ability and frame to fight into OSU’s TE room. Ford had 22 receptions for 245 yards and three touchdowns his senior season, He was OSU’s first commit of the class, committing back in January.

Tre Griffiths, WR, Keller, Texas Height, weight: 6-3, 205 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) The lone wide receiver in OSU’s 2024 recruiting class, Griffiths reeled in 44 receptions for 871 yards and eight touchdowns his senior year and was a first-team All-District 4 6A receiver. He chose the Cowboys over offers from Boston College, Baylor, Texas Tech, Utah and others.

Caleb Hackleman, OL, Texarkana, Texas Height, weight: 6-6, 275 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) OSU returns plenty of depth at offensive line, and Hackleman will be a nice addition for the future. He chose OSU over Baylor, Memphis, Texas State, Texas Tech and Austin Peay.

Chauncey Johnson, OL, Lonoke, Arkansas Height, weight: 6-4, 295 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) Johnson committed to OSU in late June over offers from nearby Arkansas State and Missouri and is one of three offensive linemen in OSU’s Class of 2024.

Temerrick Johnson, DE, Midlothian, Texas Height, weight: 6-3, 205 pounds Star rating: 3 stars

Connor Fuxa The Cowboys signed 17 players to the Class of 2024 during early National Signing Day on Wednesday.

(247Sports) Johnson’s frame is a fit for the hybrid defensive end/ linebacker position the Cowboys like to use. As a junior, he totaled 33 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Johnson committed to OSU in June over 20 other offers from Cal, Kansas, BYU, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon State, Utah and others.

David Kabongo, S, Trophy Club, Texas Height, weight: 5-11, 180 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247 Sports) Kabongo was a productive safety at Byron Nelson High School, making 32 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions his senior season. He ended his high school career with nine picks. He chose the Cowboys over the likes of Arizona State, Indiana, Missouri, SMU, Texas and others.

Nuku Mafi, OL, Salt Lake City Height, weight: 6-4, 295 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) The final offensive lineman in the Cowboys’ recruiting class, Mafi chose OSU despite a late push from BYU. Mafi visited BYU on Dec. 15 but stuck to his October commitment to the Cowboys. He also had

offers from Arizona State, Cal, Nebraska, Tennessee, Utah, Washington State and others.

Willie Nelson, DB, Longview, Texas Height, weight: 5-9, 170 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) Nelson had a big senior season at Longview, picking up 50 tackles and six interceptions. He had five more interceptions as a junior. He chose OSU over Colorado, Oklahoma, SMU, UTSA and others.

Armstrong Nnodim, DL, Mesquite, Texas Height, weight: 6-2, 250 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) A good defensive line prospect for OSU. Nnodim was the Texas District 106A Defensive MVP in 2022, recording 69 tackles, 16 sacks and two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns). He also competed in shot put and discus in high school. OSU was his only Power Five offer, with other offers from schools such as UTSA, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Sam Houston State and Toledo.

Maealiuaki Smith, QB, San Mateo, California Height, weight: 6-4, 200 pounds Star rating: 3 stars

(247Sports) Smith committed to the Cowboys in November and became the final member − and highest-rated player − of OSU’s early Signing Day class on Wednesday. He is a pro-style quarterback who passed for more than 5,200 yards and 61 touchdowns in his high school career. Smith committed to OSU over offers from BYU, Arizona, Florida State, Kentucky, Miami, Michigan State, Missouri, Washington and others.

Luke Webb, DL, Deer Park, Texas Height, weight: 6-3, 280 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) Webb was the Texas District 22-6A Defensive MVP as a junior, leading the district in sacks. He chose OSU over Cal, Arizona, Houston, Kansas, Oregon State, Washington State and others.

Gunnar Wilson, LB, Melissa, Texas Height, weight: 6-2, 210 pounds Star rating: 3 stars (247Sports) Wilson made 88 tackles with 26 tackles for loss his senior season, along with two interceptions. He committed to OSU over offers from Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, UTSA and others. sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, December 22, 2023 Page 3

sports

Payton Little Bryce Thompson’s season-high in 3s lifted OSU to a 76-70 victory over Wofford.

3 takeaways

Bryce Thompson, ball movement propels OSU to 76-70 victory over Wofford Ashton Slaughter Assistant Sports Editor

the game for the Cowboys and hit three of his five 3s within the first five minutes of the game.

“I told him I wasn’t taking him out until he told me he needed a break,” coach Mike Boynton said. “We needed him.”

For the first time this season, OSU “They were kinda (playing) off a finds itself with a positive record. little bit… That was something I knew A 76-70 victory against Wofgoing into the game and just kinda atford on Wednesday afternoon puts the tacked it,” Thompson said.

Cowboys at 6-5 with two nonconference Without Thompson’s 3s, the Cowgames remaining. boys shot 10-27 from deep, so the senior Here are three takeaways from guard’s hot shooting night was much OSU’s win: needed.

Bryce Thompson shoots well yet Cowboys fail to dominate the again paint, get to the charity stripe Bryce Thompson came out firing Kyler Filewich, Wofford’s starting against the Terriers. center, is the tallest player on his team After tying his season-high in 3s who got minutes on Wednesday, standagainst Oral Roberts (four) on Sunday, ing at 6-foot-9.

Thompson set a new season-high mark, OSU, on the other hand, had shooting 5-7 from deep. three players taller than Filewich (Mike Thompson made the first bucket of Marsh, Brandon Garrison and Isaiah

Miranda) log minutes. Despite the Cowboys’ obvious size advantage, they failed to capitalize down low, getting outscored 46-14 in the paint by the Terriers.

“Their big guy kicked our butts,” Boynton said.

Due to the lack of looks in the paint, OSU only shot five free throws and had a 28-minute gap (in game time minutes) between the first free throw and the second and third, with four of the Cowboys’ charity stripe shots coming in the last 6:55.

OSU only shot 28 field goals inside the 3-point line. Although it managed to hit enough 3s and get timely defensive stops, failing to oversize smaller teams is a concerning sign with conference play just a couple of weeks away.

OSU’s chemistry is improving, assists are piling up The talk surrounding this OSU team so far this season has been its

youth and lack of games played together.

In the past two games, though, the Cowboys have totaled more than 20 assists, as they had 21 against Wofford.

After 11 games, maybe something is changing.

“I think our chemistry is getting a lot better,” Javon Small said.

“I also believe that we just continue to share the ball because we’ve been doing it in practice over the last few days; I just feel like we’ve been playing with every practice.”

Quion Williams led the way with seven assists (and he led the team in minutes with 35), Small was behind him with five and Eric Dailey Jr. finished with four.

Heading into Wednesday’s game, OSU was tied for 53rd in team assists per game. Twenty-one should boost that number up, and if the Cowboys continue to play together, more wins may come. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4 Friday, December 22, 2023

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sports

Fix returns, pair of freshmen make debut in OSU’s win against Wyoming Braden Bush Sports Editor

One Cowboy made his return to the starting lineup, and some new Cowboys made their debuts on Tuesday night.

Daton Fix made his first appearance on the mat since Nov. 10 because of an injury, and Cael Hughes (141) and Jersey Robb (197) wrestled in their first collegiate duals as No. 11 OSU rolled against Wyoming in Laramie, 31-9.

“Good win to end the first semester,” said OSU coach John Smith in a postgame press release. “Put ourselves in position with our guys that put up points. Picked up bonus (points), really stretched the score out, and I like to see us stretch the score out when we have the opportunity. I think, for the most part, that’s the highlight of the dual.”

Things started off slowly for OSU, as Wyoming’s Jore Volk handed Troy Spratley (103) his first dual loss of the season, 5-1, in one of two ranked matchups on the day.

Daton Fix returned to the starting lineup and took on Cooper Birdwell, who spent two seasons at OSU. Fix tied things up with an 8-2 decision.

Cael Hughes stepped in at 141 pounds in place of Tagen Jamison, who was injured in his win in the Oklahoma dual, and made his OSU debut. The true freshman picked up a 14-3 major decision in his first match and gave OSU the lead.

Another freshman, Jersey Robb appeared in his first collegiate dual. He had a tough task in No. 21 Joey Novak, but Robb, who bumped up a weight from his 184 listing on the roster, put up a fight. Robb took a 5-3 lead into the third period, but Novak pulled off a reversal and pinned Robb at 6:22.

Jordan Williams faced Gabe Willochell at 149 in the second of two ranked matches in the dual and fell behind early. Williams was behind, 8-3, after the first period but clawed back for a 13-11 win.

Izzak Olejnik (165), Brayden Thompson (174) and Dustin Plott (184) each picked up bonus-point wins.

The Cowboys end 2023 with a 4-0 record, and their next dual comes on Jan. 5 at No. 7 North Carolina State.

No. 11 Oklahoma State (4-0) 31, Wyoming 9 (3-3) Dec. 19, 2023 UniWyo Sports Complex Laramie, Wyoming Results: Andy Crown 125: No. 16 Jore Volk Daton Fix returned to the mat for the first time since suffering an injury on Nov. 10, and he picked up a win in OSU’s 31-9 thumping of Wyoming.

(WYO) dec. No. 21 Troy Spratley (OSU), 5-1 (OSU) dec. Sloan Swan (WYO), Thompson (OSU) MD Brett 14-3 (WYO) fall Jersey Robb (OSU), 133: No. 3 Daton Fix 6-2 McIntosh (WYO), 12-2 149: No. 23 Jordan Wil6:22 (OSU) dec. Cooper Birdwell 165: No. 2 Izzak Olejnik 184: No. 3 Dustin Plott liams (OSU) dec. No. 18 Gabe HWT: No. 12 Konner (WYO), 8-2 (OSU) TF Cooper Voorhees (OSU) fall Quayin Short Willochell (WYO), 13-11 Doucet (OSU) dec. Kevin Zim141: Cael Hughes (OSU) (WYO), 2:58 157: No. 25 Teague Travis (WYO), 20-4, 6:15 mer (WYO), 5-1 MD Stockton O’Brien (WYO), 174: No. 28 Brayden 197: No. 21 Joey Novak sports.ed@ocolly.com

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Friday, December 22, 2023 Page 5

Page 6 Friday, December 22, 2023

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Jaycee Hampton and Autumn Sterling Comparison of above average & less than average forcible rape cases divided by whether consent is required in sex education teachings. *Only depicts mandated sex education states.*

Rates . . .

do not mandate sex education, 54.2% have above-average forcible rape cases.

On the opposing side, 73.1% of the 26 states with mandated sex educaContinued from 1 tion have below-average or equal to the average of forcible rape cases. Overall, there is a notable correlation among the The data shows the average forc- number of states with below-average ible rape incidence rate for all locations, forcible rape cases and mandated sex which is 44 incidences per 100,000 of education. the population.

Only eight of the 27 states with Specifically looking at whether mandated sex education have an abovemandated sex education has an impact average forcible rape incidence rate. on forcible rape cases, the states with All eight of those states do not specifimandated sex education have a belowcally teach consent in its sex education average incidence rate of 40.3 inciprograms. dences, while states with no mandated “If I had been educated, I would sex education programs have a higher have spoken up sooner,” Weaver said. than average rate with 48.4 incidences “If I had been educated, I could have per 100,000. advocated for myself against the gasThis illustrates the positive impact lighting my family did to me after I of mandated sex education on forcible spoke out. If I had been educated about rape incidences. what sexual assault was and the statisStates are arranged according to tics surrounding it and the impact it can the levels of forcible rape, either above have on people, I would have felt like I or below the average of 44 cases per wasn’t alone.”

100,00 inhabitants. Of the 24 states that Isabel Robledo, a senior study-

ing sociology at OSU, said it is to teach adolescents about sexual health because misinformation is easily spread.

“I think it’s very important to teach adolescents about sexual education because if they’re not getting information from school, they could be getting misinformed from their parents,” Robledo said. “They can be getting wrong information from their friends or online.”

Adolescents can view derogatory language and assaults in films, television shows, music and social media.

Sexual assault has become normalized and if not taught otherwise, the ramifications of this crime are not put into consideration and more victims will suffer in silence.

“I think there should be more awareness and more open conversations about the consequences that come along with not learning sexual education,” Robledo said. “Make more safe spaces for survivors.”

OSU provides resources to raise awareness regarding sexual health.

Coordinator of 1is2 Many, Claire Leffingwell, manages ways for students to educate themselves in a safe environment.

“1is2 Many provides education and training to Oklahoma State University students in a multitude of ways, including required online training for new students, workshops for student groups, and online and social media resources,” Leffingwell said.

Students who were or were not raised in sex education mandated states are still able to expand their knowledge on campus and influence others to seek education for themselves.

“We typically train on topics of consent, boundaries, communication, conflict management, healthy relationships and support for survivors,” Leffingwell said. “These topics all relate to sexual violence prevention, and we take an approach of teaching students life skills such as communication and boundaries, which not only prevent sexual violence but assist in general success during and after college.” news.ed@ocolly.com

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This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Lu.2:8-14 NIV) This message that was given by the Angel

of God, was given to bring joy to all the people. It was for everyone including you and me. A message that a savior had come that would help all mankind. That is why their are missionaries going to all the world telling people the good news. God has sent us help. Jesus, the savior, told his first disciples to go into all the world and declare the good news “For God so loved the world (all mankind) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 NIV) Jesus died, a terrible death, for you and I, that our many sins could be forgiven and we would be given eternal life..This is the Gospel message and it began with this supernatural birth of God’s only son.

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Friday, December 22, 2023 Page 7

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8 must-watch holiday episodes to celebrate the season Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

If you’re looking for a little holiday cheer here and there, check out these holiday episodes from your favorite TV shows.

“Gilmore Girls” S2 Ep. 10 “The Bracebridge Dinner” In this winter wonderland of an episode, Lorelai Gilmore smells snow and throws an extravagant dinner of old English merriment for her friends. It’s a magical holiday adventure filled with horse-drawn carriages, good food and the classic Gilmore dialogue.

Where to watch: Netflix and YouTube “The Office” S2 Ep. 10 “Christmas Party” The employees of Dunder Mifflin get together for a Secret Santa exchange. The exchange quickly turns into a “Yankee Swap” after Michael Scott buys a $400 iPod. Gifts get swapped as Jim jumps through hoops to get his gift, meant for his office crush, Pam, to her.

Where to watch: Peacock and YouTube “Gilmore Girls” is based off the day-to-day adventures of Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory.

“New Girl” S1 Ep. 9 “The 23rd” “Dick Clark New Year’s Rock- group gets together to create a rendition of “Christmas (Baby It’s the first time fans re- ing Eve,” they take it very seri- gingerbread surprise that Leslie Please Come Home).” ally see the friendship between ously. After being ignored by will never forget.

Where to watch: Apple Jess and her roommates. In a the cameras, the two break out Where to watch: Peacock, TV sweet gesture, Nick and the their eight-grade dance routine Apple TV and Amazon Prime “Phineas and Ferb” guys take Jess to see the Candy to capture hearts and minds.

“Ted Lasso” S2 Ep.4 S2 Ep. 22 “Just Passing Cane lane lights after her Where to watch: Max and “Carol of the Bells” Through” breakup. It’s an episode filled Hulu It wouldn’t be a “Ted It wouldn’t be the holiwith joy, and Oklahoma State’s “Parks and Recreation” Lasso” episode without a feel- days without a return to childfavorite, Max Greenfield, gets S4 Ep. 10 “Citizen Knope” good atmosphere. Lasso grap- hood joys and memories. up to plenty of mischief as Leslie Knope struggles ples with divorce, and Rebecca Phineas and Ferb light up the Schmidt. with a two-week suspension brings him along to hand out town of Danville in a thank Where to Watch: Hulu, and starts a citizen group, gifts to children in Richmond. you to Santa Claus. However, Peacock and YouTube “Parks Committee of Pawnee.” Meanwhile, Higgins hosts a Dr. Doofensmirtz unleashes “Friends” S6 Ep. 10 In her free time, she gifts exChristmas party for the teamthe naughty-inator, which “The One with the Routine” tremely personal and thoughtmates who can’t go home. The lands everyone in Danville on When Monica and Ross ful gifts to her friends. The episode ends with the team’s the naughty list. It’s left up get the chance to perform on

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to Phineas and Ferb to save Christmas.

Where to watch: Disney + “The Big Bang Theory” S7 Episode 11 “The Cooper Extraction” While Sheldon visits his sister in Texas, the gang experiences a “It’s a Wonderful Life” moment as they imagine life without Sheldon. The episode is full of what-ifs and possibilities. In the end, the friends realize that life without Sheldon is no life at all.

Where to watch: Max news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 8 Friday, December 22, 2023

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news

Courtesy of Jennifer Roberts Jennifer Roberts, a former rodeo team member, helped the team increase its fundraising efforts in 1999.

Rodeo . . .

Continued from 1 The board of regents unanimously granted $264,000 to build the facilities still used today.

Roberts said there was an abundance of support from students and others who participated in gathering auction items and providing labor and assistance along the way.

“Names like Becca Demas, Christa Stone, C.R. & Rosie Bradley, Justin & Lisa Hodges, Bob & Brad Mallum, Kami Scott, Brad Bailey, Linda Hyman, Sam Curl and Harry Birdwell to name a few should not go unnoticed for their support,” Roberts said.

Through these efforts, the Ferguson College of Agriculture donated 20 acres of land, and the athletic department offered up the old lights from the soccer field.

Roberts said she knew in 1999 her efforts weren’t for her to enjoy but for the many rodeo student athletes that would follow.

“I wanted to leave the program and the university better than I found it, and I’m proud to say that that mission was accomplished,” Roberts said. “I feel a great deal of joy and pride every time I pass the OSU rodeo facility.”

Cheyenne Bartling, the OSU graduate assistant coach for the rodeo team, said she’s thankful for the support the College of Agriculture gave them throughout the years.

“I think sometimes it gets swept

under the rug how expensive this sport is,” Bartling said. “The students have to financially support themselves and their livestock from feed, tack, hauling and more.”

Bartling said what sets the team apart is that by the time they put their heads on their pillows at night, they have taken care of themselves and their stock.

Being a part of the team takes time and responsibility. Bartling said taking the step to represent something other than yourself means living by the Cowboy Code.

“Being on the team means you need to represent the school well, and I believe our student-athletes are representing our school well,” Bartling said.

Linsay Rosser Sumpter, the head coach at OTERO College La Junta, CO, said she sees the impact collegiate rodeo has on the junior college level.

“The logistics of adding rodeo to athletic departments is going to be hard to break down operationally,” Sumpter said.

At OTERO, the rodeo team is classified as varsity sport under the athletic department, which Sumpter said gives them a leg up in support.

Many junior colleges operate similarly because they usually don’t have sports like football, baseball or basketball like Division 1 universities.

“When it comes to the university level, club sports scholarship programs are incomparable to football and basketball,” Sumpter said.

The revenue generated from college rodeo events through ticket sales and sponsorships is typically more modest than college football’s spectacle.

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Sumpter, who is also the commissioner of the women’s rodeo world championship, said she understands that it is important to provide students with these avenues.

“Collegiate rodeo is the stepping stone to let these kids get their feet wet to allow their professionalism to grow,” Sumpter said.

Sumpter said that the one thing that you can’t take away is an education.

Commonly, rodeo families either homeschool their children so they can rodeo year-round or keep them at private institutions where their absences in school won’t affect them.

This is a theme rodeo team member Shayde Harris has seen throughout the course of his life.

“The kids who would kick my butt in the high school rodeos were the ones who didn’t have to go to school,” Harris said.

Harris said he understands why the junior colleges have thriving rodeo programs because these athletes don’t care to spend money on going to a larger university for academics when their passion is rodeo.

Mike Visnieski, the head coach of Southwestern Oklahoma State University has seen that there are programs offered at the junior colleges that are more appealing to the rodeo demographic.

“Certificate programs like trade certifications and educational programs help draw men towards these junior colleges at the end of the day,” Visnieski said.

Justin Hampton, the head coach of NorthEast Texas Community College, tell his team that it is college rodeo, not rodeo college.

College rodeo is an opportunity to allow students to gain education, experience, build their resume and network with those in the industry.

Hampton said he not only sees the sport benefit his team, but it has allowed him to reap the benefits as well.

“This has benefited me to a point where it allows me to stay close to the sport that I love,” Hampton said. “It also helps foster education with a bonus of staying inside of a sport that is so dear to rodeo student athletes.”

What combines all of these teams together, no matter the size of the school or the program, is that they all get to compete against one another.

Sarah Neely, the director of public relations for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association said that while rodeo is a fiercely competitive sport, it also celebrates camaraderie and is one she is proud to be a part of.

“The difference between NCAA Division 1 programs and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is our sanctioning process and that we compete at the same level,” Neely said.

Neely said funding for college rodeo can be issued on campuses, depending on the school.

Some programs are well funded, and some clubs are smaller and run by the students themselves. Whereas the larger programs offer better practice arenas, stock and scholarships, the smaller programs are scraping by with smaller teams and smaller support from administration.

“It always comes down to the almighty dollar,” Hampton said. news.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, December 22, 2023 Page 9

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 22, 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 12/21/2023 National Wrestling Hall Of Fame Dual Classic Gallagher-Iba Arena @ 9 a.m. $15 for Youth | $25 for Adults https://nwhof.org/admin-preview/news/nation-s-topteams-will-compete-in-inaugural-national-wrestling-hallof-fame-dual-classic-on-december-21-22 Sci-Fi Film Club: First Encounters Stillwater Public Library @ 6 - 8 p.m. https://stillwaterok.gov/Library Winter Solstice Art & Wine Walk Modella Art Gallery @ 5 - 9 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/Modellaartgallery/ Downtown Funk W/ EM EM Curators of Craft @ 10:30 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/curatorsofcraft/events/?id=100 063470154128&sk=events Holiday Market: Small Works Modella Art Gallery @ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. https://www.modellagallery.org Songwriters Circle w/ Dylan Moss Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q @ 7 - 9 p.m.

12/22/2023 Bad Brad’s Christmas Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q @ 7 - 10 p.m. h t t p s : / / w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/869091264707021 Day 11: Movie Night - Elf EM Curators of Craft @ 7:30 p.m. h t t p s : / / w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/337954832304173 Holiday Downtown Carriage Rides Downtown Stillwater @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Painting/Ceramics w/ Pizza Friday’s Stillyarts @ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Book your tickets here: https://stillyarts.com/paintnights Fee: $20 (8x10 canvas + pizza) / $30 (11x14 canvas + Pizza) Pictures w/ Santa & Mrs. Claus Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Year End Appreciation w/ Santa Simmons Bank @ 2 - 4 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/SimmonsBankStillwater6thMain 12/23/2023 Day 12: An Intimate Night of Carols EM Curators of Craft @ 7:30 p.m. h t t p s : / / w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/337954832304173 Hello Baby Ultrasounds, Grand Opening 1307 S. Western Rd. Stillwater, OK 74074 @ 2 - 6 p.m. $20 h t t p s : / / w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/651929573810590 Rug Tufting Prairie Arts Center @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $100+ https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes Brewery Tours Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 3 p.m. @ $15

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol

ACROSS 1 Tropical fruit 7 Cannabis compound 10 Grabber in an arcade game 14 Out of bed 15 Ingredient replaced by applesauce in some recipes 16 Participated in a bike-a-thon, say 17 Check again 18 *Place that experiments with soup recipes?

20 Oscar of “Moon Knight” 21 Geological periods 22 ABBA classic 23 Humble homes 25 Fate 29 Trait carrier 30 Gimlet need 31 Spanish bear 32 *Curling team’s specialty?

36 Big rig 37 “Montero” singer Lil __ X 38 Employs 39 *Penalty boxes?

44 Brown, for one 45 128 oz.

46 Swag bag contents 47 Accept an extension 49 “Eww!” 50 Boy 53 “Beats me!”

55 Boxer Ali 57 Balances, or, phonetically, how to make 18-, 32-, and 39-Across match their clues?

60 Silverware wrap 61 Gimlet need 62 Old lang.

63 Cool-weather lining 64 Goad 65 Expected 66 Girls

5 Response in the kitchen 6 Pantry pest 7 Issuer of a Mickey Mantle card sold for a record amount 8 Sunny greeting 9 Press for time?

10 Symbol on the Swiss flag 11 “haha” 12 Poet laureate Limón 13 Part of a mitt 19 Whatsis 21 Never-ending 24 __, dos, tres 26 Code creator 27 “The Hundred Dresses” Newbery honoree Eleanor 28 Shovel pass, e.g.

29 “Get a __!”

30 Princess of “Enchanted” and “Disenchanted” 32 Pet-ty offense?

DOWN 1 City Hemingway 33 TV awards 34 Small rug called “a moveable feast” 35 May, to Peter Parker 2 Defensive retort 3 Flatbreads served 36 Mix things up 40 Easy-to-make with labneh waffles 4 On the briny

Daily Horoscope

12/22/23

By Wendy L. Brandes & Amie Walker

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (12/22/23). The year shines on love, romance, and creativity. Build strong networks with coordinated communications. Make creative changes this winter, before jumping springtime professional hurdles. Soak up family fun this summer. Work out autumn communication breakdowns for a career breakthrough. Express what’s in your heart.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Make long distance connections over several weeks, with Mercury Retrograde backing into Sagittarius. Expand territory. Travel beckons. Take your research to the next level.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate for shared cash flow, savings and investments, with Mercury returning to Sagittarius. Review account status, budgets and track spending. Revise practices as needed.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Consider recent changes. Over several weeks, with Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius, partnership thrives on communication. Ignore petty stuff. Pull together. Rely on each other.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Invent and discover efficiencies. Communication benefits your work, health and fitness over the next few weeks, with Mercury in Sagittarius. Collaborate with experts.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially charming and persuasive. Mercury Retrograde backs into Sagittarius for several weeks, favoring creative expression, fun and romance. Get excellent advice from loved ones.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Review and plan household renovation. Over three weeks, with Mercury in Sagittarius, discuss domestic improvements. Uncover forgotten treasures. Discover a new purpose for old stuff.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Review communications and edit carefully before publishing, with Mercury Retrograde returning to Sagittarius for a few weeks. Write reports. Investigate assumptions. Verify sources.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Discover lucrative connections in conversation. Review ways to profit through communications over the next three weeks, with Mercury returning to Sagittarius in Retrograde.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Discuss personal dreams and ambitions. You’re especially clever for a few weeks, with Mercury in your sign. Listen for opportunities.

Advance through communication and connection.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Learn from your dreams. Enter a three-week philosophical, contemplative and spiritual phase, with Mercury in Sagittarius. Listen to your own heart song. Contemplate beauty.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Deepen bonds with old friends, with Retrograde Mercury backing into Sagittarius. Review social changes and consequences. Confer with others. Discover hidden truths. Support each other.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Professional status and influence rises through communication, with Mercury returning to Sagittarius. Let others know what you want. What you say impacts your career directly.

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

41 Lost heat, as a shower 42 “Special Ops: Lioness” actress Saldaña 43 “Fan-cee!”

48 __ Hebrides 49 Montana city named for a landform 50 Taps a heart button, say

12/22/23

51 Writer Munro 52 Many Lego House employees 54 Feast with haupia and poi 56 Gibbons, e.g.

57 Lauryn Hill trio?

58 Short “Kind of a big deal” 59 Outback bird 60 Giants and Titans org.

Level 1 2 3 4

Solution to Thursday’s puzzle

12/22/23 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.