Friday, March 24, 2023

Friday, March 24, 2023

Shaped by the orange

Brooks returns to his alma mater

Luisa Clausen News & Lifestyle Editor

With 814 concerts to his name and counting, Garth Brooks has done it all.

From the Stillwater Strip to the biggest stadiums in the world, the country singer never forgot his roots. Brooks graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1984 and since then the singer’s career never fell short of boredom.

In an exclusive interview with The O’Colly, Brooks announced he will return to Stillwater to play two concerts at The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts as fundraisers to support the creation and launch of an initiative for a new scholarship program.

Brooks did not hide the excitement about the scholarship initiative and the possibility to help students experience the care OSU has for them. The singer said he tears up when thinking about his love and admiration for his alma mater.

“I use where I am from every second of my life,” Brooks said. “That’s the thing about Oklahoma State. It’s not a place you go. It’s a place you blend in. What you learn there shapes you.”

During his teenage years, Brooks exhibited little interest in music, prefer ring to concentrate on athletics. A trackand-field scholarship brought Brooks to OSU where he met Randy Taylor, with whom he co-wrote “Much Too Young,” and guitarist Ty England, with whom he began performing at area nightclubs.

How to score tickets:

OSU students at all campuses can register for a general admission ticket with the donation of a nonperishable food or hygiene item.

Stillwater donations will benefit Pete’s Pantry or the Red Pantry.

Student IDs will be required for registration and one ticket is allowed per student.

The first 900 students to donate and register will receive tickets in advance of the concert. Students will receive emails Friday with more info

Home sweet home

Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

Class is back in session for Oklahoma State students after a much-needed break, and some students are returning to a new home.

The men and women of Chi Omega Gamma Epsilon Chapter and Sigma Nu Epsilon Epsilon Chapter are finally living in their newly built houses after construction began on both houses in 2021.

Theta Pond undergoes construction project

J.R. Churchill Staff Reporter

The construction on Theta Pond started in the beginning of spring 2023 and is renovating existent architecture and adding new features. From Perkins Road to campus, construction seems to be taking place everywhere in Stillwater these days.

The latest construction project occurs in a popular campus hangout. Construction at Theta Pond began at the start of the spring semester.

The goal of the construction is to renovate existing architecture but also to add new features. Two new bridges are being built. The construction is expected to be completed between the end of summer and the beginning of the fall semester.

Most of the major work will happen during the summer while students are away from campus. This not only benefits the students but also the workers, as there will be less foot traffic in the area, making it easier to get the task done quickly and safely. The renovations and additions taking place will update the historic Theta Pond, making it more functional.

Formerly known as horse pond, Theta Pond is a staple of OSU’s campus.

See Theta Pond on 4A

During the construction, Chi Omega and Sigma Nu members lived on and off campus. Sophomore Paige Orr lived in the dorms for a year and a half before moving into the house this semester.

“I lived in Bennett Hall for my freshman year and then in Allen Hall the fall of my sophomore year with all the Chi O’s who now live in house,” Orr said. “It was a blast living in Allen with a floor full of Chi O’s.”

For those who lived in the original Chi Omega house, such as junior Grace Van Hoewyk, living in the dorms was a different experience.

“Living out of house was significantly different than living in house, but there is nothing like living with over 70 other girls.” Van Hoewyk said. “It was still a fun experience, but I didn’t get to see the girls in my chapter as much as I wanted to.”

The men of Sigma Nu had a similar experience but also dealt with housing issues due to construction delays after living in Allen Hall for one year.

“We expected the house to be done, so we didn’t reserve any other dorms,” said Sigma Nu President Dare Lovett. “So, the freshmen lived in Wentz, and the sophomores

and juniors had a whole apartment complex for themselves.”

Construction on the new houses stalled because of economic issues and COVID-19.

“The global economy and COVID caused a lot of supply chain issues,” Lovett said. “So, there is still construction going on in the house right now.”

Not having a house was difficult for Orr, but it didn’t keep the sisterhood from growing.

“It was very hard to be patient, and at times it was frustrating with the setbacks,” Orr said. “The wait made us really value and appreciate having a gathering place to call home and to host all of our events.”

Many of Chi Omega and Sigman Nu’s regular events had to be adapted. The Greek community came together to help.

“Some of the fraternities allowed us to have philanthropy events on their lawns, and we recruited out of one of the fraternities in the fall of 2021,” Van Hoewyk said.

Sigma Nu held Greek Discovery Day events in the Wesley Center.

“We rented out the Wesley Center, which was right across the street,” Lovett said. “It actually worked out really well because while we were giving our presentation about the house [it] was like you could see our new house being built.”

Not having a house did have some effect on the recruitment process.

“I think not having a house slightly diminished the feeling of home,” Van Hoewyk said. “I think we did a fantastic job, but having the new house already makes the sisterhood more special, so I’m excited to be able to show that off.”

Having a home and a place to come together as a chapter is significant to any greek organization, and the men of Sigma Nu are ready to come together again in a place they can call their own.

Cassius Davis

Chi Omega is the newest sorority house on Greek Row.

Carson Toulouse

Chi Omega and Sigma Nu finish house construction

Cowgirl softball team starts Big 12 play against Baylor this weekend today at 6 p.m.

The

No. 2 Cowgirls beat North Texas 2-0 on Wednesday night. Photos from the win

Freshman Kyra Aycock (top left), freshman Tallen Edwards (top middle), senior Taylor Tuck (top right), senior Lexi Kilfoyl, sophomore Megan Bloodworth, freshman Micaela Wark (left center), Bloodworth (center), senior Kiley Naomi (center right), senior Rachel Becker (bottom left, right)

Editor-in-Chief

Adam

Assistant sports editor Braden Bush sports.ed@ocolly.com

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

News & Lifestyle reporters:

Besteda

Payton

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Clark

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Micah

Jaycee

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Stephanie Landaverde J.R. Churchill Mallory

Alexander

All photos courtesy of Chase Davis

Sports reporters: Photographers & Designers:

2022 SB1142 proposes expansion of book ban parameters

of libraries to ensure access to information and ideas are essential to democracy.”

2022 SB1142 specifies that books may be petitioned if their primary subject is “the study of sex, sexual preferences, sexual activity, sexual perversion, sex-based classifications, sexual identity, or gender identity or books that are of a sexual nature.”

munity.”

Banned books could be a reality for Oklahoma’s students.

Senator Rob Standridge authored the proposed State Senate Bill 1142 of the second session of 2022, which aims to allow parents to create a petition to ban books from Oklahoma’s public school libraries. This proposed bill comes as one of the latest developments in Oklahoma as the nation-wide trend of expanding rules to ban books continues.

Sheila Johnson, Dean of Libraries at OSU, said she opposes what the proposed bill stands for.

“Personally, and professionally, I do not endorse censorship,” Johnson said. “The freedom to read and the role

Housing...

Continued from 1A

“It brings the chapter together in a way that I haven’t seen since our old house,” Van Hoewky said. “I love walking downstairs and seeing people I haven’t seen in a while and catching up with old friends.”

To Lovett, home centers on chapter dinners and basketball games but also the work that went into the new house.

“We have a couple of guys in the house that worked on the construction crew,” Lovett said. “Andrew Plumlee and Braden Bickle worked for Flintco.”

Both Greek organizations made sure to remember their roots and brought over pieces of the old houses to the new ones. Sigma Nu utilized a great deal of their old house.

“My favorite part about the new house is all the pieces that were kept from our original chapter home, whether it’s the original fireplace, molding outside, the crest, and even

The bill also provides for penalties against employees and the involved school district if material is not removed within 30 days. Parents who submit the petition can sue for a minimum of $10,000 per day if the book is not removed, and the employees involved will be “dismissed” and prohibited from working at a public school for two years. Johnson said 2022 SB1142 limits a librarian’s ability to do their job.

“I recognize there are different roles for school, public and academic libraries, but this underscores the importance of librarians,” Johnson said. “Librarians are trained information specialists whose job is to curate collections that best serve their com-

some architectural features that were designed to mic our old house,” Lovett said.

“I feel like the guys who live in house appreciate that and the alumni who come back to visit.”

It’s only been a few months, but both chapters are settling in, and the feeling of home is as well.

“It’s starting to feel like home, but it is hard to wrap my mind around that I live in such a beautiful house with all my closest friends,” said Orr. “It really does feel like a dream come true.”

The Gamma Epsilon and Epsilon Epsilon chapters of Chi Omega and Sigma Nu secured homes and a new legacy that will impact future generations at Oklahoma State for years to come.

“I get a really proud feeling walking back from the library and even stepping out of Edmon Low and looking straight at the house,” said Lovett. “It’s where it’s been for 100 years and where it will be for the next 100 years.”

Many school systems already have systems in place for this process. The concerned party challenge the books. This challenge is reported to the American Library Association, which tracks challenges and bans across the country. The book is reviewed for the material in question. If deemed appropriate, the book can be banned from that library.

This proposed bill has been met with concerns.

Kerrigan Seidenfus, president of Oklahoma State Queers and Allies, an on-campus organization, said the bill, if passed, could negatively affect queer students.

“Books are windows to the world and young children and teens deserve to have that opportunity to look through those windows and develop their own identity and opinions,” Kerrigan said. “It’s very easy for a queer student in an Oklahoma public school to feel lonely or outcasted. Young queer characters can help students to feel accepted for who they are.”

Books that deal directly with sex-

uality, such as “Gender Queer,” “Lawn Boy” and “The ABC’s of Transgender” would be affected with the passage of this bill.

“Gender Queer” was the most challenged and banned book of 2021, with “Lawn Boy,”following it. Five of the 10 most challenged books of 2021 contained LGBTQIA+ content, according to the American Library Association.

Beck Suhrstedt, secretary of Oklahoma State Queers and Allies, said the bill would hinder learning.

“I do not have a lot of personal experience with a situation like this, but my mother has been an employee with the public library system for a very long time, and growing up in that environment has shown me how important having equal access to information is for everyone,” Suhrstedt said. “It’s ok that a library can have books covering all topics that show different perspectives- that’s what the library is for.” Stillwater Public Schools declined to comment on this issue.

To read 2022 SB1142, visit oklegislature.gov.

Parking Woes

Colvin changes its parking policy

Michael Clark Staff Reporter

Oklahoma State parking services announced changes for the Colvin parking lot.

OSU’s parking pass is broken up into a few different categories. Staff have blue parking passes and are allowed to park in special locations. Faculty have a dark orange pass, and students who live in the dorms are given a maroon pass which allows them to park near their dorm’s location.

OSU’s parking services announced it would only allow maroon tier parking passes to park at the Colvin Recreation Center.

The argument against the decision resides in the fact that while a majority of students may live on campus, this means off-campus students or other Colvin attendees will not be able to park.

Junior student Gabby Gray, majoring in marketing, seems to have no issue with the decision.

“I think it’s fair because we seem to have a lot of students, we need that parking for the students,” Gray said.

However, sophomore Caleb Mcspadden, who is majoring in management, disagrees with the choice.

“My opinion on it is that they should make parking free at the Colvin,” Mcspadden said. “You shouldn’t have to pay to park somewhere the entire community goes to.”

On the other hand, some students are entirely indifferent, such as Hayden Bowles, an architecture engineer.

“I live in the dorms, so this situation doesn’t affect me,” Bowles said. Parking Services could not be reached for comment.

Cassius Davis

OSU’s parking pass is broken up into different categories. Staff have blue parking passes, faculty have a dark orange pass and students who live in the dorms are given a maroon pass.

Mia Ledbetter

The Sigma Nu Epsilon Chapter house is done after two years of contruction.

Kennedy Thomason Assistant News & Lifestyle Editor

Torie McEwing

2022 SB1142 specifies that books may be petitioned if their primary subject is “the study of sex, sexual preferences, sexual activity, sexual perversion, sex-based classifications, sexual identity, or gender identity or books that are of a sexual nature.”

1 is 2 Many offers support to sexual violence victims

One in every five women are sexually assaulted while at college, according to The Washington Post.

Each August, incoming freshmen flood campus, eager to explore their newfound freedom.

The idea of the typical college experience excites students: making new friends, exploring a new city and staying out late. For women, the typical college experience is comprised of more than fun and friends.

1 is 2 Many, OSU’s sexual and domestic violence prevention and education program, is committed to ending sexual violence on campus.

Claire Leffingwell, the coordinator of 1 is 2 Many, said the organization’s goal is to create a “culture of

consent” by educating students through on and off-campus learning opportunities that discuss topics such as consent, intervention techniques, reevaluating campus culture and supporting victims.

“It’s important that we talk about this because sexual violence should not be a part of the college experience,” Leffingwell said. “All members of the campus community deserve to be safe on our campus.”

Although many components contribute to the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, Leffingwell said alcohol usage, newfound independence and close living proximity are factors to consider when evaluating why students experience sexual violence on campus.

1 is 2 Many provides resources that educate students on each of these topics and how to avoid unsafe situations.

Leffingwell said the best way for students to stay safe on campus is to familiarize themselves with the resources 1 is 2 Many offers.

1 is 2 Many provides guidance for students looking to educate themselves about sexual violence and those who have already experienced sexual violence.

Reporting sexual violence can be difficult. Students who have experienced sexual violence may choose to confide in a friend rather than a campus organization. 1 is 2 Many offers guidance for students supporting a friend through tough times.

“The best thing to do to support a friend who has experienced sexual violence is to be there to support, believe and listen to them,” Leffingwell said. “Encourage reporting but remember that the choice is ultimately up to the victim to decide how they would like to

proceed.”

Reporting an incident is the first step to getting help. Those who report an incident are offered help through academic support, assistance with reporting an incident and counseling and medical services by Student Support and Conduct.

Students who feel they are in immediate danger should contact the police. Leffingwell advises students to download the Rave Guardian App, which enables students to reach out to police over the phone or text.

Although women are more likely than men to face sexual violence on campus, it can happen to anyone. 1 is 2 Many offers support to all students, regardless of gender identity. Learn more about the resources 1 is 2 many offers by visiting https://1is2many.okstate.edu/.

Theta pond...

Continued from 1A

When Theta Pond was originally put in place, it was a spot where students could leave their horses while they attended class, earning the name “horse pond.” However, as time passed, students no longer rode horses, and the pond became a spot for students to sit outside and enjoy the irregular Oklahoma weather. Horse pond was eventually renamed, to what it is known today, Theta Pond. OSU decided to name the pond after the soror-

Free Fitness Week

The Colvin Center encourages students to become more active

It’s Free Fitness Week at the Colvin Recreation Center.

Kenley Taylor, the group fitness coordinator at the Colvin, said classes are free this week to give those who didn’t sign up earlier an opportunity to try out the classes.

Fitness classes at the Colvin were free before this school year. Taylor said students recommended the charge and that attendance initially dropped, but is now increasing.

“We’re definitely pouring into our instructors more to make sure that their instruction and the classes that we provide reflect that cost,” Taylor said. “We’re really providing the best studio atmosphere that we can.”

Taylor said there has been an increase in atten-

dance this week. The Colvin is also offering fitness memberships at a prorated price for the remainder of the semester: F45 is $50; CrossFit is $50; and group fitness is $20.

There were slight changes made to the group fitness schedule. On Sundays, there will be a Country Western dance class. Taylor said they wanted to add more variety to the classes to open up fitness to everyone.

“We want to make sure we’re offering a way to move your body to everyone,” Taylor said. “Fitness isn’t just lifting weights or going on a long run; it’s just moving your body in a way that you enjoy to become more healthy and active.”

Some of the Zumba classes offered before spring break are now dance party classes. Taylor said it is because of the Zumba trademark and having instructors certified to teach dance but who are not afficiated with Zumba.

The benefits to exercising with a group rather than alone include accountability, encouragement and community. Taylor said she has found many friends through group fitness classes.

Maggie Jones, a sociology freshman, said she did not know about Free Fitness Week. Jones has never attended a Colvin fitness class, but she said if she were to, she would choose cycling or yoga.

Gabby Barber, a senior majoring in plant biology, has attended the Colvin’s fitness classes before. Barber used to live in the Villages and frequented the Colvin because of the proximity.

“I did a lot of the Zumba classes,” Barber said.

“Those were my favorite.”

Barber also attended hip-hop dance, barre, yoga and group kick-boxing. Barber said if she were to attend this week, she would opt for another dance class.

To reserve a spot for a fitness class, visit rec.well-

ity Kappa Alpha Theta, which was originally located near the pond. Additionally, many OSU alumni propose at Theta Pond, giving the location a romantic history as well. Today, it is common to find students lying underneath the shade, or sitting on a bench, enjoying the cover that Theta Pond and its surrounding trees have to offer. The calm waters and flowing fountains create an ideal study spot for many students, as well as a place to relax and talk with friends. With the finalization of Theta Pond, students will be able to traverse that part of campus with ease.

Courtesy of Claire Leffingwell. 1 is 2 Many promotes consent culture by educating students through discussions about consent, intervention techniques, reevaluating campus culture and supporting victims.

Carson Toulouse

Theta Pond, a popular campus spot, is off limits because of construction to the site.

File Photo

The Colvin Recreation Center is hosting a free fitness week as an opportunity for students to try out for different classes.

Bella Casey Staff Reporter

Stephanie Landaverde Staff Reporter

Underappreciated musical soundtracks that will knock your boots off

Whether you are familiar with musicals or not, it is never too late to become a fan.

Watching people sing and dance across a stage might not be as entertaining as a sports game to some, but the work that goes into making a musical is undeniably incredible and some of the most talented people work in this industry.

You’ve probably heard of popular musicals such as “Wicked” or “Hamilton,” but diving into underappreciated, not unpopular, musicals is a beautiful way to expand your music taste. All soundtracks listed are available to listen to on Spotify and other music streaming apps.

“Kinky Boots” is based on the 2005 British film that tells the true story of Charlie Price. The story begins following Price as he inherits a shoe company from his father. Unsure what to do with the business, he forms an unlikely partnership with Lola, a drag queen. They work together to create a line of high-heeled boots strong enough to lift the weight of anyone who wants to wear them, ultimately leading to them realizing they aren’t so different from each other. The musical first premiered in 2012, with original cast members Billy Porter (Lola) and Stark Sands (Charlie). Cyndi Lauper wrote the music and lyrics, which led to six Tony awards for the show for impeccable writing and performances from cast members.

“Waitress” is another musical based on a film titled the same name

with music and lyrics from Sara Bareilles. “Waitress” tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a baker and waitress who unexpectedly falls pregnant with her abusive husband’s child. Looking for a way out of her troubles, she enters a pie-baking contest with a grand prize big enough to get her out of her situation. Not only is the music great, but it’s a moving story about inspiring women who want to create their own happiness. Original Broadway cast members Jessie Mueller, Kimiko Glenn and Christopher Fitzgerald made the soundtrack top tier with their vocal talent.

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is a rock musical that follows a genderqueer singer, Hedwig, the singer of a fictional band. The story starts off as she begins following her much more successful fellow rockstar, Tommy Gnosis, on

Garth...

Continued from 1A

Brooks said he represents OSU every time he goes out, and he is proud of alumni who carry the university’s name where they go. He said he appreciates people like Barry Sanders and other athletes who take the OSU name to the NBA, NFL and MLB.

“We’re real,” Brooks said. “We’re all very lucky to have gone to school there and all the opportunities that came with it.”

Stillwater park cleanup set for Sunday

Boomer Lake.

Clean trails are happy trails.

A park cleanup at Kameoka Trail is set for Sunday from 2-6 p.m.

OSU’s Outdoor Adventure and Office of Sustainability are working together with the city of Stillwater to host the event. The departments will provide supplies for those attending.

No registration is necessary, and participants can receive volunteer hours. Participants can park at Stillwater Virtual Academy and meet at the trailhead behind it.

Kat Bailey, the coordinator of Outdoor Adventure since June, said this will be the program’s first cleanup.

Outdoor Adventure practices an outdoor code of ethics called “leave no trace” that teaches people how to be good stewards of the land.

“Cleaning up trash, camping in designated areas, proper fire-burning, we practice those things when we go on trips,” Bailey said. “But I wanted to start this culture of implementing that even in our town.”

Bailey said events that promote keeping the town clean are important.

“Stillwater is long-term home for me, but for some people it’s short-term home,” Bailey said. “But it’s where they live, so I think it’s really important for people to have the opportunities to take care of their homes.

She contacted Stillwater’s Parks Department to find out which area is in most need of a cleanup, and it told her about Kameoka Trail. The trail goes from Stillwater High School to

Outdoor Adventure wants outdoor programs to be accessible. Bailey said areas that are overgrown, littered or poorly marked are not easily accessible, especially for someone who has never been on a trail.

“If we can help make it more accessible and a better experience for someone else with the knowledge and resources that we have, then we want to do that,” Bailey said.

Gabby Barber, a senior majoring in plant biology, has served as the special events and research intern for the Office of Sustainability since fall 2020.

Barber said sustainability and a park cleanup intertwine because of the impact litter has on the habitat. Negative chemicals upset the soil which then harms plants. Animals eating litter are harmed as well.

Barber also said there is a personal component in park cleanups.

“If we’re in a place that feels like it isn’t being taken care of, then why would we want to care about where we live?” Barber said. “We really think that something as simple but as impactful as a trash pickup (...) is empowering.”

Barber said park cleanups boost morale and provide instant gratification.

“There is this satisfying component of saying you planted a tree, but you’re going to have to wait decades to see that tree grow and bloom,” Barber said. “But with a trash pickup you get the instant gratification of the before and after, seeing all the bags, working with other people and being outside. And of course helping out with the habitat that we live in.”

The singer wanted to give back to the school and after negotiations with OSU President Kayse Shrum, who Brooks said to be her biggest fan, they found a way to bring music, money and opportunity together.

The first concert on

tour. In 2014, the musical was revived for Broadway, and cast members such as Neil Patrick Harris (Hedwig), and Lena Hall (Yitzhak), were admirable in their performances. Although “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is a story that is extremely in-your-face and doesn’t have a lot of boundaries, the soundtrack is exceptional and emotionally engaging, heard by all fans of musicals should hear it. The 2001 movie is also available to rent on Amazon Prime Video. There are countless soundtracks filled with great music waiting to be discovered by students at OSU unfamiliar with the genre. Musicals such as the ones listed above are that the musical theater loves deeply and are great listens for people interested in the magic behind musicals.

April 14 will be open to OSU students at all campuses who can register for a general admission ticket with the donation of a nonperishable food or hygiene item. Students will receive an email Friday on how to register.

The second concert on April 15 will be exclusive for OSU alumni and donors. The funds from the show will provide the base of the scholarship program. Details of how students can apply for the program have yet to be shared.

“A scholarship program gives somebody that never would’ve gotten to go to school a chance to do just that,” Brooks said. “There are three keys to success: education, education and education.”

Brooks said he is just starting the scholarship and when asked if he will perform in Stillwater again anytime soon, the singer said music is a gift

that God has bestowed on him and it’s not his to say when it happens and when it no longer happens.

“I will tell you this though,” Brooks said. “Kayse Shrum can have anything from me she wants. She’s truthfully an Oklahoma State Cowboy.”

Brooks said he appreciates Shrum’s ability to fight for OSU’s legacy and future, and said he gets to learn fascinating lessons when working on projects with people who think like her. The scholarship initiative encapsulates both Shrum and Brooks’ wish of offering students a future at OSU.

“You can’t have a future if you don’t have tradition,” Brooks said. “You must hold on to both and that’s the hardest thing to do.”

Owen Carey/Portland Center Stage/Courtesy of Tribune News Service

Delphon Curtis Jr. stars as Hedwig in Portland Center Stage’s 2020 production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”

Courtesy of OSU

OSU’s Outdoor Adventure and Office of Sustainability are working together with the city of Stillwater to host the Stillwater Park Cleanup and the departments will provide supplies for those attending.

Garth Brooks graduated from OSU in 1984 and has performed 814 concerts since then.

Jaycee Hampton Staff Reporter

Stephanie Landaverde Staff Reporter

Taylor Caroll Staff Reporter

“Scream VI” is the best sequel to its original movie.

The writers, James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, made the movie blend subtle comedy with constant suspense. The movies gave credit to the previous writer, Kevin Williamson. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the directors, found extraordinary angles and kept the intensity the writers put the movie at.

Most of the movies had two killers, and they were hard to guess because of the deception portrayed and their closeness to the main character. “Scream 3” is the only movie that deviated from the pattern with one killer and a low IMDB rating of 5.6.

Melissa Barrera, the actress who plays the main character Sam Carpenter, did an amazing job playing Billy Loomis’ daughter. Barrera showed the character’s blood lust and backlash from the community because her father was a Ghostface killer and had to deal with people thinking she was also a killer.

The Ghostface killer has taken the fight out of fictitious Woodsboro, California, for the first time to New York City, where Tara Carpenter, who Jenna Ortega plays, is going to college. The movie changed the killer’s pattern and emphasized this one is different than the ones before. The killer popped up in more populated locations and tried to convince the world that Sam Carpenter was her father’s killer.

The Ghostface killer used different weapons, other than a

knife, on his victims. The killer wore previous killers’ masks and left them at each crime scene leading up to the original Ghostface.

The movie also capitalized on the history of the Ghostface killers. It showcased an old movie theatre into a shrine of past killers with their old killer outfits with Billy Loomis’s encased in glass and with his knife. Each killer had their own section where artifacts lie from their past crimes with pictures and drawings.

The movie started with the classic murder of a woman, but with a twist on the intro killing pattern. The movie is centered around the survivors of the last movie.

‘Scream VI’ Swing and Miss

“Scream VI” does a great job showing legacy characters from previous “Scream” movies, but doesn’t outshine the main characters, the last movie survivors. Through all the chaos of the movies, romances blossomed in the group with new and old characters like they are not about to get killed.

This is the first movie that Sidney Prescott, who Neve Campbell plays, is not a part of it and gets replaced as the movie’s main character by Sam Carpenter. Just like all the other “Scream” movies, Mindy Meeks-Martin, played by Jasmin Savoy Brown, reviewed the movie rules.

The IMDB ratings show that the original movie has a 7.4, and the new movie currently has a 7.2 out of 10. Most of the fun of watching scream movies is the comedy and trying to find out who the killer is.

The ending wraps up all the previous movies into one and it’s impossible to guess who the killer is.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Fury of the Gods’ review

Director Martin Scorsese once claimed superhero movies are not cinema and should instead be compared to theme park attractions rather than real movies. While this comment was severely controversial at the time, it applies to “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” more than any other superhero movie in existence.

You don’t go to Six Flags to experience life-changing, moving art. You ride a few rides, feel mildly thrilled and then go home. If you take a similar approach to “Fury of the Gods,” you’re going to have a good time. Otherwise, skip this one.

“Fury of the Gods” is a sequel to 2019’s “Shazam!” and a sleeper hit among a stacked year for superhero films. Its sequel, on the other hand, was a massive disappointment. As one of the last breaths of the DCEU before James Gunn’s reboot, “Fury of the Gods” ultimately serves as a mediocre, yet fun swan song to a mediocre extended universe. In all honesty, “Fury of the Gods” is looking for its worth in the wrong places. There are great story beats and the subplot with Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer) and the first Shazam (Djimon Hounsou) is entertaining. Seeing the Shazam family go around on misadventures with playful

banter is always a blast. However, the film spends most of its time on high stakes and a predictable plot rather than its lovable characters.

This movie highlights one of the most significant issues with modern superhero films, the fact that “Fury of the Gods” does not know what it wants to be, so it tries to do everything. It tries to be a heartwarming family film, a thrilling action movie with tense scenes and an ambitious expansion of the 6-foot-under DCEU all at the same time. Rather than delivering on all of these, it only half bakes these to mixed results. It is bland, completely ignoring the strengths that are right there in front of them.

The resolution to the climax of the film is one of the laziest deus ex machina in the history of cinema. This is a spoilerfree review, but just know that there were several audible groans in the theater.

“Fury of the Gods” takes everything that made the original “Shazam!” great and puts it on the back burner, focusing even harder on a generic, predictable plot and meaningless villains. The writers should have taken a step back and focused on the family aspects like the first two “Ant-Man” films did. That would be a surefire recipe for success. Instead, this was a swing and a miss.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Philippe Boss/Courtesy of Tribune News Service

“Scream VI,” the latest installment in the storied “Scream” franchise, is packed with plenty of blood, suspense and stabbing.

Courtesy of Tribune

“Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” the sequel to “Shazam!” serves as a mediocre, yet fun swan song to a mediocre extended universe.

Michael Clark Staff Reporter

Varsity Revue donates $60K to United Way

year, the philanthropy for Varsity Revue was United Way of Payne County, and they raised and donated a record-breaking $60,000 this year. Last year, $40,000 was raised.

Pool Staff Reporter

Ruth Cavins wanted to catch a foul ball.

She sat behind a row of individuals in O’Brate Stadium, hoping for the chance to take home an OSU baseball. The reason she was there, however, was far more meaningful than just a Saturday afternoon at the field.

The individuals sitting in front of her have the chance to experience something that not every adult with their situation gets to experience. The attendees are residents in Stillwater Group Homes, an organization that provides group home living for adults with disabilities.

Cavins serves as the executive director of United Way of Payne County, a nonprofit organization that allocates donations to other partnered agencies in the Payne County area. Stillwater Group Homes is one of 22 partnered agencies with United Way. Cavins said this particular organization is one of her favorites to work with and see the impact.

“People that work there love the clients and are helping work for the highest quality of life that these individuals can have,” Cavins said. “They’re going to baseball games; they’re going out to eat and enjoying independence to the physical or intellectual ability that their disability allows them.

“It’s just so heartwarming to know the dollars we bring in are contributing to that.”

Varsity Revue, a Greek competitive show, raises money every year for a specific philanthropy, and the cast that raises the most money wins an award and gets to pick their show order during awards night. This

“Through their 22 partnering agencies, United Way impacts our local Payne County residents,” said Grace Adams, the Varsity Revue executive team steering coordinator. “They provide resources like mental health assistance, legal services, medical necessities and access to meals.

“Through these services, United Way aims to reduce poverty, promote education and improve the health and safety of our local citizens.”

Along with donating to a philanthropy for every Greek show, the competitive nature provides casts, that make the short musical performances, with a fun opportunity to win some awards. Adams said she hopes the casts look beyond the competition.

Adams said Varsity Revue cultivates lasting friendships and memories that will continue far beyond the college years. The benefit from the money donated is also a huge positive in getting involved in shows.

One in every four Payne County residents use services from one of the United Way partners, according to United Way of Payne County. This can include any agency from Wings of Hope to Court Appointed Special Advocates to Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. The money raised from Varsity Revue will be donated and distributed between the 22 partnered agencies.

The benefits of Varsity Revue for United Way hit a record breaking high this year.

“I appreciate so much that these kids are willing to do this,” Cavins said. “I know how busy you guys are and I see how hard everyone has been working.”

Steering is the committee made up of college students who help put on Varsity Revue.

It is broken down into different committees that work with casts and United Way in different capacities. Steering deals with communication, coordination and organization of all of the money donated, awards given and show week details.

“Working with the United Way of Payne County has been an experience that shaped my view of nonprofit organizations,” said Quetta Woodall, head of the philanthropy committee for Varsity Revue Steering. “I had the opportunity to work with volunteers, paid staff and other people connected with United Way who cared tremendously about the people

inside Payne County and making a difference for the future.”

Varsity Revue, along with other Greek shows, have given members an opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity, while also donating to a cause bigger than themselves. Adams said she hopes this experience has instilled a confidence in them on stage and off.

“I hope it drives them to try new things, achieve their goals and help others to do so as well,” she said. “I hope they learned the value in working together as a community towards a common goal and

what beauty comes of it when we do.”

United Way of Payne County has an annual fundraising campaign that this donation from Varsity Revue will contribute to. In the past, United Way has raised $1 million in the span of three months through campaigns from OSU and things such as Greek shows.

This donation will keep the nonprofit agencies focused on their missions instead of worrying about funds.

“I just want to express my extreme gratitude to the students who are making this happen,” Cavins said.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Varsity Revue donated to nonprofit United Way in a record breaking $60,000.

Mallory

Lifestyle

A new world

“Fortnite” returns even stronger.

The performance of a lifetime ‘The Last of Us’ finale review

It’s official: “The Last of Us” is one of the best shows in recent memory. When the show first premiered, it showed great promise, yet it was delivered in spades at the end of its runtime.

The show serves as an adaptation of Naughty Dog’s 2013 video game “The Last of Us,” which features Joel (Pedro Pascal) transporting an immune child named Ellie (Bella Ramsey) through a zombie-infected world. They make several stops along the way and meet a variety of well-written and tragic characters.

Ramsey and Pascal give it their all and ultimately deliver a performance of a lifetime. Their characters have fantastic chemistry and brilliant moments on their own. Pascal can flip between being a loving caretaker of Ellie in one scene to being a gruff killer in the next and flawlessly selling both

personas. Ramsey captures the essence of her character while adding some unique mannerisms. In episode eight, there is a scene where she lets out a scream of genuine fear.

Now that the show has ended, it is hard to say whether it has surpassed the greatness of the original video game. On one hand, certain episodes are massive improvements, such as episode three, which is a brilliant standalone story featuring Nick Offerman. It takes weak parts of the original story and strengthens them. However, there are some nitpicks that stop it from reaching true perfection.

The pacing is a bit uneven. This is bound to happen with a video game adaptation, but some scenes feel drawn out while others are rushed and somewhat unsatisfying. Episode seven is an excellent example of this. It’s an extremely weak episode that somehow rushes and draws out a memorable section of its

source material. Despite that, when the show hits, it really hits. There are multiple scenes per episode that are worth screaming over. Whether that’s from joy, terror or from the sheer excitement of the incredible action in the show.

Unfortunately, the best part of the original games has a strong absence in this show, and that is the presence of the infected. While they appear occasionally, there are only a handful of scenes in which they are a real threat. These scenes are thankfully absolute showstoppers, yet it still feels disappointing to not get a few more all-out battles with some of the scariest-infected zombies in history.

“The Last of Us” has still solidified itself as a standout show of the decade. With fantastic writing, excellent performances and beautiful set pieces, it is a masterpiece in its own regard despite the minor flaws and nitpicks.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

The new season, released on the second week of March and officially named “MEGA,” has taken the internet and gaming communities by storm. It features many new weapons, items, enemies and an increase in the map. The new map portions are made up of a massive new “MEGA City” filled with neon lights and railing that players can glide throughout it on. To the right there are two new named locations, “Knotty Nets” and “Kenjutsu Crossing,” and a “Steamy Springs” to the southwest that hosts spa houses and cherry trees. There are also new islands scattered across the new areas in the bottom right of the map.

The city and the newly added content such as weapons and vehicles are a neon futuristic cyberpunk vibe that “Fortnite” has not experimented with before. Game mechanics have also been added or re-added for this new season. The new “treasure island” can spawn during games. This is a floating island in the sky, which contains many chests, lootable content and hosts a vault that can be opened with two keys. New quests and characters have been added as well, from tough lizard-men chefs to a robotic

lynx that you can buy items from. The battle pass also reset, and new skins are available to purchase or unlock. Most weapons in the game, such as assault rifles, DMRs and shotguns, have been replaced with new versions more fitting the new theme. This has also affected many vehicles in the lower right portions of the map.

A new crossover with the anime “Attack on Titan” is included, with the character Eren Yeager being a new playable skin set to release during the season.

With the new content, old content is “vaulted,” a term that “Fortnite” uses when they remove an item from the game. These could be temporary or permanent. A few major items vaulted included the Deku’s Smash, a crossover weapon between “Fortnite” and the anime “My Hero Academia,” the Nimbus Cloud and the Kamehameha, both crossover items from the anime “Dragon Ball Z,” as well as all car mods, bows, animals except for chickens and many more.

Although it was vaulted shortly prior to the new season, Shockwave Hammers are also a newly removed item that many may not have noticed missing.

More content has yet to be released or announced, such as the battle pass bonus rewards and new quests. “Fortnite” posts updates regularly on their Twitter @fortnitegame.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Michael Clark

Staff Reporter

Courtesy of Comic Book

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey play the role of a lifetime as Joel and Ellie on the first season of “The Last of Us.”

Isaac Terry Staff Reporter

Courtesy of Polygon Fortnite chapter four season two offers, as per previous seasons, a battle pass and assortment of skins to unlock.

‘Fortnite’ releases its new update

‘Gundy may have stolen a gem’

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

When Zane Flores moved to Stillwater, he didn’t mind, but it still worried his father.

He enrolled early as the top recruit of OSU’s 2023 class and the next freshman quarterback to enter the program. It wasn’t too drastic of a change, but his father, Mel, called his son on multiple occasions. Each time, Flores would reply with an adamant answer.

He spent the past four years as the starting quarterback for Gretna

Gundy navigated rocky off season

since he last stepped behind a microphone.

Replacing star players who entered the transfer portal and a defensive coordinator have kept the Cowboy staff busy this offseason.

Three months ago, Mike Gundy sat in the Arizona Diamondbacks clubhouse after OSU’s 24-17 loss in Guaranteed Rate Bowl and lashed out.

A question about potentially making staff changes upset Gundy, OSU’s football coach.

Tuesday, Gundy showed up to OSU’s first spring practice with his usual happy, back-slapping attitude. That’s impressive, because change, what Gundy avoided talking about in Arizona, was the one constant in the three months

Twenty Cowboys entered the transfer portal in the aftermath of OSU’s mediocre 2022 season. Quarterback Spencer Sanders, receivers John Paul Richardson and Stephon Johnson Jr. headlined the offensive departures. Defensive end Trace Ford, linebacker Mason Cobb and cornerback Jabbar Muhammad were the biggest defensive losses.

Gundy said his reaction to some of the portal entries wasn’t too different from the reaction everybody else had.

See Gundy on 4B

Stebens back home at OSU after reinventing career

ball and give himself a chance to end up where he wanted – OSU.

High School in Nebraska, establishing one of the most decorated careers in program history. He compiled a 30-4 record as a starter, 111 touchdowns, two state championship appearances and one title. Yet, minimal attention followed. But few things bother Zane, and the slow start to his recruitment didn’t either.

“Zane has always been a patient, levelheaded kid,” Mel said. “It’s something that has carried him through is high school career. It’s been a driving point in his success.”

Through it all, he now finds himself in the mix for the starting quarterback spot that OSU coach Mike Gundy said is open.

While other quarterbacks on the roster, such

as transfer Alan Bowman and sophomore Garret Rangel have experienced live college football, he still has an opportunity to start as a true freshman.

*****

Mike Kayl, who at the time was in his second season as Gretna’s coach, would study and analyze Zane’s body language and emotional state. He didn’t know when Zane’s opportunity would come, but the second-year coach felt it was inevitable.

It was the quarterback’s freshman season, and to Kayl’s recollection, he was the only freshman on the sideline for that game. The offensive struggles compiled, and Kayl wanted a change at quarterback. So, he called

out to his first-year signal caller. There wasn’t the slightest hesitation in response.

Helmet on, chinstrap snapped and shoes tied. Moments later, he was in the huddle. A 14-year-old targeting a herd of older, hostile student-athletes is intimidating for most. Yet, the nerves weren’t visible, Kayl said.

“That’s usually a daunting task for a freshman,” Kayl said. “But Flores treated it just like another game, even though it was his first time seeing live reps.”

Zane captured the starting spot by the third game. Although the team posted a 3-6 record, Kayl said he knew Zane was one he and his staff could build around.

See Flores on 2B

It took Isaac Stebens three years to end up half a mile down the road.

Two seasons as a letterwinning pitcher on Stillwater High School’s baseball team wasn’t enough to earn a spot on the roster at his hometown university.

Stebens, a junior right-handed pitcher at OSU, said he wasn’t anything special coming out of high school in 2020. He didn’t receive much recruitment, so he ended up at Cowley College on an academic scholarship.

He just wanted an opportunity to play base -

Now a key piece in the Cowboys’ pitching rotation, Stebens did just that.

“We’ve always known Isaac from his time at Stillwater High,” OSU coach Josh Holliday said, “but he reinvented himself there at Cowley.”

Pitching in junior college worked well for Stebens, but it took some time. Cowley coach Darren Burroughs said Stebens wasn’t strong when he arrived, but he lived in the weight room to get better.

He was a reliever and closer for the Tigers, appearing in 57 2/3 innings across 45 appearances. In those appearances, Stebens recorded 82 strikeouts and had a 1.09 ERA.

See Stebens on 4B

Cowboys’ struggles continue throughout inconsistent season

For every high, there were lows.

It’s how OSU coach Mike Boynton described the year after the season ending loss to North Texas in the NIT quarterfinals.

“We certainly fell below the expectations that I have and that we all have for the program this year,” Boynton said. “There were certainly some positive things to kind of look back on at some point, but tonight’s not that night.”

On Tuesday, the Cowboys fell to the Mean Green 65-59 at GallagherIba Arena. The loss pushed their record to 2016 on the year and halted an opportunity to capture their first NIT championship.

And when evaluating the season finale, one could easily identify the same roadblocks that hindered OSU all season.

It shot a poor 18% from 3 and just 33% from the field, all while scoring just 17 first-half points. Slow starts and inability to consistently hit perimeter shots is what got in the way of the Cowboys plan to reach the NCAA tournament and to advance to the NIT semifinals in Las Vegas. OSU was ninth in the Big 12 in 3-point percentage, and eighth in 3-pointers made. It also shot 25% or worse from 3-point range in 12 regular season games.

And when you’re a below average 3-point shooting team, getting behind early and having to overcome deficits becomes more and more difficult.

The Cowboys did that multiple times. Like scoring 17 first-half points on Tuesday and having to battle back for a chance to win. They scored fewer than 30 points in 14 first halves this year.

“I mean, obviously we didn’t accomplish the

goals that we originally set out to do,” said guard Bryce Thompson. “But I think overall you know, just a lot of positives that you can take from it. You know, you just get back to work man. That’s pretty much it.”

Those positives that Boynton and Thompson are referencing came toward the end of the halfway mark of the regular season. OSU played an impressive stretch of basketball in January and February, which it won seven of eight games and defeated three ranked opponents, playing well enough the Cowboys received votes in the AP Top 25 poll.

But with guard Avery Anderson III’s left wrist injury that kept him out for the final 14 games of the season, OSU won three games in his absence, but quickly followed it with a five game losing streak.

Jaiden Daughty

Freshman quarterback Zane Flores attends his first spring practice at the Sherman E. Smith Training Center, on Tuesday

Braden Bush Assistant Sports Editor

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter

OSU’s spring football practices began Tuesday, which officially begins the starting quarterback battle. SEE MORE ON PAGE 2B

Jaiden Daughty

Continued from 1B

Zane was only in his first year, but in his coach’s eyes, he was conducting himself in the manner of an upperclassman.

“In my 23 years of coaching experience, he’s the first freshman to start at quarterback,” Kayl said. “But he wasn’t acting like a freshman. He’s not a big talker off the field. He wasn’t a big ‘hoo-hah’ guy, even though he could have backed it up.”

His sophomore season featured a 6-2 record and a state playoff appearance. One season after that, he led his team to a 12-1 record and a state title.

Still, he wasn’t satisfied.

“Zane doesn’t like to lose,” Mel said. “If it were up to Zane, he probably would choose an undefeated regular season over a Cinderella run to the state title. He hates losing more than he likes winning. While he had to deal with a lot of it his freshman year, I think that early exposure geared him toward the player we saw down the road.”

Zane’s senior season featured 3,117 yards, 31 touchdowns and a 65.5 completion percentage. Good enough to help Gretna to an undefeated regular season and a second consecutive appearance in the championship game. There, he set a state title game record with 414 passing yards.

But he lost.

Kayl grabbed Zane on the shoulder pads. Tears were subtly rolling down his face as he thanked him repeatedly, managing to contain an emotional breakdown.

It was the last time for the two would share the same sideline for a football game.

“He responded with class like he always did,” Kayl said. “Even with the confetti flying down for the other team, he kept a level head and watched it with me.”

sports

*****

Mel and Cindy Flores were startled.

Their son let out a cry of emotion.

The Flores family was on vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks after the state championship game.

Zane received an invitation to the Elite 11, a prestigious showcase event in California where the top high school quarterbacks nationwide compete headto-head in various drills.

“He was on cloud nine,” Mel said.

“I hadn’t seen him that happy in a long time.”

A lifelong goal had finally become a reality.

Mitch Sherman, a beat writer for The Athletic, compared Zane to a prime Jameis Winston and DeShaun Watson.

Before the event, Zane wasn’t on many’s radar. Why? How could a quarterback with a number of accolades receive little attention from college coaches?

“Nebraska football isn’t the most pristine competition,” Sherman said. “With that being said, he wasn’t throwing to Power Five wide receivers or Division-I running backs like other were. No, he had to throw them open and lead them. The passing game was almost all on him.”

Ari Wasserman, the lead college football recruiting writer for The Athletic, attended the Elite 11. From his sample size, he said he believes Gundy and his staff got the steal of the 2023 class.

“His measurables may not jump off the page, but I saw him at the Elite 11,” Wasserman said in a story published on the site. “Mike Gundy may have stolen a gem here.”

The following week, in came the offers. Despite it, Zane remained committed to OSU.

Since his time at the Elite 11, Sherman saw drastic growth.

“I’d seen him play for a couple of years and thought he would do well at the Elite 11,” Sherman said. “After that, I knew other programs were missing

out. I think a lot of teams were waiting to see how their roster and recruiting classes lined up. But I thought it was a huge mistake on the part of Nebraska and other nearby powerhouse programs.” *****

Under Gundy, five freshmen have earned a starting spot at some point during their first seasons: Wes Lunt, Mason Rudolph, Spencer Sanders, Shane Illingworth and Garret Rangel.

The glaring issue regarding OSU’s quarterback room in 2023 is its experience – or lack thereof.

While Sherman said he doesn’t believe starting Zane for the season opener is in OSU’s best interest, he could see him take over at some point.

of

“The best thing about freshmen, is they become sophomores,” Sherman said. “I don’t think it’s ideal to throw a guy like Flores into the line of fire this early simply because those freshmen still need time to develop. I don’t think it’s so much that Flores can’t handle it. If he were forced into action later in the year, I think he’d be just fine given proper development of course.” Could Zane handle the load of responsibilities that come with being a starting quarterback as a true freshman?

“I think so,” Kayl said. “The best part of his game is that he’s a winner, plain and simple. He just finds ways to win. That’s something you just can’t teach. For some people, it just comes naturally.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Options for OSU’s wide open quarterback battle

“One of the more difficult things that we have to work through now is that there’s not enough reps for everybody in the spring to really make final decisions,” Gundy said. “This will be a very unusual spring.”

The Cowboys started spring practice Tuesday with a question many are asking. Who will be the 2023 starting quarterback?

Four-year starting quarterback

Spencer Sanders transferred this offseason to Ole Miss, leaving OSU fans wondering who would fill the void. Well, it’s to be determined. OSU football coach Mike Gundy said he doesn’t know either. Not yet. And it may take a while.

The candidates: senior transfer

Alan Bowman, redshirt freshman Garret Rangel, redshirt sophomore Gunnar Gundy and freshman Zane Flores.

“We’re going to rotate guys through,” Gundy said. “Bowman will work with ones and twos and threes, Rangel will work with ones and twos and threes, and Gunnar will work with ones and twos and threes. We will bring Zane along, I don’t know where he will be, but whatever he can get accomplished it’ll be more difficult.”

Gundy said it would be unfair if he gave a specific timetable for the quarterback decision, and suggested the competition could linger into summer.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy

Mel Flores

Zane Flores went to two Nebraska state championship games in 2021 and 2022.

Carson Toulouse

Garret Rangel (left) and Gunnar Gundy (right) in their first practice of the 2023 OSU football season.

OSU fans might remember Bowman, a Michigan transfer, from his 2018-20 stint with Texas Tech. In 2018, Bowman led the Red Raiders to a 41-17 road win in Boone Pickens Stadium, throwing for 397 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.

Gundy is the other quarterback who has earned snaps for OSU. The son of Mike Gundy, he started one game last season against Iowa State. Gunnar finished the season with 247 passing yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions.

Flores is an early enrollee from Gretna, Nebraska, ranked as the second-best 2023 prospect from Nebraska, according to 247Sports. In Flores’ senior season, he threw for more than 3,000 yards and accounted for 41 total touchdowns.

Alan Bowman Garret Rangel

Gunnar Gundy Zane Flores

Davis Cordova Staff Reporter Rangel was thrown into a tough situation last season as a freshman, but with a year of experience, he could be the top option for OSU. He started three games in 2022, all losses, throwing for 711 yards with a 51% completion percentage, four touchdowns and five interceptions.

Column: Gundy showed he’s adapting his mindset and schemes to evolve OSU

In The Door

Key transfers:

OSU offensive line back healthy to start spring practice

Braden Bush Assistant Sports Editor Notebook

Spring football practice is underway.

For the first time since the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, OSU coach Mike Gundy and players were made available. Here are some notes from the Cowboys’ first day back at practice on Tuesday.

Offensive line back in good health

Last spring, the sidelines were full.

Not of healthy offensive linemen waiting for their turn, but of banged up guards and tackles unable to participate in spring practices.

“There was a waiting line for the bikes over there like Planet Fitness,” Gundy said. “That hurt us last spring.”

At the OSU spring finale, the Cowboys adopted a practice-style format rather than a game because of the injuries and offensive line depth. The number of healthy linemen dipped into the single digits.

This spring, health isn’t an issue. Redshirt senior Cole Birmingham is back from injury, and Preston Wilson and Jason Brooks Jr., who missed games with injuries last year, have had time to recover.

Wilson said even with departures on the line, such as Hunter Woodard, this year’s group is further along just because of health. They’re making best efforts to keep it that way, too.

“Coaches are taking extra precautions and different drills and different scenarios, just to make sure we have a better chance of not getting rolled up on and not having those nagging injuries,” Wilson said.

Goodbye, Cowboy Back

The “Cowboy Back,” a hybrid tight end-fullback position, is no more.

Now, the position has been divided into the typical fullback and tight end positions. Gundy said the run game needed obvious work, and he and his staff thought a “tradi-

tional tight end” would help in that department.

“We need those type of players in our offensive system now so we can rush the ball better,” Gundy said. “That’s not a secret. We understood where we were deficient. It had nothing to do with the personnel we had, but those guys weren’t recruited here for what we feel like we need to get accomplished in order to be able to rush the football better.”

Braden Cassity, a redshirt senior, spent the past four seasons as a Cowboy Back. He said the deconstruction of the position is mostly a change in name, but there are some differences.

Now, Cassity is listed as a fullback, which he said is more his style and that he thinks it can help in the run game. “I’m definitely more of a run-blocking type. It fits me well,” Cassity said. “I’m looking forward to how that position is going to develop now that we have that in place, and how we can be more dynamic with a tight end and fullback.”

Gundy speaks on spring game

Speaking of spring games, even though the Cowboys are healthier than last year, the team announced earlier this month that there won’t be a spring game. Instead, there will be a meet-and-greet with players.

Boone Pickens Stadium renovations made the field unavailable, and Gundy said this was the best decision.

“It’s not beneficial for us to do anything other than what we’re doing,” Gundy said.

“We’re gonna be in this situation for two years.”

Gundy said there were talks of expediting the construction process, but they were not feasible. Although it was considered, he said NCAA rules limited OSU’s ability to play a spring game off campus.

“It’s not beneficial for us, with the rules we have to follow, for us to leave the campus,” Gundy said.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Gabriel Trevino Sports Editor

Mike Gundy is an old school coach. He’d tell you that, too.

As college football becomes mathematical on the field and political off of it, he’s resisted change. Gundy bought an analytical system, then quickly disregarded it as he would rather use gut instinct in tight situations. He said during the 2022 season he’s ‘not a (transfer) portal guy’ and isn’t a fan of the drama that sometimes comes with NIL, while other coaches and embrace the new landscape.

As OSU begins spring practices, it’s been less than three months since a 7-6 season — tied for the worst since 2006 — and an offseason where the team lost 11 starters to the portal, including a four-year starting quarterback.

Change was necessary, and to Gundy’s credit, he made some.

A shift of mindset was first.

In November, after two straight embarrassing losses to Kansas State and Kansas, Gundy made a statement that didn’t give many hope.

“We are not big portal people,” he said. “I’m never going to be a big portal guy.”

Many players across the country transfer to other teams where they thrive and exceed expectations. Players who can turn programs around and weren’t previously accessible. Gundy said he would rather try to develop his current players.

In the four months since, OSU brought in 13 portal players, many of whom Gundy said can start and contribute immediately.

He realized the benefits of the portal, while still cautiously navigating the confusion that previously made him wary.

“(The transfer portal) is not going to surprise me anymore,” Gundy said.

“The way the portal is moving, I think is gonna be beneficial. It’s gonna be somewhat hazardous and uncertain. We’re gonna find out where we’re at with the swap of players. We’ll try to get our numbers balanced.

“We accept it, we do the best

WR, Leon Johnson III, George Fox University.

LB Justin Wright, Tulsa.

DT Justin Kirkland, Utah Tech.

OL Dalton Cooper, Texas State.

TE Josiah Johnson, UMass

QB Alan Bowman, Michigan

we can and when one goes out, one comes in.”

In 2022, only 16 teams in the country ranked worse on defense than OSU, which allowed 438 yards per game. In January, defensive coordinator Derek Mason announced he would “take a sabbatical from coaching,” leaving OSU without a DC for the second offseason in a row.

Gundy could have hired someone similar, with comparable styles and schemes, but instead turned a direction mimicking many of the top defenses across the Big 12.

Iowa State, which ranked No. 4 in total defense in the country; TCU, which went to the national championship game; and Kansas State, the Big 12 champions, all run a 3-3-5 style defense. Those defenses have dominated the conference in recent years, and Gundy wanted to replicate the successes.

“I did a lot of research,” he said. “One of the reasons I wanted to do some three-down (defensive front) is because teams struggle against three-down. So, I wanted to investigate. I wanted to learn it. I spent six weeks learning it.

“I know a lot about it now. We felt like being able to play in some three-down, then being able to morph that into what we want defensively will help us in the long run.”

Following the Funk

Records the year after a 7-6 season under Gundy:

2007: 7-6, Insight Bowl win

2008: 9-4, Holiday Bowl loss

2015: 10-3, Sugar Bowl loss

2019: 8-5, Texas Bowl loss 2023: ?

The 3-3-5 has its benefits, primarily in the passing game, but heavy run teams can counter it, and it can leave teams exposed if they can’t win rushing the quarterback. OSU ran a variant of the 4-2-5 style, which happens to be what the 3-3-5 isn’t.

Gundy said he wanted to find a mix of both, and to find the best fit, he and his staff looked at all levels of football, until they found Bryan Nardo from Gannon University, a Division-II college in Pennsylvania.

“(Nardo) brings a bit of a unique style,” Gundy said. “He can play three-down, he can play fourdown. We’ll take what his system is. He’s been involved in multiple systems over his career, and we’ll morph it into our defense here at Oklahoma State along with what he and the defensive staff and what I think is best.”

Throughout much of last season, Gundy recognized how counter plays and power run schemes gashed his team, leading to them surrendering an average of almost 200 rushing yards over the final 10 games. He noticed and began working to implement changes to his rush offense, which only averaged 3.4 yards per carry all season.

The offense also split what was once known as “Cowboy Backs” into traditional tight ends and fullbacks who can block in the run fits Gundy said he strives for.

“We need those types of players in our offensive system now so we can rush the ball better,” Gundy said. “That’s not a secret. We understood where we were deficient. It had nothing to do with the personnel we had, but those guys weren’t recruited here for what we feel like we need to get accomplished in order to be able to rush the football better.”

Gundy will most likely never stop being a traditional-styled coach. And in the past, he’s made many quirky choices. But now more than ever was the time for him to make alterations to OSU and his way of approaching the new aspects of college football, or he could’ve been left in the dust, with worse seasons than last.

Showing a willingness to adapt to different environments in the spite of disappointment is a start and should be noticed. He made it clear he won’t settle for another 7-6 season. Now it’s up to execution.

Carson Toulouse

OSU Coach Mike Gundy talks to the media during his team’s first 2023 spring practice.

Jaiden Daughty Jakobe Sanders, a freshman offensive lineman, attends his first spring practice at the Sherman E. Smith training center.

Stebens...

Continued from 1B

He was named a JUCO All-American and a two-time all-conference selection at Cowley. He pitched in two JUCO World Series for the Tigers. He did that all with a unique trait. He had just one pitch – the fastball. “He was atypical all the way,” Burroughs said. “He just commanded his fastball so well, and from such a different slot, that he just had success.”

Stebens worked on a changeup and slider at Cowley, but Burroughs said Stebens was a perfectionist and never got those where he wanted them. Stebens didn’t like to give up runs, so Burrough said Stebens would resort back to the fastball.

Gundy...

The wait finally paid off when Holliday called Stebens and offered him a walk-on spot after the 2022 season. Stebens said he never thought twice.

“Everybody knew I wanted to be back here,” Stebens said. “(Holliday) knew I wanted to be back here, family, other coaches. It wasn’t a hard decision. Quick and easy conversation.”

Despite the success in JUCO, Stebens still wasn’t where he wanted to be. He said he was throwing too many fastballs and needed to expand his arsenal.

I walk into a building at this point. And I just didn’t want to let people down because there’s so many people that know me when I walk out there.”

So, during the fall, Stebens added a changeup and slider to his rotation. Stebens pitched a career-high six innings against Utah Tech on March 12 and said he’s mixing five to 10 of those pitches in an outing such as that. And it’s worked.

In eight appearances, Stebens has pitched the second-most innings (23 2/3) on the team and owns the best ERA (2.28) and best opponent batting average (.194).

“In every form and fashion, he’s been excellent,” Holliday said.

“Well, I was just as surprised on some guys as other people,” Gundy said.

Standing with his helmet at his feet and gold locks flowing from his head, senior tight end Braden Cassity thought back to watching some of his friends enter the transfer portal.

“It hurt,” Cassity said. “You know, going on year six, definitely built good relationships with a lot of those guys. But that’s just how it is. It’s been that way in high school and now it’s here in college. It is what it is, it sucks. But I think we’re all excited to move forward.”

OSU brought in 15 transfers to balance losses. The Cowboys pulled from Michigan State, Iowa and Tulsa. They also found players from Utah Tech and George Fox University.

Did the acquisitions balance out the losses?

It won’t truly be known until the spring practices

in the Sherman E. Smith Training Center are traded for games across the street in Boone Pickens Stadium, but Gundy answered the question.

“I mean, I’m going to say yes,” Gundy said. “We lost a lot of maturity with Spencer (Sanders). (Alan) Bowman is mature, but he hadn’t had a lot of reps in two years.

So, I’ve looked at that.”

So many new faces give spring practice a unique feel, even for Gundy, who is entering his 19th season as head coach.

“Much different this year in the fact that I think it’s 28 new players that we have on our roster for the spring, which is considerably different,” Gundy said.

“Most years in the past, you’re looking at three or four new players, and so finding our way through, getting everyone together rep wise and trying to get schemes built in all three phases to benefit us for the summer, where guys can practice together on their own.”

Offseason change didn’t end with the players. In January, defensive coordinator Derek Mason

announced he was going on ‘sabbatical.’ Gundy searched every corner of the coaching world, even considering two high school coaches to fill the position.

Gundy settled on 37-year-old Bryan Nardo, from Gannon University, a Division II school in Pennsylvania. The interview lasted six hours, about three-times longer than normal, Gundy said.

“Afterwards I thought, ‘He’s the guy,’ Gundy said. “The best guy. Doesn’t make a difference where he came from.”

So what does an offseason full of change mean now that pads are popping and whistles are shrilling? Even Gundy isn’t sure.

“There’s more parity now than ever,” Gundy said. “There’s 28 new guys here. There’ll be 37 when we start in August. I threw out the number 18, I don’t know, maybe 20, 20 new guys could be playing. Not at once. So how do you know how good you’re going to be? You really don’t.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

The success rate was just too high. “It was one pitch, but he could throw it in so many quadrants,” Burroughs said. “He could throw it up, throw it down away, down and in. He just had a knack for throwing it in special places.”

During fall ball, Stebens saw the rest of the bullpen throwing different pitches consistently. Meanwhile, he had one pitch and hadn’t thrown more than three innings since high school. He said that flipped a switch in him. Even though he was at OSU, the work wasn’t done.

Stebens could have packed it in and settled for a nice career at Cowley. He could have been fine with just being on OSU’s roster. Instead, he’s made a new name in his hometown.

“Isaac just worked himself silly to be where he’s at today,” Burrough said. “So, it’s all Isaac. That’s where all his success has come from.”

Continued from 1B sports.ed@ocolly.com

“I wasn’t being what I knew I could be when I showed up to Oklahoma State. Being a Stillwater kid, getting put on the OSU uniform is a pretty big deal… I mean, there’s 15 people that know who I am when

Freshmen Basile, Roothman adjust together in first years

Baylor Bryant Staff Reporter

OSU’s men’s tennis freshmen class already made a name for itself.

Freshmen Alessio Basile and Carl Roothman are international tennis players, Basile from Belgium and Roothman from South Africa. In their short time at OSU, both have become skilled players. Coach Dustin Taylor said he has been impressed with the growth in each of their tennis skills and what they provide for the team.

“I think it’s good competition between them,” Taylor said. “Each guy wants to be the best out of their class for sure, so that they’re pushing each other, but they’re also doubles partners, and they’re also roommates living together. So I think it’s healthy competition. I think that they both want what’s best for each other.

“That’s what great teammates do. And you see that in them. On Sunday, Alessio played in the sixth position and Carl was on the bench cheering for him. I think that is a healthy, competitive relationship. But at the same time, they both want what’s best for each other.”

In recent matches against No. 31 UCLA and No. 44 Pepperdine, the doubles pairing of Basile and Roothman won their matches and clinched a team point against Pepperdine. With Basile on the singles lineup and Roothman as the top bench player, Taylor acknowledged

what Roothman has been able to bring to the team off the court.

“Yeah, off the court, [Roothman] a great teammate and super selfless,” Taylor said. “He brings great energy. So he’s been a great teammate off the court. He’s a blue collar hard worker. His opportunity is going to come for sure and has a few times.

He’s one of the best athletes I’ve come across, and he works his tail off.”

The duo has become good friends and teammates in their time at OSU.

“He’s my roommate, my fellow freshman, so the relationship is great together,” Basile said. “We try to support each other. We’re always backing up each other even at practice. We played a couple doubles together already. It’s going great. The relationship is there and no matter what happens. We’re great teammates.”

Roothman said that he and Basile have been good competition for each other and have helped one another adjust to the new environment at OSU.

“Yeah, I think we helped each other quite a lot,” Roothman said. “I feel like coming to America was a big move. And to be a freshman with another freshman always helps. We can relate on certain aspects and I feel like we have a quite similar game not really, but closer than some of the other players so we can be like that in that aspect as well. And then just helping each other was cool. So yeah, it’s been fun to be with him.”

Jaiden Daughty

Twenty OSU players from last season’s team entered the transfer portal. Coach Mike Gundy said all the turnover makes this spring camp “considerably different.”

Chase Davis

Isaac Stebens, a Stillwater High School graduate, always wanted to play at OSU. After a stint at Cowley College, he’s getting his chance.

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Check out “Cowboy Cabin” 550 steps east of Boone Pickens Stadium

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (03/24/23). Follow personal passion this year. Maintain disciplined practices for private meditation and planning. Your springtime confidence, determination and courage win showers of flowers. Adjust around summer financial shortfalls, before autumn collaborative possibilities spark. Pull together next winter for shared financial benefit. Realize exciting possibilities.

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 — New income is possible. Disciplined efforts earn an extra bonus. Follow your Mom’s advice and win. Make a delightful discovery. Stash extra nuts for later.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Advance a personal dream. Passion can take you by surprise. Take charge for the results you’re committed to producing. You’re empowered by love.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Enjoy private moments. Let love direct your course. Notice dreams, intuitive thoughts and impulses. Envision perfection. Plot and plan to realize a personal mission.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — All for one and one for all. Help propel a community effort. Teamwork can win a significant prize. Strengthen foundations. Have fun with friends.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Pursue a professional dream. Lucrative new doors open. Keep promises, responsibilities and obligations. Give up preconceptions or expectations. Focus on growing what you love.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Explore and investigate ideas. Learn from inspiring teachers, authors and mentors. Share what you’re learning. Unexpected revelations open new doors. Listen and observe.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Take advantage of an opportunity. Disciplined collaboration can get unusually lucrative. Contribute for common benefit. Advance basic shared financial priorities with careful coordination.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Express your feelings with your partner. Discuss possibilities and potential. Collaboration and coordination reveal simple solutions. Share magical moments. Surprise someone special with thoughtfulness.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Power into a busy schedule with good food and rest. Increase efficiency and results. Incorporate advice from doctors and coaches. Your greatest strength is love.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Connect around common passion. Relax and have fun. Invent a romantic scenario. Luck follows love. Give in to creative impulses for delightful results.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Imagine domestic perfection. Invent possibilities at home. Cook up something wonderful to share. Love’s the main ingredient. Connect with family, whether birth, extended or chosen.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Write, sketch and illustrate your ideas. Create works of beauty and value. Talk about love. Your muses sing when you’re quiet enough to listen.

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

Solution

Samantha Podos Nowak & Katie Hale

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

Peyre brings international successes to OSU as freshman

Gina Foster Staff Reporter

Lucia Peyre is a 17-yearold freshman but has already began to make her mark on the Cowgirl tennis program.

Peyre is from Las Flores, Argentina, where she and her love for tennis blossomed.

Before her college career, she was already a decorated amateur, ranking No. 27 in the International Tennis Federation. Peyre won four singles titles while competing in ITF juniors competitions, earned a pro title in W15K and competed in the French Open in 2019 and Wimbledon last year.

Peyre has thrived throughout the season and made her way up to competing on court three for singles play and has found a new doubles partner in Matina Zerulo.

Before this matchup was made, she played with two-time AllAmerican Ayumi Miyamoto.

“I think Ayumi is a good doubles player,” Peyre said. “I learned from her about how to move on the court and at the net at the same time. When I started playing with Marti, we just started doing a different game style. I feel very good with both of them.”

At such a young age some may think Peyre has pressure to uphold her court status, but it’s simply the exact opposite for her.

“I’m enjoying playing here a lot, I think I’m doing well, but I think I can do much better and I’m very happy to be here and everyone is very kind,” Peyre said.

Before Peyre was a part of the Cowgirls, the team aspect of tennis was not present. While she played in the juniors tournaments, the worry of others wasn’t necessary, but now the focus is on playing as a team and taking care of everyone.

For every freshman, the start of college has challenges, but adding an athletics schedule on top of that makes the transition more complex.

“I was doing online school last year so it’s been pretty different,” Peyre said.

“Athletics are pretty important for the university, so that’s pretty cool because when we’re traveling we have the help of our advisor or professors. They also give us more time to do the homework, so I’m very thankful for that.”

Each person has their muse or influence, and for

Peyre it was

Andrey Rublev

Inconsistent...

Continued from 1B

“Injuries certainly were a factor, but I’m not here to make excuses,” Boynton said.

Other than the successful stretch that was sparked by a Bedlam win in mid January, the Cowboys were unable to frequently play clean and efficient basketball.

Now, with two four-star recruits in Brandon Garrison and Eric Dailey Jr. joining the program next season, some decisions with the current roster will need to be made, by both the players and Boynton.

What went wrong?

November: Lost to Southern Illinois, second game of season. Lost to UCF in OT, shot 10% from 3.

December: Finished nonconference 8-4.

and Iga Swiatek. Rublev’s offensive style and Swiatek’s solid movement on the court are taken into account when it comes to her own game.

“I like to play very offensive and aggressive with my serves, I’m always trying to play my first serve and I think that’s been important for my game,” Peyre said. “So yeah, maybe I’ve been similar to Rublev. I can’t compare myself with him but we can take physical skills and that I don’t like to play very long points.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

Those players, some that had large roles on the team, such as Avery Anderson, Kalib Boone and John-Michael Wright, have one year of eligibility remaining and will have to decide whether or not to return. And that process includes conversations with Boynton.

“Those conversations can start to happen fairly soon,” Boynton said. “Each person’s conversation is a little bit different because their options are a little bit different. So some of them will probably be fairly brief and some of them may take a little bit longer to decipher.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

January: Blew 20-point lead to Kansas in Lawrence. Moussa Cisse injured in game vs West Virginia. Scored 46 points vs Texas. Won Bedlam, began streak of seven wins in eight games. Avery Anderson undergoes left wrist surgery, out remainder of season.

February Lost to Kansas at home, first of five-game losing streak.

March: Finish regular season 1714, 8-10 in Big 12 play. 1-1 in Big 12 tournament. First team out of NCAA tournament. Lost to North Texas in quarterfinals of NIT on Tuesday.

Andy Crown

At just 17, Lucia Peyre has worked her way to court three in singles play with the Cowgirls.

Carson Toulouse Moussa Cisse played a critical part in OSU’s men’s basketball team this season.

Cowboy tennis prioritizes academics among hectic schedules

Jax Thompson Staff Reporter

OSU fielded one of the smartest men’s tennis teams in 2022.

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association named a record-setting seven Cowboys Scholar-Athletes for 2022. A player must be academically eligible and average a 3.5 GPA for the current academic year to be named a ScholarAthlete.

Leighton Allen, Isaac Becroft, Alex Garcia, Francisco Pini and Sammr Raina reached that mark in 2022. Luke Hammond and Nicolas Pesoli are not on the team this year, but also made the list.

The program was also named to the ITA’s list of All-Academic teams, which requires a program to average a 3.2 GPA or higher.

Tyler Zink, a senior, did not make the ITA Scholar-Athlete list in 2022, but he made it as a freshman.

“It is obviously different coming to school; you have to balance it,” Zink said. “There are a lot of different distractions, but there are also a lot of good, so being able to stay on top of it and keeping it organized is super important for us.”

Student-athletes juggle practice, workouts and games alongside their studies. They also travel across the country and beyond, and sports such as tennis travel during the week. To balance the responsibilities of being a student and an athlete is difficult; doing it while getting As and Bs even more so.

The Scholar-Athletes for the Cowboys excelled at that balancing act in 2022. Coach Dustin Taylor said he is proud of their accomplishment.

“They all manage it really, really well,” Taylor said. “We [the coaching staff] don’t see it affect them at all to be honest.”

The achievement belongs to the players, but credit should also be given to their support system, including the academic staff at OSU, their coaches and their professors.

Taylor stressed the importance of one member of the academic staff in particular, academic adviser Alan

Good.

Good has worked with academic services since 1995 and is the assistant director of academic services for OSU Athletics. He assists student-athletes in academics and guides them in constructing schedules so they mesh.

“He’s great,” Taylor said. “He makes sure that the guys are in classes that he believes will be interesting to them, with professors that have probably shown in the past that they’re pretty open to student-athletes.”

Good does more than make school easy for students. He stresses the importance of classwork and helps players find areas of study that interest them. He tries to persuade them to prepare for life after sports.

By the time young tennis players reach college, they have often been immersed in the sport for years. Many of them also play in professional tournaments before and during college, so they have had a taste of playing their sport as a career.

“I always put that scenario in front of them, ‘What if you didn’t have

tennis? What would you do?’ and then they start thinking,” Good said.

Although he proposes that hypothetical to the athletes, he doesn’t wish a world without tennis on them. Having a backup plan is necessary.

As helpful as Good and the academic staff are, a coach whom does not value athletics could easily derail their efforts.

Finding players who aspire to play professional tennis is Taylor’s No. 1 goal in recruiting. It is not hard to see how that goal wouldn’t fit with the idea of student first, athlete second.

Taylor’s experiences go beyond playing and coaching tennis, though. He said he understands the value of setting players up for careers beyond tennis and instills that in his players.

The seven players who made the Scholar-Athletes list earned that distinction. Many of them did it in tough majors, such as Garcia and Becroft making the list while majoring in finance.

“It is always a challenge, but the key for me is creating a good schedule

at the beginning of the semester,” Garcia said. “Also, it really helps that our adviser is in contact with our coaches, and we choose the classes and the times strategically, so our schedule is as smooth as possible.”

They did more than pass despite the challenging course load. Good noticed their effort.

“Finance is not easy; those are difficult classes, lots of math, and those two students, are excelling,” Good said. “It’s really nice to see them have some success.”

The players might make it in the professional ranks. Some might have long careers on the ATP Tour, but that career will end eventually. That is the moment Taylor wants them to be prepared for.

“These guys are smart enough to know that the ball stops bouncing for everyone at some point,” Taylor said. “Whether you’re 22 when it stops bouncing, or you’re 35 when it stops bouncing, having a good degree, having a high GPA, they are gonna do something [for you] after tennis.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Mia Ledbetter

Isaac Becroft became one of five Cowboys to earn Scholar-Athlete recognition from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.

Ziegler, hero of national championship, leading Cowgirls after unexpected return

chez’s ride through the World Equestrian Center in Florida, Sydnie Ziegler opened the draw sheet in the team GroupMe. Normally, riders discover what order they compete the day of the event. But for the national championships, Ziegler had a whole day to think about drawing the final ride.

but not perfect. But the standard wasn’t perfect, it was Lovingfoss’ score, which Ziegler beat by 1.5 points.

Ziegler remembers crying and celebrating with her teammates, but the details are fuzzy.

Big 12 Semifinals against Baylor

When: Friday at 10 a.m.

Where: Pedigo-Hull Equestrian Center, Stillwater

A moment of panic set in as soon as Larry Sanchez burst through the doors of the western arena. All his golf carts were gone.

Sanchez, OSU’s equestrian coach, just watched the western portion of the 2022 NCEA Equestrian Championship end. Now, he needed to travel nearly a mile to the jumping seat arena to watch the championship’s epic conclusion. The problem is all the girls on his team had the same idea and got to the OSUlabeled golf carts first.

After a brief scramble, an NCEA staffer threw him a set of keys and Sanchez floored the small electric cart as fast as it would go. The championship his team won in the jumping seat arena is seared into his mind.

Twenty-four hours before San-

Ziegler couldn’t stop thinking about it. The next day, she forced herself in the bathroom to look in the mirror and compose herself. She spent time in a stall with her personal horse, who was being used in championships.

“When I was nervous in the day I’d just go in her stall and rub her,” Ziegler said. “It was almost like an emotional support animal. I’d try to calm down with her for a few minutes.”

It’s not rare an entire equestrian meet hinges on the result of the final ride. As coaches and teammates watched jumping results come in, they started to calculate the tiebreaker scenario. The only way OSU could win its first national championship if Ziegler outscored Texas Tech’s Kaitlyn Lovingfoss.

Ziegler’s nerves skyrocketed when she took a turn too tight, disrupting her horse’s stride. She turned in a good ride,

“That’s a year’s worth of work and being at workouts at 5:45 in the morning and practicing, taking care of the horses,” Sanchez said. “It’s a year of hard work and it paid off. And it only pays off for one team.”

Ziegler, a senior, thought she went out on top. That summer, she accepted an internship at a farm in Rockford, Illinois, to start the path on her professional career. Ziegler rode horses, trained them and went to horse shows. It was great, Ziegler said, but something was missing.

“It was a beautiful farm, they were super people,” Ziegler said. “It was hard coming from a team, a family, to being another rider.”

Sanchez, driving through the mountains of Colorado, hoped the call wouldn’t drop. Ziegler asked him if she could return to the team for her COVID year.

“Part of me was also like you can go ride professionally your whole life if you want to, but like you only have this

one extra year of eligibility,” Ziegler said.

Fortunately, Sanchez hadn’t filled the spot yet. He cleared the move with administration and made the easy decision to bring back the reining First-Team All-American.

Ziegler’s accomplishments in the arena make her a leader on a team gearing up for the Big 12 Championship against Baylor on Friday. OSU returns 13 of 16 starters from last season and is poised for another chance at sending Ziegler out the right way, for her actual final ride.

“I think as long as we keep pushing, we have the talent,” Ziegler said. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy OSU Athletics

Sydnie Ziegler secured OSU’s winning points in the final ride at last year’s NCEA National Championship.

Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter