December 13, 2024
2024 graduation edition
December graduates leave their mark
BY HAYDEN ALEXANDER I NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
be a better teacher.”
As students head home for break, others will walk across an orange stage.
Cayden Clark is a fifth-year senior pursuing her degree in music education. Her fall semester looked very different from most.
“I have not been on campus,” Clark said. “I’ve been at the school that I was placed at, learning how to
As part of the Greenwood School of Music’s four-year degree program, those pursuing music education spend a semester student teaching. Typically, students teach during the spring, but Clark opted to jump in during marching band season.
Clark woke up every morning at 5 a.m. to drive to Sapulpa and work with high school students, learning and growing alongside them. She
Cheerleading injuries on rise, athletic officials weigh in
RAYNEE HOWELL
ASSISTANT NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
@RAYNEEHOWELL
When Lindsay Bracken walked onto the familiar blue mats in GallagherIba Arena for a cheer clinic, she didn’t know she wouldn’t be walking out of her own accord.
Bracken was practicing a stunt she had done countless times before, but it felt different this time.
During her first two attempts, she
fell forward, coming down on one leg. Thinking the third time’s the charm, she went for it again.
“And on the third time, I just felt my knee basically go in a circle, and knew rather instantly that it was wrong,” Bracken said. “I was very fortunate that it was only my ACL.” Bracken’s torn ACL didn’t stop her from finishing out her season in a knee brace. She was a graduate student cheering for the Cowboys at the time. Now, she is the OSU cheer coordinator coaching the cheer club and STUNT teams.
INJURIES on page 5A
loved her time at Sapulpa and said the students made the experience worthwhile.
“Getting to know all the kids and being with them through all of marching band and watching the beginners learn how to play their instruments, it’s such a cool feeling,” Clark said.
Her time as a member of the music fraternities Kappa Kappa Psi and Sigma Alpha Iota and serving
as a student leader in the Cowboy Marching Band set her up for success in teaching. However, she had to adapt to a new teaching style for the younger age group.
“Having that leadership experience from the Cowboy Marching Band, teaching them how to play a certain thing was pretty easy, and I wasn’t too stressed about that,” Clark said.
See GRADUATES on page 5A
Homeless at 11, hero at 18 OSU student’s
journey in giving back
ALIYAH YOUNG STAFF REPORTER
Meeting Trinity Smith, you would never know she was once homeless.
It is not always that easy to identify. Someone struggling with homelessness could be in class, sitting right next to you.
Smith, a military private, an OSU student, a leader of a service group and an advocate for her community, once faced these challenges. She was born in Germany and later
moved to Florida, which is when hardship hit.
“There was a really bad tropical storm,” Smith said. “Me and my family were out doing some school shopping, my brothers were home, and we got a call from my brother saying he smelled smoke in the house. There was a fire in the backyard.”
Lightning struck the breaker box, igniting a fire that destroyed most of their home.
See HERO on page 4A
Payton Little
Cayden Clark spent the fall semester student teaching at Sapulpa High School, a requirement for her music degree.
Daisy Gower
Cowgirl cheerleaders at Gallagher-Iba Arena cheering for the women’s basketball team on Nov. 4.
Payton Little
OSU student Trinity Smith, inspired by her past, is making a difference in her community.
What’s
your favorite Christmas movie? The O’Colly editorial board’s picks
“Four Christmases” 2008
One holiday tradition we can all agree on is Christmas movies and hot chocolate. Check out The O’Colly editorial board’s picks for favorite Christmas films.
Kennedy Thomason, Editor-in-Chief
“Home Alone” 1990
What’s Christmas without Kevin McCallister?
The holiday antics never disappoint. Whether it’s in a Chicago suburb or New York City, Kevin’s shenanigans are a Christmas staple.
Hayden Alexander, News & Lifestyle editor
“Die Hard” 1988
Argue with me all you want, “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie and one of my favorites. It melds holiday cheer with an action-packed plot perfectly. It’s not Christmas in my house until Hans Gruber falls off Nakatomi Plaza.
Ashton Slaughter, Sports editor
“It’s a Wonderful Life” 1946
The classic of all classics. I love “It’s a Wonderful Life” as not only a Christmas movie, but just an outstanding movie. I watch it every year without fail (the blackand-white version only) and enjoy it every time. Oldie but a goodie!
Raynee Howell, Assistant News & Lifestyle editor
Editor-in-Chief
Kennedy Thomason editorinchief@ocolly.com
Sports editor
Ashton Slaughter sports.ed@ocolly.com
Assistant sports editor
Parker Gerl sports.ed@ocolly.com
Design editor
Katie Lehew design.ed@ocolly.com
Social media editor
Bryson Thadhani news.ed@ocolly.com
I, of all people, would find a way to incorporate a rom-com into Christmas. This movie is hilarious and captures the incompatibility of families during the holiday to a ‘T.’ I wouldn’t recommend watching this with your younger siblings or cousins, but it’s a great watch, especially if your parents are divorced.
Parker Gerl, Assistant Sports editor
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” 2000
Growing up, I loved superhero and supervillian movies, and “The Grinch” was the closest I could get to that from a Christmas movie. I think the plot in the movie is great, and it’s an all-around fun watch when you’re a kid.
Payton Little, Photo editor
“Elf” 2003 “Elf” is THE Christmas movie and I will stand by that... while I wear my “Elf” pajama pants. Will Ferrell’s acting never disappoints.
Bryson Thadhani, Social Media editor
“Polar Express” 2004
I was going to say “Elf,” but Payton took it already so I’ll go with a solid No. 2, “Polar Express.” Yes, it gets old fast so you can only really watch it once or twice, but the nostalgia that comes over you when you hear the hot chocolate song, it’s nothing short of iconic.
Katie Lehew, Design editor
“The Holiday” 2006
This movie is such a sweet, romantic film with an amazing cast. It is perfect for a cozy Christmas girl’s night!
news.ed@ocolly.com
News & Lifestyle editor Hayden Alexander news.ed@ocolly.com
Assistant News & Lifestyle
editor Raynee Howell news.ed@ocolly.com
Photo editor Payton Little photo.ed@ocolly.com
Adviser Brett Dawson brett.dawson@okstate.edu
Ask the Pokes
What are you doing over break?
“I’m going to go home and go back to my job that I have at home. I work at a hospital as a CNA.”
- Kailynne Swingle, junior
“My birthday is over break, so I’m probably going to hang out with my family and celebrate.”
- Michelle Raley, freshman
“I will be going to Memphis (Tennessee) to see my extended family, cousins, grandparents, uncles and spending Christmas with them and the New Year.”
- Hayden Faulkner, graduate student
“I’m going to relax and hang out with my dogs and my family.”
- Kelsee Dale, Pete’s Pet Posse communications assistant
The O’Colly Staff
News & Lifestyle reporters:
Bella Casey
Luisa Clausen
Cody Garcia
Jackson Johns
Audie Martin
MJ Nyamdavaa
Jocelyne Perez
Ricky Robertson
Megan Roy
Ava Whistler
Aliyah Young
Newsroom
Sports reporters: Photographers & Designers:
Daniel Allen Dalton Arredondo
Baylor Bryant
Cayden Cox
Timonthy Christenson
Gina Foster
Kenzie Kraich
Samuel Mitchell
Calif Poncy
Allyn Orndorff
Kaitlyn Robertson
Wyatt Tessier
Will Thorogood
Wyatt Watson
Weston Wertzberger
Jose Brito
Maya Blanks
Delainey Cops
Mykalyn Daidone
Catherine Dzanski
Lilian Easter
Andon Freitas
Conner Fuxa
Riley Harness
Kaytlyn Hayes
Ethan Hilbert
Jonathan Jackson
Michael Jane‘t
Benjamin Perry
Isaac Terry
GOD’S WONDERFUL LOVE GIFT!
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Ro.5:8 NLT)
One of the important foundations of our faith is the extent of God’s love for us. It is how far He would go to help us in our sinfulness. If we were to face the righteous judgment of God without his help, we all would be eternally lost; separated from God and all that is good, and it would be forever.
John 3:16 expresses that simply. “ God so loved the world! God went to great lengths to supply a way for us “not to perish;” not to be separated in eternal regret from all that is good and wonderful. It is God who took the initiative. We are so dead in our sins that we did not even see our need fully. To save us, God sent his Son, Jesus, to die for us; to pay the
penalty that was rightfully ours, so that we, humans, could go free.
What does he ask from us? When we learn (hear) the message of God’s love, of Jesus’ sacrifice for us; we trust him, admit our need(our sin), and honestly thank him for his love gift. God forgives all our sins and declares us righteous in his sight.(Ro.5:1) He also gives us a new life within. We are “born again”, and we begin a new and real relationship with God. It is a love relationship; “We love him because He first loved us.” (1 Jn.4:19)
“How great is the love the Father (God) has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 Jn.3:1 NIV) Not by any works we have done, but receiving freely Gods love gift. It is free to all!
Courtesy Creative Commons
It’s not the holidays without hot chocolate, snacks and Christmas movies.
A college student’s guide to understanding tariffs
AUDIE MARTIN STAFF REPORTER
President-elect Donald Trump’s promises to implement 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico have caused an inflation of Google searches and a spark of conversation in mass media and amongst college students.
These impending changes with Trump’s upcoming presidency have emotions mixed across the United States and bordering countries, with Google trend searches of the word ‘tariffs’ reaching peak popularity twice in the past month on Nov. 3-9 and Nov. 24-30, according to Google Trends. Bill McLean, OSU Professor of economics since 1993, gave insight for those curious about the predicted future of these tariffs and what it means for the economy in the United States.
“A tariff is simply a tax on an imported good or service,” McLean said. “That’s all it is. The consequences of a tariff are multiple. The first thing that it will do is raise the price of the imported good. Secondly, it will cause (the quantity supplied) of the good to increase and (quantity demand) for the good will decrease.”
McLean said the effects of an imposed tariff will not only cause a supply increase/demand decrease, but it will also affect pricing for customers.
“As a result, the price of the good will go up, so whoever purchases that good will have to pay more for it,” McLean said. “Another consequence is that the government will get tariff revenue which they didn’t before… the total tariff revenue will be the amount of that tariff (multiplied by) the number of goods or services you import.”
McLean said increasing prices leaves consumers with two options when a tariff has been implemented on a product the consumer is set on purchasing.
“If you want to look at it from prices, the price of goods goes up and that means two things,” McLean said. “One, if you want it, you’re going to pay more for it. Two, if you don’t want to pay for it and you can find a substitute, you’ll buy the substitute. We do that all of the time; we just don’t acknowledge it… now, if there is no substitute, then
you’re screwed, and you have to pay the higher price.”
These predicted higher prices have become a critiqued point in the President-elect’s plans for his upcoming position in January.
However, McLean said an increase in tariffs for importing nations benefit the domestic country implementing the tax through labor or political points.
“One resource is always labor, so for domestic industries, more production is good,” McLean said. “On the other hand, if you use the good, you have to pay the higher price. That’s kind of a negative, but the bottom line is, what’s your goal? What are you trying to accomplish? Remember, tariffs are placed by government, not economists.”
McLean said increasing domestic production will help in “protecting American (or domestic) jobs.” He also said tariffs can be used for political purposes as threats to the potentially tariffed country. McLean said Trump’s stated plan of implementing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico is likely being used as a political play.
“For example, if I want Mexico to shut down all of the people moving to the border and shut down the border on their side, I can threaten you with a 25% tariff on all your goods,” McLean said. “You say, ‘Well, is it worth it?’
When we put a tariff on the goods, that means that we will import less, which means they’ll produce less, which means their economy will suffer. So, you say, ‘Well, is it worth it to tick them off and get this tariff or is it easier to close the border?’”
McLean said utilizing tariffs is beneficial for goods considered “important for national security.” He claimed Trump’s announcements of implemented tariffs before entering office is likely due to him “trying to influence people’s behavior.”
McLean said he believes those interested in learning more on the implications of tariffs can educate themselves through various sources, noting Khan Academy and AI with source checking as beneficial.
“I would tell you the easiest thing to do is go to Khan Academy and just put in the word ‘tariff,’” McLean said.
“Khan Academy will give you a 5 or ten-minute lesson on tariffs.” news.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly alumnus to speak at graduation
KENNEDY THOMASON
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
@_KENNEDYPAGE
A New York Times editor and O’Colly alumnus will be Saturday’s commencement speaker.
Josh Crutchmer, who was a student at OSU from 1999-2001, will speak to December graduates before they walk across the stage in Gallagher-Iba Arena this weekend. He served as the sports editor for The O’Colly while also taking interest in the Red Dirt music scene during his time at OSU.
After eight cities and various jobs on the “production side” of journalism, Crutchmer is the planning editor for The New York Times.
“It’s one of my favorite things about my career is that I still wear OSU on my sleeve,” Crutchmer said in an October interview. “... I go back all the time, and I am happy to flaunt that I’m designing the front page of The New York Times with that as my background. I think it’s really cool in this world of ivy league journalists and private-school success stories
(that) I came from OSU, and the world ended up opening up for me just nicely.”
In October, Crutchmer broke the news of Cross Canadian Ragweed’s reunion. The Stillwater-born Red Dirt band is reuniting for shows in April, 14 years after a messy breakup. It will be the first time OSU will hold concerts in Boone Pickens Stadium. Fans reacted quickly to the unexpected reunion, selling out each of the four shows and every hotel and Airbnb in Stillwater within 24 hours of the show’s announcement.
Crutchmer began covering the band when it played in the Wormy Dog Saloon, a bar previously located on The Strip. He has followed them since, in addition to Red Dirt artists like Wyatt Flores. His latest book, “Red Dirt Unplugged,” will be available Friday. It details Red Dirt’s evolution over the last four years, along with interviews with Ragweed’s four members on their return.
“I’m writing that because one time I was an OSU journalism student,” Crutchmer said. “And so I owe all that I can do to that.”
news.ed@ocolly.com
OSU begins preparations for 2026 accreditation
KENNEDY THOMASON
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
@_KENNEDYPAGE
OSU has constructed a plan to have the university meet its goals for an impending 2026 accreditation visit.
The Higher Learning Commission, or HLC, will visit OSU in April 2026 for a review and potential reaccreditation, which grants federal-funded student aid. The nonprofit accredits degreegranting colleges and universities nationwide.
To prepare, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Chris Francisco said the university has created a timeline and convened subcommittees. OSU is also planning to host a mock HLC visit in early 2026, he said.
“I tell my calculus students, if you just sit and watch me do calculus problems, you get really good at sitting and watching me do calculus problems;
you don’t get good at actually doing the problems yourself,” Francisco said.
HLC evaluates on five main areas, which include the university’s mission, ethical integrity, institutional effectiveness and teaching.
The university was last reviewed in 2015, Francisco said.
“This is a pretty rigorous review process, so it goes deeply into what our practices are, whether our practices and what we accomplish are in line with our mission and our strategy, and so that’s kind of what we want to demonstrate to HLC,” Francisco said. Provost Jeanette Mendez reiterated that the HLC accreditation is a “rigorous process.”
“You would think this is pro forma,” Mendez said. “It’s not. It’s very robust. We’re planning years ahead of time.”
Most of Oklahoma’s universities are accredited through HLC, including the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Bryson Thadhani
Tariffs are among the items that could change under President-elect Donald Trump.
Kennedy Thomason
Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Chris Francisco said OSU is preparing for a “rigorous” reaccredidation process in April 2026.
“It burned down three-fourths of the house… that made us homeless,” Smith said.
After this tragedy, her family received some help from Blue Shield, an insurance company, but it was not enough to support a single mother with three kids. For a while, they were forced to live out of their car.
Smith’s homelessness began during her fifth-grade year, she said.
“All my school clothes burned in the fire, and me and my brothers got separated,” she said. “Going to elementary school and not having the newest clothes was very difficult because all you want to do is fit in, and you can’t fit in if you don’t have anything.”
It was difficult for her to explain her situation to adults, and they had trouble understanding it, she said.
“It was definitely an emotional strain because I didn’t even have my brothers and my mom,” Smith said.
The fire was covered on the local news.
“Everybody knew about it, but then everybody didn’t talk about it,” Smith said. “Which was a weird scenario that you’re kind of getting tiptoed around. That’s not the best feeling.”
The family’s turning point happened when having a meal at a restaurant.
“After a month or so of being homeless, we were eating Taco Bell, when a guy came up to us,” Smith said. “After seeing everything that was in the car, and my mom crying, he asked us if we needed help. My mom said ‘no.’
“He prayed for her... after literally, right after that discussion, she was like, ‘We need to get help.’”
Trinity moved to Oklahoma and lived with her grandmother. Although this provided solace, it was not an instant fix, she said.
“Moving didn’t mean that everything was necessarily OK, because up in Florida to Oklahoma,
my mom didn’t have a job,” Smith said. “It was very difficult for her since she wasn’t the type of person to ask for help.”
Still, she was grateful to have a place to stay, even though the process of getting there was difficult. Many people struggle with being unhoused, and now, Smith is working to lower that number. She does outreach and is the leader of a group that makes a big impact on the homeless in her community.
“It started with making plates for the homeless,” Smith said.
By 13, she had created a group with about 65 other young adults who cleaned out a church to create spaces for people to stay. They supplied food and volunteered to make their stay more comfortable.
“I can’t give them a home as much as I would like,” Smith said. “I do as much as I can providing them a safe place to lay their head with tents and sleeping bags.”
At first glance, Smith may appear as a student who lived an average life, with an average childhood. She does not look like someone who used to be unhoused because homelessness does not have a look, she said.
“I would say a big misinterpretation is that homelessness is caused by drug addiction or things like that,” Smith said. “I just think it’s important to listen to people, not judge the way they look.”
Smith said that once you are on the streets, building from ground zero is difficult and expensive.
Despite her challenges, Smith said she plans to continue her work in the homeless community and expand her impact as she grows in her field of work.
“I plan on becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon, and I’m also in the military,” Smith said. “My motto is to help others. Through my work, I can really make a difference.”
Her family is extremely proud of her kindness and resilience.
“You (Trinity) are compassionate, hard-working, focused on your future, and attaining goals you have set up for yourself” said Teresa Savidge, Smith’s grandmother. “You are giving and love the Lord.” news.ed@ocolly.com
Students appreciate Christmas festivities despite not celebrating
OSU students who don’t celebrate Christmas are finding ways to appreciate the holiday.
Some students may not celebrate Christmas because of religious or personal reasons yet they have found opportunities to enjoy the holiday season at OSU.
Sophomore Mena Awad, a physiology pre-med major, said she enjoys the festivities though she doesn’t celebrate Christmas because she is a part of the Muslim community.
“I think it’s pretty,” Awad said. “Last night I took one of my friends, and it was her first time seeing Christmas lights in the States. We kind of just walked around campus at night and looked at the lights. I thought it was really pretty, and it’s such a beautiful time of the year.”
After coming from Palestine to Stillwater when she was about four years old, Awad said her first time experiencing Christmas was just short of overwhelming. She said moving from a predominantly Muslim area that didn’t celebrate Christmas to a town with a prominent Christian population was a large adjustment. Awad recommended students who were experiencing the holiday season for the first time to get plugged into communities, ask questions and appreciate the season, even without religious ties.
“I feel like especially coming into such a diverse country, you’re going to be presented with all of these different celebrations, faiths and cultures,” Awad said. “It can definitely be overwhelming in the beginning and overstimulating. Sometimes just taking it in and understanding everyone and everything can make (this time) a lot easier.”
Christmas and Eid al-Fitr, or the Muslim “Celebration of Feast” after Ramadan, will fall on the same day in 2033. Awad said the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar calendar, meaning the dates holidays fall on can change each time of year. With two Eids each year, Awad said a couple of years ago she was able to help with the Eid celebration at the Stillwater Mosque and Islamic Center.
“It was the first time that I saw my community active like that in a while,” Awad said. “I saw how easily people who typically didn’t have money still donated because they wanted the kids to have a good Eid celebration. Me and a few other girls led that Eid, and we had organized everything like the food and activities. I just remember how happy the kids were, and everyone was just hanging out.”
Awad also said she hopes OSU will become more involved with other holiday celebrations of religious groups across campus.
“I would love to see the campus get more involved when we have celebrations like that,” Awad said. “I guess they do post and they’re like ‘Happy Ramadan,’ but they don’t
go out of their way to do anything or partner with our MSA (Muslim Students Association) on campus. Or at least see possibly (OSU President Dr. Kayse Shrum’s) office reach out to us and discuss hosting. I’ve seen other universities do that, but I think it’s really beautiful how active the university is during Christmas time.”
Senior Maha Achour, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, agreed that awareness of various religious holidays should be made known across campus. Also a member of the Islamic community, Achour said it is difficult incorporating a large amount of diversity at OSU.
“Obviously it’s sad because we can’t do that with every holiday,” Achour said. “I think that’s just a different problem to tackle. If you’re going to start celebrating every holiday, you’re going to have to really survey the students to see what people are celebrating. As of now, I like it and I think it’s cute.”
Achour said she enjoys the holiday season, including activities with her family such as ice skating, looking at Christmas lights or listening to the 1984 hit “Last Christmas” by Wham!. She said she was appreciative of the OSU Alumni Association’s Fanfare of Lights on Dec. 2.
“That is so heartwarming,” Achour said. “I feel like it brings the students together, even if you’re not a Christian. I know some people from my background or from other backgrounds are like, ‘You’re just assuming that everyone celebrates this holiday.’ But I don’t even think it’s about specifically Christmas. I think it’s just the idea to bring people together, the lights are on and to just take this moment to look around, and it just lights up the whole campus.”
Achour said she found similarities in the atmosphere of holidays, whether that was celebrating Christmas, Eid or another holiday. She said celebrating with her family has been “so valuable and so incomparable.” Although Achour’s extended family lives in Tunisia, she said calling family also not celebrating Christmas can help during the holiday season.
“If you feel like you’re kind of isolated or lonely during this time of year, just know that you can reach out,” Achour said. “At all of the activities I feel like it can be full of people who don’t particularly celebrate either. Just make it a time for yourself and make it a time to celebrate the general cheer and happiness that the world brings. Also, it’s a time for reflection of the year that just passed because it is toward the end of the year. So, you can take advantage of that and hang out with your loved ones.”
Through various events such as celebrating the Fanfare of Lights or Eid al-Fitr, Achour said getting to know and appreciate other cultures has been beneficial in her enjoying the holiday season.
“This is a campus full of different, multifaceted and multicultural individuals,” Achour said. “We’re bound to have differences, yet we can still come together.”
Payton Little
Trinity Smith plans to become a cardiothoracic surgeon after graduation.
Hayden Alexander
Some students may not celebrate Christmas, but they still find ways to enjoy the holiday season.
AUDIE MARTIN STAFF REPORTER
Graduates
At first, Clark was a little nervous about teaching, but the students at Sapulpa quickly showed her that she had what it takes to be an excellent director. Clark said the first time she felt truly at home was after her students returned from a competition.
“I heard the door open, and I threw open the office door, and I looked out, and they’re all coming inside, and they’re like, ‘Miss Clark, we missed you,’ and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I missed you too,’ and it was so sweet because in that moment I knew these kids really loved me,” Clark said.
Injuries
allows the school to make better informed, up-to-date decisions on the level of play a concussed student may participate in.
From experiencing injuries personally to watching her athletes experience it, Bracken said preventing injuries is one of her top priorities. At OSU, Bracken encourages her athletes to practice preventative exercises — strength and conditioning as well as progression drills — to reach skills of higher difficulty.
Despite coaches trying to get out in front of the problem, injury report numbers are once again on the rise, specifically for high school athletes. An increase in the difficulty level of skills, a lack of proper recovery and coach education are most likely the reasons associated with the increase, Bracken said.
In 2023, 7,036 high school cheerleaders reported injuries to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Before the pandemic, the numbers were decreasing, with only 6,048 in 2019.
The data from NEISS is based on a nationally representative probability sample of hospitals in the U.S. and its territories. Each participating NEISS hospital reports patient information for every emergency department visit associated with children under 18.
Only the reported injuries from NEISS-affiliated hospitals are taken into account, meaning a large number of injuries are not included in the data set. Despite this factor, the data shows an upward trend of reported injuries.
With levels increasing across the nation, Stillwater Public Schools prioritizes the health of its athletes, Aaron Harmon, the head athletic trainer at Stillwater High School (SHS) said. He said SHS protocols were developed with input from neurologists, team physicians and orthopedic physicians. Harmon also teaches courses in injury management at OSU.
“Our top focus has to be about the student-athlete,” Harmon said. “We have to make sure that we’re taking care of their basic needs.”
NEISS data shows injuries to the head and neck were decreasing before the Covid-19 pandemic, but now are among the most common injuries.
At SHS, specific technology is used to monitor injuries to the head and neck, namely concussions. The platform, Sway, is used to diagnose concussions. Although the district still requires students to see a healthcare provider before returning to their sport, the digital diagnostic platform
“The ultimate goal for athletic trainers and coaches and parents and doctors is to make sure that our kids are the center of our focus, and their safety is our top priority,” Harmon said.
Although there is a nationwide increase of certain injuries, Harmon said he has not seen it on the local level in Stillwater, but the statistics do not surprise him as sports have become more demanding for the athlete.
“Athletes are bigger, stronger, faster,” Harmon said. “The faster they can go, the more impact is going to happen, and the more likely we’re going to see injuries.”
Although most research shows lower extremities are normally the most common injuries, upper body injuries, especially shoulder tears, are common in men who base stunts, Bracken said. Data shows an increase in those injuries as more men integrate into the sport.
Amy Cassell, an assistant director for Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, said she hasn’t seen an increase in injuries in Oklahoma. In her opinion, the increase could be attributed to an increasing number of participants post-Covid.
“For us here in Oklahoma, participation has increased due to offering more ways to compete,” Cassell said. “If reporting indicates more documented injuries, it may be more likely because of higher participation rates in competitions.”
For OSSAA, it’s important to create programs and protocols to minimize risk for athletes in all sports including cheerleading.
“Of course, we cannot prevent injury,” Cassell said. “It is inherent in all activities. We use safety certification programs and have mandated safety rules for spirit.”
Bracken, who has cheered and worked with coaches at all levels, has seen a need for increased coach education to protect athletes. The programs at OSSAA are meant to work toward addressing that need, but Bracken said there are still strides to be made.
“Coach education needs to significantly increase,” Bracken said. “People see videos on TikTok, and they’re like, ‘Oh, I want to try this,’ and they try it, and they have no concept of what cues to teach, what not to teach, where to spot, what the common mistakes are, and so I’m very passionate about it.”
Maya Blanks and Jessica Pearce contributed to this report.
Clark said she is excited about the prospect of directing in the future, and she understands the importance she and other women in the field have in changing the dynamic. Female directors are not common, but in recent years, more women have taken on the role. Clark said she was lucky enough to work with two.
“I’m extremely fortunate that I have two female band directors that I can look up to, and I can have those tough conversations of like, ‘How do you handle it in this very male-dominated profession?’” Clark said.
Clark encouraged her fellow music students, soon-to-be graduates, and those dreaming of directing their own band someday to find other women in the field and learn from them.
“Don’t give up, because it is a dime a dozen to find very good female directors, but it’s possible,” Clark said. “Find that one and just stick with them, and if you don’t find one, be that person you want to see.”
Clark is not the only woman on campus blazing a trail in her field. Katelin Bean is graduating with a degree in agricultural systems technology and is the first woman at OSU to earn a degree in the new program.
“I’m very proud that I’ve made that accomplishment, and since I’ve been going through the degree program I’ve seen more and more prospective students come in that are females and so it’s definitely growing and that makes me really excited to see it,” Bean said.
Bean said she has always put herself in male-dominated fields but has loved every
moment. From welding in junior college to interning with a construction company over the summer, Bean is living the dream.
“I’ve always been putting myself in these environments, and it’s never been an issue,” Bean said.
After two years in junior college and two at OSU, Bean said she is ready for the next chapter at OSU and plans to pursue her master’s degree in fire safety and explosion protection engineering technology. She said the change in career fields started in her agricultural safety and health class.
“I really enjoyed it and decided that’s the path that I want to go,” Bean said. “I like being out and about, I like being around people out in the field, and that’s the perfect mix of what I’m looking for.”
Bean is ready to take on the next chapter and encourages other women in agriculture and construction fields to get in on the action and pursue their passions unyieldingly.
“Go for it,” Bean said. “It might be a little scary at first and you might get some comments and it might be hard to get over the bump at first, but if you work hard and set goals it’ll all fall into place.”
Working hard is nothing new to senior Haley Monday, an artist pursuing her craft at OSU. Monday is graduating with a degree in art with a concentration in photography. She said art has always been part of her life.
“I grew up surrounded by art, and my dad’s an artist so it’s kind of always been something that I’ve done,” Monday said.“It was never really a question; the question was what I would focus on.”
Monday’s work explores human relationships and how different concepts, ideas and people connect. She captures a variety of styles, from abstract to landscape. She said that her work helps her express herself, and she hopes others can connect emotionally.
“If I am ever going through something really hard or really tough, it serves as an outlet for me to express myself,” Monday said. “When I make art, I also hope to share that so that others can find a little piece of themselves in it.”
Monday’s work has been featured on the OSU Orange Wall, at the Bartlett Art Center and the Modella Gallery in Downtown Stillwater. She said she hopes to open her own studio someday and travel the
world in pursuit of art. For now, Monday said she plans on continuing to take photos. To her fellow art students, Monday said the key to art is not giving up and knowing when to ask for help.
“At the end of the day, you just got to keep pushing yourself,” Monday said. “There’s going to be moments where you feel really overwhelmed and frustrated and you feel like you can’t do it; you always got to lean on other classmates and professors.”
Each of these women is remarkable and diverse in their own right, but the trio shares one thing in common: their love for OSU.
Clark still recalls her first time performing pre-game with Cowboy Marching Band. She said it was terrifying at first but quickly turned into her favorite moment at OSU.
“We ran out and there’s thousands of people, they’re all cheering and we’re back in Boone Pickens (Stadium) after Covid-19; that feeling, that memory sticks with me,” she said.
Bean worked as a campus tour guide, which gave her the opportunity to help others fall in love with OSU. She said she was able to talk with thousands of people about why she loved OSU and connect with others.
“I loved every second of it,” Bean said. “I was surrounded by some of the most amazing people, and it gave me the opportunity to meet other fellow students from every single academic college on campus.”
Monday recounted her time traveling to Taos, New Mexico, to work on her photography skills and her time serving on the Student Union Activities Board executive team. She said both experiences helped her grow her friendships and art skills.
Bean’s journey at OSU is just beginning, and Monday and Clark are setting out to make their way in the world. Clark said she already has plans for Saturday after graduation.
She’s heading to watch the Sapulpa High School Marching Band march in the Sapulpa Christmas parade.
“I told them (Sapulpa students) I was graduating that morning, they’re like, ‘You can not come, you can stay.’ I was like, ‘No, this is how I want to celebrate,’” Clark said.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Jessica Pearce
Hayden Alexander
Kaitlin Bean is the first woman at OSU to graduate with a degree in agricultural systems technology.
Special needs and S.A.ID.
SPD rolls out identification program
KENNEDY THOMASON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @_KENNEDYPAGE
As Jill Jordan stood next to her dad’s hospital bed, her son stood atop a bridge.
Jordan, who was in Oklahoma City as her dad battled liver cancer, received a call that her intellectually disabled son had left his Stillwater group home.
“The way he thought was, ‘If my pop is gonna die, then I’m gonna die too,’” Jordan said.
After a swarm of first responders arrived and the situation was diffused, her son was able to receive medical care in Ada. However, Jordan said documentation of her son’s disability could have helped the first responders interact with him in a more productive way.
The Stillwater Police Department implemented its Special Needs Alerts and Identification (S.A.ID.) program in November. The program allows citizens to submit information to help identify and assist people with special needs in an emergency in hopes of deescalating potentially dangerous situations. The information is only shared with SPD personnel and other first responders.
Two types of alerts will be attached to submitted information: personal and location.
A personal alert is associated with the name and date of birth of the person and will not expire. The location alert is tied with an address and will expire after a year. SPD will contact submitters once a year to update the information, according to its website.
Jordan is a crisis nurse at GRAND Mental Health, a chain of mental health and addiction recovery centers. She commuted to Stillwater’s location for five years before moving to town in May.
With her new residence, Jordan said she plans to complete the form in case a situation arises when her son visits from Tulsa.
Jordan said she hopes this could decrease the chances of a negative interaction with police because her son’s behaviors can be erratic.
“One minute he can be fine,” Jordan said. “The next minute, we’re flying off the wall for no reason.”
Her son has an IQ of 45, a result of “negligent medical care” during his birth, Jordan said. He has significant cognitive barriers, which Jordan said have led him to negative interactions with police.
Her son also has a speech impairment, making communication in stressful situations more difficult than normal, Jordan said. Lt. Ryan Woodard, who works full time for the Oklahoma City Fire Department, has trained many of the state’s first responders whose departments have implemented the S.A.ID. program.
His training focuses on interactions with autistic people, which he does through the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma.
Responders have to assess the situation and adapt to the individual’s needs, Woodard said. That can mean interacting with someone who won’t make eye contact or needs to keep noise-canceling headphones on to avoid being overstimulated.
“I have to say, ‘Hey, we’re going to do this,’ and then I’m going to make sure that they understand it, what we’re going to do, because when stressed, so many people on the spectrum regress and are unable to do things that they normally would be able to do,” Woodard said.
Woodard, who has two autistic nephews, said he began leading trainings three years ago to decrease the gap in education.
He said a large contributor to miscommunication between first responders and people with special needs is emotion, specifically the emotional inflection of words.
“They seem like they’re disinterested or don’t care, or don’t have empathy, and none of that is true,” Woodard said. “They just don’t understand your emotion.”
Stillwater is one of the latest cities to implement the program. It originated in Moore and Norman, Woodard said.
SPD Chief Shannon Jordan said the program is a “great tool” for the city’s first responders.
“Information is vital to us on what they respond to, what they don’t respond to, what sets them off, things like that, and just so you know right away, when you get there, that they’re not on drugs,” Jordan said. “They’re not doing acid or cocaine or anything like that.”
SPD currently has red-flag software in place, which shares information such as if the person is a frequent caller or has violent tendencies. The S.A.ID. program, Jordan said, will be an extension of the existing infrastructure.
The department responded to 5,085 calls in 2023, and has responded to 4,889 as of Monday, according to an open record. It does not track how many calls involved people with disabilities.
Jordan said some citizens were concerned about their information being exploited, but he reiterated the form is confidential. Only the first responders on the call will see the information. It will not be shared over any departments’ radio system.
“It’s a voluntary system, and we hope everybody takes advantage of that because it’s nothing but positive, and can help your significant other and some of us and make sure they get the care and treatment they need,” Jordan said.
Woodard, who led a training for the Stillwater Fire Department on Saturday, said the firefighters weren’t
aware of the system.
SFD Chief Terry Essary said because the program is new, he is still informing his staff.
“I just left from an operations meeting where I shared with my assistant chief of operations, and then two of our battalion chiefs were there, and we talked about it, let them know this is out there,” Essary said on Wednesday. “It’s the beginning phases of it. But be looking forward. Make sure you tell all your crews, and we’ll have a lot of more conversations about that, too.”
The program allows first responders to be more proactive because citizens are able to provide important information, Essary said.
The fire department responded to 4,075 calls in 2023. This year is already outpacing last, at 4,211 as of Tuesday, according to an open record.
He added that the program is not only for people with intellectual disabilities. Citizens also have the opportunity to submit information such as being diabetic, having poor eyesight or being hard of hearing.
A portion of OSU’s population is disabled, adding to the city’s residential total. During the spring semester, 1,377 students of the about 25,000 had disabilities registered with the university.
Although OSUPD does not share a database with SPD, Captain Colt Chandler said there is frequent participation between the departments. This would make it easy to share information with S.A.ID., he said.
This could be particularly important when OSU hosts the Special Olympics each year, he said. Especially because it has been three or four years since the department has participated in specialized training.
“We deal with that population consistently, so we want to make
sure that we’re relevant,” Chandler said. “But I think a lot of the times that in going through the Special Olympics every year, it allows us to maintain that relevance and presence and understanding the culture in the community that surrounds this.”
Opportunity Orange Scholars, a program for students with intellectual disabilities at OSU, has nine students. Director Emily Tucker said part of the program’s curriculum is learning to be an advocate for themselves in interactions with first responders.
The curriculum also focuses on building a positive relationship with law enforcement officers. That’s why OSUPD Officer Adam Queen ate doughnuts with the group this semester, Tucker said.
Despite the stories of negative, or sometimes fatal, interactions with police, Tucker said Opportunity Orange Scholars continues to push for relationship building.
“I think that’s why we as a program have gone with the, ‘OK, great. Let’s help all of our students build positive relationships and see them as a resource or support and see if that just is helpful,’” Tucker said. “Because… I think sometimes it just is a fear of what that could look like.”
Jordan said she and her son have experienced a range of situations with law enforcement and first responders. From having to repeat stories to police, chasing her son down the road, to arrests, Jordan said the process remains difficult.
“I always hope somebody out there is learning from our experiences we go through because it’s a rough road,” Jordan said. “It’s been a rough road for a long time, lots of years, and nobody has told me, ‘Hey, when you’re this age, you get to do all this fun things,’ and it’s just, it’s hard.”
news.ed@ocolly.com
Bryson Thadhani
The Stillwater Police Department has rolled out a program to provide information on people with special needs to first responders before they arrive on scene.
Stillwater plans to replace out-of-date water infrastructure, foster growth
RAYNEE HOWELL
For the past four years, Stillwater resident Melissa Davenport has been unable to sell her 115-acre land.
Her property, near Sangre Road and Richmond Road, receives water from the Yost Road water station. The current equipment at the station is not suitable for the higher evaluation of the area, causing water pressure to be lower than the minimum requirement.
The low water pressure has kept Davenport and other residents in the neighborhood from purchasing and installing new water meters. Without running water on a majority of her property, its value has decreased and development in the area has slowed to nearly a stop.
“I cannot sell it, so we’re held hostage out here, right?” Davenport said. “When all you get out of a divorce is the land and you can’t even sell it, it is a problem other people don’t necessarily have.”
Davenport bought three meters recently when a test revealed the station could maintain a few more meters, but the equipment at the station has yet to be updated. A portion of her land is still unable to receive running water.
Aging water infrastructure and out-of-date equipment, as seen at Yost station, is a recurring theme in Stillwater. Outdated water lift stations, faulty water lines and water storage rehabilitation have halted projects and affected the livelihoods of residents.
The city has long been aware of the issues and presented a plan to fix a majority over the next year in a city council meeting in September.
The plan included two task orders. Task Order No. 1 focuses on linear and pipeline projects. A few pipelines need portions replaced, which will increase the number of outages, mainly because of repairs and maintenance, said David Barth, the City of Stillwater engineering manager.
“When we have to tie those new pipes into this system, there’s always going to be an outage,” Barth said. “It’s just part of maintaining and taking care of our system. All of the residents have to be part of that process, and sometimes it
doesn’t feel very good to have that going on.”
The repairs can cause inconvenience to residents temporarily, but for future growth to continue in Stillwater, the outages must occur. Barth said upgrades are an important part of maintaining services in a growing community.
“When we replace a pipe that’s now 8 inches in diameter, we’re probably putting in a 12-inch diameter pipe if that area is going to see future growth,” Barth said.
The approved upcoming projects should mitigate issues that have affected growth and development, but they have already caused some damage.
“There are places that have stopped developing,” said Chris Reding, District 2 county commissioner. “The southwest part of Stillwater was going to have a lot of growth, and it stopped because it didn’t have water. In fact, Legacy Village, the retirement home right here, was supposed to be out on the corner of 19th and Sangre (Road), but since there was no water, it got moved over here.”
Task Order No. 1 of the plan states the north and south ends of the Sangre Road waterline will be replaced. The line is 1,300 feet long, and Barth said only the problem areas need to be replaced. Had it been done earlier, the Legacy Village project could have continued at its original location.
Legacy Village is not the only commercial project that had to consider the condition of water utilities in its development plans. The new airport terminal construction plan was tailored around repairing a water line.
Airport Director Kellie Reed said the utilities need to be able to support the new terminal.
“Part of the project is relocating Airport Industrial Access Road, and that requires moving some utilities,”
Reed said. “We are working very closely with the City of Stillwater for moving electric, water utilities, cable internet... there’s many utilities that we’re relocating the easements for and in the process, the City of Stillwater is also rehabilitating some water lines through the area, so this project will replace some of those, and the city will replace the others.”
Barth said providing a water resource for people flying in and out of the airport is one of his many priorities. But his list of priorities is long. Other repairs in Task No. 1 include
replacing the Northeast Zone Transmission waterline and the Airport Road, Airport Industrial Road and Wright Drive waterline.
However, the projects in Task No. 1 will take time. Greg Kail, the director of communications at the American Water Works Association, said the time and energy put forth will ultimately pay off for the city.
“Water drives the economy,” Kail said. “If you take out your water system, you lose your everyday conveniences. You lose your public health protections; you lose firefighting protection, and we like to say that water is a lifeblood of a community and really does allow local businesses and the broader economy to thrive.”
Stillwater is a utility member of the AWWA, a nonprofit focused on management and treatment of water. Kail said wastewater treatment, which is addressed in Task No. 2, is another huge concern for growing cities.
Task Order No. 2 includes water and wastewater facility maintenance and upgrades. The main projects will focus on new lift stations and replacing equipment.
A list outlined in the plan identifies drinking water storage tank rehabilitation, the Northeast pressure zone storage conversion, water equipment replacements at the water treatment plant and the replacement of two lift stations located at Quail Ridge Street and Woodland Trails Avenue.
One concern of Barth’s is the development of new housing as well as residential areas turning into commercial. Wastewater infrastructure for those buildings will need to be updated to adjust to the new water usage demand.
“Things are just changing with how our town is,” Barth said. “People are tearing down single-family houses and building these fourplex things, and they look pretty, but now there’s four kitchens and six bathrooms, and so that’s a heavier demand for our water system and our wastewater system.”
Cory Williams, the Upside Hospitality CEO, is one of the people working to turn residential areas into commercial ones. Williams said he bought the “active meth house” that was located at 1102 S. Husband St. five years ago and wants to turn it into a cafe.
“We are trying to do things
that are in field development that are community-oriented, that help the neighborhood and not hurt it,” Williams said.“I have eight assets in that immediate vicinity —not counting the commercial — that I don’t want to do any damage to. I only want to enhance.”
To enhance the community for either residential and commercial properties, the water utilities must be in working order. For now, the council took no action on the proposal to rezone the properties because of community pushback, but the water resources in the area are also a concern. There isn’t much infrastructure that is not dependent on water, said Dawn Dodson, City of Stillwater director of communications. Both task orders will be financed through the Water and Sewer fund. The city will contract Black and Veatch, an engineering company out of Kansas City, Missouri, to execute the plans. The total cost is estimated at $4,256,476, according to the budget amendment request for budget year 2025.
Barth and Dodson focus on communicating with residents ahead of time with any information regarding changes to water service. From posts on social media to direct communication with residents, Dodson said communication is imperative as water is needed each day.
“A lot of times we share the outages on our website,” Dodson said. “However, voice conversation is still wanted by many, and we respect that, and want to be available and engage with our community members. And if they don’t like the answer that they receive from one staff member, don’t hesitate to contact
another. We’re here to ensure that they have the services that they need.”
Stillwater resident Maria Roff said she hasn’t experienced much help when contacting the city about water issues near her property in northeast Stillwater. A main waterline to a hydrant near her home broke and has continued running for months. Without proper drainage in the area, damages to her property have ensued.
“I had to contact multiple people at the city offices to try and find repair info for the busted line and big hole I have in my yard,” Roff said. “I just seem to be handed off to different departments without any clear idea of who can give answers or when to expect this to be resolved.”
Roff has also had to install piers — vertical support columns made of concrete — to fix a dip in her house she attributes to the drainage problems. She said it took more than a month for the city to assess the problem and nothing has been done since.
“Hopefully I won’t have a fire and need the hydrant the break is centered around,” Roff said.
As new repairs begin, Barth said it’s important for residents to voice any concerns, but resources and funding play a big role in solving them.
Davenport went straight to the source for information on her ability to receive access to water meters. She said she continuously spoke with Barth, but it took years for the problem to be resolved.
“I’ve been working with them for four years now, trying to get water out here; it’s a matter of manpower,” Davenport said. “They just don’t have that many workers.”
news.ed@ocolly.com
Raynee Howell
Water pipeline repair is at the forefront of Stillwater’s new plan for water and sewer projects.
BRYSON THADHANI SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Before you pack up the car and head home for the holidays, let’s talk about something a lot of us tend to ignore — car maintenance.
It’s time to give your ride some much-needed love before it takes you on another journey. This isn’t just about changing the oil (though that’s important). It’s about making sure you’re not stranded on the side of the highway because you ignored that weird noise or skipped a tire check.
5,000 mile service
Multiple things are included in this, more than just an oil change. But let’s start there.
Oil change: You should change the oil and oil filter every 5,000-10,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and type of oil you have.
Tire rotation: Even wear on your tires is important and can extend the life of your tires.
It’s basic maintenance, but ignoring it can lead to bigger (and more expensive) issues.
Tires
If you notice your vehicle is pulling to one side or the other, that is a sign your alignment is off. Getting this checked can help your tires wear evenly and gives you more control when driving.
Pressure check: With the cold weather, your tires are likely at a lower level than they should be. Most vehicles have a TPMS sensor that will alert you when your pressure is low. There will be a sticker on your driver’s side door frame that will tell you the proper PSI for each tire.
The OnCue on Hall Of Fame and Duck Street has free air that you can use to fill up your tires.
Tread depth: Worn-out tires are a disaster waiting to happen. You can use a penny to see if you’re good to drive. Simply turn the penny upsidedown and place it in-between the ridges on the top of your tire. If you can see top of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
Don’t forget the spare Flat tires happen often, but what’s worse is finding that your saving grace in this situation is just as useless. Check that your spare is properly
inflated before hitting the road. You don’t want to realize that it’s flat while you’re on the side of I-35.
Light the way
Those of us who have longer trips will probably end up driving in the dark, so be sure to check all of your headlights and taillights. Make sure they are clear, visible and bright. Same thing for your turn signals; make sure they both work and can be seen. If these are foggy, you can pick up a quick and easy restoration kit from AutoZone or Walmart for less than your go-to Doordash order, and you can find a handful of YouTube videos on how to use them.
A bad light isn’t just unsafe, it’s a quick ticket (especially from Highway Patrol).
Fluids, fluids, fluids
Your car has more fluids than just oil and they all need some love.
Coolant: Keeps your engine from overheating, especially important for long trips.
Brake fluid: Essential for, well, stopping. Don’t overlook this one. Washer fluid: Because visibility matters, especially when the windshield is covered in bugs or road grime. (Now is also a good time to make sure your wipers are good and don’t leave smudges).
Battery and belts
No one wants to deal with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere. Test your battery, especially if it’s more than three years old, and take a quick look at the belts and hoses. Cracks or fraying mean it’s time for a replacement.
Pack an emergency kit
Even with all the prep, things can still go sideways. Pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit and some roadside flares or reflectors. Being prepared for anything could save you hours of waiting for help.
Taking the time to give your car some quick, routine maintenance before hitting the road can save you a world of trouble. No one wants their road trip interrupted with a breakdown — or worse, a preventable accident. So, pop the hood, grab a tire gauge and check your lights. A little effort now means smooth sailing (or driving) for longer.
news.ed@ocolly.com
HAYDEN
ALEXANDER NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
As we head home for break, many students don’t have far to travel.
For the 70% of OSU’s student population living in-state, here are some fun holiday events around Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Take a trip down Route 66 to T-town. Tulsa is home to multiple holiday shopping spots, events and goodies.
Utica Square
Just outside Downtown Tulsa, Utica Square is a popular shopping and eatery spot. During the holidays, the square is lit up with a glittering display of lights. Stop by to shop and stay for a meal. Santa also makes a stop at Utica Square in the evenings.
Roosevelt’s
Located at 1551 E. 15th St., Roosevelt’s gets decked out for the holidays. Every year, the restaurant is decorated wall to wall with ornaments, tinsel, garland and lights. The restaurant provides a holiday menu and drinks for those 21 and older. Enjoy a hot chocolate, sit back and watch the show.
If you are planning to grab a bite at Roosevelt’s, I recommend going during the weekday and making reservations to avoid the crowds and long wait times.
Rhema Lights
The lights at Rhema Bible Church is a long-running tradition. Each year, Rhema Bible Church transforms its 110-acre grounds into a walkthrough winter wonderland with lights, music and hot chocolate. Bundle up, because the weather outside can be frightful. Pardon my holiday puns, I can’t help it.
Tulsa Christmas parade
The 99th annual Tulsa Christmas parade is happening Saturday at 11 a.m. in Downtown Tulsa. The route will start at 6th and Detroit and feature a host of fun Christmas displays.
Arvest Winterfest
Looking for a good spot to ice skate this Christmas? Look no further than the Arvest Winterfest. Arvest Bank in partnership with Ascension St. John hosts an annual Christmas celebration featuring ice skating, a 60-foot ice slide and many more activities. Dates and ticket prices vary, so check out tulsawinterfest. com for more information.
Sapulpa Christmas chute
The Route 66 Christmas chute in Sapulpa is a Christmas wonderland. With food trucks, massive holiday
exploring the lights.
Tulsa holiday market
The 918 is home to multiple holiday markets to peruse and enjoy, but one takes the yuletide cake. The Winter Holiday Market at the Gathering Place is happening Dec. 21 through Dec. 30 with live music, vendors, a train and snacks.
Let’s hit the road to OKC, our state’s very merry capital, where there are plenty of fun things to do this holiday season in the city.
Holiday light displays
As part of the city’s “Downtown in December” festivities, multiple areas around including Bricktown are lit up. If you are planning to hang out in Bricktown, catch a ride on the Bricktown Water Taxi and see the lights from the water.
Ice skating In a similar fashion to the Arvest Winterfest, Devon Energy’s Devon Ice Rink is back for the 13th year in a row. The rink is located in the Myriad Botanical Gardens and dates, times and tickets are available on its website.
Oklahoma City Zoo Safari Lights
The Oklahoma City Zoo is hosting a holiday light show now until Jan. 1 with walk-through and drive-through options for attendees.
Holiday pop-ups
Head to Midtown OKC for some shopping and hot chocolate at the Holiday Pop-Up Shops. The holiday market is the perfect place to shop at local businesses and look for gifts. The shops are open until Dec. 22, Fridays through Sundays.
Tellers
If you are looking for a deckedout holiday meal or a great photoop, Tellers is the place to be. The historic bank, now restaurant and meeting place, is transformed during the Christmas season with massive holiday trees and lights.
Enjoy Italian-inspired food and for those 21 and older, head to the Vault, located in the former bank’s actual vault. I recommend making a reservation for both the restaurant and bar.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Both Tulsa and OKC are hosting renditions of the Nutcracker Ballet. In Tulsa, the ballet is playing at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center now through Dec. 22, and at the Civic Center Music Hall in OKC through Dec. 23.
Tulsa and OKC are home to just a few of this season’s holiday events, but you can find plenty of holiday cheer in your area. Whether you’re from Texas or halfway across the country, my best advice is to check
Courtesy Creative Commons
Former Cowboys react to Gundy’s standoff with OSU, comment on drama that followed
BY DANIEL ALLEN I STAFF REPORTER I @ DANIELALLEN1738
Clint Chelf was on the spectating end of last week’s Oklahoma State football drama.
The former OSU starting quarterback had no inside scoop. No former teammates or coaches informed him what would transpire. Instead, he was informed at the same pace as casual fans.
Two weeks ago, the Cowboys
finished their 2024 season 3-9 after an abysmal showing in their season finale against Colorado at Folsom Field — a 52-0 thrashing, and the second time in three seasons OSU’s offense was shut out.
Five days later, offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Byran Nardo were fired. That, Chelf said, was expected.
Hendrickson grew up watching Bedlam, OSU; now he’s wrestling to beat the Sooners
DANIEL ALLEN
A young Wyatt Hendrickson watched from the stands of GallagherIba Arena.
Orange singlets clashed with crimson as the, adolescent Hendrickson analyzed technique over in-the-moment glory. Hendrickson illustrated the moment as if it were a recent memory. And in hindsight, he said, he wished the opposite.
Little did he know, he was witnessing a Bedlam dual — a marquee rivalry within the sport of wrestling.
“I actually didn’t understand what it was,” Hendrickson said with a laugh.
“Now I see it’s a pretty big deal.”
As the wall-to-wall home crowd grew more elated and neared pandemonium, Hendrickson said he became increasingly baffled.
How was he supposed to know? As a middle school student from Newton, Kansas, he was there to experience college wrestling’s best compete. Not cheer for either school in particular.
But now, Hendrickson — OSU’s starting heavyweight wrestler — will get his inaugural firsthand dose of Bedlam on Friday at 7 p.m. as the No. 3 Cowboys clash with No. 21 Oklahoma in Norman at McCasland Field House.
BEDLAM on page 5B
“I don’t want to call it ‘shock,’ because any time you go winless in Big 12 play — in a bad Big 12 league, mind you — and have a season like that, you basically know changes are going to be made,” Chelf told The O’Colly. “You expect it. Whether it be on the coaching staff or not, (OSU) had a bad football team this year.” What he didn’t expect was such staff changes to involve Gundy.
On Dec. 6, the OSU/A&M Board of Regents scheduled a special meeting “for the purpose of considering evaluation/assessment and other information relevant to the employment of Oklahoma State University football staff” in response to OSU’s first losing season since 2005 and second under Gundy. Chaos ensued.
See REACT on page 2B
OSU might regret not ripping off the Gundy Band-Aid now
Cowboy fans and outsiders of Stillwater were losing perspective on what probably brought a university to the brink of nearly firing the most important coach in its athletic history. One bad season didn’t almost ruin Gundy — Gundy almost ruined Gundy.
His unwillingness to adapt.
One bad season isn’t enough to fire Mike Gundy. His 18 straight bowl games warrant that respect.
But throughout last week’s willthey-or-won’t-they match between OSU and its football head coach,
Those November comments about “weak” critics of his who “can’t pay their own bills.” Past instances — whether on or off the field — damaged Gundy’s reputation enough that losing his job became a question.
Him making a bowl game for 18 straight seasons almost didn’t matter.
See REGRET on page 3B
Payton Little
Chaos surrounded Oklahoma State and Mike Gundy when reports surfaced that the school was looking to restructure his deal or potentially terminate his contract.
Payton Little
Oklahoma State heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson is 9-0 to start this season heading into Bedlam.
Nov. 29:
OSU loses its final regularseason game 52-0 to Colorado.
timeline of Gundy-Oklahoma State Standoff
Dec. 4:
OSU fires offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo and OSU/ A&M Board of Regents call special meeting for Friday, December 6.
Gundy
Pete Thamel of ESPN reported Gundy and OSU officials were in a “standoff” regarding proposed contract amendments.
Pete Nakos of On3 reported shortly after that if Gundy didn’t agree to a restructured deal, the university would fire him and swiftly launch a head coaching search.
Gundy agreed to a restructured deal the following day. Details for his new contract have not been provided by the university, but reports suggest a $1 million paycut and the elimination of his rollover clause.
A traditional player-coach relationship is often perceived as stellar. Chelf, however, clarified that to be a “misconception.”
“I didn’t really develop a good relationship with him until after (I left OSU),” he said. “Obviously we had our differences in the past, and we didn’t always see eye-to-eye with my playing situation (playing time) early on.
“From inside the program, at least when I was there, that wasn’t the case.”
Simply put, Chelf calls it how it was when discussing his alma mater. And this was no different.
“I know everybody just wants to fire everyone and move on if things aren’t going well,” Chelf said. “It’s easy if you’re not having to do it yourself. But these are guys that I know personally. These are guys that I know are a big reason why the program is where it’s at right now. These are the same guys that led the program to 12 wins not too long ago and 10 wins last year.”
Gundy especially.
Glass half full: Gundy led OSU to 18 straight bowl games and is the winningest head coach in program history. Yes, OSU won only three games this season, but should that really be enough to warrant a firing?
Glass half empty: Complacency was the indictment of Gundy in 2024. The lack of willingness to adapt to the modern realm of college football in the age of NIL, the transfer portal and other nuanced logistics of the sport, Gundy stuck to his old ways. But do fans really want to revisit the dark days of OSU football in the preGundy era? As Chelf said, “he’s probably going to have a statue outside of the stadium at some point.” Maybe renaming the field to “Mike Gundy Field” wouldn’t be far-fetched, either.
In Chelf’s words, Gundy’s under-theradar recruiting, project and develop mantra sufficed for two decades. But college football is changing. Gundy needs to, too.
Since the 2018 inception of the transfer portal, OSU has ushered in 38 transfers, which ranks the Cowboys in the bottom quarter percentile in transfer portal activity among Power Four programs. That, Chelf said, must change above all else.
Schools like TCU, SMU, Colorado and
Dec. 6, 7:42 a.m.:
Board of Rengents begins meeting and goes into executive session, closing it to the public and media.
8:17 a.m.:
President Dr. Kayse Shrum and athletic director Chad Weiberg enter the closeddoor meeting.
Kansas have found immediate success retooling rosters via the portal. Why can’t OSU, a program with consistent fans of most of the aforementioned bunch would long for, do the same?
And had the winless Big 12 campaign been the lone blemish of the year, perhaps OSU officials might have been more lenient with Gundy. But when Gundy referred to overly-critical fans as “weak” and “failures” ahead of his team’s road contest at TCU, it sparked a rift between the fanbase, major university donors and him.
“We live in a society where people want instant success,” Gundy said in November. “I don’t know quite how to answer that based on what somebody else’s perspective may be; other than in the last 18 years, I don’t know — there might not be more than five or six programs that have had unprecedented success like we have had here at Oklahoma State.
“Most people are weak, and as soon as things start to not go as good as what they thought, they fall apart, and then they panic… In most cases, the people that are negative and are voicing their opinions are the same ones that can’t pay their own bills — they’re not taking care of themselves, they’re not taking care of their own family, they’re not taking care of their own job,” Gundy said. “But they have an obligation to speak out and complain about others because it makes them feel better. But then in the end, when they go to bed at night, they’re the same failure that they were before they said anything negative about anybody else.”
Still, other former players contacted by The O’Colly vouched for their head coach of old.
“He let me have full control of the team and vouched for me heavy with my past behavior issues and mental health awareness,” former Cowboys’ linebacker Xavier Benson, who declined to comment via phone call, said over text. “And (he is) seen as a godfather to me.”
Shortly after, Benson doubled down.
“But y’all don’t see what goes into all that.”
College football is a results-based business. Win, and jobs are kept. Lose, and they’re in peril. The days following OSU’s shutout loss to Colorado were a telltale of that.
“I think it’s just kind of been one of those things that I think this was building up towards,” Chelf said. “There had been smears and comments and other stuff throughout the season and just things where they’d been at a crash course for a reckoning with NIL and figuring out, ‘Hey, how do we move forward as a program?’ And then all this was kind of just the straw on the camel’s back.”
If history is indicative of anything, Gundy will go down as perhaps the most beloved figure in OSU athletics history. But his immediate actions after the worst season of his coaching tenure will be definitive of his legacy at his alma mater.
Will he adapt to the modern age of college football?
“Hopefully,” Chelf said. “But we’ll see.”
9:32 a.m.:
Shrum and Weiberg exit the meeting quickly.
9:33 a.m.:
The regents open the meeting back up to the public before adjourning. No action was taken.
Jimmy Harel, the board chairman, tells reporters they “have a plan.”
1:37 p.m.:
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports OSU and Gundy are in a “standoff,” and that he told people the university went to him asking if he’d take a restructured contract.
Robinson was reportedly Oklahoma State’s ‘top choice’ to replace Gundy
PARKER GERL ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @PARKER_GERL
Oklahoma State football was reportedly prepared to launch its first head coaching search in 20 years last week with a familiar candidate in mind.
Although head coach Mike Gundy and OSU agreed to a new deal Saturday to keep Gundy in Stillwater after the OSU/A&M Board of Regents held a special meeting Dec. 6 that led to a reported “standoff” between Gundy and the school.
If Gundy had not accepted an amended contract, OSU would have “terminated his existing deal and launched a head coaching search,” Peter Nakos on On3 reported.
And according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, former OSU quarterback Zac Robinson was the school’s “top choice” to replace Gundy had the 20-year head coach not restructured his contract.
Robinson quarterbacked the Cowboys under Gundy from 200609 and threw 66 touchdowns in an OSU uniform. He’s become highly regarded in the coaching world, as Rapoport added that Robinson could “get NFL head coaching looks as well.”
At 38, Robinson is in his first season as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons and has been coaching in the NFL since 2019, when he joined the Los Angeles Rams’ staff as an assistant quarterbacks coach under Sean McVay.
Robinson has no college coaching experience, but Rapoport’s report points toward that potentially changing at some point — maybe still at OSU, just not now.
The Cowboys, and Gundy specifically, need a bounce-back season after finishing 2024 3-9. If OSU struggles again next season, maybe the Cowboys go in another direction at head coach. That’d likely put Robinson back in the fold.
Or maybe Robinson could be next in line after Gundy calls it quits. The 57-year-old head coach hasn’t hinted toward retirement, but he’s been in the business for more than two decades.
For now, though, Gundy will continue to lead the Cowboys with a revamped staff.
Offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo were fired after the season, and OSU has since hired veteran coach Todd Grantham to call the defense; Charlotte defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Ryan Osborn to coach the defensive line; and Western Kentucky outside linebackers coach Kap Dede to manage linebackers. The Cowboys are still looking for a new offensive coordinator.
The full details of Gundy’s new contract are unknown, but OSU Athletics announced Gundy’s new contract on Saturday.
“We are happy to announce that we have agreed on a new contract with the winningest coach in OSU history with terms that benefit Oklahoma State University, OSU student-athletes and Cowboy Football. Details will be announced once the contract is signed.” sports.ed@ocolly.com sports.ed@ocolly.com
Oklahoma State football hires Grantham as next defensive coordinator
PARKER
GERL ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @PARKER_GERL
Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy has found his next defensive coordinator.
OSU announced Wednesday it officially hired New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Todd Grantham to coach the Cowboys’ defense. Pokes Report first reported the news Sunday.
“We are pleased to have coach Todd Grantham join our staff as defensive coordinator,” Gundy said in a press release. “He brings
a wealth of knowledge and a pedigree very rarely seen in college football today. Our fans and players should be extremely excited about Oklahoma State defensive football from this point moving forward.”
Grantham, 58, is in his second season with the Saints and has 34 years of coaching experience. He previously worked as an analyst for Alabama in 2022 before serving as the defensive coordinator at Florida from 2018-21.
In Grantham’s first season at UF, the Gators finished 28th nationally in total defense. From 2018-20, the Gators’ defense registered 65 takeaways, tied for 11th-most in the nation during that
span. UF also ranked top-10 in the nation in sacks in 2019 and 2020.
Grantham has also held the defensive coordinator role at Mississippi State, Louisville and Georgia. His other NFL stops as a defensive line coach include the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys. “I would like to thank Coach Gundy and the Oklahoma State administration for allowing me to be part of reestablishing the success and identity of this program,” Grantham said. “We have a lot of work to do, but we are going to embrace the process to give Oklahoma State fans something to be proud of. Time to work!”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Yahoo Sports/X
Former Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson was the “top choice” to replace Mike Gundy.
GatorCountry photo by David Bowie Oklahoma State has hired Todd Grantham as its next defensive coordinator.
sports
timeline of Gundy-Oklahoma State Standoff continued 1:58 p.m.:
KOTV’s John Holcomb reports Gundy was offered a contract for less money and would “restrict his autonomy” with hiring coordinators. Gundy reportedly has a 5 p.m. deadline to make a decision.
5 p.m: No reported decision.
5:27 p.m.:
KFOR’s Dylan Buckingham reports Gundy wants more time.
What we know about Gundy’s new contract with Oklahoma State
9:12 p.m.: Buckingham reports there’s “momentum toward (Gundy) returning.”
After a long saga, Oklahoma State came to terms with Mike Gundy on a restructured contract last Saturday, keeping the program’s winningest head coach around.
“We are happy to announce that we have agreed on a new contract with the winningest coach in OSU history with terms that benefit Oklahoma State University, OSU studentathletes and Cowboy Football,” OSU announced via a released statement. “Details will be announced once the contract is signed.”
It must not have been signed yet, because details aren’t out. However, according to multiple reports, Gundy is getting a $1 million paycut down to $6.75 million for 2025. Another reported adjustment is the removal of his rollover clause, which gives the contract an end date after the 2028 season.
Gundy’s buyout — which was more than $25.3 million — has apparently been lowered too.
Over the years, Gundy’s contracts have changed for the good and bad. After the Cowboys’ 2021 Fiesta Bowlwinning season, he became the highest-paid coach in the Big 12 Conference with a base salary of $7.5 million. But when a picture of Gundy wearing a One American News T-shirt surfaced in 2020, he faced backlash from current and former players and fans, as the news outlet had spoken negatively about the Black Lives Matter movement. Because of that, he took a $1 million paycut after thenathletic director Mike Holder’s internal investigation.
Gundy having contract alterations may not be unusual, but this season was. A 3-9 (0-9 Big 12) campaign was his worst in 20 seasons as OSU’s coach. That, combined with him calling critics “weak” and people “who can’t pay their own bills” at a press conference on Nov. 4, made the Cowboys’ ship even more rocky the last few weeks of the season.
Even though Gundy is the most important coach in OSU athletics history, his standoff with OSU showed the university is still willing to make changes for the bad, not just for the good.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Reported details of mike gundy’s new contract:
- A $1 million paycut, taking his salary from $7.75 million to $6.75 million.
- The elimination of his rollover clause, which gives his contract an end date and effectively makes it not a contract in perpetuity.
- Lowering his buyout from the more than $25.3 million mark should OSU look to terminate his deal.
Dec. 7, 10:50 a.m.: Pokes Report learns Gundy and OSU reached an agreement on a new contract.
5:06 p.m.: OSU officially announces Gundy’s return.
Dec. 8, 8:14 a.m.:
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports former OSU quarterback and Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac
was “the
department moved in silence — much like it has in coaching changes since athletic director Chad Weiberg took over in 2021 (Jim Littell, Mike Boynton and John Smith).
Him being a part of eight of OSU’s nine 10-win seasons — either as a player or head coach — almost didn’t matter.
Him becoming the epitome of success and consistency in a sport where both are hard to come by almost didn’t matter.
So if the Cowboys have another down season in 2025, where does that leave OSU?
Proabably wishing it ripped off the Mike Gundy Band-Aid.
If OSU had fired Gundy last week, it would have been a seismic move and the biggest coaching change in the school’s history. Whoever filled his shoes would have been tasked with matching a level of consistency that’s unparalled. In the short term, it would more than likely have hurt Cowboy football’s on-the-field product.
In the long term, though, it more than likely would have erased some of Gundy’s issues that led to a 3-9 season. A new coach could have taken OSU in a pro-NIL direction — a smart route considering the importance of it in the sport — and someone could’ve brought a different energy into Stillwater. Sure, Gundy’s energy is great when the Cowboys are winning, but his charm isn’t so endearing when the wins aren’t piling up.
It’s completely natural for things to get stale after 20 seasons. Gundy has been stale for a few seasons before his 20th; winning was just able to cover it up.
Now, though, college athletics doesn’t allow for coaches and programs to be stale. They must adapt.
To Gundy and OSU’s credit, they have tried to be different at times — like the QR codes on helmets idea from earlier this season, which could’ve led to NIL funding until the NCAA nixed it. But mostly, OSU under Gundy has beat the same ol’ Cowboy Culture drum.
It might be time for a new drumkit. And last week would’ve been a good time for change. Would it have been the best PR move for OSU after the national story it became Friday? Probably not. But for the days leading up to Friday, the athletic
Once news caught fire nationally, people started wondering what was going on in Stillwater. From an outsider’s perspective, the move seemed outrageous. From those who know Gundy and OSU, not so much.
So if Weiberg and Co. decided to make that decision instead of restructuring Gundy’s contract, it would’ve made noise. It could’ve even cost a buyout of more than $25 million or a trip to court if Gundy was fired for cause and wanted to take further action.
But it would have doubled down on something that’s already clear — Weiberg isn’t afraid to make coaching changes. Littell and Cowgirl basketball weren’t meshing, and Boynton, no matter how beloved he was, couldn’t win enough ball games. Firing Gundy would’ve been bold, but it would’ve set OSU football up for a complete jumpstart with whoever came in. Maybe up-andcoming NFL offensive coordinator and former Cowboy quarterback Zac Robinson, who was OSU’s reported top pick. Robinson’s 38; Gundy was 37 when he landed the job. Whether it would’ve been Robinson, another young hotshot or another experienced coach like Gundy, OSU could’ve changed the course of a program that, despite its success, is falling behind in NIL and recruiting, two key pillars for winning games in 2024.
And now, OSU will enter next season with the same head coach and a new-look staff around him. Gundy’s old coordinators are gone, and new coordinators and position coaches have already reportedly been hired. If Gundy turns OSU around next season after losing a lot of its key production from this season, then by golly, he did it again.
But if 2025 looks more like this season than 2023, 2021 and other recent successful Gundy seasons, it won’t matter. Fans will remember two straight subpar seasons. Even more than that, they’ll remember how a December day started with an OSU/ A&M Board of Regents meeting and ended with reports that both sides were coming to an agreement of a restructured deal, knowing that then and there, OSU could’ve ripped off the Mike Gundy Band-Aid. Instead, it beats its Gundy drum into 2025.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Bryson Thadhani
Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy’s legacy almost didn’t matter when he was nearly fired.
Robinson
school’s top choice” to replace Gundy.
Oklahoma State football transfer portal tracker
Kendal Daniels, De’Zhaun Stribing leaving OSU
of this season, he was out a lot more than he was in because of OSU’s offensive line experience, so he left the team and redshirted.
He has one year of eligibility remaining.
and has one year of eligibility remaining.
Transfer QB Morris reportedly visits Oklahoma State
Although Oklahoma State has a three-man quarterback battle on its hands for next spring, one of the transfer portal’s best quarterbacks visited Stillwater.
Chandler Morris, a former North Texas, TCU and Oklahoma quarterback, visited Stillwater on Tuesday, per a report from CBS Sports.
The 6-foot, 191-pound QB started his career in 2020 at OU, where he appeared in five games after being a four-star in the 2020 recruiting class.
He then transferred to TCU, where he completed 201 of his 305 passes (65.9%) for 2,394 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 15 games over three seasons. Morris was the starting quarterback to begin TCU’s 2022 national championship appearance season, but was sidelined because of an injury and lost his spot to eventual Heisman Trophy finalist Max Duggan.
At UNT this season, Morris showed out, ranking fifth in the nation in passing yards (3,774) and fourth in passing touchdowns (31). The gunslinger was tied for the third-most interceptions, though, throwing 12 on the season. After a season in which
head coach Mike Gundy called OSU’s quarterback play “sporadic,” bringing in an experienced starter like Morris wouldn’t be a bad thing. Although a large part of the Cowboys’ disappointing play came from Alan Bowman, who is out of eligibility, young quarterbacks like Garret Rangel, Zane Flores and Maealiuaki Smith all have problem sports heading into next season.
Rangel looked good in his only start this season against BYU before breaking his collarbone, but one start is far from a big enough sample size. Flores still hasn’t played a down for the Cowboys and is coming off a season-ending lower-leg injury. Smith started the last two games for OSU and looked great in one and not-so-great in the other. So having Morris in the quarterback room adds experience and a guy who would become the expected starter if he signs with OSU. His ability to move around and make plays with his legs — he ran for 242 yards and four touchdowns this season — could also help OSU’s offense, which looked handicapped at times with Bowman, who isn’t as mobile as Morris.
Above all, Morris’ experience could help OSU in an offensive coordinator transition, as the Cowboys are still looking for who is going to run the offense after firing Kasey Dunn on Dec. 4.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
As the offseason begins, Oklahoma State football looks toward its 2025 season.
The Cowboys have multiple spots seemingly up for grabs after a 3-9 (0-9 Big 12) season, so who enters and departs via the transfer portal is something to keep track of before spring.
With the portal officially open, here’s a look at what OSU is gaining and losing:
IN:
Kasen Carpenter, OL —
Tulsa
The 6-foot-3, 291-pound offensive lineman is the Cowboys’ first portal addition. Coming from Tulsa University and originally from Allen, Texas, Carpenter started 11 games for the Hurricane this past season and has three years of eligibility remaining.
Lavaka Tuakeiaho, OL —
Weber State OSU adds another offensive lineman with 6-foot-4, 315-pound Tuakeiaho after two seasons at Weber State.
OUT:
De’kelvion Beamon, safety
Through four seasons at OSU, Beamon appeared in 14 games and was primarily a special teamer. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
Jason Brooks Jr., OL —
TBD
In Brooks’ two seasons in Stillwater, he was in and out of the lineup. In the early part
Kendal Daniels, LB — TBD
From Beggs, Daniels was a big get for OSU coming out of high school, and after a great freshman season, wasn’t able to replicate that production. He switched positions and defensive coordinators, to be fair, and though he had ups and downs this season, his 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame sets him up for success — physically, at least.
Daniels has one year of eligibility remaining.
Kam Franklin, S — TBD Franklin spent two seasons in Stillwater and didn’t appear in any games this season. In his redshirt season, though, he appeared in six games and his biggest play of the season was a blocked punt in the Cowboys’ home game against Kansas.
He has three years of eligibility remaining.
Isaia Glass, OL — TBD
Glass’ time in Stillwater is finished after one season. The former Arizona State transfer appeared in all 12 games and started eight this season, and yet, even with all the experience at his position leaving, is looking elsewhere.
He has one year of eligibility remaining.
AJ Green, RB — TBD Green never got the chance to play for OSU after transferring from Arkansas last season and suffering a leg injury in spring practice.
Green redshirted this season
Hudson Kaak, P — TBD Kaak, a fan favorite, is leaving Stillwater. The Australian served as OSU’s directional punter in a twopunter system with Wes Pahl, who was the power guy.
Kaak has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Da’Wain Lofton, WR — TBD
A former Virginia Tech wide receiver, Lofton is on the move again after one season with OSU.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound primary slot receiver caught six passes for 140 yards in four appearances before sitting out the last three to keep his redshirt.
He has one season of eligibility remaining.
Willie Nelson, S — TBD Nelson didn’t appear in any games this season as a freshman. He has four seasons of eligibility remaining.
Lyrik Rawls, S — TBD
After tearing his ACL in a breakout sophomore season, Rawls appeared in all 12 games this past season but is on the way out after his role diminished. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
De’Zhaun Stribling, WR — TBD Stribling, OSU’s best wide receiver heading into 2025, is transferring after two seasons in Stillwater.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound former Washington State wideout had 1,080 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games for OSU. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
File Photo
Oklahoma State football has 10 players departing via the transfer portal so far.
Courtesy North Texas Athletics
Former North Texas quarterback Chandler Morris visited Oklahoma State.
sports Bedlam preview
How Oklahoma State is riding depth, pace of play into Bedlam
this season.
The Oklahoma States men’s basketball roster doesn’t feature one individual star player.
The Cowboys don’t have a Cade Cunningham or someone who can dictate a possession every time down the floor. But they have several players with high-level experience that fit together.
That’s how OSU is off to a 6-2 start under first-year head coach Steve Lutz heading into his first Bedlam. The Cowboys are playing Lutz’s brand of basketball — hard-nosed defense and up-tempo offense — with a plug-andplay system featuring constant energy on both ends.
“It’s pretty hard to put us in a situation where we’re exhausted for real,” guard Arturo Dean said. “We got a lot of depth… it’s very rare for us to get tired or exhausted out there.”
During OSU’s 85-76 win over Seton Hall, the broadcast noted that Lutz had already used 58 lineup combinations
Seven OSU players are averaging more than seven points (three in double figures). The Cowboys are also seventh in the country in bench points per game with 39.5, a key to their balanced attack.
“That’s just a testament to our roster,” Lutz said. “I think we’ve got a lot of good players, but I don’t know that there’s a lot of variance between the players...you got to go with the game and see who’s playing the best, and then those guys deserve the most minutes for that night.”
Lutz substitutes players quickly and often. Multiple players typically wait at the scorer’s table every few minutes to check in to the game.
And once they do, it’s another fresh set of legs to fly around the court — which Lutz wants his Cowboys to try to do for 40 minutes.
OSU ranks 18th in the country in tempo (72.2 possessions per game) and is 20th in turnovers forced per game (16.50), according to analytics site KenPom.com. The constant energy has translated to 17.2 fastbreak points per game, which ranks 14th.
Cowboys senior guard Bryce Thompson, who’s never played in an up-tempo system like Lutz’s, said the rest of the team feeds off its point guards who push the pace — such as Dean or Khalil Brantley, who lead the team in assists with 3.1 and 3.4, respectively.
The Cowboys (4-0, 3-0 Big 12) hold a 151-27-10 advantage in the all-time series and are going for their 20th-straight win against the Sooners (3-0, 2-0 Big 12), which would tie an all-time high for consecutive wins in the series. Hendrickson expressed an urge to attain that feat, and he doubled down on that shortly after first-year head coach David Taylor’s comment on how OU canceled a return trip to GIA, which takes place each year after the dual in Norman, saying, “They didn’t want to come back and wrestle (in Stillwater).”
Will Friday’s dual be a culture shock for Hendrickson? “Nope,” he said. Not even the shift from patches of scattered fans to a sold-out field house can fold Hendrickon, regardless of his past rivalry experience in college.
Each season Hendrickson wrestled for Air Force (2020-24), the Falcons clashed with in-state rival Northern Colorado in the final dual of the regular season. A few hundred fans would show up, but nothing more; it was often the most-attended dual of the season — unless OSU came to town.
From afar, Hendrickson said he longed to experience a prime atmosphere in a rivalry like Bedlam. He said he’d watch OSU-OU duals when he wasn’t wrestling, envisioning himself entrenched in the mayhem, soaking in the arena pulse.
Then, after a four-year stint at Air Force with two All-American finishes, as many Big 12 heavyweight titles and a career 103-11 record, Hendrickson transferred to OSU. And so far, his move has paid dividends.
Hendrickson is 9-0 to start the 2024-25 season — while 4-0 in duals — and has won each of his matches in bonus-point fashion. He’s dominating his weight class, doing so with relative ease.
“He’s pretty gifted,” Taylor said in November. “And what’s (cool) is he’s just learning every time he steps out there. It’s just cool. And the adjustments that he (makes) from match to match.
“I think he’s just continuing to get better, and he’s just having some fun out there. It’s cool. It’s fun to watch.”
But Bedlam, as shown in recent years, often brings out the best of both sides. Just ask those who grew up
Connor Fuxa
Oklahoma State Heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson has his hand raised in victory in OSU’s duel versus Arizona State in Stillwater at Gallagher-Iba arena on Nov.24.
around it.
“Even in wrestling, you just grow up (in Oklahoma); you just kind of have it on your calendar to make the Bedlam duals,” said Luke Surber, the Cowboys’ 197-pounder from Tuttle. “They’re always one of our bigger crowds, and I know that we’re probably their (OU’s) biggest dual.
“It definitely brings the best out of you.”
In many ways, Hendrickson said, he’s fulfilling a lifelong dream. He said he occasionally envisions himself as that kid visiting Stillwater, admiring the plethora of high-caliber moves the OSU wrestlers of old would make, hoping to soon cement his legacy within the program.
He might not have always appreciated the in-state rivalry for what it’s worth, but he has a chance to tether himself to Bedlam-lore Friday. And that, he said, would make up for lost time.
“We’ve always had rivalries at every school (I’ve attended) — obviously at Air Force, we had rivalries,” Hendrickson said. “But I think that this is something a little different. It seems to have a little bit more weight to it. Because in a state like Oklahoma, they eat, sleep and breathe wrestling. So, even with all sports, just athletics — it’s a lot.
“All I knew (back then was that) it was a big event. A lot of people were there, and it was a pretty intense matchup. So, I’m excited to finally be in it.”
“That’s something coach emphasizes every day in practice,” Thompson said. “And I think they kind of set the tone for that, and I think everybody else plays off that (energy)... I think it’s a combination of us playing fast and running lanes.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Cowboy wrestling approaching ranked Bedlam dual as ‘just another match’
appearance in the rivalry.
When discussing a Bedlam dual against Oklahoma, David Taylor said the Sooners are like any other opponent.
“I just think it’s just another match,” Taylor said.
No. 3 Oklahoma State (4-0) is heading to McCasland Field House in Norman on Friday for the rivalry matchup against in-state No. 21 Oklahoma (3-0).
Although this matchup is one of the biggest for OSU this season, the Cowboys’ head coach said his team is approaching it the same way.
“I think you don’t do anything different just because there’s a different name associated with the duel,” Taylor said. “We just are consistent, consistent in our preparation, consistent with our warm-up, what we do before matches, what we do after weigh-ins, where we wrestle matches.
“I think that’s the value of us participating as a staff. Individually, we participated in really big matches in our careers. And you realize you start doing things different, performance starts to change, you know. So there’s a lot of external things this week. We just got to focus on doing what we do.”
Taylor said he’s looking forward to the Bedlam competition, as the firstyear head coach will make his first
“I think that’s what’s really nice about the season,” Taylor said. “It was just the rhythm of it. It’s compete, recover and train. Get ready for the next tournament, next meet. Obviously, it’s a big one for the state of Oklahoma and just for fans (in) Oklahoma. So looking forward to going out and wrestle.”
Usually, the Sooners and Cowboys would face each other twice every season, with one match in Norman and the other in Stillwater. But this season, there won’t be a meeting in Stillwater.
Oklahoma is still in the Big 12 Conference as an affiliate member for wrestling since the SEC doesn’t sponsor the sport. Taylor answered why one Bedlam dual is on the Cowboys’ schedule this season.
“(Oklahoma) didn’t want to come back and wrestle here (in Stillwater),” Taylor said with a grin before being asked if the invite was out.
“It was on our calendar. But obviously, (Oklahoma’s) got to do what they feel is best for their program, and they wanted to get some other duels on the calendar. So I guess I can understand that.”
Oklahoma State leads the overall series against Oklahoma, 148-27-10, and also posts a substantial winning record in Norman, 64-15-8. The Cowboys currently ride a 19-match win streak over the Sooners, seeking 20 straight and the first in the Taylor era.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little
Oklahoma State head coach Steve Lutz’s squad is 18th in tempo and 14th in fastbreak
Payton Little
Oklahoma State head coach David Taylor and his team aren’t doing anything different against OU.
Cowgirls prepare for Hoyt’s absence after daughter’s birth
CALIF PONCY STAFF REPORTER @PONCYCALIF
When Jacie Hoyt announced her pregnancy in July, it became clear she couldn’t be on the sideline leading Oklahoma State women’s basketball for a full season.
Now, that moment is here. Hoyt announced following last Friday’s game against Alabama State that it would be the last she would coach before starting her maternity leave. And on Thursday, Cowgirl basketball announced baby Hoyt arrived.
Hoyt and the Cowgirls got a taste of what life without their leading woman would be like earlier this season when she stayed in Stillwater while the team traveled to Daytona, Florida, to play a pair of games. The Cowgirls split those games against Arkansas and Richmond, and Hoyt watched from home, realizing just how much being away from the game meant to her.
“It was painful,” Hoyt said. “It was hard for anyone to watch, but especially for me, just not being able to feel like I could really have a grasp on what was going on or how I could help.”
While watching from home, Hoyt saw her team suffer its first, and to this point only, loss to Richmond. Since she returned, the Cowgirls have been thrashing opponents, winning by an average of 65 points in their two games last week. However, Hoyt has been on the sideline for those games, and now she will watch from home for the foreseeable future.
When asked for a timeline, Hoyt said she couldn’t give a specific date, but she did name OSU’s Dec. 21 conference opener against Iowa State in Stillwater as a hopeful date to be back in the building. Hoyt said she wants to get back to coaching as soon as possible, whenever that may be.
While Hoyt is on leave, associate
head coach Jhasmin Player will act as head coach, just as she did during the team’s trip to Florida.
“I have all the faith in the world in her,” Hoyt said of Player. “She’s probably the most disciplined, hardest assistant I’ve ever had. It’s only a matter of time; I hate to say it, until she’s a head coach on her own.”
Luckily for Hoyt, she still has Player. This stretch, which will likely span into Big 12 play, is a good opportunity for Player to show what she can do as a head coach. Player and the Cowgirls will be looking to perform better than they did in Florida.
In those two games, OSU averaged 61.5 points, and Hoyt has been vocal in her displeasure with her team’s performance.
Player will have a game against McNeese to build on what she started in Florida, but after that, the Cowgirls jump right into conference play against one of the Big 12’s best teams in Iowa State.
With Player running the show, the Cowgirls’ focus will be on basketball.
Stailee Heard, who has emerged as an offensive force for OSU this season, has talked about the team becoming more player-led and not as reliant on coaches, and if all goes well, she and her teammates won’t miss a beat.
Meanwhile, Hoyt is experiencing life as a mother, and for the first time in years, basketball will be the furthest thing from her mind, at least for a moment. But Hoyt and her team learned that one is not complete without the other during its trip, and as soon as she can, Hoyt will be back in the saddle, trying to get back to the NCAA Tournament — but only when the time is right.
“I’m learning right now to just surrender,” Hoyt said. “I don’t know what I don’t know, but I hear that’s a lot of being a parent is just having to give up that control. So, you know, it’s kind of preparing me, I think, for what I’m about to experience.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
ARREDONDO STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State assistant men’s golf coaches Stratton Nolen and Derek Ernst bring two important things: relatability and professionalism.
The assistant coaches (Nolen in his second season and Stratton in his first) have been successful working with head coach Alan Bratton. Bratton said having multiple assistants allows players who don’t travel to work with their coaches.
“The big advantage of that is just an additional voice,” Bratton said. “An additional voice of experience, and we always have someone at home while we travel, so the guys that aren’t at the tournament, you can coach them up while the team is gone.”
An assistant coach of a collegiate golf team is focused on traveling, recruiting and helping the head coach in any way. When it comes to tournaments, coaches plan which players they are going to walk with for a tournament. They can either bounce around or stick with one player, depending on the game plan.
Nolen has a full circle moment with Cowboy golf since he’s a former OSU golfer turned assistant coach. He said the transition from playing for Bratton to coaching alongside him has been extraordinary.
“It was cool just to be a part of coach Bratton’s first year with the men’s program as the head coach, and now I get to coach beside him, (which is) really cool,” Nolen said. “So it’s been great to be on both sides of the thing, where you get to one as a player, you don’t really get to see what happens in the background, and now being the one in the background, putting out fires and helping the guys out, so it’s been good.”
One of the players Nolen has gotten close with is sophomore Ethan Fang. Nolen was his caddy during the U.S. Ameatur the past summer. The duo worked well, as the sophomore made it to the quarterfinals. Fang said having Nolen as his caddy helped him not stray away from his game.
“He’s just really good at getting you your numbers, and he’s good at keeping you composed and focused and making sure you’re not doing anything stupid,” Fang said. “From the coaching standpoint, he’s just a good guy to be around. He keeps you in line and keeps you disciplined.”
In addition to Nolen, PGA Tour veteran Ernst joined the staff this past summer. He made more than 100 starts on tour, including a win at the 2013 Wells Fargo Championship. Since visiting Stillwater, he said he has enjoyed every moment and feels like the coaches have found their role on the team.
“I went up there and visited and fell in love with Stillwater,” Ernst said. I love the small town feel, and when (Bratton) hired me, it’s just a blessing. It’s so fun to be up there and just get to teach these kids everything that I’ve learned for 11 years of playing PGA Tour golf. I feel like everyone’s found their place, and they can contribute the most by having it divided up between three different areas.”
One of the players who has gotten to learn from Ernst is Preston Stout. Stout said being able to relate to Ernst’s game has helped him improve his own.
“I think putting, from what I’ve heard from him, was what held him back when he was playing,” Stout said. “So that’s the same as me; we can relate on that aspect now, being good ball strikers, and then the short game not always being there. So I’ve been able to relate to him a lot, and he’s really been able to help me process some of that stuff.”
Connor Fuxa
Oklahoma State head coach Jacie Hoyt will be away from her team for an unknown period of time with her child now being born, which the university announced Thursday morning.
Courtesy OSU Athletics
Oklahoma State men’s golf assistant coach Stratton Nolen (left) is in his first season on staff.
DALTON
Oklahoma State softball announces 2025 schedule: Key games, dates, more
Devon Park on April 9.
In less than two months, Oklahoma State softball’s quest for a sixth straight Women’s College World Series appearance will be underway.
On Tuesday afternoon, OSU released its 2025 schedule. The Cowgirls begin their season in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge from Feb. 6-8 and then head to the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational, which lasts from Feb. 14-16.
In those early-season tournaments, OSU will face Florida State, UCLA, Texas A&M and other challenging opponents.
“Nearly 50% of OSU’s scheduled games are against 2024 NCAA Tournament participants, and the Cowgirls face 23 teams who finished last season inside the Top 75 of the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI),” according to OSU.
“Since we’ve gotten to Oklahoma State, we’ve always worked to play the best schedule that we can play, and we think this schedule exemplifies that,” head coach Kenny Gajewski said, per release. “We’re looking forward to taking this team and seeing how we match up against some of the top teams in the country.”
From there, they’ll dive into midweek and weekend series both in Big 12 Conference and nonconference play.
Here are three takeaways from the Cowgirls’ schedule:
Bedlam in April
What used to be a three-game rivalry series is now a one-game showdown in Oklahoma City at
OSU’s rivalry with Oklahoma has ramped up the last few seasons, as the Cowgirls have become one of the country’s best, making five straight WCWS appearances while the Sooners have won four straight national championships.
With OU in the SEC, a conference weekend series is out of the picture, so the schools opted for one game.
The Cowgirls are coming off their first Bedlam series victory since 1997.
Early-season tests
Gajewski wasn’t shy in the fall when describing his team’s ceiling, so him throwing a bunch of tough games early in OSU’s schedule isn’t a surprise.
Florida State and UCLA are both WCWS regulars. Facing any SEC team — like Kentucky, Texas A&M, Auburn and Alabama — is never easy since they come from the best softball conference. Pesky Wichita State, a school that has given OSU trouble in the past, pops up in late February before conference play (the Shockers travel to Stilwater for a midweek game on April 15, too).
Nothing should come easy for OSU before conference play.
Another Big 12 reunion
The Sooners aren’t the only old Big 12 squad the Cowgirls face this season. Texas comes to Stillwater for a midweek game on April 23. Although OU and Texas’ Red River Rivalry will always reign supreme, OSU-Texas built something the last few years before the Longhorns departed for the SEC with OU.
Seeing head coach Mike White and Co. on the schedule for what should be a top-ranked Wednesday game in Stillwater is exciting.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Cowgirl Softball Schedule:
Feb.
Feb.
March 21-23 — Baylor
March 26 — @ Georgia
March 27-28 — @ Georgia Tech
March 29 — Penn State (in Atlanta)
April 2 — @ Arizona State
April 4-6 — @ Arizona
April 9 — Oklahoma (in OKC)
April 11-13 — Iowa State
April 15 — Wichita State
April 17-19 — @ UCF
April 23 — Texas
April 25-27 — @ Kansas
April 30 — North Texas
May 2-4 — Utah
May 5-8 — Big 12 Championship (OKC)
May 16-18 — NCAA Regionals (TBD)
May 23-25 — NCAA Super Regionals (TBD)
May 29-June 6 — NCAA WCWS (OKC) % — Puerto Vallarta College Challenge & — Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational $ — Michelle Short & Adam Brown Tournament ! — Shocker Invitational
A look at OSU football’s 2025 opponents: Key matchups, nonconference dates, more
Now that Oklahoma State football’s disappointing 2024 season is in the rearview and head coach Mike Gundy is officially returning, it’s time to look past the offseason for a bit and preview the Cowboys’ 2025 schedule.
The SEC and Big Ten have released their conference schedules, so, in theory, it’s only a matter of time before OSU and other Big 12 Conference teams’ fans know what dates their teams are facing opponents.
So far, OSU has announced dates for nonconference games against UT Martin (home on Aug. 30, 2025), Oregon (on the road on Sept. 6) and Tulsa (home on Sept. 20) have announced dates.
For a third straight season, OSU opens at home against an FCS opponent, which the Cowboys should leave with a win. However, the next week, OSU travels to Eugene, Oregon, to take on the Ducks, who are currently the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. After a bye week, the Cowboys then face the Hurricane at Boone Pickens Stadium.
The Cowboys’ Big 12 schedule includes Baylor, Houston, Kansas State, Iowa State and Cincinnati (home); and Arizona, Kansas, Texas Tech and UCF (away).
Here are three thoughts ahead of the Cowboys’ schedule release:
Seemingly easy road schedule
After playing Kansas State, BYU, Baylor, TCU and Colorado (all of which made a bowl game and finished in the top half of the conference) on the road in 2024, the Cowboys get — on paper, anyhow — an easier road schedule.
Arizona looked ‘meh’ in its first
season in the league; Kansas finished the season strong but because of injury concerns with quarterback Jalon Daniels is always a question mark; Texas Tech’s defense needs a lot of work; and UCF will be in its first season with Scott Frost (who got hired as head coach again).
Could those teams be good? Of course, the Big 12 showed this season anything can happen — look at Arizona State. However, compared to this season, next season’s road games look light.
A bye week after Oregon isn’t great
Although the Ducks will probably bang up the Cowboys some, a bye week in week 3 of the season doesn’t help OSU all that much.
The Cowboys probably would have preferred to have a week off after TU; that way they could’ve taken two weeks to prepare for whichever Big 12 opponent is first on the conference schedule.
In theory, OSU should outman the Hurricane at home and leave with a win, so the required gameplanning for them compared to — say, Iowa State or Kansas State — is much different.
Hello, Arizona!
OSU squared off against every new Big 12 team (BYU, Arizona State and Colorado) other than Arizona this season.
Although it won’t be in Tuscon, Arizona, it’ll be cool to see the Cowboys taking on the Wildcats in a league game — or maybe it won’t, depending on your realignment thoughts — that way, fans will have seen OSU play every new Big 12 team. For a good home game’s sake, Cowboy fans better hope head coach Brent Brennan turns Arizona around after a 4-8 first-year campaign from the former San Jose State coach.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Connor Fuxa
Oklahoma State’s Big 12 opponents for the 2025 season are known, just not the dates.
