The O'Colly, Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

OSU freshman named National Youth in Action Award winner

Bella Casey News and Lifestyle Assistant Editor

After struggling with social anxiety and speaking, Reed Marcum found a voice within his local 4-H chapter.

The National 4-H Council announced the winners of the 2024 Youth in Action Awards, a national program sponsored by Bayer that recognizes four diverse young leaders who made a positive impact in their communities. Marcum, an OSU freshman, was one of them.

Poketoberfest celebrates German culture

the community to partake in free of charge. As the crowd began to thicken and the festivities began to start, excitement brewed among the students.

This year marks another consecutively successful Poketoberfest at Oklahoma State.

Every year, the Student Union Activities Board hosts Poketoberfest; a funfilled event for students and

Jordan Erne, the leisure and entertainment director, said SUAB brings in outside vendors from the community to participate in the festival.

“The reason behind Poketober fest is a celebration of German culture,”

Erne said. “We need to try to shed light on all the cultures our campus has because people often overlook certain cultures. For the international students that come in, it’s just a good way to come together as a community to celebrate.”

Poketoberfest had many events and activities for students from all walks of life to enjoy. From face painting, bouncy houses, free food, a collectable stein and more.

OSU Symphony Orchestra brings Britain to Stillwater

The OSU Symphony Orchestra showcased “Smitten with Britain” at the McKnight Center Performance Hall on Sept. 28.

Bella Eneff plays the horn for the OSU Symphony Orchestra, and she has been preparing for the performance since the fall semester began. “Music has always been something I’ve gravitated toward,” Eneff said.

Eneff’s musical craft began at the start of her sixth grade year. She first played the trumpet, but quickly transitioned over to the horn. Now, as a junior, Eneff worked under conductor Thomas Dickey for the first time. “He’s very cool,” Eneff said. “He does a lot of score study, and I can tell he always knows exactly what’s going on in the piece. He has an understanding of how each instrument works, but also, he seems to have a trust in each individual instrumentalist.” Dickey conducts the

OSU Symphony Orchestra. He guides students through everything they need to know about orchestra and graduate orchestral conducting programs. One of the students who works under Dickey is Dyan Ryan. Ryan, a senior, is the conductor’s apprentice. Ryan plays the trombone for OSU’s band, but he got into conducting this past year when he took his first conducting class. The conductor’s apprentice practices sharing his input toward how the performance plays out and visualizing how a performance might go.

“The 2024 Youth in Action Awards honor four incredible young people, each of whom are model examples of their generation – embodying a commitment to service, a love of their communities and a passion for leadership that represent the best of 4-H,” said Jill Bramble, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. “We are proud that Cooperative Extension’s 4-H programs have offered Katie, Amiyah, Reed and Avani these opportunities to lead and tools to succeed, which they have used to make a positive impact on their communities and inspire other 4-H’ers to do the same.”

See Freshman on 6

Isaac Terry

Poketoberfest offered face painting, bouncy houses, free food, a collectable stein and more.

Courtesy of Sam Powell

The OSU Symphony Orchestra played “Smitten with Britain” at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 28.

Jaycee Hampton Staff Reporter

Cloe Campfield Staff Reporter

RANKINGS:

BIG 12 POWER WEEK 4

Tessa Dorrell Staff Reporter

5 West Virginia

The Mountaineers snapped TCU’s regularseason conference win streak at 10 games. West Virginia beat TCU 24-21 in Fort Worth on Saturday, marking the Mountaineers’ first 2-0 conference start since 2018.

The Mountaineers had 201 rushing yards against the No. 16 run defense in the country. The Mountaineers shocked many and even sat in the 14th spot in most preseason rankings.

6 BYU

The O’Colly is releasing its Big 12 power rankings each week, and here’s where everyone stacks up after Week 5.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

1 TEXAS

(AP NO. 3; 5-0, 2-0)

The Longhorn stampede continues. Texas defeated Kansas 40-14 on Saturday at home.

The Longhorns put up a hefty 661 yards of total offense with a balanced attack consisting of 325 passing yards and 336 rushing yards. Texas had just one turnover off a Quinn Ewers interception. The Longhorns are the most ominous team in the Big 12 up to this point.

The biggest game for the Big 12 will be played on Saturday with the Red River Rivalry taking place at the Cotton Bowl. Only time will tell if Texas takes the top spot for the long haul.

2 Oklahoma

(AP NO. 12; 5-0, 2-0)

The No. 12 Sooners swept the Cyclones, 50-20, on Saturday in Norman ahead of the big game against Texas.

Dillon Gabriel did everything right. He passed for 366 yards and three touchdowns, with two more touchdowns on the ground. The Sooners put up 523 yards against Iowa State, who was leading the conference in total defense. Oklahoma allowed just 82 yards and five first downs to the Cyclones in the second half.

The Sooners may have won this week, but next week is the big test for Sooners with ramifications on conference standings.

3 Kasnas

(4-1, 1-1)

The Jayhawks’ jaunt stopped with a 40-14 loss Saturday in Austin.

Jason Bean finished 9-of-21 passing for 136 yards with one touchdown. Bean was forced into the starting position after star quarterback Jalon Daniels aggravated his existing back injury during the team’s hotel walkthrough. There is no telling if the Jayhawks could have stood a batter chance against the No. 3 Longhorns with a healthy Daniels, so they can’t be docked too much.

4

K ANSAS STATE

The Wildcats’ week off means they stayed undefeated in Big 12 play.

Kansas State’s single loss, a 30-27 upset against Missouri, is not enough to bump the Wildcats down the power rankings.

BYU broke the Bearcats under the Friday night lights, pulling out a 35-27 win at home for its first Big 12 win.

Kedon Slovis showed his pivotal presence on the BYU offense. Slovis threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns. BYU averaged 11.7 yards a play in the third quarter and collected 295 yards of total offense. BYU cleaned up its game a week after giving up 21 points off turnovers against Kansas.

7 TCU

It was a tough Saturday for TCU. The Horned Frogs lost to the Mountaineers 24-21 at home. Chandler Morris was just 23-of-41 for 212 yards and two touchdowns. The Horned Frogs had 433 yards of total offense and no turnovers, but the offense stalled in the second half and coach Sonny Dyke was penalized for arguing with referees. The game fell apart for the flustered frogs.

8

Iowa State

The trip to Norman was no fun for the Cyclones. Iowa State lost 50-20 to Oklahoma on Saturday in Norman. The Sooners held Iowa State freshman Rocco Becht to just 188 yards and two touchdowns, and they forced two interceptions. Becht is still young, and it showed with his struggles against the Sooners. Iowa State seems to be a middle-of-the-pack team, and a loss to the 5-0 Sooners does not change that.

9 Oklahoma State

OSU had a bye in Week 5 and moved up a spot in the rankings. The Cowboys face Kansas State on Friday night at 6 in Boone Pickens Stadium after a loss to Iowa State.

10 Texas Tech

The Red Raiders escaped the bottom of the power rankings. Texas Tech won 49-28 against Houston at home Saturday, but they may have reached their potential. Tech is forced to play quarterback Behren Morton after Tyler Shough’s injury in Week 4.

11 UCF

UCF’s speedy offense proved to be an issue for the Bears, up until the 35-7 lead in the third quarter. After that. Oof.

12 Baylor

The Bears bit down on UCF, 36-35, on Saturday in Orlando for their first conference win. Baylor scored 29 unanswered points after falling into a 35-7 deficit in the third quarter. The 28-point comeback is the largest in Baylor history and the largest comeback allowed by UCF. A win moves the Bears up in the rankings, and QB Blake Shapen’s return gives the Bears hope for success.

13 Cincinnati

Cincinnati fell in a battle of conference newcomers, 35-27 to BYU on Saturday in Provo.

Chase Roberts racked up a career-high 131 yards on six catches, and Emory Jones threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns. Cincinnati has kept it close in games but is still looking for a conference win.

14 Houston

The Cougars can’t keep up. The Cougars fell 4928 to Texas Tech in Lubbock on Friday, dropping to 0-2 in the Big 12, 2-3 overall.

Quarterback Donovan Smith threw for 335 yards and four first-half touchdowns against his former team, but it wasn’t enough for the win.

sports

OSU fall baseball update

Pitching appears improved in exhibition win over UCO

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Live baseball returned to O’Brate Stadium on Saturday in Oklahoma State’s fall-ball matchup against the University of Central Oklahoma.

The Cowboys won with 12-inning exhibition relative ease, 11-3, despite a sluggish start.

Friday and Sunday were compiled by intrasquad scrimmages, bullpen sessions and live-game simulations.

How did the Cowboys fare? What early headlines highlight the team’s outlook early in the fall baseball season? We’ll answer both of those questions, and others down below.

Davis flashes “first-round” stuff

Last season, pitching coach Rob Walton made a bold claim about then-freshman prospect Gabe Davis.

“You see a 6-foot-9-ish figure who throws 100 mph like it’s nothing, you’re thinking, ‘That’s a first-round draft pick,’” Walton said. “He’s got the arm talent. He’s got the velocity.

“Once he finds himself, he’s gonna be really good for us down the road.”

Despite recurring firstyear struggles, including a 7.92 ERA and a .290 opposing batting average through 22 appearances, the upside was visible.

In Saturday’s exhibition, Davis pitched two innings, striking out five and retiring six of eight batters faced.

His average fastball velocity finished at 98 miles per hour, while also showcasing an enhanced slider, which was arguably his most effective pitch last season.

OSU coach Josh Holliday and Walton have the next five months to figure out if Davis could be a weekend arm.

“We pitched Gabe in a lot of high-leverage positions last year,” Holliday said. “He made some very meaningful pitches. At times he had the joy of victory and at others he felt the burn sometimes of not getting through those (rough) situations.

“He grew up a lot last year and he’s handled that really well.”

Bullpen depth promising at first glance

The 2023 OSU baseball team featured what was Holliday’s best offensive unit statistically. Although the offense was as productive as the nation’s elite, the pitching staff was a lingering nuisance to the thought of any postseason run.

And sure enough, that was the case.

The starting rotation posted a combined 5.57 ERA, and the pitching staff as a whole posted a 5.41 ERA.

But various newcomers give Holliday and his staff hope for a more productive season on

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the mound. Wichita State transfer Robert Cranz struck out four UCO batters and retired all six faced.

High Point southpaw transfer Samuel Garcia nabbed six of seven faced, with his lone blemish being a one-out solo home run in his second inning of work.

Junior college transfer Brian Holiday concluded Saturday by retiring all batters faced, two in the form of a swinging strikeout. Pitchers utilized in Saturday’s exhibition tallied 20 strikeouts.

Meola embracing move to second base

For most of his baseball career, Aidan Meola has been a mainstay at third base, but given the departures of star middle infielders Roc Riggio and Marcus Brown, the Cowboys had a glaring void to fill.

Holliday reeled in Mississippi State shortstop transfer Lane Forsythe, but the latter

was still open.

So, Meola opted to transition to second base. And so far, it’s paid off.

“He’s handled it well so far,” Holliday said. “I’m proud of him for that.”

OSU coaches hopeful for Keisel’s break out

When Holliday and Walton reeled in Janzen Keisel from the transfer portal, they were ecstatic.

“We saw an arm that we believed could be developed,” Holliday said during last season’s preseason media availability. “We were pretty excited with what we had gotten.”

Keisel came to OSU after spending his freshman year at BYU. He began the season as a starter before being demoted to a bullpen role. He finished the 2022 season with a 4.27 ERA and a 2.23 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

For reference, a great K-BB ratio is 4.00 or higher. Good would teeter around the

2.75, while an average number would be 2.25.

But the arm talent was apparent. Keisel threw in the upper 90s with his four-seam fastball, even eclipsing the 100mph mark on occasion.

After a hitless, six-inning performance against California Baptist, that seemed possible. But it didn’t last long.

He struggled in ensuing outings, then injuries sidelined him for most of last season. He finished his sophomore campaign with a 7.85 ERA.

Keisel didn’t pitch in Saturday’s exhibition, but he did throw in Sunday’s intrasquad activities and was effective. His four-seam and sinker velocities, which dipped slightly last year after his mound hiatus, appeared to be back in the range Holliday and Co. had hoped for a season ago. And most importantly, his command was relatively under control.

Given OSU’s lost production within the pitching staff,

the Cowboys will likely need a productive season from Keisel.

David Mendham is… on staff?

It took a double take to notice, but eventually spotted in the OSU dugout was the Cowboys’ most recent starting first baseman, David Mendham.

When asked postgame behind Mendham’s presence, Holliday’s grin was met with a chuckle.

“Yeah, he’s back in school,” Holliday said.

Mendham is filling the role of volunteer assistant coach, a spot previously held by Robin Ventura — now a full-time assistant — and most recently, Jordy Mercer.

“It’s pretty fun to have (Mendham) back with us,” said left fielder Nolan Schubart. “You’re teammates for a year and then it’s like I’m in a new (role) with him. Kind of funny.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

File Photo

Gabe Davis struck out five batters in Saturday’s exhibition against UCO.

Chris Klieman speaks on rush attack, OSU quarterback situation

The Cowboys take on Kansas State on Friday in Stillwater, and a big key for OSU will be preventing Giddens from having a day like the one he had last weekend.

Kansas State seems to have found a seamless transition at running back.

Wildcat running back DJ Giddens has had a big first four games for KSU, including a 207-yard performance against UCF this past week. The past few seasons the Wildcats have had Deuce Vaughn as a luxury in the backfield.

Kansas State coach Chris Klieman is committed to getting a good run game going on Friday, something Klieman said has been a struggle in the past.

“Every week is going to present a different challenge when rushing the football,” Klieman said. “Oklahoma State presents a lot of challenges. When

we’ve gone down there (to Stillwater) we have not been able to stop them from running the football. Winning the line of scrimmage in Stillwater has been difficult and that’s the task at hand is to be good on both sides of the line of scrimmage.”

Klieman will also be the first coach to prepare against OSU knowing who the starting quarterback will be for the Cowboys. OSU coach Mike Gundy announced Alan Bowman as the starting quarterback on Monday, which is the

first time he’s announced that prior to the day of that week’s game.

Regardless of his announcement, Klieman said KSU will still prepare for all three quarterbacks.

“You’ve got to look at all the guys that have played, but the most recent one was the Iowa State game where Bowman played the entirety of that game and I thought they did some really good things offensively, that would be the anticipation, but we’ve got to adapt and adjust if it’s somebody else,” Klieman said.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Davis Cordova

Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said winning the line of scrimmage is key in the OSU-KSU game Saturday.

Davis Cordova Staff Reporter

Freshman...

Continued from 1

Marcum, 18, is from McAlester, Oklahoma. An attention deficit diagnosis caused Marcum to feel insecure about socializing. Marcum gained confidence through 4-H. He used his newfound courage to develop programs to address the needs of his community, organizing multiple annual events including a book bag giveaway and toy drive that benefit underserved populations in McAlester.

After a young neighbor lost his life to pediatric cancer, Marcum started a foundation and an annual silent auction to raise money for pediatric cancer research and support affected families. Marcum’s community rallied around his leadership, allowing him to grow his projects exponentially each year, estimating total donation and fundraising efforts close to $3.5 million overall.

Greg Owen, Oklahoma State University

Extension 4-H educator in Pittsburg County, said Marcum deserved the award.

“He has done so much through his various service projects in our community and helped so many people,” Owen said. “Reed is truly a servant leader who strives every day to find ways to help others. Pittsburg County

4-H and I are extremely proud of Reed becoming our county’s fourth National Youth in Action Award winner. I’m looking forward to watching his various experiences nationwide with this honor over the next year.”

Other 2024 award winners include Katie Collins, Charlotte, Tennessee; Amiyah Elam, Waycross, Georgia; and Avani Rai, Bloomington, Illinois.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Creative Commons

Reed Marcum was one of four leaders selected by the National 4-H Council to receive the 2024 Youth in Action award.

Poketoberfest, hosted by SUAB, drew student in on Monday night to celebrate German culture.

Poketoberfest...

Continued from 1

One freshman, Gage Yell, said his German class drew him to the event.

“I’m currently taking Elementary

German 1,” Yell said. “We were talking about it in class today and I thought it sounded really fun. Then I saw a sign that said ‘free steins’ so I knew I had to make an appearance.”

Taking place outside the Student Union in the plaza, the crowd kept growing larger as time passed. Many participated in the events, enjoyed the free food or walked around and enjoyed

the social aspect of it.

Freshman Charlie Hudgins said the event lived up to his expectations.

“I heard about this event through my friend,” Hudgins said. “I was actually really excited about what this event had to offer, and I was not disappointed. I am enjoying myself. The games are great, the food is great, it’s all just great.”

The turn out this year for Poketober Fest was not disappointing. Students, as well as the local community of Stillwater, lit up as they enjoyed the pleasures of the festival.

SUAB plans to bring Poketoberfest around again next year to keep the tradition going.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Isaac Terry

Symphony...

Continued from 1

“Normally during rehearsal times throughout the semesters, I’m just sitting in the back with the music in front of me,” Ryan said. “I just work through what I’m thinking, kind of reading along with the orchestra playing, kind of taking a back seat. Sometimes they’ll ask me, ‘How did that sound,’ and I’ll give my input on that.”

The one-time event was open to the public, students, faculty and staff. The performance consisted of music from three composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Franz Joseph Haydn and Edward Elgar. Each composer and their pieces have had an impact on Britains’ musical history.

“Smitten with Britain” was the first performance put on by the Symphony Orchestra of the 2023-24 school year. Students of the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music are continuing to prepare for future performances and are working to become better musicians.

“(Students in the symphony orchestra) They’re all very uplifting,” Ryan said. “They encourage each other to show up every day and be better than the last time. They want to get better, they try to get better.”

To learn more about the program and future performances, visit https://cas.okstate.edu/ greenwood_school_of_music/, or Facebook @OKStateGSM, or Instagram and X @OKStateMusic. news.ed@ocolly.com

Jaycee Hampton

The OSU Symphony Orchestra performed “Smitten with Britain” on Sept. 28.ff

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

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Cowboy Calendar

Wednesday 10/04/23

Louie Kids’ Night

Louie’s Grill & Bar @ 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Trivia Night College Bar @ 10 p.m.

Live Trivia

Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Bingo Night

Louie’s Grill & Bar @ 8 p.m.

Thursday 10/05/23

Fall 2023 College Fairs: Construction Industry Career

Fair Gallagher-Iba Arena @ 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Funk N’ Beers College Bar @ 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Kid’s Night Eskimoe Joe’s @ 5-9 p.m. w/ $1 Buffy meal

Line Dancing Lessons Outlaws @ 7-8 p.m. $10

OSU Equestrian vs. TCU

OSU Animal Science Totusek Arena @ 2 p.m.

Silk Art Exhibit

Modella Art Gallery @ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Stillwater High School Football: Pioneers Vs Sand Springs

Stillwater High School @ 7 p.m. $5

Town & Theatre Presents: And Then There Were None

Adults: $16 Students or

Town & Gown Theatre Musicals

Military: $14 Seniors (Sun. only): $14 Plays Adults: $14

Students or Military: $12 Seniors (Sun. only): $12 https:// www.townandgown.org/fbclid=IwAR2bP2ZHCTi1R_ BZJ08wi2jvd2JMLetDIW7_VXRLpEiry01mhUqxJVgdDCA

Yoga in the Garden

Botanical Garden at OSU @ 5:45 - 6:30 p.m.

Friday 10/06/23

OSU vs. Kansas State

Boone Pickens Stadium @ 6:30 p.m.

Friday Concert in the Garden: Morgan

The Botanical Garden at OSU @ 5:45 p.m.

Orange Friday

Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 5 - 7 p.m.

Painting/Ceramics w/ Pizza

StillyArts @ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Book your tickets here: https://stillyarts.com/paintnights Fee: $20 (8x10 canvas + pizza) / $30 (11x14 canvas + Pizza) https://stillyarts.com/

Town

next spring sparks into summer romance, partnership and collaboration. Share and grow resources together.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Rely on experts and partners, with Mercury in Libra over about three weeks. Your mate has great ideas. Network and grow creative collaboration and connection.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Simplify tasks. Streamline routines over three weeks. Practice makes perfect and physical action gets results. Get into a healthy phase, with Mercury in Libra.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Express from your heart. Others find your intelligence attractive. For about three weeks, you’re especially charming, with Mercury in Libra. Use your persuasive arts.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — You can achieve household consensus. It’s easier to communicate at home, with Mercury in Libra for three weeks. Coordinate remodeling and renovation plans.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Use your persuasive charms. You’re especially brilliant, with Mercury in Libra. Apply logic as well as emotion. Communicate a balanced perspective. Share and connect.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Get into lucrative projects. Creative work pays well over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Libra. Find another revenue source. Profitable ideas abound.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Talk about your passions, with Mercury in your sign. Discuss love, contribution and fun. Use your gift of gab for three weeks. Share your message.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Private productivity satisfies over three weeks, with Mercury in Libra. Sort, organize and file. Finish up old business. Chart your course in peaceful seclusion.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate for common cause. Team communication flows with ease, with Mercury in Libra for three weeks. Crowdsource solutions. Consensus comes naturally. Share victories.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Discuss projects you love. Develop profitable deals in communication, with Mercury in Libra. Socializing opens new doors. Public speaking impacts your professional status.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Dig into fascinating subjects. Satisfy your curiosity. Explore and expand territory over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Libra. Study, research and investigate. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Profit through collaboration and communication, with Mercury in Libra. Track family finances. Use the next three weeks to gather resources. Your budget is your friend.

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