Friday, August 16, 2024
Welcome, Students
A Cowboy guide to fitness
RAYNEE HOWELL
ASSISTANT
@RAYNEEHOWELL
For many students stepping onto campus for the first time, or at least the first time in a long time, walking to class in the August heat will be more than enough exercise. But for those overachievers, this guide is here to help you navigate fitness at OSU and in Stillwater.
As students, every penny you save counts. For this reason, most students utilize available campus resources. On campus, there is a focus on physical and emotional wellness, and many resources can be found at the Colvin Center.
If you want to stay in shape, you can play basketball, lift weights, play tennis, play volleyball, rock climb, attend classes or simply walk on the treadmill all in the same place; for most activities, all you need is your student ID to participate.
The Colvin offers cardio, strength and mind-body connection group fitness classes taught by professionals for a membership fee, which is at a reduced cost for students. It is also the hub of recreational activity at
OSU, and it houses more than 20 intramural sports, according to the OSU website. To compete in these sports, registration fees usually range from $20-30 for a season. Not bad at all, to stay in shape and have fun.
For the early risers and the night owls, the Colvin is open from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Now, what Colvin newcomers need to know is how busy the Colvin will get. If you arrive anytime between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., there will usually be lines for machines, especially the pec fly machine. You might as well take the exercise out of your chest day routine if you plan to consistently go to the gym around this time – trust me.
The benches and squat racks will most likely be full as well, but they’ll open up more frequently. If you come to play basketball, there is a good chance that all of the balls will be checked out.
If you want to fully enjoy yourself at the Colvin, you have to be strategic. If you plan to work out, earlier is better. If you can squeeze your workout in before classes or during the time when most are in class, around 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., it’s a more efficient experience.
See Fitness on page 5A
ALEXANDER
HAYDEN
& LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Here are the summer headlines you missed.
Graduate initiative
OSU is launching a new initiative that highlights four graduate competencies: ethical leadership, professional preparedness, engaged citizenship and personal responsibility. The university wants students to graduate with these competencies.
The OSU portfolio will pair
Safety tips for new Cowboys
HAYDEN ALEXANDER NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
The Oklahoma State University Police Department is the force tasked with keeping students safe.
This is a shared responsibility; students can also contribute to their safety by taking several steps.
Stay safe, and add these 10 tips to your safety tool kit.
Do not walk alone at night
If you plan a late-night walk or a club meeting runs late, ensure you have a trusted group or friend to walk home with.
If you need help to avoid walking home alone, walk in brightly lit areas and stick to the main campus roads. Let a roommate or friend know your path of travel and when to expect you back.
OSUPD’s SafeWalk system allows students to request a buddy to walk to their destination seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., and OSUPD is always available to walk with students. Call (405) 744-6523 to request a SafeWalk.
Events during the first week of classes
HAYDEN ALEXANDER
Classes start Monday, and students, returning and new, are in for an eventful first week at OSU.
Here is a list of 10 events happening on campus during the first week of class.
Free Fitness Week
The Colvin Recreation Center is hosting a “Free Fitness Week,” allowing students to explore multiple group fitness classes.
First Day of School Pictures
The Student Union Activities Board (SUAB) is hosting its annual “First Day of School Pictures” event on Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon on Library Lawn. See Class on page 5A
the graduate competencies with a digital portfolio to showcase student experiences.
Housing shortage
A potentially record-breaking number of students are attending OSU this fall. Because of the high number of enrolled students, OSU is working to house students on and off campus.
Pedestrian Safety Task Force
The Pedestrian Safety Task Force is working to improve campus safety. This summer, it placed
extra speed limit signs around campus to encourage more alert driving.
The task force is currently surveying student and employee driving habits.
Student Farm providing fresh produce
The OSU Student Farm and Our Daily Bread are working together to provide fresh produce to the community. The farm plans on expanding its operations to reach more regional food banks.
Little
File Photo
The trail around Boomer Lake is a good place to exercise close to campus, though it is good practice to go with a buddy.
Welcome to The O’Colly
KENNEDY
THOMASON
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
@_KENNEDYPAGE
Kennedy Thomason, Editor-in-Chief
Hi, reader. This is my third and final year at OSU, as well as my third year with The O’Colly. Although I was raised in Blacksburg, Virginia, (Go Hokies!), I was also raised in a Cowboy family. I am an avid runner and completed my first half marathon in the spring.
Ashton Slaughter, Sports Editor
Greetings from The O’Colly News & Lifestyle
Thought newspapers were dead, didn’t you?
Well, TheO’Colly has provided breaking and insightful coverage to OSU’s campus since 1895. In the student paper’s 129th year, TheO’Colly’seditorial board and staff continue to strive to ask the student body’s most important questions.
We are independent of the university and student-ran. In a literal way, we are for the students, by the students.
You can expect to see our printed editions every Friday in news stands across campus. We also provide daily coverage, from breaking news to post-game coverage on our website, ocolly.com.
Our staff report with honesty, integrity, transparency and timeliness. We talk with students, faculty, staff, administration and experts beyond the university to provide you with well-rounded stories.
If you have a topic or issue you feel deserves a story, send me an email at editorinchief@ocolly.com. Column
editorinchief@ocolly.com
Editor-in-Chief
What’s up, y’all? I’m in my fourth and final (fingers crossed) year at OSU, and am so stoked to lead the sports section. I’m from Owasso, Oklahoma, and I love anything sports related, film and music. If you see me — we can talk about any of those things, and if you loved or hated a story.
Parker Gerl, Assistant Sports Editor
Hey, O’Colly reader. I’m a junior covering all things OSU sports with a focus on football, basketball and softball. I have worked for The O’Colly since my freshman year and can’t wait for a third year with our paper. I’m from Houston, Texas, and love everything about my city.
Katie Lehew, Design Editor
Hey, Cowboys! I am the design editor at The O’Colly I am majoring in graphic design with a minor in marketing, and I come from Edmond, Oklahoma. I love anything to do with art, reading and fitness! Go Pokes!
Hayden Alexander, News & Lifestyle Editor
Howdy, readers! This is my fourth and final year (hopefully) at OSU and my third year with The O’Colly. I grew up in in a house divided, but I always knew I would be a Cowboy. I play clarinet in the marching band and I am The O’Colly’s resident “Star Wars” expert.
Raynee Howell, Assistant News and Lifestyle Editor
Hey, Cowboys! I’m a second-semester junior focused on all things journalism and communication. I have worked for The O’Colly as a staff reporter since my freshman year, and I’m beyond excited to join the editorial board.
Payton Little, Photo Editor
Hey, Pokes! I’m in my sophmore year majoring in marketing. I was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and have been doing photography for two years. I have worked for The O’Colly for one year and going on my second. If you see me, ask for a picture and maybe you’ll make it in the newspaper! :)
Bryson Thadhdani, Social Media Editor
What’s up y’all! This is my second year at Oklahoma State and on The O’Colly’s staff. I am a sports media major from Greenville South Carolina, but moved to Houston, Texas, in fifth grade.
Editorial board
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
News & Life editor
Hayden Alexander news.ed@ocolly.com entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
Assistant News & Life editor Raynee Howell news.ed@ocolly.com entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
Photo editor Payton Little photo.ed@ocolly.com
Adviser Brett Dawson brett.dawson@okstate.edu
News & Lifestyle reporters:
Addie Wagner
Alli Themer
Ava Whistler
Bella Casey
Issac Terry
Jocelyne Perez
Luisa Clausen
Maddie Swain
Newsroom
HAYDEN ALEXANDER NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Column
Welcome back, students. TheO’Colly News & Lifestyle department is dedicated to covering news that matters.
Our writers cover everything from breaking news to the latest trends. On and off campus, our writers never stop digging up the latest news and worthwhile stories.
They say print is dead, but The O’Collyis alive and thriving. Our coverage expands across multiple platforms, from paper to digital – we bring the latest news.
Looking for the latest election coverage? We’re on it. Guide to campus trends? We’ve got it. Community coverage? Posted. An impassioned review of the latest films? Check the Friday paper. Features on your fellow Cowboys? Published.
Today, it’s a story on campus safety tips; tomorrow, it’s a feature on a professor creating a community through music. Our stories range from hard news to entertaining reviews, but all receive the same care and effort in every word. If you want to know more about the current headlines or the latest developments on campus, our print editions hit the news stands on Fridays. Want the latest breaking news? We publish online at ocolly.com and on social media. If news and lifestyle spark your interest, you’ve come to the right place. Our work is for students, by the students –and anyone chasing their first byline.
news.ed@ocolly.com
The O’Colly Staff
Sports reporters: Photographers & Designers:
Alyssa Brandon Baylor Bryant
Calif Poncy
Daniel Allen
Queen
Garrett
Gina Foster
Kenzie Kraich
Tessa Dorrell
Weston Wertzberger
Andon Freitas
Brock Mills
Connor Fuxa
Delainey Cops
Johnathon Jackson
Kaytlyn Hays
Kylie Grandell
Luca Lombardo
Mykalyn Daidone
Philip Soliz
Riley Harness
News/Lifestyle
McKnight Center’s music, performances for fall season
KENNEDY THOMASON
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
@_KENNEDYPAGE
The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts is kicking off its fall season in September. The center is set to have 11 acts perform, ranging from soloists to bands to musicals. With headliners like Idina Menzel to Oklahoma native Vince Gill, the McKnight has performances spanning nearly every genre of music.
September
The fall will kick off with Idina Menzel making her appearance in Stillwater on Sept. 13. The “Queen of Broadway,” Menzel has made appearances as a singer and actress across some of the nation’s biggest stages. Among other roles, Menzel is famous for voicing Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen” and starring as a vocal coach in TV show “Glee.”
Menzel is expected to sing a mix of music, from originals to Broadway classics.
Three-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Grace Potter will perform Sept. 20. The rock’n’roll performer has four albums, the most recent of which is Mother Road.
Rounding out September, the Formosa Quartet is set to perform Sept. 24. The group has performed for more than two decades, playing songs that explore culture and folk traditions.
The quartet plays from its “collection of folk, pop, jazz, and poetry arrangements,” according to its website.
October
Time for Three, a three-man group that performs a variety of music from classical to Americana, is scheduled to be at the McKnight on Oct. 4. The Grammy- and Emmy-winning group has two violinists and one member who plays the double bass. All three sing.
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band will take the McKnight’s stage Oct. 12, performing country music. At its helm is Lovett, a Texas-based musician that has four Grammy awards and 14 albums. The music incorporates elements of “country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues,” according to the McKnight’s website.
Flutist Claire Chase is set to perform Oct. 22, as she continues her 24-year initiative, Density 2036. The initiative is a reimagination of solo flute literature, according to her website. Chase is also a professor in Harvard University’s music department.
November TINA – The Tina Turner Musical will be a headline event, with performances on Nov. 6 and 7. The musical is based on the “Queen of Rock ‘n Roll,” Turner, who won 12 Grammy Awards and was one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. She died in 2023, and the musical is a tribute to her career, featuring her songs.
Katori Hall, a Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright, wrote the musical.
Esperanza Spalding, an American bassist and singersongwriter will perform Nov. 15. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Spalding combines “instrumental music, improvi-
Students’ Right to Privacy Notice
sation, singing, composition, poetry, dance, therapeutic research, storytelling, teaching, restorative urban land and artist-sanctuary custodianship,” among other things, according to the McKnight Center’s website.
Craig Taborn, who performs piano and electronic music, is scheduled to play at the McKnight Center on Nov. 19. A performer for more than 25 years, Taborn’s music exists in the “jazz, improvisational and creative music scene,” according to the McKnight’s website.
An Evening with Vince Gill, which was rescheduled, is set to come to Stillwater on Nov. 22. A 22-time Grammy Award winner, singer-songwriter Gill performs country music. An Oklahoma native, Gill graduated from Oklahoma City’s Northwest Classen High School before pursuing his music career.
December
The only performance scheduled for the year’s last month, musical KINGS ReJOYCE! will be at the McKnight Center on Dec. 5. The musical combines the prowess of multi-Grammy Award winner singer Joyce DiDonato, four-man vocal group Kings Return and pianist Craig Terry.
It will feature holiday music from classics to contemporary tunes.
Tickets for any show may be purchased through the McKnight Center’s website until the show reaches capacity.
The McKnight Center also frequently hosts events before performances, such as pep rally concert tailgate parties or preconcert conversations.
news.ed@ocolly.com
University Health Services serves all students, employees
HOWELL ASSISTANT NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR @RAYNEEHOWELL
Without our parents to take care of us, University Health Services is the next best option for Cowboys who need medical attention.
For freshmen who are new to the dorms, it’s important to prepare for sickness as the housing areas are a breeding ground for colds, allergies and other common health issues. A trip to the Student Health Clinic is an easy way to receive the care needed without the added stress of leaving campus and visiting an unknown care provider.
The office is located in the UHS building on Farm Road, directly next door to the Iba Residence Hall. The clinic is an urgent-care office available to assist any student with outpatient care needs between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week.
The clinic has received excellent ratings in the past, including a 99% comfortability rating among students who attended the clinic during the 2018-2019 academic year, according to the UHS website. Students can visit the patient por-
tal and log in with their OSU account information to make an appointment. UHS also has a pharmacy on site. Students can receive prescribed medications from private physicians or from UHS clinic visits without leaving campus.
Other services, besides urgent care, are also available. There is a women’s clinic for a wide range of gynecologic issues, including contraception services and Pap testing.
Mental health is also treated at the clinic. Students can undergo an initial consultation for $15. The clinic staff asks each patient to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.
For insured students, an office visit is a flat fee of $50. For uninsured and self-pay students, there is a prompt pay discount of $20. The bursar can be used to defer the full payment.
Fees beyond the office visit depend on the amount of lab work and outside resourcing for testing. UHS encourages students to call (405) 7447665 with any concerns regarding billing, cost and insurance for any medical needs.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment) was designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their educational records in all offices, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings.
An OSU student has the right to:
1. Inspect and review information contained in his or her educational records within 45 days of the day that the University receives a written request from the student.
2. Challenge the contents of the educational record.
3. Have a hearing if the outcome of a challenge is unsatisfactory.
4. Submit an explanatory statement for inclusion in the educational record if the outcome of the hearing is unsatisfactory.
5. Secure a copy of the institutional policy, which includes the location of all educational records.
6. Prevent disclosure, with certain exceptions, of personally identifiable information from the educational record.
7. File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Student Privacy Policy Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-8520.
Withholding Disclosure of Information. Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of directory information. A student may file a written request with the Office of the Registrar to not release personally identifiable information, including directory information. Such requests will be honored until revoked by the student. The University assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of directory information indicates individual approval for disclosure.
Access to Records. Students may inspect and review their educational records by making a written request to the office that maintains the records (See Location of Records below). No non-directory information regarding students’ educational records may be disclosed to anyone without written consent of students, except for selected purposes as authorized by federal law, such as to "school officials" who have a "legitimate educational interest" in the student, to another institution to which a student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled if the disclosure is related to the student's enrollment or transfer, and in response to a lawfully issued court order or subpoena.
Parental Access to Records. At the postsecondary level, parents have no inherent rights to inspect their son’s or daughter’s educational records. Information regarding educational records is best obtained by direct communication between the parent and the student. Students may consent to release their educational records to parents, legal guardians, or other individuals by completing the appropriate form in the Office of the Registrar. Such consent should be given in an uncoercive environment. Parents of a dependent student may challenge denial of access to educational records by producing the most current copy of Internal Revenue Form 1040.
Definitions. "Educational Record" refers to those records which are directly related to a student and are maintained by an educational institution.
"Directory Information" includes: student’s name (including chosen or preferred first name); local and permanent address or hometown; telephone number; year of birth; major field of study; weight and height of student participating in officially recognized sports; dates of
attendance at Oklahoma State University; degrees, honors, and awards granted or received, and dates granted or received; academic classification such as freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.; institutional electronic mail address; most recent educational institution previously attended; dissertation or thesis title; or thesis/dissertation advisor; participation in officially recognized organizations, activities, and sports; parents’ names and addresses (city and state only).
“School official” is defined as an individual currently serving as a member of the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges; the President of OSU and the administrators, faculty and staff they supervise; the President and CEO of the Alumni Association and President and CEO of the Oklahoma State University Foundation and the staff they supervise; the National Student Clearinghouse; and contractors, volunteers and other nonemployees performing institutional functions as school officials with legitimate educational interests.
"Legitimate educational interest" is defined as an interest which results from the duties officially assigned to a school official and which are related to such a school official's responsibility for facilitating the student's development. School officials may have legitimate educational interests both in students who are currently enrolled and in those no longer enrolled.
Location of Records Several offices share responsibility for maintaining and releasing information pertaining to student education records. These include but are not restricted to: a) the Office of the Registrar for academic records, b) the Office of Student Conduct Education and Administration for disciplinary records, c) the Office of the Bursar for billing and payment records, d) the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for scholarship and financial aid records, e) the Human Resources office or Career Services office for employment/ placement records, and f) the Communications Service office for directory information.
Challenge the Content of Records. When a student seeks to challenge the content of the educational record, the following steps will be used:
1. The student will submit a written request to the official responsible for maintaining the record, with such request specifying the content being challenged, the grounds for the challenge, and the exact action being sought.
2. Within one month of the request, the official shall provide a written response. If the official grants the request, the change(s) will be made. If the request is denied, the letter will explain why and will inform the student they may add an explanation to the record and/or appeal the official’s decision. If the student adds an explanation to the record, the explanation will accompany the part of the record to which the explanation pertains, whenever that part of the record is released.
3. An appeal may be filed by submitting a written request to the Vice President to whom the official responsible for maintaining the record reports.
Payton Little
The McKnight Center for the Preforming Arts is scheduled to host 11 performances during its fall season.
Payton Little University Health Services provides a plethora of medical care.
RAYNEE
Mark your calendars: Key dates for the school year
RAYNEE HOWELL ASSISTANT NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Before classes start and syllabi are released, it may be difficult to identify important dates to remember, but the academic calendar can be a good place to start.
The first important date on the calendar is first day of the fall semester, which is Monday. New and returning students will begin classes and meet new professors and peers.
Over the first few weeks, students will begin to figure out their schedules. If a certain class is not the right fit, there are options. Classes can be added or dropped with a 100% refund until Aug. 26. There will be no evidence of the class on any transcript, unofficial or official.
Until Aug. 30, students can receive a partial refund on any dropped class, and it will not be on the students’ transcript. To add a class, an adviser and instructor must sign off. There will be no other chances to add a
class for the remainder of the semester unless it’s a short course.
The last deadline for dropping a class is Nov. 8. Students must complete a withdrawal form and get it signed by an adviser. It will leave a “W” for withdrawal on the students’ transcript.
The first university holiday of the fall semester is Labor Day on Sept. 2. Don’t be the one freshman to show up to your 8 a.m. that day. Make sure you’re attending your classes on days that aren’t university holidays. By Sept. 13, instructors can make excessive absence alerts.
Six-week grades will slowly start trickling in on Sept. 24. By Oct. 2 at noon, each instructor is required to have the grade put in. On Oct. 8, final grades for the first round of short courses will begin to be submitted.
Once we reach November, the remaining weeks will go by fast. There are some important dates no one will want to miss. For seniors, Nov. 1 is the deadline to file a graduation application for the fall commencement.
Know your safety plan
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Download the Rave Guardian App
The Rave Guardian app is your one-stop shop for all things safety. Students can use the app to request a SafeWalk, call the OSUPD non-emergency line, chat with an officer and more.
Self-defense keychain
Make sure your keys are not the only thing on your keychain. Add a small tube of pepper spray or emergency light or sound emitter to deter threats. If you add a defense object on the sharper side, be aware that those will not make it into football games.
Lock your doors
Double-check, triple-check and then recheck your door to ensure it is locked.
Watch where you walk, drive and ride
Pay attention when crossing the road, driving and riding bikes, skateboards and scooters. Take your headphones out and unplug as you travel.
Go to your floor meetings, learn about your building exits and plans for a severe weather event.
Be aware
Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or when going out.
Going-out plan
OSU is a dry campus, but if you find yourself at a party or any location with substances, go with a designated driver and stick with your group. Do not go off on your own. Do not set down your drink; if you do, do not pick it back up.
First-aid kit
Get yourself a small first-aid kit from the store. It can be handy for bumps, bruises and other injuries.
OSU defense training for women
The university offers an online self-defense course to counter sexual assault and other attacks. The Rape Aggression Defense System (R.A.D.) is a 12-hour online course that teaches students how to defend themselves.
Online requests for the course can be made at osupd@okstate.edu or call (405) 744-6523.
news.ed@ocolly.com
TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR!
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Is.55:6 NIV)
It is worthwhile to take the time; to stop and consider your way of life and make resolutions; new steps to take to make your life more meaningful or productive. Maybe you are doing this, or maybe you have just given up on the whole idea.
Can you remember when you were a child, how time went by so slowly? It seemed like it took forever for the holidays to arrive. Now time passes so swiftly; the years seem to rush by. The turn of the century seemed so far away when I was younger. Now we are nearly twenty years into the 21st century.
I want to encourage you to stop and consider your life; especially the remainder. None of us know when our life may end. Jesus spoke of those who
would come into their purposes in the “eleventh hour;” right at the end of life’s work day.(Mt.20) You may think that it is too late to turn your life over to Christ; there is such little time left on “your calendar.” Yet, those who come in at the “eleventh hour” will receive the same wages as those who labored the whole day. We need to work in God’s purpose for our lives while we still have time. The Bible tells us the time is coming when “no man can work.” (Jn.9:4)
As you set your heart and get definite about trusting God with your life and serving him, you will find wonderful opportunities will open for you. You see God has his purposes for you planned out, and he will begin to open doors that you know nothing about. There will be such great satisfaction in serving and finishing what he has for you to accomplish. When your life does end, and it will, you will be so glad you have followed Christ. The Bible tells us that your labor for him is not in vain. (1 Co.15:58)
Toward the end of November, fall break will begin and give students a well-deserved break before final-exam season begins. From Nov. 25-29, there will be no class.
On Dec. 2, all assigned drop or withdrawal applications must be submitted by the approval of an instructor. Students applying for the assigned drop will have to make a case on the circumstances of their academic standing to receive a “W.”
That same Monday begins PreFinals Week, known among students as “dead week.” From Dec. 2-6, extracurriculars will be canceled and no assignments, tests or exams worth more than 5% of your grade will be assigned.
The week is meant to allow students time to prepare for Finals Week. A few professors even cancel class or conduct virtual lectures. Yet, it’s safe to assume most classes are in session unless a professor announces otherwise.
On Dec. 3, during Pre-Finals Week, instructors can begin submitting
final grades for all fall courses. A few classes may be finished, but most classes will not have grades submitted until after class work ends on the last day, Dec. 6, or after Finals Week. Finals Week is the following week, Dec. 9-13. There will be no regular class meetings. Each class will have a scheduled time to meet for a final exam. If your class has no final exam, there is a good chance there will be no meeting.
On the last day of Finals Week, the graduate commencement will take place. The next day, on Dec. 14, the undergraduate commencement will happen. More details will be available regarding the commencements closer to the dates.
The following Wednesday, Dec. 18, final grades are due electronically from all faculty. By Dec. 20, the grades will be on official transcripts. Dec. 23-Jan. 1 will be considered a university holiday. Most students go home to celebrate and see family before returning for the spring semester.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Navigating parking on campus
HAYDEN ALEXANDER NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Parking can be tricky on campus, but not if you know the rules and plan ahead.
Here are TheO’Colly’s tips for securing a spot, avoiding tickets and finding alternative modes of transportation.
Get your parking permit
First, make sure you have your parking permit. You can apply through the Parking Portal on OSU Parking and Transportation Service’s website, parking.okstate.edu.
Know your colors
As a freshman, you should receive a maroon pass for on-campus housing unless you live at Bennett Hall, which requires an orange pass. Here are the corresponding colors and lots.
Blue,darkorange:Stafflots Lightgreen:Motorcyclelots Silver,green:Commuterlots Green/whitestripes:Overflow Blue/whiteStripes:Meteredparking
Brown:Reserved
White:Familyhousing
Moral of the story? Check the color of your parking pass and stick to it. For a more visual overview, check out the interactive parking map on parking.okstate.edu
Plan ahead
College is full of late-night study sessions and nights out on the town, but stay out too late, and all the spots get taken up. You do not want to be looking for a spot at midnight, so plan to be home early or secure a ride. If you are near your dorm, grab a couple of friends and walk to your destination.
Parking garages
You need a pass to park in the Wentz and Monroe garages, but the Student Union garage is open to all students. However, it is not for free. It is $2 an hour to park and $15 if you are there for more than eight hours.
The hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and parking on Sundays is free.
Gamedays If you live in the Commons, be prepared to move your car for gameday. Every gameday eve, lot 74 transforms from a residence lot to the State RV Rangers parking lot. If you park in this lot regularly, you will receive an email every Thursday with a time to move. Parts of West Hall of Fame Avenue near Boone Pickens Stadium are closed off for gameday. Do not move your car if you do not need to, especially during Homecoming weekend. Alumni, friends and family travel to the games and will go for any spot they can find.
Bikes
Riding a bike to class is an easy alternative for getting around campus and Stillwater. To register your bike with OSU Parking Services, visit its website, parking.okstate.edu, and watch a short safety video accompanied by a short quiz to recieve a free bike permit.
OSU Parking Services also provides Orange Ride, a full-service bike shop that can help with bike assembly and repairs. The shop also does bike rentals.
Spin scooters
Spin scooters can be found all over campus. They are an easy way to get around in a pinch, but they cost money and require a Spin account. Check out parking.okstate.edu for rules regarding the orange scooters.
Buses Another alternative mode of transportation is the Orange Buses. The buses are free to students with an OSU ID. They run from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.
Check out the Orange Bus Route at: parking.okstate.edu.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Courtesy of OSU News
OSUPD offers its SafeWalk system, which allows students to request someone to walk them home.
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For the Colvin basketball pick-up game regulars, early afternoon or late at night will give you more of a chance to snag a ball. If you have your own ball, bring it. It’ll make the process much easier.
If you simply want some fresh air on campus, there are two Cowboy Walking Trails to take advantage of. The White Trail, which you can follow by looking for the Pistol Pete emblems with the white outline along the brick paths, is 0.66 miles long. The Orange Trail, which is found by following the orangeoutlined Pistol Petes, is 0.89 miles long. If you want to combine the two by circling the outer loop, it is 1.3 miles long.
Many students make their own walking paths around the campus, stopping at their favorite spots, like Theta Pond or Campus Corner. Students who live in the dorms can also utilize recreational areas outside of their dorms. Basketball courts and volleyball courts are placed around the living areas. Keep a watchful eye out for those parts of campus, and before you know it, you’ll have a place to meet
new friends and do cardio.
Now off-campus, Stillwater is home to many gyms and outdoor recreational areas. As someone who could not visit the Colvin during the slow hours, I have purchased a day pass from almost every gym, including two of my favorites: House of Payne and ES Bodyworks.
House of Payne is located on Perkins Road, and it is a 24/7 facility. The main thing that stood out about HOP is how I could pay virtually at the door via an app any time of the day, even when I was not a monthly member.
HOP has saunas, locker rooms and equipment on two floors. The downside to HOP is most of the equipment is outdated, which is quite a change from the Colvin.
ES Bodyworks, also located on Perkins Road, is a 24/7 facility, but you cannot enter any time to pay for a day pass. The equipment is on the newer side, and a large number of the members are college students. There are multiple squat racks, benches and machines.
There is also equipment for bodybuilding specifically, like deadlift jacks and chalk stations. A cardio room, tanning rooms and a back room with a turf area are also available
for every member. Classes led by trainers are not an additional fee.
If you are a fitness fanatic who can afford an extra bill, I would encourage checking out Bodyworks. It is the closest competitor to the Colvin in Stillwater.
Practicing cardio outdoors can also be an off-campus activity. If you need a change of scenery, check out Boomer Lake or the Sanborn Lake Trails.
The Boomer Lake trail is one of the most popular in Stillwater. The scenery can be beautiful, especially over the Lakeview Road Bridge. Biking lanes are also available.
The downside to Boomer Lake are the geese. They are everywhere, and so is their poop. Also, walking with a partner and exercising caution is always a good idea as there have been incidents of sexual harassment along the trails in the past year.
My personal favorite walking trail is located near the airport on the north side of town. The Sanborn Lake Trails will take you through the woods around a small, creekish-sized lake. The view is amazing, and it is more of a nature walk than Boomer Lake.
However, you choose to stay active, be sure to stay hydrated and safe.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Student STACHE Network.
Tools 4 School
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Rock The Rec
The Colvin Recreation Center is hosting an open house for students to learn more about fasciitis and the options offered. The event will include rock climbing, ice cream and giveaways. The first 400 students will receive a free T-shirt. It will be held Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Colvin.
Snacks With SUAB
SUAB is offering free snacks from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Student Union Plaza.
Lights On Stillwater
This annual event highlights the best of OSU and the City of Stillwater. Clubs, organizations, nonprofits and local businesses will gather on the north side of Boone Pickens from 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is $1 or a donation to the SGA
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Construction on University Avenue
SUAB is hosting an event that provides free school supplies to students. Swing by the Student Union Ballroom, 265 in the Student Union, on Wednesday.
Cowgirl Soccer vs. Oklahoma
Catch the Cowgirls in action Thursday evening as they take on the University of Oklahoma in a 7 p.m. match at Neal Patterson Stadium.
Furry Friend Friday
Pete’s Pet Posse will champion mental health and wellness at the Colvin Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to meet the pups.
Movie night on the Lawn Join SUAB and the Multicultural Greek Council for a movie night on the classroom building lawn Thursday. They will be showing “Monsters University.”
news.ed@ocolly.com
Empire Slice House
A new pizza place is now open in Stillwater. The restaurant is
The construction across the street from Theta Pond will be a new house for the women of sorority Zeta Tau Alpha. OSU behind the scenes on “Twisters” OSU-OKC partnered with the “Twisters” production team to provide multiple rigs for production during tornado aftermath scenes.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little
The Colvin Recreation center has an impressive collection of gym equipment for any student to use.
Ethan Hilbert
Pete’s Pet Posse is hosting “Furry Friends Friday” at the Colvin Recreation Center next week.
Steve Lutz’s coaching journey gives OSU chance for turnaround
BY CALIF PONCY I STAFF REPORTER
As soon as Steve Lutz took the stage at Gallagher-Iba Arena in April, he let everyone in attendance and watching from home know one thing.
“My family is the most important thing to me — other than being the head coach of Oklahoma State basketball,” Lutz said at his introductory press conference. “I don’t have a whole lot of hobbies; I’m not a golfer… basketball pretty much consumes our life.”
Lutz’s teams have embodied all of those traits in his two stops at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Western Kentucky.
of his two seasons after taking over a team that had posted a below .500 record in four consecutive seasons.
Lutz is trying to be the man who brings those values back to a program that, not long ago, was considered one of the nation’s elite.
Lutz was at the forefront of leading both of those programs to the NCAA Tournament after long hiatuses, taking TAMU-CC to the Big Dance in each
In the 18 years since Eddie Sutton coached his final game at OSU, fans have wanted someone to become known as the face of the once-proud program. They’ve wanted a coach who emphasizes toughness, defense and, above all else, a team that brings intensity to both sides of the floor every night.
He did something similar at WKU, leading the Hilltoppers to a conference championship and a tournament berth in his lone season there.
Lutz’s ability to recruit at a high level and develop players once he brought them into the program was key. He began honing those skills as an assistant and lead recruiter under Greg McDermott at Creighton.
“He has an incredible work ethic; he understands that recruiting is something you have to do every day,” McDermott told The O’Colly. “He’s
A look at OSU’s home football games, themes
Here’s each home game and its theme and events:
Aug. 31 — vs South Dakota State
Stripe the Stadium, Homecoming, family weekend and more.
Oklahoma State opens its season in two weeks, bringing another year of football, traditions, themes and events to Stillwater and Boone Pickens Stadium.
The Cowboys made a trip to the Big 12 title game last season and hope to do the same in 2024.
The Cowboys open their season against the Jackrabbits, winners of back-to-back FCS national championships and 29 straight games. Although it’s an FCS opponent, SDSU is riding high entering 2024 and could very well make it a difficult contest.
OSU wants fans to wear orange for Aggie Day. There will also be a barbecue competition at the block party.
See Home on page 3B
developed and maintained so many relationships across the country with high school coaches and AAU coaches because he’s brutally honest.
“Sometimes, in recruiting, you have to have tough conversations. If you’re recruiting two guys and can only take one of them, you have to make that call to those people you’ve developed a relationship with and let them know you’re going in a different direction. I think the fact Steve is just so honest with his approach makes him well respected because everyone knows when he talks you are getting the truth.”
Lutz on page 6B
Hello from The O’Colly Sports section
The O’Colly Sports department is committed to serving OSU students and fans.
Throughout the year, our writers are at anything from an exhibition soccer match in August to a Women’s College World Series game in June. We cover every Bedlam there is. We report with accuracy, fairness and determination, all with the hope of providing you with the best coverage possible.
Want to read what Mike Gundy said after a football game? We’ve got you covered. Who is Cowgirl basketball’s star this year? Yup, we have that too. Have an interest in track & field? Great, because we’ll chat it up with Dave Smith anytime. Our weekly printed product is on Fridays, and obviously you can find us at ocolly.com, but you can also expect digital content from us. We’re using videos, podcasts and reels to try and reach you in any way possible. Expect a long feature story on Bryce Thompson one day and, the next day, an Instagram reel on David Taylor. Wherever you are, we want to connect with you.
Which is why, if you want to know about OSU sports, look no further. Our work is by the students, for the students — and anyone else who wants to climb aboard.
See
Payton Little
After taking two schools to the NCAA Tournament, Steve Lutz is trying to revitalize OSU men’s basketball in his first season in Stillwater.
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Sept. 7 — vs Arkansas
The Razorbacks struggled last season, going just 4-8 and 1-7 in conference play. But an SEC opponent is an SEC opponent, and the Cowboys should expect a tough game in their second matchup of the season.
Stripe the Stadium is back in 2024. Depending on section, fans are instructed to wear white or orange.
Sept. 21 — vs Utah
To kick off Big 12 play, OSU gets a home matchup with No. 12 Utah. The Utes are the highest-ranked opponent on the Cowboys’ schedule and are an early favorite to win the Big 12 in their first season as a member of the conference.
It’s Educator’s Weekend when the Cowboys host Utah. OSU wants fans to wear orange.
Oct. 8 — vs West Virginia
WVU had a breakthrough season in 2023, winning nine games — including a win against OSU — in a season most expected the Mountaineers to struggle. Now WVU comes to Stillwater as a strong opponent for the Cowboys.
It’s a wear-orange game again, but this time, it’s family weekend.
Nov. 2 — vs Arizona State
The Cowboys should be a heavy favorite to defeat ASU in early November. The Sun Devils were picked last in the Big 12 preseason poll and are coming off a 3-9 season.
It’s the one OSU students perhaps look forward to the most: The Homecoming game. OSU wants fans to wear orange.
Nov. 23 — vs Texas Tech
After a year off from playing each other, OSU and TTU’s matchup will return in 2024. The Red Raiders come to Stillwater to face the Cowboys, who are the highestranked opponent on their schedule. TTU was picked to finish ninth in the Big 12 Preseason Poll.
The Cowboys’ final home game of the 2024 season is Salute to Service and Senior Day. OSU wants fans to wear orange and will also hold a reunion for its 1974 football team.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
OSU Football Schedule
Aug. 31 vs South Dakota State, 1:00 p.m. CST
Sept. 7 vs Arkansas, 11:00 a.m. CST
Sept. 14 at Tulsa, 11:00 a.m. CST
Sept. 21 vs Utah, TBD
Sept. 26 at Kansas State, TBD
Oct. 5 vs West Virginia, TBD
Oct. 18 at BYU, 8:15 p.m. CST
Oct. 26 at Baylor, TBD
Nov. 2 vs Arizona State. TBD Nov. 9 at TCU, TBD
Nov. 23 vs Texas Tech, TBD
Nov. 29 at Colorado, 11:00 a.m. CST
Tips, tricks for using your All-Sports Pass
ASHTON SLAUGHTER SPORTS EDITOR @ASHTON_SLOT
If you’re wanting to get into an Oklahoma State University athletic event as a student, the coveted AllSports Pass is your best bet.
Whether you bought it at your freshmen orientation the summer before you stepped on campus or you’re a senior who just got it autorenewed for one more go-round (fingers crossed), the easiest way to get into Cowboy and Cowgirl games, matches and duels is at your fingertips.
Here’s a breakdown of what the All-Sports Pass is, how to use it and what to do if you don’t have one:
So... what is it?
Maybe your mom drug you over to some booth and had you sign up for this back in June, but you’re still kinda lost. I get it. But it’s really not all that complicated.
For $250, the All-Sports Pass al-
lows you access to any OSU home sporting event. The tickets are nontransferable and can simply be added to your Apple Wallet.
If you go to okstate.evenue.net and click on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, all you have to do is sign in and you’ll see your tickets.
How do I use it? Any tips and tricks?
Screenshots don’t work, so adding the ticket to your Wallet or having the webpage pulled up beforehand is recommended, just in case spotty internet pops up outside the entry gates.
And even though you have an All-Sports Pass, a good seat — or any seat — isn’t guaranteed. OSU has the right to turn away anyone once capacity is met. As you can imagine, this is primarily for football. But then again, I stood on a stair for the first few minutes of Bedlam in 2021 because there were no seats, so maybe take that with a
grain of salt.
But yes, adding the ticket to your Wallet is a good move. Although the tickets are nontransferable, other people can technically still use them. If you weren’t going to a women’s basketball game but your friend wanted to, then they could log into your account and use your ticket. Is that allowed? No. But you can do it — just be careful who you give your passwords to.
OK, but what if I don’t have one?
It’s too late to get an All-Sports Pass for this school year.
So, it’ll be more difficult, and it may cost you, but you can get into OSU athletic events.
Maybe a friend throws you their login, or maybe you have to buy some resell tickets on either OSU’s website or a ticket release application.
More than anything, you should focus on getting signed up for an All-Sports Pass next year.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little
For fans who are looking to get into an OSU athletic event, the All-Sports Pass is your best bet.
Get to know OSU coaches, where their programs stand
Cowboys, which saw five NCAA team championships and 33 NCAA individual championships, among many, many other accolades.
As students return to Stillwater, so will sports.
Here’s a look at each athletic program’s coach, with an update on its status:
Mike Gundy — Football It’s year 20 for Gundy as head coach of his alma mater.
The Cowboys, ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25 Preseason Poll, are coming off a 10-4 season that saw a trip to the Big 12 Championship game. They enter the 2024 season having returned an NCAA 15th-best 79% of their offensive production, which puts them as one of the conference’s top title contenders.
Under Gundy, OSU has won 67.8% of its games, with 18 bowl appearances in 19 years.
Steve Lutz — Men’s basketball
In April, OSU hired Lutz as head coach of its men’s basketball program following the firing of Mike Boynton after seven seasons.
Lutz comes to Stillwater from Western Kentucky, where he spent one season and went 22-12 with a trip to the NCAA Tournament. He previously coached at Texas A&MCorpus Christi for two years and guided the Islanders to the tournament in both seasons.
The Cowboys haven’t made the tournament since 2021. Lutz has never missed the tournament as a head coach.
Jacie Hoyt — Women’s basketball Hoyt is headed into her third season as the Cowgirls’ head coach. She’s looking to take OSU back to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three seasons.
Under Hoyt, OSU has gone 35-28 overall. The Cowgirls went 14-16 last season after a slew of injuries led to a shortened rotation, but if healthy, they could have a bounceback season.
David Taylor — Wrestling OSU wrestling has a new coach for the first time in 33 years.
In April, legendary coach John Smith announced his retirement after a long run as coach of the
So, athletic director Chad Weiberg passed the reigns to Taylor, a first-time head coach who wrestled at Penn State from 2010-14. Taylor’s loaded resume also includes an Olympic gold medal in 2021.
Although it’s Taylor’s first coaching gig, OSU remains in great shape, as the 33-year-old has put together a star-studded coaching staff.
Josh Holliday — Baseball
When OSU baseball returns this season, the Cowboys will be chasing back-to-back Big 12 Conference championships.
The man in charge of that push is Holliday, whose 11 seasons at OSU have included four Big 12 championships, 10 NCAA regional appearances and three trips to super regionals.
The Cowboys went 42-19 last season and fell in Regionals to Florida.
Kenny Gajewski — Softball
Gajewski has built Cowgirl softball into one of OSU’s best athletic programs.
The Cowgirls have made five straight trips to the Women’s College World Series under his guidance and will enter the 2025 season in prime position to return this summer. Gajewski holds a .710% winning percentage and has more than 100 Big 12 wins under his belt.
Dave Smith — Track & field and cross country
Smith took over as director and head coach of men’s and women’s cross country and track & field in 2009 and hasn’t looked back since.
Smith has been honored as national coach of the year three times during his tenure and has built OSU’s program into one of the country’s best. He and OSU had enormous success last year, winning the cross-country national championship, and are an annual contender to bring home hardware in both track and cross country.
Dustin Taylor — Men’s tennis Taylor and Cowboy tennis are entering the upcoming season on a high note.
A rundown of OSU sporting venues
ASHTON SLAUGHTER SPORTS EDITOR @ASHTON_SLOT
New students may be coming in and graduates may be filing out, but the sporting venues that OSU fans go to and athletes compete in aren’t going anywhere. Here’s a look at each OSU stadium, arena and anything in between.
Boone Pickens Stadium
The most recognizable stadium in Stillwater is courtesy of T. Boone Pickens, who gave OSU $260 million to upgrade BPS.
Since then (2003), more recent renovations have occurred, as the university is trying to make the 53,855-seated stadium one of the country’s best.
Gallagher-Iba Arena
In 1987, Henry Iba, legendary men’s basketball coach, had his last name added to Gallagher Hall.
GIA is where up to 13,611 students and fans cheer for men’s basketball, women’s basketball and wrestling. All three programs are in new phases: men’s basketball has a new coach in Steve Lutz; coach Jacie Hoyt is trying to get the Cowgirls back to the NCAA Tournament in her third season; and David Taylor is filling the shoes of legendary coach John Smith.
O’Brate Stadium
After opening in 2020, O’Brate Stadium has become one of — if not the best — sporting venue in Stillwater.
O’Brate had 3,500 permanent seats, but it can be expanded to 8,000. Whether you’re right behind home plate or in an outfield corral, it’s a great place for a ball game.
Cowgirl Stadium
have multiple returnees from last year’s team that made the NCAA Tournament.
Chris Young — Women’s tennis Cowgirl tennis and 14-year head coach Young sit among the country’s best.
Last season, Young and Co. went 29-1 and earned an ITA Indoor National Championship, a Big 12 Regular Season Championship and a Big 12 Tournament Championship. Expect OSU to be in the mix for another strong campaign.
Colin Carmichael — Soccer Gundy isn’t the only OSU coach entering his 20th season. Carmichael is, too.
And like Gundy, Carmichael has built a consistent winner with his team. Cowgirl soccer has won 68% of its games under Carmichael and has nabbed six Big 12 titles along the way, including 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament with two Elite Eight appearances.
OSU went 12-8 last season and missed the tournament, but retained a good portion of its key players for a run at the tourney in 2024.
Larry Sanchez — Equestrian Sanchez holds the title of longesttenured coach among all OSU coaches.
Entering Year 26, Sanchez’s team is coming off a season in which it finished No. 4 in the NCEA rankings. The Cowgirls are poised for another strong year, too, with two All-Americans and two All-Big 12 performers on their roster.
Alan Bratton — Men’s golf
Bratton is entering his 12th season as head coach of OSU men’s golf, his alma mater.
Since Bratton took over, the Cowboy golf program has captured more than 40 team titles. Last year, he guided OSU to six top-three tournament finishes and a third-place finish at the Big 12 Championship.
Greg Robertson — Women’s golf
Like his former teammate Bratton, Robertson is also coaching golf at his alma mater.
Robertson was hired in 2019 and has since coached the Cowgirls to two Big 12 Conference championships. Last year, he helped OSU reach its fourth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. PARKER
OSU just had its best season under Taylor since his arrival in 2021, and now it has a chance to get even better in 2024-25, as the Cowboys
Cowgirl Stadium opened in 2000, and its program has outdone the facility since then.
There have been murmurs of a new stadium here and there for the Cowgirls, who are awaiting a donor, but still, Cowgirl Stadium has a seated capacity of 750, has plenty of standing room and brings in bleachers for big games to attract more fans.
Neal Patterson Stadium
Neal Patterson Stadium, named after an Oklahoma State alumnus, has been one of the best collegiate soccer facilities since it was rededicated in 2018.
NPS has 2,500 permanent suites, but its largest crowd was 4,122 back in 2018. Greenwood Tennis Center
Located just north of Boone Pickens Stadium, the 50,000-square-foot Greenwood Tennis Center was completed in January 2014 and is the home of Cowboy and Cowgirl tennis.
The facility houses six tennis courts and is able to seat at least 350 spectators.
Karsten Creek Golf Club
Opened in 1994, Karsten Creek Golf Club is one of the premier college golf courses in the country, which has coincided with the success of Cowboy and Cowgirl golf.
The course was given a five-star rating in 1998 and has hosted multiple NCAA events, including two national championship tournaments.
Track & Field Complex
OSU’s track & field complex, which opened in 2013, is on a 20-acre lot on the northeast side of campus.
The complex features a nine-lane 400-meter track and an infield for field events, including other facilities for the athletes.
Greiner Family OSU Cross Country Course
The Greiner Family OSU Cross Country Course was renovated in 2019 and is considered one of the best courses in the country.
In the last few years, OSU has hosted the 2021 Big 12 Championships, 2022 NCAA Cross Country Championships and 2023 NCAA Midwest Regional Championship races on the course.
Pedigo-Hull Equestrian Center, other facilities
Equestrian utilizes the Pedigo-Hull Equestrian Center and the Atherton Family Arena for competitions.
Pedigo-Hull has a seating area on its north side for shows and equestrian uses multiple areas for practices and upkeep of horses.
Bryson Thadhani
The OSU football team has made a bowl game in 18 of 19 seasons under Mike Gundy.
File Photo
Jacie Hoyt took OSU’s women’s basketball team to the NCAA Tournament in her first season as head coach.
Boone Pickens Stadium construction update
levels were maintained.
In January 2023, Boone Pickens Stadium was off-limits. This summer, it was off-limits for the same reason.
Stadium construction. Renovations for which Oklahoma State University Athletic Director Chad Weiberg and Co. have remained cautiously optimistic will only bolster gameday atmosphere in a new era of college football highlighted by charm, facilities and success.
The latter has already been attained for nearly two decades. The Cowboys haven’t logged a losing season since 2005, the first season under head coach Mike Gundy. OSU has posted eight 10win seasons or better in that span.
But the first two — charm and facilities — are works in progress.
For OSU fans wondering when the construction will be complete, the question can now be answered.
It’s almost finished.
As for what transpired? Well, a lot.
The first part of the two-year, $55 million project, which took place after the 2022 season, included four inches
of added leg room in the 200-level on the north stands. A couple of rows of seats were sacrificed to make 27 inches of room into 31 inches, on par with the standard of most modern college football venues. Old benches in the 200 level were replaced with more comfortable benches, identical to the aluminum benches on the west side.
This summer, the south side was renovated in similar fashion. New entrances were added at the lower 200 levels, replacing benches, adding stadium seats, additional aisles and handrails.
But rest assured, the 100, 200 and 300
There remain some finishing touches to take place, including some final adjustments to the recently added benches and railings. The overall product, however, is mostly finished.
In return, OSU athletic department officials are optimistic the project will heighten the Cowboys’ status in the college football world in years to come.
The finalized product will be unveiled on Aug. 31 when OSU opens its 2024 season at home against South Dakota State at 1 p.m.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
File Photo
The improved seating in the lower bowl on the north side of Boone Pickens Stadium includes breathable mesh seatbacks.
sports
Intramural sports at OSU:
What they are, how to join, why
KENZIE KRAICH STAFF REPORTER
Ollie Gordon II, Bryce Thompson and Tallen Edwards. Those are just a few athletes who many students aspire to replicate in athletic talent.
While competing at a Division I level might be out of reach for most students, competing on a D-I campus is not. Oklahoma State is known for its intramural presence and athletic inclusion, regardless of expertise.
Here is what you need to know about intramural sports on campus and how to get involved with them:
What are intramurals?
Intramural sports are perfect for students who enjoy participating in a little competition in a relaxing environment. With more than 50 different leagues at OSU, students have a variety of options to choose from when getting involved in intramurals.
Not only can these activities be a competitive, tournament style, but they can also be played for recreation where the pressure of winning and losing is taken off of participants. There are competitions for those looking for a singular night of fun, a weekend hobby or an entire season. Students are able to choose the duration they would like to participate based on their availability during the school year.
How can I join?
Joining intramural activities at OSU is user-friendly, as it only takes a few steps to get there.
Visit the OSU Department of Wellness website. Under “Campus Recreation,” click the “Programs” tab. Select “Competitive Sports,” then “Intramural Sports.” Once on the Intramural Sports page, you will find a schedule, a how-to on joining a team, and several other important features.
Students have frequently asked what to do if they do not have a team to join. In this case, students can list themselves as “free agents,” and they will be picked up by a team that is looking for extra players. This gives teams an opportunity to be filled and students an opportunity to participate in the activities they wish.
While competing in activities is enjoyable for students, the Department of Wellness offers students the opportunity to officiate, run check-ins and
other miscellaneous duties surrounding intramural sports. Students can learn more about these opportunities if they scroll to the bottom of the “Intramural Sports” page.
Why should I join?
Making time for personal experiences can be tough for students, but OSU gives participants the opportunity to be a part of something that allows them to escape the pressures of college without having to leave campus.
By joining intramural
teams, students can expect to make strong connections and friendships with both their teammates and opposing teammates as well. In creating these connections, students diversify their exposure to other personalities and interests.
Making time for exercise can take a backseat when in college, but intramurals provide a fun way for students to get active and participate in physical activity, all of which the Department of Wellness tries to encourage at OSU.
sports
Lutz
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Cowboys assistant coach Robert Guster, who followed Lutz to Stillwater after spending a year with him at Western Kentucky, also credits Lutz’s ability to develop relationships with his players as a driving force in Lutz’s ability to develop talent.
“He’s hands-on first and foremost. I think he’s willing to work,” Guster said. “He’s a guy that will roll his sleeves up and do hours and hours with different student-athletes, and I think that’s pretty much the recipe for him being successful. It’s just how much he’s willing to work. He’s always learning and continuing to improve.
“Even on an office day, he’ll spend two or three hours working on his own craft, plus someone else’s. I think that’s how he induces guys to improve on a daily basis.”
Lutz honed that ability under McDermott and at Purdue under head coach Matt Painter. Lutz spent a combined 11 years under McDermott and Painter, both of whom led teams that advanced to at least the Sweet 16 last season. Painter made it to the national championship.
Lutz began his career in 1995 at Incarnate Word and made his way to Garden City Community College in Kansas City before returning and splitting the next decade in Texas between Stephen F. Austin and SMU. It was there that Lutz developed those relationships which would later aid him in becoming a high-level recruiter.
Lutz’s Texan roots have been key throughout his career, and they’re part of the reason why he waited so long to become a head coach before going to TAMU-CC.
“Becoming a head coach is all about timing, right place and right situation,” McDermott said. “In Steve’s case, because of his strong ties to
COPPER CREEK NOW
Texas, the Corpus Christi job was just an absolutely perfect first job for him. He had contacts in that region; he’s well respected in recruiting circles in that region. And obviously, he was able to turn that program around really quick.”
After a year in Kentucky, Lutz is back in a position where he can more easily use his Texas connections to revitalize a program, just like he did at TAMU-CC. OSU has a history of looking to the Lone Star State to find some of its biggest stars. Cade Cunningham, Marcus Smart and Le’Bryan Nash all played high school basketball in Texas. If Lutz can use his ties to strengthen an already bountiful pipeline, OSU could see a quick turnaround.
Lutz is off to a strong start, grabbing two players out of the portal who have experience as important offensive pieces and retaining Bryce Thompson and Jamyron Keller.
The most notable of Lutz’s new additions is former FIU point guard Arturo Dean, who led the NCAA in steals last season while averaging 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Brandon Newman, the second-leading scorer for Lutz’s Hilltoppers last season, also followed Lutz to OSU. Lutz brought in six other trans -
fers as well, and currently has the second-ranked Big 12 recruiting class in 2025. He has OSU in the mix for a few high-ranking recruits in that class as well.
Although Lutz said there isn’t much to him outside of basketball – and that whatever there is, he keeps private – he made it clear that ingraining himself with the community is a priority, and he sees OSU as “home.”
“You’ll see us out and about in the community a lot, and please make sure you don’t hesitate to come over and visit with us,” Lutz said. “We plan to be highly involved in the community.”
Outside of community, Lutz’s word and track record suggest he truly is all about basketball. Since the days of Sutton, OSU fans have been longing for a coach to come to Stillwater and instill the values that he had into the program. A coach who preaches hard work, defensive intensity and a love for the game exudes from each player whenever they take the court.
Lutz’s first three years as a head coach suggest he brings those values in a way that connects with players and brings the best out of them.
“I think his biggest skill is his ability to create confidence amongst each guy. A lot of that goes back to his
hands-on approach and the amount of swagger that he has,” Guster said. “Just his day-to-day grind, I think it goes into our guys, and they have a level of belief that is second to none. He’s going to come out, he’s going to work every single day and he just has a passion about him, a level of confidence about him, a swag about him that exists not only in him but goes down to our program as well.” It remains to be seen if Lutz can lead the Cowboys back to relevance in an ever-changing Big 12 that sits unopposed atop the college basketball world. Regardless, even if he is unable to capture the success that OSU fans expect, Lutz is poised to bring back the brand of basketball that once made GIA one of the loudest venues in the nation.
“I’m a person that believes I am no better than the last manager or the last player on the team. When we land and it’s time to unload that bus or unload that plane, I’m going to grab those bags just like you guys,” Lutz said. “We’ve got a history almost second to none, and now we’ve got to put our plan in action and get us back to the NCAA tournament and get us back to competing for national titles.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Connor Fuxa
Steve Lutz has made the NCAA Tournament in all three of his seasons as a head coach.