The O'Colly, Tuesday, April 15, 2024

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

2024 Miss American Indian OSU crowned

Lauren Branham, a junior studying natural resources ecology and management with a focus in fisheries and aquatic ecology, was recently crowned Miss American Indian Oklahoma State University 2024. Branham is a member of the Muscogee and Euchee nations. The pageant was held at the Stillwater Community Center on April 6.

Despite her initial hesitations and lack of pageant experience, Branham was driven by a desire to represent her tribal nations and advocate for her platform: food and land sovereignty. This platform is centered on ensuring tribal access to traditional plants, medicines and

sustainable land management practices in the face of climate change. “I want to do child outreach within colleges and natural resources,” Branham said. “I feel like natural resources are capped in the state of Oklahoma in terms of education. I didn’t know I wanted to do natural resources until I got to college, because you don’t think of things like that when you’re in school. It’s usually a doctor or scientist.” Branham aspires to collaborate with OSU’s Greenhouse Learning Center or the Botanical Garden. Her vision includes enhancing their displays of native plants and potentially establishing a medicine garden featuring plants significant to the various tribes represented on campus.

See Crowned on 8

Courtesy of OSU News AURP, a global nonprofit membership organization representing research parks and innovation districts, is at the forefront of fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government to drive economic growth and innovation.

Meadows named 2024 Mr. OSU

Dustin Meadows, a sophomore studying physiology premed, won the title of Mr. Oklahoma State University 2024 on April 1. The pageant, in its third year, took place in the Student Union Theater.

Special Olympics volunteer participation. His inspiration to promote the program came from his experience as part of the Best Buddies program at OSU. As a Best Buddies member, he regularly meets with individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities at the Wes Watkins Center.

The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University today announced it has joined the Association of University Research Parks as

innovation and entrepreneurship within the university ecosystem. AURP, a global nonprofit membership organization representing research parks and innovation districts, is at the forefront of fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government to drive economic growth and innovation. With a global network, AURP provides resources, advocacy and best practices to its member organizations. The Innovation Foundation is committed to supporting entrepreneurial endeavors and translating research into real-world solutions. Through its programs, the foundation nurtures startups, fosters industry partnerships and provides access to resources essential for the success of innovation-driven enterprises.

Originating from Paradise, Texas, Meadows’ journey to the pageant began when recruiters visited his fraternity, FarmHouse. Intrigued by the promise of a free haircut for participation, he decided to take a shot at the title. “That was the main entryway,” Meadows said. “Then I began to learn more about it. The winner got a $500 scholarship and a free custom suit, so it became more appealing.”

Meadows focused his platform on increasing

“Just about every time I talk with them, they ask me to go to the Special Olympics,” Meadows said. “It’s really heartwarming to be able to create a relationship with someone who usually wouldn’t be able to. It’s a unique thing, and I’ve always done things involving it. In high school, after our regular baseball season, we would have a Special Olympics game after. These things inspired me to make it my platform for the competition.”

Courtesy of OSU News 2023 Mr. and Miss American Indian OSU Caleb Garcia and Shaeleigh McGee present the crown to 2024 winner Lauren Branham.

Courtesy of OSU News

Mak

Courtesy of OSU News

‘I was complete’

Smith wanted to leave OSU program ‘in a better place,’ now he’s leaving on his own terms

Braden Bush Sports Editor

John Smith wiped his eyes as he looked around the Boone Pickens Stadium team room, full of family, friends and wrestlers, and talked about the Oklahoma State wrestling program he’s led for 33 years.

The national titles, the All-Americans, the conference titles. So much success. But the past three seasons were what weighed on Smith most. Two of his toughest years as coach came with OSU finishing 14th at the NCAA Championships in 2022 and 18th in 2023. He didn’t want to leave the program he took to great heights in that position.

This year, Smith led his Cowboy wrestling squad to a bounce-back 14-1 season and finished 10th. Then on Thursday, Smith announced his retirement. On Monday morning, Smith held a final press conference and spoke about his decision.

“I wasn’t in good shape two years ago,” Smith said. “Wasn’t in good shape a year ago, mentally. When you coach a long time — not everybody gets to do that. I got to do it when I wrestled. I got to walk away being an Olympic gold medalist. And I get to walk away today feeling complete that my career is complete. I’m walking away from coaching.”

The strain of the worst finish in OSU history in 2023 wore on him. Smith said he focused on how to get the program back, leaving little time for anything else in his life.

This year was a breakthrough. Smith often referred to how much “fun” he was having coaching this team. The Cowboys had five freshmen in the lineup at times, bringing a new hunger to the table with veterans such as Daton Fix and Dustin Plott. Smith brought in former Cowboy wrestler and North Carolina coach Coleman Scott as associate head coach. OSU was rolling, with a 14-0 start, including a few top-five wins. Road venues sold out when OSU came to town. Gallagher-Iba Arena broke its season attendance record.

“Had great attendance — broke our attendance record — and you finished 18th last year. Damn,” Smith said. “There’s a couple times I’m going, ‘How many have they sold? How many tickets?’ That’s what happens when you win. That’s what happens when you’re aggressive and you’ve got something to watch.”

That’s what Smith wanted to see, he said. That’s why he stuck it out. This season gave him peace with retiring.

“It was the right time. That’s all I can think about the last three years is just, ‘I can’t leave until it’s in a better place. Don’t give them crap. Give

them something to go with,’” Smith said. “I wasn’t thinking about winning a national championship, I wasn’t thinking about taking second or taking a trophy home. I was just thinking, ‘I’ve gotta get it in a better place.’ That’s all I wanted.”

There have been many changes in wrestling and college athletics as a whole. Reasons to maybe possible step away from the sport. Smith said none of it affected his decision to retire.

“I’m probably gonna get bored, but I can promise you one thing: I’m not gonna wish I was still coaching,” he joked.

“The changes that have happened, things like that, we’ve heard about. I’m not going to get into the changes and things. I mean, it didn’t force me out. I wouldn’t say any of the changes forced me out. You know, 33 years is enough.”

Chad Weiberg didn’t want to believe it when he first heard it. Weiberg, OSU’s athletic director, remembers sitting in the old wooden chairs of Gallagher Hall as a junior-high kid in 1985, watching Smith compete. Over 30 years later, Weiberg was working alongside him and sitting in meetings with Smith.

“He’d get up from the table and he’d leave the office, and I’d be like, ‘Holy hell, that’s John Smith,’” Weiberg said.

Now, Smith was talking retirement.

“He told me all of what he was thinking and the reasons he had for it, which I clearly respected,” Weiberg said. “But I tried everything I could to talk him out of it.

“I thought that if I could get him a little further away from the season that those competitive juices would get rolling

again and he’d keep going. But he was convicted. And I think at the end of the day, that’s the bottom line here. Wasn’t about anything in this moment. This was about really the bigger picture and where he wanted to be, and it’s pretty clear that’s where his heart was. He was convicted. Hate it but obviously respect it.”

Smith said he would have likely already retired had it not been for COVID. He didn’t want to leave the program at a time like that. Then came the down years and rebuild.

But coming into the year, Smith said his year was made up.

“I kind of knew going into this year that it was going to be last year regardless,” Smith said. “I just wanted to make sure it was good.”

Smith said in previous years he couldn’t have stood

up there and said OSU finishing 10th was a good thing. But with age has come perspective, and Smith said the outlook shouldn’t be weighted on a few days at the NCAA Championships alone. When he stepped away from the season and looked at the progress, the talent on the roster, the top recruiting classes coming the next couple seasons, the coaching staff he’s built, he came back to a recurring feeling.

“Really, when I walked away from the NCAA Championships this year, I was complete,” Smith said. “Wish we would have done better than 10th. We were 16 points away from second… Wish we would have done better, but for me, the way we wrestled, the way the year (went), it was nice walking away.”

Payton Little

OSU coach John Smith said he wasn’t leaving until the program was in a better place. sports.ed@ocolly.com

‘This is an opportunity

for

me’

OSU coach Smith reflects on 33-year tenure

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

A tearful John Smith sat behind a table on the stage of the Boone Pickens Stadium team room.

The reality and raw emotion of a 33-year run as the coach of Oklahoma State, his alma mater, coming to an end seeped in. Each word was met with a sudden pause as Smith struggled to hold back his rampant emotions.

Sitting next to athletic director Chad Weiberg and across from his wife, Toni, and two of his daughters, it made the situation all the more emotional.

Not many college coaches earn the opportunity to tell their story. But Smith did. And he relished the opportunity to do so.

“This is an opportunity for me to capitalize on everything I’ve ever wanted in wrestling,” Smith said. “I was a very highly motivated wrestler as a young guy. My brother (Lee Roy Smith) growing up in Oklahoma, was one of the best that ever came through the state. (Him) coming to Oklahoma State and for me to spend Gallagher Hall was just one incredible moment for a young kid. And still today, Gallagher-Iba Arena, I can’t tell you how much time I spent in this facility.”

Smith spent countless moments of his life in GIA, formerly Gallagher Hall at the time of his arrival as a wrestler at 17. The stories, memories and lessons

learned during a 41-year span in one location will always tie him to OSU.

Growing up in a wrestling family, accompanied by his brothers Pat, Lee Roy and Mark — who were wrestlers — along with mother Madeline, made it easy for Smith to find his calling as an adolescent. Once he did, he didn’t look back.

“When you’re growing up in a family of wrestlers when you’ve got a rattlesnake for a mother and my nephews and my sons or my brothers are losing,” Smith said, “you can’t say anything (my mother) hasn’t said.

“She’s a winner. She’s always been a winner, mom… that carried me a long way.”

OSU wrestling made John Smith.

And he made that clear as he addressed those present for his ceremonial honoring Monday morning.

“I didn’t make it. It made me,” he said. “And that’s really what I want people to know (about) me. And the way I want to go out is (remembering) I got to be a part of something that was incredible. I got to be a part of a legacy. I got to be a part of something that when you get your ass knocked down, it’s a lot easier to get back up. Because of the program around you.”

Throughout his career, Smith has tabbed himself as an ultimate competitor. Those close to him – his wrestlers, assistant coaches, administrative staff, family members and friends – all echo a parallel sentiment.

Wherever wrestling took him, he

would follow. While others were enjoying leisure and free time, Smith would be halfway across the country, immersing himself in premier showcases and tournaments.

One weekend, he’d be in New York. Then New Jersey. Then Pennsylvania. Shortly after came a trek to Montana. And then to Florida. Next came Massachusetts or some other spot in the northeast. Then the cycle repeated.

He didn’t care what the occupation required of him. He merely wanted to accomplish each feat presented to him.

Smith’s former coach, Tommy Chesbro, laid the foundation for Smith. With it came a vision of nonpareil success — two Olympic gold medals, six world championships, two NCAA individual championships and 152 career match wins.

“If he didn’t give me that vision, there would not be a single-leg (takedown),” Smith said. “For those who don’t know, it’s bought me everything.

“But it was that vision that Chesbro gave me.”

That vision translated to his coaching tenure when he was abruptly named OSU’s co-head coach with Kenny Monday ahead of the 1991-92 season. There, he navigated a program that was in the trenches of an impending postseason ban and a laundry list of recruiting violations. One year later, he was named OSU’s full-time head coach. In 1994 came the first of five team national championships under Smith.

“I remember sitting in those old wooden chairs before it was renovated for the first time,” Weiberg said. “This would have been in 1985. I was in junior high. And I was watching (Smith) wrestle. And even though I didn’t know that much about (wrestling). But I was learning.

“Of course, I know who those guys were now. But even with that, I knew that I was watching greatness.”

Perhaps Smith isn’t departing after ending on a storybook finish or attaining a sixth national title. But the process of re-establishing OSU back among the nation’s premier programs after logging a 10th-place finish in nationals this past season, one year removed from the program’s first set of consecutive finishes outside of the top 10, was mentally fulfilling. And enough to put Smith at ease.

Smith does leave knowing the program he ran for 33 years is in a promising place. That story, as he noted, will be one worth telling for years to come.

“I’m just so glad that I get to walk away knowing that, not what I did for anyone, but what (the program) did for me,” Smith said. “What Oklahoma State and Oklahoma State Athletics did for me.

“It’s so rewarding. It’s so rewarding to walk away going, ‘This school made a difference for my wife and my family.”

Payton Little

John Smith said the OSU wrestling program made him who he is.

Saying goodbye to something is never easy, but the Oklahoma State women’s tennis team’s seniors won’t have to quite yet.

The Cowgirls posted another sweep on Sunday afternoon at the Greenwood Tennis Center against Kansas State, 4-0, as they took home the regular season Big 12 championship trophy and celebrated seniors Safiya Carrington, Ayumi Miyamoto and Kristina Novak.

This is the first time OSU (24-0, 13-0 Big 12) has won the title since 2017, and it has done so with a perfect record in the regular season. These records have been etched in the record books for the best in program history.

“If you want to be a tennis player, this is a tennis school,” Carrington said. “I think that’s what we’ve shown this year.”

As Carrington addressed the Cowgirl crowd on her Senior Day, emotions ran high. The LSU transfer gave credit to her current and past coaches for allowing her to do what she has done at a collegiate level, but head coach Chris Young gave Carrington her flowers for being a leader on the team through her headstrong work ethic and perseverance.

Young said he is lucky to have three fifth-year seniors who not only bring experience to his team, but also possess differing leadership types.

“I think it’s just easy with this group,” Young said. “They make my job easier because they can handle a lot of things that I don’t have to, and I think when teams are led by the players, it’s always so much better.”

The leadership by his seniors has led Young’s team where any program would want to be at this point in the season. The Cowgirls host the Big 12 Championships as a No. 1 seed this weekend. With rising competition in the conference, Young is excited to see his athletes rise to the occasion moving forward.

“I want it to be as difficult as possible because I think that’s where our girls can shine,” Young said. Carrington and Novak showed love to their fanbase in Stillwater, commenting on the impact the support has meant to the team and its success this season. Moving into the Big 12 Championships, the seniors are focusing on what is in front of them.

“We don’t really have anything to prove but just being ourselves and being better versions of ourselves,” Carrington said. “There’s nothing else we can really control, so just controlling what we can control and from there, what happens happens.”

No. 1 Oklahoma State 4, Kansas State, 0

Singles competition

1. No. 12 Anastasiya Ko -

mar (OSU) def. Vanesa Suarez (KSU) 6-1, 6-2

2. No. 4 Ange Oby Kajuru (OSU) def. Charlotte Keitel (KSU) 6-1, 6-3

3. No. 56 Lucia Peyre (OSU) vs. Maralgoo Chogsom

With four weeks of the semester left, there’s a lot of exams and projects standing between you and the finish line.

Studying is beginning to pile up, deadlines are nearing and the semester is drawing to a close.

Whether you’re studying in Edmon Low or tucked away in the Student Union, taking a moment to grab some fresh air and natural scenery can help you reset.

Take a five minute stroll across campus and enjoy the warming weather before you return to the books. Fidget

Study sessions are stretching longer, and it seems as if they never come to a stop. Here are five brain breaks to keep your mind refreshed. Take a walk

Although you aren’t in middle school anymore, fidget tools can still help you focus. Grab some Play-Doh, slime or a hair tie and keep your fingers busy while taking a break from studying.

Channel your inner kid

Reconnect with your younger self and pull out your computer. Throw it back to your elementary and middle school days with CoolMath Games. Play Fireboy and Watergirl or Papa’s Pizzeria while you remove yourself from your studies. Stretch

Take care of your body while you’re exercising your mind. Use five minutes to step back from studying and focus on your body. Do basic static stretches, such as touching your toes and stretching out your legs. Your mind and body will thank you later. Read

Although you are already hitting the books, taking your mind to a new realm can give yourself a much-needed break. Jump into a fantasy world for a minute to give your brain a break.

“It felt really good,” Meadows said. “It felt worth the time I put in. But I heard the people’s choice award and second place weren’t me. Then they called my name, and I was quite shocked and thankful.”

As Mr. OSU, Meadows is ready to make a difference in the community with his platform.

it makes you a more credible source and allows you to advocate and spread awareness for whatever you desire,” Meadows said. “Wherever I go, like to the events I’m going to, I get to speak about things I’m passionate about, and ultimately spread awareness and cause change from person to person.”

Continued from 1 news.ed@ocolly.com

“Just like any other platform,

Courtesy of OSU News

2023 Mr. OSU Cameron Payne presents 2024 Mr. OSU Dustin Meadows with the first place check.

AURP . .

Continued from 1

Through its new membership with AURP, The Innovation Foundation will leverage the strengths of both organizations to create opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders in Oklahoma. By combining AURP’s expertise in developing vibrant innovation ecosystems with the local knowledge and resources of The Innovation Foundation, this collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of research, attract investment and cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship within the region.

“We are excited to have The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University join our member network to further our collective mission of driving innovation and economic development,” said Vickie Palmer, CEO of AURP. “By providing resources and member connections, we support members to amplify their impact and create a more conducive environment for innovation to flourish; thus, building your dynamic community of innovation.”

Through parallel initiatives, educational programs and networking opportunities, AURP and The Innovation Foundation will work together with AURP’s full membership to propel innovation forward, driving economic prosperity and societal impact.

“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth,” said Elizabeth Pollard, CEO of The Innovation Foundation. “Together with AURP, we look forward to empowering the next generation of innovators and catalyzing positive change within our community.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Kaytlyn Hayes

The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University today announced it has joined the Association of University Research Parks as a Sustaining Institutional Member in a move to advance innovation and entrepreneurship within the university ecosystem.

Crowned . . .

Branham also volunteers with the Euchee Butterfly Project, an organization that provides resources for pollinator conservation. This initiative aligns with her platform’s emphasis on land sovereignty and the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge.

“If tribal nations can get certain animals under their care for conserva-

tion, they can become federally protected rather than just state or locally protected,” Branham said. The Native American Student Association, which Branham is a part of, hosts a monthly lunch. Branham encourages other students to learn about NASA and consider participating in the Miss American Indian OSU pageant.

“Definitely do it and think about it,” Branham said. “But don’t put too much thought into it. I was so nervous, but you’re surrounded by people you know and have supported you throughout the year. I’m good friends with the person I ran against now.”

Continued from 1 news.ed@ocolly.com

Marcus Conrad Branham (at mic) was driven by a desire to represent her tribal nations and advocate for her platform: food and land sovereignty.

Classifieds

Business Squares

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6

Monday thru Saturday

Houses for rent

Cowboy Calendar

Tuesday, April 16

Cowboy Baseball: OSu vs. Dallas Baptist @ 6 p.m.

Location: Payne County Expo Center

https://pcexpocenter.com/event/southern-nationalholstein-jersey-show-and-sale-move-in-day/

New Echoes: Art Inspiring Art @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: O’Brate Stadium

https://okstate.com/sports/baseball/schedule

Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu/art/memories-and-inspiration.html

Paper Studio Tuesdays @ 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Prairie Arts Center

https://artscenter.okstate.edu

Trivia Tuesdays @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Em Curators of Craft

https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/weekly-events

Creative Writing Club 4th - 8th Grade @ 4:30 p.m.

Location: Stillwater public Library

https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdMVUgvdvyX2-U5SG7ahgMGcLRuOcGl9gwhtAPthVkD3flWA/viewform

NOC Alumni & Friends Ballpark Social @ 6 p.m.

Location: O’Brate Stadium

Admission: For Tickets call Box Office at 877 - 255 - 4678

https://www.noc.edu/development/

Wednesday, April 17

Kids’ Night @ 11a.m. - 11 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater

Live Trivia Night @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Iron Monk Brewing Company

https://www.ironmonkbeer.com

Louie’s Bingo Night @ 8 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater

2024 Big 12 Women’s tennis Championship @ 12 p.m.

Location: Greenwood Tennis Center

Admission: Each day will be considered a “session.” Only All-Session tickets will be available for purchase online. Single-Session tickets for both team and individual sessions will be available for purchase on-site day of matches at the Greenwood Tennis Facility. Any more information can be found through the NCAA at NCAA.org

https://okstate.evenue.net/events/NCAATENNIS

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (04/16/24). Grow profitable ventures this year. Build satisfying results with planning, coordination and action. A personal change redirects your summer, inspiring autumn reflection, innovation and invention. Reorient a collaboration this winter, before a healthy surge energizes your springtime physical performance. Harvest the fruit of your labors.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Creativity and inventiveness arise from curiosity or necessity. Enjoy games, sports and hobbies, romance and family fun. Love, art and beauty provide soul food.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Inspiration motivates domestic renovation. Speculate and imagine with housemates and family. Dreamy results are possible. Review plans and research options before beginning. Prioritize functionality.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Reach out to reinforce connections and communication channels. Share news, resources and information. Help others find each other. Participate in a larger conversation.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Brilliant ideas lead to lucrative opportunities. Get creative. Provide products and services that fill a niche demand. Share and coordinate distribution of resources.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — You’re a star. Take advantage of the spotlight to promote a personal cause. Take extra time for yourself. Dress for the role you want.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Retreat to reassess the situation. What’s working and not? Restore integrity wherever missing. Recharge before taking care of everyone else. Peace and tranquility refreshes.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Friends benefit your heart and health. Support each other. Participate with a community effort. Share laughter and tears, victories and losses. You’re better together.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Your work is gaining respect. Investigate a career opportunity and imagine the potential. A dreamy assignment offers exciting connections. Develop possibilities for growth.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Consider other views and cultural perspectives. Try on new ideas and ways of thinking. Explore and investigate. Study and learn. Expand your horizons.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Resources are available for shared ventures. It could include applications, paperwork and dedication. Stay in communication and cooperate for common gain. Profit through collaboration.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Partnership flowers. Find thoughtful ways to share your appreciation. Provide support. Small gestures go a long way. Weave