The O'Colly, Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Summer program for children and youth to address food insecurity

Trisha Gedon OSU News

Oklahoma students get more than instruction in reading, writing and arithmetic at school – it’s also where they get a nutritious lunch. With the school year ending in a few weeks, families struggling with food insecurity will need to fill that gap.

More than 208,000 students in Oklahoma are grappling with food insecurity. Confusion earlier in the year about what food programs will be available has left some families feeling anxious about providing nutritious meals this summer, said Jenni Klufa, associate state specialist for youth programs through Oklahoma State University Extension’s Community Nutrition Education Program.

“The Summer Food Service Program has been available for many years with nutritious meals at participating sites across the state, and it will continue during summer 2024,” Klufa said. “This program enables organizations and youth programs in high-need areas to offer up to two free meals daily to children and teens age 18 and under throughout the summer.”

Eligible sites must be situated in school service areas where at least 50% of students qualify for free or reducedprice school meals. A list of available sites can be found at Meals4KidsOK. org.

Krista Neal, nutrition director with Stillwater Public Schools, said summer food programs are critical, especially for families facing food insecurity.

“Through the Summer Food Service Program, we’re providing well-

balanced meals that include fruits and vegetables,” Neal said. “The meals are hot, include whole grains and have limited sodium. Some of the rural sites may offer grab-and-go options that are available to anyone from 1 to 18 years of age.

It’s not based on financial need.” Klufa said children who are impacted by hunger face multiple challenges. “We see decreased academic achievement in children who are hun-

OSU News

Drs. Matthew Cabeen (left) and Shelia Kennison were awarded 2024 Excellence in Research Mentoring awards.

CAS faculty awarded 2024 Excellence in Research Mentoring Award

and Matthew Cabeen were nominated by students and were honored at the 2024 OSU Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 16 for their commitment to mentorship and modeling successful performance. “Drs. Kennison, Cabeen and Reichert are using their skills and research experiences to prepare the ideal graduate,” said Dr. Camelia Knapp, CAS associate dean for research. “Their exceptional mentorship is preparing students for their future careers. We are grateful for

their contributions to making OSU a conducive place to learn and grow.” Kennison and her students are researching a range of topics in psychology. She is mentoring students who are studying attitudes toward higher ed among members of the Zomi community in Tulsa, individual differences in second language acquisition, resilience among college students with concussions and gender differences in emoji use on social media.

gry,” she said. “Nutrient intake directly impacts cognitive function, memory and concentration. Studies show a positive correlation between healthy nutrition and academic success.”

Open Research Oklahoma launches

information,” said Associate Dean of Library Operations

Oklahoma State University has migrated its institutional repository to a new platform that will better serve the university and the state. The new site, Open Research Oklahoma, was developed with OSU’s land-grant mission in mind.

Open Research Oklahoma supports OSU’s research, teaching and outreach by enhancing the visibility and impact of the university’s scholarly output. It is freely available worldwide at openresearch.okstate. edu. “As a landgrant university, OSU recognizes and promotes the importance of open access to scholarly

Juliana Nykolaiszyn. “Platforms like Open Research Oklahoma serve the public good by facilitating the broad dissemination of research findings and removing barriers to access.”

Currently, the repository houses content from OSUStillwater and OSU’s Center for Health Sciences, including a mix of faculty publications, digital theses and dissertations, undergraduate research, open educational resources, and more. However, the intention of Open Research Oklahoma is to amplify not only OSU’s scholarly work, but also contributions across the state of Oklahoma.

Summer lunch program helps families struggling with food insecurity.

Bonnie Cain-Wood OSU News

Erin Weaver OSU News

‘He’s a winner’: Why Scott could be the right fit to replace John Smith at OSU

After 33 years, Oklahoma State wrestling has a coaching vacancy.

On April 11, coach John Smith announced his retirement after more than three decades at the helm. Associate head coach Coleman Scott was named the interim head coach moving forward as OSU embarked on its mandatory fiveday public search, according to Oklahoma State Law.

However, that “interim” tag could be removed in the near future. And in the minds of a multitude of current and former OSU wrestlers, that may be for the better.

On Monday morning, during his retirement press conference, Smith was asked a bevy of questions regarding his future and the moments leading up to his announcement. But there was one big one.

Why now?

“I brought Coleman (Scott) back,” he said. “We had a great year this year. Implemented some things, made a difference.” Smith, of course, alluded to the rejuvenation adding a younger mind, such as Scott’s, provided to a program that had fallen behind in a variety of aspects of the modern reality of college athletics – the transfer portal, NIL among others.

“It’s made my job a hell of a lot easier,” Smith told The O’Colly in March. “That’s for sure.”

When former associate head coach Zack Esposito left OSU in mid-August for a position with USA Wrestling, Smith practically had his decision made – Scott. And with good reason. Smith merely needed confirmation with his target, and of course, to make it official.

Through every stop, Scott has shown himself to be a winner. Most notably, in his 12year stint as the coach of North Carolina. There, he built the Tar Heels into a mainstay atop the ACC, and at times, the national level. He posted a 75-49 record in Chapel Hill, including a 12th-place finish in the 2023 Nationals, the Tar Heels’ best since 1995.

“Coleman, he’s a winner,” former OSU wrestler Kaden Gfeller told The O’Colly. “He’s won everywhere he’s been, and I have no doubt that he’d do the same as the head coach at Oklahoma State.”

OSU wrestlers past and present know Scott’s merit. As a wrestler for the Cowboys from 2005-08, he went 120-24, along with an individual title at 133 pounds in 2008.

In one season as associate head coach, Scott aided in the re-establishment of one of college wrestling’s blueblood programs. He did so by imple -

menting his methods. More off days. Intensified build-ups to work outs. Most of which, are more conditioningbased in contrast to recent years. OSU wrestling alumni have expressed nothing but praise toward the idea of Scott taking over as Smith’s successor. “I think Coleman would be a great fit moving forward,” former OSU 125-pounder Nick Piccinini told The O’Colly. “Obviously, he’s got the attitude and the demeanor. He’s got the accolades. And yeah, I could see it working out. If Coleman steps up to be the next head coach, I’d be happy. I have plenty of faith in him, as he did all Cowboys past and present.” Regardless of when the announcement comes, many, including Smith, believe Scott is fit to take over the program. And when the time comes, that just might be the case. “I suspect we, in the nottoo-distant future, will be back here talking about the future of Cowboy wrestling,” OSU Athletic Director Chad Weiberg said on Monday. “But we’ve been very intentional trying to make this as it should be all about John and the program and to do that the justice that it deserves.” Payton Little

sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU coach John Smith (left) said Coleman Scott (right) was a big part of why he felt comfortable retiring as the Cowboys’ head coach.

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Cowgirls begin Big 12 Championship on Thursday

The Oklahoma State Cowgirl golf team has had a rollercoaster season with highs and lows, leaving uncertainty lingering.

However, the uncertainty has not affected the team’s attitudes and confidence as the Cowgirls kick off the Big 12 Women’s Golf Championship on Thursday in Hockley, Texas. “It’s just a matter of getting out there, getting a good practice round in and then playing with some confidence,” said OSU coach Greg Robertson. “If they can do that, I think they can compete. We hope everything we’ve done up to this point will lead to some good things.”

The Cowgirls have won the Big 12 Championship twice in the past three years and earned runner-up in 2022.

Besides their Bedlam Cup matchplay win, the best finish for the Cowgirls this season was fifth place in three consecutive tournaments. In its past four tournaments, OSU has placed 14th, 11th, eighth and seventh.

But senior Maddison-Hinson Tolchard said the team’s confidence is high

and she thinks they can perform well. “We probably haven’t had the best finishes we would have liked, but there’s been a lot of good things that we’ve done within tournaments at certain points,” Hinson-Tolchard said. “I think everyone’s been working really hard as a collective to make sure we’re fine-tuning the little things that we think could make up shots.”

OSU Cowgirl Golf (X)

OSU senior Maddison Hinson-Tolchard said she thinks the team can perform well despite some down performances at end of season.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Gina Foster Staff Reporter

sports

Cowgirl soccer releases 2024 schedule

Calif Poncy Staff Reporter

Schedule day has finally arrived for the Oklahoma State Cowgirl soccer team.

OSU’s 2024 opponents were revealed on Tuesday, and a few games and trips stood out.

Most notable was the confirmed continuation of Bedlam soccer. Now a nonconference showdown, the teams renew the rivalry Aug. 22 in Stillwater at Neal Patterson Stadium.

According to the team’s official press release, 12 of OSU’s 19 opponents finished in the top 125 of last year’s rankings, with eight finishing in the top 100.

OSU opens Big 12 play in Waco against the Baylor Bears, followed by a two-game homestand. Following the duo of home matches, OSU begins what is likely to be the toughest three-game stretch of its season when it takes on Utah, BYU and Kansas, all on the road.

The Cowgirls end their season with a home game against TCU.

After a tough finish to last season, OSU has looked rejuvenated during its spring season, scoring goals left and right behind the strong play of returning forward and last season’s leading goal scorer Logan Heausler.

Heausler, soon-to-be sophomore Laudan Wilson, and Xcaret Pineda headline what hopes to be an explosive offense next season.

The offense will need to carry the prowess it has displayed in the spring over into the fall season if the Cowgirls want to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.

2024 Cowgirl Soccer

Schedule

Aug. 9: vs. Tulsa (EXH)

Aug. 15: @ Nebraska

Aug. 18: vs. Oral Roberts

Aug. 22: vs. Oklahoma

Aug. 25: @ Central Arkansas

Aug. 31: @ San Diego State

Sept. 5: vs. Texas State

Sept. 8: vs. LouisianaMonroe

Sept. 12: @ Baylor

Sept. 15: @ Texas A&M-Commerce (Senior Day)

Sept. 19: vs. Colorado

Sept. 22: vs. Texas Tech

Sept. 26: @ BYU

Sept. 29: @ Utah

Oct. 5: @ Kansas State

Oct. 10: vs. Houston

Oct. 13: vs. Cincinnati

Oct. 17: vs. Iowa State

Oct. 20: @ UCF

Oct. 25: vs. TCU File

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Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm

Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am - 11:00pm

128 N Main St.

Stillwater, OK 74075

405.372.5080

3-star wide receiver Capell commits to Oklahoma State

587 overall prospect. “I picked Oklahoma State,” Capell said in a story by Greg Powers of Texas Football. “I feel like I could come in and make an impact with them graduating four, possibly five receivers.”

Mike Gundy has his first prized commitment of the 2025 recruiting class. On Tuesday afternoon, Royal Capell, a three-star wide receiver from Steele High School in Cibolo, Texas, committed to Oklahoma State. Capell chose the Cowboys over the likes of Oklahoma, Missouri, Baylor, Houston, Duke and others.

Capell becomes the sixth pledge in OSU’s ’25 class and the highest-rated, according to 247Sports, listed as the No.

Here is what Capell’s commitment means for Gundy and Co. in the longevity of things.

What the Cowboys are getting in Capell At 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, Capell’s frame is similar to that of OSU senior wide receiver Brennan Presley’s when he signed his NLI with the Cowboys in 2019, standing 2 inches shorter than Capell.

Still, the similarities are apparent. Capell brings a shifty, quick and agile

set to OSU’s wide receiver room. He will likely fill the slot given his frame and play style. In three seasons with Steele, Capell logged 28 receptions for 1,645 yards and 12 touchdowns, most recently 59 receptions for 788 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.

What Capell’s commitment means for OSU Capell choosing the Cowboys over the aforementioned schools is notable. Not to mention, he becomes the Cowboys’ first top-600 pledge of the 2025 Class.

After the 2024 season, OSU will lose two of its leading wide receivers — Presley and Rashod Owens — via exhausted eligibility. De’Zhaun Stribling

has been tabbed as one of OSU’s most NFL-ready wide receivers. That said, Capell will likely have an opportunity to make an immediate impact.

Capell is the teammate of fellow Steele HS four-star wide receiver Jalen Cooper, whom the Cowboys are also heavily pursuing. Cooper is listed as the No. 281 overall prospect in the Class of 2025, according to 247Sports. Given the surplus of experience likely departing after 2024, like Capell, Cooper would be an ideal addition to the Cowboys’ wide receiver room. And given that he’s Capell’s high school teammate, the Cowboys might have further immersed themselves in the hunt for Cooper’s recruitment.

File Photo

Mike Gundy at the Cowboys earned the commitment of 2025 wide receiver Royal Cappel on Tuesday.

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Program . . .

Continued from 1

Diet also has a direct impact on behavioral well-being. Eating nutrient-rich foods, including those that contain omega-3 fatty acids, can improve mood and reduce behavioral issues.

A well-balanced diet also has a positive effect on athletic performance by providing optimal nutrition, including adequate hydration, balanced macronutrient intake and micronutrient support.

Klufa said it’s important to help close the hunger gap outside of school.

“The ripple effects of hunger can be both endless and irreversible,” Klufa said. “Hunger costs Oklahoma more than $1.5 billion each year through increased illness and decreased academic achievement.”

The summer food program goes beyond food security by helping children with structure and schedules during the day. Neal said it is also beneficial to children who haven’t yet started school because they become familiar with it in a social setting.

“The Summer Meals program is federally funded, and that means money is being spent in Oklahoma and we’re bringing federal dollars back into the state,” Neal said.

Oklahoma’s state leadership opted out of the federally funded Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program that would have provided families with an extra $40 in electronic benefits per child per month to purchase food at grocery stores; however, multiple tribal nations are planning to make the Summer EBT Program possible to native and non-native children. The Muscogee, Chickasaw, Cherokee and Choctaw nations are participating to reduce hunger among Oklahoma children. Check with the tribal nations for more information.

“One great thing about the tribal nations participating is that they can reach a lot of children. Participants don’t have to be a member of the tribe; they just need to live in the tribal areas,” Neal said. “The lack of the summer EBT program got a lot of press, but food services are still available to Oklahoma families to help with food insecurity during the summer months.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

OPEN YOUR HEART TO GOD!

“Open your heart and let him in. God will remove all your sorrow and sin. He may not pass this way again, so open your heart and let him come in.” These are words from an old hymn.

Many struggle so hard to take this step, not wanting to give up their independence; not wanting to humble themselves before God. In the Psalms, David said: “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all the day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.

My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” (32:3-5 NLT)

It seems so simple, and it is! Yet, so many

struggle with honesty and humility. These qualities are of great importance with God. The truth is another has paid the penalty for your sins and mine. That is the good news! What we could not do (get rid of our sins), Jesus did by dying in our place. Therefore, “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven,whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” (Ro.4:7-8 NIV)

Again, blaming friends or relatives will not help; getting religious does not help, thinking you are among the “better” people does no good. Trust what God has done for you through Christ. Get honest and humble yourself before God. Confess your sinfulness, and God will freely forgive. You will be free of guilt and stand innocent before God. Then you can begin a lasting and fruitful relationship with this great and loving God.

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Myah Shoemake

Oklahoma’s state leadership opted out of the federally funded Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program that would have provided families with an extra $40 in electronic benefits per child per month to purchase food at grocery stores.

Research . .

Continued from 1

“While there are a variety of op -

tions within the research landscape, the OSU Library is ready to take the next step in helping other Oklahoma institutions share their scholarly output in new ways, with new audiences, across the open access landscape,” Nykolaiszyn said.

Setting up and maintaining an institutional repository can be an expensive and resource-intensive undertaking. That is why other Oklahoma-based academic institutions, cultural organizations and state agencies are invited to partner in Open Research Oklahoma,

allowing them to share their unique academic content to increase access and discovery.

To learn more about Open Research Oklahoma, visit openresearch. okstate.edu or email openresearch@ okstate.edu.

“When students come to me to join the lab, I try to get a good understanding of their interests and future plans and to come up with a project that interests them,” Kennison said. “Students learn more when they are interested in a research topic as compared to when a mentor assigns them a research topic. I spend a lot of time learning about each student’s academic and personal interest to understand their unique journey.”

As a first-generation graduate, Kennison said that she wouldn’t be a professor today without the support of mentors.

“I see my job as helping students learn more about their own interests and helping them learn how to carve out original research on one of those interests,” Kennison said. “The award is very meaningful to me because I think that my life was immeasurably changed by mentors that I had in the past. Serving as a mentor helps me feel that I am paying it forward.”

Reichert, an assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Biology, is mentoring 11 undergraduate students who are involved in various levels of research and are working on projects with different programs. Their work ranges from assisting with field work, collecting data from frog calling, cricket aggression, feather color and structure, and the use of photographs to identify individual animals.

“My goal is to help students achieve their professional goals and advance their education by taking part in research, while at the same time gaining a sense of belonging in science and an appreciation for the importance of scientific research to society,” Reichert said. “I believe in a growth mindset, where I focus on building skills and confidence through personalized mentorship based on the student’s background, goals and interests.

“Getting involved in

research has so many benefits for students, and for Oklahoma State University, and so I do my best to provide those opportunities and to work with students to develop their projects so they can get the most out of the experience.”

Cabeen has 15 students — both graduate and undergraduate — working alongside him in his lab. The microbiology and molecular genetics associate professor is studying the features and mechanisms of bacterial stress responses, using

Bacillus subtilis as a model species and the metabolism and behavior of the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a special focus on its ability to produce pyocins, phage tail-like intraspecific killing complexes.

“My philosophy for mentoring is based on mutual respect and a desire to see students succeed both professionally and personally according to their goals,” Cabeen said. “I respect students, never belittling or denigrating them, and I

assure them that I am invested in their success, especially when giving constructive criticism. In my own conduct, I try to be a person worthy of imitation.”

Cabeen said he appreciates the nomination as a reminder of the impact he is able to have on students.

“As professors, we often try to invest substantial time and energy in students, but one satisfying way to know that we are succeeding is that the students themselves recognize

and appreciate the investment,” Cabeen said. “The best part of receiving this award is that I have felt very pressed for time this past year — so much so that I felt like I was underserving my students — but they nominated me for this award, which is a confirmation that I was still able to adequately mentor and serve them even while balancing many responsibilities.”

Learn more about CAS research and opportunities to get involved here.

Michael Reichert was awarded 2024 Excellence in Research Mentoring awards.

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

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

Basic Budgeting Class @ 2 - 3 p.m.

Location: Our Daily Bread

https://www.ourdailybreadstillwater.org/upcomingevents

Wednesday Bingo Night @ 9:30 a.m.

Location: The Union Beverage Co.

https://linktr.ee/theunionstilly

Singo Wednesdays @ 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Location: Em Curators of Craft

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

37th Anniversary Week @ 11 a.m.

Location: Mexico Joe’s https://mexicojoes.com

Young Professionals Spring Social @ 5 p.m.

Location: Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q

Admission: Online Registration $10; At the Door $15 RSVP

https://cca.stillwaterchamber.org/EvtListing.aspx?

dbid2=OKSTIL&date=20240417&class=E&fbclid =IwAR3SV5yWods5xXbQYRWKS55XoK_8nM6Q7 c3I5_tiJkq1QUmZYFHRlktDW_c_aem_ATZXpOkjaYopCWx2IP-RIhh385O8FVvTqDG8syncPBKCSznPDAwyALacpFZNAWaWzZmH7x6NGWcvC-cSP8ApvAu

Thursday, April 18

11th Annual International Red Dirt Film Festival @ 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Location: Downtown Stllwater

Admission: $5-60

https://www.reddirtfilm.com

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (04/17/24). Grow financial prosperity this year. Diligent planning and implementation help you accomplish dreams. Summer brings a personal change. Autumn privacy inspires productive planning and preparation. Shift your collaboration for winter directions, for a springtime surge energizing your work and health. Make and savor extra gravy.

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

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 — Romantic plans could take an unexpected twist. Even with breakdowns, others are willing to help. Connect anew. Intuition boosts insight. Create something beautiful.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Work closely with your partner. You don’t have to share everything, but listen. Avoid travel, expense or hassle. Invest in your family with love.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Your persuasive arts and skills with communication can pass formidable barriers. Use gentle pressure rather than force. Charm and inform. Get the word out.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Avoid risky business, and focus on generating stable income. Pay attention to your intuition. Postpone travel for now. You can find what you need.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Focus on a personal project. Changes affect your circumstances in unexpected ways. What you thought was stable now seems shaky. Prioritize practicalities.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Don’t let circumstances get you down. Focus on rest, growth and development. Replenish your reserves. Your intuition seems strong and sensitive. Seek peace.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — A team effort comes together. Participate to advance a shared cause. Distractions abound. Help out and be richly rewarded. Together, you’re more powerful.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — You’re especially persuasive and creative. Navigate an unexpected professional situation. Come up with a solution that works for everyone. Your work is gaining attention.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Set your goals high and explore educational possibilities. Your curiosity keeps you nimble. Investigate your latest fascination. Research the back story. Write your discoveries.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Collaborate for shared gain. Review family accounts. Financial surprises require adaptation. Shift and revise to suit new markets. Coordinate to save and conserve