Friday, Sept. 23

Homecoming hardships

Sigma Alpha Epsilon removed from homecoming

tions toward the men of Beta Theta Pi.

A couple members of SAE threw a firecracker into Beta’s pomping room this past weekend, causing minor damage and harm to the room and its contents. No one was present during the time of the incident.

Mallory Pool News Editor

America’s Greatest Homecoming will be without another fraternity.

The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon were removed from celebrating Cowboy homecoming this past week for their ac

This is the second Homecoming removal for a fraternity in two years. In 2021, Alpha Tau Omega did not partici pate after a hazing incident.

The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon were paired with the women of Alpha Delta Pi, who were not involved in the event.SAE is no longer allowed to

Q&A: student shares experience studying abroad

Luisa Clausen Staff Reporter

OSU has more than 55 international partners in over 30 countries worldwide where OSU students can study. The study abroad program offers opportunities for scholarships so students’ dreams can be achiev able.

Katie Ditchkus, a junior majoring in his tory pre-law, graduated high school in Missis sippi and chose to attend OSU because of its welcoming and friendly environment. Ditchkus studied abroad for a se mester through OSU and shared her experience with The O’Colly.

Q: How did you decide you were going to study abroad? Was that something you

always wanted or just something you started to think about dur ing your first years at OSU?

“Something I knew I always wanted to do was to study abroad. OSU explained the concept and logistics in such a clear manner it really made a difference in picking between col leges. It was a priority to me. So, when I did a private tour they made it the main focus. While other schools I had toured simply gave me a quick overview. They made it a priority so I felt like one too.”

Q: How did you choose the place? Did you have more than one option?

“I went to Uni versity College Cork in Cork, Ireland, for a full semester in the spring.

I had a lot of different options to choose from whether it was the length of time or the place itself. I have never trav eled to Europe before and I knew that’s where I wanted to go. Most of the time you don’t have to know any other language to be able to study abroad in other countries because they teach classes in English. I was worried about hav ing to introduce myself to a new language which looking back now seems silly. People all across Europe speak so many languages. Plus, I think trying to speak someone else’s language shows a form of respect. They might not be the best English speakers, but they try for me, so why not break the ice first?”

participate in the famous decora tion building that America’s Greatest Homecoming is known for or any other homecoming events the week of Oct. 16.

The OSU Alumni Association released a statement regarding the incident and expressed its support to the women of Alpha Delta Pi and its want for the women to still participate in homecoming activities.

“In the Homecoming process, health and safety of all participants is of the utmost importance,” the state ment said. “The extensive Homecom ing expectations regarding health and

safety are frequently communicated to chapter and Homecoming leadership alike, and these practices are expected to be followed throughout the entire process. The OSU Alumni Associa tion, the Office of Student Support and Conduct, and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs recognizes that students will make mistakes and, at times, decisions that do not align with personal values and university expecta tions. However, it is essential students reflect and learn from these decisions by holding them accountable for their behavior.”

See 5A

Suki’s tail excitedly

against the bars of her cage, eager for her first walk of the day.

Suki is a young, gray female pit-mix up for adoption at the Still water Humane Society. Along with other home less cats and dogs, Suki is looking for her forever home.The Stillwater

Humane Society, located just on the other side of downtown at 1710 S. Main St, is a organization’sanimaladoption-guaranteednonprofitshelter.Themission is to make sure that every animal brought in finds a good family,

Graphic by Rebekah Cleary

Claire

Jaden Besteda Staff Reporter

The opening act returns.The New York Philharmonic is coming to the McKnight Center this weekend after play ing the center’s first show in 2019.The prestigious group will perform Fri day, Saturday and Sun day. All three concerts will be simulcast live to the outdoor plaza. View ing from the plaza is free to attend.Jaap van Zweden, the Philharmonic’s con ductor, said he’s excited about the “Whenreturn.we inaugu rated the beautiful new concert hall in 2019, we were touched by the warm welcome we re

ceived and by the enthu siasm of the audience,” he said. “It will be a joy to return.”On Friday, the event will be a black tie gala event, including “Ode To Joy” and many other classics. The show will feature more than 100 alumni, students and voices of the com munity on stage with the New York Philharmonic group during the finale of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony.”OnSaturday, guest soloist Gil Shaham will take the stage and per form “ViolinMendelssohn’sConcerto”in E minor and Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro and Price’s Symphony No. 4” in D minor. Shaham is known as one of the greatest violinists in the world.Lastly, Sunday

will introduce Conrad Tao to Stillwater, where he’ll perform Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 17,” Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” and Respighi’s “Pines of Rome” in G major. Tao is another coveted talent in the classical industry, widely known for being a pianist and

The New York Philharmonic played at The McKnight Center in 2019.

Welcome to ‘Hell Paso’

Brylee Smith Staff Reporter

Koe Wetzel wants to change the country musicReleasedstandards.this past Friday, Wetzel’s new album, “Hell Paso,” has been all the talk in Texas Country. Al though he is considered country, many would say that this album strays away from the genre. Wetzel said that this album is “pulling out all the stops,” and has a more alternative sound than what he is used to. With that being said, he does a great job of innovating a new sound for his airedsingle,Releasedfans.asa“Creeps”hassinceAug.28.

It’s a more rock and roll take on a sad country song. It is no wonder this song became a hit. “April Showers,” another previously released single dem onstrates the parallels between his new music and his 2019 album, “Harold Saul High.” I feel like this song is a testament to him going back to his roots with edgy lyrics and punk rock sound. While being slower than the previous song, “Money Spent” keeps up the trend of a hard rock sound but this song is still very versatile.

With similar sounds to William Clark Green at one point in the song, to even comparing what you would hear from Ozzy Osbourne, this song hits the target.

“Sad Song,” another track teased on Tik Tok, generated a lot of attention surround ing Wetzel’s remarks

about a past relation ship and was one of his top-tier breakup songs. He apologizes for his mistakes while firing a few shots at his ex’s

family.After blowing up on Tik Tok, “Cabo” also generated a lot of hype. As for the song itself, Wetzel used a mariachi band and it fits well. He sings of how a woman “got me for my money,” “bloody dollar bills” and “trashed his place.” I was excited about this song, and unlike most artists who tease songs that end up not being worth the hype, Wetzel exceeded my expecta tions with this “Oklahomasong.

Sun,” “So Low,”

“Three Weeks,” “Bet ter Without You” and “YellaBush Road” are all your typical Wetzel songs — sad country. While still maintaining his rock and roll sound, he finds a way to make these tracks softer and more Overall,emotional.Iwould rate this album 6 1/2 out of 10. It was solid, but not as highly an ticipated and fruitful as some of his previ ous albums. Some of the songs seemed more like filler and less like bangers. I think that the songs he teased on social media were the strongest on the album, hence the reason he chose to tease them.

As for the songs that went above and beyond, I think Wetzel did an amazing job reinvent ing his sound and I will have them on

News

‘No Questions Asked’

Pete’s Pantry Network provides free food and basic needs items to OSU students

Luisa Clausen Staff Reporter

The Pete’s Pantry Network is a student initiative that has the main goal of reducing food inse curity across Oklahoma State’s campus and provides free, nonperishable food items, canned food, clothing items and basic needs

Theitems.pantry began as a pop-up pantry in 2019, inside the Student Government Association vice president’s office. The pantry grew into the conference room at the Student Union during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a helpful resource for students as they transitioned to a socially distancedSGAreality.President Riley Prit zlaff is a senior at OSU majoring in political sciences and he said he believes his main job is to help students.“We have students help ing students and that’s the whole point of our organization,” Prit zlaff said. “We’re here to provide help to students whose needs are either partially being met or aren’t being met.”

SGA assures Pete’s Pantry is a safe space for students to go to and does not require any stu dent ID or someone guarding the shelves. Madilyn Dunn, SGA’s vice-president, said students should be allowed to have their personal lives kept private.

“It is a no-questions-asked kind of model,” she said. “Any one is welcome to come, explore our pantries and take what they need. There’s more than just food that’s accessible for students. We have some menstrual products throughout the pantries. During the winter months, we will have gloves, coats and whatever our studentsDunnneed.”connects Pete’s Pan try to the Cowboy Code, where students are encouraged to do what’s right even when it’s hard.

“We don’t know what a person might be going through,” Dunn said. “Taking at least one worry out of a student’s plate is one of our main goals.”

Students’ points of view on this initiative are positive and a reason to be proud.

Jenna Merrifield, a sopho more at OSU majoring in psy chology, said she did not know about the Pete’s Pantry resource.

“I believe more students need to hear about it, whether that’s through emails or signs around campus,” Merrifield said. “ I can’t believe everyone can rely on this project. It’s an amazing initiative, I’ll make sure to let my friends

Taylorknow.”Johnson, a sopho more at OSU double majoring in mathematics and secondary edu cation, said she sees Pete’s Pantry

as a way to bring the Cowboy family together in times of need.

“It’s such a cool resource that we have to serve students and so many people are unaware of what it is,” Johnson said. “Some students might feel insecure about this resource because they might believe other students need it more than they do, but Pete’s Pantry is for everyone.”

OSU is home to a big com munity, and its organizations are constantly working on making the college experience as com fortable as possible for students.

“Part of what attracted me to Stillwater is that it feels like home,” Johnson said. “And if you’re home, you have a roof over your head and food on your plate. Pete’s Pantry is a way that SGA is helping students and bringing the Cowboy family together.”

Pete’s Pantry relies on do nations from students, community members and partnerships.

“On Lights of Stillwater, we got over 600 canned food items and over 600 menstrual prod ucts,” Pritzlaff said. “We have a

partnership with the Oklahoma Pork Council that has been donat ing hundreds of pounds of pork to us.”Students interested in do nating can take food and hygiene products to Room 211 in the Student Union. SGA is open to students’ feedback.

“If a student visits our pan try and they think we’re lacking in a certain area and they think a specific item should be included, we want to hear that feedback, so we can better accommodate dietary needs,” Pritzlaff said.

Pete’s Pantry’s locations can be found at 211P Student Union on the 2nd Floor, 042 Student Union in the basement, near the front desk at Bennett Hall–24/7, Nancy Randolph Davis West and Edmon Low Library’s front entrance.

Construction delays Greek housing on campus

Kennedy Thomason Staff Reporter

Ongoing construction has two chapters experiencing set backs for completing their new houses on You’vecampus.probably noticed this constant construction that goes on in Greek Row. The ma chines and materials are certainly hard toChimiss.Omega and Sigma Nu’s houses are undergoing construc tion. Both of these projects have faced delays, which has continued to push back the residents’ movein date.When asked about the continuous setbacks, Sigma Nu president, Carson Iven, shared the reasoning behind them.

“We have experienced some delays due to supply chain issues on windows and bricks, along with having some diffi

culty getting enough construction help to Stillwater,” Iven told The O’Colly. “We know other projects like the Chi Omega house have experienced some similar delays because of a lot of factors, includ ing COVID, but we are certainly looking forward to moving into our new chapter house.”

These delays have also af fected the day-to-day life of the Sigma Nu “Therechapter.hasbeen some dis ruption to our normal activities, particularly meetings, relocating homecoming activities, coordi nation of philanthropic events and bonding opportunities living together, just to name a few,” Iven said. “We have had to be more intentional and creative about opportunities to be together and grow stronger in brotherhood.”

Mady Young, a member of Chi Omega, said the challenges aren’t “Idrastic.wouldn’t say we have

faced challenges with not having a house, more of just things being different,” she said.

While the delays have con tinued, Iven and Young have kept an optimistic outlook.

“The Sigma Nu brothers realize that our chapter house was due for a rebuild,” Iven said. Our old house lasted almost 100 years, being built in 1929 with only three additions or renova tions since. While we were sad to see the old house go, we are look ing forward to all the new memo ries that will be made in the new 913 W.YoungUniversity.”added that her soror ity sisters make the difference.

“At first I was sad about the delay because I was supposed to move in this fall to the house, but honestly it hasn’t been bad because it’s not the house that makes Chi O home.”

Koe Wetzel performs during the 2019 Calf Fry Festival.

Chase Davis

Student Government Association sponsors Pete’s Pantry Network with locations in the Student Union, Bennett Hall, Nancy Randolph Davis West and Edmon Low Library.

A candid introduction reigns in Wetzel’s new era

SAE...

Will Cunningham, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon head homecoming director, said he is disappointed the actions of a few members caused the entire chapter to be punished.“Unfortunately for our house, there were only a couple of individuals responsible for the event,” Cun ningham told The O’Colly. “Our chapter is currently

News/lifestyle

working to do what is in our best interest in regard to punishing said individuals. As far as we know, the women of Alpha Delta Pi are looking for a new pairing, as they should, as getting to participate in America’s Greatest Homecoming is an honor, and we want to see them take part even if we cannot. As far as our relationship with Beta Theta Pi, we have noth ing but kind words to say about them, as they have handled this situation with class and an open mind. So much so, that they were actually in favor of us having a lesser punishment than we were given.”

Cunningham said SAE is looking into alterna tive event options for the night of walk-around.

“A philanthropy event for our national philan thropy, Children’s Miracle Network, is at the top of

like some college students. Accord ing to a study conducted by Sudexo in 2022, “53% of current college stu dents reported that they are currently concerned with feeling lonely, and 47% reported they are concerned with feelingLonelinessisolated.”

the health and care of animals and prevents dog and cat overpopula tion in the community.

The shelter accepts volunteers from the community to help with exercise, play and socialize with the animals. All important things for a dog or cat to have in order to get adopted into a good family.

“We are a nonprofit, so we receive no national state, or local funding,” said Jackie Ross-Guerrero, director of the Stillwater Humane Society. “So, as soon as we open the door, everyone that walks through the door is pretty much a volunteer. And if we don’t have volunteers our ani mals don’t get hands-on experience and it’s harder to adopt out. So our volunteers can come in and socialize the animals. Some volunteers like to help clean. They do a little bit of everything.”TheHumane Society brings in animals from the Stillwater Animal Welfare Center next door. This is to prevent any animals who have been there too long from being euthanized. Since the beginning of 2022, the Hu mane Society has handled around 500 cats and“Thisdogs.has been a trying year,” Ross-Guerrero said. “Kitten season and puppy season have been really hard. Normally this time of year, we’re starting to empty out animals, but instead we’re still full. It’s just not ending.”These animals are lonely and looking for a place to belong. Much

can be a hard thing to overcome, especially for a new col lege student who is used to being sur rounded by family and friends, even his or her family pets. Animals can help ease that feeling of loneliness or isolation. Interacting with animals can lower blood pressure, according to a research conducted by the Na tional Institutes of Health.

“I think this is absolutely a great opportunity for students to get involved in the community, as well as destress,” Ross-Guerrero said. “We get students all the time who tell us how much they miss their dog or cat at home and show us pictures. We have dog runs and a kitten playroom. People love playing with animals. It’s a real stress Volunteeringreliever.”at the Humane Society is a great way for students to get involved in the community and distract from the stress of college.

“Even if you’re super busy, most people schedule for an hour,” RossGuerrero said. “But even if you can come in for 30 minutes, walk one or two dogs, it helps you and it helps that animal. It’s a great opportunity for both.”Suki has been with the Humane Society since the beginning of Sep tember. Sign up online to volunteer at https://hspets.org/volunteer/ to visit Suki, and all the other animals wait ing for their forever

entertainment.ed@ocolly.comhome.

our list. Whatever option we decide to go with will take place for the time that we would have put into our homecoming deck. Although disappointed, our chapter is trying to handle this situation the best way we can, and we’re still excited for the rest of the se mester and school year.”

Alpha Delta Pi and the OSU Alumni Associa tion did not respond to requests from The O’Colly Alpha Delta Pi is looking for a new pairing and ways to still participate in Cowboy homecoming. For more information regarding OSU homecoming, please visit news.ed@ocolly.comorangeconnection.org.

‘Small Worlds’ A collection of drawings and paintings by Carolyn Cȧrdenas

Rebekah Cleary Staff Reporter

Issues of “gender, age, violence and beauty” are the subjects of artist Carolyn Cardenas’ work.

The OSU Museum of Art will be exhibiting the drawings and paint ings of Cardenas until Dec. 10. This collection is filled with intricate art, highlighting a wide variety of cultural aspects, depicting life, women and childhood with a brush and a mixture of egg yolk and pigment.

Cardenas is unique from other artists in her use of egg/oil tempera, rather than other traditional mediums such as oil or acrylic paint. Beginning with a simple mixture of egg yolk and black pigment, she builds her founda tion, followed with layers of colored pigment to bring life to the image. Cardenas uses small detail brushes to add intensive detail to every aspect of her work, depicting each indi vidual blade of grass, each bristle on a broom, and each page in a book. No matter how distant an object is in the perspective of the painting, it is cre ated with great detail.

Over the past 30 years, Carde

nas has been working on an artwork that will “only be done when I’m dead.” Her piece, “West of Eden” is to be bigger than her. It is a three-part painting, made up of all of Cardenas’ favorite styles and depictions. With room to spare across her canvases, she continues to add new details and images as time progresses, along with her artistic style.

The OSU Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Museum hosts many other exhibits, including “Con tradictions” from Bobby Ross and artwork from the George R. Kravis II Collection. Along with exhibits, the museum also hosts many events throughout the semester. On Oct. 1 beginning at 1:30 p.m., the MOA will host “Veni, Vidi, Scripsi: I Came, I Saw, I Wrote!”, an open mic event where the public is given the oppor tunity to share short stories, poetry, songs, and any art with their com munity. For more information on all events and exhibits, visit museum.

Courtesy of the Stillwater Humane Society at the Stillwater Humane Society.

Cleary

Cárdenas’ exhibit “Small Worlds” displays the world from a miniature sense, but with great

The drawings and paintings of Carolyn Cárdenas is on exhibit at the OSU Museum Art.

Q&A

Continued from 1A

Q: What were some of your fears about studying abroad and how did you face them?

“It was my first time studying abroad. I was super nervous about not getting to go because I went when CO VID-19 resurfaced in December. Visa requirements also stressed me out, but overall I was just excited to get to ex plore. I was worried about the financials of attending a school abroad; however, between private scholarships and OSU’s study abroad scholarships, it was com pletely manageable. The process after I had decided to go was pretty easy.”

Q: Was it worse leaving home or leaving your exchange city?

“I think for me personally it was worst leaving my exchange city. Leav ing Cork, Ireland, was extremely hard. I cried going to the airport, at the airport and on the plane. It was a rough moment even in the weeks leading up because everyone left at different times. Saying goodbye to a new friend every other morning was emotionally draining. At first, I kept thinking I can’t wait for my turn. Then, my turn came and there was no doubt about how I felt. I did not wanna go, but that’s a part of life. You get to make these amazing experiences and then find new ones and share them with parts of your past. I think people forget how much impact we have on each other. I’m never going to forget the people who introduced me to goat cheese and honey as a combo and I doubt they forget trying gumbo or pea nut butter and jelly sandwiches.”

Q: For OSU students who want to study abroad, what are some of your honest advice, and things they should know before going?

“I think one of the most important things I wish someone would have told me is to be brave. This sounds silly but in order to get the most out of an experi ence abroad, trying any and everything is the best way to do it. Meeting new people, experiencing new countries, ask ing questions or trying food is all a part of studying abroad. I think that is the best advice to know. Of course making sure you have a scanned copy of your passport on your phone, discovering the world of Vodafone or how to pack are all important, too.”

Q: Do you think your time abroad has changed you as a person? And as a student?

“I think my time abroad has changed me as a person and student. I used to be extremely time and planning oriented. Now, I do not stress nearly as much. I grew up with the mentality that working was something you have to be passionate about and devote your life to. But I think learning the more European perspective of living life for the experi ences and working to be able to afford them is a lot healthier. I am also more interested in learning about other cul tures and traveling more. It’s like coffee in the morning. Once you get the first taste you just want

ETERNITY IN MIND!

“ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be stead fast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

(1 Co.15:58 NKJ)

Just about everything in this life is tempo rary. Yet, most people work very hard to have a pleasant few years in their lifetime. I would like to remind the true Christians that God is offering us an eternity of bless ing as we serve him and his purposes now.

1InCo.15

the Apostle Paul is reminding these believers of Christ’s resurrection and how true and real it was. He continues by emphasizing the sure promise of God that we are going to share in that resurrec tion one day. We will have a new, eternal body like Jesus has now. As we help in the work of God, furthering his kingdom;

demonstrating the love of God in blessing and serving others; as you and I get involved with helping missionary work, even going to help in short term mission trips or providing finances for others to go, we are laying up treasure in heaven “where moths cannot corrupt and thieves cannot Actually,steal.”this kingdom of God, with forgive ness of all our sins and a new relationship with God as our Father, is offered to all mankind. If you have never opened your heart to Christ, asking for a clean heart and a new life; the door is open wide for you to come. You will not be turned away. Then you too can begin to live for the eternal: laying up treasure in Heaven. I en courage all to consider these words, no matter your age, and choose the best and most satisfying life. It is a life following Christ as your Lord, and going for God’s best in eternity. It is a great and sure future!

Courtesy of Mackenzie Janish

Students from every college at OSU have the opportunity to study abroad. Katie Ditchkus spends weekends exploring Europe (top) while a large group of OSU students study in Barcelona, Spain (bottom).

Courtesy of Katie Ditchkus

Courtesy of Katie Ditchkus

photos

Pumpkins Pumpkins Pumpkins

The fall season is finally here and pumpkin patches are popping up all around Stillwater. The Stillwater Pumpkin Patch, located at 524 N. Stallard St. will be open until Oct. 31 and families have the opportunity to get their portrait taken on opening day this Saturday, for a chance to appear in Stillwater Magzine.

All photos by Karlie Boothe

The delays in construction have unseen affects. The OSU Director of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs, Johnny Robinson, talked about ongoing con struction on Greek row.

“We do not have any official

notices from organizations seeking to renovate and/or build a new house,” Robinson told The O’Colly. “I believe some have plans to do so but nothing official at this time.”

The construction delays of Chi Omega and Sigma Nu could influence the construction timeline for other chapters looking to build a house. If another chapter decides to submit an official notice, they will have to wait until one of the two projects is com pleted. Only two houses can be under

construction at any given time, per OSU guidelines. The ongoing delays could affect the construction timeline of other chapters in the Greek community. Iven said he expects the Sigma Nu house to be ready at the end of 2022.

Additionally, Young confirmed Chi Omega will have members “move into the house at spring semester.” However, with all the delays they have faced, it seems hard to be confident in that deadline.Themembers of the respective

houses are hopeful that the new Chi Omega and Sigma Nu houses will be completed on time. You can check out newspace.comuniversity/chi-omega-sorority-at-oklahoma-state-cooperpa.com/portfolio_page/andepsilon-epsilon.squareformoreinformationonthehouses.GraphicbyRebekahCleary

news.ed@ocolly.com

How Kopenski went consistenttry-outsfromtosnaps

Braden Bush Staff Reporter

College recruiters had no clue who Ben Kopenski was.

He didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school. It wasn’t until Kopenski’s senior season at Prosper (Texas) that he played for the varsity squad.

So, some might be sur prised to see the redshirt-senior defensive end laying down blocks or sacking a quarterback multiple times for a Division I school, as he did against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. It’s no shocker to anyone on the Cow boys’ staff or roster, though.

“That dude showed up every day since I’ve been here,” said OSU defensive coordina tor Derek Mason. “I’ve been calling his name since the springtime. I don’t think this is anything new. And if you asked his teammates, they all expected it, Kopenski’stoo.” limited expe rience and résumé left little for scouts to study. There wasn’t much college interest or schol arship

Adam Co-Editor-in-ChiefEngel

Sam Hutchens Staff Reporter

The first time Bray don Johnson blazed down the track in a 2017 Texas regional track meet, it was a doomedJohnsoneffort.was run ning two events in the highly competitive meet: the 200-meter dash and the 4x100 meter relay. His team, James Bowie High School, had four great 100-meter runners, and the Volunteers

were in good position to advance.Until disaster struck on the second baton pass.

“We ended up drop ping the stick,” said as sistant track coach Devon Campbell. “We probably would have went to state that year. Because (Bray don) was rolling on leg two. Like I mean Johnsonflying.”hasbroken out in OSU’s nonconfer ence games this season. As a senior wide receiver, he’s totaled 300 receiving yards and three touchdowns through three games. He has used his speed, sure, but it takes more than speed to confound defenses.

“I think he’s a savvy player,” said OSU safety

Back on track using sprinting background for breakout Wilson

Jason Taylor. “He’s a stron ger dude too. He’s fast and strong. He uses his body well too.”Ittakes more than speed on high school relay races, too. Campbell said Johnson, running the second leg, had been going so fast on that day in 2017 that the awaiting runner got jumpy and left his spot early. The error cost the Volunteers a shot atAstate.couple of races later, on the 200-meter dash where Texas Tech track signee Sean Hooper loomed as a favorite, it took Johnson just 21.13 seconds to salvage the day for James Bowie.

“Braydon shot out of the curve,” Campbell

Abbysaid.Cage

Running from tragedy

Leonard uses friend death to motivate career

Adam Co-Editor-in-ChiefEngel

squad.The pain started with what Bultitude thought was a sportsrelated injury. He played rugby and hurdled. It made sense. Injuries hap pen all the time in sports.

Still, Leonard said Bultitude didn’t know what happened. His trainers suggested that he had becameleftBonescan.”ingmumtoanLeonardthisNothingbelowcreatesDisease,Osgood-Schlatteraconditionthatswellingandpainthekneejoint.serious.“They’resayingthatandtheother,”said.“It’sjustinjury.Youdon’thaveworryaboutit.HiswasreallyhammeronthedoortogetaHedid.Theresult?cancerbelowtheknee.Chemotherapynecessary.Doc

tors needed to amputate his leftNoleg.more hurdling or rugby. Sport no longer mattered. Life took prior ity. Both were close to graduating high school.

For the first few months of returned.ity.runningwhatries.travel2019.remissionweekhospital.visitedboardedschool,Leonardestablishedchemotherapy,Bultitude’sLeonardaroutine.Beforeschool,ran.Afterheran.Then,hethetrainandBultitudeintheFivedaysaforayear.BultitudeenteredneartheendofThetwodecidedtoandcreatememoNeitherwassurewouldhappennext.Inthattime,wasn’tapriorIn2020,thecancer

Braydon Johnson was forced to watch games from his couch in 2021 after being sidelined in all but one game.

Preston Wilson rumbled toward a runaway chicken.

Mackenzie Janish Center Preston Wilson (hugging No. 3 quarterback Spencer Sanders) used to consume 7,000 calories a day.

See

See Kopenski

Janish

Walk-on defensive end Ben Kopenski (52) appears on special teams in every game and rotates in on defense.

Bedlam has become much deeper, 14-team league likely

coach Mike Gundy all made statements about the ending of the 118-year rivalry.

Reaction to demise

in those nego tiations Bedlam was brought up before“Bedlamfootball. is history, we all know that, be cause OU chose to follow Texas and the money to the addressestheforhefeelings,harborsers.aboutonreadyclear,isanyhador(Kayse)(president)Weibergdirector)(OSUthingtowantstreet.acoach,I’mlistening,said.this,”hadOklahomaexampletosomeonelenge.atedGundyforsionfromdistancingGundySEC,”said.ClearlyOSUOU’sdecitodeparttheSEC,reiterhischal“IwantheregivemeanofwhatStatetodowithGundy“I’mreally,nottheheadI’mjustguyontheIjustsomebodytellmeonemyself,athleticChadorDr.Shrumourregentstodowithofthis.”OnethingabundantlyGundyistomovefromtalkingtheSoonHesaidhenohardbutwouldlikethistobelasttimehethe

topic. He likened the situation to a goingmarriage.“What’sonnow is almost a situa tion with a hus band and a wife or a girlfriend and a headBedlamreactioningtweetsother?sidestherightWasrivalryingsidegoing.conversationsationkeepOtherstalkhappyOSUaboutittalkinggood,thewe’retheTexaschose‘HeyLet’sturnSo,they’rethemtabletrywrongyou’resaid.friend,”boyGundy“Youknowdeadandyouandturntheandmakethinkwrong…let’snotthetables.justsaylook,wetofollowandtakemoneyandgoingtoSEC.’It’salllet’squitaboutandlet’stalkfootball.”Somefansaretojustfootball.wanttotheconverBedlamWhichisunwilltokeepthealive?OUinit’stoleaveforSEC?DotheneedeachToreadcontainOSUFanstothenewsto ocolly.

Bedlam tension has risen from the grave and the possibility of a 14-team league by July is very likely. Here’s an update on the recent Big 12 logistical storylines.

Bye Bye Bedlam Bedlam will be dead by 2025, we’ve known that, but now there is a true rivalry between the schools because there is an expira tion date.On Tuesday, Action Net work’s Brett McMurphy reported the state’s biggest rivalry will be no more once Oklahoma leaves for the SEC, which is (for now) scheduled for Oklahoma2025.athletic direc

tor Joe Castiglione, OSU athletic director Chad Weiberg and OSU

“It presents logistical issues under our current (scheduling) structure,” Weiberg said to Ac tion Network. “We don’t have any openings to play them. We’re full. Unless there are significant under takings to make the game happen, it can’tCastiglione’shappen.” reasoning is opposite.“Oklahoma State has shown no interest to schedule any future games in football,” Castiglione said to the Action Network. “So we’re moving on.”

For Gundy, he came to Tues day evening’s media availability prepared with notes, seemingly knowing the Bedlam topic was go ing to be “OUasked.officials were in nego tiations with the SEC for months before anybody in this league or the conference knew about it,” Gundy said. “Bedlam is history, we all know that, it’s been known that because OU chose to follow Texas and the money to the SEC. It’s OK. So now we’re having what I think are childish discussions

over something that’s done.”

The rising tension between the two schools is becoming more and more known, both OU and OSU are pointing fingers at each other. The Nov. 19 Bedlam game will truly be more than just a game, it will be more like a final “I’m right” statement for the vic tor.

14-Team League

The only guaranteed Bedlam matchup is in a few months, but there’s a good chance the 2023 game in Stillwater will happen.

According to the Austin Ameri can-Statesman’s Kirk Bohls, OU and Texas will not join the SEC until at least 2024.

This opens the door for next year’s Bedlam matchup and also gives way for the Big 12 to be come a 14-team league for at least a year. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF will join the conference on July

The1. potential matchups, di visions and storylines are endless for the Big 12, especially in

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have been playing football since 1904, with OU leading the series 91-20-7.

Abby Cage

Tuesday morning, it was announced the Bedlam football rivalry will when Oklahoma joins the SEC.

Davis Cordova Staff

“Braydon shot out of the curve,” Campbell said. “Man he ran that curve like no other. Stood up straight, came down. Good stride frequency, good stride length…he came through and broke off a school record that has been standing for almost a decade.”Hooper, who also advanced, ended up beating Johnson and others to win the state champion ship in the 200-meter dash later that year. But Johnson’s time of 21.13 seconds in that race, which was a better time than Hooper ran, cemented Johnson as one of Texas’ fastest runners. His per formance is also recognized with other James Bowie track & field records on a shiny placard that is conspicuously placed.

“(The record board) is in the front of the school, baby,” Camp bell said. “As soon as you walk in. And they have a picture of him on the wall in the cafeteria as well.”

The debate around fastest players on the OSU football team will always rage. But it is cen tered around which player is the second-fastest. Everyone agrees on Johnson at one.

“He is the fastest on the team,” receiver Brennan Presley said. “Maybe the fastest in the Big 12…I’d give him the nod for fast est in the Big 12.”

Johnson is well removed from his sprinting days. He could have run in college. Heck, John son’s 21.13 time, which was wind legal has yet to be topped at David Bowie. It is better than most of OSU’s sprinters’ personal records.

But Campbell always knew where Johnson’s, who starred at football in high school as well, heart

“He’swas. a football player through and through,” Campbell said. “It’s what he is.”

An undisclosed medical condition took football away

“The biggest thing for Braydon is that he took that year and focused,” said OSU offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn. “He took that missed year and just kind of turned it into a desire to be the best player he could pos sibly be. So he’s been absolutely tunnel vision on trying to be a great player.”Campbell said Johnson has a remarkable ability to be levelheaded. During hard times and great ones, such as a heroic play Johnson made on the football field.

“We were in round one of our playoff game,” Campbell said. “We played Keller Central. I’ll never forget. We threw Braydon a tunnel screen. Braydon juked like half the team, went for like 75-something yards. We end

“Last year was a huge, huge experience for me,” Johnson said. “Just in the fact that I got to do a lot of self-realizations, you know, got to be with myself a lot. I put together a plan, understood what I had to do and I got back here by God’s will, so I’m just super blessedFootballman.” and track remain intertwined for Johnson. In high school, his goal was to run a 4.2 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. That kind of speed has a downside when trying to get “Iopen.think people don’t realize that the faster you are, the harder it is to actually run routes,” Pres ley said. “I think the way he uses his speed in terms of accelerating and then being able to reaccelerate but also be able to shut it down at any time and redirect, that’s what separates him from everybody

Dave Smith, OSU’s director of track & field and cross country, said there is a difference between being fast on the track and being fast on a football field, where you run in different directions with heavy equipment. Players such as Johnson, who are fast in both situ ations, are “Footballrare. fast is different,” Smith said. “You’re carrying pads, you’re carrying helmets, you’re on turf that is very giving and it’s a different kind of sprinting. It doesn’t always translate but you get guys like Tyreek Hill and that guy is just fast, fast. It doesn’t matter what he’s doing.”

Evaluating benefits of nonconferenceOSU’s schedule

Ben Hutchens AssistantEditorSports

It seems like each week of the

His calm demeanor helps in difficult times, too. Johnson attri butes the year away from football at OSU to making him better.

Johnson is on pace for a career year. Though it took him until his final year of eligibility— something Johnson is reminded of when young teammates jokingly call him “old man” — OSU players have enjoyed watching Johnson’smore“Allsuccess.ofusarethanhappyforhimwiththestuffhe’sdoingbecauseweknowhowmuchhehaspreparedforthis

mo ment and how much he’s been waiting on this,” Presley said.

UAPBnentweakest63-7,CowboysteamPinetheEdwardsdecisionganEastern30-21Cowboys.losingaHermtheirSunArizonaBucknell.winandSouthlastpointsTheyone,OSUChippewas,tralimpressive.resumeseason,footballOSU’sgetslessTheCenMichiganwhobeatweekare1-2.lostby14athomeweektoAlabamatheironlyisagainstTheStateDevilsfiredcoach,Edwards,weekaftertotheAlosstoMichipushedthetofireoveredge.Arkansas-Bluff,athatthebeatistheoppoonpaper.is2-1

but with wins against NAIA and DivisionNCAAII op Cowboysponents.The don’t seem concerned their schedule is leaving know,oftomean,goodustheyyourself.usedgamesofRegardlessthehavesaidBrennanwideGundyImaturing,growinghowmaturitywelevelevaluatingwherethethehasstridesfortableGundycoachbyeBaylortakeunpreparedthemtoonNo.17aftertheweek.OSUMikeiscomwiththehisteamtakensincebeginningofseason.“Fromifwe’retheofplayershaveduetoandthey’reandYes,am(pleased),”said.CowboyreceiverPresleythegamespreparedteamwell.opponent,canbetofocuson“IthinkpreparedlikeprettybecauseIwestartgetasenselike,youwhowe

are as a team, our identity and stuff,” Presley said. “And now it’s all about we can use these two weeks to actually focus in, hone in and clean Inup.”the Big 12, OSU isn’t alone in its

Read full story at ocolly.com

Molly Jolliff

Bradyon Johnson (left) leads OSU in receiving yards (300) and averages 21.4 yards per recep

tion thus far in 2022. sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU’s only Power Five opponent in nonconference play was Arizona State, which fired its head coach this past weekend.

Kopenski...

Kopenski’s older brother attended OSU while Ben searched for a program out of high school. He routinely visited his brother and attend football games, which introduced him to Cowboy football and ignited interest in playing in Stillwater.During that time, Kopenski planned his next steps.“I’ll be back to try and walk on,” Kopenski said.

After enrolling at OSU, Kopenski received word of football try-outs taking place. The day after hearing about the try-out, he was on the field competing for a walk-onShortlyspot.

after, Kopenski found himself as a new member of the Cowboy roster.

He redshirted in 2018, his first season.

As a redshirt freshman, Kopenski played only in the home opener. He didn’t get in a game the next season.Suchis the life of a walk-on.But he kept a next-man-up mentality and stayed prepared for the chance. Every day, Kopenski showed up like he was starting the next game.

“I think that’s just his persona,” safety Jason Taylor said. “That’s his personality. And I think that’s just with anything he does and he sets his mind to. He has that chip on his shoulder and he puts his head down and tries toKopenski’swork.” time came in 2021, when he went from having a single career appearance to playing in every game that season. He occasion ally rotated in on defense and recorded a sack against Tulsa, which he called the favorite play of his career.Most of his time was spent on special teams. But after walking on with only two years of experience, Kopen ski viewed it as another opportunity to prove himself.“Any chance that I can get on the field, I’m taking it,” Kopenski said. “Special teams, I love playing that role. If I’m playing on all four special teams in a game, I’m happy.”Thedefensive line is the deepest unit on the OSU team. With the likes of scholarship linemen Trace Ford, Brock Martin and Collin Oliver ter rorizing offensive lines, it’s hard for a walk-on to sniff the field.

So when the op portunity presents itself, Kopenski has to make the most ofSizeit. isn’t on his

side. Experience isn’t, either. But when he’s called on, such as Tulsa in 2021 or UAPB this season, Kopenski seizes the moment. Especially in his final year.

“It just comes down to being a walk-on and trying to make the most of the opportunity, because the scholarship guys are gonna get their chance, and that’s OK,” Kopenski said. “So, I definitely play with a chip on my shoulder because I wasn’t recruited any where.”“So coming here, and it’s my fifth season, just trying to try to get it wherever I Masoncan.”said Ko penski will be needed on defense at other points in the season. Coach Mike Gundy echoed the mes sage. There’s trust in their walk-on defensive end.

Kopenski is no longer an unknown walk-on. Not to anyone in the OSU program, at least. They know what to expect when he is called into action.“He’s not 6’5”, he’s not 260 (pounds),” Gundy said. “But he plays better. He’s a good player. He’s a productive player. There’s a lot to be said about making plays on the field if you get on the field, and that’s what he does.”

Wilson...

Now, the centers are usually one of the quickest guys on the line. Everybody’s overall athletic ability evolved over time.InOSU’s blink-oryou’ll-miss-it offense, Wilson must be the first man to the line of scrim mage. Snap the ball, protect the line and run. That’s only part of it. As offenses evolve, so do defenses.It’s a trend that Wilson’s high school coach, Todd Rodgers, said he notices. His Ar gyle Eagles are the No. 1 5A Division II team in Texas. The Eagles won the state championship in 2020.Still, things are changing at all levels.

“There are so many more personnel packages and misdirec tion where they take ad vantage of you,” Rodgers said. “Defensive coaches should teach a lot of discipline. They teach to you to look at one key, read one key and react to one key. Now, offenses are implementing false keys and they get you out of position by how well you’re trained.”

Now, decoy pack ages are aplenty. Pure bait for the opponent. It happens at every level.

“We get tricked all the time because we get false keys,” Rodgers said. “We have linemen pull for no apparent rea son just so they can get us out of the way so they can take advantage of an offensive scheme.”

In modern college football, teams have dif ferent code for defensive positions — LEO, JACK

and STAR — foreign nonsense to the casual fan.

LEOs are a weak side linebacker and defensive end hybrid. The “L” comes from linebacker and “E” for end.

There are hybrids on offense, too. At OSU, no tight ends or full backs. It’s called a Cow boy back, a block-heavy tight end and fullback hybrid.On the line, if one person screws up, the whole team receives the consequences. Former Cowboy center Danny Godlevske witnessed it a few times.“Asa center and quarterback, you need to be on the same page,” he said. “We’re making calls left and right. If the quarterback didn’t hear you or he’s not getting whatever you’re saying, then he doesn’t know what’s going on. He needs to know the reads, blocks and all that stuff.”

Wilson played along the line prior to this season. In his red shirt junior season, he is at center for the first time.

Communication with quarterback Spen cer Sanders and a lot of film study is andlookHe’sshowsshowsshowsatgrow,“JustKnife,”walkingthebroaderonpreviousGodlevskeRodgersneeded.andsaidWilson’sexperiencethelinegiveshimaprospectiveonlittlethings.“ThedudeisaSwissArmyGodlevskesaid.watchinghimlearnandexceleveryposition,itjusthiscoachability.Ithisconfidence.Ithowsmartheis.verycerebral.”Whatdoesacenterforinfilmstudy?Wilsonwatchesidentifiesopponents’

tendencies. What is their primary pass rush move? He finds any little hints visible from the opposi tion.

Now, athleticism and mentality trump pure size, which one ruled the game.

“I think nowa days, centers can be smaller, athletic guys,” Godlevske said. “They can have good hips and shift around. They can play more strategically. They can just place their bodies in places and win with their mind as well as Foodtersamongphysical.”AfewthingsOSUcenhaven’tchanged.—alotofit— is needed to filmfootballWilsonbulk.studieswithasnack.Everyvisittotheroombeginswitha stop at“IfWhataburger.Igottagetup there early or something, I’ll get two breakfast burgers and a taquito,” he said. “If it’s around lunchtime, then I’ll show up with a triple meat cheeseburger with bacon, some fries and a nice sweet tea.”

He eats large piz zas. No problem. He’ll burn it off in practice. Earlier in his career when he attempted to gain a lot, Wilson said he consumed about 7,000 calories a day.

At OSU, some of fensive linemen are good ol’ country boys who fit well into the Cowboy culture. Wilson loves hunting, fishing and at tending red dirt country music

“He’sHeconcerts.isaCowboy.ayee-yee boy for sure,” Godlevske said.

Molly Jolliff

Cowboy center Preston Wilson (No. 74) said that centers in today’s game are quicker and agile than old-school linemen.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Mackenzie Janish Kopenski

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy TribuneBlackContent Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (09/23/22). Fortune favors collaboration and partnership this year. Direct creativity and passion with consistent discipline for satisfying results. Autumn creative projects gain acclaim, before winter conditions alter your explo ration. Conserve a bountiful shared harvest next spring, before summer changes require cleverness and communication. Together, you’re amazing. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most chal lenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 9 — Find efficient tricks. With Mercury retrograde backing into Virgo, work gets more interesting. Energize physical health, wellness and creative projects for growing strength.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Express your heart. Over several weeks, with Mercury retrograde in Virgo, it’s easier to put feelings into words. Make bold declarations. Communicate your love.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Put love into your home, with Mer cury entering Virgo. Decorate, beautify and upgrade the ambiance. Realize plans determined earlier. Add music and soft lighting. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Creative communications thrive and flower. With Mercury in Virgo, you’re especially brilliant. Talk about subjects near to your heart. Develop a passion project.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Share your heart in your work and demand for it rises. Communication gets profitable, with Mercury retrograde in Virgo. Network, wheel and deal.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Your natural communication and artistic talents are enhanced by Mercury backing retrograde into your sign. Recon nect with friends and allies. Grow your network. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Introspection, writing and organization recharge and inspire, with Mercury retrograde entering Virgo for a few weeks.

Savor ritual, meditation, spiritual and philosophical contemplation. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Collaboration energizes you. Your team grows stronger, with retrograde Mercury backing into Virgo. Share support with friends to advance for several weeks. Pull together. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Assume more responsibility at work, with Mercury retrograde in Virgo. Review where you’ve been and consider what’s next. Advance your career in interesting directions.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Revise study or travel plans, with Mercury retrograde in Virgo for a few weeks. Expand your territory. Make longdistance connections. Share stories from your adventures. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Financial discussions, inquiries and requests can get fruitful, with retrograde Mercury backing into Virgo for a few weeks. Make valuable connections. Network and collaborate.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Partnership flowers, with Mercury retrograde in Virgo. Compromise and negotiate for mutually beneficial solutions. A mutual attraction grows stronger. Strategize for shared gain. Taylor

Bindbeutel’s sibling connection found again at OSU reappears

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Many things can be noticed at a soccer match at Neal Patterson Stadium.

From the towering scoreboard to the scenic view of OSU’s campus in the background, a lot can be seen in a short span. One player can probably be spot ted on the field more clearly than others.

Freshman forward Gracie Bind beutel.She is involved in nearly every play offensively, yet, also manages to create mayhem on defense.

“It’s always fun watching her on film just sprinting up and down the field,” said senior wingback Blythe Beldner. “Me and the girls always get a kick out of Growingit.” up, Bindbeutel played a handful of sports, basketball, softball, track, gymnastics. However, as time progressed, soccer seemed to stick for her more than the others. A big reason being because of her brother Tommy’s love for the “Growingsport.up, I was kind of my brother’s shadow,” Bindbeutel said. “I would kind of do everything he did, because we were like always so close.”

She held various jersey numbers growing up, but because her brother wore No. 16, she eventually made it her permanent number as well.

Whatever her brother did, she did too.

There isn’t anything in particular that makes Tommy stick out to her. He took care of himself and had a great work ethic. All of the attributes a good role model could possibly have.

“I’ve just always wanted to be like him,” Gracie said. “I guess it’s just a splash of everything. I wanted to hang out with him and all of his friends, I wanted to do what they were doing, you name Init.”spite of the three-year age gap between the two, nothing changed.

After Gracie got off practice, the two would grab a soccer ball from their living room and spend countless hours kicking it around in the backyard. This occurred on a near-daily basis.

Tommy went to almost every one of his sister’s soccer matches. After ward, he would coach her on issues he saw in his sister’s game, giving her advice from his time playing soccer.

“Tommy was basically Gracie’s role model growing up,” said their mother, Judy Bindbeutel. “He instilled a level of patience in her that I can’t even begin to describe. Not to say that Gracie wasn’t a patient kid growing up, but he really made her a better version of her self. He wanted to see Gracie succeed. He wanted to make her better in life and at soccer.”Judy said all three of her children were fairly tight-knit growing up, in spite of the age difference. Gracie and Tommy always seemed to mesh easier. She added that the two rarely ever got in disputes — and when those conflicts did

arise, they were resolved almost instan taneously, as mild as they were.

It made it hard on Gracie when her brother moved off to college, but Judy said it made Gracie stronger.

“It was hard on Gracie, and it was visible,” Judy said. “But I think because she went through it, I think she’s stron ger and more patient as a whole. Some times in life we go through hard things that make us better in the end, and I think that was the case for Gracie.”

The two remained in touch, com municating via text or phone call as much as possible. His visits home were bittersweet, and full of moments where the siblings reminisced about their days growing up together.

Both times she won the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, Tommy

was the first to congratulate her.

“That’s one of the biggest honors someone can receive in high school sports,” Gracie said. “He reached out, and congratulated me almost as soon as it became official.”

Fast forward to now, Gracie is playing college soccer at OSU and start ing as a true freshman, while Tommy is studying finance in grad school. Because of their hectic schedules, time hasn’t allowed them to have a chance to meet in person for quite some time, until lastFollowingweekend.OSU’s win over Brown at home, Tommy surprised his sister in the stands at Neal Patterson Stadium. An already successful day for her got even better as a warm smile came across her face as soon as she saw him.

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Stillwater, OK 74075

Judy knew Tommy’s plans of surprising his sister, yet, she says the phone call from Gracie was still heart warming for her to experience.

“I know when kids are little they’ll usually tend to look up to the older child,” Judy said. “They always want to be like the older child. They al ways want to emulate their behavior and hang around them. But this has moved on, well beyond their childhood. She’s always been tight with Tommy and it’s special, as a mother, to watch carry on.”

Mackenzie Janish

Gracie Bindbeutel scored her first collegiate career goal against Missouri State earlier this season.

“With the type of bone cancer he had, the second time it comes back, it’s like 100 times worse,” Leonard said.

Doctors said Bul titude had six months to live. Running became the last thing on Leonard’s mind.At 19, this isn’t sup posed to “S***…happen.Iget six months with my friend now,” Leonard said. “That’s the way that it went and sadly he didn’t get the full six months.”

Bultitude died Jan. 31, 2021.

funeral.forcedrestrictionsCOVID-19inEnglandittobeasmallLeonarddelivered

a speech in front of Bulti tude’s family and friends. He said it was one of the hardest things he will ever do.“My special mate will be with me and us for the rest of our lives,” he said.In summer 2021, Leonard decided to leave England for Still water — a place he saw only through a computer screen. His parents ran at Arkansas. Now, he repre sents different colors.

Ask*****OSU

cross country coach Dave Smith about Leonard’s freshman season and the answer may be surpris ing. In his first year in the U.S., Leonard com peted in the NCAA cross country championships. In Smith’s 20 years at OSU, only six true fresh men ran in the team’s top seven at the NCAA championships.Thatversion of Leonard is gone. He’s not racing like the team’s seventh best guy. Better.

“From what I’m seeing right now, he had a terrible season,” Smith said.

In the summer, Smith made it simple for Leonard.“Hey, you came all the way from England to do this and you gotta decide,” Smith said. “If you’re gonna come back, decide to do it or don’t do it. That’s

OSU Men’s basketball schedule breakdown

Virginia Tech finished 23-13 last season and made the NCAA Tournament as a No. 11 seed after winning the ACC Tournament.

A fun wrinkle in the match up will be OSU trying to stop VT point guard Sean Pedulla. OSU recruited Pedulla, an Edmond native. He averaged 5.4 points a game last season as a freshman.

Physically,OK.” Leonard lived in Stillwater. A year ago, his mind wandered back to England where his father, Tony Leonard, turned ill. There was a 30% chance to save his father’s 7 against UT-Arlington in Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Cowboy basketball is here on paper.Wednesday, OSU revealed its nonconference schedule. Fourteen games in total, begin ning Nov. 7. Three teams on the schedule, UConn, Virginia Tech and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, made the NCAA Tournament a seasonHereago.is a breakdown of the pivotal moments the Cowboys will encounter in their nonconfer ence slate.

Toughest road test: Vir ginia Tech (Brooklyn), Dec. 11 Although the Cowboys won’t face a true hostile road environment in the Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational Tourna ment, the opponent will be stout.

Best home game: Ole Miss, Jan. 28.Oof. The OSU home strength of schedule leaves a lot to be desired.OleMiss is the only majorconference opponent traveling to Gallagher-Iba Arena for noncon ference play. The game is part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge, a series OSU is 3-2 in over the last five seasons.Mississippi wasn’t good last year, 13-19 overall and 4-14 in conference play but did have two wins over ranked opponents, Memphis and LSU.

Key Stretch: Nov. 13-20

A pivotal week of play begins at Oakland in Rochester, Michigan. The Golden Grizzlies beat OSU 56-55 in GIA last sea son and Boynton said he remem

bered the game in the schedule reveal

Thevideo.Cowboys will leave the cold confines of Michigan for the blazing beaches of the Bahamas, where they are scheduled for two games in the 2022 Bahamas Classic. OSU will open against future Big 12 opponent UCF and the winner will play the victor of DePaul and Santa Clara.

Trap game: vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Dec. 20

OSU’s final game before the holiday season is against a team that made the NCAA Tourna ment. The Islanders were only 7-7 last season in Southland Confer ence play, but rattled off three wins in the conference tourna ment to make the First Four game of the big dance.

By the time the Islanders come to Stillwater they will have two major-conference games against Mississippi State and Arizona under their belt, so the Cowboys better have their mind on their opponent and not Christ mas.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

TennesseeTennesseeTennesseeFlorida(26-23)(30-28)(34-27)(38-24)Florida(35-31) Texas(35-24)(33-17)(27-21)TexasTexasTexasTexas(32-24)Tech(23-22)

Texas(27-20)A&M(31-20)TexasTennessee(27-24)

TexasArkansasArkansasArkansas(31-17)(34-24)(34-31)A&M(24-21)Arkansas(42-41) Clemson(34-3)Forest(28-27)Clemson(35-27)Clemson(30-24)Clemson(24-23) (28-18)(24-14)(38-35)(41-31)(38-14)(35-31)SMUTCUTCUTCUSMUTCUClemson(34-6)

leaderPickerGuestboard

DarrenWeekShrumtwo5-0Kenny

WeekGajewskithree4-1

About the guest pickers:

Our first guest picker was First Cowboy Darren Shrum. Shrum picked all the winners correctly his week, taking the lead over the guest pickers. Kenny Gajewski is the OSU Cowgirls softball coach. Gajewski came close to tying Shrum his week, but incorrectly picked BYU over Oregon.

This week, Dean Ruhl returned to the pick grid. Ruhl served as the sports editor of The O’Colly from May 2021 22. Ruhl is last year’s winner of the pick grid and now writes for the Tulsa World