Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Let the dance begin

Cowboy, Cowgirl tennis teams selected for NCAA Tournament

PJ Tikalsky Staff Reporter

When the dust settled in Gallagher-Iba Arena’s Varsity Room on Monday evening, the OSU men’s and women’s tennis teams found themselves dancing in the 2023 NCAA team championships for the first time in two years.

The Cowboys and Cowgirls will travel out west this

weekend for the first round of the tourney — the men face a first-round matchup with Florida in Tucson, Arizona, and the women facing the University of Denver in Palo Alto, California. The O’Colly is here to break down the regional round of play for both teams.

Cowboys finally off the fence

This year’s selection was not guaranteed for the Cowboys just two weeks ago. After falling to 12-12 in the regular season and losing every game in conference play, they needed something big from the Big 12 Tournament. With all eyes on Carl

Native American Student Association honors graduates, crown 2023 Miss and Mr. American Indian

of student programs, such as SGA.

The contestants each showed off their regalia and introduced themselves. After introductions, Garcia took a seat among other members of NASA while the other contestants went backstage.

This is not the finish line, it’s just another starting line.

John Chaney, keynote speaker at the Native American Student Association Senior Honoring Ceremony & Miss American Pageant, said this to the graduates honored that afternoon.

The event started with the pageant. There were two women and one man. Kristal Glass, a general business sophomore who is Quapaw, Seneca Cayuga, Cherokee and Choctaw, and Shaeleigh McGee, a microbiology/ cell and molecular biology freshman and Chickasaw and Mississippi Choctaw, competed for Miss American Indian. Caleb Garcia, a junior in economics and member of the Wyandotte Nation, was the only male contestant.

Of the three judges, two were past Miss American Indians: Megan Baker from 2016 and Catherine White from 2018. Melisa Echols, the third judge, is the coordinator

The two women presented their talents next. Glass shared a Quapaw game with the audience. McGee, who has been a classical singer for six years, sang “Misty” by Ella Fitzgerald. Both contestants had the opportunity to present a speech over their platforms and what they intend to do if crowned. Glass’ platform was Tribal Sovereignty and educational knowledge. McGee’s is Native American health and wellness.

“My platform is that tribal nations should strive to be economically sovereign,” Garcia said. Extemporaneous question was the last portion of the pageant competition. Gabrielle Tiger, the 2022 Miss American Indian, asked Glass how she would like to give back to her community after she graduates. Glass said she would like to give back to Native American scholarships at OSU to further future students.

See Honors on 5

Roothman in the opening match against Texas Tech, the freshman from South Africa delivered, bolstering the team toward the top of the bubble following final results from across the country. This is coach Dustin Taylor’s first tournament bid with Oklahoma State, but if his experience coaching three national championship teams before coming to Stillwater tells us anything, it’s that he’s got the stuff to get a team moving in May. Looking at their regional draw, the ball is certainly in their court when it comes to potential advancement to the super regional.

See Tennis on 3

How OSU golfers manage mental aspects of golf

Jax Thompson Staff Reporter

Many golfers will imagine themselves hitting an amazing shot, but Clemence Martin imagines playing an entire round.

Martin, a sophomore on the Oklahoma State women’s golf team, said before every tournament, she takes the yardage book, which is a guide to the golf course, and plays all 18 holes in her head.

She visualizes good shots and bad. When she visualizes hitting a bad shot, she takes the time to feel what she would feel in real life. Then she works through it and visualizes getting herself out of trouble.

“Just trying to find, like, solutions to help me so if it happens the next day, I’ll be prepared because I’ve already experienced it,” Martin said.

Positive visualization is one of many techniques used by golfers behind the scenes to improve the mental aspect of their game.

Maddison Hinson-Tolchard, a junior, said though physical ability matters, mental ability can set a player apart. “I think what determines a good player from a great player is definitely their mental aspect of the game,”

Hinson-Tolchard said. “Like if you’re strong mentally, you’ve got a massive advantage over someone who can just hit the ball a really, really long way. So, I think the mental side of the game is super, super important.”

The mental ability of a golfer is harder to see, hiding behind the physical ability. The only time it is visible is during an outburst: a thrown club, a yelled expletive, a promise to never play again.

Mental ability is about more than controlling tempers. Golf can be discouraging. Gene Littler, a former professional golfer who is in the World Golf Hall of Fame, said managing mistakes is the key to golf.

“Golf is not a game of great shots,” Littler said. “It’s a game of most accurate misses. The people who win make the smallest mistakes.”

Depressing.

Staying confident in a game where missed shots are more frequent than great ones takes mental fortitude. There are many ways for players to improve their mental strength. Some of the Cowgirls, such as Martin, use sports psychology.

Kevin Andrews, a sports psychologist who works with some of the players, trains them to control their mindset through techniques such as positive visualization, breathing exer-

cises and meditation.

Martin started working with Andrews while recovering from a herniated disc in 2022. She said she struggles with negative thoughts on the course.

“Sometimes I’m just insecure,” Martin said. “And I’m my own, like, enemy and that’s basically what we worked on. And sometimes I can be a little bit anxious before tournaments, so I can just give him a call.”

Andrews said sports psychology involves changing how people view

what is happening to them. He used the example of waking up to go work out. A player could wake up and think negative thoughts, such as thinking about how tired or sore she is. Or she could think of waking up to work out as an opportunity to improve.

“We can catch those negative thoughts and kind of reframe them to help create more positive emotions which in turn will create higher motivation,” Andrews said.

See Golfers on 4

Stephanie Landaverde

Four graduates honored at the ceremony; from left to right: Jerret Carpenter, Hadley Hume, Gabrielle Tiger and Kayleigh Moulton.

Carson Toulouse

The Cowboy and Cowgirl tennis teams were selected to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in two years on Monday night.

Courtesy of OSU Athletics OSU golfer Clemence Martin plays a course in her head before ever swinging her club at a tournament.

Stephanie Landaverde Staff Reporter

Members of the Cowboys and Cowgirls tennis teams celebrated their selection to the NCAA Tournament during a watch party Monday night.

All photos by Carson Toulouse

Tennis...

Continued from 1

The 14-seed Arizona Wildcats will be hosting OSU, Florida and Boise State this weekend. The Cowboys will face the Gators, who have

posted a similar 14-13 record on the season so far but are 40-3 in the first two rounds of play under coach Bryan Shelton. It is an uphill battle for the team, but don’t be surprised if Taylor and Co. bring an upset or two home with them.

Cowgirls in Tighter-than-Expected Draw

At the end of conference tourna-

ment play, the Cowgirls sat firmly at 18th in the ITA rankings with a 15-7 overall record. Out of contention for hosting rights, there were high hopes that a smooth ride to the super-regional round was in play. Those hope were dashed when they were drawn into the Palo Alto regional. A stubborn Denver squad stands in the way in the first round,

and a red-hot, 10-0 in conference play Stanford Cardinal looms on the horizon should OSU advance past the Pioneers. Coach Chris Young, coincidentally also a selection committee member this year, has seen tougher outs but the Cowgirls will have to find a new gear to make it past the first weekend.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Carson Toulouse

The OSU Women’s Tennis Team excited to be selected in the NCAA Tennis Tournament.

Golfers...

Continued from 1

Coach Greg Robertson said he believes sports psychology works. He used it himself as a player after his freshman year at OSU, including the visualization and breathing techniques that Martin is using.

Robertson helped the Cowboys win four Big 12 titles and the 1995 NCAA Championship.

“It helped; it absolutely helped,” Robertson said. “I mean I was in a bad place with my golf game at one point… and [sports psychology] really helped me get out of it.”

Not all players use a trained professional or special techniques. Hinson-Tolchard uses the support system she grew up with.

“Usually if I’ve had a bad day I’ll talk to my mom,” Hinson-Tolchard said. “My mom is like the biggest bundle of positive energy, and she always knows the right things to say to me if I’ve had a rough day. She really is kind of that angel on my shoulder.”

Hinson-Tolchard said her mom reminds her what happens one day does not have to affect what happens tomorrow.

“There’s always tomorrow,” Hinson-Tolchard said. “I always say to myself, ‘There’s always tomorrow. This one day is not gonna affect everything. You had one bad round of golf; it’s fine.’ I trust in my ability, and I always feel confident that if I have a rough day, I can back it up with a good day.”

Players can work with sports psychologists or their loved ones on their own, but Robertson and assistant coach Maddi Swaney try to find ways for players to improve their mental games in team practice.

To decide who makes the lineup for each tournament, the Cowgirls play qualifying rounds. As they would in a real tournament, they track their scores over several days, usually three because that is

the standard length of a college tournament, and rearrange the groups they play in based on the standings.

Swaney said the format of the qualifying rounds prepares players for tournament play in every way possible, including the mental aspects.

“I think that’s our goal, to simulate it as much as we can like a real tournament,”

Swaney said. “We’re playing every weekend for spots just

like they would be playing in a tournament, you know, they’re playing to compete to win. We always tell them that if you can win a qualifier at home, you’re probably going to be setting yourself up for winning a tournament on the road.”

No matter the method, Andrews said players need to treat improving mental strength like improving physical strength. “These are just skills…

how they play golf now, they weren’t this good when they first started,” Andrews said. “It was done by repetition.”

The parts of golf that can be seen are not the entire picture. Golfers spent hours in practice. Robertson said if talent and physical ability determine a player’s potential, mental ability determines how close a player can get to reaching that potential.

“You gotta be in control of your thoughts and what’s going on in your head,” Robertson said. “And golf is such a mental sport, and there’s so much time to think in between your shots and what you’re doing, that that’s a huge part of it. And if you don’t handle that the right way, you’re not gonna be the best golfer that you can be.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU Athletics

OSU golfer Maddison Hinson-Tolchard said mental fortitude is what separates a good player from a great player.

Honors...

Continued from 1

Tiger asked McGee what superhuman power she would have if she could have any. McGee said she would want to read minds because she is curious about how people think and that if crowned the next Miss, this superpower would help her know how to best serve NASA.

McGee was crowned the 2023 Miss American Indian and Garcia was crowned the 2023 Mr. American Indian. Glass was the first runner up for Miss American Indian.

McGee said she felt overjoyed after being crowned.

Twelve graduates were honored at the ceremony, each receiving a graduation sash and having their name and degree read aloud.

Hadley Hume, an arts administration senior, said it felt amazing to be honored at the ceremony, especially after being a past NASA president.

“It was kind of surreal being the one sitting in the graduates stands instead of being the one emceeing the whole event,” Hume said.

Hume said she was a direct help to McGee in preparing for the pageant.

“I actually stood backstage and did kind of cry a little bit whenever her name was announced as Miss American Indian OSU,” Hume said.

McGee said she plans to implement her platform by hosting awareness walks and stickball tournaments as well as making resources more available to Native American people.

Chaney gave the graduation address. He emphasized the significance of the graduates’ achievements through the use of statistics. Chaney said Native students comprise less than 1% of the national college enrollment and that only about 15% of Native citizens hold a bachelor’s degree compared to the national average of 33%.

“My mission is to ensure that Native American communities and people have the resources that they need to understand what health and wellness actually is,” McGee said.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Stephanie Landaverde

Caleb Garcia (left) and Shaeleigh McGee (right) were crowned OSU’s 2023 American Indian royalty.

OSU’s Pete’s Pantry helps eliminate hunger on campus News

Ethan Hilbert Staff Reporter

Oklahoma State University’s Pete’s Pantry is open weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the basement of the Student Union to supply groceries to OSU students who may not have access to food on campus or at home.

In the U.S., more than 38 million people, including 12 million children, are food insecure, according to the USDA. Food insecurity is most common in West Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, food insecurity affects 14.6% of residents. That percentage means that 583,570 people in the State of Oklahoma are hungry. Pete’s Pantry aims to reduce this number by doing its part in helping eliminate hunger at OSU.

Pete’s Pantry is open each week so students can stop by and get the food they need for the week. The food pantry has a system that breaks food into categories (pasta, vegetables, bread, crackers, chips, rice, beans, cereal, breakfast, hygiene, flex, soups, household, beverages, proteins and produce/fruit) to ensure students get what they will need for the week ahead.

“Pete’s Pantry is an on campus resource dedicated to feeding the Cowboy family and helping those struggling with food insecurity,” said Cassidy Davis, graduate assistant at Pete’s Pantry. “It is a completely free resource available for those in times of need.”

Since Pete’s Pantry is located in the Student Union basement, students can get the food they need without having to walk or drive far off campus. To get food from

the pantry, students show their student ID to the host (or check in anonymously), grab the recommended two bags, and receive items from each category. While students shop in the pantry, the staff is available to chat about nutritional information and check in on how students are doing with classes.

“With our partnership with Our Daily Bread, Stillwater’s food resource center, we are able to provide a vast array of food resources for students on campus,” said Brian Blevins, Pete’s Pantry supervisor. “We are able to combat food insecurity by providing supplemental nutrition as well as fresh items like meats, fresh produce and more to OSU stu-

dents, which I think is the best benefit of the pantry.” The pantry is split up into 3 main sections. The refrigerators, which contain meats and chilled foods; a row of shelves, which hold canned goods and non-perishable foods; and a table with crates of fresh produce sourced from local farms.

“For me, food insecurity is something that’s really important to me, said Josh Fox, volunteer at Pete’s Pantry. “Before volunteering at the pantry I wasn’t exactly aware of the need that there is for students at OSU and after seeing the effort that goes into running the pantry I knew that it was somewhere where I wanted to be and help out with. It’s be -

come a vital resource for students on campus and embodies Oklahoma State’s ‘Cowboy family’ and I couldn’t be more proud to be able to help out in the pantry.”

Across America, there are other organizations like Pete’s Pantry that are also in the fight to end hunger. In the U.S, there are over 60,000 food pantries run both locally and funded by the state and federal government, according to Feeding America. Organizations such as Pete’s Pantry rely on donations of food and money from the general public as well as generous alumni who want to give back to the university.

OSU has held events in the past that help raise aware -

ness and are used to collect donations for Pete’s Pantry. One of these events was OSU alumnus and country artist Garth Brooks’ free concert. Students were able to attend the concert by bringing one canned food or grocery item that went straight to the oncampus food pantry.

To stay updated on events held by Pete’s Pantry and to check for schedule changes, visit the official Pete’s Pantry page on OSU’s support and conduct extension. Here, members of the pantry post updates on availability as well as provide contact information.

Advertising Executives Needed

The O’Colly Media Group at OSU is now taking applications for advertising executives to work in our expanding Media operation. Duties include contacting clients and providing them with advertising options for print editions, online editions, special editions and advertising bundle specials. Applicants should be able to work office hours and meet clients at their businesses. Salary includes base pay, commission and bonuses. To apply come to room 106 in the Paul Miller Journalism office or email Lori@ocolly.com

Ethan Hilbert

Pete’s Pantry, located in the basement of the Student Union, supplies groceries to OSU students who may not have access to food on campus or at home.

Artificial intelligence is a new foe for higher education

Stephanie Landaverde Staff Reporter

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence threatens the credibility of educational institutions like Oklahoma State University.

Joshua Jansa, an associate professor of political science and an academic integrity facilitator at OSU, said there have been cases of OSU students using AI to complete their schoolwork, and these acts of plagiarism undermine the credibility of the degrees and the institutions that certify them.

“We’re saying that they’ve gone through the coursework, they’ve read, they’ve been tested, they’re written, and we certify them in having a degree,” Jansa said.

“If in reality they’ve been querying an AI bot the whole time and not actually putting in the work, that undermines the integrity of the university, the integrity of the degree itself.”

Jansa said while the tools for detecting AI are not as advanced as AI yet, they’re catching up quickly, and educational institutions in particular are interested in incorporating them to ensure students are turning in work that is theirs.

Alexandra Williams, a sophomore in physiology, said those on campus who use AI to plagiarize do so because they find themselves lacking the time to complete the assignment themselves or out of laziness.

“I think one of the benefits is that it helps produce new ideas,” Williams said. “But I know the disadvantages are things like plagiarism, and you’re stealing other people’s

work. And that can lead to a lot of things that hinder your career down the road.”

Williams said committing plagiarism can result in an F streak on one’s transcript, and this would stay on the transcript for future educational institutions to see.

The oppositional methods to AI are also advancing quickly. TurnItIn, a plagiarism checker commonly used by educational institutions, can find AI-generated material in work with 98% confidence, according to a press release by the software service.

Matthew O’Neill, a teaching assistant professor of Spanish, said he has not had any confirmed cases of AI use

in his classes.

“Anytime in the last two semesters that it’s come up, I’ve sent a message to the student and the student has just submitted another paper,” O’Neill said. “We didn’t get into ‘did you do this or did you not do that?’ I suggested that this looks very much like AI, and so they sent me a new version of the paper that looked much more like their writing.”

O’Neill said he thinks AI use for plagiarism is dangerous.

“We’re coming out of a time, like the Covid time, when everyone was used to using digital tools to help them do school,” O’Neill said. “And so it becomes normalized, I

think that’s probably the big threat.”

Despite the focus on the consequences of AI, there are ways it can be beneficial and improve education, Jansa said.

“For any student or faculty member doing research, AI can be a way to generate research ideas,” Jansa said. “It could be a way to double check to make sure you’ve covered the relevant literature (...), but using AI to write something for you or to do the work for you definitely crosses a line to where we’re not being honest and forthcoming about where ideas are being generated.”

When students are alleged to have committed plagiarism, there is a set policy at

OSU. There are three levels of violations; the first results in a zero or “F” for the assignment or exam, the second results in a grade of “F!” for the course, signifying the student failed because of an academic integrity violation and the third results in transcript notation of “Administrative Withdrawal for Academic Integrity Violation”, dismissal from the graduate or professional program and dismissal from the university, according to OSU Policy and Procedures.

To read the full violations and penalties, visit the OSU Academic Affairs page.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Flickr

At OSU, using artificial intelligence as a tool to plagiarism can lead to consequences such as a zero or “F” for the assignment or exam, in a grade of “F!” for the course, signifying the student failed because of an academic integrity violation and the third results in transcript notation of “Administrative Withdrawal for Academic Integrity Violation”, dismissal from the graduate or professional program and dismissal from the university.

Kerr Drummond construction creates concern among OSU students

In front of the Kerr-Drummond Hall complex and in the middle of the Villages dorms, construction has begun on a Central MarketPlace to take Kerr-Drummond’s place.

“They’re removing one building they already have that so many students use, just to build it again in a different spot,” Village A resident Anna Baustert said. “It would save time and resources to just revamp Kerr Drummond that is already there.”

Home to Twenty-Something and 405 Deli, Kerr-Drummond is a spot

on campus to grab a quick meal or go grocery shopping. However, Kerr Hall and Drummond Hall have been closed for housing for about eight years.

“We already have Kerr Drummond,which has a few restaurants and a quick-mart for us,” Village B resident Lillian Banks said.

The construction is currently surrounded by steel barricades, around what used to be a parking lot for RH Parking Pass Holders. More parking has become available in the meantime.

“The loss of parking is slightly annoying, but I believe that there is enough parking to facilitate the students,” Village resident Ilya Dzialendzik said. “I have not had issues

with parking since the construction, and I have been utilizing new parking spaces that have been opened up for residents.”

Not only did students lose a parking lot, they also lost a path to class, having to weave around buildings and add several minutes to their walk.

“The construction has been a nuisance. But recently with the rain and wind it has been genuinely frustrating,” Banks said.

Students in Village F face the most issues, with the barricades completely blocking one side of the entrance to their building.

“I know it affected many other students, especially the residents of

Village F,” Baustert said. “The construction is right at their front door and I can only imagine the inconveniences this has caused them for the past couple of months.”

Though creating controversy now, the MarketPlace will hold a new restaurant, a second Caribou Coffee (the first being found in the Student Union), a rehoused 405 Deli, and another convenience-store-like shop.

“I believe the construction will be worth it, because it will open up more dining options and community areas in the future,” Dzialendzik said. The MarketPlace intends to open during the Fall 2024 and the Kerr-Drummond complex will be turned into student parking.

Lethal fentanyl poisoning is real.

The drastic increase in opioid overdose deaths is largely due to fentanyl poisoning. Illegal fentanyl is cheaper than most other drugs on the streets and is being intentionally substituted into cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and drugs like counterfeit Adderall®, Percocet® and Xanax® as well.

Learn the facts and protect those you love.

Courtesy of OSU

Olivia Lane, Staff Reporter

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 li quor 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

Business Squares Business Squares Company Coming?

Check out “Cowboy Cabin”

550

steps east of Boone Pickens Stadium

Airbnb.com/h/cowboy-cabin

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (05/03/23). Imagine and plan for perfection this year. Realize amazing results with community help. Capture springtime inspiration into schedules and plans. Solving summer partnership challenges motivates a surge in autumn health and energy. Polish your personal presentation next winter. Dream, envision and plot your course.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Breakdowns could affect your partnership. Counter bad luck with a positive attitude. Communication is your golden key. Step aside to cool down, if necessary.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Heed recommendations and warnings. Disciplined practices support with complications or changes. Balance work with rest to avoid burnout. Consider options and potential solutions.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Discover spontaneous fun and even romance. Don’t fall for empty promises. Breathe deeply and focus on what you love.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Adapt for what your family needs now. Minimize risk or controversy and enjoy domestic creations. Clear space for new growth. Research before purchasing.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Don’t make wild promises. Abandon preconceptions and consider alternate views. Avoid automatic reactions. Let others know they’ve been heard. Listening can get farther than speaking.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Review financial accounts. Unexpected expenses could drain funds. Old assumptions could get challenged. New evidence threatens complacency. Spend less than you bring in.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Take charge of your destiny. Resist impulsive or automatic reactions. Get extra rest. Dress for success. Use your power and confidence for good.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 6 — Consider the big picture and your part in it. Allow yourself time to process recent transitions. Update plans for current circumstances. Unplug and recharge.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Take advantage of a brilliant idea with your team. Discuss, coordinate and sort resources. Appearances can deceive. Adjust and make corrections. Diversity provides strength.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Don’t get too hasty with a professional project. Build and grow from strong, basic structures. Provide excellent service, quality and a flexible attitude.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Adventurous dreams come true, step by patient step. Assess the situation carefully before advancing. Adapt to current conditions. Slow for tricky sections. Investigate possibilities.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Strengthen foundations with a partner. Revise plans and budgets for unforeseen expenses. You’re building for the future. Work together for a long-term vision.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

Complete

grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve