Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

Balanced scoring attack leads OSU past Ole Miss

Newton, a junior guard, noticed there were opportunities to cut behind the defense to the rim. He did it and tied his season high – in the first half –because of it.

Just as Newton took what he saw from the Ole Miss defense in the first half, the rest of the offense followed

suit. Newton didn’t score in the second half of OSU’s 82-60 win over the Rebels on Remember the 10 night in Gallagher-Iba Arena on Saturday, but a balanced effort from the offense gave the Cowboys (12-9, 3-5 Big 12) their highest scoring game in more than two months.

“I thought we just let the game come to us,” coach Mike Boynton said. “I didn’t feel like anybody really tried to force bad shots. Kinda just took the game as it came, and you see that kinda play out in the balance of the scoring.”

The Thunder hosts high school students, OSU experts for Aero-Student Day

Bella Casey Staff Reporter

Students are the future of aerospace.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Aero-Student Day welcomed hundreds of high school students and OSU aerospace experts to the Paycom center last Friday to educate students interested in a future in aerospace.

Dr. Jamey Jacob, OSU professor and Unmanned Systems Research Institute (USRI) director, spoke to students at the event about the aerospace industry.

“The future of aerospace is the youth — not only being able to fill all the roles in terms of jobs, but providing diversity in perspective and ideas,” said Jacob. “They make the impossible happen.”

Jacob said now is the time to invest in aerospace, as the U.S. is currently facing a flight crew shortage.

Halfcourt Harassment: Cowboy defense connects with Cisse limited

TJ Caldwell. The fight to score wasn’t over, even when Caldwell leapt off both feet toward the rim. Tyreek Smith, OSU forward, skied to meet Caldwell in the air. It was power on power, and the 6-foot-9 217-pound Smith prevailed, sending the shot backward.

OSU’s halfcourt defense stifled the Ole Miss Rebels, sometimes twice in one trip down the floor. It was why the Cowboys won 82-60 Saturday, making it three wins in the last four

games. OSU coach Mike Boynton didn’t see Smith’s block, but he felt the impact.

“I’m assuming it was a monster block that got the crowd going crazy,” Boynton said. “I didn’t see, my back was to the play. I just heard the reaction but that’s an example of multiple guys taking that pride and getting the job done as a team.”

Jacob explained to students that the aerospace industry in Oklahoma is larger than oil and gas, contrary to what one might assume.

Another speaker at the event reminded students that the opportunities in the aerospace industry span beyond planes.

The panelist told students of her experience as a high-altitude balloonist and how it led her to studying the

surface of Venus from 60,000 feet and examining solar eclipses in Chile.

Josh Stephens, a student recruitment assistant for the College of Education and Human Sciences at OSU, said interacting with students at the event was a full-circle moment. Stephens, a professional pilot major, was a hopeful high school student himself only a few years ago.

“It’s a really awesome case of your dreams becoming reality,” Stephens said. “It’s really awesome to be on the other side of it now, where I’m looking at the kids who are still dreaming of it and wanting to make it a reality.”

Stephens applied to 15 different schools in pursuit of a career in aerospace. All 15 programs accepted Stephens, but he considered OSU his dream school.

Stephens’ experience with applying to multiple programs and time spent as a professional pilot major at OSU allowed him to connect to students at Aero-Student Day. Stephens had conversations with students at the event and offered advice with the goal of helping students achieve their dreams.

Jaiden Daughty

Woody Newton tied his season high with 12 points and was part of a balanced offensive performance.

Chase Davis

Moussa Cisse, who wrote “I love u mom” on his sneakers, played seven minutes in OSU’s 82-60 win on Saturday.

Twisting on his backside under the rim, Ole Miss guard Myles Burns shoveled a pass in the lane to an open

Woody Newton just took advantage of what he saw.

Braden Bush Assistant Sport Editor

Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter

See Ole Miss on 2

Halfcourt...

Continued from 1

and we missed our two guards that kind of help control the game.” Boynton played center Moussa Cisse, returning from an ankle injury, for seven minutes. Cisse is the heart of the OSU defense, blocking shots and altering the ones he can’t touch. OSU’s entire team defends differently with Cisse on the floor.

playing against a low clock a lot and taking shots or not getting them off at all. Shot clock violations are usually a result of five guys being on the same page in rotations, challenging shots, harassing the ball.”

Continued from 1 Ole Miss shot just 35.9% from the field. The Rebels created baskets in transition, but the offense slowed to a slog whenever facing the Cowboy half court setup.

Ole Miss coach Kermit Davis was without his two leading scorers, guards Matthew Murrell and Daeshun Ruffin. In their place, Davis inserted two freshmen into a hostile Gallagher-Iba Arena environment, considering the late tip against a nonconference opponent.

“It was a struggle,” Davis said. “They’ve got real veteran guards

Guard Quion Williams secured a team-high six rebounds. Avery Anderson played aggressive on ball defense. The connectivity between players is what Boynton believes made the defense so successful, even without Cisse for the majority of the night.

“I think, defensively, we were just really well connected,” Boynton said. “I thought our guys were really covering up for each other. One of the (indicators) of that is they were

Ahead of the matchup, Boynton said the team could only prepare so much for a nonconference opponent smack dab in the middle of league play. He was mainly looking for improvement from his team, specifically if the Cowboys could get back to guarding the way they guarded earlier in the season.

He said the mission got accomplished.

“When we’re dialed in defensively, we’re a problem.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

The Ole Miss defense put an emphasis on slowing down Kalib Boone at the post, so Newton said that gave him a window to use the defensive aggressiveness to his advantage on burn the Rebels on backdoor cuts.

Newton made four layups off backdoor cuts and scored 12 in the first half.

“My confidence is through the roof right now,” Newton said. “Some of the best basketball I’ve played since I’ve been in high school.”

Boone, who went 8-for-9 from the field against Texas on Tuesday, went 6-for-6 Saturday. When Ole Miss (9-11, 1-7 SEC) adjusted on Newton after halftime, Boone picked up slack, finishing with 18.

“Obviously, they started the game double teaming him pretty aggressively, and he didn’t force it,” Boynton said. “He just made simple plays, which helped make the game easier for him to score late.”

Avery Anderson had the opposite type of first half as Newton, scoring two points on no made field goals. After halftime, a different story.

Anderson, one of four Cowboys who scored in double digits,

picked up two fouls in the game’s first four minutes, which kept him on the bench for much of the opening half. But in the second, he stayed out of foul trouble and made aggressive drives in the lane, which earned him 11 shots (all made) at the free throw line and 17 points.

Boynton said he was encouraged to see Anderson stay in the right mindset and come out aggressive after playing just six minutes in the first half.

“They were in drop coverage, so I just really wanted to attack the paint,” Anderson said. “And if the defense had collapsed – but they were mostly standing out because we’ve got good shooters – so, just really attacking the big and trying to get to the line.”

The win came a day after the 22nd anniversary of Remember the 10, and Boynton was proud of how his team represented the program.

“A great day and a great way to honor the lives of the 10 members of our family that was lost 22 years ago,” Boynton said. “Just really proud of the way our guys seemed to take hold of that message. They played away that hopefully they’re all really proud that they were associated with the program.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Jaiden Daughty Oklahoma State limited Ole Miss to just 35.9% shooting from the field Saturday night. The Cowboys beat the Rebels in the final installment of the Big 12/SEC Showdown, clinching the 2023 title for the Big 12.

OSU comeback comes up short in loss to Texas

OSU quickly responded, splashing home two three-pointers following the timeout and eventually tying the game at 13.

Unfortunately for the Cowgirls, the Longhorns came to play. UT quickly went on a run of its own, stretching its lead out to eight points by the end of the quarter, and they took a 26-18 lead into the second period.

it seemed OSU was poised to take the lead.

One of the main reasons the Cowgirls couldn’t ever seal the deal was their inability to stop Texas guard Rori Harmon. Harmon, reigning All-American and Big 12 freshman of the year, diced up the OSU defense in every way possible.

shooting, and through a wide variety of craft finishes and tough layups, she claimed the paint as her own against the Cowgirls.

Basketball is often a game of runs.

That age-old adage was on full display in OSU’s matchup with Texas.

In their second meeting of the season, Texas exacted their revenge on OSU, defeating the Cowgirls 78-69, leading from wire to wire.

UT began flexing its muscles early in the game, coming out on fire with an 11-2 run and forcing the Cowgirls to use an early timeout.

The Longhorns never looked back, holding their lead against OSU all the way until the end of the game, disposing of a Cowgirls team that defeated them just three weeks ago in Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Throughout the contest, OSU would storm back, cutting the Longhorn lead to somewhere between three and five points, and right on cue, Texas would respond, ripping out the hearts of Cowgirl faithful every time

The Houston native scored 16 points to go along with seven assists and six rebounds, and on top of her offensive dominance, she also added a steal and played a big part in holding Naomie Alnatas to just 41% shooting from the field.

Harmon wasn’t alone in her domination of the Cowgirls’ defense, as teammate Taylor Jones came off the bench and established herself inside almost immediately.

Jones scored 19 points on 90%

Despite the loss, OSU has little reason to be discouraged. While a win is always the goal, Texas sits tied atop the Big 12 with No. 18 Iowa State, and is looking more and more like the team many expected them to be heading into the season.

On the OSU side of things, the Cowgirls sit a game and a half below Baylor and West Virginia for fourth place in the Big 12, and with the easiest four-game stretch of their schedule coming up, the Cowgirls are in a good position to make a run at that spot.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Cole Gueldenzoph

Jacie Hoyt and the OSU women’s basketball team lost its third straight road game, 78-69, against Texas on Saturday night.

Calif Poncy Staff Reporter

Letter to the Editor Reader dislikes

O’Colly rally page

The O’Colly

The picture of Spencer Sanders in a food container with the caption of “Enjoy The Leftovers” is appalling to me. That is a terrible look to potential recruits and their parents.

It isn’t fair to Spencer no matter what you think of him. If I was in the OSU administration, I would

clean house at The O’Colly starting with faculty that are involved with the paper all the way down. This is not the image any of us want to portray. Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss it further. Don’t be surprised if I email Dr Shrum.

-Danny Lamar, Stillwater

OSU-developed grass to be used in AFC and NFC championships

phia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field.

Payton Little Staff Reporter

Oklahoma State University developed grass to be used in AFC and NFC Championships.

OSU took the field on Sunday, but the Cowboys were not playing.

OSU has always been known as a premiere agricultural school, but now, their talents are being brought to one of the biggest stages in the gridiron. Both the NFC and AFC championships are being played on grasses developed at OSU.

First, the home of the Philadel-

Released in 2017, turfgrass Tahoma 31 is a type of bermuda grass developed at Oklahoma State. It is being used in combination with ryegrass to create the field in Philadelphia, with the overseed ryegrass helping to keep the field a bright green. Of course, paints and dyes are also used to color endzones and yard lines, as well as to brighten up certain parts of the field in general.

Over at the AFC championship in Arrowhead Stadium, the Kansas City Chiefs have been using OSU developed grass for much longer. Developed in 2010, NorthBridge bermuda grass serves as the base of the field in Kansas City. While both work great for the world of sports, the grasses can also be fit for neighborhood lawns, showing the true diversity of the bermuda grasses. These grasses did not just appear overnight, as some were in development

at Oklahoma State upwards of 10 years.

Professor Dennis Martin, longtime turfgrass specialist at OSU, is proud to be a part of such storied agricultural program and provide service from the smallest of lawns to largest of stages.

“It’s fantastic,” Martin said. “I’ve always enjoyed it for all of my 32 years here, and I enjoy every day. Sometimes you don’t know what challenges you’ll face, but it’s always exciting and usually turns out pretty good.”

The grass may be a pretty sight to behold from onlookers and fans, but players seem to take much better to grass fields as well. With more give to the field, players can safely make cuts and quick movements with less of a worry for non-contact injuries. Brothers Jason and Travis Kelce, Jason being a center for the Eagles and Travis being a tight end for the Chiefs, went in depth on the topic in their hit podcast “New Heights”.

“I’d rather practice in sleet, snow or thunder storm with a chance of getting struck by lightning than to run inside on turf,” Kelce (Travis) said. Having OSU represented in the NFL is a large deal for the university, yet the researchers and staff are still not done working towards the future of grass development at Oklahoma State. “We’re absolutely thrilled,” Martin said. “We’re excited, beaming with pride of course and fingers crossed that nothing will go wrong. There’s no perfect grass, but these are really good grasses. They’ve been through hoops. They’ve been through the wringer before … good things are happening and we’ve got more good grasses in the experimental suit, so to speak, for the future.”

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.

Todd Johnson (Oklahoma State University)

The playing surface of the NFL’s two conference championship games featured turfgrass developed at Oklahoma State University.

Continued from 1

“I’m here to speak to students about what they’re passionate about

and what they feel their purpose in life is,” Stephens said. “It’s an honor to be able to talk to people who are so passionate about what you’re passionate about and bring them into your world, which will hopefully be their world.”

Fifteen exhibitors, ranging from universities to training schools, the National Guard and flight simulators,

were available for students to explore and interact with. Following the panel speakers, various aerospace equipment was available for students to examine, and industry professionals were available to speak with interested students.

“It’s part of our land-grant mission,” Jacob said. “What OSU is really founded on is being able to serve the

Courtesyof OSU

state and the community. And it’s not just through instruction and research, but also outreach. It’s part of our job to enlighten students to what new opportunities are out there to help make Oklahoma better.”

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Aero-Student Day welcomed hundreds of high school students and OSU aerospace experts to the Paycom center last Friday to educate students interested in a future in aerospace.

OSU Chief Diversity Officer Receives Diamond Award

Michael Clark Staff Reporter

On Jan. 21, Dr. Jason F. Kirksey, chief diversity officer and vice president for Institutional Diversity at Oklahoma State University, received the Diamond Award Excellence in Education, Leadership, Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, Humanitarian and Community Engagement by the Not Alone Foundation and the Academy of the Diamond Awards. Kirksey received the prestigious award at the Diamond Awards Charity Gala in Atlanta. The Diamond Awards program gives credit to people who work in various industries for their exceptional contributions to society.

“Oklahoma State University is committed to maintaining a culture where all people are valued.” President Kayse Shrum said. “Dr. Kirksey is a champion of that culture and has devoted his career to making a difference in the lives of all students.”

“Within the Division of Institutional Diversity and the university as a whole, our focus and goals are centered around effectively impacting the lives of our students rather than recognition and awards.” Kirksey said. “It is, however, wonderful to continue to earn national honors like this Diamond Award for the innovative and tireless efforts to serve and support OSU’s commitment to sustaining and enriching our culture of inclusion. Although I feel fortunate to be recognized individuals with this award, it is undoubtedly the result of being surrounded by an amazing team.”

Kirksey has been working at OSU for over 25 years, and has worked on diversity and inclusion efforts for 14 of those years. He has helped raise $20 million in philanthropic funds in advancing OSU’s commitment to cultural inclusion. He has also received over $10 million in funding from the National Science Foundation in hopes of giving a voice to underrepresented students in the STEM fields.

Kirksey currently servers as the principal investigator of the Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program. He is also in his second term as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Associa

tion of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. Kirksey is one of the high-

est awarded CDO’s in terms of diversity and inclusion awards.

Courtesy of OSU.

Dr. Jason F. Kirksey is the Vice President for Institutional Diversity and the Chief Diversity Officer at Oklahoma State University (OSU). He also holds the rank of Associate Professor in the OSU Department of Political Science.

Q & A: OSU student shares experience studying abroad

News & Lifestyle Editor

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 achievable.

Katie Ditchkus, a junior majoring in history pre-law, graduated high school in Mississippi and chose to attend OSU because of its welcoming and friendly environment. Ditchkus studied abroad for a semester 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 during 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 colleges. 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 University 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 traveled 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 having 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?”

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 COVID-19 resurfaced in December. Visa requirements also stressed me out, but overall I was just excited to get to explore. I was worried about the financials of attending a school abroad; however, between private scholarships and OSU’s study abroad scholarships, it was completely 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. Leaving 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 peanut 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 experience abroad, trying any and everything is the best way to do it. Meeting new people, experiencing new countries, asking 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 experiences and working to be able to afford them is a lot healthier. I am also more interested in learning about other cultures and traveling more. It’s like coffee in the morning. Once you get the first taste you just want more.”

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Luisa Clausen

Courtesy of Katie Ditchkus

Ditchkus takes the weekend to travel outside of Cork, Ireland, and see other parts of Europe.

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes (TNS)

Today’s Birthday (01/30/23). Connect, communicate and create this year. Faithfully go for personal passion projects and win. Redirect winter domestic renovations around changes, inspiring communication breakthroughs this spring. Adapt around challenging summer professional conditions, before autumn invites intellectual discovery, classes, travel and research. Speak out for what you love.

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 — Connect and coordinate. Align words and actions for practical priorities. Don’t chase a fantasy. Abandon distractions. Disciplined attention benefits creative projects. Surge ahead.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Energize profitable projects. Keep your feet on the ground. Don’t hatch chickens you don’t have yet. Take action for lucrative results. Luck follows initiative.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — You’re energized to dig into a personal project. Ignore fantasies or illusions and go for practical results. Make an improvement for immediate benefit.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Take it easy. Get organized behind closed doors. Abandon unrealistic ideas and prioritize practical plans. Put yesterday’s things away and prepare for what’s next.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Friends offer ears, supporting hands and a shoulder to lean on. Fortune follows teamwork, cooperation and connection. Develop lasting bonds by pulling together.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Accept compliments for work well done. You have more influence than you think. Set a good example. Harmony requires effort. Imagine a project completed.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Apply practical skills as you learn. Conditions favor studies, research and travel, with distractions tempting. Good luck favors solid foundations. Do the homework.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate to maintain positive shared cash flow. Abandon illusions and fantasies. Build practical foundations for financial growth. Discover hidden efficiencies. Fortune favors discipline.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Fantasies dissipate, especially about your partner. Make sure they’re on board before initiating changes. Communication is in the listening. Collaboration generates satisfying results.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Providing excellent service satisfies. Physical action gets tangible results. Get help with heavy lifting. Practice healthy routines for strength and endurance. Learn from a master.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Romance flowers with attention. Face something you’ve been avoiding. Restore integrity where missing. Love is the default setting. Express creative inspiration. Connect with someone delightful. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Strengthen foundational domestic structures. Talk fades but action gets practical results. Clean and rearrange your spaces. Cook, bake and decorate. Have fun with family.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Baylee Devereaux

Solution to Friday’s puzzle

Complete the 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 Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk