The O'Colly, Friday, December 6, 2024

Tattoo Tensions

OSU student sports OU ink

BELLA CASEY STAFF REPORTER

@BELLACASEYYY

Whether he’s walking to class or spending time with college friends, Chase Kingery gets noticed.

“I can feel the stares whenever I walk,” Kingery said. “I just feel like, ‘Yeah, they’re looking at me.”

And he knows why. Branded with the mark of the enemy, Kingery sports a University of Oklahoma tattoo on the back of his right calf. The bold, black letters are hard to miss, especially in the heart of Cowboy territory.

The Yukon native transferred to OSU from Redlands Community College in El Reno to pursue a secondary education degree, and he anticipated flack for his ink.

“I literally got out of my first class ever at Oklahoma State, and I was walking up the stairs, and a guy said, ‘Is that real?’” Kingery said.

It’s real, and his father has the same one. But neither of them attended OU. The crimson runs a little further back in the family tree. Kingery’s grandfather, John Kingery, was an assistant coach for OU women’s basketball, and his parents were OU football season ticket holders. OU games were always on the TV, and Kingery watches OU play each Saturday, even if it’s from Stillwater.

See TATTOO on page 5A

Rising demand for mental health care overwhelms University Counseling Services

BRYSON THADHANI SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR @BRYSON.THE.CAMERA.MAN

When Lilith Breazeale tried to sign up for University Counseling services at OSU, she was put on a waitlist.

Unsatisfied, she went to the OSU-Tulsa campus to see if she could be seen sooner. Again, she was put on a waitlist and all she could do was wait. After eight months, the

Tulsa campus had an opening.

“It was definitely hard,” Breazeale said. “By the time I was seen, I had to drive an hour to Tulsa, which made scheduling nearly impossible.”

Breazeale’s experience underlines a growing crisis in college mental health care. As demand soars, students turn to university resources like counseling centers to find support. But with rising demand, one question becomes more and more prominent: Are these services equipped to meet student needs?

Students leap into leaves, finals

HAYDEN ALEXANDER NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Ready? Set. Jump!

Students gathered on Library Lawn on Thursday for a chance to jump in a massive leaf pile built by OSU University Landscape Services. Students leaped, cartwheeled and somersaulted into the leaves with shouts of joy and child-like enthusiasm. The scene was reminiscent of the great OSU snowball fights of 2021 and 2022. The idea for the leaf pile originated from a student’s social media request. John Lee, the director of Landscape Services for Facilities Management at OSU, loved the

idea and knew his team could execute it.

Landscape Services typically rakes up the leaves across campus for composting, but the landscape workers were excited to turn an everyday task into a fun memory for OSU students.

“This was an opportunity,” Lee said. “That something we were doing anyway to keep campus beautiful, we could turn around and create a very unique environment for students to enjoy.”

Workers for Landscape Services began compiling the leaves Monday afternoon and soon caught the student body’s and social media’s attention. The leaf pile’s social media dominance even caught the attention of local news stations. Students posted

pictures, and some lept into the pile after class hours for an early leaf pile session. However, many students waited patiently for Thursday’s 11:15 a.m. jump time. Sophomore Andrew Dickson attended the event with a friend and did not initially jump in.

“It felt kind of funny at first, and then I was like, ‘Oh, this is actually really fun; it’s like a huge pile,’” Dickson said. Dickson took a running start, landing himself in the middle of the pile. He was soon buried under a flurry of leaves as his fellow students continued crashing through the pile. Dickson said the last time he remembers building a leaf pile was at 8, and Thursday, it reminded him of fall days with his mom.

Numbers show growing problem

College students have long faced mental health issues. A 2023 report from Best Colleges found 76% of students deal with moderate to serious psychological distress. Out of that group, 31% reported suicidal thoughts and 79% experienced high stress in the past 30 days.

Globally, the World Health Organization reports that one in seven children experiences a mental health disorder. These untreated issues can

lead to long-term challenges like social exclusion, poor physical health and struggles inside the classroom.

At OSU, University Counseling Services is feeling the strain.

“Every year, we see there’s more people presenting with mental health concerns and more severity of mental health concerns overall,” said Joseph Dunnigan, the director of University Counseling Services. He also said waitlists can reach up to eight days at their busiest.

See MENTAL on page 6A

Bryson Thadhani

University Counseling Services gives students an opportunity for low-cost therapy.

Payton Little

OSU student Chase Kingery sports a University of Oklahoma tattoo despite never attending OU.

Payton Little

Andrew Dickson didn’t jump at first but quickly changed his mind and leapt into the leaves.

New city manager appointed, fills three-month vacancy

After an about threemonth vacancy, the Stillwater City Council has appointed a new city manager.

Brady Moore, who served as the interim city manager and deputy city manager, has worked for the city for about four years. His appointment comes after the departure of former city manager Kimberly Meek.

Moore said in a statement that he is honored the council selected him.

“My heart is in serving this City that my family and I love,” Moore said.

“We have such a great team here at the City of Stillwater, and I’m excited for our continued commitment to provide quality service while building relationships within our community.”

Moore has been a main contributor to many projects, including the data center; Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects such as

Stonecloud Brewing Co. and Hatch Early Mood Food; and Rails to Trails, an initiative that will convert unused rail tracks to trails. He was also part of developing “Together, Investing in Municipal Excellence” (T.I.M.E.), a capital improvement

program for Stillwater.

“Brady (Moore) has demonstrated creative leadership, bold management and incredible passion for Stillwater in his time at the City,” Mayor Will Joyce said in a statement. “He has developed strong relationships and handled

Ask the Pokes

complex projects with thoughtfulness and care, and I am excited for what he will accomplish as our next City Manager.”

City Attorney Kimberly Carnley will negotiate a contract with

City Council approves rezone to build apartments

A new studio-style apartment complex is on its way to Stillwater.

On Monday, the City Council approved the rezone of 1324 E. 6th Ave., which is intended to become Stillwater Studios, a 32-unit apartment complex. The property was previously a motel, and Wargo, LLC was approved to renovate it.

“The proposal of repurchasing into an apartment is to provide a more stable occupancy that would benefit the community in multiple ways, by renovating a blighted property and creating a different type of housing for the com-

Editor-in-Chief

munity,” City Planner Jacquelyn Porter said. Porter said the renovation will gut each room of the motel, which was built in the 1950s, and redesign the rooms with kitchenettes. Property management will live on the property, she said.

A representative from Wargo said each unit is anticipated to be in the $750-775 price range with one-year and sixmonth leases. Threemonth leases might also be an option, the representative said, but the developers hope to retain tenants for longer amounts of time to create stability for both parties.

“We know these aren’t huge units,” he said. “They’re nothing crazy, but they’re safe. They’re reliable.”

Housing is an issue

OSU and Stillwater are facing.

Before the fall semester began, OSU had to place about 100 students who were unable to get on-campus housing after it hit its third year of record enrollment.

The deal came with a bronze meal plan, which is valued at $3,400, and a $1,000 scholarship.

The City of Stillwater has also recognized the needs of its growing community. Envision Stillwater, the city’s 20-year vision plan, includes a section on housing.

On Monday, Dawn Warwick, an urban planner for Tulsa-based Freese and Nichols, presented an update to the vision plan. Warwick said the demand for housing in Stillwater is “outpacing supply.”

Homes are valued at about $245,952, according to Zillow. The average rent price is about $771 per month for an apartment and about $485 for a studio, according to apartments.com.

Despite the approval for new housing, Mayor Will Joyce said he hopes the city will look at ways to clarify the language of its zoning code to make it more accessible to the public. The property was rezoned from commercial general to commercial shopping, which he said can be a point of confusion for citizens. He specified that this rezoning “is not the issue,” but it speaks to a larger problem with communication.

“Zoning is just very, very problematic in a lot of ways,” Joyce said.

“My top artist was Noah Kahan.”

- Danielle Jawad

“I don’t use Spotify, but my favorite artist is Michael Jackson.”

- Amy Martindale, assistant dean of student academic services

“My top artist was Chappell Roan.”

- Haylie Williams

The O’Colly Staff

Assistant

Sports reporters: Photographers & Designers: Social

Moore.

Bryson Thadhani

City Manager Brady Moore was promoted during Monday’s City Council meeting.

Who is your top artist on Spotify Wrapped?

“The top artist on my Spotify Wrapped was Sawyer Hill.”

- Lane Hix

Kennedy Thomason

City Planner Jacquelyn Porter (left) said the apartment complex will create another stable housing option for Stillwater’s citizens.

News

Fanfare of Lights brightens Cowboy spirit before finals

The Fanfare of Lights, an annual event at OSU, illuminated the campus and spirits alike in front of Edmon Low Library on Tuesday.

This event flipped the switch on the holiday season with its lighting ceremony, igniting joy and cheer alongside the hundreds of orange lights on Library Lawn.

This family-friendly celebration offered hot cocoa, cookies and free entertainment. Students, families and alumni crowded around to take part in this long-standing tradition. For students, it was the perfect time to take a break from studying and reunite with friends.

Avery Jones, a student, said she was excited to attend.

“I came last year and I really enjoyed it,” Jones said.

Although attendees enjoyed the familiar comforts of this event, student leaders reminded everyone what it means to be a part of the OSU family.

Every year, it is a tradition to have the student body president and vice president present a speech.

This year, speakers Student Body President Aubrey Ruffin and Vice President Landry Baker said they were honored to take the stage. They credited Garrett Hargrove, the Student Union Activities Board coordinator, for making the event happen.

“Garrett Hargrove

asked us questions that allowed us to talk about the student experience, and what is so special about the holidays,” Ruffin said. Baker said it was an exciting opportunity to talk with people they “may have never come into contact with” otherwise.

“We jumped at the chance and haven’t really done anything quite like this before,” Baker said.

The Fanfare of Lights has been a family tradition for Baker since she was young, and she said speaking at it brought her a new sense of holiday cheer.

“I grew up in Stillwater, so I think whenever I get to come to traditions I went to when I was little, as a college student, I understand the deeper meaning of our community and what it means for OSU,” Baker said.

As the event came to a close, students and families rushed to the Student Union to continue the celebrations. One beloved member of the OSU family was there to keep the spirits up.

“I enjoyed seeing BB the horse dressed up festively,” student Mia Lowe said. “I like seeing everyone get together and enjoy fun experiences, as well as seeing Edmon Low light up orange.”

The University Store held a sale, with people browsing for sweaters, hoodies and scarves to keep them warm in the winter weather.

Attendees carried warm cups of cocoa, sweet treats and bags of OSU merchandise out onto the sparkling campus.

news.ed@ocolly.com

From the classroom to ‘Cowgirl Market’ OSU student creates

RAYNEE

HOWELL ASSISTANT NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR @RAYNEEHOWELL

For as long as Taylor Kelner can remember, her life has revolved around agriculture.

Growing up on a cow-calf operation in southwest Arkansas, she traveled all over to show cattle. The Aggie way of life came second nature to her.

On a trip to Orlando, Florida, to look at a heifer with her father, Kelner’s dreams to pursue agriculture as a career were solidified.

“My dad and I flew over Boone Pickens Stadium,” Kelner said. “I remember looking, and I’m just like ‘Oh, it would be cool to go to school there,’ and a few years later… my senior year, my family and I came and toured OSU, and we just knew that it would be home for me.”

The agricultural communications senior didn’t miss a beat when her boots hit the ground in Stillwater. Branded TK, Kelner’s online western fashion boutique, was her first business, and she ran it out of her parents’ house for three years. Once she moved into her dorm, the business followed her.

“I ended up having to rent a room from a friend because it had outgrown my dorm room, and then it lived in my house in Stillwater for about a year,” Kelner said. “I just decided that there were other things I wanted to focus my energy on.”

Branded TK gave her an idea for one other thing she could to focus her energy on: Cowgirl Market.

marketplace to support small businesses

Kelner, who said she realized storefronts are not always in the cards for some, decided to create one huge marketplace concept, similar to a pop-up shop for the individual vendors. These shortterm shopping spaces made it possible for online boutiques to put products in front of shoppers in person.

To make this dream a reality, Kelner knew she needed to seek out connections. With help from Visit Stillwater, the local tourism board, she secured Payne County Expo Center for the first market in 2023 and again this year.

The market, which has fallen on the same weekend as OSU Cowboy Stampede Rodeo the past two years, has grown from a couple hundred to more than 700 shoppers this year, she said. Small business owners of many types found themselves at a booth in the market, including vendors with handmade products, rope basket weavers, silversmiths, leather workers and westernfashion boutique owners.

Out of 52 applicants, only 26 could fit in the venue. One OSU graduate student was ecstatic to be among the chosen.

Cassady Craddock attended the market to promote her and her sister Camryn’s shared online jewelry business, Coney Creek & Co. Camryn, a high school senior, is still living in their hometown in Texas, but with Cassady’s move to Oklahoma, she had yet to find a clientele base in Stillwater.

“One thing that we were struggling with a little bit was finding our footing here in Stillwater,” Cassady said. “Just because I’m a grad student, and I don’t really hang out with our targeted demographic of girls that we want to

be meeting and working with. So we were really excited, because we knew that we were going to find our Stillwater girls at Cowgirl Market.”

With the opportunity Kelner created at Cowgirl Market, the Craddocks found many new customers. With Caney Creek & Co. focused on providing only authentic products, the Craddocks continue to work tirelessly.

The pair receive the jewelry directly from Navajo artists out of New Mexico, and hire small-business beaders to string authentic beads they receive. Finding inventory in other ways never crossed their minds. Cassady said both she and her sister were never told they couldn’t accomplish their goals.

“I grew up with some really great people to look up to when it comes to females in agriculture,” Cassady said. “So I just don’t think I was ever told that I couldn’t do something, and it has led both me and my sister to believe and understand that if we put our minds to something, and we genuinely go all in and try, we can be just as good, if not better, than anybody else.”

From the Cowboy Stampede crowds to the regular supporters of the vendors at Cowgirl Market, each of the 26 businesses were able to get their brand in front of new people. To those who know Kelner, Cowgirl Market was a feat no one doubted she could achieve.

“Taylor Kilner is one heck of an entrepreneur,” Cassady said. “She has the get up and go, and she is truly not only an inspiration to me and other small business owners but also just women and college students and younger people in general.”

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TRUST THE LORD! (Part #1)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (Jn.14:1 NIV)

Jesus had just told his disciples of his betrayal. He also told to them of his leaving and they could not go with him. I am sure that it seemed to the disciples that everything was “caving in, falling apart.” The future seemed so uncertain. Then Jesus speaks these words; DON’T BE TROUBLED; TRUST ME!

Jesus tells them that he is going to the Father (God) and in his house there is plenty of room. He tells them that he is going to make a place for them all and he will return to take them there. As we look around us there is much uncertainty about this planet that we live on; safety is a premium, and what about when death comes? What is going to happen to you and me? Many are betting on losing consciousness and never

awakening. They live on that assumption. However, Jesus tells us all are going to experience a resurrection from the dead; some to everlasting life and others to be condemned . (Jn.5:28-29, Dan.12:2)

Again, the Lord Jesus makes things clear to his followers: “I am going to my Father’s house to prepare a place for you. I will return to get you and take you to be with me.” when asked about the way to this wonderful place, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6) No wonder he declares plainly; don’t be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. Jesus has prepared a place and is the way to God’s wonderful place. Let’s trust and follow him, and lay up treasure there. It is a sure place promised by the Lord Jesus himself. He will not fail us; so shall we ever be with the Lord! (1 Thess.4:17-18)

Payton Little

OSU lit up campus during the Fanfare of Lights on Tuesday.

Bryson Thadhani

Taylor Kelner said she plans to host the event for at least one more year.

ALIYAH YOUNG STAFF REPORTER

Seasonal Stillwater: 10 festive activities happening in town

Getting into the holiday spirit might seem difficult as study rooms are booked, the lowest possible grades are calculated and Quizlet’s website traffic skyrockets.

Lucky for OSU students, as campus events wind down, Stillwater is gearing up with multiple festive events during finals week. So, if you have time for a quick mental health break, check out what’s going on in town.

Carriage rides

Antler Ridge Farm is providing free holiday carriage rides in Downtown Stillwater every Thursday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rides will also be available 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 23. To catch a ride, head to the Chris Salmon Plaza downtown.

OSU poinsettia sale

A plant or two can make you forget your next final is in a few days. OSU is hosting its 34th annual poinsettia sale from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday. These holiday classic plants will be sold at 318 N. Lincoln St., with prices ranging from $6 to $35. All proceeds go to the OSU Horticulture Club and the Landscape Architecture Teaching program.

Holiday lights display

Lake McMurtry is hosting “Lights on the Lake,” a walk-anddrive-through light-up experience. Admission is $6 per vehicle, and the display runs from Friday through Dec. 22, available Friday through Sunday each weekend.

Calf Fry Christmas

What happens when you combine Calf Fry and Christmas? Calf Fry Christmas. Tumbleweed Dance Hall is hosting a mini version of the famous festival featuring performers No Justice, Trey Lewis and more. The festivities are Friday and Saturday for the students and residents of Stillwater, and tickets start at $35.

Christmas arts and crafts

The Payne County

Expo Center is hosting a craft show on Saturday. More than 120 booths will sell holiday goodies. The event is free to the public and runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visits with Santa For those of you who have a gift request for the jolliest toymaker around, Santa is visiting the Chris Salmon Plaza in Downtown Stillwater every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6-7:30 p.m. until Dec. 23. For students, faculty and staff with kids or just looking to enjoy a little holiday nostalgia, this event is perfect.

Holiday concert

Deck the halls with carols and go to the Stillwater History Museum for a Holiday concert featuring multiple community and student ensembles starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Are you so busy studying or procrastinating that you don’t have time to go off campus to enjoy the upcoming holidays? No problem. OSU is still hosting a couple of last-minute holidaythemed events.

One-man show Watch Assistant Professor David Weber as he performs in “An Actor’s Carol: One Clown’s Dickensian Marathon Towards Redemption” with a creative spin on the classic story. The Student Union Theater is playing host to two shows with the final show starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

Greenwood School of Music holiday concert

OSU’s student bands are putting on their annual holiday concert at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the McKnight Center. Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $10 for seniors. Come and catch the student musicians as they close out the year with holiday tunes.

Pete’s Pet Posse

Although not technically a holiday event, Pete’s Pet Posse is continuing with its usual schedule during finals week, with visits on Monday and Tuesday. Check out the OSU calendar for more details.

Holiday magic arrives at local Christmas tree farm

The Leafers had a dream. They wanted to bring Christmas back to its roots... literally. With lots of time, hard work and planning, the married couple made it happen.

On Nov. 3, Leafer Lodge Christmas Tree Farm opened its gates to the public to serve up holiday spirit, one pine-scented Christmas tree at a time.

But the farm wasn’t always the winter wonderland it is today. In fact, it had humble beginnings. Chris and Marin Leafer, both Oklahoma natives, spent 20 years in Manhattan, Kansas, before moving back to Stillwater with a dream: to build a Christmas tree farm.

Marin wanted one for more than two decades, and when she finally pitched the idea to Chris, he was all in.

“We make a great team,” Marin said. “(Chris) came along with me in this dream, and we built it together.”

The couple moved back to Stillwater and found a 10-acre plot of wooded land with a small log cabin nestled in the middle of it. They knew this was the place, so with their vision in mind, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

It was only the two of them and some small equipment, so it took almost two years for the couple to clear off the wooded land in front of their log cabin. Once that was finished, they worked diligently

to create the perfect Christmas atmosphere. They installed a gingerbread house that serves fresh hot cocoa, a large projector that shows Christmas movies for family nights, a 40-foot slide, large wooden swings and rows of freshly planted Virginia pines.

Marin said she wanted the farm to be something other than just another commercialized shopping center for the holidays.

“We wanted (the farm) to mean something,” Marin said.

Marin said the goal is to provide space for Stillwater citizens to create traditions and memories with their families. All without having “to spend a fortune to enjoy the Christmas season,” she said.

Leafer Lodge Christmas Tree Farm has only been open for three seasons, but it has already become a household name around town. The Leafers sold all their Christmas trees the very first year and have almost sold out the past two.

The movie nights they host have also been a smashing success. The last movie showing of “The Elf” drew nearly 250 people to the farm to watch on the big projector.

For visitors like Hannah Young, the farm’s charm is undeniable. Young said she and her sister have come every year to buy a tree since the farm opened three seasons ago.

“We really enjoy it,” Young said. “It’s kind of like walking onto a Hallmark movie set.”

Young does not hail from Oklahoma, but she said that as a child, she always had a live Christmas tree.

“To me, these trees smell just like

winter at home,” Young said.

First-time visitor Madi McMichael was equally impressed. A work friend invited her to the farm. McMichael said the atmosphere was extremely fun and lively.

“This is an amazing place for families to come and bring their children and enjoy games and Christmas,” McMichael said.

McMichael said she has many cherished memories revolving around her family traditions during Christmas. That makes Christmas time her favorite holiday season of the year.

“And so a Christmas tree farm like this is a dream come true.” McMichael said.

Her own mother inspired Marin’s dream of the Christmas tree farm because of her unconditional love for the Christmas season. For young Marin, her mom made sure to take extra lengths to make Christmas time special.

“It wasn’t just about the presents and all that stuff,” Marin said. “It was about the spirit behind it.”

One can find nothing but gratitude out of the mouths of the Leafers. Just a few weeks out of the year, the Christmas tree farm is open. Although it is a fast and furious season, the Leafers work all year to pull off a jolly Christmas environment.

“Our team, we couldn’t have done this without them,” Marin said. “We’re so grateful because the community has really supported this endeavor, and we’re so thankful that we’re able to give it back to them.”

5 tips to combat burnout, end semester on strong note

some work.

The same applies for visiting a new coffee shop or finding a new corner of Edmon Low to claim for a few hours.

With the last few days of the semester ahead, there are only a handful of assignments and exams left.

While you study and work to finish projects, it can be hard to balance the workload with enjoying time with friends and persisting through burnout.

Although having two weeks of the semester left after Thanksgiving break is not ideal, here are five tips to end the semester on a strong note.

Find a new study spot

Although it can be tempting to return to your old faithful study spot, it is not a bad time to experiment with something new.

If burnout or procrastination are getting the best of you, put yourself in a new environment. Pick a campus building you don’t visit often, and find a place to knock out

Schedule time off

Although it can be tempting to power through and keep going until your to-do list is empty, taking a break can help with productivity.

Pick an evening or a two-hour window to enjoy time with yourself or with friends. Drive around Stillwater and look at Christmas lights, pick up a hot chocolate, schedule a movie night or take a stroll around campus.

Whatever you choose, make it something that will be relaxing and help you hit the reset button.

Get organized

With the to-dos stacking up, don’t get caught underneath it all.

Organize your assignments and work from most to least important, and factor in each project’s due date. Write down each task you have on a sticky note (digital or real) and cross it off or throw it

away as each item is completed. This simple system allows you to see the progress you are making on your work load.

Enjoy time with friends

These last few days of the semester can be the last you will see of your friends for a few weeks.

Although your heart might be set on getting back home, take time to enjoy the last moments of the semester with your favorite people. Study together, make time to grab dinner or bake cookies to celebrate the semester’s accomplishments.

Affirmations

It may seem silly, but it works. Take some time this week to write down encouraging words or phrases. Stick them in the Notes app on your phone or on sticky notes in your home.

The last two weeks of the semester can seem daunting with the amount of work to do. Don’t let feelings of self-doubt or burnout get the best of you. You have made it through 14 weeks. What’s two more?

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Bryson Thadhani Stillwater is hosting multiple holiday events over the next few weeks for students, faculty and staff to enjoy.

Megan Roy

Families gather at the opening of local Christmas tree farm to start the holiday off right.

MEGAN ROY STAFF REPORTER

Leaves

Continued from 1

Dickson is not the only one experiencing nostalgia. Savannah Hamblin said she loved reliving her childhood.

“I think it’s been a good six years since I’ve jumped in a leaf pile, and now I get to do it with OSU students,” Hamblin said.

Hamblin said she was excited to jump and she appreciated Landscape Services for making the event happen.

“I think everybody appreciates it, plus I think, from what I saw, they (Landscape

Services) enjoyed it as well,” Hamblin said.

Members of Landscape Services were the first to traverse the leaves and enjoy their hard work before students piled in.

Sophomore Anna Woodfin attended the event with a group of her friends after reading about it in a school email. Together, she and her three friends barreled into the pile hand-in-hand. Woodfin said the event was a much-needed break from a dead week.

“It’s so funny and silly and something we can remember forever, but also have a good break from finals and studying,” Woodfin said.

Dickson shared a similar

sentiment and was excited to take a break as finals are fast approaching.

“It’s a relief from the pressure and just a moment to have fun and let loose,” Dickson said.

Lee said he was happy to allow students to end the semester on a high note and take a break.

“It’s a push on the pause button and to jump, quite literally jumping, out of this semester and everything that they’ve worked hard for,” Lee said. “So this is a very lighthearted and fun activity and a safe activity that ties them back to campus.”

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OSU professor to perform one-man take on ‘A Christmas Carol’

McKnight Center as an event staff supervisor. Weber was a mentor, and his work inspired Bradley as she finished school. Bradley said learning from Weber influenced her view on the arts.

Laughing during Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” might sound outlandish, but an over-the-top howling response is exactly what one performer at OSU is hoping for.

David Weber is an actor and assistant professor in OSU’s theatre department. He is preparing to perform his one-man rendition of “A Christmas Carol,” titled “An Actor’s Carol: One Clown’s Dickensian Marathon Toward Redemption.”

Weber’s unique take employs the use of clowning, an acting technique that explores the art of show through an introspective comedical lens.

“I improvise and try to get people to relate to the story through modern means and unpacking the classic literature,” Weber said. “When you put the clown back into it, it kind of get’s everybody’s engagement in a different way.”

Weber started developing the show during the pandemic because of the hardships surrounding acting in a group. Weber said he felt comfortable performing in front of audiences, and the show quickly took off. After the pandemic, Weber continued to perform his one-man show in Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta.

After a few performances in Los Angeles last week, Weber hit the road driving cross country to bring the show back to his favorite stage — OSU.

“I’ve brought it back here because this is my home base where I teach,” Weber said. “It’s a piece that theatre students love so to be able to do it in front of students who I also teach is a real joy.”

Syd Bradley, a former student of Weber’s, said his performance completely changed her perspective on “A Christmas Carol.”

“I was severely impressed,” Bradley said. “I was overwhelmed with seeing that beauty because I’m not going to lie, I was never really a huge ‘Christmas Carol’ fan growing up… and then when I saw his (Weber’s) portrayal of it, I fell in love with the story.”

Bradley graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in acting and works at the

“I’ve had a very smallworld view here in Oklahoma and having that avenue to the arts and being able to read and learn more about all these other stories and learning about other people’s experiences, you see that at the OSU theatre,” Bradley said.

OSU theatre productions are typically held in the Seretean Concert Hall or Gunderson Hall, but Weber is taking his production to the Student Union Theater on Friday in an effort to engage students across all majors.

“We want to make sure that students know that we are here,” Weber said.

Weber and Bradley said they strongly believe the arts play a significant role at OSU, which is focused on agriculture, mathematics and science and that students who are not involved in the arts should take notice.

“There’s so much more than Oklahoma and there’s so many stories that need to be told, and I really think OSU theatre is doing a beautiful job about telling those stories,” Bradley said.

Weber said he sees the medium of acting as a method for teaching all students how to connect and emphasize through art with their fellow students and in their future careers.

“It’s going to help all students in terms of their jobs,” Weber said. “Everybody has a story to tell; everybody’s story is important and to be able to understand and articulate needs and to understand how to pursue an objective and persevere, to not quit.”

Bradley encourages students to take a break from studying and enjoy the production.

“You have to go,” Bradley said. “If you love the ‘Christmas Carol,’ go. If you hate the ‘Christmas Carol’ still go because there will be moments in there that I think every human being can connect with.” Weber will perform his unique take on “A Christmas Carol” Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the SU Theater. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to donate to the OSU Theatre Department as part of their fundraising efforts for future productions.

Kingery never thought he would end up at OSU. He got the tattoo straight out of high school as part of family tradition, and he attended Redlands for the first two years of his education. He was a liberal studies major, as Redlands did not offer a secondary education program.

After two years there, he began his search for his next college.

He realized he wanted to go to OSU. His friends and girlfriend were there, and his dad’s friend had sons who went there.

“He (his dad’s friend) just told him about how great it was and how it’s more like a family atmosphere, versus OU,” Kingery said. “So that’s why I ended up here. So I just wear pants whenever I can.”

Kingery’s girlfriend, Avery Middleton, doesn’t remember her initial reaction to the tattoo, but she knows it took some getting used to. She is a biology allied health major from Dallas, and she said she has never met such big OU fans.

“So it was just kind of a culture shock for me,” Kingery said, “It was just like, “Why would you do that?’” Middleton said.

She said her friends give Kingery a hard time about the tattoo, both to his face and behind his back, but most people are aware of the tattoo before they meet Kingery.

“I have become kind of an icon, I must say,” Kingery joked.

Kingery’s tattoo made its social media debut on YikYak with a photo of his tattoo captioned “Just saw this in micro, stay safe out there.”

Some have suggested Kingery get a matching OSU tattoo on his other leg, but he

does not plan on it.

“Then I would just look stupid, because I look stupid now, being at OSU, but when I graduate, it’ll all go away, because people won’t have to know that I went to OSU,” Kingery said.

“But if I have both after college, people are gonna be like, ‘OK, this guy needs to pick a side.’”

Besides a few stares, Kingery said he was shocked he didn’t receive more criticism from his peers. He expected his tattoo to be posted everywhere online or for people to harass him more often, but he has enjoyed a full season of Cowboy football games and a semester of classes free of harassment.

“I have an OU tattoo on my leg, but I’ve really grown to love this university, honestly,” Kingery said. “It’s more of a family. I feel like whether I have an OU tat or not, people here actually care about me.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Payton Little

David Weber is performing his one-man show “An Actor’s Carol: One Clown’s Dickensian Marathon Towards Redemption” on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Student Union Theater.

Bryson Thadhani

OSU students gathered on Library Lawn on Thursday to jump into a massive leaf pile.

Payton Little

Kingery’s tattoo is apart of a long-standing family tradition that connects him to his father, brother and grandfather.

Students frustrated with process Breazeale is not alone in her frustration. Students have anonymously reported long wait times, difficulties scheduling appointments and feeling overwhelmed by the process.

Jessica Merrick, a parent of an OSU student, echoed that frustration. She praised UCS for helping her daughter during a crisis but didn’t hold back on the system’s shortcomings.

“It’s asinine to have students wait weeks when they’re already in a vulnerable state,” Merrick said.

For some, these challenges discourage them from seeking help at all, leaving students to navigate their mental struggles on their own.

What UCS is doing to keep up

The UCS team is aware of the issues and have been making changes. One big step is launching a walk-in clinic where students can be seen the same day they show up.

“By having the walk-in clinic, we found that we could reduce (long waits), so at least someone could come in that day, get seen, and sometimes have an appointment when they leave,” Dunnigan said.

The clinic has also partnered with BetterHelp to offer six free online therapy sessions for students. However, students like Breazeale were unaware of the resource.

“I didn’t even realize BetterHelp was an option until it popped up on my Canvas,” Breazeale said.

Dunnigan also highlighted the role of additional resources.

“We also have a relationship with GRAND Mental Health, which is a community mental health provider,” he said. “If BetterHelp is not the right gift, we also provide services through GRAND.”

Canceled events leave gaps in support

In addition to long waitlists and resource limitations, canceled mental health events at Oklahoma State have contributed to concerns about access and visibility of resources. These events, often aimed at raising awareness and educating students, are critical in connecting students to the support they need.

The absence of these events can reduce opportunities for awareness and visibility, which can further push stigma around mental health. Without these programs, students may feel isolated in their struggles and less aware of the tools they can utilize. Canceled events also signal a lower prioritization of mental health on campus, which can discourage students from seeking help.

Dunnigan said balancing resources and programming is a challenge.

“Having additional resources, like workshops or partnerships with organizations like BetterHelp, help us augment the services we provide,” he said. Events that emphasize mental health awareness play an important role in breaking stigma and encouraging students to seek help. Without consistent programming, those barriers remain harder to tear down, leaving students unsupported when they need it most, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

Efforts to reduce stigma

Even as canceled events limit opportunities to raise awareness, UCS has worked to address the stigma through other initiatives. Programs like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) aim to empower the campus community to respond to mental health crises.

“It’s basically a training for nonmental health professionals on how to address somebody who’s in a suicidal crisis,” Dunnigan said. “You can take it for free, it takes about an hour to do.”

Dunnigan also said peer support is a major factor to help reduce the stigma around mental health.

“It’s not unusual to have another student bring a friend over who’s in crisis,” he said. “That kind of support really helps.”

Programs like Pete’s Pet Posse, OSU’s therapy dog initiative, also contribute to mental health support; it creates opportunities for stress reduction and emotional connection. Spending time with therapy dogs can increase serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin levels, according to research from Husson University. Creating a more approachable environment for students who might otherwise oppose therapy can also help break down mental health barriers.

Dunnigan said that though the stigma has decreased overall, some concerns still linger.

“Interestingly, I think students don’t have a stigma against other students getting counseling, but they still sometimes worry that others might judge them,” he said.

Transition challenges for graduating students

Students at OSU lose access to UCS once they graduate or are no longer enrolled.

“We work with students on that transition ahead of time and assist them with making plans to transfer services if they decide they want to continue counseling after leaving OSU,” Dunnigan said.

He also said UCS helps transfer records.

“If a student wants records sent to another counselor, they can complete a release of information with us or the clinic they are going to facilitate that transfer,” he said.

What’s next for mental health at OSU?

UCS has plans to expand its space and hire more. But even with more resources, the challenges aren’t going away.

“The reality is, you can’t necessarily hire your way out of the issue,” Dunnigan said. “It tends to be every year, there is more demand.”

Merrick said she hopes these efforts will make a difference.

“Mental health is just as important as academics,” she said. “If we don’t support students, how can we expect them to succeed?”

Stillwater educators face challenges with new reading retention law

The new Strong Readers Act has left teachers and parents in Stillwater questioning its reasoning and effectiveness for struggling thirdgrade readers.

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 362, known as the Strong Readers Act, in June. The legislation aims to ensure all Oklahoma third graders are reading at grade level by the end of the year. The bill also provides enhanced training for teachers in phonics and reading comprehension and requires schools to screen students at multiple points throughout the academic year.

“This new law has put us in a tough position,” said Uwe Gordon, Stillwater Public Schools superintendent. “We know the importance of reading by third grade, but now we have fewer tools to help those who need extra support.”

SPS implemented the iStation reading assessment software before the passage of the bill. The district invested $76,000 into the program to help identify gaps in students’ reading abilities and offer personalized intervention plans, according to a July board meeting. Although these steps are meant to address the reading skills of struggling students, some teachers and administrators feel the new legislation complicates the situation, particularly with its removal of retention policies for third graders.

A third-grade teacher from Sangre Ridge Elementary, who asked to withhold their name for job security reasons, said retention isn’t something teachers “like to do often.”

“But for some students, giving them another year to catch up is exactly what they need,” the teacher said. “Now, we’re told we can’t hold them back, even if we believe it’s in their best interest.”

Under the Strong Readers Act, students can no longer be retained based solely on reading deficiencies. ked concerns about how to best support students who are not ready for the next grade level.

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Janet Vinson said she is concerned about the law’s long-term impact.

“We are dedicated to helping every child succeed, but the option to retain a student when necessary was sometimes a crucial step in that process,” she said. “Without that tool, we need to rethink our strategies.”

Vinson said early interventions are important, noting SPS screens students multiple times throughout the year to track their progress. However, she said she is wary of how quickly districts were expected to adapt to the new legislation.

“Having to make these adjustments right before the school year adds pressure to both teachers and students,” Vinson said. “We’re doing our best to ensure no child is left behind, but it’s a big shift.”

Although Vinston is feeling the pressure, Administrative Assistant Kerri Yee said she believes early intervention could be beneficial.

“We have to prioritize giving our students the support they need from the moment they start school,” Yee said. “The goal is to catch issues early enough so that retention isn’t necessary, but that requires significant effort and resources.”

He said basic benchmarks can overshadow the more pressing need for reading proficiency by third grade.

Parents are also expressing mixed reactions to the changes. Jessica, who withheld her last name for her child’s privacy, is a mother of a third grader attending Westwood Elementary.

“I want my child to move forward with her peers, but if she’s not reading at the right level, I’d rather her be held back and get the help she needs,” Jessica said. “What worries me is that now, we might not have that option.”

As educators continue to implement the new mandates, they are focusing on finding alternative solutions to retention. Read-athome plans and programs like USA Learns, Colorin’ Colorado and iStation will remain a key part of SPS’ strategy to support struggling readers, but for many teachers, the challenge remains.

“There are just some students who need more time,” the Sangre Ridge teacher said. “We’re going to keep working hard to make sure they’re ready for the next grade, but I hope the new law doesn’t end up hurting the kids it’s meant to help.”

For now, SPS educators are adapting to the law’s new requirements while continuing to advocate for flexibility when it comes to decisions about student retention.

“We’re not giving up on any student,” Gordon said. “But we need more time, more resources, and more options if we’re going to meet these new standards without leaving anyone behind.”

Bryson Thadhani

A walk-in clinic is available for students.

Courtesy @ocpa.think Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the Strong Readers Act, which went into effect July 1.

MAYA BLANKS STAFF REPORTER

OSU Museum of Art nears exhibition halfway mark

AUDIE MARTIN STAFF REPORTER

The OSU Museum of Art is hosting Shadows and Light: The Photography of Brett Weston from Oct. 29 - Feb. 1, encouraging recurring visits from the public.

Featuring the work of American photographer Brett Weston (1911-1993), this black-and-white exhibition contains various artworks of still photography. With his work selling at a turnover rate of $65,000, OSU Museum of Art marketing coordinator Casey Pankey-Ihde said Weston’s unique story apprenticing under his photographer father, Edward Weston, allowed for countless opportunities growing up.

“He got to meet so many artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera,” Pankey-Ihde said. “I mean those are really influential and impactful artists. Through that process he realized ‘Oh, I also want to be an artist.’”

High contrast, abstract imagery focused primarily on the close details of his subject, became a characteristic of Weston’s work, according to the Brett Weston Archive. Pankey-Ihde said Weston’s work focused on anything he saw, from shattered ice to tree bark and composed the subject to appear as something else. Weston traveled around the United States and took photographic trips to South America, Europe, Japan, Alaska and Hawaii.

“He just traveled in his car for months on end, taking picture after picture,” PankeyIhde said. “He was so dedicated to his craft. Then, after he would run out of film, he would go back home and start processing it. He would have so many photos, and this is just a small collection of how much he produced.”

Pankey-Ihde said she was surprised to find new details in Weston’s work, even with the exhibit already being up for a month.

“Come again if you have already come,” Pankey-Ihde said. “You can never see an artwork too many times. I have walked through this show every day since October, and I still see something new every time.”

Pankey-Ihde said the museum is dedicated to teaching others how to observe art in a fast-paced, high-consumption society. This includes sparking conversations about why a viewer may enjoy a piece of art or the historical contexts behind the work.

“One big piece of this museum is that we call ourselves a teaching museum,” PankeyIhde said. “Not only in the fact that we bring students in and we talk them through how to look at art, because we consume media and visual stuff all of the time. I think there’s a big piece of our culture that says, ‘Museums are stuffy places and you’re not allowed to be there.’ We’re like, no, please come in.

“Everybody can look at art and everybody can appreciate it for a variety of different reasons.”

Pankey-Ihde said her 10year span associated with the museum allows for opportunities to give back to the community of Stillwater. This includes donations to local organizations like Wings of Hope, a domestic violence shelter, and partnerships with OSU faculty.

“What has really been exciting is through the years we have kind of learned who we are,” Pankey-Ihde said. “We went from people having no idea that Stillwater had an art museum to so many people coming in and they bring their friends and family. Getting more known in the community has been fantastic, but it’s

also really great to learn more about how we can serve the OSU community.”

Edward Mitchell, a sophomore architecture and architectural engineering major, said he has visited the museum on multiple occasions to better understand his class material.

“I’m compelled to go because you get to see a lot of different furniture styles, especially with more physical art forms,” Mitchell said. “As an architect, we are required to know how furniture is made and we’re enforced to create our own style of furniture.”

Mitchell said he was intrigued when visiting the exhibit to better observe how to play with lighting.

“(I’m) getting to see those mediums of different light levels versus what we do in architecture where light is not a really big thing, but it is a subtle thing we do offer,” Mitchell said. “So, getting to see how people may have used the natural light of some kind to expose a photo more versus in other areas allowed it to be dimmed.”

Jordan Mondaine, a sophomore graphic design major, also said his visits to the museum were for further understanding of course content. He said his experiences with past exhibitions were enjoyable and peaceful.

“I’ve been a couple of times for art classes,” Mondaine said. “Pretty good, brief, but (there are) lots of different art projects, different artists and different styles. So, all in all, good.”

When deciding on attending the exhibit, Mondaine said he would enjoy strolling through the gallery when his busy schedule permitted.

“When free time allows it I would definitely go,” Mondaine said. “Just to experience something new, something different.”

2025 fashion forecast

ALIYAH YOUNG STAFF REPORTER

Bows, boots and baggy jeans had their moment this year.

For me, the little pink ribbons tied into bows are the most memorable trend to come out of 2024, but what about 2025? Will the bows get bigger, or will we move on to better things?

To predict the trends next year, we have to analyze what happened this year. The Y2K look came back in full swing, bringing in the equally beloved and loathed low-rise jeans. So I predict a resurgence of the most controversial jean to exist — skinny jeans.

For a lot of people, they never went out of style, but for some, they are the epitome of unfashionable. I can envision this trend being used in styles inspired by the 2000s and 2010s. Hollister has already brought back the babydoll style shirts from the 2010s so it only makes sense to finish the look off with skinny jeans.

I can see a clear image of people with an alternative style, rocking skinny jeans in a punk-scene-Tumblr-kid way.

Speaking of Tumblr, I predict styles from that era will reappear. If you’re chronically online and into fashion, you know that the “Twee” style, popularized on Tumblr, had a spotlight on Tiktok this year. This microtrend may become the new thing in 2025.

Colored tights, heavy with a strong ‘60s influence, may take control of the store shelves and our media feeds.

Another style I predict we will see an evolution from is streetwear. The roots of streetwear are planted in the ‘90s, but in 2024, we saw new forms of it grow. Celebs like Lil Yatchy popularized formulas to create a fun, but balanced streetwear look.

Next year, I think we will go

back in time and take looks from ‘90s celebs like Tupac and Aaliyah. It’s time to dig through your cool uncle’s closet and pull out the old flannels, gold chains and timeless Timberland boots.

In women’s fashion, I noticed a push for all things feminine. Bubble skirts, pink and ribbons are all the rage. “Balletcore” trended on TikTok and influenced the girls to buy the ballet flats in shades of pink and brown. Although they are unreasonably uncomfortable and offer no arch support, I’m sure they will sauté their way into the new year.

With pop-star Sabrina Carpenter, curating her Marylin Monroe-esc, sparkly, ultra feminine style, I think this trend is bound to continue. Inspired by the ‘70s, floral, jewelry, patterns and shapes are destined to make a comeback this year, perfectly in time for spring.

One thing I know is set to come out in 2025, is season 5 of “Stranger Things.” With fashion influencing media and “Stranger Things” being one of Netflix’s most popular shows, it has to leave a bit of an ‘80s impression on fashion trends. Leg warmers, bright colors and headbands might travel to 2025.

A trend that seems to be creeping into the winter months of next year is wearing shorts when it’s cold out. I have personally appointed this trend the name “cold core.” Although I don’t agree with this and will never understand it, shorts seem to be out of season.

If you choose to participate in “cold-core,” I hope you also partake in the leg warmers trend.

Whether my predictions are totally accurate or not, it’s certain that fashion will always keep us guessing — and sometimes freezing.

Lilian Easter

Museum associate Sydney Rideout looks at the Shadows and Light exhibit at OSU Art Museum.

Payton Little

Evolving streetwear is sure to be a 2025 fashion trend.

‘Arcane’ season 2: A finale that leaves fans wanting more

Review HAYDEN ALEXANDER NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Note: This article mentions spoilers.

“Arcane” is a veritable masterpiece.

The animation is a tapestry of colors, styles and storytelling that sets the show apart from other animated series, and the plot is powerful, or it was.

Season 1 of “Arcane” was perfect. Nine episodes and three acts told a gut-wrenching and emotional story of two sisters shaped by tragedy and thrown into the middle of a conflict unfolding around them.

Season 2 is a different story and sometimes feels like a different show. It is comprised of over-exposition, rushing, and a wildly unnecessary time jump.

It’s still a great season that pulls you in emotionally through a visual array of tragic and hopeful storylines, but it is missing something… another season.

From the beginning, the show creators of “Arcane” planned for only two seasons, which was a mistake. I am not a League of Legends player, but I know that the canon for the popular online game is vast and loosely connected. This show was meant to compile the different canons and set up an official origin for the game.

A word of advice to the creators: if you are going to boil down a video game franchise with fifteen years of content into eighteen episodes, you need one more season.

Three seasons are the key; let me explain. Season 1 puts Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx’s (Ella Purnell) relationship and conflict at the forefront. However, in the background, the struggle for independence from Piltover is reaching its peak in the Undercity.

In the first three-episode arc of the second season, Caitlyn (Katie Leung) is made commander of Piltover, after the death of her mother. War is on the horizon, a war we never see. Episode four starts after that conflict. The decadeslong battle for independence that took so many lives and orphaned countless others in Zaun was about to explode, and they skipped the fireworks. Instead of watching the

battle play out and diving into more character development and enriching the history of their new canon, the writers had to spend the next threeepisode arc and part of the final arc explaining all that happened during and after the battles waged.

They played catch up and thrust the viewers, many of whom don’t play the game, headfirst into the lore surrounding the in-universe magic with no time to find their footing. One minute, I am wasting time on what happened to Vi and Jinx, and the next, they’re introducing mages and new aspects of the arcane. The only reason I was not wholly lost is that I did some research beforehand. Thank you, Film Theory.

This show needed three seasons, and you can’t change my mind. Leave season 1 alone, make season 2 about the war and start to dabble in magic. End it where episode four of season 2 starts, and go from there.

Despite the need for another season, the animators made sure to pour everything they had into each scene down to the smallest details. You could watch the show a hundred times and still find hidden moments. From the purple streaks in Jinx’s eyes to a frame rate that mirrors Ekko’s time traveling device, every second of “Arcane” is animated to perfection.

The show runners seem dead set on making me depressed. Halfway through season 2, Jinx and Violet are brought together

to save their surrogate father, Vander (JB Blanc), who a mad scientist revives as the monstrous creature Warwick. Vander’s death in season 1 is a character-defining moment for both Vi and Jinx, and they bring him back just to kill him off again and add a little more to the sisters’ trauma dump candy salad.

In addition, as Vander loses himself and goes insane, Isha, Jinx’s surrogate sister and her sole reason for clawing her way back to a mentally stable existence, sacrifices herself to save Jinx.

Not depressed yet? Give it a minute. Ekko (Reed Shannon), another champion, is sucked into a parallel universe where only one member of his found family, Violet, is dead. We experience a world where Vander, Benzo, Clagger and Milo are alive. Powder never becomes Jinx, and Ekko realizes they could have shared a life together and in love.

It speaks to the impact of the series that a dance between Ekko and Powder has forever altered the fandom and “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” is playing non-stop in headsets across the world.

The introduction of a love story makes Jinx’s story hurt even more. After the death of Isha, Jinx is ready to end it all, thinking if she removes herself, those around her will stop getting hurt. Ekko stops her, using his time device every time she attempts to pull the pin on one of her explosives. Ekko convinces Jinx that she is worth something, and

the two team up to help Vi and the others take down Viktor (Harry Lloyd). Viktor is trying to achieve perfection and end suffering and is going about it all wrong. They defeat Viktor, but Jinx dies, saving her sister in the process, leaving both Vi and Ekko facing the loss of another loved one.

Jinx is most likely alive, but leaving her fate a mystery denies these characters a happy ending.

There is a lot I could unpack: the decision to kill multiple champions, including Jace (Kevin Alejandro), Viktor, and Hemerdinger (Mick Wingert), or making Mel (Toks Olagundoye) a mage with no clear explanation of the role of mages in League of Legends. However, the show is still impressive, and despite my issues with it, “Arcane” is one of Netflix’s best projects.

The story is impactful and delivered through wellthought-out dialogue and artistry that captures characters’ inner workings in a way that live action cannot. It’s a marvel like the “Spiderverse” films that prove animation deserves a place in the cinematic big leagues.

The characters go though a series of full-circle moments, their arcs unfolding in intertwining and powerful stories. Jace learns the errors of his hubris, and it’s satisfying to witness. We learn that Viktor is the mage who gifted Jace the rune that started his fascination with the arcane so Jace could stop him in the present or past; I’m not

entirely sure. The time travel, or inter-dimensional travel, is a little confusing, but it works thematically.

Ekko is another wellthought-out character with one of my favorite storylines. Hopefully, he can find happiness after losing Jinx. At the end of the show, it looks like Caitlyn is searching for a possible avenue to Jinx’s survival.

Speaking of Cait, her character, at times, feels unnecessary. Her romantic entanglement with Vi often overshadows the rebuilding of Jinx and Vi’s relationship. Her arc is important, and she plays a pivotal role, but she is downgraded to a love interest half the time.

The minor characters are excellent. “Arcane” has a way of taking nameless characters and giving them weight in the moment. A piano player turned soldier and a father fighting for his wife and daughter. It’s a narrative skill that is hard to aspire to.

“Arcane” is another win for video game adaptations. Do I think it would be better with three seasons? Yes. Is there a possibility I did not know we were only getting two seasons, and I want more? Maybe.

However, as it is, “Arcane” is still insanely good. It got a little lost, but the finale tied it together masterfully.

Lucky for us fans, there are more projects in the works. Hopefully, one of them will give Ekko, Vi and Jinx a happy ending because they deserve it, and I would like to cry happy tears for once.

Courtesy Creative Commons

Bryan nardo Kasey dunn

Pair of boots

Oklahoma State football fires coordinators Dunn, Nardo per report

different jobs or retiredimage.gif.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy has had two of his coordinators fired in his 20 seasons (Vance Bedford, defensive coordinator from 2005-06, and Bill Young, defensive coordinator from 2009-12). Other than that, his coordinators have either moved on to

This shows Gundy and OSU don’t often make drastic coaching changes, but a disappointing season after being picked third in the 2024 Big 12 Football Media Preseason Poll has reportedly led to changes. OSU football will have different offensive and defensive coordinators next season, per an Action Network report.

OC Kasey Dunn and DC Bryan Nardo have been fired after facing criticism during the Cowboys’ 3-9 (0-9 Big 12)

Nine candidates Oklahoma State football should target to fill coordinator vacancies

the worst during Gundy’s tenure. Here are some potential replacement options for Dunn and Nardo:

Potential offensive coordinators

season, in which an offense returning most of its production underperformed along with a defense that allowed 500.6 yards per game (second worst in the FBS).

Dunn, 55, spent 14 seasons at OSU. He’s been the Cowboys’ OC since 2020.

Per Dunn’s contract, he will be owed $1 million in buyout money.

Nardo, 38, spent two seasons in Stillwater as OSU’s DC before being fired.

Per his contract, he will be owed $700,000 in buyout money.

And more changes could come. The OSU/A&M Board of Regents scheduled a special meeting at 7:30 a.m. Friday ahead of its regularly scheduled 10 a.m. meeting. Per the agenda, the meeting is for, “executive session, if approved by the required number of members present, for the purpose of considering evaluation/assessment and other information relevant to the employment of Oklahoma State University football staff.”

Dunn kindly reminds us coaches are

just people in a tough business

“Ah, I’ll probably pass, guys,” Dunn said. After the cordial encounter, which included a couple of fist bumps, Dunn got into his white truck and left the BPS parking lot, leaving the stadium behind in a couple of senses.

After a 3-9 finish to the 2024 season, change is coming to Oklahoma State football.

On Wednesday afternoon, Action Network reported the firings of offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn after five seasons and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo after two seasons. The move comes less than one week after a season-ending 52-0 loss to Colorado at Folsom Field, marking OSU’s first losing season since 2005. It also marked the first time in 30 years the Cowboys have gone winless (0-9) in Big 12 play. The Cowboys had their worst fiveyear offensive stretch in total offense and scoring offense under head coach Mike Gundy since Dunn’s promotion from wide receivers coach to offensive coordinator ahead of the 2020 season. OSU’s defense this season was also

Mike Yurcich, former OSU offensive coordinator OSU fans have advocated for change. But why steer clear of something that worked well?

Yurcich served as OSU’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2013-18, coaching Mason Rudolph, James Washington, Tylan Wallce, Justice Hill and others. The Cowboys averaged at least 38 points per game and ranked in the top 20 nationally in total offense each year under Yurcich, with the exception of 2014. After OSU, he coached at Ohio State, Texas and Penn State. He was fired as Penn State’s OC midseason in 2023, so he’s available if Gundy is willing to bring him back.

See REPLACE on page 3B

When Kasey Dunn walked out of Boone Pickens Stadium on Wednesday afternoon and locked eyes with O’Colly reporters, he was immediately kind.

Wearing a trucker hat, a long-sleeve T-shirt and boots and jeans, the former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator poured the remaining coffee he had in a tumbler into a drain before asking how the reporters were after they got his attention. When asked if he wanted to chat about his reported firing, Dunn stopped walking before responding.

Dunn and OSU defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo were reportedly fired Wednesday, Action Network reported. The firings came after a 3-9 (0-9 Big 12) season, OSU’s worst since 2000.

Both Dunn and Nardo’s units underperformed — the offense, despite returning most of its key production, was 83rd of 134 in total offense (374 yards per game), while the defense was 133rd of 134th in yards allowed per game (500.6).

Dunn’s kindness was a reminder that coaches are people, too. Despite the criticism they face after losses and the praise they receive after wins, they, like anyone else, get into their cars after tough days at the office and have a family to go home to.

File Photo

Former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich is a canidate for the Cowboys’ open role.

Payton Little

Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn was reportedly fired Wednesday.

File Photo File Photo

Katie Lehew

sports

Oklahoma State fell far below competitive standards in 2024

After Oklahoma State’s 52-0 seasonending loss to Colorado, Mike Gundy easily made a diagnosis.

“We could never generate any momentum… we could never generate anything,” Gundy said.

That same diagnosis is fitting for the Cowboys’ entire season, though, not just for the pummeling they received in Boulder.

OSU finished the season 3-9 and went 0-9 in Big 12 play, cementing its worst season under Gundy. The Cowboys were far from a good football team. The numbers say they weren’t even a competitive one, a trait almost always aligned with Gundy-coached teams.

In fact, OSU was so uncompetitive that if the Cowboys had been lucky enough to be spotted 20 points in each of their games, they still would have only gone 7-5.

Now, Gundy and OSU are searching for a bounce back after failing to make a bowl game for the first time in 18 seasons. Action Network reported Wednesday that Gundy is parting ways with offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo.

“We were up and down in all three phrases (of the game) all year long,” Gundy said after the Colorado loss. “We could never pull that slot machine and have them hit at the same time.”

Dunn spent 14 years on Gundy’s staff and took over the offensive coordinator role in 2020. The O’Colly interacted with Dunn outside Boone Pickens Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, though he declined to comment on his reported firing.

His offense scored 21 or fewer points in

three of the Cowboys’ last four games and was 13th in the Big 12 in overall efficiency. And though OSU brought back star running back Ollie Gordon II and its entire offensive line from last season, the Cowboys mustered the third-worst ground game in the conference.

OSU and Dunn also dealt with what Gundy called “sporadic” quarterback play. Starter Alan Bowman was benched multiple times, and backups Garret Rangel and Zane Flores suffered season-ending injuries.

“In my opinion, (in) high school, college and NFL, maybe even lower than high school, if you get sporadic quarterback play, it makes for a very average season,” Gundy said.

OSU fell far below the “average” threshold, though. So did Nardo’s unit.

The OSU defense gave up a Big 12-worst 35.6 points per game, was the worst in the conference at stopping the run — 215 yards per game — and second worst at defending the pass at 285.6 yards per game.

The Cowboys also produced the lowest time of possession in the conference, a pivotal stat that illustrates how uncompetitive both sides were nearly all season.

After the loss to Colorado, Gundy took blame for the first season in 30 years in which OSU went winless in conference play. Now, he has to find two new coordinators and a starting quarterback among the additional things he’ll look to sort out.

“I didn’t do a very good job this year,” Gundy said. “...We didn’t do a good job. Meaning we, me.

“I need to evaluate what I’ve done and what I could’ve done better, and what role I played with this season; to see where it starts with me, and then it obviously trickles down and goes to coaches and players and administrative guys and so on and so forth, so that’s what I’ll do. That’ll be where I can start.”

Yet, in sports more than most — if not all — businesses, when expectations aren’t met, changes are brought. And since Dunn and Nardo couldn’t meet expectations in a season the Cowboys were ranked third in the 2024 Big 12 Football Preseason Media Poll after a Big 12 Championship Game appearance heading into, there were changes.

And changes had to be made. Whether those changes were the coordinators, other coaches or other transitions within the program, OSU football had to give something up because the on-field product and off-the-field issues that popped up (Mike Gundy’s controversial comments on “weak” fans who “can’t pay their own bills,” for example) were apparent enough that things weren’t suitable for a runit-back season in 2025.

With Dunn, who leaves OSU after 14 seasons with the program, and Nardo, who was trying to establish himself with two seasons at OSU under his belt after making the jump from Division II at Gannon University, exiting, things will change. Formations, philosophies, etc.

Because it became clear throughout the season and especially after OSU’s 52-0 loss to Colorado on Black Friday to close the season that the Cowboys needed a reset — or at least an update — to bring some life to and rejuvenate a program that seems to be falling behind in the ever-changing world of college athletics.

OSU’s offense of young and NFL-caliber talent played well at times, but its inconsistency revealed itself. Same with the defense, which already looked shaky before key early, seasonending injuries to linebackers Nick Martin and Collin Oliver, two cornerstones of Nardo’s unit. After that, the Cowboys broke a lot more than they bent.

With Dunn in particular, I’m sure the firing was difficult for Gundy. The two have been through ups, downs and everything in between since joining forces in 2011. Dunn coached Cowboy greats — Tylan Wallace, Chuba Hubbard and others — as a prominent voice on OSU’s staff, but since taking over as offensive coordinator in 2020, has failed to find consistency year in and year out. So sometimes, even with OSU football’s longest consecutive serving assistant since 1962, like Dunn, changes have to be made. Wherever he lands, Dunn will surely impact an offense in some way. He’s done enough at OSU to warrant a certain level of success. He’ll fill up tumblers with coffee and put in long hours at stadiums and practice facilities, much like he did at BPS and the Sherman E. Smith Training Center.

And if he carries the same unnecessary kindness with him that he showed Wednesday afternoon, he’ll have no problem landing a job because he, like every other coach, is a person, too. Sometimes, business is just business, though. So it’s time for Dunn to brew another pot and for OSU to find some coordinators.

Payton Little

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy said the Cowboys “could never generate any momentum” this season.

File Photo

Kasey Dunn had good moments at Oklahoma State, but since he took over the offensive coordinator role in 2020, his unit has lacked consistency.

Zac Robinson, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator

This one might be far-fetched, but it’s not impossible.

Robinson, a former OSU quarterback from 2006-09, has remained a beloved figure in OSU football lore. He led the Cowboys to back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2008 and 2009 and played as a backup quarterback in the NFL for 2010-13.

He is in his first season as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator. Through 12 games, the Falcons are eighth in the NFL in total offense and are averaging 22.5 points.

Robinson, 38, is widely considered one of the rising stars in the NFL coaching ranks — including by his former head coach, Gundy.

Many might wonder how Gundy could steer his former pupil away from the NFL. And the most logical answer would be a head-coach-in-waiting position tethered to his hypothetical offensive coordinator role. After all, Gundy is 57. Who knows how much longer he will want to be a head coach?

Dirk Koetter, Boise State offensive coordinator

This one might not be as popular, simply because of Koetter’s age (65), but it’s worth a shot.

Koetter is in his first season as Boise State’s full-time offensive coordinator after serving as the school’s interim OC for the second half of the 2022 season. The Broncos are fifth nationally in total offense (478.2 yards per game) and third in scoring offense (40.6 points per game).

And not to mention, he’s helped likely Doak Walker Award winner and Heisman Trophy candidate running back Ashton Jeanty’s surge.

Jordan Davis, North Texas offensive coordinator

OSU’s best offensive years came from air-raid specialists Dana Holgorsen, Todd Monken and Yurcich. Davis fits that mold.

In his second season as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at North Texas, he’s brought immense success on the offensive end.

This season, the Mean Green rank third in total offense (488.7 yards per game) and 26th in scoring offense (34.1 points per game) In 2023, UNT ranked sixth in total offense (495.8 yards per game) and 20th in scoring offense (34.5 points per game).

Davis, 32, is an up-and-coming coach, so why not revisit the air raid?

Potential defensive coordinators

Brian Smith, Rice defensive coordinator Smith, 45, recently finished his seventh season as Rice’s defensive coordinator.

Smith coaches a 3-4 defense.

This season, the Owls ranked 36th in total defense and 73rd in total defense, though, allowing 25.4 points per game.

Nick Benedetto, Northern Illinois defensive coordinator

Benedetto’s unique 4-2-5 scheme has given even the most efficient offenses in college football fits. Most recently,

Bryson Thadhani

Oklahoma State defensive line coach Paul Randolph could move up to the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator.

that led to upsetting Notre Dame this season and Boston College last season. The Huskies rank sixth this season in total defense and 15th in scoring defense, allowing 18.4 points per game and have shown steady improvement during each of Benedetto’s seasons as defensive coordinator.

Geoff Collins, North Carolina defensive coordinator

Collins is nearing the end of his first season as North Carolina’s defensive coordinator. But with head coach Mack Brown’s recent firing, Collins might be looking for a new job if he isn’t retained by the next coach.

Collins, 53, led the Tar Heels to an improvement this season (76th in total defense) in contrast to their overall production in 2023 (96th). Despite UNC’s 76th ranking, the Tar Heel defense improved steadily throughout the season.

Collins also spent four seasons (2019-22) as Georgia Tech’s head coach. And while the Yellow Jackets failed to make a bowl game under his leadership, they recruited well, which could bode well for OSU should it hire him.

Before that, Collins served as defensive coorinator at Mississippi State from 2011-14 and Florida from 201516.

Steve Morrison, Bowling Green defensive coordinator Morrison, 52, has a plethora of experience in college coaching.

In his second season as Bowling Green’s defensive coordinator — and sixth total on staff — the Falcons ranked 29th in total defense and 24th in scoring defense, allowing 20.3 points per game. Notably, Morrison’s defense gave Penn State some trouble in Happy Valley before doing the same to Texas A&M in College Station one week later. Last season, Bowling Green took Minnesota to the wire in the Quick Lane Bowl.

Paul Randolph, OSU defensive line coach

This wouldn’t be an out-of-house hire, but who says one is necessary?

Randolph has 27 years of coaching experience and Gundy has commended him on a multitude of occasions for his old-school, hard-nosed coaching philosophy.

He recently finished his first season as OSU’s defensive line coach and has also held prominent roles at Indiana, Texas Tech, Memphis, Tulsa, Rice and Alabama.

He’s well liked by defensive players, so maybe he gets a shot.

With Oklahoma State football’s season finished and the offseason underway, it’s time to give out some awards and superlatives from the Cowboys’ 2024 season.

The 3-9 (0-9 Big 12) campaign is Mike Gundy’s worst since he took the head coaching job in 2005. And since it ended with a 52-0 loss to Colorado on Black Friday, OSU has made big changes, as Action Network reported Wednesday that offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo were fired.

But now is not the time to think about the offseason; it’s time to reflect on the season. Here are OSU football’s 2024 awards and superlatives:

Best win

Out of the Cowboys’ three nonconference victories, the 39-31 doubleovertime victory over Arkansas on Sept. 7 sticks out.

Sure, the game was exciting — OSU came back after trailing 21-7 at halftime, the Razorbacks sent the game to overtime on a 45-yard field goal with no time remaining and there was free football at Boone Pickens Stadium — but the Cowboys taking down a physical, talented SEC team made the win great.

Arkansas finished 6-6 (3-5 SEC) and was far from the best team in its conference, but OSU beating the Razorbacks was still impressive.

Worst loss

There’s more to pick from here, naturally making it difficult, but it’s the 52-0 loss to the Buffaloes to end the season.

Call it recency bias, but even though Cowboy fans knew Gundy’s bowl streak was over and the season was a wash, the level of competitiveness OSU showed against CU made the loss so bad.

It was OSU’s largest margin of defeat and not a good closing note on a bad season.

MVP Brennan Presley became OSU’s alltime receptions leader and cemented his legacy as a Cowboy great in his fifth and final season in Stillwater.

Presley finished with 90 receptions for 767 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had one passing and rushing touchdown each.

In a season lacking a lot of bright spots, Presley was one.

Underwhelming performer

Ollie Gordon II didn’t have a horrible season — 880 rushing yards, 179 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns — but it was nothing like his 2023 Doak Walker Award-winning season.

For the most part, the blame shouldn’t fall on Gordon, who dealt with inconsistent quarterback play on an offense that underperformed as a unit.

Still, it was far from a Heisman campaign, which is what most around Stillwater expected.

Biggest surprise

OSU missing a bowl game and breaking Gundy’s streak of 18 consecutive seasons with postseason action would have been unfathomable before the season.

However, with the Cowboys lacking in all facets of the game, it happened for the first time since his first season as head coach.

OSU has become one of the most consistent programs in college football, and now it has to pick itself back up.

Most likely to improve next season

The young quarterbacks are an obvious pick, but in limited play this season, they looked the part.

Redshirt sophomore Garret Rangel (especially in his start against BYU before breaking his collarbone) injected life into OSU’s offense and so did freshman Maealiuaki Smith in the Cowboys’ Senior Day against Texas Tech. And redshirt freshman Zane Flores should be healed up from a lower leg injury that required seasonending surgery.

The OSU QB battle will undoubtedly be a big storyline in the spring.

Most likely to be an NFL star after OSU

Gordon may not have had a stellar junior season, but with him expecting to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, he has a chance to become a great pro back.

With top-tier players, coaches and concepts, Gordon and his 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame should play well in the league.

If his career is finished in Stillwater, Gordon no doubt left his mark as an all-time Cowboy.

Most likely to change

With the two coordinators gone, more changes are possible, but the thing that’s certain to change is OSU’s roster. Yes, the transfer portal and a new class of freshmen will be a part of that, but so will the Cowboys’ roster overhaul, with a lot of experience out of eligibility after this season.

After a 3-9 season, though, maybe a clean slate isn’t so bad for Gundy and a new-look staff.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Payton Little Oklahoma State wide receiver Brennan Presley was the Cowboys’ MVP this season.

How JUCO transfer Bradley is getting a second chance at OSU

DANIEL ALLEN STAFF REPORTER @DANIELALLEN1738

The moment Drew Dallas saw the tape, his mind was made up.

“I want that kid,” the Hutchinson (Kansas) Community College football head coach recalled telling his assistant coaches.

That kid? The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Chandavian Bradley, the apple of Dallas’ eye any time Bradley was in the same vicinity.

Now, Bradley is transferring to Oklahoma State and will enroll in the spring. He’s become a bright spot in the Cowboys’ 2025 class.

Bradley came out of high school near the mountaintop, receiving offers from South Carolina, Texas A&M, Clemson and other notable programs. He was a four-star defensive end and was listed as a consensus top-200 recruit, obtaining an invitation to nearly every high-

profile recruiting showcase. Eventually, he earned an offer from head coach Josh Heupel to play for Tennessee, to which he “committed on the spot,” Dallas said.

Bradley redshirted the 2023 season at Tennessee but was set to play a prominent role for the Volunteers.

But in March, Bradley was cited for reckless driving, according to a University of Tennessee police report, and was issued a misdemeanor. Shortly after, he announced his intention to transfer.

“Mistakes happen,” Dallas said. “He’s a great kid who just made a mistake. It happens.”

But the moment Bradley’s name was official in the transfer portal database, Dallas said he didn’t hesitate to extend an offer.

Did he think Bradley, a heralded high school recruit, wanted to play junior college football? Would he even entertain the idea? “Probably not,” Dallas said.

Still, Dallas knew he had to make

rankings

*according to 247Sports*

1: TCU — 30 commits

2: Baylor — 21 commits

3: Kansas State — 25 commits

4: Colorado — 14 commits

5: Utah — 23 commits

6: West Virginia — 21 commits

7: Texas Tech — 18 commits

8: Arizona State — 21 commits

9: Houston — 20 commits

10: Arizona — 21 commits

11: Iowa State — 19 commits

12: BYU — 19 commits

13: Oklahoma State — 18 commits

14: Cincinnati — 19 commits

15: Kansas — 15 commits

16: UCF — 13 commits

an effort. It paid off when Bradley told Dallas he intended to enroll at Hutchinson to play for the Blue Dragons.

“Look, when you’re putting together a football team, you’re always going to do what’s in the best interest of the program,” Dallas said. “And Chandavian, he’s a gamer. He’s a freak athlete who, frankly, we’re very lucky and fortunate to have on our team.

“When we were recruiting him, I saw the tape and was like, ‘We’ve got to have this kid.’”

Well, Dallas got him. And it’s paid immense dividends thus far.

Individually, Bradley has totaled 23 total tackles, six tackles for a loss and a sack. He’s aided Hutchinson to a 9-1 record this season. The Blue Dragons await Georgia Military College for a clash in the NJCAA semifinals Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

His productive 2024 season led to a slew of offers from noteworthy college programs —Memphis, Kansas, North

Carolina State, North Texas, Texas State and South Carolina (again). But then Mike Gundy and OSU came calling. And Bradley couldn’t turn Gundy down.

“I felt something different happen in my spirit when I went to OSU,” Bradley said after committing to the Cowboys on Nov. 29. “God was telling me something there, and I have to trust in him through it all.”

Now, a second chance awaits Bradley. A chance to showcase his talents to the college football world after a squandered opportunity less than a year ago.

To Dallas, Bradley is a star in the making, waiting to surge into the limelight.

“It’s special to see how much Chandavian has grown — as an athlete and just a student of the game — since he arrived,” Dallas said. “He’s been great for us here, and I know that he’ll be great for Coach Gundy at Oklahoma State. And I’m just excited to watch his career unfold from here.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU’s 19 Early Signing Period additions

Courtesy OSU Athletics

Chandavian Bradley is set to enroll in the spring after transferring to Oklahoma State from Hutchinson (Kansas) Community College.

Lutz passes first in-state test against Tulsa; more await him in December

pleased with the product other than the two losses… I’ll be very disappointed if we don’t outnumber Tulsa fans in their own gym.”

TULSA — With two minutes left in Oklahoma State’s game against Tulsa on Wednesday night, the “Orange Power” chants started to fill the Reynolds Center.

This energy from Cowboy fans was expected, at least by men’s basketball head coach Steve Lutz, who made clear his expectations in a press conference Monday before the road game.

“I expect us to have a great crowd,” Lutz said. “I mean, Tulsa is arguably one of our biggest fan bases, and we’ve had a good season thus far. We play hard; we play the right way. I would like to think that most people are

In the Cowboys’ 76-55 win, OSU fans made their presence clear. And for Lutz, in his first season coaching OSU and looking to leave a mark and make an early impression on Cowboy fans, Wednesday was another step in doing that for Tulsa natives.

It was the Cowboys’ first of three instate games (Dec. 14 against Oklahoma and Dec. 22 against Oral Roberts) in the span of a couple of weeks, and Lutz took care of business in his first game with so many Oklahoma eyes on him.

Initially, the crowd participation seemed somewhat split since OSU led for most of the first half, but only by single digits. The noticeable shift in the

Oklahoma State wrestling heading to Las Vegas for ‘great opportunity’

Oklahoma State wrestling is returning to Las Vegas for the second straight season to compete in the 2024 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.

As the Cowboys head west, one thing is on head coach David Taylor’s mind.

Embrace the challenge.

“It’s a tough tournament,” Taylor said. “Timing is tough as well. But I think it’s going to be a good test for our team.”

The Cowboys are among 26 teams invited to compete at the invitational on Friday and Saturday. With tons of competition, the weekend brings significant opportunities for OSU to expand its superiority and prove itself on a big stage in the regular season.

“You see some Big Ten competitors and obviously non-Big 12 competitors, and then, obviously, there’s a lot of Big 12 teams there as well,” Taylor said. “So we’re going to see those guys multiple times this year.

“So just a chance to go out and (have) guys wrestle the way they want to and (be given) the opportunity. If you can separate yourselves, do that, because these matches are valuable in the long term.”

Taylor said Wednesday only 10 starters would make the trip to Las Vegas. Eight of those spots were easy decisions, but Taylor decided Reece Witcraft would return at 133 and Teague Travis would return at 157.

All 10 Cowboy wrestlers are seeded in the top 10 of their weight classes. Six wrestlers will return to the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, with three Tagen Jamison, Michigan’s Cameron Amine and Dustin Plott finishing fifth, fourth and third, respectively, in their weight class in 2023. Plott, the second-seeded 184-pound wrestler in the invitational, knows a lot about the experience in wrestling

big-time tournaments. He said young competitors can use that first-time venture into a timeline of success over their careers.

“I think Vegas is a great opportunity for that,” Plott said. “My freshman year was COVID year, so my first college tournament was Big 12s (in 2021), and so that was a little bit of an adjustment compared to competing in tournaments in high school.

“So I think anytime, especially young guys, can get the feel of a collegiate tournament, especially this high caliber of one early on in their years, (its) really beneficial for them.”

Taylor said the invitational is an opportunity to face adversity and called the tournament a “dress rehearsal” for Big 12 and NCAA championships.

“When you weigh in, you wrestle one mass,” Taylor said. “It’s just like, ‘That’s it.’ In a tournament, you get to wrestle five times, so I think there’s a lot of (chances), and there’s a team; that team component, that’s where everything makes a difference.

“A good chance you’ll get a major (decision) makes a difference; you get a chance to ride a guy out. It just means more. It’s just an element that’s more than just yourself in a tournament, and that will play a factor this weekend.”

energy came during an 8-0 OSU run to end the half, which was a product of key defensive plays leading to easy offense, with three different Cowboys — Arturo Dean, Bryce Thompson and Abou Ousmane — collecting a steal in a three-minute period and sixth man Marchelus “Chi-Chi” Avery delivering a powerful block at the buzzer that fired up the OSU fans and held the score at 39-26.

The energy became even more apparent in the second half, as the Cowboys grew the lead and continued their impressive defensive performance.

“I thought the crowd was fantastic,” Lutz said. “I thought it was very much a pro-Oklahoma State crowd, and I thought they helped us.”

Against a soft home schedule, the Cowboys have an average attendance of

6,167 fans at Gallagher-Iba Arena. With OSU (5-2) off to a solid start on the season, though, Lutz is giving fans a reason to tune in. Plays like Avery’s block and runs like the Cowboys had to end the first half could make GIA rowdy again — something he said he wanted to accomplish when he took the job in April. He and his team passed their first test against Oklahoma schools; now Bedlam basketball in OKC awaits them, and he expects Cowboy fans to show up then, too.

“This is almost a home game for us, and when we play Oklahoma in the Paycom Center in 10 days, it should be virtually a home game for us again,” Lutz said.

Cowgirls responding to first loss, adversity of the season

performance against Arkansas and HCU, it is clear she is a go-to player for OSU this season.

As Jacie Hoyt watched her Oklahoma State Cowgirls play in the Daytona Beach Classic, she couldn’t help but stew.

Hoyt, who wasn’t allowed to travel to Florida last weekend because she’s in the late stages of pregnancy, watched her team lose its first game of the season while scoring a season-low 53 points against Richmond.

But the Cowgirls came back to Stillwater ready to right the ship. Up 40 points in the third quarter of a game against Houston Christian on Wednesday, Hoyt still had her starters in and playing a full-court press.

“I was not happy after Florida,” Hoyt said postgame. “I wasn’t happy with the pace. I wasn’t happy with us getting away from who we are, and tonight was about getting back to us.”

The Cowgirls indeed got back to themselves. They beat HCU 93-39 and got back to the principles Hoyt has been trying to instill since she got to Stillwater. After going 5 of 22 from 3 in its loss to Richmond, OSU shot 13 of 22 from deep against HCU, including a 7 of 7 performance from Stailee Heard.

“Honestly, we didn’t play our best down there,” Heard said. “But we know we learned a lot down there and coming back.”

Hoyt, Heard and the rest of the Cowgirls may be focused on the Richmond loss, but they also left Daytona with a win, defating Arkansas 70-56 and earning its only Power Four win of its nonconference schedule.

Heard played well against the Razorbacks, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. She’s been the Cowgirls’ most consistent player this season, and she reaffirmed her spot atop the pecking order in Florida. She was one of many who struggled against Richmond, but when looking at her

Freshman point guard Jadyn Wooten also played well in Daytona, averaging 18 points and four assists over the two games. Wooten’s performance earned her Big 12 Freshman of the Week honors, and it also proved that the hype surrounding her, mostly generated from Hoyt’s praise, is warranted.

A four-point loss to an 8-1 Richmond team on a neutral court could become something the Cowgirls look back on as a learning experience, but for now, it has become fuel. A dominant performance over an overpowered HCU team doesn’t mean much in the long term, but for the Cowgirls responding to a loss with that level of ferocity is a positive sign.

“I love the response that our team had tonight coming off a loss that I know was really frustrating for everyone,” Hoyt said. “(I) thought we came out the way that we wanted too. Just really fast and aggressive.”

Payton Little

Oklahoma State head coach Steve Lutz can use the Cowboys three December games against in-state opponents as a way to prove himself to fans who haven’t been playing close attention to his squad.

Jose Brito

Oklahoma State head coach David Taylor said the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational can be beneficial in the “long term” for his wrestlers.

Connor Fuxa

Oklahoma State head coach Jacie Hoyt said she feels like her squad got their identity back in 93-39 victory over Houston Christian.

Wooten living up to high expectations as Cowgirls’ point guard

slowly because of minute restrictions,” Hoyt said. “But I think we’re seeing the player that we knew she was and we knew she could be.”

Lee’s fight, elite ball striking bringing Cowboy golf success

DALTON

ARREDONDO STAFF REPORTER

No matter how far off the lead Eric Lee is, he will always compete.

The Oklahoma State sophomore golfer’s brother, Thomas Lee, said Eric has always put his dead down and grinded to win tournaments.

“He was always a fighter; he was always a competitor,” Thomas said. “Ever since a young age, he had that fire in him to compete and always want to be the best.”

During Eric’s time at OSU, he’s had three top-25 finishes, including 19th place in the Sahalee Players Championship and 14th place in the Jackson T. Stephens Cup.

ment of Champions and 2022 AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year. He said winning the Tournament of Champions was the breakthrough moment of his career.

“I haven’t had a huge win before that,” Eric said. “So for that to be the first one, it felt like it was a pretty big deal back then, and it gave me a lot of confidence going forward. After that tournament, I feel like my golf game started to step up a lot, and I had better finishes. Just played more consistently, with a different mindset (and had) more confidence.”

(score).”

Maybe that swing is a testament to Eric’s work with his swing coach, Charlie Wi. Wi, who has won multiple events on the PGA Tour, started working with Eric’s swing when he was 13. Wi said Lee’s mindset is a huge plus, but he needs to work on keeping his emotions in check.

High school recruiting in 2024 can be a little bit of a crapshoot.

Jadyn Wooten, a former top100 recruit and the highest-rated prospect of the Jacie Hoyt Era at Oklahoma State, allowed Hoyt and her staff to breathe a sigh of relief last week, letting them know she was worth the hype by winning Big 12 Freshman of the Week. Wooten averaged 15 points and five assists in three games, two of which were in the Daytona Classic.

Since she signed with OSU, expectations for the freshman guard have been high.

As a two-time Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, expectations aren’t totally new to Wooten, but dealing with them on the college level. Before Wooten could meet these expectations, she had to recover from an injury that kept her out for most of OSU’s training camp and the season’s first two games.

“I know she was struggling with not being able to practice with us and all those things in that month,” Hoyt said.

When Wooten was finally cleared, she ramped up for a few games before taking her place as one of the Cowgirls’ featured players.

Before the week she was deemed the Big 12’s best freshman, Wooten didn’t log more than 20 minutes in a game, but now that she is healthy, she is playing more each game. Against Chicago State, she played 20 minutes. A few days later in Daytona against Arkansas, that number crept up to 25. And to close out the week, she played 27 against Richmond.

“We had to work her back

Wooten’s steady increase in minutes reflected what Hoyt said before the season — Wooten was her team’s best pure point guard and would play a major role right away.

Since returning to the lineup, she has lived up to her recruiting ranking and what Hoyt had to say about her before the season started.

Wooten followed up her awardwinning week with another good showing against Houston Christian on Wednesday. Against the Huskies, Wooten put up six points and two assists in 15 minutes and also had a flurry of eyepopping passes, all while displaying her advanced ball-handling skills. Although her stat line may not leap off the page, Wooten was generating offense for the Cowgirls whenever she was on the floor in a blowout win.

Wooten’s primarily played a traditional point guard role for OSU.

“We have to get her into looking to shoot more,” OSU guard Stailee Heard said. “She’s really good at penetrating and passing, and she’s going to have a bright future here, and I love playing with her.”

The abilities Wooten has demonstrated through her first handful of games make it easy to see why programs nationwide were after her, and though it’s impossible to know the player she will become, she’s off to a good start.

“I think she can be one of the greatest players to ever play here,” Hoyt said. “I think she’s going to be one of the best point guards in the country. I really believe that with my whole heart.”

Eric’s golfing journey began when he was 6, in his hometown of Fullerton, California. He picked up on the sport when he would follow his brother around when he took lessons — the two quickly became competitive with golf.

From the moment Eric started playing, Thomas knew he had serious potential to become a great golfer.

“He had the mindset of, like, ‘I really want to go pro and really want to see where golf can take me,’” Thomas said. “Because he always viewed it like, ‘Oh, every round I play, I’m going to beat him.’”

During high school, Eric reached the top, winning the 2021 AJGA Rolex Tourna-

Following the win, he received offers from Pac-12 schools and had talks with OSU. However, he play a to stay in his home state and chose California Berkeley. He made the most of his time there with six top-25 finishes, including a victory on his collegiate debut at the Marquette Invitational. He was also an honorable mention for the Pac-12 AllFreshman team.

Despite having a solid freshman season, he left Cal this past offseason because the program did not meet his expectations. He made his decision quickly and chose OSU because of familiar faces. His fellow transfer, Ethan Fang, said Eric’s ball striking leads him to put up good scores.

“He’s a pretty elite ball striker,” Fang said. “You see his swing, and it looks good. The way he hits it, you don’t see how he doesn’t go out there and shoot (a) low

“Eric is a fighter and doesn’t have quit in him,” Wi said. “His swing is pretty solid, but if he can manage his emotions, he’ll do great. Once he gets stronger and his body fills out, he’ll hit it even further than he is now. If Eric stays present and focuses on now, he’ll get better every day.”

During the fall season, Eric had an average first round score of 75, a second round score of 70 and a 69 final round score. He has also delivered in match play with a 3-2-1 record on the season. OSU head coach Alan Bratton said it is important for any guy on the team to step up to be the best player at any moment. “That’s nice to know that you have that kind of firepower,” Bratton said. “And even nicer to know for your teammates to know that you have that kind of firepower, that they have someone there that is just one swing away from stringing things together and playing very well. I think that’s the strength of our team right now, is we have some depth, one through five. We have guys that can be our best player on a given day.”

Connor Fuxa

Last week, Oklahoma State guard Jadyn Wooten won Big 12 Freshman of the Week.

Courtesy OSU Athletics

Oklahoma State sophomore golfer Eric Lee had three top-25 finishes in his first fall with Cowboy golf.

The O’colly sports picks

Pick Leaderboard: Point / Counterpoint

WHO WILL THE BIG 12 CHAMP BE AND WHY?

Iowa State. The Cyclones’ experience has led them to Arlington this season, and though they’ve had some struggles along the way, they’ve been one of — if not the — most complete Big 12 Conference team(s). Although Arizona State is trying to crash the party in Jerry World in its first season in the conference, I have faith in the Cyclones being able to pull out a win over a Sun Devil team that has overperformed in its first season. The Cyclones will be heading to the College Football Playoff.

State. The Sun Devils will be heading to the College Football Playoff because of running back Cam Skattebo, who should tear up Iowa State’s rushing defense. He, mixed with a solid quarterback in

Snapshots from Osu-Colorado

The Buffaloes defeated the Cowboys 52-0 on Black Friday in Boulder, Colorado. Here are some of our staff’s best photos:

TOP LEFT: Quarterback Maealiuaki Smith dropping back to pass.

TOP CENTER: A landscape view of Folsom Field.

TOP RIGHT: Head coach Mike Gundy hugging someone postgame.

CENTER LEFT: Quarterback Alan Bowman handing the ball off to running back Trent Howland.

CENTER: Two-way player Travis Hunter after scoring his first touchdown.

CENTER RIGHT: Head coach Deion Sanders walking with his sons Shedeur Sanders (2) and Shilo Sanders (21) for Senior Day.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders dropping back to pass.

Connor Fuxa

Connor Fuxa

Payton Little

Payton Little

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