Friday, Feb. 16, 2023

SEEKING

GLORY

With chances at championships this spring, the Cowboys and Cowgirls have opportunities to add their names to Heritage Hall.

Friday, February 17, 2023

Maddison Hinson-Tolchard

Alana Wolfberg

Natalie Cook

JoJo Roberson

Jonas Baumgartner

Chase Ferguson

Fouad Messaoudi

Kelly Maxwell

sports

Riggio ready to Roc

Sophomore delivers energy boost to Cowboys

earn him fans’ approval, though.

“I’m Roc Riggio’s biggest fan,” Brown, OSU’s shortstop, said.

Now, Riggio begins the 2023 season as one of OSU’s key pieces.

Braden Bush Assistant Sports Editor

Baseball

Marcus Brown’s hoodie said it all.

The hoodie was branded Roc Riggio merchandise, featuring a cutout of Riggio, OSU’s sophomore second baseman, swinging a bat, overlaying his No. 7 jersey number.

Riggio became a fan favorite by last season’s end for his spirited play and big personality, such as prancing around third base in an NCAA Regional and his blond-dyed hair. His infectious character grew down the stretch, as did his performance.

His All-Big 12 Freshman Team season didn’t just

Projected Lineup

C: No. 8, Ian Daugherty, So.

1B: No. 31, David Mendham, Sr.

2B: No. 7, Roc Riggio, So.

SS: No. 19, Marcus Brown, Jr.

3B: No. 17, Tyler Wulfert, Jr. (Midland JC)

LF: No. 10, Nolan Schubart, Fr.

CF: No. 4, Zach Ehrhard, So.

RF: No. 13, Nolan McLean, Jr.

DH: No. 15, Noah Turley, Jr. (Arizona)

Pitching Rotation

No. 23 Juaron Watts-Brown (RHP), So. (Long Beach State)

No. 39 Janzen Keisel (RHP), So. (BYU)

No. 28 Brennan Phillips, Fr.

Friday – Missouri*

Saturday – Vanderbilt*

Sunday – Arkansas*

Feb. 21 – vs Cal Baptist

Feb. 24 – vs Loyola Marymount

Feb. 25 – vs Loyola Marymount

Feb. 26 – vs Loyola Marymount

Feb. 28 – @ Missouri State

March 3 – vs Austin Peay

March 4 – vs Austin Peay

March 5 – vs Austin Peay

March 7 – vs Arizona State

March 8 – vs Arizona State

March 10 – vs Utah Tech

March 11 – vs Utah Tech (Doubleheader)

March 12 – vs Utah Tech

March 14 – vs Dallas Baptist

March 17 – @ Texas Tech

March 18 – @ Texas Tech

March 19 – @ Texas Tech

March 22 – @ Wichita State

It took Riggio until the second half of last season to get going. He played the first month and a half of the year ahead of schedule after a shoulder reconstruction surgery in the fall, while balancing typical freshman struggles. He batted just .167 through the first dozen games.

At season’s end, Riggio found his stride. He batted .556 with four home runs in the Stillwater Regional and improved his average to .295. On defense, Riggio led the team in assists and held a .975 fielding percentage.

Still, Riggio only tapped the surface.

“I started to get comfortable in my own skin after the season,” Riggio said.

“You look back at my season and realize my highs and lows and what kind of player that I need to be to be successful.”

Riggio started 53 games as a freshman and will play a larger role this season.

March 24 – vs Baylor

March 25 – vs Baylor

March 26 – vs Baylor

March 28 – @ Dallas Baptist

March 31 – vs Texas

April 1 – vs Texas

April 2 – vs Texas

April 4 – vs Wichita State

April 6 – @ TCU

April 7 – @ TCU

April 8 – @ TCU

April 11 – vs Oral Roberts

April 14 – vs West Virginia

April 15 – vs West Virginia

April 16 – vs West Virginia

April 18 – vs Oklahoma#

April 21 – @ Kansas

April 22 – @ Kansas

April 23 – @ Kansas

April 25 – vs Wichita State

April 28 – @ Michigan

April 29 – @ Michigan

April 30 – @ Michigan

Brown said Riggio off boosts for the team, both in energy and on-field play.

“I figured out that I’m for the boys,” Riggio said. “That’s kind of cliche, but everything that I try to do

is to fire these guys up, make another guy smile, and ultimately, help us win ballgames.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Cowboys schedule

May 2 – @ Oral Roberts

May 5 – vs East Tennessee State

May 6 – vs East Tennessee State

May 7 – vs East Tennessee State

May 12 – vs Kansas State

May 13 – vs Kansas State

May 14 – vs Kansas State

May 18 – @ Oklahoma

May 19 – @ Oklahoma

May 20 – @ Oklahoma

May 24-28 – Big 12 Tournament^

June 2-5 – NCAA Regional

June 8-11– NCAA Super Regional

June 16-26 – College World Series

# -- Nonconference game ^ -- (Arlington, Texas)

Shortstop Marcus Brown (19) said Roc Riggio (7) is a boost for the team.

sports

McLean chose Cowboys over MLB; ready to lead

Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter

When the Baltimore Orioles called his name to begin the third round of the MLB Draft, Nolan McLean started planning it all out.

McLean texted his friend Jackson Holliday, the Orioles No. 1 draft pick, about rooming together. He started thinking about realizing the goal he had as a kid growing up in Willow Springs, North Carolina: to be a professional baseball player.

Then, 14 days later, the dream vanished. McLean and the Orioles couldn’t come to terms. Jim Callis of MLB.com reported the parties disagreed on McLean’s post-draft physical.

McLean, the highest drafted player in 2022 to not sign professionally, returns to college to lead the Cowboys from the mound, the field and the batter’s box.

3 players to watch

Last year, Watts-Brown went 4-4 with an ERA of 3.68 in 15 appearances, including 12 starts. He will likely be the ace of this year’s Cowboy pitching staff, one that lost five pitchers in the offseason. OSU will need high-level production from Watts-Brown to contend this season.

Schubart is 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds, huge for a player fresh out high school. Schubart has tremendous power from the left side of the plate. He will be the only freshman starting in OSU’s lineup and in its rearranged outfield.

Last season at Midland, Wulfert hit .389 with 20 home runs and 72 RBIs. Wulfert will start at third base with Nolan McLean moving into the outfield, and will be a player who can round out a stacked OSU infield.

“It was just (The Orioles) preference and what we were kind of looking for just with myself and my ability on the field,” McLean told The O’Colly. “And after a few conversations we just both kind of agreed, OK, it probably won’t work out.”

OSU coach Josh Holliday said he just laughed when McLean called asking if Holliday had a roster spot for him. Of course, he had room.

“It’s a big deal,” Holliday said. “Nolan’s a pretty remarkable talent.”

McLean led the Cowboys with 19 home runs last year and pitched more than 25 innings. McLean said his fastball is touching triple digits this season and his arm is built up to pitch as a starter or reliever, whatever the team needs.

OSU is getting pro-level production one more year.

“I had every intention of moving on and going to start my pro career, but Oklahoma State’s one heck of a backup plan, so I can’t be more happy with where I’m at,” McLean said. “I believe everything happens for a reason and I believe I’m in the right place right now.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Expert’s analysis of OSU baseball

and five pitchers. So how will OSU’s roster look on Opening Day?

In college baseball, every program has one set goal: make the College World Series.

Since 1999, OSU has made it to Omaha, Nebraska, just once; in 2016.

Seven starters departed from last season’s roster — two in the field

The O’Colly spoke with D1Baseball’s head analyst, Mike Rooney, ahead of the Cowboys’ opening weekend. Without premier arms in the starting pitching core, with Justin Campbell, Victor Mederos and Bryce Osmond gone, how will the weekend rotation look come Opening Day?

Juaron WattsBrown, a transfer from Long Beach State, is who Rooney expects be the ace with his steady 93-95 mph fastball and deceiving wipeout-slider. Yet, in

Rooney’s eyes, there’s still work to be done. “Juaron is a big-time arm, but he’s in no way a finished product,” Rooney said. “His biggest challenge will be consistency in the zone. He was in and out last spring. But ultimately his stuff is very electric, and it bodes well for him.”

Janzen Keisel, a transfer from BYU, is another name Rooney recommended to fill the voids in the rotation. His consistent 98-99 mph fastball and consistency in the strike zone make him a viable prospect for the Cowboys this season.

“There’s a lot of intangibles for OSU,” Rooney said. “But ultimately, offense shouldn’t be an issue at all.”

So, could this year finally be the year OSU coach Josh Holliday ends his program’s six-year CWS drought?

“I think when you look at Oklahoma State you see a fairly polished all-around roster,” Rooney said. “Obviously it’s not like LSU where there’s virtually no question marks. However, this year’s team comes off as one very well-rounded.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

File Photo

Nolan McLean decided to return to OSU after the Baltimore Orioles drafted him in the third round of the 2022 MLB draft.

File Photo

D1 Baseball’s Mike Rooney said this OSU roster is well-rounded, but not as much as others around the country.

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Juaron Watts-Brown

Nolan Schubart

Tyler Wulfert

File Photo

Courtesy of OSU

Chase Davis

OSU offers transfer Chase Ferguson another challenge

Tennis

The Cowboys added another courtone caliber player this offseason, and he showed off his skills in an impressive season debut. After his career at South Florida, Chase Ferguson questioned his future in tennis. When Ferguson was introduced to Cowboys tennis coach Dustin Taylor, Ferguson knew it was time to give collegiate tennis another shot.

“I actually had another coach,” Ferguson said. “He was coaching professional players, Billy Heiser. He offered for me to either try to play pro or if I was gonna stay in college for another year. He got me in touch with DT and he just had amazing things to say about DT and also everyone I spoke to about DT did too. They pretty much all confirmed that, so it was really a no-brainer for me.”

ferred to OSU and made an immediate impact on the court. Ferguson made his debut as a Cowboy in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge in the Fall, where he was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

second weekend of the regular season, Fergu son ap peared.

OSU hosted three teams for the weekend: Omaha, Lamar and Oral Roberts. In his first three matches of the season, Ferguson won in straight sets on court two. Ferguson showed immediately what he could do for the Cow boys this season.

sive play was not just apparent in singles. In doubles, Ferguson and Francisco Pini came back from down 0-3 to win 6-4 against Lamar to win the doubles point

Cowgirls aim to bounce back after difficult fall season start

Three ranked matches in a row resulted in three losses for the Cowgirls.

But coach Chris Young remains levelheaded about his team. OSU women’s tennis opened up the season at 2-3. With such an esteemed program, winning under .500 may seem like Cowgirl tennis is struggling to find its footing. However, the team is hoping to use these three losses to build its strength of schedule.

Tennis rosters can change drastically from season to season. Whether it be the transfer portal, graduation or those choosing to play professionally, rosters can be completely different from spring to fall. For OSU, this is no exception.

During the summer, the Cowgirls found a catalyst high court athlete in Kristina Novak. Novak transferred from Nebraska, and she is already making an impact for the Cowgirls early into the season’s cycle.

against Louisiana Tech and Oral Roberts as chances to further develop before conference play starts in March. After being on such long hiatus since the Michigan match, his team is eager to get back into the swing of things.

“The biggest thing right now is we need some matches to kind of work through,” Young said. “Some of the developmental pieces, the technical pieces, some of the things that we’ve been working on, we want to see those play out.”

for OSU. Later the same day, against Oral Roberts, Ferguson and Alessio Basile swept on court three.

Ferguson has become a key player both on the court and off.

Taylor gave the honor of Senior Captain to Ferguson.

“Yeah, super pleased with him,” Taylor said. “You know, Chase is a veteran in college tennis. So you know, we had a feeling that he’d be ready and he knows what to expect, you know, after four years at University of South Florida, where he was their star. So, you know, he comes in here and, he’s our senior captain, and that’s a new leadership role for him that he’s really accepted, and couldn’t have been more

Cowboys schedule

Friday: at Middle Tennessee State

Sunday: at Vanderbilt

Feb. 26: at Cornell

March 3: vs Wichita State

March 5: vs SMU

March 10: vs UCF

March 14: at USC

March 16: at Pepperdine

March 18: at UCLA

March 26: vs Tulane

March 31: at Texas

April 2: at TCU

April 6: vs Oklahoma

April 8: at Tulsa

April 14: vs Texas Tech

April 16: vs Baylor

April 21-24: Big 12 Championships (Lawrence, Kansas)

The Cowgirls’ three losses have come at the hands of Big Ten powerhouses in No. 5 Michigan and No. 6 Ohio State. Michigan has seen the Cowgirls twice this year, as the Wolverines took part in the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Stillwater before the Cowgirls took a trip to Ann Arbor. Although three consecutive losses is not the way Young wanted this stretch to go, he is still confident in his team and its ability to go far later on into the season.

“Overall, I think it is a learning experience,” Young said. “I think we got to just have a different mentality when we approach tough situations like Michigan. But I think overall those two matches will help us grow a lot the rest of this season.”

Cowgirls schedule

Monday: vs Louisiana Tech (Tulsa)

Monday: at Oral Roberts (Tulsa)

Feb. 24: vs Wichita State

Feb. 25: vs South Carolina

March 3: at UC Santa Barbara

March 5: at Pepperdine

March 10: at Baylor

March 12: at Texas

March 17: vs TCU

March 19: vs Texas Tech

March 31: vs Iowa State

April 2: vs West Virginia

April 7: at Oklahoma

April 14: at Kansas

April 16: at Kansas State

April 20-23: Big 12 Championships (Lawrence, Kansas)

May 5-28: NCAA Championships

Andy Crown

OSU coach Dustin Taylor awarded transfer Chase Ferguson the title of senior captain this season.

Baylor Bryant Staff Reporter

Payton Little Staff Reporter

women’s tennis coach began the spring season

Tyler Zink

Cowboy golf roster filling voids by top players’ sudden leave

Jax Thompson Staff Reporter

Jonas Baumgartner and Rasmus NeergaardPetersen are ready to lead.

Last year, Eugenio Chacarra and Brian Stark filled the top two spots in OSU’s lineup. When the Cowboy men’s golf team was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, both were expected to return.

Things changed.

Chacarra left for the LIV Golf tour, then, Stark transferred to Texas.

With those two gone, coach Alan Bratton is looking to Baumgartner and Neergaard-Petersen to lead.

“Both of those guys have been very good leaders across the board with our group,” Bratton said. “And they had nice falls; it’s always nice when you’ve got leadership from guys that are also performing on the golf course. It’s always more powerful when it’s the guys that are performing.”

Baumgartner and Neergaard-Petersen are leading by example in tournaments, collecting high finishes. Baumgartner finished second at the Jackson T. Stephens Cup, and Neergaard-Petersen finished in the top 10 at the Fighting Illini Invitational.

Baumgartner has drawn on his experiences

as a younger player, while mentoring players such as John Wild. That includes the time Chacarra spent mentoring him and helping him with his game.

“When Jonas got here, Eugenio did that for him…and he did a nice job of taking Jonas under his wing,” Bratton said. “So, he’s (Baumgartner) seen that done…and Jonas is in a position to be able to do that for John. And he’s really done that.”

Baumgartner and Neergaard had a productive fall. They had high finishes in tournaments and worked on not just their game, but their teammates’ games as well. Now the spring has started, and they are shifting their focus to the season ahead.

Neergaard-Petersen is in his last year of eligibility. His future revolves around the PGA Tour University rankings. He sits in 12th place. Breaking into the top 10 would get him limited status on the Korn Ferry Tour, a huge step on the path to being a permanent professional golfer.

“I can calmly say that no matter what happens individually, if we’re standing June 1 with that (NCAA Team Championship) trophy it’ll be worth all of it,” NeergaardPetersen said. “Then I wouldn’t care how I played individually.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Cowboys schedule

Feb. 19-21: Watersound Invitational (Watersound, Florida)

March 5-7: Cabo Collegiate (Los Cabos, Mexico)

March 17-18: N.I.T. (Tucson, Arizona)

April 1-2: Haskins Award Invitational (Augusta, Georgia)

April 14-15: ASU/ Thunderbird Collegiate (Phoenix, Arizona)

April 24-26: Big

Hinson-Tolchard pushing for AllAmerican, increase world ranking

Gina Foster Staff Reporter

The perfect golf weather is right around the corner for the Cowgirl golf team.

This season, the Cowgirls kept the majority of their starters and added new talent, but one vital scorer is junior Maddison Hinson-Tolchard.

Hinson-Tolchard is a lead scorer and has

continued to improve substantially. As a freshman, she placed second in her first qualifier and was a coach’s pick but is now winning qualifiers and going straight to the tournaments.

“We did quite a bit of training while I was home and I feel like my game’s heading in the right direction going into the start of the season,”

Hinson-Tolchard said.

Cowgirls schedule

Feb. 27-28: ICON

Invitational (Humble, Texas)

March 11-12: Valspar

Augusta Invitation (Augusta, Georgia)

March 24-26: Clemson

Invitational

April 7-9: Big 12 Match Play (Scottsdale, Arizona)

April 21-23: Big 12 Championships (Dallas, Texas)

May 8-10: NCAA Regionals

May 19-24: NCAA Championships (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Having a consistent swing is one of the most important aspects to possess and HinsonTolchard has been working

hard to work out the kinks with her biomechanist before the spring season begins. This even included meeting with him over the break, while she was home in Australia. “I was drifting a little bit off my center line, so we’re really trying to stay a lot more on top of the ball,” HinsonTolchard said. “We’re working my rotation a lot so it will be better at the top of my backswing and also trying to create space on my downswing so that I’m able to really whip through the ball and create a lot of power to get my distance a little bit further.”

Hinson-Tolchard is ranked 41st in the Women’s Collegiate Individual Rankings. The goals she has for this season are to, “win a couple of events, get myself in the running for All-American again and get my world ranking up.” After the regular season concludes, the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament quickly follow. The Cowgirls were runners-up in the NCAA Tournament in 2021 and have high hopes of taking the win this year.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

12 Championship (Hutchinson, Kansas)

May 15-17: NCAA Regional

May 26-31: NCAA Championship (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Similar Cowgirl golf roster focused on future development

Gina Foster Staff Reporter

This season, the Cowgirls kept the majority of their starters and added in new talent.

Maddison HinsonTolchard is a lead scorer and has continued to improve substantially.

As a freshman, she placed second in her first qualifier and was a coach’s pick, but is now winning qualifiers and going straight to the tournaments.

Other top players are Han-Hsuan Yu, Clemence Martin, who is smoothly coming off of an injury, and Angelica Pfefferkorn, who came back from break with a competitive spirit.

“I think we’re pretty deep in the team going in,” Hinson-

Tolchard said. “We have a lot of talent. I think we’re still in a really good place as a team collectively and looking really solid going into the season.”

Both freshmen, Cecilie Leth-Nissen and Thitaporn Saithip played a good amount in the fall and have continued to improve. Therefore, this spring, they will contribute to the competitive atmosphere this team brings.

“It really shows moving forward, we’re gonna be losing quite a few players at the end of next year but I think having a lot of good freshmen coming in and a pretty good sophomore class as well,” Hinson-Tolchard said.

“I think in the years to come we’re not gonna go backward we’re only gonna go forwards.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen enters his last season of eligibly as one of OSU’s best men’s golfers.

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Maddison Hinson-Tolchard worked on her swing with a biomechanist in Australia this offseason.

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Maddison Hinson-Tolchard worked on her swing with a biomechanist in Australia during the offseason.

Courtesy of OSU Athletics Freshman Clemence Martin has missed the Cowgirls past two events due to a back injury.

Projected Lineup

C: No. 4, Taylor Tuck, Grad-Sr.

1B: No. 12, Micaela Wark, R-Fr. (Kansas)

2B: No. 15, Rachel Becker, Grad-Sr. (Purdue)

SS: No. 5, Kiley Naomi, Grad-Sr.

3B: No. 55, Megan Bloodworth, So. (Alabama)

LF: No. 44, Tallen Edwards, Fr.

CF: No. 9, Chyenne Factor, Grad-Sr.

RF: No. 11, Katelynn Carwile, Jr.

DP: Lexi Kilfoyl

Pitching Rotation

P: No. 28, Kelly Maxwell, R-Sr.

P: No. 8, Lexi Kilfoyl, Sr. (Alabama)

P: No. 41, Ivy Rosenberry, Jr. (Virginia Tech)

Postseason beckons: Becker’s path to OKC goes through OSU

2022; a 6-5 loss to Texas in the Women’s College World Series. Becker was the only one in her family who stayed up to watch the conclusion of the series.

Sam Hutchens Staff Reporter

At about 2 a.m. in her Connecticut home last summer, Rachel Becker jumped off the couch, stood up and went into shock. She was watching what ended up being OSU’s final softball game in

Well, she was the only one intentionally awake. Becker may have awoken her family when she saw OSU lose a late lead and get eliminated.

“Seeing that at the end, I honestly felt it,” Becker said.

Becker, a grad transfer from Purdue, said she knew she wanted to be a Cowgirl while watching the WCWS. Despite being one of the Big Ten’s best

players, she had not played in a postseason game as a Boilermaker. She could stay up until 2 a.m. because her season was already over, and that was not a good feeling.

In the offseason, Becker left her beloved school where she led the Big Ten with a .429 batting average.

“I loved Purdue,” Becker said. “But I had always wanted to play on the biggest stage. I knew that wasn’t going to happen at Purdue. I knew I had to leave. And my main goal was to play for a team that could get me there.”

It was not without sacrifices. Becker played shortstop at Purdue but told OSU coach Kenny Gajewski to

Cowgirls schedule

Friday: vs Virginia Tech*

Saturday: vs Louisiana*

Saturday: vs Michigan*

Feb. 24: vs Nebraska*

Feb. 24 vs New Mexico*

Feb. 25: vs New Mexico State*

Feb. 25: vs CSU Bakersfield*

Feb. 26: at UTEP

March 3: vs Maine

March 3: vs Missouri

March 4: vs South Dakota State

March 4: vs Tarleton State

March 5: vs South Dakota State

March 10: vs Florida State

March 11: vs Florida State

March 12: vs Florida State

March 15: at Central Arkansas

March 17: vs UCF

March 17: vs Arizona State

March 18: vs Arizona State

March 18: vs UCF

March 19: vs UCF

March 22: vs North Texas

March 24: vs Baylor

March 25: vs Baylor

March 26: vs Baylor

March 29: at Tulsa

April 1 (DH): vs Incarnate Word

April 5: at Wichita State

April 6: at Kansas

April 7: at Kansas

April 8: at Kansas

April 11: vs Tulsa

April 12: vs UT-Arlington

April 14: vs Iowa State

April 15: vs Iowa State

April 16: vs Iowa State

April 19: vs Wichita State

April 21: at Texas

April 22: at Texas

play her where OSU needed. That was second base.

It was worth it to join No. 3 OSU. Besides, Becker figured things would change. She said she got familiar with OSU while watching the Cowgirls throughout the 2022 postseason.

“I watched everything,” she said. “Because I was at home doing nothing because we were done. Just watching them compete, I was like, this team has some fight and I really want to be a part of something like that. So that was a huge factor.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

April 23: at Texas

April 28: at Texas Tech

April 29: at Texas Tech

April 30: at Texas Tech

May 3: at North Texas

May 5: vs Oklahoma

May 6: vs Oklahoma

May 7: vs Oklahoma

May 11-13: Big 12 Championship (Oklahoma City)

May 19-21: NCAA Regional

May 25-28: NCAA Super Regional

June 1-9: NCAA Women’s College World Series (Oklahoma City)

* = neutral site invitational

Chase Davis

Rachel Becker transferred to OSU after starring at Purdue for four years.

Softball

sports

Fielding error in WCWS still stuck with Cowgirls before 2023 season

It was then 6-5. The game wasn’t officially over. But to OSU and Maxwell — who was still pitching — it was, and the Cowgirls left OKC that night eliminated from the WCWS.

Gabriel Trevino Sports Editor

Kenny Gajewski didn’t watch the play for a long time, but when he did, it made his blood boil more than expected. His Cowgirls held a 5-3 lead against Texas in the fifth inning with Kelly Maxwell, the Co-Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and one of the best in the nation, in the circle with a trip to the Women’s College World Series final series in sight.

But when first baseman Hayley Busby threw the ball to second for a double play that could have ended the inning, she missed her target and the ball rolled all the way to the centerfield wall, which allowed three runs to score.

“(The play) pops up on my feed every now and then, and I’ll say, ‘Ugh, there it is,’” Maxwell said. “We didn’t lose that game from that play, there was some things going on inside the team, and it all bottled up right then and there. Whenever that play happened, we didn’t have any fight left. We had lost it all.”

Gajewski mentioned before the play, his coaching staff was teetering, and it bled into the team’s performance. The error made everything fall apart.

In the offseason after, Gajewski made staff changes, and began working on a set of principles he had been trying to define since he took over in 2015. Ones that will carry Cowgirl softball with unfinished business in the 2023 season: toughness, leadership and clarity.

“That’s when I knew I had to

Past seasons under Kenny Gajewski:

2016: 32-26 (NCAA Regional)

2017: 38-25 (NCAA Regional)

2018: 39-22 (NCAA Regional)

2019: 45-17 (WCWS

Appearance)

2020: 19-5 (COVID-19

canceled season)

2021: 48-12 (WCWS

Appearance)

2022: 48-14 (WCWS semifinalist)

make fundamental changes to this program,” Gajewski said. “Those are the things we learned. What we’ve gained is that experience. They will face very few things harder in life than that mo -

Expected destination

Gajewski, Cowgirls approaching season aspirations differently

Ashton Slaughter Staff Reporter

Kenny Gajewski finally gave into the question.

After being asked what his expectations were for the upcoming season, he shifted the focus toward his players, telling the media members at the OSU Softball Media Day to ask them what their hopes were for the season, since they will be the ones on the field.

Then, Gajewski ceased the coach talk, and forecasted how his team may fare this upcoming season.

“Do I think that this team is really good? I do. Is this a World Series team? It is,” Gajewski said. “So now it’s up to them to figure out how they’re going to stay together, keep each other accountable and lead this team.”

This accountability began on Jan. 12, when the Cowgirls resumed practice after the winter break, where the team impressed Gajewski with what he called the best return to practice out of any team he’s coached at OSU.

“We talked to them about what the expectations were,” Gajewski said on the Jan. 12 practice. “We probably have the deepest team that we’ve ever had, and people want to play.”

One of the 14 new Cowgirls this season is Rachel Becker, a standout grad transfer infielder from Purdue, known for her hitting ability. Becker made it very clear as to why she came to Stillwater– she wanted to compete at the highest level, something that has become an expectation for the Cowgirls.

“Knowing how successful they’ve been here with Coach G and watching them compete in the World Series really made me feel like that was

something I wanted to be a part of,” Becker said. Gajewski may be humble and understated about where this team could be come early-June, but his players know what

they’re playing for this season, and aren’t afraid to let their projections be known.

“Not just one person, not just 25 out of the 26 girls, everyone has

3 players to watch

ment. But I wouldn’t change it. That will always hurt.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Last weekend, Alabama transfer Lexi Kilfoyl pitched 7.1 innings without allowing a run, struck out 12, and hit a home run in OSU’s 3-2 win against North Carolina. She only had one more hit in the weekend, but shows the potential to be both a No. 2 pitcher, and a power hitter as the DP in the middle of OSU’s lineup.

one mission and one goal and it’s to be a National Champion,” said Cowgirl shortstop, Kiley Naomi.

The No. 3 recruit in the country, Tallen Edwards reclassified to play for OSU a year early. In four games, Edwards got seven hits in 13 at bats as the second hitter in the Cowgirl lineup. And with Rachel Becker’s onbase skills ahead of her, Edwards may drive in the most runs on the team this season.

A redshirt freshman-transfer from Kansas, Micaela Wark started three games for OSU at first base in the Puerto Vallarta Classic last weekend, totaling three hits. Coach Kenny Gajewski and other players said Wark is a power threat in the middle of the lineup, which OSU may rely on with its number of contact hitters in the lineup this season.

File Photo

OSU players and coaches knew after the error in the elimination game of the WCWS last season, the Cowgirls had nothing left.

File Photo

Kenny Gajewski “knows” his Cowgirl softball team is good enough to make the WCWS.

Lexi Kilfoyl

Tallen Edwards

Micaela Wark

Bartholomew, sprinters look to shift program’s perception

Merutka.

Cowboys Schedule

March 24-25: Baylor Invitational

March 30-April 1: Texas Relays

March 31-April 1: Stanford Invitational

April 6-8: Jim Click Invitational (Tucson, Arizona)

April 13-15: Bryan Clay Invitational (Azusa, California)

April 13-15: Mt. Sac Relays (Walnut, California)

April 14-15: OU Invitational

April 14-15: Tom Jones Invitational (Gainesville, Florida)

April 21-22: John Jacobs Invitational (Norman)

April 21-22: John McDonnell Invitational (Fayetteville, Arkansas)

April 27-29: Penn Relays

April 28-29: Corky/Crofoot Shootout (Lubbock)

May 5: Arkansas Twilight (Fayetteville)

May 12-14: Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championships (Norman)

May 24-27: NCAA West Prelims (Sacramento, California)

June 7-10: NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships (Austin, Texas)

Charlie Bartholomew’s sprinting excellence is an OSU anomaly.

He won two U20 World Championships in the summer, an All-Big 12 honor and set a school record but still may be overshadowed in a distance-strong program.

Coach Dave Smith’s OSU track squad attracts perennial attention for its cross country pro -

grams and distance

All-Americans. This year, Bartholomew could change that.

“Everybody wins cross country nationals and this and that,” Bartholomew said. “It’s good but as a sprinter I’m trying to put myself on the map and first step is trusting my coach.”

His 45.94 400-meter finish at the U.S. U20 Championships clipped Dennis Schultz’ 45.60 in 1972. Still, no qualification for the NCAA Championships. He wants to change that.

“I have more expectations,” he said. “I just gotta run for myself and try to be the best I can no matter about all the accolades. Just proving to myself that I’m more than all that.”

Look for fellow Cowboy sprinters Elijah Berry, DeJuana McArthur, Koryee Wyatt and Cash

Last season, OSU’s 4X400 meter relay group of Berry, Wyatt, McArthur and Bartholomew also broke a 39-year-old school record.

“I feel like they are on the right track to do great things,” Bartholomew said. Smith also returns two NCAA qualifiers — All-American Alex Maier and Ryan Schoppe.

Cross country All-Americans Fouad Messaoudi, Isai Rodriguez, Victor Shitsama and Rory Leonard could also contend for the outdoor podium.

“I think we’re a really good national-level team,” Smith said. “I think we’ve got several men and women that can score well at the national meet and probably put us in the top 25 again. Maybe flirt with the top 10.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

By the numbers

8: Countries represented on the Cowboys roster. France, Costa Rica, England, Qatar, Morocco, New Zealand, Kenya and Australia.

2: Alex Maier’s placement in the 10,000 meters finals at the 2022 NCAA Championships.

3:47.43: Ryan Schoppe’s school record time in the 1,500 meters.

47: Members on the Cowboys roster.

18: Cowboys’ placement in the 2022 NCAA Championships — tied for highest finish since 2019.

21: Texans on the Cowboys roster — the most of any state.

Get to know Charlie: Q&A

Adam Engel Editor-in-Chief

Q: “Your bio says you like making music. What’s that all about?”

A: “I still make beats. When I went home for Christmas break and Thanksgiving break, I was in the studio making beats and making funny rap lyrics and stuff like that. I want to do something like that in the future. I still got a lot more in the tank. I still got track.”

Q: “Going back to your freshman year, what are some of your takeaways from from that first college season?

A: “I need to be in the treatment room a lot more. I utilize the treatment room because I used to get hurt a lot my freshman year. I used to stay away from the treatment room but making the treatment room my No. 1 priority is a very good takeaway that I have and I use it all the time. Surrounding yourself with a lot of negative people or just negative thoughts or just anything negative is just something that will take away the physical aspect of running track. I learned that if I get my mental right then the physical will be there and I’ll perform a lot better.”

Q: “Is it like actual treatment for injury or is it more so just kind of the recovery process?”

A: “It’s like everything, you know. First I used to get in there for injuries. I had a lot of weak hamstrings. Weak calves. I had a lot of just weak body parts coming from high school. I just didn’t know anything about the treatment room or anything. All those injuries I had, it kind of helped me because I understand there’s prehab and there’s rehab.”

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

OSU star sprinter Charlie Bartholomew won the 2022 U20 World Championships in the 4X400 Meter and Mixed Relay in the summer.

Adam Engel Editor-in-Chief

Chase Davis OSU distance runner Fouad Messaoudi hails from Morocco and boasts a school record in the indoor 3K.

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Sophomore Charlie Bartholomew likes to make music and receive recovery treatment off the track.

Coourtesy of OSU Athletics

Alex Maier finished runner-up in the 10K finals at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships last season, and is looking to not repeat as second place.

Track and Field

Outdoor Track and Field schedule

At Baylor Invitational

— March 24-25

At Texas Relays —

March 30-April 1

At Stanford Invitational

— March 31-April 1

At Jim Click Invitational (University of Arizona) — April

6-8

At Bryan Clay Invitational (Azusa Pacific University) —

April 13-15

At Mt. Sac Relays —

April 13-15

At Tom Jones Invitational (University of Florida) — April 14-15

At OU Invitational —

April 14-15

At John McDonnell Invitational (University of Arkansas) — April 21-22

At John Jacobs Invitational (University of Oklahoma) — April 21-22

At Penn Relays (University of Pennsylvania) — April 27-29

At Corky/Crofoot Shootout (Texas Tech) — April 28-29

At Arkansas Twilight — May 5

At Big 12 Outdoor Championships (University of Oklahoma) — May 12-14

At NCAA West Prelims (Sacramento, California) — May 24-27

At NCAA Championships (Austin, Texas) — June 7-10

Bradford eyes Big 12 title, Cowgirls seek program best outdoor season

Roe returns to the outdoor track with freshman All-American Natalie Cook.

The Cowgirls return their five NCAA qualifiers, including Gabija Galyvdyte, an 800-meter All-American.

Adam Engel Editor-in-Chief

Hannah Bradford illustrates team success.

As a fifth-year thrower for OSU, she witnessed low points in competition and team camaraderie. A cultural and mental shift allowed Bradford and the Cowgirls an opportunity to pursue a program-best finish at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Her first throw, freshman year, traveled 14 meters. Now she throws 21 meters, second best in the Big 12.

She interacts and supports her teammates in other events, something she said didn’t exist when she arrived.

“I feel like before it was just like s**** and giggles,” she said. “I feel like the camaraderie is different. It used to be very segregated. I think now we’re talking to each other. Like I’ve made it a point to talk to a few athletes from every event, just so I know about what they do and what to expect.”

In outdoors, Bradford will lead the throwing unit, but the usual suspects highlight the distance squad. Indoor 3K national champion Taylor

OSU finished 15th at the 2022 NCAA Championships with 15 points — the program’s second-best finish.

“Across the board, we have the potential to bring a big contingent to the national championship,” OSU coach Dave Smith said. “Not just taking people to the meet. There are 24 in every event and eight score. We got a bunch that can be in that top eight and gonna be scoring factors.”

Greek pole vaulter Ariadni Adamopoulou, a two-time Indoor All-American, seeks the outdoor podium. Also look out for the team’s multievent participants Bailey Golden, Maddie Meiner, Olivija Vaitaityte and others. Smith also expects jumper Saara Hakanen to compete for All-American honors. It’s all a matter of execution.

Bradford could qualify for her first NCAA Championships and strong jumpers and pole vaulters complete the squad.

“I think my last year is gonna be my best year and I’m definitely going out with a bang,” she said.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Hang out with Hannah: Q&A

Adam Engel Editor-in-Chief

Q: “OSU has produced a lot of great throwers over the years. Even Chase Ealey, 2022 shot put world champion. Do you feel any extra motivation or maybe even responsibility to kind of follow that?”

A: “I’ve actually met Chase Ealey and so that was nice. It was very inspiring to see that they’re just normal people and they’re just good at something versus, athletes we tend to idolize and put pressure on myself to be just like them. As far as like a responsibility, I think yes, because I think I’m, I wouldn’t say I’m leaving a legacy, but it’s something to push future athletes to do better and then it’s gonna make the throws.”

Q: “What are some of your road trip essentials?”

A: “Headphones for sure. Satin pillowcase, blanket and tablet. My throwing shoes and glove, too.”

Q: “What’s on your pre-throw playlist?”

A: “Funny you say that because my playlist is called pre throw playlist. A lot of Kanye West and some Lil Wayne. Metro Boomin. John Legend. There are songs that give me goosebumps and are motivational in a way.”

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Fifth year thrower Hannah Bradford seeks her first outdoor Big 12 championships and NCAA Championships appearance.

Courtesy of OSU Athletics OSU thrower Hannah Bradford leads the squad and spoke to The O’Colly about her last season.

Sanchez, Cowgirls know what it takes to return to national championship

hard for me to get complacent. When I get complacent, I get anxious. I’m just obsessive about getting this team better.”

Gabriel Trevino Sports Editor

Larry Sanchez calls it competitiveness, but he said others would say he’s obsessively compulsive about most things. His closet is perfectly organized between short sleeves, long sleeves, buttoned shirts and jeans, and each is also color-coordinated to keep uniformity. When something, even the smallest of details, is out of place, he knows and has a desire to fix it.

As Sanchez, OSU’s equestrian coach, begins his 24th season after winning a Big 12 and NCEA National Championship, he believes his management will help the Cowgirls in the 2023 season. “I’m always trying to keep everything nice, and I think I carry that into my coaching,” Sanchez said. “I’m always trying to make things better and to look as good as it can. So, it’s really

OSU and Sanchez have won individual categorical national championships before, but never a team one until last season. But to begin the title defense in the fall portion of the season, the Cowgirls went just 2-3.

“I think we did get complacent in the fall,” junior Paige Jones said. “But now, we need to kick it into gear. We actually have to work. And it’s not just going to happen overnight. Last year we worked so hard, and luckily it fell our way. But we can’t just go with the idea that it’s going to happen again just because it happened last year.”

The fall wake-up call made Sanchez want to become more organized, more prepared with more planning and more attentive to what needs to be done to compete for another national championship. Because not only does Sanchez have the personality to find what is not working and to fix it, but also now that he’s won a national championship, he knows the feeling of what it takes to win.

“Once you know you can win it all, the confidence is there,” Sanchez said. “But, every year is different. All

the talent is still there, it’s just a little bit different. Winning a championship is not an easy task. A lot of things have to go right at the right time to accom-

plish that goal. We’re always doing what we need to do.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Cowgirls schedule

Saturday: at Baylor

Feb. 25: vs TCU

March 3: at UC Davis

March 5: at Fresno State

March 11: vs University of Lynchburg

March 24-25: Big 12 Championships (Stillwater)

April 13-15: NCEA National Championships

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

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

128 N Main St.

Stillwater, OK 74075

Jaiden Daughty

OSU equestrian coach Larry Sanchez has experienced national championships before, and knows the organization it takes to win one.

Jaiden Daughty

After a 2-3 fall season, the Cowgirls seek a strong spring and a repeat as national champions.

Jaiden Daughty

File Photo

Is OSU prepared?

OSU’s Sgt. Queen offers active shooter situation advice

Bella Casey Staff Reporter

College is a learning environment, not a gun range.

Monday night, students at Michigan State University experienced the unimaginable: a school shooting.

This shooting is one of 12 school shootings this year and is sparking conversations among students and staff at OSU.

Kayla Gross, a freshman majoring in graphic design, said hearing of a mass shooting on a college campus filled her with anxiety, worry and fear.

“Knowing that it can happen to big universities that really try to promote safety and other places in the United States obviously worries me a whole lot,” Gross said.

Since 2008, OSU Police Department Sgt. Adam Queen dedicated himself to teaching students and staff how to prevent school shootings and appropriately react in an active shooter situation.

He visits freshman seminar courses, graduate students, OSU staff

and local churches to educate the Stillwater community on preventative and responsive security measures one can take to defend and protect themselves against attackers.

Queen said helping peers seek mental health help is the first step to preventing gun violence.

“The solution is not to take all the guns,” Queen said. “It’s to help us be a little bit more responsible with those [guns,] and that’s through mental health assistance.”

Warning signs that indicate a student may be prone to committing violence include making violent threats to other students or faculty, aggressive outbursts or comments, verbal harassment toward others or irrational decision-making. Asking for help is not always easy, and Queen said students should not hesitate to report a peer in crisis to OSUPD or to university counseling services

“I can promise you, you will not get in trouble for trying to help someone,” Queen said. Professors, teaching assistants community mentors and students have only one view of a student’s life. Queen said reporting a student in need

of mental assistance is like offering a puzzle piece to faculty. Multiple reports offer multiple puzzle pieces, allowing faculty to complete the puzzle and evaluate the situation from a broad perspective.

Not all attackers present warning signs, and not all situations are preventable. Queen said there are three ways to respond in an active shooter situation.

The first and best response is to get away from the shooter. For fleeing to qualify as an effective way to escape an attacker, Queen said students must push themselves out of their comfort zones. As creatures of habit, humans tend to take the same route to class each day and leave class through the same exit.

Queen advises students to switch up their usual route to class each day and practice exiting buildings through different doors to train themselves to consider their options in a dangerous situation. Windows are also considered exits in the midst of a life-threatening event.

If escaping is not possible, one’s second option is to hide. Because students and faculty do not have the key

needed to lock classroom and lecture hall doors, a traditional lockdown procedure is complicated.

Queen said chairs legs, backpack straps or even leather belts can be used to keep a door from opening. Students should spread out around the room in hiding after barricading the door.

Maddie McMaster, a freshman in graphic design major, said hiding from an attacker would be her first instinct in a dangerous situation.

“I would probably help build up desks and hide behind desks,” McMaster said.

In the event of an active shooter, silence is key to staying hidden. Through OSUPD’s Guardian app, students can text OSUPD to alert them of a shooter. The app is free to download and simple to use, making safety one button click away in an emergency.

The third option is to attack. If the shooter enters the room where people are hiding, Queen said it is important to take control of the situation. The number of students and faculty likely

See Queen on 5B

Black excellence in action

Historically Black fraternities and sororities bring culture to campus

said. “Whenever AKA came back on campus, I saw. I felt like there was a big community there like everybody was real.”

Kennedy Thomason Assistant News & Lifestyle Editor

Black History Month

Courtesy of OSU President Shrum and Tashia Cheves on the first episode of the Living Code series.

Living the Code video series highlights the Cowboy family

Stephanie Landaverde Staff Reporter

We finish what we start.

Tashia Cheves lives this part of the Cowboy Code every day.

Chaves is the first person to be featured in OSU President Kayse Shrum’s Living the Code Series.

On Feb. 2, Shrum launched the video series. It highlights members of the Cowboy

family who practice the Cowboy Code in their everyday life.

Cheves said she was surprised when contacted about the series. As she talked with Shrum about the series and what they were looking for in featured members, she honored to be a part of it, let alone the first one.

“I thought it was special that they wanted to focus on the fact that

See Code on 4B

Black Greek Letter Organizations are an often overlooked part of OSU’s campus.

Beginning with the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., there are five chapters on campus. They are part of the National Pan-Hellenic Conference, an “umbrella council composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities.”

While all have different guiding principles, their common themes are service and friendship. For many, this draws them to the organization.

“For me, I think what drew me was the sisterhood,” Cherece Hudson, the vice president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Community service is a central part of their mission. Giving back to OSU strengthens a sense of campus-wide community and fosters a positive reputation for their organizations. As part of their service, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. helps students and their families on move-in day.

Predominantly Black organizations define a stronger sense of community on campus. NPHC is one of 15 organizations on campus specifically for Black students. However, these organizations are open to anyone who wishes to join. With more than 500 student organizations registered on campus, historically Black organizations make up a small percentage of the population.

Some of them are relatively small.

See

Country music superstar Trace Adkins entertained thousands on Tuesday at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.

Editorial board

Editor-in-Chief Adam Engel editorinchief@ocolly.com

Sports editor Gabriel Trevino sports.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant sports editor

Braden Bush sports.ed@ocolly.com

News & Life editor Luisa Clausen news.ed@ocolly.com entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant News & Life editor

Kennedy Thomason news.ed@ocolly.com entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Photo editor Mackenzie Janish photo.ed@ocolly.com

Design editor Sam Beebe design.ed@ocolly.com Adviser John Helsley john.helsley@okstate.edu

News & Lifestyle

reporters:

Jaden Besteda

Payton Little

Baylor Bryant

Michael Clark

Rebekah Cleary

Micah McKamie

Jaycee Hampton

Isaac Terry

Bella Casey

JR Churchill

James Jones

Stephanie Landaverde

Newsroom

108 Paul Miller Stillwater, OK 74078 (405)-744-6365

The O’Colly Staff

Sports reporters: Photographers & Designers:

Sam Hutchens

Braden Bush

Davis Cordova

Ashton Slaughter

Daniel Allen

Rowdy Baribeau

Payton Little

PJ Tikalsky

Parker Gerl

Gina Foster

Calif Poncy

Bradley Cook

Ben Hutchens

Tessa Dorrec

Rebekah Cleary

Kendall McGhee

Jaiden Daughty

Molly Jolliff

Chase Davis

Michael Clark

Karlie Boothe

Ethan Hilbert

Paul Houston

Carson Toulouse

Cassius Davis

Ava Whistler

Brittney Purcell

Andy Crown

Mia Ledbetter

Ben Holieway

All photos by Carson Toulouse

Farm To You

Identifying different types of food

Taylor Carroll Staff Reporter

Cuisine, Catch, and Kick it Up.

Ted’s Tacos and Cantina Review

For lovers of colorful design, sticky hands and underwhelming tortillas, Ted’s Tacos and Cantina could serve as a little slice of Tex-Mex utopia.

For all other prospective visitors, I recommend arming yourselves with mildly low expectations and a portable pack of Tums. But before dishing out any critiques or qualms, I want to give credit where it’s due: the wait staff is lovely, and the restaurant is gorgeous.

Immediately

upon entering the store, the variety of vibrant tones and flashy imagery plastered throughout the interior of the building enthralled me. I spent the surprisingly short wait

between ordering my food – a chicken asada taco, a fajita chicken taco and a grilled fish taco – and being served sipping on a pleasantly chilly, addictively sweet horchata. The tacos failed to meet the horchata’s lofty standards.

My first bite into my least favorite taco, the chicken asada, slathered my jaw with a soupy mixture of fresh produce (highlight of the taco) and pure, unadulterated grease. The soggy tortilla beautifully complemented the overdone chicken, which tasted as if it spent the day simmering in the lung of a lifelong smoker. The flour tortilla, which also underperformed for the fajita chicken taco, was bland, stale and sopping wet. The fajita chicken taco was strangely

sour and riddled with what appeared to be the remnants of a sourcream-and-lettucebased detonation. The chicken had the same burnt exterior and chewy consistency as the chicken asada. The tortilla was far too small to contain the bevy of ingredients lying on its surface, overwhelming the taco and the journalist holding it.

The grilled fish taco was a welcoming change of pace. I’m far from a seafood enthusiast, but the subtlety of this taco surprised me. It was simpler and felt far healthier to consume than the other two. A freshly squeezed lime added a delightful acidic accent to grilled fish, onions and what I presume to be cilantro. The grilled fish taco also utilized a corn tortilla far superior to the flour torti-

llas used in both of the other tacos.

Before to eating the grilled fish taco and the poor quality of the tacos, I heard positive reviews of Ted’s from friends and online reviews alike, and I wholeheartedly expected to scarf down an enjoyable meal. But the high quality of the grilled fish taco and the horchata met all of my expectations and even exceeded some. I’m left unsure of which tacos are outliers and which aren’t. I recommend a Ted’s Tacos & Cantina test run to anyone looking for a cutesy date to a Mexican restaurant. Personally, you won’t catch me in there again, but I will be reusing the takehome cup for the next decade.

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

Farm to You offers a unique experience for students who are interested in agriculture. The intended audience is students between first and sixth grade, Community Nutrition Education Programs develops it. Farm to You is free. Its goal is to help young students identify different types of food, physical activity and good dental hygiene.

Jenni Klufa, the associate state extension specialist and interim Farm to You coordinator, has overseen the operations. There are two different learning opportunities that are available for students. The traditional Farm to You experience has more requirements than the virtual option. She said the organization travels in a van across Oklahoma to elementary schools and needs volunteers to make it happen.

Farm to You is one of four nutrition programs in the extension program. The other nutrition extensions are Teen

It is an advantage OSU has over other universities in the state as a land-grant university.

“The extension role is to take the information, research and evidence we learn on campus through all of our amazing scientists and translate it for the general public,” Klufa said.

They set up nine stations for the students to travel through them within an hour. At the end of the exhibit, students are given out “passports” on what they learned, and the teachers give feedback.

According to extension.okstate. edu, the minimum number of students who need to participate is 250 people each day and a 40-by-40 foot indoor facility that is also clean.

During the traditional format, they did nearly 20 or more visits a year around Oklahoma. Along with students participating, the farm needs volunteers to help. Volunteers can be high school students, members of the community, parents and more. At least 12 people must be at the exhibit each day

and eight to set it up each day its is open. Since the pandemic happened in 2020, there was a virtual Farm to You created to accommodate virtual learning.

According to extension.okstate. edu, requirements for the virtual Farm to You is having a good internet connection and Zoom feed in classrooms. More requirements are technology tests prior to the visit and teachers to talk to students about the farm. The virtual Farm to You has no requirements on how people decide to join the farm.

All virtual visits are done live, and it allows the exhibit to visit more than one school during the day.

“We were shocked at the level of engagement with the virtual one and kept it live because we thought it was a huge part of why the kids were engaged,” Klufa said. “The teachers feedback was just as positive with in person.”

The head position of Farm to You is available and OSU is actively looking for someone to fill the role.

Chase Davis

Ted’s Tacos and Cantina brings Tex-Mex flavors to Stillwater.

Carson Buller Staff Reporter

“I thought it was special that they wanted to focus on the fact that I’m a first generation graduate,” Cheves said.

Cheves is the manager of student retention in the Spears School of Business. She has worked at OSU for 10 years and has been in the business building for two.

Cheves has a bachelor’s degree in education from OSU and is seeking her master’s degree in educational leadership studies with an option in higher education. She is also pursuing certificates in hidden populations and foundations of career development.

Cheves instills the value of finishing what you start in her children and has a tattoo of a forward-pointing arrow on her foot with the words, “only forward motion.”

“No matter what happens in life, we’re not going backward,” Cheves said. “We’re

gonna continue to step forward. Even if that means one tiny step forward.”

Cheves first came to OSU in 2002 as a freshman. The journey was far from traditional. She was a teen mom with a 3-month-old and the first in her family to attend college.

Cheves had to take care of her son Luke while making time for her schoolwork. No one in her family had the experience to help or guide her on her college journey.

Cheves attended OSU for two years before leaving. Cheves said she struggled with imposter syndrome during those two years at OSU and believed everyone around her deserved to be at OSU and she didn’t. She refused to ask for help until she hit her mental and financial capacity, causing her to leave.

“I do have a unique story,” Cheves said. “It is everything that I am. Everything that I am today is because of the things that I walked through to get here.”

When she returned to OSU, Cheves said the

biggest difference was she used the resources offered to all OSU students. She realized the students who are successful use the resources available to them.

Cheves wants first generation OSU students to know they are not alone, to ask questions and remember they belong here.

“There’s a lot of people here that want to help you and want to see you succeed,” Cheves said. “Come see me. I don’t care if you’re in my college or not. I’d be happy to make sure you have everything you need to be successful.”

To parents pursuing a degree, Cheves wants to remind them to keep moving forward and give themselves grace. “As young parents, there’s a lot of pressure,” she said. “There are resources available to you, seek those out. Ask for help, don’t be ashamed to ask for help.”

To watch the episode or to nominate someone to be a part of the series visit OSU’s website.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Culture...

Acree Taylor, the president of Zeta Beta Phi Sorority, Inc., is the only member of her sorority on campus. While this comes with its challenges, Taylor said it allows her to connect with fellow Zetas across the state and country.

No matter the size, Taylor said being a part of a Black Greek Letter Organization has expanded her personal and professional networks.

“Yeah, there’s like three different sororities, but we’re all still friends,” Taylor said.

“I’m friends with an AKA, I’m friends with a Delta, like I know, I’m friends with them. Being on campus, it just brings more people together.”

Particularly with a small percentage of students part of Black Greek Letter Organizations, it is important to foster friendship. The collaborative environment these organizations have created makes a stronger community.

Hudson shared the importance of highlighting Black students and organizations.

“They see Black excellence,” Hudson said. “And I think it needs to be brought out more. There are too

many people that I know that are doing great things on campus, but nobody ever hears of it because we go to a PWI (predominantly white institution).”

This recognition goes beyond Instagram stories or tabling under Chi-O Clock. Having organizations give space for Black students is an important part of campus culture.

Blayke Gilmore, the president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and president of OSU’s National PanHellenic Council, shared the impact she sees for minority students.

“I think all the sororities in the D9, the Divine Nine, NPHC, have an opportunity to give these students a safe place for them and give them the opportunity,” Gilmore said. “So I think we have a lot of power in our hands to bring more students of color, to diversify different experiences for these students.”

Gilmore said she has gained an important network through Alpha Kapp Alpha Sorority, Inc. She travels frequently across the country in her role as president, to places like Chicago and Los Angeles. Gilmore said AKA has given her connections past college. One of her most notable experiences is speaking with AKA alumnae and

Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. These organizations give Black students a comfortable environment where they can feel understood.

Keelon VineyYoung, the president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., said his goal is to make everyone feel welcome.

“For me, it’s always important to anybody coming to a space that they’re not used to,” Viney-Young said. “They’re going to find a sense of community. I feel like organizations like fraternities or sororities, give you time and space to foster community.”

Each organization does its part to serve and share its values with the OSU community and beyond. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. performed, in collaboration with other Historically Black Colleges and Universities, at the Oklahoma City Thunder halftime show. Recently, all five sororities and fraternities performed their strolls during halftime of the OSU vs. Kansas men’s basketball game. For more information on OSU’s five historically Black sororities and fraternities, visit lcl. okstate.edu/gogreek/ and click on the “National Pan-Hellenic Council” tab.

Pete’s Pet Posse celebrates its 10-year anniversay

Isaac Terry Staff Reporter

Pete’s Pet Posse is giving away new cards in celebration of a decade of pup-centered therapy.

This year marks a special anniversary for Pete’s Pet Posse. The dogs have been brightening the university for 10 years. The special date asks for a special celebration, so all of the current dogs had a new photo shoot for some exclusive cards this semester.

When students run into a Pete’s Pet Posse dog, it’s likely they will collect one of the many trading cards tailored to each dog on the team. Each card has a unique picture on the front and some fun facts about the dogs on the back.

These new cards are not just to look snazzy, they also come with prizes for those who collect them. As few as 15 cards collected will earn you a prize, according to the official Pete’s Pet Posse Twitter page.

Fifteen special anniversary cards will get students a 3-inch collector’s button with the 10-year seal. If students collect 20 of the special cards, they will receive a “Joe’s Cup” from Eskimo Joe’s with the 10-year Pete’s Pet Posse seal on it.

There is also a grand prize that requires someone to get all of the available dogs’ 10-year anniversary cards.

Pete’s

This prize is rumored to be a copy of the original Pete’s Pet Posse dogs. The cards cannot be found anymore because the dogs either retired from Pet’s Posse or have died.

You can keep track of where the Pete’s Pet Posse dogs are at throughout the week by visiting its official Twitter and Instagram account @pets4pete or Facebook account “Pete’s Pet Posse.”

There are many activities throughout the week, ranging from Tea time with Darwin at Stout Hall, to visits to the library and everything in between.

This year, they’ve teamed up with Eskimo Joe’s to create official Pete’s Pet Posse branded cups, shirts and other memorabilia that you can get at Eskimo Joe’s or online.

The Pet Posse has also posted

Isaac Terry

the original dogs that started in 2013, some of which are still with the posse. Students can find that at okstate.edu and search “A decade of dogs.” They can also search for “Meet the Pups” in order to bring up every dog currently in Pete’s Pet Posse. The organization is also expecting to add 21 new dogs on June 2. Students can keep an eye out for new friendly faces out across campus.

Chase Davis

President Kayse Shrum continues to highlight the determined and resilient members of the Cowboy

Continued from 1B

Jaiden Daughty

NPHC members perform strolls at halftime. news.ed@ocolly.com

Pet Posse dogs can be found around campus.

Queen...

outnumbers the attackers, giving those in hiding the opportunity to attack or distract the shooter.

Although mass shootings have become increasingly common, media coverage of the events has distanced students from the reality of shootings on college campuses.

Avery Johnson, a jazz studies and performance freshman, said he believes he would connect with the story of the MSU shooting through increased media spotlight on the victims rather than the shooter.

“For me, it doesn’t really change how I view my campus, just because like it feels it’s one of those things where you hear about, like a tsunami or an earthquake or any other disaster like that, and it feels so far away from you that you don’t really put it into perspective that that happened,” Johnson said.

Queen strives to provide students with that perspective and educate them on how to protect themselves and others on campus.

“I’ve had a lot of experiences, and I’m just trying to pass on that wisdom to young college kids that just don’t know yet,” Queen said.

Rowdy Reviews: ‘You’ Season 4

Joe is doing the same thing except with a new name — and profession. One of Netflix’s top love and crime shows is back. In this edition of Rowdy Reviews, I breakdown each episode while highlighting key points and not spoiling as much as possible. This season of “You” has Joe in a new environment with entirely new people and new challenges.

Episode 1: ‘Joe Takes a Holiday’

Vampire Weekend’s “Oxford Comma.”

That’s the song that viewers were greeted with after the recap scene. It’s a song played during a scene highlighting the old-style London buildings, including London Bridge. The song ties directly into what everyone’s favorite stalker does during his day job. Joe is back.

He’s different, but only in appearance. New hairstyle, he grew a beard, his clothing style is slight-

ly different and he’s also Jonathan Moore. It’s about time his interest in literature got him a teaching job. It’s interesting seeing him teach his passion to the youth, and it’s not the first time he’s shown a soft spot when literature and kids are intertwined. The preface of how Joe is doing and what he’s doing is short-lived before it gets directly into what could be the main conflict. He still has intrusive thoughts about Marienne, his most recent love interest and the main reason he traveled overseas. However, Joe moved on from Beck. If he could do that, Marienne should soon be an afterthought. Which is wrong. He’s now on a quest to prove he’s not the man she thinks he is. That was before a dead body was on his kitchen table. The first episode presents a unique situation for Joe. The story certainly is different from the past three seasons and presents yet another wrinkle in the show, which is a credit to the writing development of the show. The first

episode keeps you guessing and it keeps you intrigued to see what Joe does next as he seems to be more in a battle within his conscience more than any human entity.

Episode 2: ‘Portrait of the Artist’

It becomes evident that there is going to be a massive built-up of anticipation that will explode at some point in the show. Episode two is a changing of the guard, where the criminal becomes the detective, or even lawyer. Or both. Joe is on a quest to crack who is tormenting him and attempting to frame him for murder.

In his mind, Joe can do no wrong. So when he’s actually done nothing wrong and he’s now being framed for murder, his mind (already insane) goes insane attempting to find out who is trying to frame him. Considering he’s among a crowd of people of which he hates (rich people), he sees anyone as a true culprit, except for one: Kate.

He begins to do a process of elimination (as does the

viewer, speaking from experience) which goes rather quickly. As he gets to know everyone, or hate, for that matter, he seemingly finds a diamond in the rough, Rhys Montrose, an author. He quickly befriends Montrose, who seems to have common ideologies and interests to Joe.

He also has enlisted the help of one of his students, who happens to be a fan of “whodunits.” Her advice, through years of reading such books, helps Joe channel his inner detective. It also gives him clues as to what could happen next in the saga he’s found himself amidst. The first suspect is often the second victim. Another murder occurs and it causes a wrinkle in Joe’s map to figuring out who is attempting to frame him. Meanwhile, the real killer and terrorizer has been trying to find out Joe’s identity, as they have a very true hunch that he’s not the Jonathan Moore he says he is. And at the end, he seemingly figures him out.

of Tribune News Service

‘Trigun Stampede’: First impressions

After 20 years, the “Trigun” story got the reboot it needed.

Madhouse Studios was responsible for “Trigum Stampede,” the reboot of the 1998 sci-fi western anime series “Trigun.”

The original “Trigun” series ran for one season with 26 episodes, with most of its episodes considered “filler” that was separate from the manga it was based on written by Yasuhiro Nightow.

“Trigun Stampede” was created to show the new direction that Nightow and others wanted to handle the protagonist of “Trigun,” Vash the Stampede.

“Trigun Stampede” follows the same characters as the original story, but with a few differences. The anime follows Vash the Stampede, a wanted outlaw and gunman, as he travels the fictional planet No Man’s Land going on wacky adventures escaping bounty hunters and other zany characters. Madhouse produced the 1998 series but CG Studio Orange took the lead for the reboot.

CG Studio Orange is known for its CGI, and “Trigun Stampede” is no

exception. The entirety of the anime is 3D CGI, which to some anime fans is an immediate red flag with many series struggling with their use of CGI. However, “Trigun Stampede” does not have this problem.

“Trigun Stampede”’s CG aspect works great with the series because it is full of engaging and well-choreographed action paired with bright and clean visuals that heavily contrast with the 1998 series. The 3D animation also allows the characters to be expressive, so the comedy in the show hits most of the time. Scenes almost never feel stagnant and are always expressive.

Similar to the original “Trigun,” the reboot is episodic. There is a story that is gradually building up, but the first few episodes are all focused on smaller events in Vash’s journey with some major plot sprinkled in here and there.

Going back to the action, “Trigun Stampede” is much gorier than the first two episodes would make it seem. Some of the action and events can get pretty gruesome, which can hit you out of the left field with how lighthearted most of the show is, especially Vash’s character.

Speaking of Vash, he is the star of the show and no other character in the

risma that Vash has. From his eccentric outfit with his bright red jacket and orange sunglasses to his standout blonde hair, Vash stands out heavily among the crowd.

His personality and comedic moments also make him a joy to watch. This leads to side characters feeling way less important to the story, and makes the audience want Vash on screen as much as possible. Vash also has the best action sequences in the show. He is a master gunman, and his crazy speed and precision in fights have put a huge target on his head. Those who know the legend of Vash refer to him as “The Human Typhoon.”

What is interesting about Vash is that he is a pacifist and tries to solve problems without violence, which leads to some heartfelt and emotional scenes. But when Vash has to fight, it is quite entertaining.

“Trigun Stampede” has six episodes available on Crunchyroll and Hulu with new episodes coming out every Saturday. The anime is set to have at least 12 episodes, and there has been no announcement yet if the series will continue with more episodes.

Courtesy

Courtesy

Penn Badgley stars again in Netflix’s “You.” This time, in season four, he’s gone abroad to England.

Rowdy Baribeau Staff Reporter

Baylor Bryant Staff Reporter

U.S. Secretary of Labor, Walsh, tours Tulsa’s Black Wall Street

Bella Casey Staff Reporter

History matters. U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh connected with Tulsa residents and business owners as he dove into the history of Black Wall Street on Feb. 10.

Two days before Secretary Walsh’s visit, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the unemployment rate for Black Americans is at its second lowest point in history. In an effort to eliminate the systemic issues barring Oklahomans from accessing unemployment and insurance benefits, Walsh announced Oklahoma will receive a $4,562,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act funds. New Jersey and Connecticut will receive similar grants.

Walsh’s tour of Black Wall Street allowed him to grasp Tulsa’s economic background on a personal level through conversations with local business owners, a visit to the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center and a tour of the Greenwood District.

Tulsa’s Greenwood district thrived after World War I. A brief elevator ride that a Black man and a white woman shared sparked accusations that inspired white rioters to destroy the city, leaving about 800 injured and 300 dead. The Oklahoma education system omitted the Tulsa Race Massacre from its curriculum until 2020.

“Understanding history’s successes and failures allows us to change our present and our future by ending economic injustice and making sure people in underserved communities share in our nation’s prosperity,” Walsh said. “The Biden-Harris administration is empowering Black entrepreneurs in places like Tulsa with new investments that will lead to business start-ups, innovation and job creation. Supporting Black businesses builds Black wealth and provides

good-paying jobs for workers in these communities.”

The Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center details the events that demolished the oncethriving black community of Greenwood. The center consists of historical artifacts, media documents and a barbershop that reflects the atmosphere of 1921.

“What really struck me is, it wasn’t that long ago,” Walsh said.

Students from the Tulsa Job Corps also toured the center and interacted with Walsh. John Sandera, a student with the Tulsa Job Corps, said the center provided him with information related to the Tulsa Race Massacre that he was unaware of.

“It gives me more perspective of everything and my African American right to learn about my culture,” Sandera said.

Walsh spoke with local business owners about the economic climate of the area and differences they hope to

see in their community. He first spoke with Cleo Harris, owner of Black Wall Street Tees and Souvenirs.

Harris’ Tulsa roots run deep— she is a descendant of a woman injured in the Tulsa Race Massacre. Harris discussed her thoughts on her community’s economic and cultural state with Walsh.

“I would like to see reparations, I would like to see more support for Black-owned businesses and I would like to see preserving the history in a way where it is not just a ceremonialtype thing, fun fest, but a memorial to where people can learn the true, authentic history of what happened here,” Harris said.

Walsh also spoke with Wanda J. Armstrong and Ty Walker of Wanda J’s Soul Food and Angela Robinson of Black Wall Street Corner Store and More.

As Walsh exited Wanda J’s Soul Food, the KIPP Tulsa University Preparatory School’s band greeted him.

Ta’Shana Scott, a student at KIPP, said she was nervous to play for the secretary, but considered the performance a good experience.

“It was thrilling, because I’ve never done anything like that before,” Scott said.

Walsh also visited the U.S. Black Chambers of Commerce’s Greenwood Women’s Business Center and the Talking Leaves Job Corps Center in Park Hill.

Visiting Tulsa allowed Walsh to get a “full understanding” of the opportunities the area needs. No state’s needs are identical, and learning the history of communities such as Black Wall Street provides Walsh with context related to the economic strengths and weaknesses of the area.

“Obviously, that history is not always good history,” Walsh said. “But that doesn’t mean you just erase it. That means you take what you learned from that.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Jaiden Daughty

It takes a village to rebuild what was lost. Close to a century later, Black Wall Street still thrives.

Condom bingo: Intentional in spreading sexual awareness

Isaac Terry Staff Reporter

The Student Union Activities Board is well known for its bingo nights.

SUAB teamed up with 1is2 Many and the Oklahoma Department of Health to host a Condom Bingo on Monday.

Bingo was filled with many rounds of different bingo shapes, multiple rounds of trivia and a demonstration on how to use different types of condoms. The room was filled with music to create a relaxed and fun environment. Songs like “Careless Whisper” by George Michael, Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” and Britney Spears’ “Toxic” played as they called the first bingo number, “O 69.”

A retro mini fridge, a speaker set, a bundle with a glass dip pen, an echo dot and an ancestry DNA kit were some of the prizes for the eight different bingo rounds included.

Upon arrival, attendees were shown a table with several different types of condoms, including internal condoms, external condoms, dental dams, lubricant packets, buttons, 1 Is 2 Many ChapStick, a condom measuring chart and handy information on how to

contact the victim support. The Oklahoma Department of Health donated most of the items and the table was almost completely empty at the end of the night.

Halfway through the night three women from the Oklahoma Department of Health took the stage and demonstrated how to put on external condoms, how to put in internal condoms, how to use dental dams for oral sex and how to make your own dental dams out of existing condoms.

The Oklahoma Department of Health workers let the attendees know that they can get free HIV and STD screening at the Payne County Health Department. There are also several places across campus to get free condoms if you are in need, such as the Oklahoma State University Clinic near the pharmacy or in the locker rooms at the Colvin Center.

1is2 Many hosted three separate rounds of trivia throughout the night, with more than 150 people in the Student Union theatre scrambling to join the 10-question Kahoot games. The questions focused on things such as sexual health, consent, sexual etiquette and how to get help for sexual assault in Stillwater. The top 3 winners of each game won a prize, ranging from fuzzy blankets to card games.

This is not the first year OSU

has hosted a condom bingo before, and there is a good chance it won’t be the last. Tony Dong, the director of the outreach committee for SUAB, was happy with the turnout, saying that compared to last year, this year’s event had an outstanding amount of students participating.

“I’m really happy,” Dong said. “The main goal is to help students learn about sexual health, and we get good incentives that we think will get people to come and that are viable [for SUAB].”

SUAB is hosting another trivia night on Feb.27, Soda Pop Shoppe

Trivia. They are also hosting a “Spring Broke” bingo on March 20, with “International Tea” Bingo following.

“The intent and main focus with this event are to provide a fun and engaging time for students to learn more about sexual health,” Dong said. “I believe that having a bingo/trivia event with the goal and intention of spreading awareness is the easiest and most welcoming way to bring students in and educate them on a topic that they may not know much or want to learn about.”

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

James Jones Staff Reporter

Have you ever had a nightmare so inherently frightening and vivid in terms of your home or close relationships that you woke up in a cold sweat confused and terrified if your dream was reality?

Well, if you have and want to relive that feeling, or haven’t and want to experience that for the first time, “Macabre: Shinamarink” is the movie for you.

Kyle Edward Ball, the director and writer, tells the story of two children who wake up in a home that contains no doors or windows. That is the overall synopsis of the plot, which in the end, is a nonexistent plot. This movie is more of an experience than anything and explores more with its ambiance and your overall imagination. And when I say the movie experiments, I mean EXPERIMENTS.

This entire film from start to finish feels like a sick, sadistic ride that challenges your childhood nostalgia in the worst way possible. Rather than hit you with a sudden jump scare to get that good jolt of adrenaline, this movie takes its time and plays

chess with your fightor-flight instincts. A lot of dark spaces, silence and eerie noises are used expertly within this film and make you as if you’re in a constant state of panic with no end. The moments when the camera would pan slowly to the right or left to a dark section of the room, there was no sound, just dead silence, meanwhile, the camera focused on that one spot for minutes, making the viewer feel on edge expecting something to happen. And to make it feel like a cruel joke on your anxiety, nothing happens.

That doesn’t mean this film doesn’t throw a curveball here and there as there are sections that legitimately made me jump. I won’t describe these parts as you must experience them yourself if you choose to do so.

I would rate this film a solid 7.5/10. Not everyone would enjoy this movie as it is slow and sluggish with its execution, but if ambient or analog-style horror is your forte I highly recommend checking this out. It is currently up for streaming on Shudder or in a select few theatres.

of no little dreams:’ President Henry G. Bennett

Taylor Carroll Staff Reporter

Henry G. Bennett died as the president of OSU and made history at the university.

OSU boasts statues of important figures spread across campus and many students don’t know why they are there. Bennett’s statue commemorates the success he gained from transforming OSU into a renowned university.

He launched a “25 Year Plan” to transform the institution at the start of his presidency, and in 1951, the school had more than $50 million in renovations, and enrollment had burgeoned to more than $12,000.

Bennett was born in Nevada County, Arkansas, on Dec. 14, 1886, and graduated college from Ouachita College. Bennett moved to Boswell to teach. He met his wife, Vera Pearl Connell, in Durant when he was superintendent of Hugo Public Schools in 1913. Close to a decade after, he converted himself into president of Southeastern State Normal School, now Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Many people in the district embraced Bennett and he was known as “a dreamer of no little dreams with magic for transporting them into reality.”

In 1928, enrollment tripled and he applied to Oklahoma Agricultural & Mechanical College, now

Oklahoma State University, to gain a master’s degree in 1924. In 1928, Bennett followed it up going to Columbia University to earn a doctorate and was chosen the same year to be president of Oklahoma A&M College.

Enrollment changed from less than 4,000 to 25,000 a year and advanced the college to include doctrine degrees. Bennett and his wife died in a plane crash near Tehran, Iran, on Dec. 22, 1951.

At the turn of the 21st century, the Bennett Memorial Chapel at OSU and the Southeastern Oklahoma State University library stood as memorials in his honor. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall

of Fame in 1938. He was mentioned in the Oklahoma Today magazine in the 2000s as being one of the 50 most influential Oklahomans in the past century, according to oklahomahof.com.

Bennett’s statue on campus is located at 1002 W. Whitehurst Lane, east side of Whitehurst.

William L. Peterson was responsible for bringing Bennett’s statue to life. Peterson also made Bricktown in Oklahoma City with John M. Williams, and Neil Horton. He used to have a job in business and law until he started sculpting in 1973 and traded his past career to sculpt daily in the 1980s. Peterson’s sculpture of Bennett was made from bronze and stone material in 1990.

Isaac Terry

1is2 Many hosted three separate rounds of trivia throughout the night, with over 150 people in the Student Union theatre scrambling to join the 10-question Kahoot games.

‘Cruel joke on anxiety’: review on ‘Macabre: Skinamarink’

Library Archives

‘Dreamer

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and li quor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University.

Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6 Monday thru Saturday

Business Squares Business Squares Company Coming?

Check out “Cowboy Cabin”

550 steps east of Boone Pickens Stadium

Airbnb.com/h/cowboy-cabin

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes (TNS)

Today’s Birthday (02/17/23). Creative and communication arts flower this year. Disciplined personal routines and practices build self-confidence. Making domestic improvements this winter leads to energized springtime artistry, connection and collaboration. Professional changes require summer adaptation, inspiring an exciting autumn research project. Write your story and share widely.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Follow a professional dream. Amplify and grow the fun and passion in your work. Build and develop valuable skills. Imagine exciting career possibilities.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Adventure calls. Avenues toward a long-held dream beckon. Communication, shipping and transportation channels flow with greater ease. Make bold discoveries. Explore uncharted territory.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Make agreements and sign contracts. You’re building for the long-term. Strategize and envision perfection together. Prepare applications, documents or checks. Collaborate for shared gain.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Collaboration flowers in interesting directions. Connect over shared commitments. Romance arises in conversation. Talk about dreams, passions and possibilities. Share gratitude and appreciation.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Take on a physical challenge. Build to fulfill a long-term dream. Envision the beautiful results. Get support from friends, coaches and experts. You’re growing stronger.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Savor a dreamy romance. Talk about potential and possibilities with someone you love. Create works of beauty and passion. Express what’s in your heart.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Visions of domestic renewal inspire action. Adjust spaces for current situations. Consider color, art and lighting. Savor home cooking projects. Get creative and inventive.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Discover inspiration all around. Creative muses harmonize in the whispering wind. Notice good news and talented artists. Throw your song into the river.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Abundance is available. Harvest as much as you can. Conserve and preserve valuable resources. Share the bounty. Nurture and care for the garden together.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — You’re realizing a personal dream. Abandon self-criticism. Honor your word as yourself. Align with a sense of purpose. Dress for success. Savor satisfying results.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Savor a private retreat to plan and organize. Schedule carefully to implement your vision. Consider options and choose. Invent and realize a delightful possibility.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Teamwork can move mountains. Pull together to address a challenging situation. Word travels fast. Invite participation. Social connection reveals solutions. Share information, support and resources.

Jeff Stillman

Tribune Content Agency, LLC

‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian’ season 1 recap

“Star Wars: The Mandalorian” initial release took the Star Wars fans by storm. As the first live-action “Star Wars” property to air as a series, many wondered if it would live up to the hype portrayed in trailers and media campaigns. The show lived up to expectations and paved the way for multiple new liveaction series.

It takes time to produce a show such as “The Mandalorian,” and with delays due to COVID-19, only two seasons are streaming. Four years later, the third season will premiere on March 1, with eight total episodes released weekly.

After four years and an appearance in the “Book of Boba Fett,” many casual and super fans may need a quick refresher.

S1 E1: Chapter 1: The Mandalorian

In the debut episode of “The Mandalorian”, the armor-clad Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) takes a job from

the Galatic Empire to track down an asset for a stack of the beskar metal his people covet. The Mandalorian finds the bounty after a hard-fought battle and a team-up with IG-11 (Taika Waititi) and he successfully secures the package. The episode ends with the Mandalorian discovering that his bounty is a little green Yoda-like alien known only as “the child.”

S1 E2: Chapter 2: The Child

After Jawas strip the Mandalorian’s ship for parts, Kuiil (Nick Nolte), a local farmer, helps the Mandalorian strike a deal with the Jawas to steal the egg of a Mudhorn. The Mandalorian takes on the Mudhorn, a rhino-like creature, and defeats it with force-wielding assistance from the child. The episode ends with the Mandalorian and Kuiil rebuilding his ship and the uncertainty of the child’s unannounced force sensitivity hanging over them.

S1 E3: Chapter 3: The Sin

The Mandalorian delivers the child to the empire on Nevaro, collects his bounty and returns to his enclave. As the Armorer (Emily Swallow), the unspoken leader of the enclave, melts down the beskar, the Mandalorian questions his actions. After a change of heart,

the Mandalorian rescues the child and narrowly escapes Greef Karga (Caral Weathers) and his band of bounty hunters who want to collect on the child’s bounty.

S1 E4: Chapter 4: The Sanctuary

While hiding out on Sorgan, the Mandalorian runs into ex-rebel Cara Dune (Gina Carano), and the two agree to help a local fishing village facing Klatooian raiders. The two successfully fend off the pirates, but the Mandalorian forms a connection with Omera (Julia Jones), a villager, revealing to her that he has never removed his helmet for anyone. The Mandalorian and the child eventually leave the village.

S1 E5: Chapter 5: The Gunslinger

After his ship is damaged again, the Mandalorian request help from Pelli Moto, a mechanic on Tatooine, to pay for the repairs; he teams up with young bounty hunter Toro Calican (Jake Cannavale) to hunt down assassin Feenec Shand (Ming Na-Wen). The two succeed, but Calican betrays the Mandalorian, taking the child hostage. The Mandalorian kills him and escapes with the child leaving Shand behind to

be rescued by Boba Fett (Temura Morrison).

S1 E6: Chapter 6: The Prisoner

The Mandalorian teams up with a former acquaintance, Migs Mayfeld (Bill Burr), on a rescue mission for a hefty sum. The Mandalorian is doublecrossed and makes a daring escape with the child.

S1 E7: Chapter 7: The Reckoning

Greef Karga requests the Mandalorian’s help fending off the imperials, led by Moff Gideon (Giańcarlo Esposito), occupying Nevaro. The Mandalorian, the child Dune, IG-11, and Kuiil team up to free the town. The empire captures the child and kills Kuiil in the process.

S1 E8: Chapter 8: Redemption

The Armorer tasks the Mandalorian, Din Djarin, to take the child to its kind. The Mandalorian, Dune, and IG11 rescue the child, and IG-11 sacrifices himself. The Mandalorian defeats Moff Gideon with the help of the enclave and earns a new jet pack.

Lethal fentanyl poisoning is real.

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

Learn the facts and protect those you love.

Courtesy of Disney+

“Star Wars: The Mandalorian” was released in 2019 and its third season was delayed due to COVID-19.

Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

Linguistic professor talks about language blending at OSU

Isaac Terry Staff Reporter

Jacquelin Toribio visited OSU on Feb. 9 to talk about linguistics, code-swapping and how languages blend together.

The Norris Speaker Series presented the series and hosted Toribio, a professor of linguistics in the department of Spanish and Portuguese.

Because of the efforts of Carol Ready, Sara Loss and Valerie Freeman, Toribio was able to give students and staff at OSU a look into how different languages interact and how different dialects and creoles can affect how people view those who speak even their own languages.

Toribio is a native of the Dominican Republic and was raised in New York. She received a B.A. in French linguistics and psychology at Cornell, where she found her love for linguistics.

She completed a summer internship studying how people who suffered head injuries would be able to recover their speech.

“I’m like, oh my goodness,” Toribio said. “I’m getting really interested in language. But I knew I didn’t want to do the clinical. Then in my senior year of undergrad, I had my first general linguistics class and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Toribio received her M.A. in linguistics and cognitive science from Brandeis University and then returned to Cornell for her Ph.D. in linguistics.

Even though Toribio can speak several languages and several variations of the same languages today, she originally spoke a dialect of Spanish from the Dominican Republic, which is often criticized by those living in the DR as being “the worst kind of Spanish.” This led to her feeling alienated.

“I feel very secure now in my language,” Toribio said. “There is a linguist at North Carolina that says we should start conducting research in our own backyard. Just start, not only documenting language variation in your communities, but highlighting the diversity that is

observed.”

Toribio said this is something the general population can do that can help people feel more accepted for their language in their local communities.

Toribio can often be found speaking in “code-switching,” something she has dedicated her life to studying. In code-switching, a person may switch between two languages, for example, English and Spanish, in the same conversation. The switches could be as small as swapping to English to say dates and times, to even switching languages every few words.

Toribio is well known for her code-switching studies, looking at how patterns, phonetics and other language aspects effect how much and how often people code-switch. She is also well known for her studies of English, Spanish and Spanglish.

Toribio visited multiple classes at OSU after her talk. She went over languages and the Hispanophone Caribbeans, language ideologies and language attitudes on the Dominican Republic-Haiti border, how to get into linguistics and more.

Ready said she was thrilled to have Toribio visit OSU.

“I would consider her a sort of role model for me as a linguist, and as a Spanish linguist in particular,” Ready said. “I followed her work and I met Dr. Toribio when I was in graduate school… she came to a conference. I read her before I even met her and I was excited to talk with her about her work, and all of the iterations of her work… she does things [I like], but also a lot of interdisciplinary work that includes more than just what people think of as linguistics.”

Toribio said she loved her time at OSU. She even threw a pizza party at Hideaway Pizza the day following her talks.

“I think she would love to come back,” Ready said. “She really enjoyed her time here. She really enjoyed the questions from the students, and she saw great potential that is at OSU in terms of linguistics and languages in particular.”

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Isaac Terry

Jacquelin Toribio went on to receive her M.A. in linguistics and cognitive science from Brandeis University, and then returned to Cornell to get her Ph.D. in linguistics.