The O'Colly, Friday, February 23. 2024

Friday, February 23, 2024

OSU student in custody for fatal on-campus hit-and-run

Bella Casey News and Lifestyle Assistant Editor

An OSU student is being held on the charge of fleeing the scene of a fatality.

About 10 a.m. Thursday, a truck hit OSU student Gabrielle Claudia Long, 19, on the north side of campus at Monroe Street and Cantwell Avenue. At 3:27 p.m., OSU Campus Safety posted on Facebook that Long died.

Tyler Peters, 21, was taken into custody and is being held at the Payne County Jail.

President Dr. Kayse Shrum shared a statement noting she is heartbroken by the loss of the student.

“On behalf of the Cowboy family, our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family, friends, classmates and professors. If you need support following this tragic event, know that OSU has many resources available to help you.”

OSU Campus Safety has posted no updates since, and Shannon Rigsby, a public information officer, said in an email the initial offense report is not completed and therefor cannot be shared.

After an incident occurs, police departments typically collect preliminary information such as the offense, date, time, general location and responding officer(s). Under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, law enforcement must make this information available for public inspection.

OSUPD has yet to make it available.

In an email, OSUPD Capt. Leon Jones said this information could take “a few days to a week” to be ready.

According to the Oklahoma Open Records Act, law enforcement agencies shall make available for public inspection, if kept, “A chronological list of all incidents, including initial offense report information showing the offense, date, time, general location, officer and a brief summary of what occurred.”

“And that is an open record under the (Oklahoma) Open Records Act and should be made readily available, regardless of any kind of ongoing investigation,” said Kurt Gwartney, executive director for FOI Oklahoma. “Sometimes, law enforcement will use the, ‘Well, this is under investigation.’ And not the only people who use that phrase, to try to keep records that, really, in most cases, should be open and available to the public, out of the public view.” Peters could face a misdemeanor or a felony and up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

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OSU releases land use acknowledgment

Luisa Clausen Editor-in-Chief

After five years of discussion, OSU officially acknowledged this month it sits on land that once belonged to Native Americans.

The university’s land ac-

knowledgment statement, placed on a plaque Feb. 9 near the bison topiary on Hester Street, doesn’t note which tribe occupied this land. The statement noted that OSU is on “territorial lands currently inhabited and preserved by citizens of the 39 sovereign tribal governments within Oklahoma.”

The effort to create a land acknowledgment statement for OSU began in 2019 with students from the Center of Sovereign Nations and the Native American Student Association.

See Land on 6A

competed

Black history month

1956 Washington School champions finally honored

Kennedy Thomason News & Lifestyle Editor

Riding on the school bus that was taking the Wash-

ington Bears basketball team back to Stillwater, John Reed Jr. sat in his sweaty uniform. His team traveled to and from Yale for three days as it kept winning in the district tournament. After every game, the team would

come,” Reed Jr. said. Reed Jr., along with John Cook, James Reed and Chalres McGlory, are the four living members of the Booker T. Washington High School’s 1956 state champion basketball team. 1956 was the first year Black teams were allowed to play against white teams as integration was beginning across Oklahoma.

Mr. & Miss Black OSU to represent students, culture

Grace Balducci Staff Reporter

The Mr. & Miss Black OSU crowns are up for grabs.

On Feb. 24 at 4 p.m., the African American Student Association will host the annual Mr. & Miss Black OSU 2024 pageant. It will take place in the Student Union Theatre. This year, Albony Bryles and Kennedy Dixon will be competing for Miss Black OSU. For Mr. Black OSU, Toni Purnell. The pageant will have a platform speech, cultural wear to define what Black culture means to the contestant, a talent portion, an evening gown segment and it will end with a question to the contestants. All contestants have been prepping since November, and the candidates have had weekly Tuesday practices since.

Although she is a fresh-

File photo

All contestants for Mr. & Miss Black OSU have been preparing since November, and the candidates have had weekly Tuesday practices since. In the photo, contestants from last year perform their talent.

man, Bryles said running for Miss Black OSU important to her. “To me, the pageant represents someone who’s willing to advocate for the Black community here at OSU,” Bryles said. “We are a very small population, but

being able to step into that role means you’re going to be planning, having meetings, talking to people about whatever could be a current occurrence or events we want to have or anything that pertains to the Black community.”

See Contestants on 4A

Courtesy of Laura Arata

The Washington School basketball team won the state championship in 1956. It was the first time an all-Black team

with all-white teams.

OSU’s Wind Ensemble takes on ‘Heavy Metal’

recording. It’s a completely different scenario.”

For years, Kayla Miller dreamed of becoming a professional musician.

However, she never thought she would perform alongside a world-class musician while at OSU.

Alan Baer, the principal tubist for the New York Philharmonic, joined OSU’s Wind Ensemble for its “Heavy Metal” concert, a nod to the program’s feature of low brass voices. After weeks of preparation and three rehearsals alongside Baer, the concert was the first part of a dayslong effort to record a CD featuring OSU students and Baer.

Miller, a junior oboe performance major, said the opportunity to rehearse, play and record with an elite musician is something she relished despite the multiple hourslong sessions over three days.

“It’s kind of terrifying, but exciting,” Miller said. “The process is scary because it’s like being under a microscope, and I’m slightly worried about that part. But I’m really excited about it.”

After years of delay, Baer said he was looking forward to completing the recording, which will serve as a recruitment opportunity for OSU’s Greenwood School of Music while serving as an educational opportunity for listeners and the students in the Wind Ensemble.

“A recording is a whole different level of preparation,” Baer said. “This group doesn’t record much, so this is going to be a huge learning tool for them on how to prepare.

“I always see a marked difference in my students playing when they’re responsible for something from the

The concert and recording session is the product of a 40-year relationship between Baer and OSU’s Director of Bands Bradley Genevro. The two first met in a regional band while they were in high school, but did not get to know each other until they moved into the same dorm building their freshman year of college.

Since, Baer and Genevro have collaborated on several projects throughout their careers. Genevro first approached Baer about recording a CD while he was the director of bands at the University of Texas at El Paso in 2019.

COVID-19 and Genevro’s move from UTEP to OSU delayed the project for years until students in OSU’s Wind Ensemble learned late last year that work on the recording would resume. With performing, practicing and teaching music for countless hours each week, Baer said intensive preparation is necessary for extensive recording projects like his work at OSU, especially as brass players do not play for long periods in professional orchestras. To prepare, Baer added hours to his daily practice routine and scheduled a recital with demanding pieces before coming to OSU.

“We usually don’t do these extended long things,” Baer said. “It’s kind of like getting ready for a marathon, and I’ve been working for this marathon for about two months now.”

Hard work, intentionality and dedication to music are constants in Baer’s life as a professional musician and were values he sought to instill in OSU musicians during rehearsals with the Wind Ensemble. He said curiosity, competitiveness and the ability to respond to criticism were crucial to becoming a success-

ful musician. He also stressed the importance of music history and theory in becoming a well-rounded musician.

“You have to be dedicated, you have to eat and sleep music and try not to go crazy,” Baer said. “It’s so important to take it seriously. You got to do everything, all your studies, if you’re going to make it work.”

Throughout the rehearsal process, students in the ensemble said Baer’s critiques and comments on the pieces helped them better understand their music. Abby Short, a sophomore who plays clarinet with the ensemble, said Baer helped bridge the gap between the ensemble and the director.

“He’ll be playing and conducting,” Short said. “And then you can absorb that as well. He comes from a player’s perspective. You see and hear and feel everything that Alan (Baer) can as part of the ensemble.”

Baer said he enjoyed the opportunity to work with Genevro and challenge himself as a musician while giving back to a university band program. He said they hope to release the recording as soon as possible. However, OSU music students like Miller say the experience has already helped them grow as musicians and feel more confident in their future careers.

Miller said that though he is an elite musician, Baer made mistakes during rehearsals and took years to win his position with the New York Philharmonic, which help her believe her goal of becoming a professional musician is attainable through hard work.

“He’s just another human being who’s really good at his instrument,” Miller said. “He was just a high schooler in region band, and I’m like, ‘I was in region (band), I can relate to that.’ Everyone starts somewhere, and then you can take it from there.”

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“No, it is hot. Even though I’m wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt, by 12 o’clock, I am regretting it all the time. It is never too early to wear shorts.”

“No, I

Michael

“It really depends on how much you’re gonna be out. If you’re out in the mornings to the late nights then definitely pants, but midday, shorts is all the way.”

Ben Holieway

Beyonce, Lana Del Rey, Post Malone pursue country music crossovers in 2024

Ava Whistler Staff Reporter

There is a country wave sweeping over the mainstream music industry.

For a genre that has tried to broaden its audience for years, country music will receive significant exposure this year. Artists such as Beyonce, Lana Del Rey and Post Malone are jumping headfirst into the genre with their upcoming country albums.

Although they are not the first artists who come to mind when thinking of country, they are the next generation of singers and songwriters attempting to jump genres.

During a pre-Grammy event at the beginning of February, Lana Del Rey announced her next LP, “Lasso.” It will have Nashville and deep south undertones and will be released in September. Months before the album announcement, she also released a cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads.”

At the Super Bowl on Feb. 11, Post Malone showed up in western attire and gave a folky-acoustic version of “America the Beautiful.” He has since confirmed that a country record is in the making.

Hours after his performance, Beyonce surprised her fans, releasing two singles from her upcoming country album “Act ll.” She has since inspired conversations about

diversity and inclusivity in country music, especially after an Oklahoma country music station, KYKC, received backlash after refusing to put her new single into rotation.

Although genre jumping has become more prevalent in recent years, it is not a new idea. For decades, prominent singers and songwriters have managed to successfully change music genres throughout their careers. Taylor Swift, Miles Davis and The Beatles are prime examples.

“If you can’t already tell by our award winners and our performers, the music business is going country,” Lana Del Rey said at the Billboard and NMPA Songwriter Awards in Los Angeles. “We’re going country. It’s happening.”

Reptiles take center stage at Stillwater Public Library

Jonah Barker Staff Reporter

Feb. 16.

The library buzzed with excitement from 1-3 p.m. as it hosted “Reptiles at the Library,” an event aimed at children and teenagers grades 3-12 in the Stillwater community.

The library, in collaboration with OSU’s Department of Integrative Biology, had graduate students give an interactive educational experience to the community.

Neil Balchan, a graduate student, said a similar event inspired him, and he was eager to bring the same excitement to the Stillwater community.

“We saw a similar event happen in Nebraska, and wanted to emulate something like that here,” Balchan said. “I reached out to the library a couple of months before the holidays, and they were very interested in doing this, and they’ve been really supportive; it’s been fun.”

The event featured 10 stations, with an OSU student leading each one. Every station showcased a different reptile and featured customized art with descriptions and fun facts about each creature. The stations included various reptiles, from mud turtles and geckos to ball pythons.

Participants had the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the animals, petting and holding snakes, big and small. Along with visiting each station, attendees could read to an assortment of reptiles, comparable to reading with a therapy dog.

Reflecting on the event, an OSU student who helped coordinate and run a station emphasized how important it was to bring hands-on learning experiences to his own community.

“We really want to make sure that kids and adults and members of the public have an exposure to the same organisms that we work with in the lab,” he explained. “I think the public, in general, deserves much more than just isolation to one topic or one group. I think kids and adults are learning a lot today.”

Jordan Stine, the teen librarian at Stillwater Public Library, said there was a lot of effort and coordination with OSU’s team to plan for the event.

“There’s a lot of preparation; we have to write a press release for every program,” Stine said. “We try to get the word out through various channels, including social media and flyers. It’s usually a month-long process.”

Stine said it was a smooth collaboration with Oklahoma State’s Department of Integrative Biology.

“They came to us, Neil from OSU contacted us, and he was really enthusiastic about the program,” Stine said. “They’ve been great to work with, very flexible and supportive.”

Caden Anderson, a young attendee, said he was excited to see the different reptiles. “I really was just excited to touch and pet all the snakes,” Anderson said.

Heather Anderson, Caden Anderson’s mom, praised both organizations’ ability to collaborate.

“I just love that the OSU community is coming together to share with the greater community about reptiles,” she said.

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Eats everywhere

Best dining options on campus

Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

Food is a college student’s best friend, but where can Cowboys grab a bite to eat?

Believe it or not, OSU’s campus is home to more than 30 dining options for students to explore.

Let’s start where life happens: the Student Union.

The Student Union is big on variety, and its delectable delicacies range from Chick-fil-A to Caribou Coffee. Mambo Italiona provides students with pizza and pasta, and Passport deals mainly in international cuisine with a weekly menu. Union Chophouse Taquria’s includes burritos, quesadillas, bowlritos and nachos. Bread & Beyond Deli is students’ one-stop shop for sandwiches. Shake Smart gives students healthy alternatives to satisfy their sweet tooth with shakes, smoothies and acai bowls.

The Union provides some dining options that are unique, including the Plaza Corner Cafe and the Union Express, a convenient opportunity to grab a quick snack.

Take it across campus to North Dining, and students can enjoy Noodle U and Road Trip Pizza & Mac. The Carvery offers weekly hand-carved meat with sides to go — the Natural provides gluten, vegan, and allergen-catered foods.

If you can’t decide between breakfast or lunch, B&B, Co. at North Dining is the place to be. Their name stands for Breakfast and Burgers plus coffee. Zest

provides gyros and rice bowls to the hungry masses. Dash offers sweets and treats to the patrons of North Dining. It’s time to venture outside the two main staples of dining at OSU and explore a little.

For the dorm dwellers, Bennett Hall is rocking it with two food options: Fast Break is a grab-and-go local for the students on the move. Slam Dunk adds more to the table with breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

Adams Market is an excellent place for students to shop on campus if they don’t want to leave and need a quick snack or essentials. The Station graces the campus with fried foods from chicken to okra.

Kerr-Drummond dining is still kicking, with four different food options: Country Barbecue Co., Linguettis, 405 Deli and Twenty-Something, which has a gluten-free section.

There are some more obscure options.

Barkin’ Brews is a coffee shop tucked away in the McElroy Veterinary Medicine building. Planet Orange is chilling in Nancy Randolph Davis, with a smaller sister location at the Spears School of Business.

Cafe Libro enjoys a space in Edmon Low, so students can grab a quick bite or snack while studying.

For students who can’t spare the funds for the sometimes expensive dining options, Pete’s Pantry, Student Stache, Pete’s Eats, Our Daily Bread Mobile Market and the Greenwood School of Music food pantry are available. Visit Student Support and Conduct’s website for more information on basic needs.

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I REMEMBERED THE LORD!

“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.” (Jonah 2:7NIV)

This was one of the most hopeless situations found in the Bible. Jonah had been running from God. He had boarded a ship and a great storm came up on the sea. He admitted to the sailors that he was fleeing from God and he was the cause of the storm. The crew threw him overboard, and he had been swallowed by a large fish. What a mess! What a hopeless mess caused by his own disobedience. Maybe you can relate to Jonah?

Another translation reads; “When my heart fainted within me, I remembered the Lord.” There seem to be no way out. He was completely helpless, and he had caused the whole thing. When all hope was gone; when my heart was fainting; when my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord.

Listen to me! God is ruler over hopeless situations. He is ruler over our self made problems. He is God no matter what the situation. I want you to remember the Lord. No matter how terrible your sins, the magnitude of your failure or the greatness of your difficulty, God is bigger. There is hope,for the hopeless, in Him.

“...the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.”(2:10) Everything turned around for Jonah when he remembered God, humbled himself and began praying. God has put these true stories in the Bible to encourage us all and give us hope. He wants us to come to him; admit our hopeless condition and call on him for help. Be serious about it, and look to the Lord. This is the time of his grace; his unmerited favor. Christ gave his life for the ungodly, the weak, the needy. So reach out to him, call on him and hold on to the Lord. See what he will do!

Courtesy of Tribune News Service

Beyonce dove into the country genre with her new song “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

Scaly creatures visited the Stillwater Public Library on

Myah

NTT faculty governance vote passed, vote count remains undisclosed

Baylor Bryant Staff Reporter

Non-tenured careertrack faculty can have an official voice in faculty governance at OSU, but on Wednesday, OSU officials refused Wednesday to disclose how many tenured and tenure-track faculty voted for and against the proposal other than to say it passed “overwhelmingly.”

The proposal will be sent to the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents to be voted on for final approval in its next meeting March 8 in Stillwater.

Career-track faculty already participate in faculty governance at Oklahoma University and seven universities in nearby states.

Impacts the proposal will have on the career-track faculty and the university are apparent, the vice chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Equity Advocates Council said Wednesday.

“It’s going to help improve working conditions that people are in, so hopefully they’ll be more happy in their jobs and more likely to stay here long term,” strategic communications professor Rosemary Avance said. “Those professors (careertrack) are usually the people who have a lot of really great professional experience and networks.”

Avance said careertrack faculty are dedicated to teaching, and students tend to have more interactions with career-track professors.

“That could really change your experience as a student at OSU if the majority of your professors that you see on a day-to-day basis are now more invested in their jobs,” Avance said.

The Faculty Council began working on changing the charter and bylaws in 2022 after a career-track faculty member asked why she couldn’t serve on the Faculty Council.

If the board of regents approves the proposal, the non-tenure track faculty will be eligible to run for positions on OSU’s Faculty Council, the Faculty Council said in the Tuesday email. The Faculty Council will have 10 openings to fill in its elections in March.

Those vacancies include Ferguson College of Agriculture: electing two new 3-year representatives, College of Arts and Sciences: electing three new 3-year representatives College of Education and Human Sciences: electing one new 3-year representative College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology: electing one 3-year and one 2-year representative Library: electing one 3-year representative Multicultural/At-large: electing one 3-year representative.

Tenure-track, a tenured person or non-tenured careertrack can fill those vacant positions, Avance said.

“We haven’t done that before,” Avance said. “Even if a few of those positions

are filled, we will have a new perspective on the Faculty Council that will hopefully help all of our decisions be more informed and more appropriate for the kind of environment that we work in.”

In an online vote Feb. 7–14, tenure and tenure-track faculty were asked to approve a Faculty Council committee proposal. The election results were announced via an email Tuesday from the Faculty Council.

Members of the Faculty Council and the Non-Tenure Track Committee refused to comment on the election following the announcement.

“I’ve consulted with those involved, and none have any interest in providing an official comment or an interview on this matter, primarily because there is very little to say,” Chair Brandt Grardner said.

Gardner also refused to provide the vote total.

“To my knowledge, Faculty Council has never published vote counts or totals when it comes to matters put before the general faculty,” Gardner said. “Voting is anonymous and confidential, and we have only ever announced the outcomes of such votes, in accordance with the bylaws of Faculty Council.”

Avance said she doesn’t understand why the vote total would be kept secret.

“It says in the email that we got that it was ‘overwhlemingly’ supported,” Avance said. “I was talking to one of my colleagues, and we don’t know what that means. It would be nice to know to get a better picture of what that kind of support looks like. Maybe we will find out.”

With the proposed change, career-track faculty including non-tenure track faculty with the rank of instructor or above will be included in faculty governance, according to the Faculty Council. Of the 1,533 faculty on the Stillwater campus, 404 are career track faculty.

The Faculty Council said the voting faculty “overwhelmingly” supported the proposal in the Tuesday email. It makes sense that the voting faculty would be in support of the proposal, Avance said.

“It’s one of those things that I think most people that thought about it and read about it is just a language issue from the original bylaws,” Avance said. “And it doesn’t really reflect how we do faculty positions anymore.”

Avance said when the bylaws were originally written, tenure track was the standard role. Now, career track has become seen as not a temporary position.

“That’s something that you should be building your career around,” Avance said. “They’ve done a good job of developing that feeling that you can create a career around that, but when the language and the bylaws is still referring to faculty, it means tenure-track or tenured faculty, it doesn’t mean everybody, then it’s kind of clear that it’s outdated, and it’s time to update them.”

Culture . . .

Continued from 1A

Each contestant must share a platform speech. The speech gives them a chance to connect with their peers, friends and strangers on important topics.

Bryles has chosen to advocate for healthcare for Black students. The topic is significant to her because she plans to be an optometrist.

“Being a Black woman, I’ve had circumstances where going to the doctor where I feel like I was looked over or not looked at at all,” Bryles said. “And being in college, I want to feel safer. I feel like I’m an adult now, and I want to advocate for myself, but it’s also harder because I’m Black and a woman, and I also want to go into the healthcare field.”

The mission of the pageant is to select Black students who will serve as leaders to the Black community, in their own way.

Dixon is also a freshman. She will share the effects of single parent households in the Black community.

“I believe there’s a lot of effects that not only the child takes on, but also a parent as well,” Dixon said. “And some of the stigmas that come with single parent households. I want to break that and show that we are stable. We can

overcome certain obstacles.”

Dixon is passionate about her platform and looks forward to helping other students not feel so alone if they are seeking help but struggling to speak up.

Lastly, Purnell is running for Mr. Black OSU as a sophomore. Purnell was the host of 2023 Miss Black OSU and experienced what the competition was like.

Throughout the past year, he had the chance to learn and understand what his position as Mr. Black OSU would entail. He has had the opportunity to build his own platform to help his community. “I chose to run for Mr. Black OSU because I had been very involved since I stepped

foot on campus with the Black community with my peers,” Purnell said. “The people around me have Black and Brown skin who reflect the same values that I do communicate in the same way.

Purnell said he wants to bridge the gap between the Black community and the LGBTQ community.

“I want to represent them in a way that reflects them,” Purnell said.

As the pageant nears, all three contestants look forward to sharing what’s on their hearts. As well as having a stage to not only educate others on the Black community, but also share and celebrate the beauty of the Black communities heritage.

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SGA approves 2 new positions

Editor-in-Chief

The Student Government Association is taking a new marketing initiative on.

During the senators’ meeting on Wednesday, SGA approved a resolution appointing Jacy Gehlsen as the director of marketing.

Gehlsen, a sophomore majoring in strategic communications, will be responsible for managing the SGA calendar, creating a social media plan, brainstorming ideas for events and expanding social media following.

“My primary goals in this position are to increase SGA’s visibility and engagement on social media, enhance the organization’s brand image and effectively communicate SGA’s initiatives and events to the campus community,” Gehlsen said.

Gehlsen’s first project is to work on a Google calendar for SGA to schedule and organize activities, events and social media posts. Important dates are communicated during meetings, but Ashely Peterson, SGA’s president, said this is a more effective way for SGA members to keep up with different important dates. Gehlsen said she plans to use effective marketing strategies to help students learn more about SGA and its resources. SGA also appointed a new director for the Student STACHE Network department. Peterson offered the position to Justin Sharp, who will be the sixth director in two years. The department is a student-run initiative that aims to reduce the amount of food insecurity and meet the basic needs of OSU through various campus and community partners’ donations.

S Network harp studies agriculture education and

said previous directors have successfully stocked pantry shelves but have failed to build an organized system to help the organization be successful in the long run.

“This position means being a problem solver,” Sharp said. “Growing up on a ranch, I learned things seldom go exactly as planned. Life is full of problems that need to be solved. That lesson rings true in the lives of those facing food insecurity. It also rings true in the history of the students of STACHE Network.”

Sharp’s goal is to help the network improve its student engagement and encourage them to join the organization.

The last bill of the night was aimed at transfering $500 from the SGA co-sponsorship account into the account of the African Student Organization.

The money will go toward a three-day event in April that will highlight and celebrate African culture.

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File Photo

Miss Black OSU 2023 Kerri Benard will handover her crown.

Luisa Clausen

OSU diversity office wears new nametag

Luisa Clausen Editor-in-Chief

The Office of Institutional Diversity has a new name.

The office is now called Division of Access and Community Impact.

The decision came a month after Gov. Kevin Stitt signed executive order 2023-31, implementing greater protections for Oklahomans and their tax dollars against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Jason Kirksey said the change in the name is not related to the decision and it is instead the result of an expansion of vision and services for broadening the group of students, faculty and staff.

When inquired about what possible changes will happen because of the executive order , Kirksey, vice president for the Division of Access and Community Impact, said the division will continue elevating its efforts to enable and support its service to the entire campus.

“OSU will continue to cultivate an environment that is studentfocused while complying with the law,” Kirksey said in an email.

The name change happened at the same time the OSU diversity statement was taken down from the Student Union and changed on OSU’s website.

The previous statement noted that OSU defines diversity “as engagement in meaningful actions, behaviors, and conversations that reflect a commitment to recognizing, understanding, and respecting the differences among students, faculty, staff, and visitors throughout the OSU system. We do not condone acts, behavior, language, or symbols that represent or reflect intolerance or discrimination. OSU is dedicated to cultivating and enriching the competitive advantages that diversity and inclusion provides all members of the University community. We identify diversity as a quality of life issue, as well as an important economic driver for the prosperity and well-being of the state, nation, and world.”

The current statement notes “To develop and support efforts that help the Oklahoma State University System achieve and maintain environments where all members are actively broadening their perspectives about differences; actively seeking to know individuals; actively including all members of the community in every aspect of the organization; and where students achieve academic excellence.”

Rosemary Avance said OSU is in a difficult position because the order requires state agencies and institutes

for higher education to initiate a review of DEI positions, departments, activities, procedures and programs to eliminate and dismiss non-critical personnel. Avance, the vice chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Equity Advocates, said the university is trying to balance the priorities of stakeholders.

“The way we talk about things and the words we use to describe things really matter, it’s not just semantics” said Avance, a strategic communication professor. “It concerns me from a strat com perspective and from an equity advocates perspective, if the university is willing to change its language and its approach to what I consider one of the most major things about what we’re doing here, which is providing access and equity for people who have been traditionally underserved in those areas, that’s our job. We are a land grant university in rural America, that’s our job. So if we can’t do that, or if we’re pretending like we’re not doing that, or if we’re using other words to describe what we’re doing, then that’s concerning.”

The O’Colly reached out to other faculty members who are involved with DEI on campus to understand how Stitt’s decision will impact the university and obtained no response.

OSU student, musician continues to chase dream

go back, I thought I would just be playing at small little gigs, but now this is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Taylor Swift and CO2

How much can the Earth handle?

Jocelyn Perez Staff Reporter

Taylor Swift has been on the ride of her life lately. Plane rides, to be more specific. The 34-year-old singer has been booked and busy for the past year and a half. Swift has traveled around the globe for stops on her Eras Tour. When she’s not giving show-stopping performances, she makes time to watch her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, make touchdowns and first down plays for the Kansas City Chiefs in the same stadiums she performs in.

As Reagon Carter was in his room recovering from a baseball injury, he could see the writing on the wall.

Being one of the smallest kids on his team at shorter than six feet and with no growth spurt in sight, he knew that his baseball career was going to end at some point, but this was the last straw.

As sad thoughts raced through his head, he was faced with the reality of finding success in something else, so he bought a guitar.

“My grandma and grandpa had always been really big in music, and so I sat down and was like well, ‘I can’t get girls playing baseball anymore,’ so I bought a guitar,” Carter said. “Thankfully guitar and singing didn’t have a height requirement.”

Carter grew up in Cypress, Texas, before moving to Stillwater to pursue a degree in agricultural education. Carter fell in love with red dirt music and has found himself performing it at local spots. Carter flew to Omni Sound Studios in Nashville to record his first two singles. His first single, “Orlando,” was released in November 2022, and he followed it up with his second single, “Silver Dollar,” in February 2023. He released “Something Left to Lose” in January, and he released “Leave Me Alone” on Feb. 16.

Along with the release of his recent song, Carter and his newly formed band took the stage at “Battle of the Bands” for the chance to perform at Stillwater’s own Calf Fry Festival in May. Carter and his band, “Reagon Carter and the Goosenecks,” were one of 18 bands chosen to compete in the Battle of the Bands. Carter said he could not believe the opportunity, for more than 70 bands submitted for the chance to be chosen.

“I never even thought we would be sniffing a chance at something as big as this,” Carter said. “I think it’s definitely tough to think about because it’s like, ‘OK, where does this leave us in two more years,’ and going on from that. I try my best to be present, but to

Carter and his band formed in late September and made their first appearance together on Oct. 14 at Coney Island after the OSU vs. Kansas football game. Since, the band has performed at many local music nights including Coney Island and Bad Brads Bar-B-Q.

Tumbleweed Disc Jockey Rhett Arnold said he believes Carter is benefiting from playing in the Battle of the Bands.

“I think any exposure they can get in Battle of the Bands is going to be beneficial, even if he doesn’t make it to the big stage,” Arnold said. “It is a big deal getting picked to play already, so I think anything he can do in the little bit is going to be really beneficial for him, but obviously getting on the main stage at Calf Fry is going to be the main goal for him.”

Carter and his band are the only band from Stillwater that has the chance to play at the Calf Fry Festival.

“I think we’re the only band that is based out of Stillwater, and doing it out of pocket,” electric guitarist Clay Hatfield said. “I think we really got a shot at it, and I think if Tumbleweed people and Calf Fry people are really thinking hard about it, nothing better could happen than to bring us in.”

Jager Pifer, a senior, is a supporter of Carter and the songs he produces.

“I’ve seen a lot of good songwriters, but Reagon, where he is at right now, I think he is really an advanced songwriter,” Pifer said. “I think he’s got some really good songs that if people would just give him a chance, I think they would take off a lot more than they have already.”

The band is made of students, and there are challenges with that, but the members don’t plan to stop playing together anytime soon.

“I think it is cool because college is one of those times where a lot of people that played music growing up, don’t ever play again,” drummer Charles Phillips said. “They are pursuing a career that is completely unrelated to music, which is completely fine, but collectively, we have been able to be students and play at the same time, and with that, there’s a pretty good chance that we can continue to play after this.”

Over the course of their relationship, it has been reported that Swift has produced 138 tons of CO2 emissions from use of her private jet in the past three months to see Kelce play in the NFL.

CO2 emissions are manufactured from the burning of fossil fuels and are considered a greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gasses contribute to environmental issues including global warming and climate change.

The average American has a carbon footprint, total amount of greenhouse gasses created, of 16 tons in a year. Globally, the average person produces 4 tons of greenhouse gasses each year. In comparison, Swift is producing about 1,100 times more greenhouse gases than average. Swift’s carbon footprint isn’t the only one to be concerned about. Celebrities and athletes like Alex Rodriguez and JayZ have found themselves holding a spot in the top 10 contributors of private jet CO2 emissions.

These household names, who have found themselves under the limelight, have had their PR teams come out with statements explaining that celebrities are not always the ones using the planes they own.

Julie LaBar, an assistant professor for the environmental science department, said CO2 emissions are necessary, but not to the degree that they are occurring.

Labar said CO2 is a “heat-trapping” gas, which is how all other

greenhouse gasses work. Although trapping heat is essential to keeping Earth warm, the Earth is getting too warm now. “We have upset the balance by adding an abundance of greenhouse gasses,” LeBar said. “The result is more CO2 than natural systems can process and remove from the atmosphere, while we keep adding more CO2, leaving us with a lot of CO2 in the atmosphere.” Because CO2 emissions are a greenhouse gas, the effect of generating the emissions contributes to Earth’s warming and disrupting the average climate.

With CO2 trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, this causes a rise in hot temperatures, LeBar said. The effects of these greenhouse gasses and the changing in our Earth’s climate are easily seen and felt.

“We’re already seeing organisms, including humans, struggle with increasing temperatures and extreme weather events,” LeBar said. From the drastic changes in the temperatures affecting different cycles such as evaporation and precipitation, LeBar said she predicts that some organisms will not be able to adapt fast enough to survive the changing of our Earth.

The past summer was recorded to be the hottest summer in history, with regions like southwestern America reaching temperatures of 118 degrees. Alongside upsurging temperatures, with the rise of CO2 emissions and the concerns of climate change, Lebar said to expect to see an increase in droughts and severe storms.

Lebar said the effect from higher temperatures results in climate intensification.

The increase of evaporation in oceanic areas could contribute to more frequent precipitation events, while increased land evaporation creates a frequency between drying soils and vegetation.

Celebrities aren’t the only ones to blame for high CO2 emissions. Although their contributions are more than the average, everyone has had their part in making CO2 emissions an advancing concern. Daily tasks contribute to the issue at hand, including mass use of transportation and mass consumption.

Recycling more, cleaning up the environment and changing overuse of fossil fueled transportation habits are ways to reduce emissions.

Gannon Blankenship O’Colly Contributor

Luisa Clausen

The before (left) and after of Diversity statement at the Student Union.

Land . . .

Continued from 1

The faculty member who proposed the Faculty Council adopt a statement blamed the delay in approval on the COVID-19 pandemic and a change in university president and provost. Justin Moss said the statement helps Native American students, staff and faculty feel seen and heard on campus.

“We acknowledge the importance of these people as in their lands that were here and that they took care of prior to the university,” said Moss, head of the horticulture and landscape architecture department. “So, it’s like tying that loose end and bringing it full circle.”

But Kalen Strunk said it is upsetting to him that the school took this long to address the statement. Strunk, a senior and Delaware tribe member, said though it is a small gesture, it is an expression of support to Native American history. He said he acknowledges President Dr. Kayse Shrum’s effort to shine a light on the Native American community by doing things like putting tribal healthcare into the forefront, but

wonders if this will last.

“Is this something that is more of a gesture or a PR stunt?” Strunk asked. “I’m personally going to choose to believe that this is a step in the right direction and that hopefully, this shows that Native American students are not only welcome at our school, but our valuable assets are a part of the past, present and future.”

The O’Colly made several efforts to contact the Native American Student Association at OSU and obtained no response.

In May 2020, the Faculty Council meeting discussed the possibility of the diversity committee recommending a formal OSU land acknowledgment statement.

“The committee will continue to work on this issue in the next academic year,” the faculty meeting minutes stated.

In May 2021, Moss addressed the topic during a faculty meeting again.

This time, he had the statement ready.

The meeting minutes show a letter Moss signed that answers the question

“Why does the Native American Faculty and Staff Association recommend that the OSU – Stillwater campus adopt a land acknowledgment statement?”

The answer was the current land acknowledgment statement was an official submission to the OSU Faculty Council to consider officializing the statement.

However, nothing changed until 2023.

In May, the faculty council officially approved the statement originally drafted in 2019 and sent the material to the council of deans to approve.

In April, the deans’ council approved the material, and in August, the president’s cabinet officialy accepted it.

The statement was published six months after that.

“Sometimes on campus and in the state, Native American people feel invisible or not seen or not heard,” Moss said. “It (the statement) feels good emotionally and spiritually for the people to be acknowledged as something important.”

Douglas Miller said writing a land acknowledgment statement is difficult, especially one for a place in Oklahoma. Miller, a Native American history teacher, said the state is diverse in terms of its indigenous composition and its histories, so trying to capture the diversity in one brief statement is challenging.

Miller said it is important to look at the history of the land to understand the relevance of the statement. He said

in the 19th century, lands in Oklahoma became unassigned and Stillwater worked as a geographic, cultural and economic crossroad. But the professor said that does not mean Native Americans at the time didn’t have a sense of place.

“Those are often willful misunderstandings of Native people in Native history,” Miller said. “That is one thing I appreciate about the land acknowledgment. It stresses very clearly that we are on indigenous lands and always have been.”

Miller said the Stillwater community has a responsibility to the Native American history but also acknowledged that it is not only in the past. It’s now, and in the future, too. Miller said he admired the work of the people in the school who put the statement together and emphasized the importance of indigenous people who live in the world today.

“When we talk about Native American people, we’re talking about hundreds of individual nations of people who have their own cultures, their own histories, their own economies, their own government systems,” Miller said. “If they’re comparable to other Native nations, they’re also unique in many ways.”

Courtesy of OSU

The land acknowledgment statement plaque (bottom left) is located near the bison topiary on Hester Street.

Honored . . .

Continued from 1

Reed Jr., a senior member of the championship team, said racism was a core part of his experience as the team advanced from the district tournament to regionals to the state championship.

On the court, racial slurs were hurled from his white opponents and the crowd heckled relentlessly.

“The spectators and all of the things that the players were saying to us as we played, we heard the word n**** all the time,” Reed Jr. said. “And that was nine straight games.”

Despite the attacks, Reed Jr. said his team persisted.

“We worked through all of that, we suffered through all of that,” Reed Jr. said. “We didn’t retaliate. We played ball. Our coach informed us not to say anything, just play ball, ‘We here to play.’”

When the team made the about 64-mile bus ride to Oklahoma City, Reed Jr. said racism followed the team.

The Washington Bears couldn’t stay in the same hotel as their white opponents.

They couldn’t eat at the same restaurants.

Instead, the team stayed in a rundown motel in northeast Oklahoma City, a predominantly Black area, and frequented cafes there. Downtown, where their white opponents stayed and ate, was off-limits.

“It really was racism, all the way,” Reed Jr. said.

For then-sophomore John Cook, the tournament was a different experience.

The Bears were told near the end of the year that it would play in a new league. It was the first time an all-Black team would compete in the all-white league.

Cook said it didn’t matter to the team.

“Honestly, that made no difference to us, just as long as we were in the tournament,” Cook said.

Cook said the closely-knit

team took it game for game and what it was on its face: a basketball tournament.

Although the team knew its school would close at the end of the year to integrate its students into Stillwater High School, it gave its best effort. “It was not a really difficult thing to tell you the truth,” Cook said. “It turned out to be just a different experience, but it was not difficult.”

The regional tournament was the highest-stake game for the Bears.

Going back and forth, the teams were evenly matched, Cook said. After adjusting from a zone defense to man coverage to counter their opponent’s dominant shooting offense, the Washington Bears made a comeback.

The team’s best player scored with five seconds left, and the audience erupted, mobbing the floor, Cook said.

That excitement was something the team and Washington School fans felt, but it did not expand to the Stillwater community after it took the state title.

“If it was Stillwater High School, they’d have been giving them a banquet and rings and all of that,” Reed Jr. said. “We didn’t receive any of that recognition (or) honor from my town.”

Karen Washington, president of the Washington School Alumni Association, said she is ready for the four living teammates to receive recognition.

Washington attended Washington School until she integrated to Stillwater’s public schools in first grade.

She said the team’s strength and persistence made them champions.

“It didn’t matter what they think, it’s who you are that makes a difference,” Washing-

ton said. “So they played in it, and then they happened to take state.”

Laura Arata, a public historian and associate professor, is involved with Washington School’s restoration efforts. She has collected hundreds of photographs and stories from alumni and community members about the school. Arata said a majority of the 10-member team were juniors. Through collecting photographs, Arata has tried to identify team members by their jersey numbers. It isn’t a reliable method.

“It turned out they didn’t have enough uniforms for the whole team,” Arata said. “So the team was sharing uniforms.

“Against all these odds, they won. They won the championship.” Stepping onto the court every game, the Washington Bears made history.

To every member of the team, taking the state title was an excitement like no other.

For Reed Jr., the victory was about more than basketball.

“That was one victory we had over white folk,” Reed Jr. said. “Let me say it like that. I don’t mind standing plainly. That was one victory that we had over white people. When we won that tournament.”

Since, Reed Jr. has continued to defy the racism he has faced.

Reed Jr. , who has been involved in civil rights activism for 61 years in Oklahoma City, said the fight is far from its end.

“Here I am, an 85 year old man, still fighting and struggling for my people,” Reed Jr. said. “And it started back there as a child. That’s why we were so excited to win. Because it made us feel like we were somebody.”

Courtesy of Laura Arata

The Booker T. Washington School, Stillwater’s all-Black high school, closed its doors in 1956 as its students integrated into Stillwater Public Schools.

Remembering the Rowdy

The modern complexity of OSU’s Gallagher-Iba Arena

Hundreds of empty orange chairs surround Travis Mackey.

It’s 20 minutes before Oklahoma State’s basketball game against BYU on Feb. 17, 2024. He’s in the fourth row of section 213— the middle bowl of GallagherIba Arena. Half of the venue’s 13,611 chairs will be taken by tipoff. When he was a student from 200206, Mackey waited outside two hours before each game to ensure his spot with a quality view, as each game sold out.

OSU’s average attendance for men’s basketball dropped to 6,428 this season — the second worst in the Big 12. Low numbers aren’t a trend either. Average attendance hasn’t been more than 9,000 in a season in a decade.

Wrestling is on pace for

its most attended season ever, but it still requires curtains to keep fans together in the large, mostly empty space.

It wasn’t always like this. Before and after GIA’s roof was raised and capacity doubled, the venue was a behemoth.

What was once one of the loudest arenas in the country is now dormant. CBS dubbed it, “The rowdiest arena in the country,” and the legendary Dick Vitale said on a broadcast said, “I can’t hear myself!”

Fans wonder if OSU would be better off with a smaller arena to make it feel like a sellout, with some questioning why it expanded so much to begin with.

The cause of diminishing crowds, like many things in college sports in the modern age, is complicated.

Brett McMurphy contends that a Bedlam wrestling match is the best sporting event he’s watched live. Before he became Action Network’s lead college

football insider and covered national championship games, McMurphy was a sports information studentassistant at OSU in 1982.

He sat at the scorer’s table in the small, 6,381 seat Gallagher Hall — before Iba was added to the name and two decades before expansion. The fans sat directly above the floor, and the roof was low. Any and all sound produced by fans had nowhere to escape, bouncing around the arena to create one of the loudest environments in the country despite the lowest capacity in the conference.

The visiting No. 2 Sooners dualed No. 4 OSU in the last week of the season that day. The star-studded lineup card featured the Schultz brothers — Dave and Mark — on OU’s side and OSU boasted Kenny Monday. Those three each won Olympic gold medals.

OU had another guy, though. Steve Williams, aka “Dr. Death.” The heavyweight and football player embraced his villain persona with his nickname and goatee.

Beating Iowa the benchmark for resurging Cowboy teams

When John Smith took his topranked Oklahoma State wrestling team into its Senior Night dual against No. 2 Iowa in 1994, the Cowboys were back. Not that they had fallen from wrestling’s elite, but in 1992-93, Smith, in his second season coaching the Cowboys, led OSU through what he called a “disaster.” OSU was on probation and banned from competing in the 1993 NCAA Championships. Consequently, several wrestlers found new homes, and OSU finished 4-7.

In ‘94, things were different. The Cowboys entered the dual against Iowa 11-1, including a win against the Hawkeyes in the dual team national championship three weeks earlier. OSU with stars Alan Fried, Pat Smith and Nick Purler defeated the Hawkeyes on the way to the national championship, keeping Iowa from its fourth in a row. OSU was back from 1993.

Now in 2024, OSU has a similar chance. The No. 2 Cowboys host the No. 4 Hawkeyes at 2 p.m. Sunday in the final dual of the season.

Maybe a national championship isn’t on the line just yet, but after its worst finish at the NCAA Championships a year ago, OSU is 14-0 and once again looking to close out with a win in college wrestling’s most storied rivalry and return from an

uncharacteristic season.

The 1994 Cowboys and 2024 Cowboys are different, but John Smith does see one similarity.

“The only similar things I see is just the legacy of our past and what it’s done for us to be able to bounce back and create an environment that we’re going to go out and win,” John Smith said.

“We’re not losing anymore.”

On Sunday, it will have been five years and one day since OSU last defeated Iowa. The Cowboys are 0-3 against their rival since 2019, with an average score of 28-7.

John Smith is invested in the rivalry. He and his family have competed in it for decades. OSUIowa has traditionally been a dual that helps decide who is on top of the wrestling world. Five years between wins doesn’t sit well.

“That’s not a rivalry,” John Smith said. “Rivalries go away when you haven’t won. I put it on my shoulders. I mean, that’s too long. Time to win.”

Pat Smith had a view of the rivalry like no one else.

His older brother Lee Roy Smith wrestled at OSU from 1977-80, and those teams were part of four duals against Iowa. John Smith, another older brother and OSU’s coach in 1994, competed for the Cowboys from 1984-88.

Pat’s favorite memory of the Iowa duals came in Gallagher-Iba Arena in 1984, when John, a freshman, overcame a 5-1 deficit against Mark Trizzino, a senior All-American, and won with a takedown with one second remaining.

See ‘94 on 2B

Miyamoto returned to OSU to see Cowgirls tennis team’s rise

Ayumi Miyamoto flew from Chiba, Japan, with gifts in hand, to make a life-changing decision. She quickly found her place in Stillwater and practiced her English until she could communicate comfortably. “It was kind of fun when she came on the visit,” OSU coach Chris Young said. “She brought gifts for everybody, like chocolates and different stuff in Japan, and that’s kind of their culture is so generous. It was so cold, and I was like, ‘Oh, I hope that doesn’t scare her away,’ because she was all bundled up in the stands, but she had a really good visit.”

Miyamoto is a graduate student

and a staple on the undefeated No. 1 Cowgirl tennis team. Although she graduated with her bachelor’s degree last spring, the potential and excitement this season’s team held intrigued her, and she couldn’t leave it behind.

Miyamoto is a valuable asset to the team, but the choice to stay also provided her with the opportunity to enhance her professional tennis journey, while receiving one more year of growth and memories.

“I think she knew everything in this environment, and what we could provide would really help her,” Robertson said. “We talked a lot about if she came back in the fall, she could focus primarily on starting her pro ranking, and that’s something we could do for her. I think a big thing was just her development here to turn pro afterward.”

Her consistency has been a necessary staple during her five seasons as a Cowgirl. In the past few seasons, this has been found on Court 5.

Courtesy OSU Athletics

The 1994 OSU wrestling team beat Iowa on Senior Night, then won the national title.

Lexie Higgins

Ayumi Miyamoto graduated last season but returned for one last ride with the Cowgirls, who are ranked No. 1.

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Braden Bush Sports Editor

See GIA on 3B

Gina Foster Staff Reporter

“I was way up in the rafters sitting on my mom’s lap, and I thought my eardrums were gonna bust it got so loud in there,” Pat said. “Matter of fact, I thought the roof was going to come falling down. That’s how loud it was.”

That’s what he expected from the OSU-Iowa duals, so when it was his turn to be a Cowboy from 1989-94, Pat was ready.

During Pat’s five years in Stillwater, either Iowa or OSU claimed the national title: three for the Hawkeyes and two for the Cowboys. In the rivalry’s history, the winner of the dual has won the national championship 24 times.

The stakes were clear.

“There was a good chance if one or the other won that dual meet, they would probably go undefeated that year,” Pat said.

For seniors Pat, Fried and Purler, the 1994 Iowa dual was their final in Gallagher-Iba Arena. They had been through a lot with the probations from previous years, and now they had a chance to go out with a win against OSU’s biggest rival in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup.

“The intensity was in the air, you could say,” Purler, OSU’s 126-pounder, said. “It was kind of a big deal leading up to it. The coaches might say, ‘Oh, just approach it like it’s another dual,’ but it’s tough to do because it’s a great rivalry.”

There were a couple bumps

but that was nothing new for this team.

Purler reinjured a ligament in his ankle during practice the day before the dual, and treated it with a boot and ice water at 10 p.m. that night. Eventual two-time national champion Jeff McGinness waited as Purler’s opponent.

“I didn’t know if I could win the match, to be honest with you. That was my situation that no one’s ever really known about until just now.”

But Purler did, in a close 8-7 decision.

Pat entered the Iowa dual without having lost a match in three years and had a perfect record against Iowa, as well as a perfect record in GIA. He was a three-time national champion, on the way to becoming the first four-time national champion.

But he had a curveball in the way, too.

“I had gotten word that Dan Gable (Iowa’s coach) was pulling out his freshman to beat me,” Pat said. “I didn’t know who the freshman was, but I thought, ‘Well, he’s got to be awful good.’ I was going for my fourth national title. So here comes rolling in, and I had never seen him, but it was Joe Williams.”

Williams was No. 7 at 158 pounds and would go on to win three national titles. Pat was No. 1 at the weight and had no intention of losing his streak to a freshman Hawkeye.

Pat came out and delivered a performance to remember. In a match that had potential to be tight, Pat won by technical fall.

“Pat hit him so hard, and you saw this guy’s head just spinning like he was not no -

sports

where in the match,” John said. “And that crowd was so loud. And Pat was so driven to perform. I was expecting maybe a tight match on our side. When I say tight for Pat, that would have been something like 8-2, maybe underperforming a little bit because of how good this kid was.

“But my goodness, he just beat the living crap out of him. I mean, that’s all I can say.”

Pat kept his win streak, and he knew it wasn’t ever in question that night. Neither was a dual loss to Iowa.

“To me, it was a rivalry that just burned a hole in my gut, just dislike,” Pat said. “I was extra intense and motivated to always beat a Hawkeye.”

John said that was one of his toughest teams that found ways to win. It didn’t look like a national championship team to him at the beginning of the year, but over the course of the season, his wrestlers imposed their will and made sure they won.

That’s been the case with this season’s Cowboys team. The roster doesn’t have a multiple-time NCAA champ like 1994, but it’s full of scrappy guys who win. OSU is 13-4 in overtime matches in duals this season and is undefeated because of wins like those.

Against Iowa, John said the team that gets upsets will win, and there will likely be several tossup matches. The Hawkeyes are ranked higher than the Cowboys in six of 10 weights.

For seniors like 133-pounder Daton Fix, Sunday is a chance to close out their careers with a win against a historic rival for the first time in years in front of

OSU, Iowa continuing legacy with top-5 showdown Sunday

coach, historic arena, historic rivalry. It’s a fun environment,” said Iowa coach Tom Brands.

Since the 1970s, two of college wrestling’s giants have clashed on the mat.

Oklahoma State and Iowa.

A combined 58 team national championships and 228 individual titles.

It’s an annual spectacle that features the best in wrestling going toe-to-toe, willing to win at all costs. No mercy. And often times, heroes are born.

For Iowa, Sam Brooks’ late effort to secure a tech fall at 184 and a dual win for Iowa in 2015. For OSU, Mitch Shelton’s pin over Iowa’s reigning heavyweight national champion Lou Banach in 1984, securing a win in Iowa Fieldhouse for the Cowboys. Or in 2019, when 125-pounder Nick Piccinini pinned Iowa’s Thomas Gilman, sending a sold-out Gallagher-Iba into a frenzy.

“Piccinini and his pin, that was a great moment,” OSU coach John Smith said. “And I think what made it so great was just the eruption of the crowd. And how loud it actually was. I mean, (it was) pretty exciting.”

For more than four decades, the programs have continued to schedule the dual. They don’t have to. There’s good reason why one may avoid doing so. Despite the reasons not to, it’s been ongoing.

Sunday afternoon, another chapter in the OSU-Iowa rivalry will be etched into the history books when the No. 2 Cowboys (14-0) host No. 4 Iowa (11-2).

“Gallagher-Iba, it’s a historic place, that’s a historic

a full Gallagher-Iba Arena. A chance for an exclamation point against Iowa in a bounce-back season, just like 30 years ago.

“It was the perfect dual to go out when it came to my career at Oklahoma State,” Pat said. *****

John has reminded his team all season to not put pressure on itself.

Living up to the standards of OSU’s wrestling teams throughout the years is a tough task. Coming into the season off a rough previous year, John has said he didn’t see this team being where it is. Now, he said, they need to keep doing what they’ve been doing. No pressure with past results, tradition or goals.

“I know going into the season this year, talking about who we are, who we want to

be and who we’ve been in the past, but let’s not let the past be something that cripples us,” John said. “Let’s make sure that we take advantage of the past in ways that improve our ability to perform.”

OSU has shown all season it is a different team than it has been in recent years. It is No. 2 for the first time since 2019 and has a chance for its first 15-0 season since 2019, too.

Up next is an opportunity to beat Iowa to close out the year and show where the Cowboys stand with their rival after a resurgent season.

“We need to win,” John said.

“That’s what you call rivalries. If you don’t win your side, it’s not a rivalry anymore.”

OSU, OU prep for final conference showdown

OSU lost 66-62 in Norman two weeks ago this Saturday. After rewatching the film, coach Mike Boynton doesn’t know how the Sooners only won by four points.

“We were 11-33 on layups and 3-18 from 3,” Boynton said. “I don’t know how we were in the game, in all honesty.”

Scheduling the dual hasn’t always been the easiest. With conference realignment taking its toll on the sport, compiling a difficult nonconference schedule is a risk Smith and Brands have considered.

In most instances, it’s both programs’ final meet. Why risk anything with conference tournaments looming and NCAA Nationals shortly after that?

Because the rivalry complements college wrestling. And to some, it defines it.

“We’ve been committed to each other,” Smith said. “In the 1970s, Tommy Chesbro and Dan Gable made a commitment to wrestle. Back when (OSU and Iowa) were the two best teams in the country. And there’s been a commitment to wrestle ever since.”

OSU’s Olejnik grew up immersed in the rivalry from afar. He considers himself a die-hard fan of the sport. Naturally, when it comes to OSUIowa, his interest is high.

During five seasons at Northern Illinois, Olejnik followed OSU and Iowa closely. So, when the opportunity to transfer to OSU came, it was an instant, “Yes.”

On Sunday he’ll experience the rivalry as a wrestler for the first time.

“It’s definitely going to be a fun thing to be part of,” Olejnik said. “I’m just looking forward to being able to wrestle them and to continue moving toward the end of the season.”

Smith hasn’t been happy with his teams’ performances in the rivalry in recent years. Not necessarily because of a

lack of competitiveness. More so regarding the lack of wins. Iowa has won seven of the past nine duals, including the last three.

However, Brands noted the competitiveness displayed during the rivalry. Regardless of the talent level, both teams and fanbases want to win at any expense.

“Competitors love competition no matter where it is,” Brands said. “And I don’t mean to say that they love it more or less than other places. They know where they’re going. It’s not like there’s another option.

“We know that it’s historic. We know that it’s a storied tradition regarding the history of these two programs.”

On Sunday, all perceptions and trajectories are nullified. Iowa’s win streak doesn’t matter. Neither does OSU’s advantage in team and individual national titles. Just hard-nosed, gritty competition between two topfive teams.

“We don’t have to wrestle this dual meet,” Smith said. “We don’t have to do it. We could be done. They don’t have to wrestle it. And there’s been years, plenty of them, probably where you’d prefer not to wrestle it because you’re well positioned for the national tournament.

“It’s been a bigger meet than, (I’m) not necessarily gonna say the national tournament, but one of those meets that people look forward to. People want to watch it. It’s a rivalry that’s longstanding. It’s a longstanding rivalry. And it’s been sustained overtime… pretty cool, isn’t it?”

Since that game in Lloyd Noble Center, though, the Cowboys have won two straight games, including a ranked win against then-No. 19 BYU and their first true road win of the season against Cincinnati, with the Sooners coming to GIA on Saturday afternoon. Things are starting to move in the right direction. Players are clicking. Energy is shifting.

Freshman guard Jamyron Keller is flourishing after Bryce Thompson’s injury, averaging 18.5 points per game on 75% shooting from the field in 30plus minutes in the last two games. However, it’s not just Keller, as the starting lineup scored in double figures against the Bearcats and Cougars. OSU had its first 90-point game since late November. After Boynton said his team shot the ball “as poorly as we

shot all year” in the last Bedlam matchup, the Cowboys have found a rhythm. Since defeating OSU, the Sooners have dropped two games to ranked opponents, Baylor and Kansas.

OU on the road during Big 12 play has been a different team, posting a 2-4 record with its most recent conference win being from last month.

In the short term, winning the game for both sides is important. The Cowboys are looking to win three straight games for the first time since December 20. The Sooners are trying to get back to .500 in Big 12 play and remain firm in the NCAA Tournament race. Joe Lunardi has OU projected as an eight seed on ESPN’s Bracketology.

In the long term, though, it’s about the legacy of Bedlam. The 247 games — 107 that went OSU’s way and 140 that went OU’s way — that preceded Saturday will be on everyone’s mind. The game-winners, the scuffles and the thought of the historic rivalry decaying are at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“I think we just got to play in attack mode,” Boynton said. “It’s a possibility this is the last time we ever play them here… We got to play with a sense of urgency and the understanding of what’s at stake here.”

National Wrestling Hall of Fame (X)

Pat Smith was part of the 1994 OSU team, and he said the Senior Night win against Iowa was the “perfect” way to end his career in Gallagher-Iba Arena.

File Photo

The OSU-Iowa rivalry has been sustained for more than four decades, and it returns to Gallagher-Iba Arena on Sunday for the first time since 2019.

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Ashton Slaughter Assistant Sports Editor

sports

GIA...

Continued from 1B

The dual was tight. OU sparked a comeback and led 1714 going into the heavyweight bout. If OSU were to win, it would need bonus points against “Dr. Death.”

In the ‘80s, there was no limit for heavyweight. Williams was around 280 pounds — typical size nowadays — but OSU’s heavyweight, Mitch Shelton, was 420 pounds. Shelton was top-10 at his weight class but was no “Dr. Death.”

In the second period, Shelton put his foot behind Williams, took him to the mat, put all his weight on him and within seconds, pinned “Dr. Death.”

“It was that quick,” McMurphy said. “Before anyone realized what happened, the ref slammed the mat, and it was a pin. Everybody stormed the floor. It was incredible. People were trying to pick up Mitch, but they couldn’t do it.

“Everyone started chanting, ‘Dr. Mitch, Dr. Mitch...’”

Those days, the compact environment was what made the arena special.

“It was so loud; it was like a band box,” McMurphy said. “The place was so small.”

But it wasn’t enough. *****

The never-been-done-before plan to raise the roof of Gallagher-Iba Arena in the mid-’90s was first discussed in a meeting room in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Present were architect Gary Sparks, soon-to-be OSU athletic director Terry Don Phillips and a contractor who was a mutual friend of both and set up the meeting.

Months before, Sparks learned over the radio in his car that OSU considered building a new arena off campus on the west side of Stillwater to replace GIA. As an OSU fan, he was so pissed, he jokes he almost drove off the road.

School officials felt a need to expand. Men’s basketball coach Eddie Sutton transformed the athletic department while football and wrestling were on probation with his Final Four team. The arena was too small to match the demand for tickets, and at that point, was 60 years old. If a new building was constructed off campus, students would struggle to make it to games, and the arena wouldn’t be able to keep its sloped seating, forcing fans to be farther from the floor.

Sparks’ first date with his now-wife was at a basketball game in Gallagher Hall in 1964, where OSU beat Iowa State 67-53. Their second date was at a Bedlam wrestling match that OSU won 21-3. He still remembers the scores today. That building was more than a setting for him. It’s where some of his fondest memories were created.

He stayed on the road, and on the drive from Stillwater to his office in Tulsa, he planned how OSU could expand the existing arena to keep the history in tact.

After a few weeks and with help from coworkers, the plan

Monday

Thursday

was completed. The only problem: Sparks had no idea how to give it to OSU. But with the help of a friend, the date was set.

Phillips was completing his law degree at the University of Arkansas while in line to become OSU’s next athletic director. Sparks and his wife drove to Bentonville for the meeting, which didn’t last long.

“(Phillips) said, ‘This is exactly what we need to do, but are you sure you can do it?’” Sparks recalled. “I said, ‘Yeah.’”

When Phillips completed his studies and arrived in Stillwater, he went to OSU president James Halligan and the board of regents to forward Sparks’ idea. That meeting didn’t last long, either.

“(Phillips) and Dr. Halligan embraced it, even though most people couldn’t understand the concept because it was so out of the box,” Sparks said. “They loved the idea of saving this historic building. We felt like we could do everything.”

Funding the project took longer. In the 40 years prior to 1995, when the deal was finalized, OSU spent $9 million total on facility renovations. Donors were not as engaged yet, and the athletics budget was minuscule.

But with students accepting added tuition fees coupled with a tax in Stillwater and OSU loaning a majority of the $55 million needed — a sum it is still paying off — ground broke on Jan. 12, 1999.

The extension added more than 7,000 seats and brought needed upgrades with athletics offices, 14 suites, expanded the basement weight room, Heritage Hall for OSU to display its history and kept the original maple floor that coach Henry Iba placed in 1939.

“That was the most challenging project I’ve been involved in, Sparks said. “It was unique. Dealing with code, safety and constructability issues. You can’t anticipate anything. There were surprised almost every day, and you have to come up with solutions. But I think it turned out pretty well.”

Raising the roof was more than adding more seats. That was needed regardless. But it allowed OSU to show what it can do. The project expanded its operations and inspired donors like T. Boone Pickens to fund the completion of the football stadium, which itself motivated others to build the rest of OSU’s village — a $650 million venture.

“It changed the mindset of

OSU,” said Larry Reece, OSU’s senior associate athletic director. “People went, “We can do it at Oklahoma State.” We always had this thought that we couldn’t do those kinds of things, and it changed everything.” *****

Arriving an hour late still haunts Mackey. His first date with a woman during his freshman year at OSU was at a men’s basketball game in 2003 against No. 5 Oklahoma. As usual with Sutton-era basketball, getting a lower-bowl seat in Gallagher-Iba Arena required waiting two hours before tipoff. Mackey was usually part of that dedicated group, but not that day.

Mackey and his friends treacherously watched the clock while his date got ready. An hour delayed, but still an hour before tipoff, the only seats available in the arena were in the top row of the upper deck.

early 2010s. Even with mediocre or losing teams, OSU seldom lost at home, with more than 10,000 fans at each game.

Stars like Marcus Smart, James Anderson and Markel Brown fueled the energy in the arena. OSU sold out most of its games in the two seasons Smart was on campus before he jumped to the NBA.

Then, as soon as he left, attendance dropped. OSU peaked at 8,437 average fans per game in 2016-17 when Brad Underwood took the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament since.

OSU produces the lowest percentage of fans at games in relation to the arena seats (47%) in the Big 12 this season. College basketball is not a dying sport either. OSU simply has the second-lowest attendance in the conference, and it’s been decreasing drastically every year.

“It’s sad to go in there and see it half or one-third full,” Sparks said. “It’s sad for my wife and I, because we remember what it’s like when it’s packed. It’s incredible. You can’t hear yourself think. We gotta fill it up.”

Since then, women’s basketball and wrestling haven’t seen the turnout either. Women’s basketball sold out a Bedlam game in 2008, and a dual against Iowa

tickets, gas, parking and food — and dealing with driving to town for a Tuesday game at 8 p.m. — fans can watch every game on their smartphone or 86-inch TV.

Prior to the streaming age, OSU games might have been on TV three times a year. And before that, the only way to know the result of the game was to be there or read the next morning’s newspaper.

Some fans point to raising the roof as the issue, saying it was a mistake to add too many seats. With a smaller arena, they argue the 8,000 fans will be louder without the extra, empty space. Team success is still the most important. Wrestling, despite all its winnings, is a relatively niche sport with a smaller following. OSU was fifth in wrestling attendance last year, with 4,000 fans per dual. Curtains drape the top bowl of GIA for all of its duals and for women’s basketball games. Men’s basketball is the main appeal for OSU fans to trek to GIA. It’s the second biggest college sport, and once the football season ends, attention turns to men’s basketball. The Cowboys have made the NCAA Tournament once in the Mike Boynton era, and they haven’t advanced

in 2019 was the last time Gallagher-Iba Arena was filled.

OSU upset OU on a buzzerbeater, and Mackey witnessed his first court storm. He didn’t participate, though, stuck in the last row of the arena.

“Never again,” Mackey said 21 years later. And he stayed true to his word.

Until 2006 when he graduated, Mackey attended 72 home games and went to a number of women’s basketball and wrestling duals, too. For all, he was first in line for the best view of the event. The Cowboys’ record in that time was historic. They lost one home game in two seasons.

The arena was louder than it ever had been — even with the higher ceiling — and more fans got to experience it than before. As soon as it was completed in 2001, raising the roof became a grand slam success.

“It was one of the top-5 arenas in the country,” said former guard Terrence Crawford. “It was hard to come into Gallagher-Iba Arena and get a win. It was loud. We fed off of it. It was easy to come home knowing you had 13,000 cheering you on. That environment made it tougher for other teams. It was a huge advantage for us.”

*****

OSU’s success continued through the 2000s and into the

Whenever a rival or topranked team visits GIA, fans turn out, but not every game. This weekend, the crowds will likely be the largest any student will witness in their four years. Wrestling announced a sellout for Sunday’s dual, and many visiting will likely go to the basketball game the day before as well.

There are many factors that have led to the decline.

First, there’s more entertainment in Oklahoma now. When the NBA added the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008, fans flocked to the state’s first major professional sports team. Especially when the Thunder are competitive, fans will likely pick going to their games over OSU’s.

It makes sense financially for them to do so, too. If an OSU fan lived in the Oklahoma City metro area, it would be cheaper and easier to buy a ticket to a Thunder game than drive to Stillwater. That drive isn’t always accessible. Oklahoma’s winter season can make commuting on the highway to town dangerous.

Watching and keeping up with games is easier now than ever. Stillwater and OSU aren’t big enough communities to fill GIA by themselves. Fans from OKC and Tulsa are needed. Now, rather than paying for

to the Sweet Sixteen since Sutton. Fan turnout has never reached the heights of 2001–14, even during the years the team made March Madness. So the lack of winning isn’t the only reason.

“I don’t know what you can do,” McMuprhy said. “OSU needed to expand, and I get why they wanted to expand, but God, I wish it was like it used to be.”

As Mackey waits for the game to begin, he looks around and remembers. He doesn’t open his phone. He eats his $3.75 worth of popcorn and reminisces.

He’s not at the game alone, though. He brought his young son, Logan. They attend most weekend home games together, using OSU to bond as father and son. Travis shares his memories and traditions while helping Logan create his own.

They’ve seen the good, the bad, the crowded and the empty in GIA. They’ve watched Bedlams, buzzer-beaters and the best of Boynton’s teams. But Travis still thinks: Logan has never experienced the environment he once did. And he can’t guess when the next time could be.

“It’s sad... I don’t know. I’m not giving up hope,” Travis said.

Gabriel Trevino

OSU is 13th in the Big 12 in average attendance despite having the fifth largest arena. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy National Wrestling Hall of Fame OSU 420-pound heavyweight Mitch Shelton pinned OU’s Steve Williams, aka “Dr. Death” to give the Cowboys the Bedlam win in 1982.

Miyamoto...

Continued from 1B

Assistant coach Jaime Sanchez-Canamares said her teammates rely on her and know she can win every match. If Miyamoto doesn’t, it’s because the other girl played amazing.

“On her court, she always plays competitive matches, and when she’s down, she has to continue being Ayumi,” Sanchez-Canamares said. “She’s not trying to be someone else and not trying to finish the points in a different way. That’s just her being consistent, being tough mentally and being smart about her choices because sometimes in team settings, you have teammates around you that they might have a different style or different ways to do things you try to imitate, but that’s not who you are.”

This consistency and focus came with practice.

Miyamoto began playing tennis at age 3. Not only did her parents love tennis, but her older brother was involved with the sport. Although her family already had an established love for the sport, she was not pressured into becoming the athlete she is today.

“She just works hard all the time,” Kristina Novak said. “There’s never going to be a day where she doesn’t show up with her 100%.”

Although Miyamoto continuously enhances her skills and agility on the court, it’s something off the court that makes her unique.

“I think it’s her ability to listen,” Sanchez-Canamares said. “Sometimes people always want to talk, but they don’t want to spend the time listening to others. Ayumi is a person who listens first before she talks, and the people around her know that. When they talk to her, they know she’s listening, and whatever they need is going to be a thoughtful answer.”

Her ability to listen and lead by example is something her teammates love most about her.

Sanchez-Canamares said she does not speak a lot, but when she does, people listen because of her work ethic and the way she treats others.

“It’s a pleasure to be her teammate,” Novak said. “We’ve been on separate sides of the facility, and even then, I’m able to hear her screaming and I’m able to hear her fighting. It’s just what you look for in a teammate.”

Once May comes and it’s her time to leave, Miyamoto is heading back to Japan to focus on launching her professional career. However, as a 17-year-old, she had already experienced one of the best moments of her life thus far.

“Of course, these five years have been a special experience for me, but when I played Wimbledon Junior, it was a really special moment for me,” Miyamoto said.

Soon she will have more incredible experiences; however, there’s something special OSU had to offer that led to her return.

“I came back because of this environment and the people, coaches and teammates,” Miyamoto said. “I feel like I have a second family here, and I really like everything here. Stillwater is pretty calm, and everyone is so nice.”

The two-time All-American and top-100 singles player has improved in every aspect since coming in as a freshman. She has become a better tennis player, but her coaches and teammates said she has also become a better leader.

“Ayumi has been here for five years and has kind of been through a lot of things,” Robertson said. “That’s what you’ve coached for is for your athletes to succeed. We’re here to support them in any way.”

Her dedication to the team and her own growth have led to one incredible ride for the shy, generous girl who hadn’t found her voice yet.

“I’m excited for my future,” Miyamoto said. “I think this experience and everything I’ve learned here is going to help me for sure. I’m proud of myself, and I’m proud of this team; we accomplished something.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Holliday, Cowboys emphasizing development after opening series

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Josh Holliday often tells his team a similar message after a loss. “One game at a time.”

The Oklahoma State coach, now in his 12th season in Stillwater, has taken a similar approach in past seasons involving young and relatively new-look rosters. This year is no different. And shortly after a season-opening series loss at Sam Houston State, that mantra holds true.

“We’ll get better as the season progresses,” Holliday said. “But for now, we’ve just got to focus on tomorrow. And the day after.”

The Cowboys entered the season with 23 newcomers, having lost seven starters from a season ago – five of which were position players. Through Games 1 and 2, OSU batters accrued 11 hits, striking out a combined 18 times. The offensive fluency was at times visible. However, more often than not, the youth and inexperience was simultaneously on display. And in pivotal moments, the latter would offset any offensive spark.

“It just takes time for these younger guys and new guys to get adjusted to the college game,” first baseman Colin Brueggemann said. “It takes time for these guys to adjust to college pitching.

“And at the same time, it’s early in the season. The veterans, like myself need to get back into the swing of things.”

Game 3, however, was dissimilar to the first two. OSU logged 23 runs en route to a 19-2 win in the series finale. The newcomers, without any eye-catching moments, played better. And the veterans emulated a form transparent to last season.

“We’ve got some really talented young guys,” Brueggemann said. “There’s a lot of upside I feel like on this roster. And we’ll get better over time this season.”

The group carried that momentum over to its midweek contest. In an 8-4 win over Abilene Christian on Wednesday at Globe Life Field, OSU batters logged seven hits and pieced together stellar two-out hitting and at-bats with runners in scoring position.

On Friday, the competition level will only heighten. The Cowboys are participants in the Kubota College Baseball Series. Michigan, No. 2 Arkansas and No. 7 Oregon State await. Quite the early-season competition for a young group such as OSU’s. Not to mention, OSU’s first home game doesn’t take place until March 1 in a series opener against Central Michigan.

Holliday mentioned during the team’s media day the difficulties his group has endured and still has awaiting them. A two-week delayed home opener with such competition is unideal. However, in the long run, he believes it will be beneficial.

OSU’s Opening Weekend woes were also unideal. But Holliday knows his team’s upside. Names such as Kollin Ritchie, Donovan LaSalle, Avery Ortiz, Janzen Keisel, Samuel Garcia and Gabe Davis are ones he anticipates playing pivotal roles down the stretch.

Ideally, that starts this weekend in Arlington.

“Just shaking off the jitters,” twoway product Carson Benge said. “Still getting amped up. Swinging at pitches that we shouldn’t. But we’ve got to regroup for tomorrow. And I feel like this team is still gonna be really good at the end of all of it.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Biggest takeaways, surprises from OSU Softball’s start

The O’Colly Sports Staff

Rain cancellations and scheduling games less than 24 hours in advance are just some of what Oklahoma State has undergone through its first 12 games.

Although still a young season, softball beat writers Parker Gerl, Ashton Slaughter and Gabriel Trevino offered their early takeaways from OSU’s start of the year.

Biggest takeaways

Gerl: Kenny Gajewski hyped up Ivy Rosenberry leading up to the season and cited her progress under new pitching coach Carrie Eberle and, man, Rosenberry’s probably even crushed Gajewski’s expectations. She’s been phenomenal through nine games, posting a 0.39 ERA in 18 innings of work with 24 strikeouts and just one earned run. Rosenberry’s best outing yet came against Stetson, when she entered on relief and casually served nine strikeouts in five innings as the Cowgirls came from behind to win. She’s been electric in the circle.

Slaughter: Kenny Gajewski wants to challenge his young team. Despite having highly-ranked opponents — UCLA, Washington and Georgia — on the schedule early on, what did Gajewski do after two of the Cowgirls’ games in Clearwater, Florida? He called his friend and former colleague, Tim Walton, head coach of Florida, for a game in Gainesville (which OSU won 3-0). Gajewski knew there would be growing pains with a young team, but it seems like he’s trying to expedite that process.

Trevino: This is perhaps OSU’s strongest lineup in the Kenny Gajewski era. Emphasis on strong. Through 10 games the Cowgirls have hit 15 home runs compared to their opponent’s five. The team’s slugging percentage is north of .600, with bats like Tallen Edwards,

Caroline Wang, Megan Bloodworth and Rosie Davis crushing the ball. Past OSU teams to make it to the Women’s College World Series have relied on contact and high-IQ baserunning rather than barrels. But 2024 may be the team that can match other programs’ firepower.

Biggest surprises

Gerl: Rosie Davis looks like a veteran at the plate. Despite being a highly-touted recruit, it’s tough for freshmen to come along as quickly as she has. Through 10 games, Davis compiled five multiple-hit games, hit .424, crushed three home runs and hit a pair of doubles. She’s been steady at the plate and it took little to no time to find her swing at the college ranks.

Slaughter: Claire Timm! Kenny Gajewski talked about how she had grown since last season — as expected — but she had the same number of at-bats (29) through 10 games as she had all last season. Oh, and five more runs and five more hits in five more starts (lots of fives with Timm). Listed as an outfielder, Timm has gotten work in left, taking over for Tallen Edwards, who left for the infield, and right. She looks legit, and luckily for Cowgirl fans, she’s only a sophomore. Trevino: Not one starter in the field is the same as last season. Tallen Edwards moved from left field to third base and Bloodworth slid to shortstop. Freshmen Karlie Godwin and Rosie Davis are at the right side of the infield, with Micaela Wark at DP. Claire Timm is now an outfielder, with transfer Jilyen Poullard and a combination of others who didn’t start last season — both returners and transfers. And Wang and Audrey Schinedmiller split time at catcher. With all the new faces in the field, it hasn’t been a disaster. There are definitely growing pains, but literally replacing and reorganizing the entire field in one offseason is a marvel. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Lexie Higgins Ayumi Miyamoto said she came back for a fifth season because of the environment and people around the program.

File Photo

The Cowgirls have beat highly-touted teams like UCLA, Florida and Washington to start the year.

OSU Cowboy Baseball (X)

The Cowboy offense is still adjusting, with 23 newcomers on the roster, including Lane Forsythe (No. 6).

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 liquor 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

Houses for rent

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR BOTH SUMMER SEMESTER 2024 and FALL SEMESTER 2024

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

THE O’COLLY

Applications for both Summer Semester 2024 and Fall Semester 2024 Editor-in-Chief of The O’Colly will be accepted from now thru Friday, March 8, 2024

Applications are now available in the Paul Miller Journalism and Broadcasting Building, room 106. Applicants must return their completed applications to room 106 no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024. This application process involves two separate positions; EIC for Summer and EIC for Fall. Applicants can apply for one or the other, or both positions. Be sure to indicate which position(s) you wish to be considered for on the application form.

To be eligible for Editor-In- Chief, the applicant must be a student on the Stillwater campus of Oklahoma State University, be in good academic standing (i.e., not on academic probation), have a grade point average of not less than 2.5, and have completed at least 60 hours toward a degree. Applicant must show evidence of having worked one semester writing for The O’Colly. Students serving as an Editor-in-Chief may take up to 6 credit hours of independent study in consultation and approval of their major advisor.

An internship on a newspaper in a newsroom capacity may be substituted for one semester of service on The O’Colly. The internship must meet School of Media and Strategic Communications’ current internship course.

Cowboy Calendar

Friday 02/23/2024

Ada & The Engine By Lauren Gunderson Gunderson Hall @ 7:30 p.m.

https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/okstatetheatre/7287

Downtown Funk

EM Curators of Craft @ 8 - 10 p.m. $5 Cover https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/on-stage

Dreamsickle Live

Em Curators of Craft @ 8 - 10 p.m. $5 Cover https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/on-stage

Friday Flix OSU Museum of Art @ 2 - 4 p.m.

https://museum.okstate.edu

Stillwater Comedy Valentine’s Show

Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q @ 10 p.m.

Straight Tequila Night Live

Tumbleweed Dance Hall & Concert Venue @ 8 p.m. $12

https://www.calffry.com

90’s Country Party

Tumbleweed Dance Hall & Concert Venue @ 8 p.m. https://www.calffry.com

Saturday 02/24/2024

9 Year Anniversary Party

Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 12 - 11 p.m. https://www.ironmonkbeer.com

Baking Fresh Macaroons Workshop

Round House Bakery @ 1 - 3 p.m. $130 https://www.theroundhousebakery.com/workshops-1/p/baking-fresh-macarons

Basket Weaving w/ Buck Dollarhide Prairie Arts Center @ 9 a.m. $70

https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes/fiberarts/1315-basket-weaving-with-buck-dollarhide-2 Bedlam Band Live

EM Curators of Craft @ 8 - 11 p.m. $10 Cover https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/on-stage Cowboy Basketball: OSU vs. Oklahoma Gallagher-Iba Arena @ 3 p.m. https://okstate.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule

Cowboy Hockey

OSU Cowboy & Cowgirl Athletics @ 4 p.m. $15 https://www.okstatehockey.com/games/game-vsuniversity-of-oklahoma-on-02242024-llmj2gxt/info

Cowgirl Tennis: OSU vs. Princeton Greenwood Tennis Center @ 1 p.m. https://okstate.com/sports/womens-tennis/schedule

ACROSS

1 Tries out

6 Nosegay

10 Pod whose cross sections are pentagonal

14 Skip a syllable or two

15 Until

16 “Stay” singer Lisa

17 __ Cup: PGA Tour prize 18 Pollinator who can’t fly?

20 Middle of dinner?

21 Perfect

23 “Island of the Blue Dolphins” novelist Scott

24 Parents in the Hundred Acre Wood?

27 Joie de vivre

28 Emo

32 Storage furniture

34 Prize money

37 Sphere in old referee whistles

38 A pop

39 Camera setting, and what shortened 18-, 24-, 47-, and 58-Across?

40 Otter kin

41 Durango day

42 Apt rhyme for “freeze”

43 Well-mannered blokes

44 Goofs in proofs

46 Tromp

47 Product of Shenandoah Valley shepherds?

53 Bird in a bevy

56 Hot spots

57 Signal

58 Experimental soft cheese?

60 Glossy material

62 55-Down, properly

63 Like most whiskey

64 Heart Eyes or OK Hand

65 Fancy spread

66 Fool (with)

67 Wrap sheet

DOWN

1 Schedule for later

2 Two-time WNBA MVP __ Delle Donne

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

By Blake Slonecker

3 Many a sedan

4 Amit Majmudar’s “__ to a Drone”

5 People’s superlative

6 Sound of the Northwest 7 O icon

8 Took second, say

9 Second person

10 One whose tricklearning years are behind them

11 “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play” writer Bryant

12 Rod and __

13 Cain’s brother

19 Nary a soul

22 “Spring forward” letters

25 Quick meeting?

26 Tough talk?

29 Damage control pro

30 High-stakes shelter

31 Shaggy beasts

32 Relinquish

33 31-Down abundance

34 Pump letters

35 Lays aisle-mate

36 Bass output

Today’s Birthday (02/23/24). Profit from communication this year. Grow passions and skills, step by step. Invent an inspiring personal vision this winter. Rake in extra cash this spring. Take another direction around a summer roadblock. Resources surge into shared accounts next autumn. Write, create and express your vision.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Enjoy privacy. Sort, clean and organize over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Pisces. Note insights, especially from dreams. Consider, contemplate and imagine.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Team projects go well. Your social life booms over three weeks, with Mercury in Pisces. Friends share valuable information, solutions and great advice.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Professional opportunities arise in conversation, with Mercury in Pisces. Prepare carefully for a test. Practice diplomacy and persuasive charms. Market, promote and connect.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Explore, research and learn about fascinating subjects. Over three weeks, with Mercury in Pisces, investigate philosophical, metaphysical and unanswerable questions. Discover valuable treasure.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Grow profitable shared ventures in communication. With Mercury in Pisces, it’s easier to track and grow your investments together. Contribute for shared gain.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Enjoy witty banter. Romance, partnership and collaboration flower in conversation over three weeks, with Mercury in Pisces. Sign agreements. Negotiate terms. Work together.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Work with experienced advisors, coaches and doctors. Listen and learn, with Mercury in Pisces for three weeks. Balance work, play and health for physical growth.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Imagine the possibilities. Discuss fun, romantic and creative ideas, with Mercury in Pisces over the next three weeks. Write, record and film. Get playful.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Domestic improvements begin with communication over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Pisces. Discuss possibilities with your family. Enjoy your cozy nest together.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Discuss lucrative ventures. Communication is your golden key, with Mercury in Pisces for three weeks. Write, edit and publish. Share, network and connect.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Research for best value. Enjoy a financially savvy phase, with Mercury in Pisces. Profitable ideas abound over three weeks. You’re smarter with financial decisions.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — You’re exceptionally brilliant over the next three weeks, with Mercury in your sign. Talk about personal passion and purpose. Network and share discoveries.

2/23/24

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved 2/23/24

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

39 “__ the Turtle”: University of Maryland catchphrase

40 “I would like some more catnip, please”

42 Bootlegger’s vessel

43 Visual aids

45 Really take off

46 Blame (on)

48 Canyon

49 Campus climbers

50 Focus of Maslow’s hierarchy

51 Message board?

52 Red Square honoree

53 Sample collector, maybe

54 __ Major

55 62-Across, improperly

59 “Bang!”

61 Org. for OBs

Level 1

Solution to Thursday’s puzzle

2/23/24

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

OSU returns its two leading receivers from a season ago, Brennan Presley and Rashod Owens (No.

OSU wide receiver core in good spot as spring ball approaches

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

Heading into last season, Oklahoma State’s receiver room had seen a mass exit of talent, and the strength of the group was in question.

The Cowboys lost a combined 134 receptions for 1,946 yards with John Paul Richardson, Bryson Green and Stephon Johnson Jr. hitting the portal and Braydon Johnson exhausting his eligibility.

It’s the exact opposite situation this spring. OSU enters next season confident in the level in which its group of pass catchers can produce, and it arguably has the best group in the Big 12.

The Cowboys’ two leading receivers, Brennan Presley and Rashod Owens, are back, and so is De’Zhaun Stribling, who caught 14 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown through three games before his season ended early due to a broken left wrist.

“We always preach to each other before every game (to) be the freak show that we are,” Owens said of the Cowboy re -

ceivers after winning the Texas Bowl. “Show the world what we can do and why we should be ranked the No. 1 receiving core.”

Returning for his fifth season, Presley hauled 101 receptions last year, a feat that was tied for fourthbest in school history. He will continue to move up the ranks in OSU history, as he already sits at seventh in career receiving yards and fourth in career receptions.

Presley holds tons of gravity in the Cowboys’ offense with the way he moves pre-snap and used in misdirection plays. He gets a number of receiver screens and looks across the middle, which lets Presley use his abilities to make guys miss and break off big plays.

“I’m just glad he’s on our team,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said after Presley put up 15 catches for 189 yards in a Week 12 game against Houston.

Owens and Stribling are two who can create matchup problems for defensive backs. Owens, who has moved back and forth from receiver and tight end, is big-bodied at 6-feet-2, 219 pounds. He caught 63 balls for 895

yards and five touchdowns in 2023 and was OSU’s breakout player after playing sparingly in the three years before. He has great jump ball skills and seems to always come away with a grab when the Cowboys give him a chance. He torched Texas A&M at the Texas Bowl — and went on to win game MVP — with 10 receptions for 164 yards and two scores, with the bulk of the work coming on those fades and jump balls.

And then there’s Stribling’s more finesse, can-do-a-little-bit-ofeverything type skillset. He’s got a big catch radius and hones all the pro-like intangibles. Before his limited season at OSU, Stribling played at Washington State and led the Cougars in every receiving category as a sophomore in 2022.

The Cowboys are returning an NCAA 15thbest 79% of their offensive production from last season, per ESPN. And getting Presley, Owens and Stribling back is maybe the biggest advantage for OSU’s offense behind star running back Ollie Gordon II. sports.ed@ocolly.com

As an Oklahoman, Langerman relishing final Big 12 Bedlam

once was a kid in Oklahoma, watching Bedlam like the rest of them.

One final time, the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowgirls are on a collision course as conference foes.

In what could be the final iteration of Bedlam on the hardwood, the Cowgirls are heading to Norman to take on the No. 23 Sooners on Saturday in a matchup that could have implications atop the Big 12.

Both teams come into the game off a win, with OU sitting on top of the Big 12 standings and the Cowgirls fighting for their postseason lives.

The rivalry means more to OSU forward Rylee Langerman, who grew up in Norman rooting on the Sooners before coming to Stillwater and becoming a Cowgirl.

Although Langerman is known as the scrappy role player for OSU, she

“No matter what sport it was − football, basketball, wrestling − like no matter what it was, we would always try and make it out for Bedlam because it’s such a cool thing for the state.”

With Bedlam trending toward a finale, those events Langerman grew up attending are ending, at least on the basketball court, come Saturday.

Things got testy following the teams’ last matchup, which was a Sooner win in Stillwater earlier in the season.

OSU coach Jacie Hoyt grabbed the microphone after the game to give her traditional postgame talk. OU’s fans interrupted it with cheering, which led to a loud cry from Hoyt, directing the Cowgirl fans who stuck around to cheer, too.

Bedlam can be a chippy rivalry, and one

that exudes physicality and passion from both sides. Growing up in the middle of it, Langerman wasn’t surprised when the cheering match occurred. “I mean, I think that’s just what Bedlam is like,” she said. “Bedlam is chaos. We all expected that coming into the game, and it’s two super competitive schools going at it on the court.”

Langerman is no different from every other Oklahoman who grew up when she did. Bedlam is more than a game. It’s an event, and with the final conference edition coming up this weekend, fans on both sides will have to enjoy it a little more.

“I think it would be awesome if they could continue Bedlam, just because it’s such a cool thing for the state,” Langerman said. “I remember when I was a little kid going to Bedlam games, it was always so much fun.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Calif Poncy Staff Reporter

Payton Little

Rylee Langerman grew up in Norman. Now, she’s playing in the final Big 12 edition of Bedlam as a Cowgirl.

Garzon’s worries for home country Israel changing perspective on life

Davis Cordova Staff Reporter

Lior Garzon physically does not show the worry she carries for her home country. It’s mostly a mental mind game.

Garzon, an OSU women’s basketball player, is from Israel where, since Oct. 7, has been in an armed military conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has brought on tough times for Garzon, who worries for her country and her family. She struggled in balancing her worry to not focusing on what’s happening back home.

Garzon said that this season has brought a new outlook on life, no matter how well she has played.

“It’s been a lot of ups and downs and good days and bad days,” Garzon said. “This season put a different perspective on life, like it’s way bigger than winning or losing or scoring and not scoring. And I just try to really enjoy more, like understanding tomorrow is not safe. That’s the kind of season I’ve been through.”

It’s been an intense and frustrating season for the Cowgirls, who are 13-13 and have had a slew of season-ending injuries that have dwindled their depth.

Garzon, though, has had a dip in 3-point shooting since last season, where she was recognized as one of the country’s top shooters.

Last season, Garzon averaged 10.7 points per game and shot 41% from 3-point range. This season, although she’s averaging one less point (9.7 PPG), Garzon’s 3-point percentage is 31%.

Garzon has been a key focus from opposing defenses, which has dropped her efficiency. The depth issues, injuries and reduced efficiency has added up along with Garzon’s weight of worry back home.

Garzon not only worries for her mother and father, but also worries for her sister, Yuval, who is in the Israeli military. Communication between Lior and Yuval has been tricky, but Lior said the small talk helps her be at ease.

“It’s very weird because she can’t even tell me what she’s doing,” Lior Garzon said. “I can just ask her how her day was and she can say either good or bad, but she can’t really say anything other than that. “I know she knows I love her and she knows I worry about her no matter what.”

Garzon’s parents will be at the Cowgirls’ game at No. 23 Oklahoma on

Saturday and it will be their first time watching Garzon together in the U.S. since the war began. Garzon said she can not wait for her parents to experience the Bedlam atmosphere.

“It’s going to be very special,” Garzon said. “I’m more thinking about how they are going to be shocked, probably by the crowd. I’m excited because I want them to feel what I feel. But every time I see my parents I feel more safe.”

Throughout the season the Cowgirls and OSU’s staff have checked in on Garzon. Jhasmin Player, OSU’s associate head coach, was crucial in Garzon’s recruitment from Villanova two years ago and is always making sure Garzon knows Player is there for her when needed.

“It’s been tough on her,” Player said. “She’s going through something that none of us can ever say we can relate to, so we don’t try to. We just show up for her in the best way we can when she says she needs us and we keep in contact with her family and check on them. We just make sure she knows we are available.”

Jacie Hoyt, OSU’s coach, has not noticed much difference with Garzon since the war started. Hoyt said even though Garzon has had this weight since

November, she has continued to be a key player on the team.

“Lior is a very private person,” Hoyt said. “With Lior, she’s very consistent. You might find something out that she’s been battling or going through and you didn’t know it because she doesn’t really change or wear it any different.

“The biggest thing with her is she shows up every day and does what she needs to do. She’s shown up and given everything she’s got.”

The media attention on the IsraelHamas war has dwindled, but Garzon still worries for her country, even if people in the States forget about the conflict.

Garzon said she’s found trouble balancing how much time she spends focusing on the conflict and her home country.

“It’s definitely harder because I think people think it’s over and everything is fine, but no. It’s still not OK,” Garzon said. “There’s still a lot going on, but I think right now it’s more about the fight with myself about how much attention I’m gonna give it.

“Like, I can carry as much as I want, but not everybody is gonna understand it.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Payton Little

Lior Garzon, a senior forward on the OSU women’s basketball team, still carries the weight of worry for her home country Israel.

BEAT IOWA

Courtesy The Oklahoman