Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

Cowboys raise almost $200,000 for OSU mental health services

Casey Staff Reporter

Pokes have always prioritized mental health.

Students at OSU and across the nation are putting their mental well-being above anything else. The surplus of students exploring OSU’s mental health resources in recent years inspired improvements.

On Oct. 8, OSU launched Cowboys United For Mental Health. The fiveday campaign’s goal was to raise money for OSU’s mental health resources.

The Cowboy community did just that. The campaign raised $193,544 to put toward expanding mental health services for students.

“The entire Cowboy family coming together around this important cause was so exciting to watch,” Adrian Matthys, assistant vice president of annual giving at the OSU Foundation said.

“Alumni, faculty, staff, students and generous members of the OSU community all played a part in raising these funds to support campus mental health services.”

The money from the campaign will be used to improve the mental health resources available to on-campus and off-campus students. OSU plans to use the funds

OSU’s Ethics Bowl team qualifies for national competition

Kennedy Thomason Assistant News and Lifestyle editor

After winning the regional competition at Texas A&M University-San Antonio on Nov. 12, the OSU Ethics Bowl team will travel to Portland, Oregon, in March to vie for a national title.

This achievement was not a surprise to the team. Winning regionals three consecutive times and qualifying for the national competition four out of the five years they were eligible, the team is prepared for nationals. The Ethics Bowl team is excited to build off this record and take the national stage.

The team has a record at the national competition, placing in the top eight two years ago.

The OSU Department of Philosophy sponsors the Ethics Bowl team and is made of student members of the Ethics Club at OSU.

Scott Gelfand, the Department of Philosophy head, said he enjoys seeing student growth among the team.

“Interacting with and supporting our Ethics Bowl team is one of my favorite activities,” Gelfand said. “The team members discuss a variety of complicated and interesting issues. They frequently disagree with one another, but they’ve learned how to disagree in a respectful way and a way in which they can share their ideas and maybe arrive at a position they can all support.”

The Ethics Bowl team debates controversial and complex issues to develop debate and critical thinking skills. As with any club, their shared interests create a strong bond. The team allows students to practice professional skills.

“They develop deep friendships, and they learn skills that are important in college, graduate school and the job market, including working as a team and articulating complex ideas in a clear manner,” Gelfand said. “And, of course, as they discuss the different issues, they

hone their critical reasoning skills.”

Daniel Trippett, the team coach and lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, said the team accomplished a lot at their regional competition. OSU received first place for the Ethics Bowl team, as well as the freshmen team.

Members of the team include Parker Plank, a computer engineering and philosophy double major from Tulsa, Samuel Sibley, a mechanical engineering major from Tulsa, Reese Jackson, a zoology and biology double major from Fort Worth and Eric Landin, an English and philosophy double major from Tulsa.

The freshmen team consisted of Colin Udall, Caleb Dorsten, Spencer Terry, Ethan Jennings and Michael Clark.

For more information on the Ethics Bowl Team, you can visit news. okstate.edu.

Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?

Bella Casey Staff Reporter

Christmas movies are an essential part of the holiday season.

Movies such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Home Alone” are considered holiday staples in millions of households across America.

For a smaller number of American households, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas if somebody at the dinner table didn’t revive the yearly holiday argument of if “Die Hard” qualifies as a Christmas movie.

In “Die Hard,” Bruce Willis, who plays police officer John McClane, is attending his wife’s company Christmas party when the a group of terrorists there to take over the building interrupts. It is up to McClane to save the building and

its occupants from the criminals.

Many argue that “Die Hard” is not a Christmas movie, instead it’s an action movie that happens to take place during Christmas.

David Cagle, 25, said that everything about “Die Hard” screams Christmas.

“It takes place on Christmas,” Cagle said. “It takes place at a Christmas party. They play Christmas music throughout the whole thing, and they even have Christmas music during the credits. The entire movie is Christmas.”

Those against the claim that “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie argue that because the movie was not released during the holiday season, it is not a Christmas movie. “Die Hard” was released in July 1988.

Bella

Courtesy of OSU Foundation

In October, OSU raised $193,544 for the Cowboys United for Mental Health Campaign. OSU President Kayse Shrum led the event and the funds will be used to provide free counseling sessions and more.

Courtesy of OSU

Members of the OSU Ethics Bowl team continued the program’s success with its third straight regional championship and qualified for the Ethics Bowl national competition in Portland, Oregon.

Christmas traditions around the world

December is a month filled with different celebrations and traditions across the world. From Norway, where people hide their brooms, a tradition that dates back centuries to when people believed that witches and evil spirits came out on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride on, to Austria, where a beast-like demon creature that roams city streets frightening kids and punishing the bad ones.Traditions can be diverse and a lot of fun.

Editorial board

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

Sports editor Gabriel Trevino sports.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant sports editor Braden Bush sports.ed@ocolly.com

Design editor Sam Beebe design.ed@ocolly.com

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

Assistant News & Life editor Kennedy Thomason news.ed@ocolly.com entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Photo editor Mackenzie Janish photo.ed@ocolly.com

Adviser John Helsley john.helsley@okstate.edu

News & Lifestyle reporters:

Jaden Besteda Payton Little Baylor Bryant Michael Clark Rebekah Cleary Micah McKamie Jaycee Hampton Isaac Terry Bella Casey

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

The O’Colly Staff

Sports reporters: Photographers & Designers:

Sam Hutchens Braden Bush Davis Cordova Ashton Slaughter Daniel Allen Rowdy Baribeau Payton Little PJ Tikalsky Parker Gerl Gina Foster Calif Poncy Bradley Cook Ivan White

Rebekah Cleary Kendall McGhee Jaiden Daughty Molly Jolliff Cole Gueldenzoph Chase Davis Michael Clark Karlie Boothe Ethan Hilbert Paul Houston Carson Toulouse Jaycee Hampton Cassius Davis Ava Whistler

to provide free counseling sessions and financial aid to students seeking mental health assistance and increase funding for Togetherall, an online service that offers 24/7 support.

“Our goal is to provide easy access for mental health support to all students,” Doug Hallenbeck, OSU vice president of student affairs said. “The money raised will go directly to helping students get the help they need that will

News/Lifestyle

make a difference in their life.”

Moving away from home for the first time can take a toll on students’ mental health. The pressure to get involved on campus, find a friend group and make good grades leaves many students feeling mentally exhausted.

Raedyn Magness, a senior studying biochemistry and molecular biology, said she relates to the struggles her peers face.

“At times, it can feel like failure is just right around the corner,” Magness said. “It is easy to get stuck in the mindset that everything is going wrong and that the world is against you. That kind of discouragement can be heavy and hard to overcome.”

On the last day of the campaign, the OSU Student Foundation hosted Walk the Block outside Willard Hall. The walk aimed to spread awareness about Cowboys United For Mental Health and to educate students about campus mental health resources. OSU President Kayse Shrum attended and mingled with students.

Members of the Interfraternity Council attended Walk the Block in support of expanding campus mental health resources. The council said they recognize how college can affect students’ mental health, especially young men. To raise awareness about mental health issues and break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health struggles,

the group presented a $2,500 check to the campaign.

OSU alumnus and Indonesian Ambassador Rosan Perkasa Roeslani made a significant donation to the cause after learning of the campaign at the OSU football game against Texas Tech. Roeslani donated $50,000.

More than 380 donors contributed to the campaign, making it clear that OSU values mental health.

“Mental illness can feel like an invisible struggle,” Magness said. “But through Cowboys United for Mental Health, I think we can help to make sure no OSU student struggles alone.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

The Wacky World of Obscure Christmas Albums

Little Staff Reporter

confusing holiday albums. Here are just a few of the fun and funny albums that have come home for the holidays this year.

“Jingle Cats, Meowy Christmas”

OSU Ag faculty wins OSU

Convocation Awards

Michael Clark Staff Reporter

On Monday, OSU announced the faculty and staff who received awards at the University Awards Convocation ceremony. OSU President Kayse Shrum and Provost Jeanette Mendez hosted the event. Twenty-three members of the faculty were recognized for their efforts in the fall 2022 semester.

These recipients included Ravi Jadeja, the associate professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. Jadeja won the Distinguished Early Career Faculty Award.

Associate dean of Ferguson College of Agriculture Cynda Clary received the Leave the Ladder Down Award for her outstanding leadership and kindness.

Regents Professor and Wheat Geneticist Brett Carver received the Eminent Faculty Award because of contributions to wheat variety development.

Yangi Wu from the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences was appointed as Regent Professor for his excellent discipline and scholarship.

Faculty member Ning Wang from the Department of Biosystems and

Agricultural Engineering received the Regents Distinguished Research Award for her significant achievements in her field of research. Wang was also given a $2,000 stipend.

Danielle Bellmer from the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering was recognized for her significant contributions to students with the Regents Distinguished Teacher award and also received a $2,000 stipend.

Karen Hickman from the Environmental Science Undergraduate Program was awarded the Career Champion Award for her outstanding encouragement and support toward students.

The annual Dr. Howard J. Ship Jr. Inclusive Excellence Staff Award was presented to the honorable mention, Sheary Johnson from the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. Johnson received the award for excellence in the field of diversity and equity. She also received a $1,500 stipend.

For demonstrating an outstanding commitment to teaching students virtually, F. Bailey Norwood from the Department of Agricultural Economics received the Online Teaching Excellence Award and a $2,000 stipend.

As another part of the awards ceremony, Wyatt Hoback, Tyson Ochsner and Yong Cheng were appointed as Chair and Professorship Holders.

Robert Scott Frazier from the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering received a $500 stipend for Academic Excellence in Academic Program Assessment for dedication to planning and implementing academic programs.

The Merrick Foundation Teaching Award was given to Eric DeVuyst from the Department of Agricultural Economics who showcased an ability to help students understand and engage with the American economy.

OSU adviser John Michael Riley from the Department of Agricultural Economics received the Advising Excellence Award for showing outstanding academic advising,

Finally, three individuals from OSU, Jana Moore, Karen Smith, and Melissa Dunn, received the OSU Staff Distinguished Service Award because of outstanding loyalty and dedication to OSU.

news.ed@ocolly.com

The sounds of the holidays bring back a sense of child-like wonder and fond memories. But in some situations, these sounds may do the exact opposite.

Christmas songs have been some of the most played and covered songs of all time. Through classics like “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Jingle Bells”, countless celebrities have attempted to dip their toes in the water to try and capitalize on that Christmas magic. However, with the fair share of good Christmas music out there, comes the weird, bad and downright

“Jingle Cats, Meowy Christmas” is exactly what it sounds like. This album is perfect for that crazy cat lady in your family that just cannot get enough of the holiday cheer… and cat hair. The track list is made up of 20 Christmas classics all covered with cat sounds. Not a great listen for an extended period of time, but it is hard not to crack a smile when listening to “Carol of the Bells” done completely by feline friends. The CD itself may be hard to come by, as it was first released in 1993, but with a quick YouTube search, those

Courtesy of OSU

OSU President Kayse Shrum (left) presented Brett Carver (right) with the Eminent Faculty Award. Carver became one of several OSU Department of Agriculture faculty to receive awards for the fall semester.

Payton

Via Spotify

Everyone knows about the traditional Christmas music albums. What about the wacky ones such as “A Very Spidey Christmas.

Die...

“Die Hard” was released before Cagle was born, and he didn’t watch the movie until many years after it made its theater debut.

Cagle said it never occurred to him that “Die Hard” was not released during the holiday season.

“I never knew that,” Cagle said. “I just thought it was a Christmas movie my whole life.”

Tim Kline was 22 when “Die Hard” was released. Kline said the movie’s summer release date does not define it as a nonChristmas movie.

“Anybody who doesn’t understand it’s a Christmas movie hasn’t seen it,” Kline said. “Rudolph, the RedNosed Reindeer” could have happened anytime there was fog, but it’s a Christmas story.”

Kline said “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie because Christmas is essential to the

plot of the movie. For many companies, the Christmas party is the biggest event of the year. A minor celebration such as a Halloween party would not require employees to bring a plus one, nor would it have called for company executives to attend.

“If there was no Christmas, there would have been no reason to have all of the upper management there together, where they could come and rob them,” Kline said. “It’s not something they could have done on an average Thursday, or even at Easter or Thanksgiving.”

Although Kline and Cagle make compelling arguments for why “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie, not all would agree a movie of such violence represents the Christmas spirit.

Whether “Die Hard” is truly a Christmas movie, the is-or-isn’t an argument it inspires every holiday season means Christmas for many.

entertainment.ed@ ocolly.com

Lifestyle

Candy cane Christmas cookie recipe

all-purpose flour One teaspoon salt Red food coloring Peppermint Mixture (one-half cup crushed peppermint, one-half cup sugar)

dough. Scoop one-half tablespoon from each color. Roll into balls, then into 5-inch-long ropes Carefully twist ropes together

perfectly, as the candy cane shape makes it super simple to dip into the mug. The candy cane bits on the cookie will add a bit of minty taste to that simple cup of hot cocoa.

What better way to celebrate the holiday by making festive treats for the whole family?

Christmas and cookies go hand in hand. Cookies are perfect gingerbread house material, treats for Santa Claus as he arrives down chimneys and nice snacks to go along with piping cups of hot cocoa. Those finding themselves short on cookie recipes need not to worry, as this family recipe for classic candy cane cookies should do the trick. They are a labor of love, but the taste is worth the effort for those looking for a treat on Christmas day.

Ingredients

One-half cup butter

One-half cup shortening

One cup powdered

One egg One and a half teaspoon almond extract

One teaspoon vanilla Two and a half cups

Wacky...

Continued from 3A

looking to listen should be able to find it hiding on the website.

“A Very Spidey Christmas”

What started out as a joke written in “SpiderMan: Into the Spiderverse”, became a reality. Peter B. Parker makes a joke stating that he had many things in his life, including a Christmas album. Nothing more than a one-off joke, until the album was released digitally, following the release of the

Christmas music to listen while preparing (optional) Directions

Heat oven to 375 degrees

Thoroughly mix butter, shortening, powdered sugar, egg and flavorings.

Blend flour and salt Divide dough in half Use red food coloring for one-half of the

Place the twisted rope onto baking sheet and curve the top to look like a candy cane shape Bake cookies for 8 minutes.

Sprinkle with peppermint mixture immediately after removing from the oven Cool, plate, and enjoy Got a favorite hot chocolate? These will pair

Christmas is all about coming together with loved ones and family, so why not persuade others to join in the fun of making the cookie. Those that are naturals in the kitchen or just wanting to add to the usual food spread of Christmas are sure to be satisfied with the results of the Christmas candy cane cookie.

movie in 2018. Now, fans are able to purchase a vinyl record containing all the songs from the digital album. The album is short, but the joke lands for those that are fans of the wall crawler. Plus, “Spidey-Bells (A Hero’s Lament)” is a pretty catchy tune.

“A Chrisley Christmas” Released in 2016, this is an album featuring the Chrisley family, as seen on the USA Network’s hit show “Chrisley Knows Best”, singing various Christmas songs along with a few originals. What felt like an odd choice in 2016 has only grown to be more peculiar

in light of the recent prison sentence of both Todd and Julie Chrisley after committing tax fraud. It was an obscure listen when it first released in 2016, and it probably will not be echoing through the halls of anybody’s Christmas celebration in 2022.

“Crazy Hits: Crazy Christmas Edition” Remember that one song that exploded on the early days of YouTube that had the blue frog riding the invisible motorcycle? Well, he made a Christmas album. “Crazy Hits: Crazy Christmas Edition” only features two Christmas songs on the album, a cover of Wham!’s

“Last Christmas” and “Jingle Bells”. The Crazy Frog is known for making annoying noises and turning them into loud, techno remixes that get stuck in people’s heads. Crazy Frog accomplishes just that with this semi-festive musical collection.

This is only scratching the surface of wild holiday tunes made available on albums. While these are all alternate options to accompany the family Christmas dinner, these songs should be put toward the very bottom of the playlist… unless someone’s looking to get taken off the guest list for next Christmas.

Little Staff Reporter entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Tribune News Service Bruce Willis stars as New York cop John McClane in 1988’’s “Die Hard.”

Courtesy of Payton Little

Celebrate the holiday season with this classic candy cane Christmas cookie recipe from the family of The O’Colly staff reporter, Payton Little.

Payton

Top 4 horror based Christmas movies

James Jones Staff Reporter

Tis’ the season for everything to be jolly and sweet, but what if you’re hungry for a bit of fear and terror while still staying festive? Well, look no further as there are a wide array of Christmas based horror movies that will make this holly jolly holiday season into spooky season 2.0. These movies range from a psychopathic seasonal killer to a morbid twist on your favorite Christmas characters and I’m here to list the ones that you shouldn’t miss out on to spice up your holiday cheer, or more so sour it.

No. 1. ‘Krampus’ (2015)

First on the list is the American horror comedy “Krampus,” which Michael Dougherty directed. This film is based around the Central and Eastern European folklore of a half-goat, half-demon entity named Krampus who hunts down and punishes children

who have been troublesome during the Christmas season. The overall original story of Krampus is quite terrifying, especially with what he does to those misbehaving children, but this film tends to approach this German scary bedtime story in a compelling yet slightly lighthearted manner. That doesn’t mean it won’t show accounts of body horror to even depicting common phobias that’ll make your skin crawl. The characters within the film, played by a decent cast of actors and actresses, perfectly portray that awkward and toxic family dynamic that can be relatable to some viewers who have family they don’t enjoy having around for the holidays. The design of Krampus himself and his merry band of misfits are the highlight of the movie as it portrays them as these more darker mirror images of Santa and his elves.

I can keep going on and on about this movie but it’s something you must witness yourself.

No. 2. ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’ (1984)

One of my guilty pleasures for the

second movie of this list is the American slasher “Silent Night, Deadly Night,” from director Charles E. Sellier Jr. This movie can be a hit for some and a miss for others as it can be slow at points, but if you are a sucker for campy slasher movies, like myself, then this movie is a huge recommendation. The overall gist is that an orphan, after witnessing the death of his parents to the hands of someone in a Santa costume, grows up to become a Santa Clause outfit wearing killer himself. There isn’t much to talk about with this film besides the grotesque nudity, which is common with slashers like these, and the decent gore that is present for any horror buff to find some enjoyment out of.

No. 3. ‘The Gingerdead Man’ (2005)

For the third entry on this list, I’m going into the more “it’s so bad it’s good” territory. For this we have the obscure movie “The Gingerdead Man.” There really isn’t much to say about this fever dream of a movie besides the fact that you better have your brain on fac-

tory reset to enjoy it. Hell, keep a side of some “Christmas Special,” for the South Park fans out there, to have a good laugh with this film.

4. ‘Black Christmas’ (1974)

Lastly on this list we have another cult classic slasher called “Black Christmas,” from director Bob Clark. Taking inspiration from the urban legend where a babysitter would receive anonymous and threatening phone calls from an unknown individual, this film is a good slasher to just sit back and enjoy the events that occur. The story is based around a bunch of sorority girls who receive terrifying phone calls from a stranger who eventually tries to kill them. This film is a classic “cat and mouse” scenery film with aspects of hide and seek that’ll put you on your toes at certain points.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of IMDb

Mix your celebrations to create a spooky themed Christmas with these four horror-based Christmas movies.

Enjoy Christmas with this wacky and unbelievable fever dream of a movie, ‘The Gingerdead Man.”

Want to celebrate the holiday season with a slasher film? “Silent Night Deadly Night” does just that.

A European folktale comes to life in this 2015 Christmas horror-comedy, “Krampus.”

Hefty Homecoming The cost of Walkaround

Gonders and Tim Webb O’Colly Contributors

Every year in late October, about 100,000 people come to Stillwater to experience America’s greatest and possibly most expensive homecoming.

The most famous hallmark of Oklahoma State’s homecoming is called Walkaround. Thousands of people flood University Boulevard on Friday night to see the colorful decorations that the Greek houses work on from the first week of September through the end of October. The decs are made up of a combination of metal frames, chicken wire, glue and tissue paper. By the time all of the decs are done, they all have their own distinguishing features and quirks. One thing ties them all together though, and that’s money.

When Homecoming preparations begin, each fraternity is paired with a sorority to make the dec that goes in the front yard of the fraternity house. The houses spent more than $44,000 combined on their decs, according to the ledgers of the Phi Delta Theta and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternities. That number doesn’t include rentals for heavy machinery that includes lifts and light kits.

This graph shows us what Phi Delta Theta and Lambda Chi Alpha spent respectively this year on each part of their homecoming decs.

The anomaly in this graph is the large amount of money each house put toward decorative materials, the parts of the deck used in the process of “pomping.”

The ledgers also showed the specifics of what each house spent in each category. The decorative materials are made up of a majority of pomp orders, glue and chicken wire.

Here the data shows that out of all of the decorative materials for a deck, the pomp orders take up most of the costs for decorations. On the tissue paper alone, both houses spent more than $13,000 combined.

With all of Greek Life pouring money into the decs and the hundreds of thousands of people coming to Stillwater, one would think that there is money to be made from America’s Greatest Homecoming.

“The OSU Alumni Association does not profit from America’s Greatest Homecoming,” Director of University Engagement Shelby Roberts said. “It is not funded by the university. It is funded by the OSU Alumni Association.”

“$2,700 is a lot to give out to all the houses, but I’m sure some are still talking about how it’s not enough, it’s just not enough to justify how much we spend,” Traxel said.

Mechanical materials and structural materials are usually recycled from years past, meaning those prices are usually lower from year to year.

That brings into question where that money comes from. If the OSU Alumni Association does not make any money off of homecoming, where do they get it? The answer is from an endowment that the university started in 2010. The goal was to raise $3 million to preserve homecoming with a focus on walkaround, according to the endowment page. While the endowment reached its goal, houses only received a $2,700 stipend this year for their homecoming decs.

Homecoming director Henry Traxel spoke on the stipend.

In total, those stipends add up to $5,400 per pairing. When up against the data, the stipends don’t even account for the pomping paper alone. The decs for these houses were both more than $20,000 not including the rentals which can cost up to $12,000.

With funding from the Alumni Association as low as it is, more of the financial burden is placed on the house pairings. This issue dates to 2019 when Kappa Sigma fraternity withdrew from homecoming citing the high costs of making a dec. Instead, they donated $8,000 to the Military Heroes Campaign and Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services.

In the long term, the small stipends from the Alumni Association are minute when it comes to building homecoming decs. With each dec costing around $20,000, the majority of the building costs falling on the house pairings, the finances just aren’t sustainable. Eventually, more houses could withdraw from homecoming just like Kappa Sigma did in 2019. At this rate, the endowment to preserve homecoming is not enough to preserve America’s Greatest Homecoming. So we can only hope for more financial support from the alumni, otherwise, the fate of homecoming Walkaround rests on the lightened wallets of OSU’s Greek Life students.

Aaron

Chase Davis

Walkaround brings in thousands of people to Stillwater each year but the cost for house decorations can cause issues for the houses.

Brown’s love for basketball drives unwavering mindset

a year,” Brown said. “I wanted to come back as fast as possible. My goal was six months, and luckily I got to do that.”

Gabriel Trevino Sports Editor

Naz Brown made a declaration neither his parents, coach nor doctor believed was physically possible.

Just before the AAU summer circuit in 2021, Brown tore his ACL. He would miss the crucial tournaments for recruiting, and likely most of his high school senior season that winter and following spring. Missing AAU was fine, but his high school season wasn’t a possibility for Brown.

He was going to be back on a court in six months.

“A lot of doctors told me I wouldn’t play for nine months to

To do that, he worked out three times a day, seven days a week. He wanted to be back that bad. Because he’s always had basketball.

At 3, he started dribbling and going to the court with his father, Byron, and brother, Diamond. At 5, he joined his first team, and at 8, his family — all Los Angeles Lakers fans — took him to a Kobe Bryant youth camp.

“That literally changed his life,” said Jamelia Brown, Naz’s mother. “We took him to Kobe Bryant’s basketball camp, and he got to play with him for five days. Kobe even picked him to be on his AllStar team. So that was one of the highlights of his life.”

Table talk

Smith’s double jokes motivates team

Adam Engel Editor-in-Chief

John Smith lost his train of thought.

Last week, Smith, OSU’s wrestling coach, chatted with reporters during his weekly press conference.

He provided a glimpse into his motivational tactics.

See, there are a few reasons why Smith recently moved his press conferences to the team’s locker room instead of the Gallagher-Iba Arena lobby. The obvious reason?

An opportunity to show off the new digs in front of a camera. Smith’s other reason he half-jokes about? He wants to get ‘em all. Whenever one of his

starters walk past the media huddle, Smith just so happens to be talking about something that applies to them. During this off week before the Southern Scuffle, that teaching remains key.

That’s why, when minutes before, Carter Young walked through the locker room doors and into a conversation where Smith turned into full coach mode. He talked about teammates stepping up. Being that guy and taking control of the dual. Something Smith said he needs and wants to see from Young, his 141-pounder.

“Uhh… anyway,” Smith said. “Lost my thought.”

Coincidence?

Moments later, another wrestler walked through the door when Smith talks about Wyatt Sheets and what he needed to do to win against Oklahoma.

Sub, not a scrub Smith maximizing role off the bench

pregame.

Braden Bush Assistant Sports Editor

The most efficient scorer on OSU’s roster isn’t on the floor at tipoff.

Tyreek Smith, a 6-foot-9, redshirt-junior forward, comes off the Cowboy bench and does his damage, whereas he spent the end of last season in the starting lineup. Coach Mike Boynton said the only difference is he isn’t having his name broadcasted by the public address announcer during

“I enjoy my role, just trying to pick my teammates up if we’ve been down,” Smith said. “And if we are doing good, when I get in, I want to keep that energy going, keep the lead going up as I get in. So, I like my role now; I accept it.”

Transfer guard Caleb Asberry is the only bench player averaging more than Smith’s 16.1 minutes and 7.3 points per game, but nobody in the lineup can match the forward’s 37-for50 (74.0%) shooting from the field this season. Next best is Moussa Cisse’s 60.3%.

Smith’s offensive impact has grown each season. His redshirt freshman season at Texas Tech, he shot just under 60%; last season, his first in Stillwater, Smith made 64.6% of his attempts. Now, he’s shooting and scoring at a career-high level.

“He don’t miss,” Cisse said. “That’s not surprising, but it’s crazy to me, like he don’t miss. He knows his role. Every time he’s there, he’s doing something positive. That’s what I like about him. And he don’t complain. He just goes over there and goes hard, like he’s a beast.”

Cisse said Smith still can’t bully him in the paint, but he tries, and he is a bully around the rim to others at practice. Smith’s shooting percentage

Chase Davis

Nah Brown is one of only two freshman on OSU’s roster.

See Brown on 2B

Abby Cage

OSU wrestling coach John Smith uses his weekly press conferences to take playful shots at his wrestlers.

See Smith on 2B

Smith has welcomed the role change is OK with being the sixth or seventh man in the rotation, and he’s playing some of his best basketball in a Cowboy uniform.

Mackenzie Janish

Tyreek Smith leads all Cowboys in field goal percentage at 74.0%.

Said Brown, “That was the moment I knew I really loved basketball.”

While recovering from the ACL tear, Brown — who was still doubted if he would be able to return in time — reminded his coach, Clint Schnell at Coppell High School in Texas, he would play the first game. And when he couldn’t practice yet, he became an “extra coach” for his teammates. He never left, because he loved basketball and helping his team.

“He’s that person, where if you’re having a bad day, he’s going to make sure your day is brighter,” Jamelia said.

Removed from the summer AAU circuit heading into his senior season may have cost Brown the chance at scholarship. Even after averaging 15 points in his career, Schnell said coaches questioned the durability of Brown’s knee, and with the modern transfer portal, college programs would rather use that than take a risk on a player with a past injury.

It didn’t stop Brown, who went from a Coppell Cowboy to an OSU Cowboy, walking onto the team after coach Mike Boynton remembered him from an AAU team he recruited other players on.

Acclimating to OSU and Stillwater wasn’t difficult for Brown, who fell in love with the culture and basketball history on campus, made easier by his fondness of country music.

So far, Brown has appeared in four games for the Cowboys through the nonconferece slate of games. For now, Brown is focused on being like his idol, Kobe, and to continue working to help his new teammates in any way possible.

“I try to carry myself in his way,” Brown said. “Anytime I step on the court in practice, I’m gonna go as hard as I can… I want to continue to help my teammates in any way possible.”

International Cowgirls celebrate holidays in Stillwater

Gina Foster Staff Reporter

The term “home for the holidays” doesn’t apply to everyone.

Three members of the OSU Cowgirl basketball team — guard Anna Gret Asi, forward Lior Garzon and forward Praise Egharevba — won’t be able to travel internationally to spend the holiday break with their families. For many OSU athletes, especially the women’s basketball team, will not find themselves fully indulging in the break.

The Cowgirls have seven matchups during the month-long break, some of which are Big 12 competitors. The rest students receive does not apply in these situations. Physically, these girls are consistent and constantly thinking about who they take on next.

“We all understand our assignment,” said forward Kassidy DeLapp. “We all know we’re gonna play basketball. You’re still thinking about it even though you get five days to kind of wind down with your family, but it’s still very much so, what’s next.”

Coach Jacie Hoyt

has made her team a family from the first day. Throughout this supposedly cheerful time of the year, Hoyt has gone above and beyond to make it just that for all involved.

The last day of finals week the team celebrated with a Christmas party. The team took a trip to Sapulpa, Oklahoma, a small town an hour from campus, to catch a glimpse of its beautiful first annual Route 66 Christmas Chute and indulge in the abundance of twinkling lights and the engaging decorations that accompany.

Hoyt has made every effort to give the girls the holiday they deserve, especially because of the travels that the international players are not able to make, along with some players that are not making the distant trip in the states.

“Taking care of them, making sure that they have everything they need and having a support system,” Hoyt said. “At the Christmas party we’re going to have as a team and just doing anything we can do to help this feel like home for them.”

Continued from 1B

These are the ways Smith attempts to motivate his team outside the wrestling room. A team which Smith called “much better” than last year. Full health. Underclassmen still trying to break out but the veterans holding things together.

Next week, the team will be tested in a tournament setting at the Southern Scuffle in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In multiple matches at the Scuffle, Smith said the team will get another opportunity of wrestling under pressure.

It’s the little things, holding the team back. Big individual ranked wins but a return to inconsistencies.

“We’re getting those bits of hope,” Smith said. “We gotta grab them and we gotta be mature.”

He noticed glimpses of his vision in Bedlam when the Cowboys grabbed three late wins to defeat Oklahoma, 22-16.

The Tuttle boys — 174-pounder

Dustin Plott and 197-pounder Luke Surber — and 184-pounder Travis Wittlake emerged as “those guys.”

Smith only saw flashes of dominance from Young. Against Minnesota when he beat No. 3 Jake Bergeland, 5-1.

“You start to actually believe this guy can do something,” Smith said. “OK, man. He’s arrived. That’s why you’re a little bit harder on these poor losses. You know what he can do.”

Later, a crowd formed. Young and his teammates raided the team kitchen. Snack time before practice. But Young walked into Smith’s school of wrestling.

Young snagged a purple Gatorade out of the refrigerator. He leaned against the counter and listened as if he’s a student learning from his professor.

Smith called him out. Nothing rude. A fact meant to be motivational. He doesn’t keep Young comfortable.

“It seems like if I ever give him a little breath of air, he goes backward,” Smith said. “So, I just gotta stay on his ass the whole time.”

Smith looked toward Young and continued the ribbing.

“Don’t I?” he said.

Young smiled and agreed.

But those joking exchanges aren’t

new. It’s just how Smith connects with his guys.

“Sometimes you’ll laugh it off,” Wittlake said. “Sometimes it’s more of

with it.”

a serious moment. You just kinda gotta play

Molly Jolliff

OSU wrestling coach John Smith constantly motivates his wrestlers through speech on and off the mat.

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Mackenzie Janish

Naz Brown attended a Kobe Bryant youth camp, where he fell in love with basketball.

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscope

Today’s’ Birthday (12/23/22). Domestic joys empower and inspire this year. Steady efforts build financial strength. Redirect creative or romantic projects around winter obstacles, before springtime domestic renovation nurtures your family. Adapting and sharing support with summer social challenges leads to exciting autumn professional projects. Harmonize together at home. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — This Capricorn New Moon illuminates professional opportunities. Develop interesting projects over the next two weeks. Pursue exciting possibilities. Your career, status and influence rise. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Educational opportunities arise after tonight’s New Moon. The next two-week phase favors study, investigation and exploration. Consider new perspectives. Make connections, contributions and bold discoveries.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Find creative ways to grow your family nest egg. A lucrative two-week phase dawns with tonight’s New Moon. Launch valuable initiatives with your partner.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Take your collaborative efforts to new heights over the next two weeks. Partnership flowers naturally. Fall in love all over again. Together, you’re unbeatable.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Energize your physical moves. The New Moon tonight initiates two weeks of growing health and strength. Put your heart into your actions. Practice makes perfect.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Enjoy yourself. Stir up some romance. The New Moon begins a two-week family, fun and passion phase. Get creative. It’s all for love.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Realize domestic visions with upgrades over a two-week New Moon phase. Get creative. Improve the beauty and functionality of your home. Nurture family.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Creative projects flower. Profit through communications for two weeks. Possibilities spark in conversation over this New Moon phase. Express, share and connect. Write your story.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Strengthen financial foundations for growth. Begin a lucrative New Moon phase. Discover fresh markets and rising prosperity. Rake in and preserve a healthy harvest. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Pursue personal dreams. Expand talents, capacities and skills over two weeks, with the New Moon in your sign. Grow and develop. Shine your light.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Insights, breakthroughs and revelations sparkle in the dark of tonight’s New Moon. Dreams seem within reach. Enjoy a two-week creative, imaginative and organizational phase. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Connect for shared support, fun and appreciation. This New Moon phase benefits team efforts. Grow through friendships, social networks and community participation.

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Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

is due to that toughness in the lane, which leads to high-percentage dunks and layups.

“Sometimes when he hits you, you’ll be like, ‘Damn, that hurt,’” Cisse said. “Like when he goes up, you can’t stop him. He’s just so physical; he’s got a lot of force.”

That physicality that helps him in games was built in the weight room. Cisse said Smith is in the weight room every day, and he started going with him because of how strenuous his workouts are.

“That boy loves that weight room,” said guard Chris Harris.

Putting Smith back in the starting lineup has crossed Boynton’s mind. Smith started the final seven games of the 2021-22 season and proved he was capable in that spot, and his play the past month has been good enough to force the staff to consider a move.

But subbing Smith instead of starting him

has worked well, so why change it? Boynton decided Smith’s value could be greater in a role off the bench where he can provide fresh legs and a spark in the rotation. After discussion with Smith, that could be his best fit.

“The other part of it is that the player’s perspective matters,” Boynton said. “Some guys are more comfortable coming off the bench and allowing themselves to see how the game is being played, you know, coming in and then making an impact that way.”

Smith has embraced his role and sees the utility in coming off the bench. The Cowboys have goals of making the NCAA tournament, and it will take him and the rest of the bench buying into and maximizing their role to achieve that.

“It’s hard to win a championship with just five players,” Smith said. “You’ve got

to have good bench players to come in and make an impact. So yeah, I feel like we play an important role, and it’s our job to

Hello Wisconsin! Previewing the Badgers’ front

Ashton Slaughter Staff Reporter

Much like OSU, Wisconsin will be missing some key players in the heart of the defense.

The Badgers ranked 12th in total defense during the regular season, while the Cowboys came in at 117th. Now, the Badgers will be without consensus First-Team All-Big Ten linebacker, Nick Herbig, who declared for the NFL Draft and will be opting out of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Herbig, who led the Big Ten in both sacks and tackles for loss, played a pivotal role for the 12thranked Badgers defensive unit. Now, sophomore Kaden Johnson will get the starting nod, after totaling 19 tackles on the season. Johnson will have veteran help from other outside linebacker, C.J. Goetz, who as a redshirt senior had 57 tackles with nine tackles for loss.

Even with Herbig’s absence, the Badgers will still have their leading tackler, Memea Njongmeta, at the inside linebacker position. Njongmeta, had a breakout season this year, as the redshirt junior totaled 88 tackles, getting as high as 12 tackles in a single game, which he did against Minnesota in their final regular season contest.

With new Wisconsin coach, Luke Fickell, at the helm, Njongmeta has liked his new coach’s

mindset heading into the bowl game.

“His messaging has been really consistent,” Njongmeta said. “‘Hey, I’m here for you guys. I’m not trying to do anything to change anything. I’m learning about you. I’m not trying to control anything just yet. I understand I have to let you guys finish this season off.’”

Jordan Turner, a redshirt sophomore, will be providing help from the inside linebacker spot as well, as he had 60 tackles on the season, making a lethal duo between the two.

Also departing for the NFL is nose tackle, Keeanu Benton, who played in 45 career games for the Badgers. Luckily for the Badgers, there will still be some experience in the trenches. Although they’ll be without Benton and his senior leadership, Gio Paez, a redshirt junior, will be starting in the middle,

who’s been the backup to Benton all season.

On the line with Benton will be Curt Neal, who appeared in three games this season as a true freshman, taking the other nose tackle spot. Beside them will be Rodas Johnson and Isaiah Mullens at the defensive end positions. Johnson, a redshirt junior, appeared in every game the last two seasons, totaling 22 tackles this year, while Mullens, a redshirt senior, only saw action in six games this season, racking up 11 tackles.

Despite missing key players in the front seven, the Badgers still have experienced talent on the defensive side of the ball. This should be concerning for the Cowboys, who’ve had struggles with the offensive line all season, on top of having a redshirt freshman in Garret Rangel facing an experienced group.

HIMALAYAN

Mackenzie Janish

OSU forward Tyreek Smith, despite appearing off the bench, leads the team in shooting at 74%.

Courtesy of Wisconsin Athletics

Wisconsin linebacker Maema Njongmeta (right) leads the Badgers defense with 88 tackles this season.

sports

Scouting OSU’s top 2023 signees

Rowdy Baribeau Staff Reporter

The Cowboys may have snuck away with some diamonds in the rough during the early signing period.

Dec. 21 marked the beginning of the early signing period, and the Cowboys locked up all of their commits. Between transfers and high school commits, the Cowboys have the No. 61 high school recruiting class, the No. 5 transfer class and the No. 38 overall recruiting class, according to 247Sports. Recruiting class rankings never meant much to coach Mike Gundy and Co. What does, is the development of those athletes, which OSU typically does a solid job of doing.

In honor of today’s signing day, we’re going to take a closer look at OSU’s top two signees on offense and defense.

Quarterback Zane Flores

Flores’ ranking is a direct byproduct of the state he played high school football in. States like Nebraska carry stigmas about the talent level of high school athletes and services typically rank them lower than an athlete from California, Georgia or Florida. Ranking aside, Flores is an accomplished quarterback that made the Elite 11 finals over the summer.

Flores could make an immediate impact as he joins an extremely green quarterback room. He has all the intangibles that would fit in a Mason Rudolph or Taylor Cornelius type of scheme. He’s a real gunslinger with great zip on the ball. He has a good touch in regards to making back shoulder throws and bombing opposing defenses over the top with a fade. He will likely need to gain more weight and arm strength before he becomes an efficient, reliable quarterback for the Cowboys.

Wide receiver Camron Heard

No matter where one looks, it’s hard to find a faster kid in the state of Texas than Heard. Heard is a tri-sport athlete, excelling in basketball, track and of course, football. Heard logged a 10.80 100-yard dash which finished

third in the Texas 4A Region III meet in April 2022. Heard is an exceptional athlete that was utilized as a defensive back, quarterback, running back and receiver for Furr High School.

Heard is 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, but he plays bigger than his size. He’s a tough runner to bring down in the open field solely because he’s a twitchy ball carrier with speed. However, don’t count out his power as a ball carrier. He figures to be a slot receiver but could grow into a speedy outside receiver if he grows an inch or two.

Linebacker Kam Franklin

After a last-ditch effort by TCU to reel in Franklin, he’s officially signed to the OSU Cowboys. Franklin fits the mold of what OSU likes to have at linebacker. At this point in his develop -

ment, he has more of a safety frame than a linebacker frame, but it also could lead to him being a hybrid type of linebacker, somewhat like the Arizona Cardinals’ Isaiah Simmons.

Franklin is a thumper, despite his lankier frame and he carries his weight well as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker. Franklin will likely see a year or two of development, especially with the signees OSU received out of the portal at the linebacker spot.

Defensive lineman Jaedon Foreman OSU has a good history of signing top talent out of Del City and Foreman is just the latest on the list. Foreman is a prototypical interior defensive lineman that can shift outside on occasion. He’s got great ball-get-off skills and has

a knack for tracking down ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage. Foreman could grow into an even better runstuffer and become one of OSU’s main nose guards. He does well coming off the edge, which is why he could end up on the edge at times.

Foreman is a great project defensive lineman that already has college size, he just needs to add college muscle. Foreman is an athletic 250 pounds and if he can maintain his athleticism while gaining good weight in the strength program, he could develop into one of those “goons” defensive coordinator Derek Mason wants on his defensive front.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Cole Gueldenzoph

Cowboys football coach Mike Gundy signed 17 recruits on Wednesday’s early signing day including quarterback Zane Flores of Nebraska.

sports

Picking winners (and losers)

Last Week’s Guest

OSU (17-16)

Kansas vs. Arkansas

Kansas (30-21)

Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss

Ole Miss (31-14)

OSU (24-20)

Kansas (32-28)

Ole Miss (42-32)

OSU (24-17)

Wisconsin (23-20)

Kansas (34-28)

Arkansas (30-27)

UCF vs. Duke

Oregon vs. North Carolina

UCF (33-32)

North Carolina (41-40)

Guest Picker leader board

Darren Shrum 5-0, Week 2

Clint Chelf 5-0, Week 8

Kenny Gajewski 4-1, Week 3

John Smith 4-1, Week 11

Michael Haag 3-2, Week 5

UCF (32-28)

North Carolina (43-38)

Jenni Carlson 3-2, Week 10

Wisconsin (28-20)

Arkansas (31-21)

Wisconsin (28-14)

Arkansas (48-10)

UCF (35-27)

Oregon (48-38)

Ole Miss (37-24)

Texas Tech (37-30)

UCF (40-28)

Oregon (38-35)

UCF (24-21)

Oregon (38-21)

Ole Miss (27-25)

Ole Miss (41-24) Duke (10-3)

North Carolina (50-14)

Jacie Hoyt 2-3, Week 9

Mayor Will Joyce 2-3, Week 6

Malcolm Rodriguez 2-3, Week 7

Eli Lederman 2-3, Week 12

Connor Burgan 2-2, Week 13

Dean Ruhl 0-5, Week 4

O’Colly Women 3-2, Week 14

Tatum Bell 2-3, Week 15

Braden Bush

Adam Engel

Ben Hutchens

Gabriel Trevino

Tatum Bell

Guest Picker

Sudeep Tumma