The O'Colly, Friday, September 1, 2023.

Turbulent Times

With swirling questions, Cowboys look to Mike Gundy to weather the storm again

“Oklahoma State has lost Bryson Green, Stephon Johnson and Paul Richardson in the span of 24 hours. That’s 3 of OSU’s top 5 receivers. Been a rough offseason in Stillwater.”

“ At some point, leadership at Oklahoma State has to be looking into terminating Mike Gundy’s contract, right?”

absolutely loves hiring coordinators that nobody has ever heard of and don’t even have a Wikipedia page.”

“Mike

“Mike Gundy is losing the locker room.”

“What exactly is happening inside the Oklahoma State football program? This has turned into a turnstile to see who can run as fast and as far from wanting anything to do with Mike Gundy’s football team.”

Gundy

Modern Age

Cowboy Gameday

vs.

WHEN: Saturday, 6 p.m.

WHERE: Boone Pickens Stadium

TV: ESPN+

RADIO: 93.7 XM

SERIES: 1-0 OSU

LAST MEETING: 32-8 OSU (2015)

Modernization of run game to transform OSU’s offense

basis of the Cowboys’ run schemes — adding modern zone, power and counter runs to the playbook. They also split the “cowboy back” position into two: tight ends and fullbacks. Though it’s mostly a designative change, it divides players by skill set.

All eyes on Gundy to lead Cowboys back to success

a lot of it,” Gundy said, “but I’m not so isolated that I’m not aware that there is some of it.”

Mike Gundy is a self-proclaimed social media ignorer.

It doesn’t matter if OSU has a good season or a rough one, he isn’t paying any attention to outside noise.

Last season, though, was one of those rough years. A collapse in the second half of the season was made worse when the transfer portal claimed many Cowboy staples, and Gundy was in search of a defensive coordinator for the second straight offseason. A year after Gundy built OSU into a 12win team, his ability to maintain the program was questioned.

Talk was rampant and hard to ignore.

“I’m not aware of

The Cowboys have no star quarterback entering the season, no All-American running back or Biletnikoff finalist – no face of the program like other seasons. At least not yet. Gundy hired a defensive coordinator from the Division II ranks in Bryan Nardo, a move which was met with questions, too.

OSU begins the 2023 season with questions at quarterback, a pile of transfers and a defensive coordinator unproven at the Division-I level. Among a program of unknowns, Gundy is the constant. Attention is focused on Gundy and whether, in his 19th season, he can lead the Cowboys past last season’s 7-6 crumble and back into prominence.

He’s done it before. Can he do it again?

Zac Veatch, a for-

mer OSU tight end and offensive lineman, was part of a turnaround that saw the Cowboys go from a six-win regular season in 2014 to three consecutive 10-win seasons. He witnessed Gundy reinvigorate the program firsthand, so Veatch isn’t buying into doom and gloom.

“Everybody’s gonna voice their dissatisfaction whenever there’s losses and then celebrate whenever there’s winning, but it’s not like we’re there just running amuck,” Veatch said. “Everybody there is focused.”

In many ways, OSU’s 2022 and 2014 seasons were alike.

Last year, OSU climbed to No. 8 and started the season 6-1 with a loss to national runner-up TCU. In 2014, the Cowboys reached No. 15 and started 5-1 with a loss to reigning national

champion Florida State. Both seasons ended with 7-6 records after once looking like contenders.

“The tough years are tough, man,” Veatch said.

But Gundy stuck to his plans, and returned to 10-win seasons.

Kevin Peterson was a starting cornerback in 2014 and 2015, and he often wonders what changed in that short amount of time that took the Cowboys from struggles to success. Sure, OSU found Mason Rudolph at quarterback, but another constant for him was Gundy.

“I think that’s what makes Gundy great is he really stays even keel,” Peterson said.

Even in the face of adversity, Peterson said Gundy kept everyone in unison and ready to bounce back.

See Gundy on 4A

Nardo built trust with players on and off field

against Central Arkansas, he hardly even let the reporter get the question out.

“Not nervous,” Nardo fired back.

Bryan Nardo showed no hesitation when delivering his response.

The softspoken, understated first-year OSU defensive coordinator takes his time to answer most questions when interviewed, but when asked if he was nervous to coach in the Cowboys’ first game

Although the sellouts in Boone Pickens Stadium aren’t comparable to the mere 2,500 fans Nardo coached in front of last season at Gannon University, the nerves are absent from the now-leader of the Cowboy defense. In April, the wide-eyed Shadyside, Ohio, native said the biggest adjustment from Gannon to OSU was the increase in people he’d interact with on a dayto-day basis.

For the tenured defensive coach, interacting with people isn’t something he’s struggled with. Early in his coaching career, he learned from former Ohio coach Frank Solich how to make those around him, particularly players, feel as if they’re in a family. This mindset was reinforced by coach Garrin Higgins in Nardo’s stint at Emporia State, and he’s taken it everywhere he’s been since.

Football is about family, and Nardo has transferred this philosophy from program to program and cemented it now in Stillwater.

From Day 1, he’s preached trust to his players, imploring them to buy in to not only him as a coach but as a person.

And according to his players, he’s done nothing but reciprocate this energy, placing his faith in them as well. This family environment, above any scheme, formation or coaching style, is what makes Nardo and his unit confident that they can have a bounce-back season.

Josiah Johnson represents a shift in focus at Oklahoma State.

After averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, coach Mike Gundy, offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and OSU’s offensive staff reinvented the

OSU’s Cowboy backs last season — Braden Cassity, Jake Schultz and Quinton Stewart — caught a combined eight passes.

File Photo

OSU enters 2023 full of questions after a disappointing season. Mike Gundy has led the program back to prominence after down years before, and now eyes are on him to do it again. File Photo

OSU coach Mike Gundy and offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn (above) are reinventing the basis of the Cowboys’ run game.

Braden Bush Sports Editor

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Ashton Slaughter Asst. Sports Editor

Gundy implementing under-center snaps to reinvigorate run game, help quarterbacks

Warner Football is the last time he took a lot of snaps under center.

Under-center snaps are something that has somewhat phased out of football, but Gundy is reintroducing it to his team. And for good reason.

the-center snap may not seem to be a big change, but it does help the entire offense during the play. Going under center allows the offense to deceive the defense into a run or pass play.

the quarterbacks to operate under center. It’s part of OSU coach Mike Gundy’s plan to run the ball more and play a more traditional offense.

OSU coach Mike Gundy called for quarterback Garret Rangel to execute a quarterback sneak in his first collegiate start.

There’s just something Rangel didn’t know how to do. Handle a snap from under center.

On fourthand-1 in OSU’s loss to Kansas last season, Gundy elected to run and called for the true freshman to sneak it. But Rangel fumbled the snap and Kansas recovered.

Who can blame Rangel? It was hardly practiced prior to this season. Rangel said Pop

“We’re circling back to stuff we did in 2007 and 2008,” Gundy said. “We were behind when we had to play young quarterbacks last year and we didn’t give ourselves as good a chance as we needed to because we couldn’t rush the ball and take the pressure off of them.”

At first, there were issues. Neither Rangel nor Gunnar Gundy had ever taken snaps under center.

“We definitely had a lot of balls on the ground, really dropping the snaps,” Rangel said.

Switching from shotgun snap to under-

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback, said on a 2022 episode of NFL Live that snapping from under center benefits the offense by helping sell the run. It gives the offensive lineman an advantage over the defensive line because the defense cannot see the football.

“When I’d take the snap (from under center) I literally get to hide the football from you. You have no idea whether I’m handing it off or not,” Orlovsky said.

Through the offseason, OSU football introduced play calls and schemes for

Gundy said the offense isn’t going to fully operate under center, but the Cowboys will have the ability to use it more frequently and be more prepared to do so. Much of the offense will look the same but with an emphasis on the run.

The under-center option adds another fold to the offense to help get the rushing game going.

“We’re still going to look like we’ve looked, but with some change,” Gundy said. “I don’t want to make you think we’re doing it a lot. Just some.”

Bray poised for breakout season

Coach Mike Gundy said he and fellow 6-2 receiver Talyn Shettron are using size to their advantage.

The scar on Jaden Bray’s left thumb is gnarly.

That’s what repeated breaks will do. The OSU receiver broke his thumb three times last season, limiting him to just three games. He sees the scar every time he looks at his hand. It’s a reminder of what he went through in 2022 and a motivator moving forward.

“Every time I look at it, I feel like I’ve been through a lot, especially last year,” Bray said. “So, persevering and just going along with the journey and stuff like that, I think it helps (looking at it) in a sense.”

Now, Bray, a redshirt sophomore, is healthy and one of the few returners to OSU’s revamped receiver room. The Cowboys added receiver depth through the portal, but one of their biggest breakouts could come from within with Bray.

“(He’s standing out) in just about everything,” offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn said. “(The) kid is a good player. I’m excited to have him back out there again...I think we’ll see him make big strides as the season goes on.”

Bray has the tools to be a viable downfield, vertical threat. Perhaps inside the red zone, too. He stands 6-foot-2, has a big frame and possesses considerable athleticism.

“He’s doing well,” Gundy said. “They’re competing. They’re winning the jump-ball contest out here and they’re starting to use their body to pluck the ball out of the air, you know, doing things they should do with their size and structure.”

The leaping skills Bray uses to high point footballs don’t originate from football, though. He was a basketball star at Norman High School and credits the hardwood for his effective jump-ball catching.

“Being a basketball kid, jumping over (people) to grab a rebound and stuff like that (helps),” Bray said. “Being a little bit more athletic than the corner, sometimes the jump ball isn’t always the best thing to do in situations, but it’s definitely an advantage to have.”

Health is the ultimate determiner for Bray. He’s going to get plenty of opportunities. He just wants to be out there on Saturdays and have a chance.

“Being out there whenever I’m out there, just trying to make plays,” Bray said. “Whether that’s blocking or catching the ball, just while I’m out there (I’m) giving 110% effort and doing whatever I can to make the Cowboys win.”

File Photo

Jaden Bray played in just three games last season and took a redshirt but is now healthy and eyeing an important role in OSU’s offense.

File Photo

OSU coach Mike Gundy said the offense will be implementing more under-center snaps in 2023. It’s been awhile since OSU has had set plays for under center.

Davis Cordova Staff Reporter

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

Gundy...

Continued from 2A

“I feel like that’s one of the main reasons Gundy’s had the longevity that he’s had, because he’s able to bring guys together and really have everybody focused,” Peterson said.

One difference, Peterson said, between then and now is the unknown of the transfer portal. Roster movement is hard to predict, and that affects programs like OSU that have historically relied on building from within. This offseason was a prime example.

But as much as Gundy sticks to his plans, which have resulted in 17 consecutive winning seasons, he’s OK with changing for the good of the program. The methods may evolve, but Gundy’s demeanor hasn’t. Good or bad, Veatch said “the sky was never falling”

with Gundy.

“He does change and adapt to the new ages… but as a person, Gundy is gonna be the same person from now until the world’s gone,” Peterson said.

Matt Rhule didn’t hesitate long, but he gave an answer many might not have expected.

In an interview with Colin Cowherd, Rhule was asked which was the toughest he’s ever coached against. Rhule head coached three years in the NFL and spent three years at Baylor, where he coached against the likes of Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma and Kirby Smart at Georgia. Neither were the answers.

Instead, he said Mike Gundy. Rhule said Gundy routinely does more with less and finds a way to keep OSU near the top of the college football world.

“And every game

that you went into, you thought you were a step ahead of him, and then – bang,” Rhule said, he was a step ahead of you. I think he’s one of the great coaches in college football that doesn’t get nearly enough recognition.”

Still, the questions swirl after a down year 19 seasons in.

“Well, this is a monster we created,” Gundy said in an article in The Athletic. “That’s what happens.”

In the same article, Gundy said he told offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and staff to put last season behind him. Just like his former players said, Gundy is always looking ahead.

“He started off with that and everybody exhaled,” Dunn told The Athletic. “And then we just said, ‘OK, how do we make sure this doesn’t happen to us again?’”

There’s still plenty of question marks entering the 2023 season after a disappointing

2022. How can fans feel good about this season or beyond after how the previous one ended? Peterson said the proof is in the past two decades.

“Just look at the longevity of his career throughout the years,” Peterson said. “The roster may not look the same or might not have some marquee guys in certain spots, but Oklahoma State is gonna be Oklahoma State no matter what happens.

“It might look like a different team, but it’s still the same team at the end of the day.”

All eyes are on Gundy. He’s handled that pressure and talk before, and for Veatch, that’s cause enough for optimism.

“There’s a reason that (Gundy has) been coaching as long as he has,” Veatch said.

In Nardo’s first meeting with the defense, he gave it to them straight.

He demanded respect and trust. If these feelings were given to him, he’d reciprocate them.

“I feel like it was genuine as soon as he came in,” said safety Kendal Daniels. “As soon as he came in, he had a conversation with us, and he didn’t talk about the playbook, he didn’t talk about anything else, he talked about trust.”

When Nardo was announced to be hired on Jan. 24, questions and concerns swirled around the decision. Fresh off a 7-6 season and a roster depletion by the transfer portal, calling a DivisionIII defensive coordinator up to a program like OSU raised more questions than answers in the eyes of Cowboy fans and critics.

The doubt didn’t live exclusively outside the program.

“I had my doubts, like everyone else,” said senior defensive end Nathan Latu.

“But this year, especially this fall... I’m seeing stuff that I’ve never seen before, especially from this team.”

Off the field, Nardo built trust through relationships with players, returning to his Emporia State and Ohio University roots. Each position group on the defense was welcomed to their DC’s house this offseason. Laughs were shared, basketball was viewed, and tacos (or taco casserole, depending on who you ask) made by his wife, Emma, were consumed. He’s more than a coach to his players.

“I feel like you only gain trust when, especially when you’re new, when you try to be vulnerable and show people who you are,” linebacker Xavier Benson said. “Not just seeing (him) only as a coach, in this position and title name, but at the end of the day he’s still a man.”

(or taco casserole) and basketball or a one-on-one in a closed-door setting, Nardo is there for his players. Always.

“I look up to Coach Nardo,” Latu said. “In the beginning, we had our little battles we were going through because of my end and my trust issues, but he helped me be able to trust him. He helped me be able to understand that it’s more than football.

“I believe he’s the guy.”

Mike Gundy says the low-key-toward-the-media defensive coordinator has the same demeanor in practice. His players say otherwise.

“When a big play’s made, (Nardo’s) gonna be the first guy to run and jump on you, but if you start a fight or something he’s gonna be the first one to rip you, he’s gonna get onto you,” Daniels said. “He wants stuff done the right way.”

Nardo’s 3-3-5 scheme is unique. OSU defensive back D.J. McKinney is one of many players who said he’d never played in that scheme at any level.

During TCU’s run to the National Championship game last season, its defense was primarily run with a 3-35 look, combating the air raid offense in a conference that likes to throw the ball.

So, this defensive look isn’t completely isolated from the Big 12, but it isn’t the most common look — hence why Gundy found Nardo so intriguing as a possible candidate, leading to a sixhour interview before taking what was widely considered a gamble on the Gannon defensive coordinator.

After instilling the atypical scheme after his arrival and a complete offseason, Nardo said the results are showing in practice, and it’s thanks to his players, who bought in.

“They care, and they want to do it,” he said.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be at the point that I want to be (with the 3-3-5 scheme), because that would imply I would have nothing else left to do. We’re constantly working... I don’t ever want to settle.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU’s record year-by-year under Gundy

2005: 4-7

2006: 7-6

2007: 7-6

2008: 9-4

2009: 9-4

2010: 11-2

2011: 12-1

2012: 8-5

2013: 10-3

2014: 7-6

2015: 10-3

2016: 10-3

2017: 10-3

2018: 7-6

2019: 8-5

2020: 8-3

2021: 12-2

2022: 7-6

For Latu, Daniels and any defensive player entering his third season with the program, this is their third defensive coordinator in three seasons. Any relationship — good or bad — with past coordinators has been forced to be set aside to create a connection with a new coach. Nardo has jumped in front of this problem, nixing any weak connections or trust issues.

Whether it’s over tacos

If what his players say about him is true, settling isn’t like Nardo. The heavily questioned, pressure-faced defensive coordinator is devoted to running his unit well on the field, sure. But his pledge to his players off the field may be what helps the OSU defense flourish under his management.

“He’s a real players’ coach. Players love him,” McKinney said.

“We’d really run through a wall for him.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

“We believe in being family; we believe in taking care of our players,” Nardo said.

File Photo

Despite the noise and questioning after a 7-6 season, former Cowboy Zac Veatch said Gundy can’t be counted out. “There’s a reason (Gundy has) been coaching as long as he has.”

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Anthony Goodlow said he knows the feeling of a new environment.

Less than a year after his Del City High School career ended in 2017, he was suiting up for football games at H.A. Chapman Stadium, playing under then-Tulsa coach Philip Montgomery. Unfamiliar territory? Sure. Normal for a freshman. Although, a sense of familiarity did seep through.

By the time Goodlow garnered significant playing time his redshirt freshman season, Joe Gillespie had implemented his 3-3-5 defensive scheme, similar to that of Del City.

After five seasons at Tulsa, Goodlow is at OSU, playing under first-year defensive coordinator Brian Nardo in his newly installed 3-3-5 scheme. A scheme the sixth-year

defensive end is familiar with, which could make Goodlow a valuable piece of the defense.

“Familiarity is big for success as a football player,” Goodlow said. “That’s on you as a football player to get familiar with the scheme and playbook and what not. But it definitely helps me.”

Through Gillespie’s first two seasons as Tulsa’s defensive coordinator, the Golden Hurricane jumped 57 spots in total defensive production (76 to 19). Future NFL draft pick Zaven Collins was a catalyst in Tulsa’s defensive outbreak, but so was Goodlow.

Why? Goodlow’s daunting 6-foot4, 285-pound stature matched his 32 tackles and four sacks, haunting opposing offenses. In a 3-3-5 defense, when an edge rusher is present, success often follows. Just look at Big 12 programs utilizing the scheme.

Jon Heacock’s Iowa State defenses have been a pest to Big 12 offenses over the years, and there was a recurring theme: the dominance of edge rusher

Will McDonald.

And from 202022, Kansas State’s Felix Anudike-Uzomah – a first-round pick in this year’s draft – loomed along the defensive edge.

The result? Consecutive finishes in the top 65 of total defense for the Wildcats from 2021-22.

Albeit inconsistent, Gillespie’s first season anchoring the TCU defense was a success, largely due to the presence of defensive end Dylan Horton, now with the Houston Texans.

Now the Cowboys will run that defensive format, searching for their own McDonald, AnudikeUzomah or Horton. Could that be Goodlow? The Big 12 will soon find out.

Justin Wright, a former Tulsa teammate and current OSU teammate, has found out. For him, it’s not in question.

“Goody, he’s an animal,” Wright said.

“He’s huge and he’s so athletic. He’s quick and agile, twitchy in a way.

“I have absolutely no doubt that he will help lead the charge for this defense.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Run...

Continued from 2A

That’s less than 3% of the team’s receptions in 2022. Most Cowboy backs were converted defensive players who couldn’t find playing time, so they were taught how to block. Cassity and Schultz are fullbacks now and won’t likely be targeted anywhere past the line of scrimmage, if at all, so they can focus on blocking. But tight ends such as Johnson, a transfer from UMass who started his career as a quarterback, will block and

catch passes while lined up on the line of scrimmage rather than in the backfield. It’s what most tight ends do, but not what Cowboy backs did. Diversifying the position allows for options.

On one play, Johnson may be a lead blocker on a run play, but on another run 30 yards upfield to get open for a pass. And if Johnson could only choose to do one, he wants to catch passes. “I mean that’s what everybody remembers,” he said after practice last week. “But I have the utmost respect for the guys who are unbelievable good at running down hill and hitting somebody hard. That’s what really makes a play go.”

The run game will naturally benefit from the changes made. If the offensive line can run its blocking schemes Gundy and the players said they have been excited to run, the backs’ jobs will be easy. OSU used Cowboy backs as simple back-end sealers but can now use its tight ends in play action or edge setters.

“It makes us much more multiple,” Dunn said. “It’s a different weapon. I’m excited about it. It’s been a long time since we used a tight end in this system. We never really got into it. We’re moving more in that direction.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Will the changes Gundy made be enough?

the second he retires there will be plans for his statue. So under pressure only from himself, he took risks.

Gundy — who most picture as an old school coach — went against his words and brought in 13 players from the transfer portal; He still doesn’t like it, but realized if he lost talent through it, he had to replace with experienced players from other schools.

and progressive offseason can pay dividends when OSU begins its 2023 season. Gundy’s only tasted Big 12 glory once; 12 seasons ago. As the conference advances into a new era, and college football becomes more professional, Gundy will have a front row view to see it all.

Whether he’s still chasing a championship or is the winner of multiple will be determined later. And that’s what’s at stake.

Not his job. It’s to show he can still keep up.

“It’s the most unique situation ever,” Gundy said. “Maybe it’ll slow down a little bit next year, but it’s crazy. With 37 new players on your team. That’s a third of your team. That’s a big deal. It’s like going to Thanksgiving and there’s 10 people sitting there, and they don’t even know who you are.

“It’s much different. It’s

unusual, with the instability and roster management. Difficult? Sure, because you don’t know who’s going to be on your team next year. But I guess that’s what we have to deal with as a head coach.

“I had to really come up with a plan for those things, and I don’t really know what the answers are now. We just feel our way through it daily.”

Mike Gundy’s been around. Going on 19 years as Oklahoma State’s head coach, he’s seen a lot. For a while, he was ahead on trends across college football. But this past offseason, he was caught behind.

After a 7-6 season last year, the program’s worst since 2014, 17 players left his program through college football’s unrestricted free agency: the transfer portal.

Then, two weeks after OSU’s season ended, defensive coordinator Derek Mason left the program.

Before his team crumbled and stumbled to the end of the season, Gundy said he wasn’t a fan of the portal and doesn’t want to use it unless for necessity. Before he knew it, Gundy was tasked with replacing half his team’s starters and a defensive coordinator, while still navigating the portal and NIL.

If there’s one thing Gundy has, it’s job security. He works for an administration that signed him to a lifetime contract and

“When transferring started, it used to really bother me,” Gundy said. “I took it personally. Then I realized people transfer just to transfer. People put their name in the portal; some to see marketability. I won’t get caught off guard again. Nothing is going to surprise me anymore.”

When Gundy hired Mason, he needed to replace Jim Knowles, who transformed the Cowboys defense to one of the best in the sport. Gundy didn’t want to change much, so he brought in Mason to run schemes similar to Knowles.

But when Mason left, he couldn’t do that again. Defenses in the Big 12 have evolved to match the high-powered offense the conference has become known for, and his was lagging.

So, he went to Division-II and found Bryan Nardo, whose 3-3-5 defense matches the likes of Iowa State, TCU and Kansas State. Hiring from a lowerlevel worked in the past, such as when Gundy hired Mike Yurcich as his offensive coordinator from D-II Shippensburg. On Saturday, Gundy will

his

An example of a run play OSU could run out of power formation with a tight end and full back.

An example of a pass play OSU could run out of power formation with a tight end and full back.

Who will emerge as the top-dog receiver?

In previous season openers, OSU has gotten a glimpse at who the team’s top pass catcher will be that season.

In 2021, Tay Martin led the Cowboys against Missouri State with Shane Illingworth throwing passes, and Braydon Johnson became Spencer Sanders’ favorite target vs Central Michigan last year. Both were the outside Y receivers, so we’ll see if the trend continues with righties Alan Bowman and Garret Rangel competing at quarterback.

Some names to watch out for are De’Zhaun Stribling (pictured), Jaden Bray and Talyn Shettron.

Key Matchup: Quarterbacks vs. Offensive coaching staff

Ashton Slaughter Asst. Sports Editor

Can the defense create pressure with new front?

Most of OSU’s sacks came in the three nonconference games in 2022. Big 12 offenses beat the Cowboys’ defense through the air as OSU struggled to end drives with a sack.

As OSU switches to a 3-3-5, with one less defensive lineman than usual, it will be up to defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo to scheme blitzes to attack Central Arkansas’ quarterback.

Collin Oliver (pictured), the Cowboys sack leader the past two seasons, is switchin to off-ball linebacker. Without Oliver on the edge every down, it becomes more difficult for the Cowboys to get into the backfield.

Which “or” will earn the starting spot?

There are 18 “ors” listed on OSU’s depth chart. With the number of players fighting for snaps, the Cowboys will be rotating many players at each position throughout the game.

If one shines in their playing time, they can separate themselves from the rest at their position and earn a starting job, or make it easier for coaches to give them more downs.

Some position battles to watch include middle linebacker with Nickolas Martin and Tulsa transfer Justin Wright, and at running back between Ollie Gordon (left), Jaden Nixon (right) and Elijah Collins.

Yeah, yeah, everyone knows there’s an ongoing QB battle. I get it. But is it not fair to say the key matchup of OSU’s season opener is Alan Bowman-Garret RangelGunnar Gundy vs. Mike Gundy and Co.’s thoughts post-UCA about who wins the job? Will Bowman’s experience pay dividends, clearly showing he’s the

guy? Can Rangel learn and improve from being thrown into the fire last season with an injury-riddled, squad? Has Gunnar Gundy made a leap and won’t have shaky hands against the Bears? With Mike Gundy making it clear the position battle may go on past Saturday, there is potentially some time for the two QBs who fall behind to catch up with the leader of the pack. Nevertheless, it’s always good to get out

to an early lead and stick a foot in the door that is, right now, still wide open. Like anything else, leads can be blown, though. Just ask the Atlanta Falcons and the Golden State Warriors. But it’s safe to say whoever Gundy and the offensive staff think “wins” the weekend at the QB position is in a prime position to lead the offense moving forward.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Game day upgrades

- Improved seating on north side with Airflow mesh seatbacks

- LED lights and video screens in plaza level underneath north stands

- New concession vendors; HTeaO, Raven Rock Pizza and Surf Bar

- Easier access to concessions with grab-n-go concept

- New wheelchair and companion seating

The O’Colly Sports Picks

Which OSU quarterback will start on Saturday vs Central Arkansas?

Braden Bush

Alan Bowman offers the most experience at quality starts, and he should start at quarterback for the Cowboys. Bowman passed for 5,300 yards and 34 touchdowns in 16 starts through five years of college football, which, with the Cowboys looking for a new quarterback for the first time since 2019, gives OSU immediate experience. Sure, Garret Rangel has experience of his own, but his completion percentage was a meager 51%. And yes, Bowman played sparingly the past two seasons at Michigan, but he’s at least shown what he’s capable of, passing for nearly 2,700 yards as a freshman. Rangel has potential and could be the future for the Cowboys, but if OSU wants the best chance to win right away, Bowman should be the Cowboys’ starting quarterback.

Daniel allen

By starting Alan Bowman, Gundy would simply be delaying the development of a prospect who could be OSU’s next project quarterback. Rangel showed flashes of brilliance and upside during his three starts. Albeit in the midst of a three-interception outing during his inaugural start against Kansas, he still threw for a pair of touchdowns and 304 yards. West Virginia was in hurricane-type weather and Wisconsin was a top 10 defense last season. Not exactly ideal conditions for a young prospect, who frankly was thrown into action because of several injuries on OSU’s roster a season ago. Bowman has shown flashes as well — particularly during his first two seasons at Texas Tech — however, injuries and consistency have set him back. Not to mention, he hasn’t garnered consistent playing time in two years. Rangel has now had a full off-season of training. So, why deprive him of those meaningful in-game reps?

Where do pundits project OSU to land this bowl season?

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Year 19 of the Mike Gundy era begins Saturday when the Cowboys face off against Central Arkansas at Boone Pickens Stadium. Coming off a 7-6 season in 2022, which featured a 1-5 finish over

the final six games, OSU has garnered a slew of mixed projections from college football experts.

The 2023 Cowboys will feature 38 newcomers, which Gundy said could be the highest total tethered to his roster ahead of a season opener. “Right now, it looks like 11 or 12 of

Bowl Game Projections

The Athletic: Liberty Bowl vs. Kentucky

ESPN: First Responders Bowl vs. Fresno State

Action Network: First Responders Bowl vs. Michigan State

247Sports: Liberty Bowl vs. Missouri

CBS: Pop Tarts Bowl vs. Notre Dame

Bleacher Report: First Responders Bowl vs. SMU

them will play a pretty good… a significant amount in the game (Saturday),” Gundy said on Monday during his weekly radio show. “You really play with about 40 players, and you’re talking about 25% of your team that’s going to be out there.”

Still, some national experts remain optimis-

tic on the Cowboys. Since 2007, Gundy’s Cowboys have won fewer than eight games three times, and they’ve followed that with an average of nine wins. The Cowboys have appeared in 17 consecutive bowl games under Gundy.

The O’Colly Sports Preseason Picks

OSU Hot Takes: OSU Record: Big 12 Champ:

Braden Bush: OSU will lead the Big 12 in rushing.

Ashton Slaughter: De’Zhaun Striblng makes All-Big 12 first team.

Gabriel Trevino: Ollie Gordon II is. a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.

Davis Cordova: Zane Flores will start one game.

Daniel Allen: OSU drops a nonconference game for the first time since 2016.

Bush: 8-4

Slaughter: 9-3

Trevino: 7-5

Cordova: 7-5

Allen: 8-4

Bush: Kansas State

Slaughter: Kansas State

Trevino: Texas

Cordova: Texas Tech

Allen: TCU

CFP Teams: Heisman Selections:

Bush: Alabama , Georgia, Ohio State, Kansas State

Slaughter: Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Clemson

Trevino: Alabama , Penn State, Washington, Texas

Cordova: Georgia, Michigan , Clemson, LSU

Allen: USC, Michigan, Georgia , Tennessee *national champion in italics

Bush: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Slaughter: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Trevino: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Cordova: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Allen: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

File Photo

OSU has made 17 consecutive bowl game appearances, including the 2022 Fiesta Bowl (above).

NCAA Goal Leaders

No. 1: A. Williams - TTU

T-No. 2: T. Byars - Texas

T-No. 2: H. Chance - OSU

T-No. 2: N. Solis - FIU

T-No. 5: C. Davis - JVST

T-No. 5: K. Doyle - Zaga

T-No. 5: G. Gourley - GCU

T-No. 5: M. Hansen - SDSU

T-No. 5: E. Hawkins - OU

T-No. 5: A. Lowrey - Rutg.

T-No. 5: L. Nduka - RM

T-No. 5: F. Webber - UVU

Chance becoming Cowgirls’ needed offensive catalyst

to build that confidence back up, he helped me with that a lot.”

Martin back after injury for start of Cowgirls’ season

Gina Foster Staff Reporter

Clemence Martin had to rework her swing.

A consistent swing is one of the most important parts of the game for a golfer, and Martin, a junior on the Cowgirls golf team, had to make a change after a lingering back injury.

That took lots of mental adjustment along with the physical.

“Three weeks ago, I was freaking out,” Martin said. “But I’ve hit so many shots in my life, it’s not stepping forward that makes me miss shots, I just have to get used to it. It’s a lot in the mindset.”

And the Cowgirls will need her back, as Martin and the OSU golf team begins its season this weekend at Pebble Beach, California. OSU lost

some valuable players, yet returned key Cowgirls and added three freshmen.

Maddison HinsonTolchard, a senior and two-time All-American, has had a productive collegiate career, earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors each of the past two seasons. She will be a key piece.

Martin finished last season with improved scoring, and she hopes the development continues after the swing change.

“They are getting thrown right into it,” coach Greg Robertson said. “Two weeks after school starts, we got our first tournament, and they’re playing college golf a couple weeks after just finishing up some junior tournaments.

“It’s playing a golf course like Pebble Beach and we’re playing against some great competition.

You will find out a lot about them, but they seem to be settling in well.”

With a season that lasts almost year-round, the easiest way to set goals and expectations for a team is to make them flexible and not too far in advance. The Cowgirls are looking to have a better performance in the NCAA Championship tournament this season, but, they haven’t even swung the club in a tournament yet.

“The goal is to just keep improving from week to week,” Robertson said. “There’s all of those tournaments at the end, but if you’ve made those little improvements over the course of these nine months, then you’re in a position where you can set yourself up to have some success there at the end.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Cowgirl Golf 2023-24 Schedule

Sept. 1-3: Caramel Cup (Pebble Beach, California)

Sept. 23-25: Schooner Fall Classic (Norman)

Oct. 9-10: Illini Women’s Invitational (Medinah, Illinois)

Oct. 22-23: Jim West Challenge (San Marcos, Texas)

Feb. 4-6: Puerto Rico Classic (Rio Grande, Puerto Rico)

Feb. 26-27: ICON Invitational (Humble. Texas)

March 9-10: Valspar Augusta Invitational (Augusta, Georgia)

March 28-30: PING/ASU Invitational (Phoenix. Arizona)

April 8-9: Match Play at the Jimmie (Norman)

April 18-20: Big 12 Championship (Hockley, Texas)

May 6-8: NCAA Regionals (TBA)

May 17-22: NCAA Championship (Carlsbad, California)

Spring 2023 was no regular season for Hannah Chance. Chance, a junior, played only three games as a freshman, then an injury kept her sidelined for the 2022 season. The spring season gave her an opportunity to get reps and see the field.

She also used a personal trainer, who worked with her over the summer. Not just physically, but also mentally.

“My personal trainer helped a lot with confidence, one-on-one stuff was really important for me,” Chance said. “Coming back mentally, it was really hard, so being able

Just four games into the 2023 season, Chance has earned a reputation as one of the Cowgirls’ top scoring options, sitting second in the country with six goals. Although, Cowgirl fans might have been unfamiliar with Chance until now, feats such as hat tricks like she had against Little Rock on Sunday are nothing new to her.

She’s been terrorizing defenses since her time with Tulsa Soccer Club, and then again during her high school career at Broken Arrow. Chance is now one of just 13 Cowgirls to score three or more goals in game in program history.

“In high school, I had a few (hat tricks), and then in club soccer, I had a few, but it’s a lot more exciting happening here,” Chance said.

Chance would have liked to had one earlier, though. She sustained a devastating knee injury during her senior year of high school, tearing her ACL, MCL and meniscus, while also dislocating her kneecap and tearing a muscle in her calf.

“Coming into college, being a freshman, and not being able to play and show what I can do was frustrating,” Chance said. While Chance’s rise to an offensive centerpiece at OSU happened quickly, it didn’t come easy.

“It’s hard to pinpoint one thing, but I know she worked her socks off over the summer,” coach Colin Carmichael said. “We’ll keep encouraging her to believe in herself and be confident, and hopefully she can keep that momentum.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy OSU Athletics

Clemence Martin (above) and the OSU golf team opens its season Sept. 1 at the Carmel Cup

Calif Poncy Staff Reporter

sports

Wilson continuing No. 11 jersey’s legacy

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Colin Carmichael caught a case of déjà vu

Less than a year ago, Grace Yochum, OSU’s all-time leading goal scorer, was sporting the team’s No. 11 jersey. And while Yochum stands along the sidelines at Neal Patterson Stadium, it’s not as a player.

This time, a new Cowgirl is scoring goals in her old uniform.

Q&A: Schoppe said his father got him into running

me around until I was in high school or really taking it seriously. So, in junior high I played all different types of sports. But once I got into high school, I knew running or cross country was gonna be my thing.

be those things to be successful at that level.”

Q: “What do you do in your spare time when you’re not running?”

upside. I’ll tell you that.”

Throughout the evening, Wilson served as a key to her team’s offensive success in a 4-0 win. Since, Wilson has continued be a big contributor as a freshman, carrying on the No. 11 legacy.

Another parallel: Wilson’s inaugural goal as a Cowgirl came facing the same program that Yochum broke the record for most goals scored in OSU history against.

the team. And after a full summer of preparation and training, she’s ready to leave her mark on a roster filled with new faces.

As Ryan Schoppe begins his senior season, he holds aspirations to be on the mountaintop of cross country.

After three seasons on OSU’s cross-country team, Schoppe is anticipant of a breakthrough year. And the Cowboy Preview could be a telltale sign of how it might trend.

Prior to OSU’s season-opening meet Friday, Schoppe discussed his lightbulb moment, his professional idol and more.

Question: “What got you into running?”

Answer: “My dad kind of forced me to one summer. Then I found out that I was pretty good at it. And then after that, I just kind of stuck with it. But I didn’t start running

“I was around like 8 years old. (My dad) just didn’t want me to sit on the couch all day long during the summer and be lazy. He wanted me to get in or get involved with one of the summer programs that was provided by the city, and when I get here, it really forced me. I chose to do track, but it’s like after that, I was kind of good at it. So, I decided to go with it.”

Q: “What was your pipe dream growing up?”

A: “Make the Olympics, to be honest. After I realized I wanted to do running, I had the dream of making the Olympics. I still have that dream. And honestly, if I had to pick (a favorite Olympic runner) of these: Steve Prefontaine. He’s just tough, resilient, mentally tough and you have got to

A: “Probably watching TV or playing golf. One of those two things to kind of, you know, get my mind off things. When you think about it too much, then that’s when you start to stress about it and when you stress, it leads to bad performances.”

Q: “Did you have a favorite athlete growing up?”

A: “I would say (my favorite athlete) was Tim Tebow. I idolized him when I was a little kid just because of all the hard work he put in.”

Q: “What’s your goto eatery in Stillwater?”

A: “Chipotle, I’m not going to lie. What used to be used to be my go-to was Garage Burger. I still do. But now, it’s definitely switched to Chipotle. I go there probably two or three times.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Carmichael watched as freshman midfielder Laudan Wilson, wearing No. 11, floated a ball over the Stephen F. Austin goalkeeper for the first goal of her career.

“That (was) usually (Yochum) out there making those kinds of plays,” Carmichael said.

“Anytime you lose a player of (Yochum’s) magnitude, it’s different. But I’ll tell you what, we’ve got some good young ones coming through… especially Laudan. She’s very talented and has a lot of

But as often as Yochum reminisces about her milestone achievement, the new coach is quick to point out the day of her jersey mate’s first goal.

“Aug. 17, (2023), the day we all saw what Laudan Wilson can do,” Yochum said.

Early success isn’t anything new for Wilson. In high school, she starred for the Kansas City Athletics club soccer organization, an experience she credits for her preparation for college soccer.

Wilson enrolled early at OSU and spent the spring season with

“The moment I came on campus, the people (at OSU) were amazing here,” Wilson said. “I’m just ready to do whatever I can to help this team win.” She’s on Carmichael’s radar. Just four matches into her freshman season, Wilson has proven to be an anchor for an inexperienced group, recording two goals and two assists.

Could she be the next popular No. 11 for OSU soccer? She’s well on her way.

“I couldn’t be happier that Laudan is wearing (my former jersey number),” Yochum said. “People were joking to me about how much that number has been through. “But she’s amazing and that number is in good hands.”

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

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

128 N Main St.

Stillwater, OK 74075

Ethan Scott Freshman midfielder Laudan Wilson, who has made an impact as a freshman, wears the No. 11 jersey left behind by OSU’s all-time leading goal scorer Grace Yochum.

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Senior cross country athlete Ryan Schoppe said he started running when he was 8 and always wanted to compete in the Olympics.

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

BIG 12 MEDIA POLL

sports

Big 12 football full of parity, difficult to predict

change and all the stuff that transpired.”

Braden Bush Sports Editor

Before the 2022 season began, TCU coach Sonny Dykes didn’t expect much from his team.

Neither did people outside the program.

The Horned Frogs went 5-7 in 2021, and legendary coach Gary Patterson stepped down during the season. Dykes came in with the program on the ropes and in need of a revival.

The preseason Big 12 media poll that season placed TCU at seventh in the league.

“I probably would have picked us lower, honestly, than I think the media did,” Dykes said. “Just based on what was coming back and the coaching

TCU disproved those early projections and finished undefeated in the regular season, made the Big 12 title game and beat Michigan for a spot in the national championship, proving things can change quickly in this age of college football.

Other teams in the conference in recent years have climbed the Big 12 standings within a year. This year could see the same.

“The history over this league the last few years is look at it and nobody predicted what would have happened,” said OSU coach Mike Gundy.

Six different teams have appeared in the Big 12 Championship game the past three seasons. Oklahoma and Iowa State in 2020. Baylor and Oklahoma State in 2021. Kansas State and TCU in 2022. Several of those teams

were projected to be in the bottom of the league.

Baylor finished 2-7 in 2020 and was projected eighth but beat OSU for the conference crown. Sometimes, coaches don’t even know what they have until well into the season. The transfer portal brings unknowns into every season.

“When the season started, I felt like we were an average football team, honestly probably slightly below average,” Dykes said. “We won some games, got a little confidence, hit the second part of our schedule and started to win some games and became probably a slightly above-average football team.”

TCU improved its roster rapidly in the portal linebacker Johnny Hodges, safety Josh Newton and tight end Jared Wiley. Similarly, Kansas State increased depth through portal

additions of safety Josh Hayes, quarterback Adrian Martinez and first-team All-Big 12 safety Julius Brents in 2021.

“Recruiting is never ending. The transfer portal is never ending,” said Kansas State coach Chris Klieman. “There’s so many players switching teams, so you’re always going to have increased parity.”

Recent history in the Big 12 suggests that teams can come out of nowhere to the top of the conference. Good luck predicting the Big 12 race this year.

“I’m not sure how anybody really comes up with who’s a favorite right now,” Gundy said. “I think one of the fun things about the Big 12 is we don’t really know who’s going to win based on what’s happened in the last few years.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Davis Cordova

The Big 12 isn’t short on parity, as it’s had six different teams play in the past three conference championship games.

Friday, September 1, 2023

University prepared with enrollment overflowing again

Jake Sellers Staff Reporter

The first week of class marks one year since dorms were pushed past full capacity, forcing some students to take on temporary living spaces.

Leon McClinton, OSU’s director of Housing and Residential Life, said there were multiple reasons for the crisis last year and explained why this year is different.

“We got ahead of that much earlier this summer,” McClinton said. For housing, the prevention of reaching full capacity comes down to how quickly they can free up rooms. McClinton said a key step was reaching out to students who applied for housing but had not completed enrollment.

Another important step was giving students two weeks to secure a room in January. As opposed to last year, the window was open well into the summer.

McClinton said one of the main differences in the move-in process between the last two years was the amount of nonfreshmen choosing to live on campus.

OSU was not the only university to experience this change. The University of Utah and Purdue, for example, both experienced similar situations. With 1,200 nonfreshmen wanting to live on campus last year, coupled with record freshmen enrollment, OSU Housing and Residential Life was challenged to find living spaces for everyone.

See Enrollment on 4B

From the ashes

Students recover from devastating house fire

Casey News and Lifestyle Assistant Editor

Ethan Hilbert

OSU’s Housing and Residential Life made changes to this year’s housing strategy to ensure students had rooms.

In the early hours of April 29, Natasha Spencer awoke to a flood of text messages. Her phone buzzed continually as family and friends questioned her safety, begging her to answer them. A text from her neighbor read: “Tasha, call ASAP. Your

house is on fire, and police and fire are here.”

Spencer and her significant other, David Winegarten, were staying with David’s mother, Julana Winegarten, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the night. A busy day attending David’s brother’s capstone course event influenced the pair to stay the night in Tulsa unexpectedly.

Spencer turned her phone off for the night, knowing the five cats and one fish under her care in Stillwater were also asleep for

the night.

But as Spencer slept, her house burned.

“I mean, they basically lost two-thirds of everything they owned,” Julana said. “And you can’t replace the cats.”

A familiar sense of panic overcame Spencer. In 2011, the Mannford, Oklahoma, fire ravaged her home and community. And it was happening to her again.

See Fire on 4B

OSU puts game plan into play for tailgaters

Jessica Pearce Staff Reporter

Four hundred and twenty acres of gardens and lawns. One football game. One experience for Cowboy fans.

Preparation for football games begins months before kickoff.

Landscape services carefully plan and closely monitor OSU’s iconic topiaries and vibrant formal gardens to ensure plants are at their full health before visitors arrive.

John Stevens, a greenhouse coordinator, said a life-sized American Plains bison took more than a month to construct and install.

Day-to-day maintenance of OSU’s green spaces poses demanding challenges under the best conditions, but OSU’s landscape services is prepared for days of heavy foot traffic and extravagant tailgates to provide a quality game day experience week after week.

The landscape services team must

also prepare for the many tailgaters that descend on campus each game day. Although a much-loved tradition for fans, the grills, generators, trailers and tents that accompany elaborate tailgates can damage campus greenspaces or existing irrigation systems.

To support the long-term health of campus lawns, the landscape services department coordinates with the athletic department and OSU’s tailgate ambassadors to identify where tailgating will be allowed each season.

“We work to develop locations that are approved for tailgating purposes,” said Nick Ouellette, a university landscape design manager. “We oversee projects in certain areas and constantly evaluate locations that we can expand on or take off for tailgating purposes.”

Tailgaters on OSU’s campus must adhere to annually updated tailgating guidelines concerning acceptable tent sizes and set-up, vehicle and trailer registrations, generator protocols and grill restrictions meant to ensure fans’ safety

and protect campus green spaces.

Once OSU fans arrive on campus, landscape services must suspend routine care— including irrigation— to

facilitate tailgating. Many of OSU’s green spaces may go up to three days without regular watering on football weekends.

Ethan Scott

The victims of a house fire, David Winegarten (left) and Natasha Spencer (right), had their lives turned upside down on April 29.

Bella

The O’Colly do’s and don’ts for game day

Do’s:

-Drink as much water as you’ll drink beers. Really. Stay hydrated.

-Listen to your mother, wear sunscreen.

-Swipe your ID to get food anywhere in the stadium. If you have some time, go for the Curty Shack cheese fries… trust me.

-The earlier you get to the gate, the best seat you’ll have in the student session. You’ll thank me for this one later.

Save your voice. Scream for five minutes and pretend to scream for the other five.

-Stay until the end. You will want to scream the alma mater after that win.

Don’ts:

-Hold your pee for halftime. You will want to see that touchdown.

-Don’t forget to eat. You won’t want to pass out on your first game.

-Don’t forget to bring your keys. You’ll need them for kickoff.

-Don’t use all your party energy tailgating. Save some for the game.

Editorial board

Editor-in-Chief Luisa Clausen editorinchief@ocolly.com

Sports editor Braden Bush sports.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant sports editor

Ashton Slaughter sports.ed@ocolly.com

Design editor

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

Assistant News & Life editor

Photo editor Ethan Scott photo.ed@ocolly.com

Ben Holieway design.ed@ocolly.com Adviser John Helsley john.helsley@okstate.edu

Sports Kendall McGhee

reporters:

Game day expectations Business management “Honestly, I’m excited just to see if we’re gonna be good or not. There’s a lot of up-inthe-air-ness, uncertainty about our season and how good we’re going to be. I think usually after the game, it’s not a tradition, but I think most of time I end up at Cane’s.” Animal science “[I’m] kind of nervous to see what the team’s gonna look like, but [I’m] just pretty excited to see how we compete with other schools. Usually me and my parents go out to eat after the game, either at Raising Cane’s or Slim Chickens or Fuzzy’s.”

News & Lifestyle

Emi Norton Michael Clark

Rebekah Cleary

Jessica Pearson

Jaycee Hampton

Isaac Terry

Cloe Campfield

Jake Sellers

Hayden Alexander

Tanner Kenyon

Taylor Carroll

Newsroom

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

Criminal justice “I am ROTC, so for ROTC, I volunteer for the pushup board, and we’re back on the field. So, that’s like a tradition that was taken away when COVID happened. And so now they’re bringing it back, hopefully, fingers crossed.”

AJ Merrill, Junior Zac Robbins, Senior Nehemiah Noak, Senior

The O’Colly Staff

Ivan White Davis Cordova

Baylor Bryant

Daniel Allen

Gabriel Trevino

Payton Little

Tessa Dorrell

Parker Gerl

Gina Foster

Calif Poncy

Griff McClellan

Rebekah Cleary

Kendall McGhee

Molly Jolliff

Michael Clark

Karlie Boothe

Ethan Hilbert

Jaycee Hampton

Cassius Davis

Ava Whistler

Graphic by Ben Holieway

Dear students... Sincerely your professors

Oklahoma State University professors are ready to share life lessons beyond the textbooks and lecture slides.

Jana Alford, Sarah Hollingsworth and Lauren Osborn share high lights of their career, what they value in their profession and how they advocate for their student’s health being.

Sarah Hollingsworth: The Empathetic Communicator Sarah Hollingsworth, a teaching assistant professor in psychology, is a beacon of empathy and understanding. Her courses are not just about theories and textbooks; they are about building a community.

“The highlights of my teaching career are when community building goes really well,” Hollingsworth said. “I love it when we have

When it comes to fostering a supportive space for mental health discussions, Hollingsworth said she wants judgment-free community. “We practice and do our best,” Hollingsworth said. “I aim to be accommodating and open.”

“What’s most special is when I make connections with students,” Alford said. “It’s a really special experience for me to see their faces light up.”

Alford encourages students to be unapologetically themselves.

“The world doesn’t need any more celebrities,” Alford said. “They need you, they need exactly who you are. That’s what is going to change the world. Not what you wear, not what you look like. It’s what is inside of your heart and inside your head.”

Lauren Osborn: The Imaginative Interpreter of Mind and Story

Lauren Osborn is not your typical instructor;

2021

4,267

2023

4,686

Holling sworth encour ages students to see each course as a growth opportunity, rather than a box to check off.

Jana Alford: The Statistician Who Counts on Connection

Jana Alford, a lec turer in the department of statistics, said she values

sion

science. Her academic pursuits in creative writing and behavioral psychology come together in a teaching style that is as enriching as it is diverse, offering students a well-rounded educational experience.

“My academic experience has taught me that science and creativity are one in the same,” Osborn said. “Both require skills of problem solving, critical thinking, curiosity and observation.”

When it comes to mental well-being, Osborn is a strong advocate. “Don’t be ashamed of withdrawing from a course and taking it later when you have a less demanding schedule,” Osborn said. “College seems like it lasts forever but it’s over in the blink of an eye.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

2022

4,668

2020

4,144

Freshman enrollment in the last four years

throughout the semester.

“We had about 20 students in lounges, and by the end of the second week of the semester, everyone had a permanent space,” McClinton said.

It’s not abnormal for institutions to have to create temporary spaces. Usually, cancelations occur and free up space.

McClinton said that with his experience in residential life at a number of other universities, students are usually not happy in temporary spaces for long, but it does happen often.

Chloe Eide, a human resources major, is in charge of the ambassador program for Housing and Residential Life.

Eide has worked fall move-in for the past two years. She said the process can be hectic, but she feels well equipped for the job, earning her the nickname, “go with the Chlo.”

Eide said the frenzy of the first week is usually when Housing and Residential Life has to do the most work. The department accounts for students living on campus to find other living arrangements

In part of OSU President Dr. Kayse Shrum’s strategic plan released last year, the university plans to enroll a minimum of 5,000 new students by the fall of 2026 at OSU’s Stillwater campus.

Eide said that with that goal, it forces the housing department to get creative.

The biggest difference she noticed last year in comparison to this year was the preparedness of the staff. Last year, the rate of cancelations was too slow to make room for everyone. This year, the process of cancelations was done at a quicker pace.

“With housing, it’s kind of one big moving puzzle piece,” Eide said. “Someone is leaving a space, and then we need to book someone in there.”

Ultimately, Eide credited the smoothness of this year’s move-in to the organization and size of the staff. Last summer, there was only one student working in Housing and Residential Life answering emails at a time in the office, compared to five. For Eide, the evolution of the systems provide a positive outlook for Housing and Residential Life going forward.

“It gives me confidence for what it’s going to look like next fall,” Eide said.

Tanner Kenyon Staff Reporter

Sarah Hollingsworth

Lauren Osborn

Jana Alford

Pets are family, too.

Animals are a constant in Spencer’s life.

She reminisced on helping her grandmother in a vet clinic and fostering rescues in high school. Julana said cats who refuse to sit still become calm in Spencer’s presence.

“I have this belief that no matter what form life takes, a life is a life,” Spencer said. “And so you treat it just like as if it was a human life.”

Spencer lives up to this mantra. She rescued her betta fish, Hear Say, from a plastic cup abandoned outside a local restaurant and fostered two cats at the time of the fire. Spencer and David owned three cats together.

The couple’s cats, Sam, Houdini and Luna, died in the fire.

“So, it’s that bittersweet thing that they lost their cats, which is like children, because they’ve had them forever,” Julana said. “And if they’d have been there, they probably wouldn’t be here.”

Julana said she thinks Spencer would have died trying to save her animals if she were home at the time of the fire, and David would have risked his life to rescue Spencer.

Julana said losing their cats has been the hardest part of the experience for David and Spencer. She said she feels they have not had time to grieve properly between moving, cleaning and caring for the surviving cats.

“I think the grieving is a huge thing that people don’t realize affects you emotionally, it affects your fatigue levels,” Julana said. “You know, it shows up in weird ways.”

As Julana and Spencer cleaned and sorted salvaged belongings, Spencer pulled a cat bed from the rubble, causing her to immediately break down.

Comforting cuddles from Houdini, games of fetch with Luna and watching Sam chase his tail exist only in memories.

“Those (memories) come back when you least expect it, and that’s part of the grieving process,” Julana said.

Spencer said to allow those who have lost a pet time to grieve and not to force new pets onto them, as pets are not replaceable.

Little by little Spencer fought to be at OSU.

She is 27 years old, but is a sophomore in college. She’s been at OSU for three years and is a first generation college student.

“I’ve had to drop even the bare minimum classes I’ve had to take to down to one or two,” Spencer said. “Because I haven’t had the opportunity to focus on my education until now.”

After the fire, Spencer’s education was one of the only things she had to hold onto.

Cathy Shuffield, Spencer’s first generation senior mentor, advised her to request an incomplete for each of her courses, and Spencer took her advice.

Despite the setback,

Spencer continued to fight for her spot at OSU. And so did those around her.

Spencer works at the Edmon Low Library, where her coworkers and peers rallied around her after the accident. Donations and clean up efforts were organized to help get the couple back on their feet. The Family Housing Center offered them one week of housing for free. A GoFundMe brought in $6,000 of donations for Spencer and David.

Shuffield helped Spencer get in contact with the American Red Cross, which

helped the couple pay off the remainder of their bills for their house. Shuffield advised

“I was telling you a friend, sometimes I just wonder, ‘Am I really helping at all as a mentor?’” Shuffield said. “‘Am I really doing that much to help?’ And after this happened, I knew exactly why I was placed in her life: to help her through this situation.”

But repairs and restorations did not end with the semester. They were only beginning.

Over the summer, Julana, David and Spencer worked tirelessly each weekend to salvage their belongings. Julana labeled their operation “Wingarten Fire Restoration.”

would see. He hoped his pets survived.

By the time he pulled into his driveway, firetrucks and police officers were long gone. Inside his charred living room, his belongings were soaked from the water from the fire hoses.

Water damage destroyed electronics and smoke ruined furniture that lined the walls of the room. David’s research papers were the ash beneath his feet.

Amidst the blackened environment of the inside of the home, one thing stood out: a painting.

“The only thing that survived, really, is a painting called ‘Fire Lilies’” Julana said. “It’s water lilies. It’s kind of funny, because it’s water lilies, but there they were bright red, because when I painted them, I was in this firetruck series.”

Spencer on how to proceed academically and was always a phone call away.

Clothes were washed repeatedly by hand and by washer. In the middle of the process, Julana’s dryer broke, and “Winegarten Fire Restoration” relocated part of its operation to the backyard.

Broomsticks lined the backyard slide and swing sets, and clothes dried atop soccer goals. Boxes donated by the library were full of anything they could remove from the house.

Each weekend, they cleaned. During the week, David and Natasha worked overtime to pay their bills. The process trickled into the school year as Spencer works on her zoology degree and David gets his Master’s degree in philosophy.

“They just plugged along little by little by little by little,” Julana said. “They’ll make it. It’ll be fine.” ‘Fire Lilies’

A flurry of scenarios ran through David’s head on the drive to his burned home. Calls from friends and neighbors warned him he may have lost everything. He prepared himself for what he

The cats David and Spencer were watching for a friend survived, and so did their fish. They moved into a new home, and Julana was able to scrub the smell of smoke from some of the salvaged clothing.

Spencer is painting the walls of their new home with a fresh coat of paint, and the surviving cats will permanently remain in Spencer and David’s care. The fire lily painting awaits a new frame.

David and Spencer are revisiting their incomplete courses and starting new ones.

The fire forged a stronger relationship between the couple, and David said they plan to get married in the future.

“Winegarten Fire Restoration” continues, and support from coworkers and acquaintances never stopped.

“We’ve almost jokingly talked about a lot throughout this whole thing that it feels like the theme of this whole thing for us was people have been incredibly helpful in a way that we didn’t expect,” David said.

Ethan Scott

Winegarten and Spencer’s home remains in disarray months after the fire. The couple found a new place to live and are slowly starting over.

“So, it’s that bittersweet thing that they lost their cats, which is like children, because they’ve had them forever, and if they’d have been there, they probably wouldn’t be here.”

Julana Winegarten

Marching into gameday

Cloe Campfield Staff Reporter

The pop of drums and blasts of trumpets have returned to Stillwater.

Present at every sporting event for the last century, the OSU marching band stands strong to represent the school.

Caitlyn Thrush, a senior in the drumline who plays the cymbals and clarinet, said the marching band is a big commitment.

Space Cowboys

Decades-long partnership between OSU, NASA

science.

The partnership between Oklahoma State University and NASA is building the next generation of scientists.

OSU and NASA celebrated more than 55 years of collaboration in June with the establishment of the LaunchPad Center for Advanced Air Mobility and the signing of the Space Act Agreement with NASA.

The LaunchPad Center, housed at OSU-Tulsa’s Helmerich Research Center, will aid in the development of aeronautical technology with an emphasis on improving aviation and service in rural and tribal communities.

The Space Act Agreement outlines that OSU and NASA will work together on research, technology development and outreach initiatives.

Although the LaunchPad Center and Space Act Agreement will bring additional research and outreach opportunities to Oklahoma, the programs are only part of a decades-long partnership between OSU and NASA.

The relationship began in 1961, with the arrival of NASA’s Aerospace Education Program Services spacemobile. From the early ‘60s to the mid2000s, OSU served as a national contractor and hub for AESP educators traveling the country to teach students about space

Robert Jones, a former AESP educator said he made the right decision to work for the program in a memoir written for AESP.

“Somehow Ken persuaded me to throw away not only my lifetime NASA appointment, but my blood-sworn allegiance to the Oklahoma Sooners,” Jones wrote. “He convinced me that becoming a member of the OSU aerospace family was the right thing for me to do. I jumped at the chance to go to graduate school at OSU and I had a great time.”

Although OSU’s AESP contract with NASA ended 20 years ago, the university continues to work with NASA to provide outreach, education and research opportunities to students and faculty at OSU and across Oklahoma.

Since 2017, OSU has led a team of institutions and educational centers, including Langston University, the Texas A&M University system, the OSU Center for Sovereign Nations and the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation in partnering with NASA to develop the NASA STEM Pathways Activities Consortium for Education.

As of 2023, OSU’s NSPACE program has served 72,000 students and educators with 12 research and education programs and has helped dozens of students from underrepresented populations secure research funding and NASA

internships, according to the NSPACE Annual Report.

NSPACE aims to expand access to and diversity within STEM education for K-12 and undergraduate students across the country through a variety of collaborative programs with educational partners, school districts and the state of Texas, including the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars program and the Micro-G Neutral Buoyancy Experiment competition for undergraduate students.

NSPACE also offers NASA-funded STEM Operation programs, such as the Minority University Research and Education Project, the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program and several grant opportunities.

After more than 50 years, the OSU-NASA partnership continues to find innovative ways to bring STEM education to students across the country and inspire the next generation of scientists and educators.

Decades after completing the original AESP program, Jones reflected on his career as an educator through OSU.

“I came to Houston and started the Aerospace Institute,” Jones said. “During the next 18 years, more than a thousand teachers would spend two great weeks each summer at the space center immersed in aerospace technology and its implications for education. What a multiplier effect the OSU program had.”

“A typical week for me is Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and the drumline starts 30 minutes early so we go 3:30 to 6,” Thrush said. “We do our warm up for 30 minutes and then meet with the rest of the band. We either learn a new drill or refresh our memories on drills we have already learned. The game days are just so fun, definitely the best part.”

Luke Swanson, a junior who plays clarinet, explained the organized process of practices and how it all comes together on the field. Swanson said the group uses an app to keep track of their drills.

“All of the pictures you see us form on the field, we have pictures

that show us where to go so we use that, and that is how we take attendance,” Swanson said. “We have the schedule of what we are going to do that day as well, so we have an idea of practice before we go in.” Their strenuous routine does not go unnoticed on and off the field.

Twins Caitlyn and Corbin Thrush have been playing in the drumline for eleven years side by side. Corbin, a senior, said this is his fourth year in the band and said practicing all week to play in front of everyone is a fun experience.

“This is my fourth year in the band,” Corbin explained, “I have had a great time. We get to go to all the games for free, basically. We get to experience gameday from the beginning of the day when we wake up and get to see everything set up, all the tailgates.”

Through combatting the heat, balancing their academic schedules and being present at every game, the marching band works hard to embody the spirit of OSU.

OSU students compete for music festival

A music festival never seen before in Stillwater, and one chance to be a part of it.

The Up & Up College Festival Series sponsored by Monster Energy is hosting a 48-hour presale competition for students nationwide to bring electronic dance music headliners like Tony Fresch (Dr. Fresch) to their campus for a one-day music festival this fall.

To be awarded this opportunity, students must promote the Up & Up Music Festival leading up to a 48-hour ticket window that opens on Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. until Sept. 15 at 3 p.m.

Following the presale ticket competition, the colleges with the most presales, about 2,000, will win a festival with featured artists such as Alan Walker, GRYFFIN, Two Friends and Slushii, Lost Kings, Elephante and more.

The festival would be held in October at the Tumbleweed Dancehall & Concert Venue and would be open to all ages, if OSU is rewarded.

OSU senior and lead ambassador, Connor Hamilton, heads project management and promotion with the OkState Up & Up organization at OSU.

“We want to reach all OSU students and non-OSU students who wish to experience a festival in their college town, or just in Oklahoma in general,” Hamilton said. “Our motivation is that we are the only Oklahoma school

participating in this competition and all students are able to attend a music festival that Stillwater has never experienced before.”

OkState Up & Up’s goal is to lead as one of the top five schools in the nation in ticket presales to solidify OSU in the music festival rotation for the coming years.

“Students will get to attend a music festival that Stillwater has never seen before, as well as witness a major headliner that people pay hundreds of dollars to see around the world,”

Hamilton said. “They have the decision to bring this festival opportunity to life and to diversify the music scene in Stillwater for good.”

Zoey Lewis, a junior, said there are benefits to taking advantage of the ticket presale competition.

“It’s a cheaper and more accessible way to get tickets so more college students have an opportunity to experience something like this,” Lewis said.

“This could provide us with another way to possibly recruit more people as students at OSU because we would have a cool event to offer that Stillwater hasn’t seen previously. It seems like a good idea because I’m always looking for something new to do in town.”

Event headliner, Dr. Fresch, has accumulated extensive live experience performing at a multitude of different music festivals all around the world as a bass-house music producer/artist.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring an event like this to Stillwater,” senior Shianna Woods said.

“We have Calf Fry every year but this

is something new with a whole different vibe. Plus, who doesn’t want to win?

I’m too competitive to not at least try.”

OkState Up & Up will be holding table events on campus as the festivities approach, handing out information flyers and free Monster Energy merchandise like hoodies, hats, stickers, t-shirts, bags and more.

The Up & Up festival is providing the resources for students to promote and produce a memorable concert experience– giving them the chance to cultivate a sense of community and

ownership at each of their events.

“Getting the festival over here to OSU would be another student-wide bonding moment,” senior public health nutrition major, Elizabeth Ward said. “From my experience, people who go to EDM festivals are so friendly and bring a very positive atmosphere with them. That is something this middleof-nowhere town needs.”

For more information regarding the Up & Up Music Festival, visit https://linktr.ee/upandupokstate.

Bryson Thadhani

OSU and NASA have been partners since 1961, working to educate the next generation of scientists.

Photo name

Senior Corbin Thrush plays the drums in the OSU drumline.

Courtesy of OkState Up & Up Students have the chance to compete against other universities to bring a music festival to Stillwater this October.

Emi Norton Staff Reporter

Jessica Pearce Staff Reporter

Even Cowboys cry Mental health resources for students

Jaycee Hampton Staff Reporter

One in five Oklahomans struggle with mental health and OSU is a plethora of on and off-campus resources to help with that. There are four different programs on campus that offer therapy and services to students.

The Student Counseling Center offers group or individual therapy, as well as grief and crisis counseling. Students can receive six free sessions.

There is also an alcohol and substance abuse center.

Tom Berry, the director of the counseling and counseling psychology clinic and a clinical associate professor at OSU, has advocated for mental health for years. Berry said it is important for students to know there are different places to reach for help.

“One of the challenges on this campus is by the time we get very far into the semester, there starts being waitlists,” Berry said. “Probably one of the places that is easiest to get into is the set of family services. I think one thing important for people to know is that they

also see individuals. You don’t have to be a couple or a family to be seen there.”

Berry said being in nature, like visiting Theta Pond, is a way to help manage stress and other emotions. Being able to ground yourself takes practice, and there are hundreds of different strategies to help prevent burnout.

“Even machines overheat,” Berry said. “It’s important to have balance.”

Because there is a pressing need for these services, OSU has always been open about sharing resources offcampus, such as 988: the Mental Health Lifeline.

The purpose of 988 is to connect people in crisis with trained behavioral health professionals to help guide them in the direction of getting the services they need with just a phone call.

Bonnie Campo is on the communications team at 988. Her mission is to promote 988 in the community and improve its harm reduction strategy. With her help, they have reached thousands of Oklahomans.

“You don’t have to wait ‘til it becomes this big, scary story that you’re afraid to talk about,” Campo said. “You can

reach out now and take care of yourself because self-care is not selfish. That’s the one thing we have to keep repeating; mental health is not a luxury.”

Approximately 54,000 Oklahoma kids under the age of 18 have reported dealing with major depression. Putting mental health first is an indispensable act, especially for students who are working to pursue their own set of goals.

“Our whole back-toschool campaign was just to be kind to your mind,” Campo said. “Be kind to yourself. What we tell people often is it’s hard to be human. It’s so hard. It’s probably one of the hardest things any of us will ever do, just be here and go through life. It takes a lot of bravery to be who you are.”

Addie Maze graduated from OSU this past December. Since her graduation, she has been working at Jones PR in downtown OKC. 988 is contracted with Jones PR for marketing, advertising and all public relations needs. Working with Jones PR has given Maze a chance to work with a cause she feels a personal connection to.

OSU Mental Health Resources

-To learn more about the services OSU offers, visit:

-Psychological Services Center – 405-744-5975 https://psychology. okstate.edu/osupsc

-University Counseling Services – 405-744-5472 https://ucs.okstate. edu/

-OSU Reboot Center for stress management – 405-744-6434 https://ucs. okstate.edu/reboot/index.html.

-For all wellness needs, https://wellness.okstate.edu/student-wellness/ resources.html.

“I actually was just at OSU this past Friday for the “Rock The Block” event for freshmen,” Maze said. “I was passing out 988 stuff, so it was really cool to come full circle because I went to that event as a freshman. Now, I’m working for a company that’s spreading awareness for mental health, which is really important to me at the college that I

went to.”

Maze said she understands the stigma that surrounds mental health and the fear that comes with knowing you might need to reach out to somebody.

She said during midterms and finals, 988 will have a booth set up around places on campus, such as the Student Union.

“I think always having an open mind is a good quality of a Cowboy,” Maze said.

“Somebody you know, even if somebody in your class, if you can tell that something’s up with them, whoever it is, be open-minded about what they’re going through. Never cast judgment on them. For anything. Even if you don’t think that [a fellow student] is struggling, a lot of the strongest people you will never know that they’re struggling. Always make sure to check up on your fellow Cowboys.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of 988 Mental Health Lifeline

‘Depp v. Heard’ Netflix Docuseries relives trial

watch every moment of the trial.

Stillwater Police Department prepares for school year

mistakes,” Low said. “They just gotta be smart.”

A marriage dispute that captivated the nation is back.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s marriage ended in January 2017. In 2018, Heard published an editorial in the Washington Post, “I spoke up against sexual violence and faced our culture’s wrath. That has to change.”

Depp’s career hit an all-time low following the editorial, which led him to sue Heard for defamation. The trial took place over six weeks, and the jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. Heard received $2 million. The two later settled, but the world has not.

On Aug. 16, Netflix’s documentary titled “Depp v. Heard” premiered. The threeepisode limited series examines the cultural phenomenon that circled the Hollywood hearings.

The documentary splices together the two separate accounts from Depp and Heard to create a cohesive narrative for those who didn’t tune into the trial.

Although there may be a few people who have no idea what took place in that courtroom, millions across the globe tuned in, and that is the documentary’s focus.

In just under three hours, film producer Emma Cooper dives into the impact of social media and the ability of the entire world to

Plants...

Continued from 1B

“There were over 200 hours of live-streamed coverage during the trial,” according to the documentary. Influencers, social media users, newscasts and everyday people all had an opinion on the trial. Moments of the trial went viral, and hashtags in favor of both actors skyrocketed.

The docuseries spent a lot of its runtime discussing whether social media had an influence on the outcome of the trial or not. However, it never outright stated anything; instead, it let others talk.

Cooper opted to allow for audio clips from multiple sources commentating on the trial to tell the story instead of a narrator. The use of these voices supported the influence that social media had on the trial. The most significant facet of this influence came from the #MeToo movement’s push for women to come forward after experiencing sexual violence.

The series points out that many worry that the trial will lead to fewer women speaking out because of the backlash Heard received on social media from Depp’s devoted fanbase.

Another angle on the movement is those who fear that if Heard is lying, she has misrepresented herself as a voice for domestic abuse victims.

The balancing of both sides on this trial is exceptional.

“Depp v. Heard” included every angle on the trial, allowing the viewer to come to their own conclusion at the end of the day while exposing misinformation.

“[Tailgaters] normally start setting up their tent or reserve their spots on Wednesday and start going up on Thursday or Friday,” said Aaron Long, an irrigation supervisor.

When tailgaters arrive, often with televisions, speakers, and generators in tow, Long cannot risk faulty irrigation equipment to damage tailgaters’ expensive electronics. He said he manually shuts off all irrigation.

“There’s no 100% guarantee that something on the electrical computer programs won’t kick a sprinkler on, and even if it’s just for 30 seconds, 30 seconds of water raining down on alumni’s TVs generally gets a negative response,” Long said.

With projected highs for this Saturday’s gameday to near 100 degrees, Long must alter irrigation schedules to limit long-term damage to the university’s lawns over football weekends.

The landscape services department also collaborates with the OSU Police Department to evaluate the safety of campus facilities.

“I have gone on rides with our OSUPD for us to look at areas that could be traffic hindrances,” Ouellette

The series found that multiple social media posts were fake or edited to make the narrative more palatable. In other instances, they found that bots were liking posts to make it seem like the support was only one-sided.

The series pulls from multiple pieces of evidence in and out of court. Viewers hear audio clips, see video evidence and read various texts between Depp and Heard. Although they don’t show audiences in the trial in total, you see the highlights.

The series poses an interesting question of how society will handle social media’s influence on the judicial system going forward, leaving the viewer thinking about the possibilities long after the credits roll.

Overall, the series handled the trial well and told a narrative story intermingled with the views of millions in a well-thought-out short series. They exposed the power that social media and people’s opinions hold over the courtroom.

At the same time, I felt myself wanting more on the trial. It seemed like much of the trial and evidence was left out. The trial and its outcome are not the point of the docuseries.

The series deals with heavy topics, including emotional, sexual and domestic abuse, so prepare mentally. They present those topics in a way that respects those affected by such abuse, but they do not shy away from it.

This public trial will hold a lasting impact, but no matter your side, go into the docuseries with an open mind. You might find something that changes your view.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Lieutenant TJ Low has watched over Stillwater for 11 years.

Low, along with the rest of the Stillwater Police Department, serves OSU and the City of Stillwater. They work to keep Stillwater and its residents safe.

“We want the kids to enjoy their experience while they’re here in Stillwater because ultimately, Stillwater would probably be a ghost town if it weren’t for the university,” Low, a public information officer, said.

The officers want their own kids to enjoy the same experiences students do. Officers want students to feel like they can come into the community and feel safe.

“I’d say we’re a very open department,” Low said. “If anybody sees us out and about, we’ve encouraged them to come out and talk to us and ask questions. Obviously, if you’re intoxicated on The Strip, we advise you not to come up and talk to somebody. Just be safe and get home.”

Something Low said he has noticed during his time with SPD, and his three year stint with OSUPD, is that students are more aware about drinking and driving. He said Greek life has started to assign designated drivers, and rideshare programs such as Uber and Lyft are growing in popularity.

“We know kids are gonna be kids, they’re gonna make

Low said students should remain collected and use the resources available.

“Don’t be out causing fights or anything that’s going to draw the attention of the police department, that’s always going to catch our attention,” Low said. “It’s gonna show that you’re intoxicated and you’re unable to care for yourself.”

Low stated a common crime that occurs in town is automobile break-ins.

He said students should take all personal belongings with them and lock their cars. There is a chance a window can be broken into, but a majority of auto burglaries happen when cars are left unlocked.

Nobody is exempt from the law. Students can contribute to creating a safe community by practicing proper behavior and going the extra mile to hold themselves and their friends accountable.

“Everybody has to have rules, we don’t want everybody running around freelancing because if that was the case, crime would be through the roof,” Low said. “The law to me is our governing nature and that’s what I like to do.”

Low encouraged students to follow the police department on social media.

SPD is on Facebook, Instagram and X. Users can message any of the platforms, or call SPD’s anonymous tip line at (405) 533-8477.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

said. “We walk parts of campus to see certain hidey-holes, or places where people could hide or feel unsafe.”

Tyler Malley, an assistant manager of installation, reiterated the importance of proper preparation.

“The last thing we want to have is an incident on campus where there’s a branch that’s down that we didn’t know about,” Malley said. Based on those findings, the land-

scape services team will trim, mow and prune plantings. “There’s nothing obstruction-wise that’s going to be in the way of fans because they’re here for the football game and to have a good time,” said Malley.

“We want to make sure everything looks good and is picked up so they can enjoy it.”

Malley realizes most visitors will not recognize the hours of work and

planning necessary to create memorable gameday experiences, such as the vibrant formal gardens and OSUthemed topiaries in the gardens and greenspaces around campus.

“It’s kind of a background image that everybody has, but it’s also very appreciated,” Malley said. “We just want to make sure that everybody has a great experience when they’re on campus.”

Courtesy of Tribune

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp divorced in 2016 after being married less than two years.

Ethan Scott

Landscape services takes proactive measures to take care of the green spaces each game day.

Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

Jaycee Hampton

Lieutenant TJ Low has been with the Stillwater PD for 11 years and is in charge of public relations and community outreach.

Jaycee Hampton Staff Reporter

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce

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

Spacious 1100 sq. ft 2 bedroom home. Recently remodeled, CH/A, wood floors, nice yard. 2214 E. 6th Ave., Scarlett Bus Route. 405-372-7107.

Cowboy Calendar

Today 9/01/2023

2023 Payne County Bucket Calf Show

Payne COunty Expo Center all day event

https://pcexpocenter.com/?fbclid=IwAR0YDFRmImxXIZj1 1c3JKlUFqHSbC4viDu_LyQi-gl1x3BI2mLmSH06TgS4

2023 Payne County Fair Oklahoma Garden Tractor Pullers Competition Payne County Expo Center @ 7 p.m. https://pcexpocenter.com/free-fair/

Annual Customer Appreciation Evening

Lake Carl Blackwell @ 6:30 - 9: 30 p.m. https://lake.okstate.edu/

OSU Cross Country Meet at Cowboy Preview @ 8 a.m. https://okstate.com/sports/mxct

Saturday 9/02/2023

OSU vs. Central Arkansas

Boone Pickens Stadium @ 6 p.m.

2023 Payne County Fair Cattle Dog Event

Payne County Expo Center @ 7 p.m.

Brewery Tours

Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 3 p.m. $15 / person

Sunday 9/03/2023

Cowgirl Soccer VS Central Arkansas

Neal Patterson Soccer Stadium @ 1 p.m. https://okstate.com/sports/womens-soccer

Monday 9/04/2023

Trivia Night: Stonecloud Brewing Company @ 7 p.m.

Leon Polk Smith: Affinities in Art & Design OSU Museum of Art until Jan. 27th @ 11 a.m. 4 p.m. https://museum.okstate.edu/art/leon-polk-smith.html

Those Who Served Military Exhibit Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Until Dec. 9th @ 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. https://www.stillwaterokhistory.org/

Tuesday 9/05/2023

Pet Portraits with colored pencil Prairie Arts Center @ 6 - 8 p.m. $45.00 members, $60.00 non-members, https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes/ drawing-and-painting/1241-pet-portraits-with-colored-pencil

Wednesday 9/06/2023 Louie Kids’ Night Louie’s Grill & Bar @ 11 a.m. -

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Focus on a professional challenge. A lofty scheme could encounter difficulties. Guard against losses. You get farther with honey than vinegar. Patiently coordinate.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Take a pause before advancing. Review itineraries and plans to avoid delays or traffic. Check reservations and logistical details. Solve an educational puzzle.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Get practical with budgets to adjust with shortfalls. Collaborate to manage for positive cash flow together despite financial delays or setbacks. Share support.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Consider what’s most important before blurting out something you might regret. Partners can easily irritate each other. Practice patience and win extra peace and ease. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Slow for sharp corners. Watch and listen before jumping ahead. Obstacles and pitfalls line the trail. It’s easier to avoid accidents than to recuperate.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Romantic possibilities intrigue. Don’t push before the timing is ripe. Listen to another’s views. Handle responsibilities and chores. Relax and take it easy.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Extra patience with family members pays a healthy dividend. Listen more than talking. Wait for developments. Clean house, relax and cook something delicious.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — You can learn what’s needed. Examine options and do the homework before sharing your discoveries. Weigh and balance opposing interests. Listen and learn.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Proceed with caution, especially with money. More study is required before investing. Make shopping lists and stay on budget. Plan ahead for extra savings.

L. Brandes

Tribune Content Agency,

Lifestyle

The Eras madness

Students share their experience at Taylor Swift’s concert

Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

Taylor Swift filled stadiums around the U.S. during the summer. And she is not stopping there.

Recently, the pop star announced she will be performing 15 extra shows in the U.S. in Miami, New Orleans and Indianapolis, featuring opener Gracie Abrams.

For many fans, or ‘Swifties,’ new shows mean a second chance at grabbing tickets after the fallout of the Ticketmaster debacle in the spring of 2023.

Long-time fan Jolie French can remember dancing to her first Taylor Swift song, “Picture to Burn,” when she was little. Now she’s going to see Swift in person.

“I felt excited because I was hoping to get tickets,” French said. French looks forward to seeing Swift’s expertly executed outfit changes and effects that send the show over the top.

“I am excited to see all the effects and everything that she has on the screen,” French said, “even the audience has a really good view of everything.”

Mykaela Johnson, a sophomore and long-time Swiftie, went to two of Swift’s concerts.

“Me and my aunt, who sadly passed away, used to really bond over Taylor Swift and the way her music impacted us,” Johnson said. “So seeing Taylor was a magical experience for me to honor my aunt.”

As a vocal music education major, Johnson knows a good concert experience when she sees one, and she said Taylor Swift felt like a movie.

“The love in the Swiftie community is unreal, and the kindness that everyone showed each other at the concert was amazing,” Johnson said. “My favorite moment from Kansas City is when Taylor Lautner showed up, and we got a first look at her new music video.” Johnson isn’t the only one who is in love with her experience.

Sophomore Olivia Olson, decked from head to toe in an outfit inspired by every era, couldn’t believe that she was seeing Swift.

“Everything at the concert was so much fun, from being surrounded by other Swifties to singing all my favorite songs with

my favorite artist,” Olson said.

Olson has plans to see the pop star again, but getting tickets isn’t easy.

“I was beyond excited to see a second U.S. leg for The Eras Tour,” Olson said. “Getting tickets is so hard.”

Olson and her friends waited for hours in a queue to get tickets last spring, but their patience paid off, and Olson hopes to work some magic again. Her best advice to fans looking for tickets is to be patient and look for verified sites.

“Buy from verified resale websites since there are a lot of scammers,” Olson said.

Johnson says it’s the experience of a lifetime for anyone thinking about going.

“It’s so worth it,” Johnson said. “I had the time of my life.”

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Creative Commons

The Eras Tour could be the highest-grossing tour of all time, earning a record-setting $1 billion in sales.