Friday, April 2, 2021

Friday, April 2, 2021

‘It’s just policy’

OSU president Announcement due Friday

Ryan Novozinsky Editor-in-Chief

Joshua Cleary Hunter Herron (pictured left) and Zayne Herron (pictured right) stand in front of Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q where Zayne had been refused service just a few weeks prior.

Maddison Farris News Editor When Zayne Herron’s

21st birthday celebration turned into a new company policy, tears were shed, drinks were spilled and feelings were hurt.

The OSU student’s first alcoholic drink was a classic margarita, enjoyed at Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q on 6th Avenue during a celebratory night out with her

father, Hunter Herron.

Yet when Zayne and her father returned roughly two weeks later along with a family friend, things were different. Much different.

The bartender was the same who had served them previously, but this time the employee clearly

stated that Zayne could not be served alcohol. When Hunter questioned the statement, the bartender stated it was “company policy.”

“We had barely sat down – and it was the same bartender from two weeks previous – comes See Policy on pg. 3A

Boxingwood

Cheyenne McKinney’s heart has always been with boxing

See page 5

Dr. Kayse Shrum’s journey showcases her versatility and orange roots.

She climbed the ranks from being an OSU student to an assistant professor, before becoming dean and eventually president of the OSU medical school.

Will being president of OSUStillwater be the next highlight on her résumé?

Shrum told The O’Colly Thursday that she is one of the four finalists being considered for the vacant president role, which will be confirmed Friday afternoon. When contacted, those close to the hiring process said Shrum was an “amazing” candidate.

According to multiple sources, Auburn Provost Bill Hardgrave is another confirmed finalist. Like Shrum, Hardgrave has OSU ties as he received his Ph.D. from the school in 1993.

“Oklahoma State really opened my eyes to this world of the academia and what it means to be great in the classroom and what it means to do lifealtering research. It left a mark on me,” Hardgrave said in a 2019 interview with OSU’s official website.

Current President Burns Hargis expressed his desire for the new president to be an OSU alumni in an interview last November.

“That’d be great if we could find an OSU grad,” Hargis said. “It gives you instant credibility with the faculty, students, donors and alumni. I think it really helped me a lot to know that I drank the same Kool-Aid.” Friday’s announcement will conclude OSU’s nationwide search for a new president. This process was forefronted by a 36-person search committee.

“The months-long effort has included an extensive, competitive national search and a selection process that included campus representatives from across the university system,” the statement read.

Shrum has long been seen as a frontrunner for the job. And she checks a lot of boxes with many interested in the search.

She would be OSU’s first female president.

“It would be amazing if the next president of OSU was a woman, I would absolutely love that,” said OSU junior Beth Henderson.

Shrum has presidential experience, as current president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences. She’s also been interested in the job from the beginning.

“I absolutely love what I do here and I love Oklahoma State University and I absolutely want whatever is best in the future for the OSU system,” Shrum said when asked about her interest in the president job. “And whatever capacity that is for me in the system, I’m willing to consider that.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Episode 3: premieres Friday, April 2nd

Page 2A Friday, April 2, 2021

page 2

Editorial board

Reporters/photographers

Editor-in-chief Ryan Novozinsky editorinchief@ocolly.com

Photo editor Joshua Cleary photo.ed@ocolly.com

News editor Maddison Farris news.ed@ocolly.com

Digital editor Adam Engel digital@ocolly.com

Lifestyle editor Sheyenne Mitchell-Brown entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Sports editor Sudeep Tumma sports.ed@ocolly.com

Design editor Anna Tucker design.ed@ocolly.com

Adviser John Helsley john.helsley@okstate.edu

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

DON’T STUMBLE! (Part #3) “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate one another,” (Mt.24:9-10) All this I told you so that you will not go astray. (stumble) They will put you out of the synagogue, in fact a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.” (Jn.16:1-2) The are many places in the scripture that tell of persecution of true believers. Jesus said if they did it to me they will do it to those who follow me.

(Jn.15:20) Many times this will separate the true believers from the false. No one likes hardships, difficulties and certainly persecutions, but the challenge comes and we don’t want to stumble and fall away.

Jesus speaks to the Smyrna church in Revelation: "I know your afflictions...slander...do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer...the Devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be careful..."

Does God allow persecution and trials of different kinds? He certainly does!

Couldn't God deliver them out of bad situations? Of course! Sometimes He will and sometimes not. He even governs how long the difficulties will last. These are times when we see the grace of God in wonderful ways. His grace is made perfect in weaknesses.

(2 Co.12:9) That is why we are not to be offended at God's ways.

Difficulties can seem to be hindering the very work of God, but the Lord is working in and through the situation to accomplish something good in the end.

Sports reporters: Chris Becker Jared A‘Latorre Kylie Austin Ryan Breeden Alex Callaway Adam Engel Jospeh Fazio Ben Hutchens Sam Hutchens Gavin Pendergraff Dean Ruhl Molly Smith Jacob Sturm Marcus Trevino

Lifestyle writers: Maleeha Hameed Jonathan Harrington Amelia Jáuregui Ellen Slater Christopher Sneed

Photographers: Joshua Cleary Zachary Hunter Bryan Pizana Alicia Young

Designers: Annemarie Chaney Kayla Ballero Christian Van Curen Emily Weed

News reporters: Addie Duling Claire Hosterman Amelia Jáuregui Anna Pope Jared A‘Latorre Ellen Slater Robert Owens

News Policy...

Continued from pg. 1 up and goes, ‘I can serve you two (gesturing toward Hunter and their family friend), but I can’t serve her (pointing at Zayne),’” Zayne’s father said.

Hunter said he asked the bartender multiple times about the details of this policy, but continuously received the same answer again and again.

“It’s just our policy.”

Zayne knew there was more to this than “policy.” It was about her appearance. Zayne lives with a condition called Moebius Syndrome which affects facial features and can cause facial paralysis.

The decision at the restaurant was tied to this condition.

“Having Moebius Syndrome has affected my life by making it harder for me to communicate with my speech problems,” Zayne said. “I have gotten used to the stares and the questions about it, so I am really open to answering anybody’s questions about me.”

Zayne recalled the night clearly and described the feeling of being refused service.

“Being at the bar and being refused a drink really mind-boggled me,” she said. “Deep in my mind, I worried about the reason I wasn’t being served was because of my disability, but disregarded it because I thought better.”

As the situation escalated and her father tried to get to the root of the issue, Zayne felt anxiety creep in as the all-too-familiar feeling of judgment began to sink in.

“When the workers and bartender and general manager kept mentioning that was policy, I could feel myself start to feel anxious,” Zayne said. “Our family friend, Becky, kept distracting me by asking about school and my hobbies to get my mind off what was going on.”

Hunter asked to speak with the owner, Vernon Wilson, but was told Wilson was not present.

After some time, other customers began wondering why Zayne had not been served and even offered to buy her drinks in an effort to end the commotion.

Eventually, the manager

Zayne Herron lives with a disability known as Moebius Syndrome which can affect facial features and speech.

a conversation, he was handed a business card and told that he could call at his convenience.

Hunter immediately called Wilson, who drove to the restaurant for a meeting.

Wilson arrived to apologize to Zayne and her father, but things did not go as expected.

According to Hunter, Wilson claimed it was against state law to serve a mentally handicapped individual an adult beverage.

At issue, however: Zayne is in no way mentally handicapped.

The party stepped outside to discuss the situation with Wilson.

Zayne recalled the confrontation and described an air of insincerity coming from Wilson.

“When we got outside,

“Why can she not “

be served?

approached to speak with Hunter, who was still seeking clarity among the confusion, something beyond general references to a policy.

“So the manager comes out and I go, ‘Here’s her ID, she’s 21 years old, why can she not be served?’” Hunter said.

The manager then took Zayne’s ID and went to the back of the restaurant, before returning to inform the party that she had the OK to serve Zayne, and did so.

Still, Zayne’s father wanted an explanation.

When Hunter requested that Wilson come to the restaurant for

I don’t even know if he said anything yet, I spilled my tiny margarita cup on the ground by his feet then just started telling him that what he did really hurt, assumes a lot about his character, that he shouldn’t have made that assumption in the first place,” Zayne said. “Then I basically went quiet because I didn’t want to speak to him anymore. I was too hurt and everything he said to me felt like it wasn’t true.”

Wilson released a statement to The O’Colly, which included: “I have personally apologized to the customer involved in this incident and her parents and, on behalf of Bad Brad’s Bar-BQ, we hope our community and

those with (Moebius Syndrome) accept our public apology.

“None of the owners or employees of our restaurant were aware of (Moebius Syndrome) but we are now. This particular instance involved our refusal to serve alcoholic beverages to an individual after mistaking a customer for possibly having a mental disability.

“Serving anyone with a mental disability is a strict violation of Oklahoma’s alcoholic beverage law (37A O.S. Sec. 6-121) and it is strictly enforced by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission. It is a matter of public safety and a crime with severe penalties.

“We now know we made a mistake and have owned up to it.

The anger directed at us for the mistake we made in this situation is understandable. “… In light of this mistake, awareness rather than a public fight should be the answer here.

As a small business, we can only do our best with what we know, especially with matters involving public safety like the services of alcoholic beverages.

“Now that we know about (Moebius Syndrome), we will do our best in the future to better serve those with it in our community. We hope this article helps bring awareness to those affected by (Moebius Syndrome) so that this does not happen to this young lady or anyone else again.”

Erik Smoot, Captain of the Oklahoma ABLE (Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement) Commission, took exception to Wilson’s reasoning, reciting the specific law regarding the selling of alcohol to “mentally deficient” individuals which reads: “No person shall: Sell, deliver or knowingly furnish alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated

Joshua Cleary

person or to any person who has been adjudged insane or mentally deficient.”

Said Smoot: “Intoxicated, that’s a pretty clear deal. If somebody is drunk, you can’t give them alcohol. Mentally insane or mentally deficient… The keyword there to me is ‘adjudicated. If you don’t have something from a judge – because it says adjudicated – stating that they are mentally insane or mentally deficient, it doesn’t meet this statute.”

Smoot explained proof of adjudication is needed in order to use this specific law as a reason to refuse service. He was clear in stating that businesses are free to have their own private policies, adding, however, state law shouldn’t be blamed for private or personal policies.

“Unless you have some policy that you’re going to fall back on, don’t blame it on the state law,” Smoot said.

The Herrons blame Bad Brad’s and those involved for a bad night that continues to create stress for a young woman who experienced a lifetime of distress from her disability.

Throughout the entire evening, Zayne struggled to believe what was actually happening, saying the evening took both a mental and emotional toll.

Will she ever return to Bad Brad’s?

“I may go in the future because I also believe everyone deserves second chances and hope he learns from this because nobody deserves to feel like I did or have this happen to them,” Zayne said. “For now, I don’t think so because the memory is too fresh in my mind and still hurts.” news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4A Friday, April 2, 2021

lifestyle

Cycling intern OSU professor recalls time interning for National Geographic Elise Neighbors, Staff Reporter Professor Alyson Greiner, head of the geography department for Oklahoma State, was given the opportunity to intern at National Geographic during her college years.

When asked how this opportunity came about, Greiner said, “When I was a sophomore I did a bicycle tour through Europe. At the time I was like ‘you know, I’m going to ride across the country... I had made plans that summer to go on a bicycle trip across the country, then I got this job opportunity to work for National Geographic.’ When Greiner told the people at National Geographic about her three month vacation cycling across the country, “They said go take the trip and tell us when you get back.”

As an intern, Greiner was given the task to work on an encyclopedia of geography. She went to work in an area called “Special Publications.” This experience would come to foreshadow some of the work that Greiner would publish later on, such as her own textbook, Visualizing Human Geography: At Home in a Diverse World. When asked how her experience working on the Nat Geo encyclopedia helped her with publish-

ing her own textbook, Greiner said, “It made me aware of what goes into a high quality publication” and that “There (was) an immense level of scrutiny for accuracy.”

One of the unique opportunities that came about from her internship was getting to listen to Jane Goodall speak.

“She was amazing,” Greiner said. “What came through was her knowledge and passion.”

Greiner reflected on her days spent learning in college and interning, saying, “There is not necessarily one thing but honestly the internship was pivotal for me, because it led to some pretty amazing connections…”

Greiner was able to make connections with people that would open the door for her professional and academic career. Before National Geographic, Greiner was not thinking about graduate school. However, through the people she met during the internship, she was given a “really nice offer to do graduate work at the University of Missouri through someone I met at National Geographic.”

It is fair to say National Geographic opened many academic and professional opportunities for professor Greiner, leading to her position as head of the geography department today at Oklahoma State. news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Alyson Greiner Alyson Greiner was an intern for National Geographic, and credits that experience to her academic success.

WILD ART

Joshua Cleary

Joshua Cleary

Joshua Cleary Thursday morning was full of action as Cade Cunningham announced his declaration for the NBA Draft, and Cowboys Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace participated in OSU Pro Day.

News

Boxingwood...

Sudeep Tumma Sports Editor

Cheyenne Mckinney was a 17-year-old high school student when she first got into boxing.

Her grandfather, who Mckinney said filled the role of her father, died in 2008. Mckinney then turned to boxing when her friend Orlando Hawkins invited her to try it out. “(Hawkins) was known for boxing; he was like a champion,” Mckinney said. “He was like, ‘You need to come to the gym and try it out.’ I was like, ‘What? I don’t know anything about boxing.’

“But I came and I loved it.”

Mckinney quickly became infatuated with boxing, but it went beyond the sport. Her coach, Keith Reed, made all the difference.

“It was even more of a connection with him, coming to the gym,” Mckinney said. “ He really cared about me. It was just that bond. You never really expect a bond like that with a coach, no matter what the sport is. It was just, ‘Wow, he’s feeding me, he’s making sure my mom’s good.’”

Reed stepped into that father role for McKinney and had a

third in a series lasting impact on her, which made boxing all the more special.

That was in 2008. But boxing never left her system.

Mckinney originally moved to Greenwood to learn the insurance industry from her friend, Keith Ewing, a Farmer’s insurance agent in the district. Ewing had some free space and offered Mckinney a new opportunity: the chance to open a boxing gym.

From there, Mckinney took that space and started Cheyenne’s Boxing Gym, which she owns and operates and doubles as the coach.

“I’m so blessed to have been in the game as an owner,” Mckinney said. “March 2021 will be two years. Can you believe it? I cannot believe it.”

When she first opened up the gym, Mckinney struggled to find students. In fact, she had a whopping zero people join through the first six weeks.

But as she lowered prices, attracted more people and started to gain traction, her business began to thrive.

Now, Mckinney said she takes pride in educating her stu-

dents. And it goes beyond boxing.

“To see them work with one another, see them achieve their fears — because there’s a lot fears in boxing such as intimidation, building up courage and confidence — there’s so much that I’m building into these people that come see me,” Mckinney said.

“When I see them, little by little, achieving or excelling in certain areas, that makes it highly rewarding.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6A Friday, April 2, 2021

Lifestyle

Provided by Kayleigh Hamstree

The anual Cowboython raised $76,184.21 for Oklahoma families.

Over 75,000 miracles granted Cowboython event raises money for Oklahoma families

By Ellen Slater Staff Reporter

76,184.21.

That’s how many miracles -and dollars- were raised this year by OSU students, all to benefit children in need in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma State University’s Cowboython benefits the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Children’s Miracle Network and is an organization that hundreds of OSU students have participated in since its founding in 2011. The funding goes through the Children’s Miracle Network and helps

many children and their families.

Cowboython is the largest student-led philanthropy on OSU’s campus. The money that is raised goes to the treatment and medical attention of children in Oklahoma so they do not have to travel out of state.

Fundraisers have been going on all semester, including benefit nights at local restaurants and t-shirt sales, all leading up to the Big Event on Saturday, March 27. The “Big Event” is a 12-hour dance marathon, where the total amount of money raised is revealed at the end of the night. All of the funds raised throughout these months have gone into the same big collection, where the total was revealed Saturday night.

Cowboython Big Commit-

tee member Rileigh Horcher was on the graphic design team for the philanthropy and said the best part is when the students got to see their hard work pay off and how much money was raised at the end of the day.

“We had all worked so hard all year and we had been on our feet for 12 hours that day,” Horcher said. “Every child deserves a chance and every child deserves treatment.”

At the Dance Marathon, the OSU students got to spend the whole day with the miracle kids and families. It is Cowboython assistant executive director Meg Bloom’s most beloved part of the whole process. “[At the Big Event] the miracle kids make their own art

and stand on stage and to auction it off,” Bloom said. “ Their art will go for $500+ and I love seeing the joy on their faces watching it happen.”

A milestone that the organization passed this year was that the total sum that has been raised in all the years combined passed the $1 million mark.

One thing that is consistent throughout the philanthropy is that everyone finds joy in the children that are benefited. Cowboython Morale director Kayleigh Hemstreet agrees.

“Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces is the best part,” Hemstreet said. “We get to make a big change in their lives.” entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

news

Beginners luck Freshman makes varsity polo team, has never played polo Megan Cherry Staff Reporter

For many freshmen on campus, getting involved with a new club or sport can be a great way to meet new people and establish an identity in a new environment.

Elyse Warren decided to try a brand new sport and found a new passion.

“Horses have always been a huge part of my life growing up, and the college environment felt empty without them. I heard about the polo club in one of my classes and figured I would give the sport a try, not knowing I would fall in love with the whole environment,” Warren said.

The sport consists of three players on each team attempting to hit a ball in each respective direction, all while on horseback.

Herd manager Genna Bono has helped to coach Warren and has seen her grow from the beginning “Elyse has been an extremely helpful, positive, and competitive member both on and off the field.

She works hard for the club and puts in lots of effort for the betterment of the club.” Bono said.

There are four people on the varsity team with one alternate and four for junior varsity. It is known to be very hard for a freshman to make varsity their first year playing.

“Due to Elyse’s great foundation in riding, she was able to progress very quickly with her polo skills. I would say it’s pretty rare for a freshman with no polo experi-

Courtesy of Heather Warren Elyse Warren, freshman, managed to make the Oklahoma State Polo Club varsity team, despite having never played the sport.

ence to be on varsity. Bono said.

Due to COVID-19, all competitive matches were cancelled.

Usually in November, the team travels to Kauffman, Texas for “Fall Fandango.” This is a tournament with other collegiate teams from around the country.

Vice President Sami Leach has also helped Warren broaden her skills and continues to teach and encourage her during practice.

She has been riding for fifteen years and playing polo for four.

“The hardest thing about polo is connecting with your 1,000 pund teammate: the horse. In polo, the players change horses every chukkar (or period) of the game. Each player will typically ride four horses per game, so it is very important to know how to ride and connect with various horses.” Leach said.

The Oklahoma State Polo Club hopes to hold competitive matches next semester and students are welcome to attend.

“Next year, we hope to be

playing a normal season with the university and the USPA. We plan to have a normal game schedule with other teams,” Leach said. “If that is not possible, we will still be having at least two club member matches at OSU each semester.”

Students can support the team by coming to practices during the week at 1398 W. 32nd Ave. at 4 p.m. Anyone can join the club, regardless of prior experience. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Page 8A Friday, April 2, 2021

Friday, April 2, 2021

Abby Cage

The new corrals in O’brate stadium provide a unique atmosphere for families and students to enjoy the game.

BULL PENS

New corrals give student section life in O’Brate Adam Martin Staff Writer Oklahoma right fielder Jace Bohrofen couldn’t help but laugh when the Oklahoma State students harassed him during Tuesday night’s game from the corrals in O’Brate stadium, so he had to cover his face with his glove.

Bohrefen and other opposing teams’ right fielders have been the victims of an obnoxious crowd at O’Brate Stadium.

Lively crowds filled the stands at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium for many years, but O’Brate Stadium has been a game changer for Oklahoma State baseball. The $65 million stadium was opened on Feb. 24 and has brought a lot of excitement to the program.

The corrals might be the most recognizable nuance of the new stadium, located above open seating in the outfield. These 16, $1,500 corrals are tented areas fans rent for the year and can bring food to grill and ice chests.

Coach Josh Holliday was a big leader in setting up the corrals.

Holliday said it looks fun from the dugout.

“Mainly those first three sections in right field from the visitor’s bullpen headed north,” Holliday said. “They always seem to be pretty consistent and pretty engaged in what’s going on. Our players love it. I love it, and obviously it seems like the students are enjoying it, too.”

The sections Holliday is referring to are below the right field corrals where the students sit. Fraternities rented out those

sections, which makes for one big party next to the visitor’s bullpen.

There is no limit to the number of people in the corrals or seating below, so they get loud.

“What an honor for our players to have our fellow student body out here rooting for them,” Holliday said. “It’s one of the things we wanted to be a part of this new facility, and I feel like we’ve got a place now that the students really look forward to coming, and socializing and rooting for their school.”

The corrals have created a place for students to gather, which is something Allie. P Reynolds Stadium didn’t offer. This gives students an excuse to socialize more during a time when there aren’t as many places to be social.

Josh Draeger, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity,

said the corrals are a great opportunity to hang out with new people, and they give him something to do on the weekends.

“If I can catch a ballgame at 2 o’clock on a Sunday, I’m there,” Draeger said. “Baseball is a boring sport for some people, but to be able to bring in your own food, alcohol and just hang out builds a better atmosphere for the baseball game.”

Unlike football or basketball games, baseball is a sport where fans can sit down and relax more while watching the game. Baseball is typically a warm weather sport, which is also a plus for fans.

“People can enjoy the nice weather because it’s finally warming up, so everybody’s happy to be See BULL on pg. 2B

Orange pipeline Arenado’s trade to St. Louis came through Stillwater ern California native, first met Holliday many years ago through ex-Rockies shortstop and current Texas assistant coach Troy Tulowitzki. They quickly formed Ryan Breeden a bond through mutual love Staff Reporter for the game. That friendship strengthened in 2018 when Holliday became The stadium lights at teammates with Arenado in Allie P. Reynolds shined Colorado for the last month down on Matt Holliday and of the season. his son Jackson. It was a “He’s just a really 30-degree night in mid-Jangood guy,” Holliday said. uary of 2020, so baseball “We’ve developed a friendseason was still two months ship. We talk a lot about away. Jackson was standing baseball and we like to talk at shortstop and fielding about hitting.” ground balls from his dad, In Holliday’s playing but he wasn’t alone on that days, the two would often field. send videos of their swings To his right stood to each other and ask for superstar third baseman advice. That was how Nolan Arenado.

Arenado first got Holliday’s At the time, Arephone number in 2016. nado was tenured with the Their shared love for Colorado Rockies, but that baseball started the friendchanged on Jan. 29, 2021. ship, and from there it’s The Rockies traded the grown: so much that Areeight-time gold glove winnado has become a part of ner and five-time All-Star the Holliday family. to the St. Louis Cardinals “We treat him like Kayla Ballero in a move that sent a tidal family,” Holliday said. He Star third baseman Nolan Arenado’s path to St. Louis came through Stillwater. wave across the MLB. It stays at our house. He and was a surprising move to Laura, his wife, are close “We’ve been talking around the time when he stuff, about where to live many, but this deal has friends of ours, I think [my the whole time, through the and some of the things visited Stillwater. Before, been destined for nearly a whole process,” Holliday during and after the deal, logistically as he moves and kids] see him as more of a year. friend.”

Arenado and Holliday talk- said. “We’ve talked about starts his tenure with the The Cardinals had The parallels don’t ed a lot about St. Louis, the St. Louis a lot. Since he’s Cardinals.” been interested in Arenado place that Holliday called been traded there we’ve But why Holliday? since early 2020, right See Orange on pg. 2B talked about more detailed home for eight years.

Arenado, a South-

Page 2B Friday, April 2, 2021

sports Orange...

Continued from pg. 1B

stop there. After all, Arenado’s path is similar to Holliday’s. They established themselves in Colorado and eventually found their longterm homes with the Cardinals.

That’s no coincidence.

Arenado looks up to Holliday.

“Besides my mom and dad, who are my biggest influences, Matt’s like a father figure to me,” Arenado said last spring after his visit in Stillwater. “It’s about how he handles his business, his family and his job.”

Arenado’s connection to OSU doesn’t end there.

Back when coach Josh Holliday was a coach at Arizona State, he recruited Arenado. In 2009, Arenado committed to Arizona State and was set to play for Josh Holliday and the Sun Devils, but he was drafted by the Rockies and signed with them instead.

“I’ve known him for a long time and he’s a great kid,” Josh Holliday said. “He’s a great man now as a ballplayer, and he was great when I knew him in recruiting him.”

Arenado has become an OSU baseball supporter. In his week-long stay last year, he practiced with and interacted with the players, giving them advice along the way.

In OSU’s 2020 season opening series against Grand Canyon University, Arenado was in the stands supporting Holliday and the Cowboys.

“He follows our program closely, and he’s pretty excited about what we’ve got going,” Matt Holliday said.

According to both Arenado and Holliday, 2020 won’t be the only time Arenado visits Stillwater. Expect to see him in Stillwater again, maybe as soon as this fall, and even more after that.

Until then, he will be starting his career with Holliday’s beloved Cardinals: whose season began April 1 with a three-game series against the division foe Cincinnati Reds.

This is a new chapter of what has already been an illustrious career for Arenado.

In his eight seasons with Colorado, he made the playoffs three times, and won one playoff game. Arenado looks forward to starting with a historically winning franchise, and Holliday looks forward to hearing all about it.

Besides, Holliday is part of the reason he’s there.

“I’ll be anxious to hear how much he loves it and is enjoying playing there,” Holliday said. “I know for me it was a great 7 years, and I’m hoping he has the same experience.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Corrals in O’brate, mostly owned by fraternities, are leaders in the atmosphere of the new stadium.

BULL...

Continued from pg. 1B outside in the sun,” Draeger said.

That section of the stadium was modeled after Dudy Noble Field, the home of Mississippi State. That stadium also has little sections for students in the outfield similar to the corrals in O’Brate Stadium.

Most SEC schools place a high financial importance on baseball, and until O’Brate Stadium, this was something that was missing from OSU. “When you look at colleges like Mississippi State, Ole Miss or Arkansas, you realize their whole spring is dedicated to baseball,” Draeger said. “I feel like OSU has been lacking that in the past couple years, but the new stadium, and especially the corrals, have made it something awesome for students.”

Whether it’s cheering the umpire jogging out to pick up a fallen beer can or harassing the visiting team’s right fielder for

7th inning stretch

dropping a fly ball, the students constantly have something to get rowdy about other than the game.

The corrals aren’t just for students though. In left field, families rent them.

EJ Pfister, a former golf pro, bought a corral in left field for his friends and family.

“I like the ability to cook in there and bring in our own food,” Pfister said. “We weren’t really that big of baseball fans to

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be honest until Robin [Ventura] moved to town. Now, everyone’s excited to go to the games.”

Although most of the experiences with the corrals have been positive, there are a couple of things Pfister has not been pleased with.

The lack of a scoreboard facing toward the outfield is the main issue. The big screen in right field is the only place to keep track of balls, strikes and outs, making it difficult to know what is going on.

“The only thing I would say is that it’s very difficult to see pitch count, outs and there’s nothing to look at unless you get up and look behind you to the right,” Pfister said. “That would be really the only complaint I have. For us it’s all about family, and it’s much easier to get our family in there.”

Many fans who don’t have a corral are interested in buying one for future seasons after seeing the advantage of having one during games.

Ty McCune said he is interested in buying a corral in future seasons after seeing the fun it can be.

“I absolutely love the corrals and the atmosphere it brings

Abby Cage

to the game,” McCune said.

“You hear the crack of the bat, the catcher’s mitt catching the baseball, and I think that’s just the perfect atmosphere for a true sports fan.”

Loud and obnoxious is something that hasn’t been seen at OSU baseball games like basketball or football games, so the players appreciate the excitement.

For the players, seeing their fellow students and fans

Abby Cage

in the outfield get into the game gives them an energy boost.

“It’s been one of the cooler additions to our program,” said infielder Dylan Gardner. “They are definitely a huge momentum swinger for us. They put a lot of pressure on the other team. It’s

“It’s awesome to hear [the students] cheering us on in a big moment,” -Dylan Gardner

added a really unique element to O’Brate Stadium and to our program in general.”

The opposing teams outfielders get the worst of it.

Students find their names on the rosters and yell at them constantly. Whenever there is a pause in the game, students chant, “right, left, right, left” for each step the right fielder takes.

“Giving the students a place to go and hang out and add an element to our game has been awesome,” Gardner said. “It’s awesome to hear them cheering us on in a big moment and getting after the other team when the pressure is on.”

For OSU outfielders, they feed off the energy. When they make a great play, they expect to hear a roar of sound come from the seats behind them.

“There is nothing better than having those guys out there having your back and cheering you on,” said outfielder Cade Cabbiness. “It brings a lot of energy for me and everyone else.

That’s what I love so much about the corrals, is what it brings to baseball, and to the stadium, and for OSU as well.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

sports

Keeping family tradition: Gunnar Gundy Chris Becker Staff Reporter

On seeing Gunnar practice.

“I actually forget he’s there. I have so many things going on in practice that I’m trying to watch and then when I scan to certain things I’ll see him, when I talk to the team, which all through the offseason and then I’ll look over there and see him and then I’ll remember he’s there. So, it’s a little unusual, but I kind of prepared myself for that, but the good thing is I have so many other things going — that I get zeroed in on certain things and then I’ll forget and then I’ll see him and I’ll have to do a little double take,” Gundy said.

On Sunday March 21, Gunnar Gundy, the son of OSU football coach Mike Gundy, went through his first spring practice as part of the OSU football team. Gunnar Gundy had only one Division I offer coming out of high school in 2020, to Eastern Michigan.

Instead of traveling far from home, he decided to stay close to home and play for his father.

Gunnar isn’t only playing his dad’s old position at his old school, but he’s also wearing the same number his dad did when he played at OSU. Now that he is on the team and practicing here is what coach Gundy had to say about seeing his son on the OSU gridiron. sports.ed@ocolly.com

On wearing his old number “He’s always had (No. 12) so it’s pretty cool. I wasn’t sure what number he was going to be honestly, but I guess it worked out for him that he was able to get that so that was pretty cool,” Gundy said.

Joshua Cleary

Page 4B Friday, April 2, 2021

sports

Captain chat The man behind the head coach group text

Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter There is only one person who thinks Mike Boynton lacks clarity when communicating.

“One of the things that I like to do is I like to be clear in communication, and my wife says sometimes I don’t communicate well enough for her,” Boynton said. “She’s the only one who shares that opinion, somehow, because most people think I over communicate.”

Boynton, the Oklahoma State men’s basketball coach, signed a seven-year $21 million contract extension on Monday afternoon. Just a few months ago, after OSU lost three of its first four Big 12 basketball games, many wondered if maybe Boynton wasn’t the answer the Cowboys were looking for. After the Cowboys strong close to the season, where they earned a 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament, people turned their energy to wondering when Boynton would get a long-term extension.

OSU signed more than simply a basketball coach; Boynton is the leader of the tight-knit group of OSU head coaches.

Boynton, the master-communicator, started to lead and bring the coaches together through a simple method, a group text.

Over the summer, when the COVID-19 pandemic clouded what the future of college athletics would look like, Boynton sent out a group text that included every single OSU head coach.

“There was a lot of stuff going on this summer, and the truth is we needed each other,” Boynton said. “One of the things I wanted to do was let those (coaches) know I would be there to support them and their teams however I could.”

Other coaches agreed.

“We were all going through something really similar and not really sure what the future was going to look like in the summer of last year, so we spent some time kind of talking through it,” said OSU women’s tennis coach Chris Young.

The group text isn’t flashy.

It doesn’t have a name or even a profile icon and there are rarely GIFs or videos shared, aside from when Young decides to spice things up a bit. It is simply meant to bring the OSU head coaches together and provide support in athletics and in life.

Most often, the messages in the chat will be congratulating a coach for his team’s win, or an encouraging message after a loss.

“I think a lot of us are social media inept in some things, but we can text,” said OSU women’s basketball coach Jim Littell. “We just text and congratulate each other, ‘Hey Kenny G congrats on the 13-1 start, coach Holliday congrats on 6-0 and a sweep of Illinois State.’”

The coaches are also equally as encouraging about things that don’t have a score attached to them. OSU men’s tennis coach Jay Udwadia recently took a leave of absence to attend to a situation in his family life.

“It’s been good for everyone to support (Udwadia) as he’s dealing with this family issue right now, so I think we kind of left him there and allowed him to have that support. I know everybody reached out to him

through the group but also individually,” Young said.

There aren’t any assistant coaches included in the chat.

“That’s something they can aspire to do, to join the chat. It’s not exclusive in a negative way but it’s exclusive because maybe people feel comfortable sharing certain things within a small group, and you build trust that way,” Young said.

Just as Boynton initiated the text, he again was the one to take the first step, this time inviting all the head

coaches to his home for an informal meeting. Socially distanced on the back porch, they shared some food and talked for hours.

They discussed budget cuts and salary reductions while also picking one another’s brain.

“One of the reasons I felt more convicted (recruiting Cade Cunningham) was after sitting and listening to (OSU golf coach) Alan Bratton talk about the recruiting class he had three years ago that included (Matthew Wolff),” Boynton said. “That gave me more motivation and confidence that if I kept doing the work, we had a lot that would be able to convince this kid (to attend OSU).”

Aside from learning things other coaches did well, the group bonded. Normally, head coaches are some of the busiest people on campus, but the pandemic forced them to slow down, and invest in one another’s lives.

Coaches are naturally competitive, and at times, it becomes a contest to see who will invest most heavily in each other’s programs.

“Some of these guys, they’re quick in (the chat), especially if they’re at the game,” Young said. “When (OSU hit a home run trailing) 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, I think the ball was still in flight when coach Littell started texting that we had tied the game up.”

The competitive nature coaches have when it comes to congratulating others on their success also manifests itself in knowing other coaches are paying attention.

“You kind of want to win to make sure you’re getting a little bit of praise instead of if you’re the team that’s losing all the time, you don’t want to be that guy either,” said OSU soccer coach Collin Carmichael.

As with any active group chat, it can often be a chore to scroll back through a missed conversation. It is even more time consuming to purposely invest in the people behind the phone icons.

Last summer, Boynton committed to pouring into the lives of others with the group chat and informal meetings that have continued beyond the initial months of the pandemic.

“I think (Boynton) goes out of his way to support each sport because I think that matters to him. I think that’s something he feels, can be a strong statement because our basketball team is visible. It’s very real…it’s something that goes on every day,” said OSU baseball coach Josh Holliday.

It is not a one-way street.

Each head coach has benefited from the tightening of their rela-

tionships.

“I’m just thankful to coach (Mike) Holder for assembling such a good staff of coaches here and that the coaches are all really good people,” Boynton said. “We do get along well; we do support each other and I’m thankful to be a part of it. Those guys have helped me much more than I could ever help them.”

The Cowboy basketball team got its guy. Boynton, one of the hottest young names on the coaching carousel, is a Cowboy for the foreseeable future. But more importantly, Oklahoma State Athletics got its guy, a guy

willing to invest in the lives of his peers for the betterment of everyone involved.

“We’re blessed to have a rising star as our leader and his team will make games in Gallagher-Iba Arena can’t-miss events. Get your tickets, this will be a lot of fun,” OSU athletic director Mike Holder said.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

sports

2021 vision

OSU football looks ahead to year of normalcy following hectic 2020

Ryan Novozinsky Editor-in-Chief

When watching game film from past seasons, Kasey Dunn’s eyes wander to the thing that was ripped from him last year.

A full stadium.

“I can’t wait to get back in the stadium,” Dunn said. “We show tapes all the time and we see a full stadium and we’re just like ‘oh my gosh.’ It’s eye opening. Our kids can’t wait to get back out there, we can’t wait to get back out there as coaches.”

Dunn spent a large portion of his first season as Oklahoma State’s offensive coordinator adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic. He adapted to not having spring practice, having modified summer and in-season practices and two non-conference games being canceled.

So when spring practice began for OSU two weeks ago, Dunn couldn’t help but feel giddy.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve had long practices like this,” Dunn said. “So it was fun to get back at it today. Get the guys running around out there having some fun.”

The players, who, along with the coaches, had to deal with several adjustments such as COVID tests three times a week last season, shared a similar excitement to Dunn.

“I’m tired of these masks,” linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez said.

“I just can’t wait for a packed Boone Pickens Stadium.”

If this spring is any indication, the upcoming season could meet these players and coaches expectations.

The Cowboys are down to testing once per week and Oklahoma is currently in Phase 4 of its COVID-19 vaccination plan, which makes all OSU players, coaches and staff eligible for the vaccine.

According to coach Mike Gundy, many players have already taken care of this.

“People are back in the normal flow and a large percentage of our team has already been vaccinated, so they can migrate out of the testing procedures, which were very annoying for the players,” Gundy said.

“You had to do it, but still kind of a nuisance to them.”

Gundy, who is set to receive his vaccine during the first week of April, is optimistic about the season from a COVID perspective. For a program that prides itself on discipline, things are starting to look like they did in the pre-COVID era.

“It’s much different now in a lot of areas based on COVID,” Gundy said. “That was such a distraction in so many ways that — we have a very regimented schedule of what we do here and we function on punctuality and we do things daily the same way and we couldn’t do that a year ago.

“It’s a lot different than it was last year and that’s helped with everybody’s attitude.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

File Photo Kasey Dunn and the rest of the football coaching staff are ready for more normalcy with the return to spring practice.

Carrie on; Eberle making a push as next in list of good transfers at OSU Dean Ruhl Staff Reporter It was a 1,087-mile trip.

That’s the distance from Blacksburg, Virginia to Stillwater.

The distance graduate transfer pitcher Carrie Eberle traveled from Virginia Tech to Oklahoma State.

Her accolades were more than enough for coach Kenny Gajewski to recruit her.

She won 2019 ACC Pitcher of the Year, 2019 First-Team All ACC, and 2019 Softball America Top-100 Player.

“It was a big risk to take,” Eberle said. “I had my grad school lined up at Virginia Tech. I knew what I was going to get if I stayed at Tech. It was a lot of unknown going into the transfer portal.”

It has paid off for Eberle.

In one season at OSU, she has dominated.

Last season was cut short because of COVID-19, but Eberle logged a 0.46 ERA, ranked fourth nationally, and threw 10 complete games.

Along with Alysen Febrey, Jordan Doggett and Reagan Wright the four graduate transfer students for the Cowgirls are a big part of their success.

“It’s nothing we do proactively,” Gajewski said. “What you see is success for those kids, and that recruits itself.”

The team members themselves are the biggest recruiting tool Gajewski said.

Conversations with former teammates, and opponents, whom

Alicia Young Carrie Eberle is quickly making a splash on the softball field for the Cowboys out of the transfer portal.

his athletes played with across the country in travel ball help.

Gajewski said he doesn’t have a log-in to access the transfer portal.

“Our girls know what to ask,” Gajewski said. “They know what they want here. They know what the expectations are here. It’s not easy. It’s different from every other place.”

Gajewski said it’s a tradeoff. The transfers are able to come in and help the team the same way the team is willing to bring athletes in and help them.

“Pitchers they’re a different breed,” Gajewski said. “They need some guidance and help too, but the things they’ve been able to repay us with, I hope we’re able to repay them with.”

Febrey is the backbone of the lineup, Doggett is the star of the outfield and Wright splits time behind home plate with Raquel Dominguez.

Eberle is different. She is the ace of the rotation.

A rotation that led the Cowgirls to the third-lowest team ERA in the country at 1.20.

Kelly Maxwell threw 57 strikeouts, tossed a no-hitter and had an ERA of 1.51 last season.

Logan Simunek not far behind with an ERA of 2.40.

“I’ve learned a lot from Logan and Carrie about how they handle situations and their maturity,” Maxwell said.

With all this talent, Eberle is the star. Her 68 strikeouts and 0.46 ERA led the team.

“It’s good for us (to practice with top-tier pitching),” Chyenne Factor said. “We get annoyed, but in the big picture it really helps us.”

How did she end up at OSU? Biology.

A missed call started the process for Gajewski. Asleep in Tallahassee, he missed a call from Eberle’s former travel coach.

“I don’t answer calls that I don’t know,” Gajewski said. “I got a text about an hour after that and it was the same number, and it was a travel coach of hers that said Carrie was going into the portal.”

Gajewski said at this point he didn’t know who Eberle was.

He read the words pitcher and No. 1 and quickly pulled out his laptop. At this point she had her transfer narrowed to OSU, Florida and Kentucky.

Among the three schools, OSU had the best graduate biology program.

The Cowgirl “family” helped push OSU above the rest.

“I think what’s really key is how close everyone is,” Eberle said. “They care about you more than just a player.”

Eberle said she wants to be either a forensic scientist or medical examiner after she completes her degree at OSU. The Cowgirls were in the middle of their 2019 postseason run when Gajewksi received the text about Eberle.

“Even though you’re playing games you’ve got to keep recruiting,” Gajewksi said. “It never ends and stops. Carrie was down, she had narrowed it to three schools, all three schools had her major and we luckily had the best program in the country.”

On June 30, 2019, Eberle See Carrie on pg. 6A

Page 6B Friday, April 2, 2021

sports uted a lot to my success.”

A season has passed since their transfers. On the field, they have excelled, but the transition to OSU was difficult.

Continued from pg. 5B “I think like my first couple of months at OSU were hard in that announced she would transfer aspect of it,” Febrey said. “I was not to OSU. This wasn’t the first time comfortable and it was more of just Gajewski brought in a high-value trying to figure things out. I think graduate transfer. coach Gajewski has done a good job Samantha Show transferred at working with transfers and makto OSU from Texas A&M before ing sure they’re comfortable.” her senior season in 2019. Gajewski Eberle said last season was said he sees a correlation between spent getting acclimated to the OSU his transfers. culture. This season the familiarity “Show needed some help,” with the program is the biggest difGajewski said. “But we needed ference compared with last season. some help that she could help “We had a full preparation for us with. Febrey’s the same way, the fall already comfortable, so that Doggett’s the same way. Carrie’s was helpful,” Eberle said. “Besides one.” that it’s pretty normal, season feels Show helped them. She led pretty normal.” the team to the Women’s College How have they become more World Series and a school record comfortable? Team chemistry. for home runs in a season with 20.

Long bus rides, team dinners Eberle is just the next success- and practices have bonded the team. ful OSU transfer. She hasn’t done it On bus rides, Maxwell said alone. Febrey, a junior at Georgia, the team spends the first half doing also transferred to OSU that same homework and sleeps. Toward the offseason. end, players become more social.

Eberle and Febrey had a “I think just being on the bus similar journey to OSU. Unhappy for that long everyone just kind of with their situations, they entered gets tired of either homework or the transfer portal with a risk. A sleeping so we kind of have to come risk that they said has worked for together,” Maxwell said. “A lot of the better. people talk and we find out things “A big part of why I left is about people we don’t know. Growbecause I wanted to love softball ing together in that aspect kind of again and I don’t really think I was helps.” at that at Georgia,” Febrey said.

The comfort level is some“Then I came here and softball is thing Febrey said has also led to fun again, so I think that’s contrib- better relationships with coaches.

Accustomed to OSU, Eberle said she will always be a Hokie. It was time for a fresh start. It’s why she came to OSU. She had acA big part complished what she wanted to at of why I left Virginia Tech.

An opportunity seized. A is because I risk taken. Thriving in the face of adversity. Eberle’s decision wasn’t wanted to love easy. Choosing to move halfway softball again across the country was hard. Gajewski made it easy. and I don’t He has helped Eberle succeed, given her a place to grow, even as really think I a graduate. From Show to Febrey was at that at to Eberle, Gajewski’s success with transfers has made OSU an attracGeorgia. tive spot for student-athletes.

-Alysen Febrey Eberle is just the next one up.

Carrie...

“

sports.ed@ocolly.com

“

FOR RELEASE APRIL 2, 2021

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

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Daily Horoscope

Level 1

2

3

4

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes (TNS) Today’s Birthday (04/02/21). Grow through alliances this year. Reliable actions get lenges this spring sets you up perfectly for summer creativity, networking and buzz.

Adjust to income changes before a winter investigation heats up. Friends open new doors.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Expand terrain. Explore and investigate. Put in backstage efforts and do the homework. Ignore rumors or gossip. Stick to practical priorities for heartfelt gain.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — A lucrative push builds momentum. sure rather than force. Take action for shared gain.

pays well. Help others see the big picture.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Build strength and endurance with practice. Stay patient, step after step. The fun is in the process. Don’t push beyond limitations. Prioritize practicalities.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Focus on what you love despite delays or challenges. Engage in passion projects. Use your persuasive arts. Connect with another heart on a deeper level.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Postpone buying stuff you don’t need.

Clear space. Clean and organize. Cook up something delicious. Savor domestic joys with family and your inner circle.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially clever and creative.

Don’t stir up controversy or fuss; quietly observe. Doubts interfere with progress.

You can learn what you need.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Your efforts could get lucrative. Stick

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — You’re growing stronger. Wear sip. Focus on your own personal priorities and passions.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 5 — Slow to process recent changes. Indulge cravings for peaceful solitude. Write, sort and organize. Notice where you’ve been and where you’re going. Adjust practical plans.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 5 — Collaboration and teamwork can get results when all else fails. Don’t get pushy. Avoid crowds, risk or irritation. Connect with your community roots.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 5 — Focus on practical professional priorities. Find clever ways to advance around an obstacle or barrier. Avoid controversy or fuss. You can get what you’re after.

4/2/21 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk