Friday, August 14, 2020

Friday, August 14, 2020

PARTY PROOF?

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parties, bars and other offcampus events, things may get even worse.

“We have to rely on students’ compliance — we can’t enforce offcampus behavior,” said OSU director of media relations Monica Roberts.

“Student choices are critical in keeping the numbers down on campus and in the Stillwater community.”

Off-campus social gatherings also worry OSUaffiliated medical experts. For some, a plan that relies on college students not partying will be detrimental to the efforts.

“Mask mandates, the changed classrooms to allow for social distancing, a lot of these

By Ryan Novozinsky Editor in chief editorinchief@ocolly.com Oklahoma State University’s “Cowboys Coming Back” plan during the COVID-19 pandemic is an in-depth return procedure with one major flaw: it may rely on students not partying.

“I fear for my life, honestly,” OSU junior Fox Nelson said of the plan.

Nelson, who has Type 1 diabetes and could have a more severe COVID-19 case, is not alone in their thinking.

With thousands of students returning to campus, a spike in cases could already be inevitable due to the contagious nature of the novel coronavirus.

But when those students go to

activities have been addressed within (the plan), but the unknown factor is what will students, faculty and staff do outside of campus,” said OSU health sciences professor Dr. Randolph Hubach.

“So we can take proper initiatives on campus, but human behavior is difficult and often short lived and so we have to have environments that are conducive to support that change.

“So if you have bars or events that are not facilitating the same behavioral change, that could still lead to transmission occurring on campus.”

SEE PARTY PROOF, PAGE 2

Concerns regarding Stillwater music festival continue to increase

The Tumbleweed is planning a concert during a pandemic.

OCOLLY

By Chase Congleton Entertainment Editor ccongle@ostatemail.okstate.edu

Stillwater mayor Will Joyce spent the last several months expanding mandatory COVID-19 guidelines for the city of Stillwater, but now he faces his biggest challenge yet: Weedstock.

“I don’t think it’s time to move back to crowded music festivals at this point,”

Mayor Joyce said.

“There’s a reason why you’re not seeing those virtually anywhere else.”

The Tumbleweed’s first annual Weedstock begins next week and concerns about the music festival being held during a pandemic have been

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growing. Currently, the festival’s website contains no information regarding recommended safety measures or required precautions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the festival occurring outside city limits, the Stillwater mask mandate would not go into effect in the venue.

After the postponement of Calf Fry 2020 due to coronavirus concerns, the owner of the Tumbleweed organized Weedstock to occur on August 20-22 for those who have already bought Calf Fry 2020 tickets.

SEE WEEDSTOCK, PAGE 2

Page 2A Friday, August 14, 2020

@OCOLLY PARTY PROOF

Continued from page 1A These types of environments have always existed in modern Stillwater and continue to stay open despite a virus that has killed 163,000 Americans. And the students keep showing up.

“As a student at Oklahoma State for the past two years, the bars are showing that students are willing to gather under the right circumstances and love to show their pride in socializing,” said OSU sports management major Keaton Hargett.

“I feel that if we can gather to party, that we can gather for Oklahoma State football and Oklahoma State education.”

Hargett’s mentality is shared by a number of OSU students as well.

Some students look at the mortality rate for their age group

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020

an enWEEDSTOCK creates switch (from in hanced opportuperson class to CONCERNS nity for a quick online). transmission of Continued from With students coronavirus to page 1A moved in and other individuclasses beginning According to als,” Hubach said. on Aug. 17, OSU KFOR-TV, the “Individuals who is transitioning owner of the attend this event into phase five event, who dehave the opportuof its reopenclined a recorded nity of coming in ing plan. When interview request, contact with the thinking about said he spent virus and unthe plan, Dr. Huover $15,000 on knowingly transbach remembered sanitation equipferring it back when he was a ment. The owner to roommates or college student also said masks other individuals and how he’d and temperature they come into feel about going checks will be contact with.” to class during a required on entry.

OSU students’ pandemic.

Mayor Joyce responses to the “I think it’s expressed his festival have been an unknown,” concern for the mixed. While Hubach said. “I overall safety of some students think as a student the community, plan on stayI would probably saying he tried to ing away from have lots of quesreach out to TumWeedstock, other tions and I think bleweed’s manstudents said they that we have to agement as well plan on having a O’Colly Creation recognize that as talked to Payne Bars, parties and large gatherings are all events that could cause a good time and enwe could have spike in COVID-19 cases. some questions, it on to someone VID infections measures that ing the semester we could have else, ultimately in even those of could be taken — will be “deterconcerns, it’s OK it could reach younger age. We but some points mined by the to express those someone who’s know it could remain vague. rate of increase concerns and not able to handle impact lung func- According to a of infections per those questions… the virus,” Dr. tion, it could also document obday, number of If you don’t feel Hubach said. impact the brain tained by the hospitalizations safe in a situ“So individuals and other aspects O’Colly, the per day, rate of ation, talk to a Ocolly Weedstock will be similar to that are on our of the body. testing capacdecrease in avail- faculty member Calf Fry. campus that are “For your overall ity at university ability of hospital or your (commuour friends, our health and wellhealth services beds and (intennity mentor) or County Commisjoying the music peers, our fraterbeing, we better will be mainsive care unit) whoever it could sioners regarding there. nity brothers, our take protection.” tained throughout beds.” be and let’s come the event.

Abby Parks is sorority sisters The United States the semester, but The report up with solu“I’m asking a sophomore that might have department of there will not be emphasized that tions.” people to consider at OSU who is an underlying health estimates recurring testing “there is NOT editorinchief@ the general welstudying landcondition that that one-in-five of students on a a case number ocolly.com fare of our comscape architecthey might not non-elderly systematic basis, threshold that munity and make ture. She said even know about. Americans have a faculty memwould trigger the the responsible that she plans and caring decion attending the sion not to attend festival because this event at this of her love of time,” Joyce said the music there, complicated the Joyce said. “It’s in a tweet. “I love but she will take whole situation is really hard to live music and precautions.

Weedstock — a draw a line in had a blast at last “Of course, I’m three-day music terms of a number year’s Calf Fry. going to wear a festival from Aug. of cases because But now is not the mask, but I can’t 20-22. there are so many time.” stop other people “I am very other factors that Many musical art- from not wearing concerned about get considered ists canceled their a mask,” Parks that,” Joyce said. in terms of the tours due to the said. “I’ll do “I think that’s a demographics of pandemic, which my best to keep really bad idea. those cases.” caused revenue for myself safe and I don’t think it’s It’ll depend on the the music industry other people safe, time to move back demographic and to decline. Conbut…there’s probto crowded music speed of how the cert venues across ably not going to Ellie Melero Stillwater is preparing its population to festivals. There’s cases affect the the country are be any room to double. a reason you’re town. struggling to stay stay six feet away, ting around in an “But I’m also a bit other, and nobody enclosed space for not seeing that For example, afloat during the though.” nervous that we’re else is going to happen, virtuif it’s an early recession. Some Garrett Hardgrove longer periods of going to see more have to worry ally anywhere spike in August artists, however, is a first-year tim., but they’re of a spread then about it,” Joyce else. I think it’s a from OSU where are adapting in graduate student not the only place we really want said. “The more problem. There’s students in residifferent ways, at OSU who is where that hapto. We’re going cases there are, a lot of concern dential halls test with some optstudying higher pens. Churchs, to have to make the more opover what that efpositive and iming for drive-in education. He restaurants, wedsome tough deciportunities there fect it could have mediately quaran- concerts or digital said that while dings, funerals sions if that’s the are for interacin terms of the tine, it’s not much events fans can concerts can be and other places case.” tions to spread. spread of cases of a concern. But stream at home. an escape for where people are When the initial And university and the effect that a spike in OctoAs of *August some people, he indoors, sitting spike happened, students give it to would have on ber with an older 11*, Oklahoma does not want to next to each other Stillwater didn’t professors, give it schools” age group would has accumulated partake in Weedfor longer periods find it necessary to folks at a resJoyce said he’s re- bring up more 44,725 confirmed stock. of time are also to take drastic taurant or at a bar ceived comments questions. cases, with 754 risk factors.” action as it was that aren’t univer“It’s really difof those cases Joyce said he’s sat from community primarily affectsity students.” ficult to pick a coming from down with a num- members who are ing the 20-27 age That’s the potenconcerned with number in terms Payne County. As ber of bar owners group — which tial trickle-down what a crowded of active cases coronavirus cases “I think who’ve personhad minor sympeffect Stillwater event, where soand say, ‘This reach past 5 milally reached out Weedstock toms — while could experience cial distancing is is the number at lion cases across to see how they Stillwater Mediif an outbreak is going to impossible, could which we start America, its large can keep their cal Center saw occurs among to panic,’” Joyce events that bring establishment and do. be a breedalmost no hospistudents.

But as the event said. “We’ll talk people together clientele safe. talizations.

And that sort of ing ground is taking place to the health that can further In addition to But with an influx spike could be outside of city department, we’ll spread the virus. that, Stillwater for the of students pourcircled back to limits, Stillwater talk to the hoswill be discussing into smalllarge groupings at ing an ordinance virus.” doesn’t have jupital and we’ll Dr. Randolph town Stillwater, the bars where it’s that allows for risdiction over the sort of see how Hubach is an asthere’s even more obviously diffiGarrett Hardgrove those things work sociative professor outdoor service at venue. Still, the opportunity for cult to implement city has attempted together. of rural health bars — even ones OSU student students to dabble social distancing to reach out but “But hospitalizaresearcher at that don’t have a into town for measures and has reached no tions, from the Oklahoma State patio. food, groceries reinforce a mask response back, accity perspective, University Center “We’re looking or other essential mandate given the at those kinds of cording to Joyce. and the hospital’s for Health Sciencactivities. environment.

And so, when it’s capacity to treat es. He said that options, but if Joyce said he’s So will the bars all put together, patients contindespite the mask “There’s going we need to make absolutely worbe closed? there are a ton of ues to be our No. mandate coverto most likely be those tougher ried about could “We’ve thought variables in the 1 concern and ing city limits a lot of people decisions about further the about it, we’ve midst of a gruelwill be the more in Stillwater, it there,” Hardgrove lowering capacity spread. thought about pressing factor in doesn’t cover all said. “With the or changing hours ing pandemic.

“I think it would closing a lot of So where does terms of decisions of Payne County, current situation or even closing be irresponsible stuff,” Joyce said.

Stillwater draw at our end. It’s which can lead to regarding corobusinesses that for us to think it’s It’s not just the the line and related to a lot of the spread of the navirus, I think are concerning, just going to be bars. I mean, they we’ll certainly say “enough is different factors, virus through this Weedstock is gocollege students are one of the enough?” not just the active event. ing to be a breedconsider all that,” and it’s just going higher risk factors Joyce said.

“It’s a really case count.”

“Any large gather- ing ground for the to pass it to each in terms of sittough question,” ing of individuals virus.”

But further

and shrug it off like it’s nothing to worry about.

Medical experts warn against this line of thinking.

“If (a student) is to contract it and then we pass

How will COVID impact their health outcomes?

Secondarily, we really don’t have a great understanding yet of the long term implications of CO-

preexisting health condition, with some never getting diagnosed.

With a potential outbreak looming, OSU officials have discussed some future

bers will “not necessarily” be notified if there is a student in their class that tests positive and the decision to potentially go all-online dur-

What happens to Stillwater when 25,000 students arrive back on campus?

Sudeep Tumma, Sports editor @asktumma

For the first few months of this unprecedented pandemic, Stillwater residents could feel safe from the virus — the city had only 22 total cases.

Then June hit.

While Oklahoma State’s classes remained online during the summer, a number of kids returned to Stillwater for summer jobs while businesses opened back up.

The result was a staggering spike — Stillwater’s case total shot up to 130 by June 17.

Eventually, the case total ballooned to 400 before Mayor William Joyce and Stillwater issued a mask mandate on July 10.

But the crazy part is that quick uptick in cases occurred when only a percentage of students returned.

Now it’s going to be 25,000.

“OSU and the campus community are a huge part of Stillwater,” Joyce told the O’Colly.

“That’s a good thing for us to have back in town. I am hopeful that the university’s plan will help contain the spread of COVID among the student population, among the population at large in Stillwater.

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Friday, August 14, 2020 Page 8A

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020

MY COVID-19 EXPERIENCE

OSU student Devin Wilber had a severe case of COVID-19

Devin Wilber

MASK ENFORCERS: OSU EXPECTS STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY TO HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE Ryan Novozinsky, Editor in chief, @ryannovo62 Masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This is why Oklahoma State University is issuing a mask mandate for all indoor spaces during the fall semester. But how will it be enforced?

This is where the students — which OSU is effectively turning into mask mandate enforcers — come in.

“We are asking all community members to be an active bystander in addressing any concerning behavior they see in our Cowboy community, including the university’s expectation to wear facial coverings,” said OSU vice president of student affairs Dr. Doug Hallenbeck. “All community members must take personal responsibility in the health and safety of our community. Respectfully informing or reminding individuals when you see them not wearing their facial covering should be the first step before reporting the concern. We do not (want) students to get in trouble over the mask policy, but we do expect students and others to abide by the policy.”

So if a student in the Student Union isn’t abiding by the mask policy,

another student is expected to approach them — which could violate social distancing — ask them to wear a mask, listen to their response and if the maskless individual doesn’t comply, the student who approached them is expected to either report them to the student conduct office or find a nearby faculty member who will do it.

But what happens then.

“Like any alleged policy violation, Student Conduct will address the concern through the process outlined in the Student Code of Conduct,” Hallenbeck said. “In line with the philosophy on addressing student conduct, the response to student’s failure to comply with wearing facial coverings will seek to educate on the university’s expectation and understand the reason the student has not been complying.

“Any action plan put in place is individualized to the student and based on the severity of the situation.”

Some students don’t feel comfortable enforcing the policy, however. In an O’Colly Twitter poll, 72.3% of respondents said they would not partake in reporting other students to the conduct office. The poll had 874 voters.

“No (I don’t want to report other students),

because you should be smart enough to be wearing a mask if you’re going to college,” said OSU student Solen Spitzer in a tweet.

The vague nature of the student conduct penalties concerns some students.

In order for the mandate to work, some say the policy should have clear punishments.

“There is no stated penalty for not wearing a mask other than being put before code of conduct,” OSU junior Fox Nelson said. “And code of conduct requires other students or faculty to first file a complaint and then that complaint takes time to get reviewed and actually come to anything and then in the meantime, you have a student in a building who’s not wearing a mask and could potentially be a vector (for disease spread).”

Even still, the university is committed to its message and think it’s the right way to go about this. They don’t want students to feel penalized. They just want to keep people safe and responsible.

“Our message is more about personal responsibility and holding each other accountable and not just reporting concerns to Student Conduct,” Hallenbeck said.

“We are not asking students to be a ‘snitch.’”

At first when asked, I was unsure about sharing my story with COVID-19. This topic has become very polarizing and political.

Because of that I was unsure about whether people would even want to hear my experience.

After deliberating for awhile, I knew for those very same reason I needed to share it.

After going through hell for weeks, I am finally negative for the virus, but that doesn’t mean the long term effects are done.

That’s why I feel an obligation to share my experience with COVID-19. Each and every day I see people brushing off this virus and the severity of it and that can be frustrating from someone who has went through it or seen someone they love taken by it.

So here it is. My experience with and after COVID-19: At 2:30 a.m. on June 10, the three worst weeks of my life started.

That night it all started when I woke up in sweat, having chest pains and a fever.

In a spur of the moment decision I decided

in the middle of the night I needed to go to the emergency room.

After hours of waiting and talking to doctors in Stillwater Medical and after undergoing multiple other tests, they decided to test my blood for any abnormalities and ran a nasal rapid test for COVID-19.

Because of my severe condition, I received a priority test. My results came back positive an hour or so later. After a few more hours of IVs and medication, my O2 levels returned to normal and my fever subsided. I was discharged later that afternoon.

I would go on to spend the next three weeks in complete isolation from any other person.

I knew I had to tell people but I didn’t know exactly how to go about it and honestly I was scared to. I knew as soon as it was out there I would be “that person.”

People would begin to look at me as patient one in their eyes because it was finally affecting someone in their life.

I knew I had to tell people still and began to do so. I started tell the people I had came

in contact with recently about my situation for their own safety and then followed up with a social media post.

Luckily, no one I was in direct in contact with tested positive so that made me feel a little better. I could now focus on my own health and well being.

In sever pain and unable to breath, I spent a majority of the first week bed ridden. No matter how much sleep I got I would still wake up tired and exhausted as though I were up all night.

Nights were the hardest part. It seemed as though the pain and breathing issues quadrupled when the sun set.

My fever would jump to 103+ degrees and it would feel like I had an elephant on my chest when I tried to breath. It was terrifying at times.

I would call friends and family trying to distract myself but after I would hang up I knew I would have to try and rest but was kind of scared to do so.

SEE WILBER, PAGE 4

OSU students are expected to enforce the mask policy this year despite no clear penalties.

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Page 4A Friday, August 14, 2020

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Is Stillwater Medical Center prepared for students?

Stillwater medical center is preparing for the future COVID-19 cases.

By Chris Becker, Digital Editor, digital@ocolly.com

After nearly five months students are finally starting to move back to the campus of Oklahoma State

amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

However the large influx of students from around the world could be problematic to the citizens of Stillwater and the people of OSU.

A Bio students perspective on covid-19 The stats and numbers are easy to find, but what about to someone who studies science in college?

Brenden Determann is a double major in biochemistry and microbiology with a minor in chemistry.

Determann is someone who thinks that there is still a lot that needs to be researched on what the coronavirus is all about.

“There’s enough that’s still being done right now that we can use as a society,” Determann said.

Since the U.S. has cut their ties with the World Health Organization (WHO), there

are still sources that are out there for the average Joe to search for.

“As a bio student myself, the best thing is to go out and do your research,” Determann said. “The internet has a lot of resources out there so make sure you find something that’s credible and reliable and that has been almost confirmed by the CDC.” In regards to a vaccine, it could be a very complicated process. There is not really a specific time frame on when something can be finished.

While some vaccines have been in the works, it’s still a process on which they have to go through and be approved.

“There’s really no time table on when a vaccine will be developed,” Deter-

WILBER CONTINUED “How come,” some may ask.

Well the worst part of every night was going to bed with this anxiety that I would wake up unable to breathe at all.

Week one continued with extreme fatigue, high fevers, coughing and severe trouble breathing. After about three days I began to lose my sense of taste and smell.

Unable to move a lot, breathe or smell,

my appetite took the next big hit. I didn’t want to eat and began to lose weight quickly.

The next few weeks were more of the same. The emotional tolls of complete isolation started to take over then and I started to shut down a little. Luckily with the help of some of my best friends, my priest and my family I was able to keep my spirits high.

On June 26th, I returned to the hospital feeling

Jared A’Latorre, Staff reporter, @ocolly

The influx of students is bound to cause a significant rise in positive cases of COVID-19 among the student and faculty, but is Stillwater Medical Center prepared for this mann said. “Most vaccines have to go through multiple trials, scientific studies have to be proven by a lot of researchers.”

Determann is someone who works in Housing and Residential Life at OSU. On the “Cowboys Coming Back” plan, Determann sees a great plan for students coming to Stillwater in the fall.

With students living on-campus being tested, and putting aside guidelines for face-coverings on campus, the campus will hope to be in safe hands.

“My skepticism has become less anxious, but I still have it in the back of my mind that of course, there are still some worries in terms of what students are going to be doing,” Determann said.

With students coming back in the fall, Determann also recommends that they have full communication with faculty and staff if someone were to get infected.

“One thing that students fear is that if they hear about cases, people will slightly better and ready to get retested.

After undergoing another blood test and nasal swab my results returned negative for COVID-19. I was on the road to recovery and was over joyed.

I had beat the virus, little did I know it wasn’t that easy.

Since receiving my negative tests I still have lingering symptoms. My breathing is still rough, making working out and basically any physical

Joshua Cleary

possible outbreak?

The biggest issue with cities and towns dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic is the constant lack of beds and supplies in local hospitals.

The city of Still-

water has been keeping a close eye on Stillwater Medical Center and helping them stay prepared.

“From the city prospective, hospitalizations and the hospital’s ability

to treat patients continues to be our No. 1 concern and will be the most pressing factor in terms of decisions on our end,” said Stillwater mayor Will Joyce.

The preparation for students to return to campus has been happening for months prior to the announcement of the Cowboy coming back plan. Stillwater medical center has been in constant contact with the City of Stillwater, Stillwater Public Schools and OSU to develop plans for safe return.

Stillwater Medical urges all students that are returning to campus take all precautions to stay safe from COVID-19, which includes wearing a mask and social distancing.

As a microbiology major, Brenden Determann has a unique perspective on the virus.

begin to talk, people might withdraw from (OSU) and that’s not something Oklahoma State wants, and that’s not something as a student we would want to see in Housing and Residential Life,” Determann said.

With the H1N1 virus or the “swine flu,” there have been estimations from 700 million to 1.4 billion suspected cases. In this time in 2020, with over a million cases in the United States, it’s just another time in the world people have to

be strong and stay as safe as they can.

“We can’t really compare viruses to the extent of how they’re being handled because every time it’s different,” Determann said.

“Science is a continuum that progresses throughout our daily lives and there’s usually no end to when science progresses daily.”

“We’re always to make the best of life through the world of science.”

The impossible would be a long lived virus that would con-

tinue throughout the world. People might need to embrace what could be the new normalcy in our daily lives.

“People have begun to say that the virus really isn’t going anywhere, and in all honesty it’s really not going to go anywhere,” Determann said. “It might take months, years, there’s no really set time point on what we used to call our normal lives, this might be our actual new normal amongst the pandemic we are currently enduring.”

activity hard to complete. I still wake up dazed and cloudy some days and still feel random waves of exhaustion from time to time.

I have spent the entire month of July and August so far rehabbing my lungs back home in Colorado with my parents and local doctors and am finally beginning to see progress, making me hopeful moving forward.

All said and done I

lost 27 pounds during my time battling COVID-19. I still struggle to breathe and my sense of smell is still absent.

They were able to contact trace my case back to most likely the bar I worked at during Oklahoma’s phase 2 reopening.

I understand just as anyone who has done their own research that everyone has a wide variety of symptoms and timelines as it comes to COVID-19.

This is just my own experience.

I share it with hopes that others realize that just because you are young and healthy it can affect you or one of your friends. I hope that this story may put it in your head to reach out to your circle of friends and family and to tell that that this is something to take seriously if they are not already.

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Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Freshman Year Sheyenne Mitchell,

Staff reporter @Ocolly

Dear Freshman, last year I was in your shoes. These are the things I wish someone would have told me.

Do: At all times remember everyone is just as afraid as you.

College is a new chapter for everyone. Even the college seniors and juniors have stood where you are standing now.

So remember to relax, take a deep breath every once in a while, and remember you’re not as alone as you think you are. Enjoy the ride because it will be over before you know it.

Don’t: Bring all of your belongings from home to your dorm.

As an incoming freshman, you more than likely have no idea what to expect as far as college life and what you will need; The natural action to this is to over prepare. If you have a house back home that you plan to return to every once in a while, take advantage of the space! Since school is starting in August, you do not need any winter coats or warm sweaters, so bring only summer clothes and switch out your wardrobe accordingly when the weather demands it. If you have regular access to your previous home, do this with other items which you feel uncertain about whether they’re necessities. Don’t be afraid to make your new living quarters look like a home, but remember that you’re downsizing and bringing your entire room to Stillwater is not necessary.

Do: Plan out your walk to and from classes ahead of time.

You are going to get lost in this campus, if you haven’t already. If you’re able, try to plan your walk from class to class before the first time you attend them.

You can do this days before or an hour before,

but it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of where you are and where you are going.

Most professors are forgiving with tardiness the first week; however, it is always super uncomfortable being the last one to enter a classroom. Even if you’re reading this after your first day of school, it’s never too late to walk around campus and get used to the layout of the buildings to familiarize yourself with your new routine.

Don’t: Put too much pressure on friendships.

Almost every first year student is entering Oklahoma State completely alone. It’s natural to want to fill the void as quickly as possible by making friends instantly.

You will meet so many new people in your first week of school, you will ask “What is your major?” close to a thousand times, and you will struggle to remember all this information and you will most likely have to ask for a person’s name twice.

That is okay. Not every conversation is the start of a new friendship nor the collaboration on any activity. People will come and go, and you might even feel the tinge of loneliness for a brief time. It’s important to keep in mind that friendships take time. They’re not instant and you don’t have fit in with everyone. Remember who you are as a person first and foremost. If you forget who you are to gain friends you may wake up one day and not recognize yourself. Friendships take time. Don’t give up yourself to please new people.

Do: Read all syllabi.

They are your holy texts for each and every semester.

I cannot stress this point enough. Each syllabus you receive is your holy text for that class. After

Freshman have many things to adjust to during their first year.

the start of the class-no later than the end of the week-- take time to sit and really read each one. I recommend having at least one colored pen (black blends in with the text too much for me) and one highlighter. Marking up the syllabus will prevent you from having to do another deep read later.

Each one typically has a list of due dates:these are absolutely key.

Disclaimer: I have had one class that did not follow the due dates on the syllabus and the assignments were always being moved either earlier or later, so do not always rely on these dates. The professors almost always have the right to change their syllabus anyway and any time they want (this right is typically written in the syllabus).

Don’t: Always go for the seat in the back of the classroom.

Personally, I love sitting in the back of the classroom. Being out of sight, out of mind is comforting to a large majority of students.

However, this is also the pitfall of the back seat.

Sitting up front keeps you accountable academically. It prevents you from checking your phone or changing tabs on your laptop because you are very much in sight and in mind. Being up front also helps your professor learn your name and face better, which is both nice

and helpful in the future in terms of building a professional relationship with them. Sitting up front from the beginning is a great way to keep yourself accountable in class, preventing you from tempting distractions, and it will assist you in building the under appreciated student-professor relationship.

Do: Use and abuse First Year Success.

In orientation you are informed of all the wonderful offices and people here to help you succeed and it’s almost overwhelming at first.

But the one service that was most useful for me was First Year Success.

I used it mostly to help me navigate the new debt I was in and to understand all the new vocabulary being thrown at my face: Subsidized loan? Unsubsidized loan? I had no clue. An advisor sat down with me and walked me through all the numbers and terms. That advisor and I even became close friends and we went out to lunch together a few times. First Year Success also offers you assistance if you’re struggling socially with your new campus life.

Great people work at this office and they’re here to help you succeed in the new world you’re a part of now.

Don’t: Be afraid to ask for help.

The point above and this one go hand and

Continued from page 4A “Stillwater Medical is not the front line of this pandemic, that role belongs to the students and citizens of Stillwater,” said Shyla Eggers of Stillwater Medical Center. “Our role is to treat those who are affected with COVID19.

We do have plans in place for expanded hospital bed capacity in the event it is needed.

We continue to monitor the data daily and plan

Stillwater medical center is preparing for an outbreak.

accordingly.”

Students began moving back to Stillwater in July to start their leases for the upcoming school year, and that

original rise in population caused a spike in Stillwater.

“We don’t expect a spike for 10-14 days with the recent arrival

Joshua Cleary

of students,” Eggers said. “The city of Stillwater did see a spike in early July when many students moved into rental property for

Joshua Cleary

hand. Whether you’re 18 or 44 and this is your first year at OSU this is all new to you.

You don’t have to pretend like you know it all to seem mature or to protect a sense of pride. Everyone makes mistakes, gets lost, or fails-- even your professors. Don’t make the mistake of trying to figure this year out on your own. You might miss something important. The best thing you can do this year is ask questions. Ask a million questions and learn as much as possible from those more experienced than you. Use their life experiences to prevent common mistakes you may make in the future.

For example, don’t do what I did and mistake cluelessness for maturity and independence.

Do: Get to know Stillwater and the streets in and around campus.

I cannot count how many times I got lost before class trying to figure out which street to turn on and which lot to park in. Another pro-tip within this pro-tip is parking is a mess. It’s frustrating and I promise you will hate it by September.

However, something to ease the pain of parking is knowing where you’re going. If you know where you are and where your respective lot is it will only be half as frustrating as my experience last year.

Also, it is extremely

advantageous for you to know the city you are now living in. Get to know where the grocery stores are, or where to buy clothes, or where to eat. This will make your time in Stillwater much more enjoyable and less stressful.

Don’t: Skip class.

I’m sure you’ve heard this phrase before too many times for your taste already, but here it is again: Don’t skip class. Now, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t do this last year and knowing myself, I will probably do it again this year, but it’s a slippery slope, skipping class. Never make it a habit. You will fail. I skipped a class once because something mildly emotional happened and I missed a quiz. Professors will surprise you all the time. They change their minds often and what is on the syllabus is not necessarily what will happen in class.

Don’t assume nothing is planned and that day is a good one to skip the class. Every time I skipped class, I had to play catch up and had to work five times harder to keep that choice from reflecting on my grades. I assure you that attendance is key to your success in college.

Don’t take it for granted because that choice might change your B to a C because you missed an important quiz about the history of cameras.

the upcoming school year. While the virus has not typically had a large percentage of hospitalizations for the 18-22 age group, we are watching those numbers closely because of the possibility of community spread. In the event that there is an increase in hospitalizations, Stillwater Medical is prepared to safely care for those patients.”

With the large number of students and professors on campus. Social

distancing may be hard, but officials urge everyone to practice social distancing when out in public to protect citizens of Stillwater and other students.

“We highly encourage students to be vigilant and take the role to protect their friends and neighbors seriously by following the guidelines of the State Health Department and the CDC while on and off campus,” Eggers said.

O’Colly

Friday, August 14, 2020 Page 3A 6A

@OCOLLY

NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020

#OKSTATEstandunited first day black out

OkState Stand United is starting the school year off with a Black Out, asking that all students, faculty and staff wear black to the first day of classes, August 17th. The organizers of the student-led movement said that wearing black will symbolize standing in solidarity against the prevailing racial issues on the Stillwater campus and in the country. Later that night, at exactly 5pm OkState Stand United will call on the same participants who wear black to post an orange square with the caption ‘#ISignedTheListOfUrgencies’. This post will pose as a signature drive to promote The List of Urgencies, as the five organizers try to gain as many signatures as possible before their meeting with President Burns Hargis.

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Friday, August 14, 2020 Page 7A

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NEWS

O’Colly

@OCOLLY

Friday, August 14, 2020 Page 8A

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020

Students express mixed feelings about return to campus

Alex Sloan, News editor @sloan_alex On Aug. 17, OSU will resume on-campus operations, and students have expressed a range of emotions surrounding the re-opening, and the Cowboys Coming Back plan.

The O’Colly posted two polls to twitter, requesting responses from students and staff. The polls were unscientific, but garnered some attention, and offered seemingly contradictory results.

The first poll, posted on Aug. 7, asked participants their preference between in-person and online classes. Of 156 respondents, 55.1% said they’d prefer to be in person, while 44.9% said they’d prefer online classes.

The second poll, posted on Aug. 9., asked participants if they were confident in the university’s reopening plan. Of 381 participants, 59.1% said they were not confident in the re-opening plan, while only 40.9% said they were.

Several students responded to The O’Colly’s request for student comments.

Despite holding diverse viewpoints around the COVID-19 pandemic, all were in agreement about the importance of wearing face-coverings on campus.

OSU students have to return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One first-year Oklahoma State student, Torin Prevost, said he feels like every adult should be responsible enough to make their own decisions about face-coverings.

“I will make my best interest to wear a mask, because I feel like wearing a mask is the safest thing we can do right now,” Prevost said.

Prevost, a sophomore sports management major, said he’s a big basketball fan, and hopes to play intramural sports in the spring.

He suggested limiting the number of people allowed in the Colvin at once, in order to limit viral transmission.

Prevost said he came to OSU for the family environment, and the friendliness of the surrounding town.

“I feel ecstatic because you know, I’m starting college,” Prevost said.

“But at the same time, I’m still trying to keep safe from all the COVID stuff so I can stay on campus longer, and enjoy my college time at Oklahoma State.”

Other first-year students shared Prevost’s excitement, but were less optimistic about the return to school. Joshua Cleary, an incoming freshman, said he doesn’t want to miss out on the college experience, but worries that this semester might get cut short.

“I’m definitely really excited,” Cleary said.

“The only thing I’m a little nervous about is how long we might be there until they— if they decide to send us home.”

He said he’ll be avoiding high-risk situations, but isn’t sure every student on campus will make the same decision.

“I’d assume that there will be more people up there, so the bars will be more full,” Cleary said. “Kids will throw parties, regardless of what rules Oklahoma State puts in place.”

Cleary doesn’t think students will be eager to help the university enforce the mask mandate.

While he doesn’t want to have to govern other people’s behavior, he said he’s definitely planning to wear a mask on campus.

“I want to do as much as I can to make sure I stay up there for a whole year,” Cleary said. “I definitely will be following the regulations that the university puts

that as long as kind of those basic structures are maintained, and OSU does a good job of enforcing those policies, I’m not too concerned.”

The one frustrating aspect of the situation, he said, was that most of his classes have been rescheduled as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

He encouraged other students to make sure their schedules hadn’t been shifted without their knowledge.

For Stevens, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis O’Colly creation has hit closer to home than it has for many.

Stevens’ father and in place.” grandmother have tested For upperclassmen such positive for the novel as Aerospace Engineercoronavirus, he said. ing major Luke Stevens, Despite these firsthand returning to campus experiences, Stevens will bring a welcome remains optimistic familiarity. about the the return to “I’m pretty excited,” campus.

Stevens said. “I’m ready He said he supports the to get kind of back into university’s mask manthe groove of school. date, but is concerned Obviously things will be about how well the a little bit different this policy will be enforced. year, but I’m excited “I would highly encourto kind of get back to age everybody to wear normal.” a mask,” Stevens said.

Stevens, who will be “I know its not fun, a senior this year, said sometimes it can be unOSU has put forth some comfortable, but there pretty strict guidehave been significant lines to try to limit the studies that show wearspread. ing masks significantly “It’s going to be imposdecreases the transmissible to go this entire sesion percentage of COmester without anybody VID-19. So it’s on us to contacting COVID,” make a small sacrifice Stevens said. “It’s just for our community to kind of the nature of make sure the people this virus. It’s going to around us are staying happen. But I do think safe.”

Welcome SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH 101 South Duck Stillwater, OK 74074

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OFF CAMPUS PARKING $100/YEAR (405) 372-3074 Connect with our campus group before classes start: Peer Minister Jared Smith at jared.l.smith@okstate.edu or at (405) 780-5151 for details, with questions or to chat!

THURSDAYS 6:00PM FOR STUDENTS Home-cooked take out, then Zoom in for conversation with friends in faith, followed by optional Bible Study

START WITH THANKSGIVING! “I will awaken the dawn with praise to God.” That is the challenge to me taped on my bathroom mirror. I see it first thing in the mornings. It is taken from Psalm 57:7-8. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.”

King David could definitely play on instruments of music. I am lacking those skills. However, a greater truth challenges us. David is saying, “I have made up my mind and I will not change. I will begin the day, awaken the dawn, with praise and thanksgiving.” I will begin the day honoring God in this manner. This will set the atmosphere for the day!

Why do this? “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep

of his pasture...give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Ps/ 100”3-5 NIV) God never changes! His love and faithfulness are sure. Each day, no matter what the circumstances, the Lord remains the same!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1Thess.

5:16-18 NIV) We may not know God’s will in many situations, but these statements from the Bible makes His will clear about our attitude. Actually, this sets the stage for his guidance to become clear. We are honoring Him above the difficulties of life. And it demonstrates our trust in Him. He reigns supreme in all things.

O’Colly

Friday, August 14, 2020 Page 1B

SPORTS

2020 FOOTBALL OPPONENTS:

COMEBACK Cat How Tylan Wallace’s cat litter helped him through his recovery process Jared A’latorre Staff reporter @Ocolly Watching Tylan Wallace, an AllAmerican receiver brings in a tremendous amount of grit, heart and athleticism to the table, but he had everything taken away in October 2019.

When Wallace went down to an ACL tear in practice, the tables turned upside down.

The Cowboys would go 7-5 on the year with a shorthanded roster.

There was a noticeable difference in the offensive production without the All-American athlete on the field.

In a year when it seemed like Wallace would go to the NFL pending his health, he made the choice to stay at OSU with numerous familiar faces coming back on offense and

defense.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wallace did the best thing he could before he was able to go back to a relevant rehabbing process.

Lift cat litter.

See WALLACE on page 4B

Point/Counterpoint Should there be a college football season?

Watching sports isn’t just a hobby or an activity, it’s a way of life.

For so many, sports drag our emotions out, it dictates our moods, it’s simply a staple of life. But it isn’t just about us.

I agree, there’s no way to completely neutralize cases and put student-athletes in a bubble, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be strict measures in place to keep them safe.

Players across the country tweeted #WeWantToPlay for a reason. As Trevor Lawerence said, sports is a safe haven for so many players, especially ones that come from bad situations.

Football provides stable conditions and a daily routine.

I understand the necessity for safety, but other sports have done it and done it well.

Obviously, it’s tough to implement a bubble, but if these players are serious about playing, programs should come up with strict plans, and players should follow them.

If they don’t, that don’t want to play, simple.

there’s a choice. If they it’s their choice. It’s that

It’s not easy, but global pandemic. the right measures back to cheering on

nothing is easy with a We have to adapt. Put forward, and we can get Saturdays.

Sudeep Tumma

Let me preface this by saying I want college football to be played this fall. It’s hard to be a sports writer when you don’t have sports to cover.

However, the health and safety of players should be above their wish to play.

The NBA and NHL were able to create bubbles to keep out the spread of COVID-19. But that’s not possible when it comes to college football.

The NCAA can in no way create a bubble because the players still have commitments outside of football.

The most important advice doctors and health experts have told us is to socially distance and wear a mask. Both aren’t possible on the football field.

Oklahoma State is doing daily temperature and symptom checks with its athletes, but people can be asymptomatic and still carry the virus. If one asymptomatic player slips through the cracks and practices on the field with his teammates, it could be catastrophic.

OSU has stepped ers safe, howwill always be a football.

Joseph Fazio

up its game to keep playever, not playing football safer option than playing

Page 2B Friday, August 14, 2020

O’Colly

SPORTS

5 months later? OSU sports took a wild ride Sudeep Tumma, Sports editor @asktumma I still remember the week it all went down.

March 9 finally arrived — the first day of Oklahoma State football spring practice. Tylan Wallace and Chuba Hubbard were returning to OSU, the team had sky-high expectations and the narratives around this team were so captivating.

The O’Colly was ready. We were going to put a football magazine together for the 2020 season.

And it was going to be really good.

The first day of A turbulent five months made for a hectic summer for many Oklahoma State University spring practice arrived, and there was sports teams. excitement in the air. son ban. at all, the grand prize OSU sports were in felt like sports were But it was also cold...

It was a devastatwas No. 1 recruit national news much ready to start up — and windy. So cold ing hit that virtually Cade Cunningham, more than they typicautiously, of course. we were actually every analyst and who kept the media cally are — and not But, seemingly out of indoors in a cramped expert said was an and fans guessing for good reasons. nowhere, the Big Ten room. unjustified punishfor weeks with his But the crazy sumcut its sports and left Ah, a cramped ment. And it was decision. In the end, mer seems to only fit the rest of the counroom — imagine equally devastating he, and the entire re- the bill considering try in limbo. that. considering coach cruiting class, stayed the trajectory this I won’t lie, I was Now, five months Mike Boynton put firm with their decipandemic has taken. freaking out. later, shaking hands together a top-five sion to go to OSU. The coronavirus What was the Big seems like you’re recruiting class. This Then there was the “era” continues to 12 going to do? Was committing a crime. was a year everyOAN T-shirt debacle claw out of nowhere, there going to be But it’s not just thing was supposed with Mike Gundy. as it did with the sports? What was I our life that’s been to come together.

In the height of the Big Ten’s — almost going to do as the turned upside down, There was specuBlack Lives Matter sudden — cancellasports editor?

OSU sports has taken lation many of movement, a piece tion of fall college I repeat, sports. twists and turns like the players would of clothing sparked sports.

I could make a no one could have transfer and leave a fierce and polarAs the strong argument in imagined.

Stillwater, but in the izing debate over summy head for why we It started with the end, only two left, the future of OSU’s mer was should have sports, unruly Level I sancand one of them was most successful head winding but I could also put tions levied on the out of the rotation coach. down, together equally OSU men’s basketby the end of the last it strong reasoning as ball program, which season. to why we shouldn’t. included a postseaBut at the crux of it It left me anxious

Logan Biggins

for a few days. But at least sports are back — for now.

OSU sports are in a prime position across the board, but basketball and football are obviously the headliners.

Boynton’s aforementioned top-5 recruiting class joins a promising roster. With Cunningham, this team could be a dangerous, fun team to watch.

Then on the turf, with an underrated, stacked defense that’s returning 11 of 12 starters, a reloaded, talented offense and impressive coordinators, there’s so much to love about this football team.

But again, what does it all mean? If OSU football does “win it all,” what does it win?

Seriously, is there a National Championship in a year where a number many conferences have opted out of playing?

If it happens, is there an asterisk next to it? Are things going to be skewed with teams potentially suffering through COVID-19 cases?

There are just so many questions. But honestly, if there weren’t, it wouldn’t feel like 2020. sports.ed@ocolly. com

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O’Colly

Friday, August 14, 2020 Page 3B

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Page 4B Friday, August 14, 2020

O’Colly

SPORTS

OFFENSE:

DEFENSE:

Spencer Sander s:

Tre Sterling:

The redshirt sophomore could be the X-factor for the Cowboys in 2020. The 2019 Offensive Freshman of the Year was promising last season, but if he takes a step forward, he could supplant himself as the best quarterback in the Big 12. With a talented supporting cast, Sanders could reach new heights this year.

After barely touching the field his first two years, Tre Sterling turned into a stud for the Cowboys in 2020. Sterling played all over the field — deep safety, in the box, at slot corner — and dominated. He was stellar in coverage and run support alike. Sterling is an important piece of this Cowboys defense.

Chuba Hubbard:

Trace Ford:

Truth be told, Chuba Hubbard needs no introduction.

The nation’s leading rusher possesses a deadly blend of breakaway speed, balance and power. He’s a guy who’s simply a handful to gameplan for. Hubbard broke the 2,000-yard mark last season, and he’ll be an indispensable weapon once again this season.

In Jim Knowles’ 4-2-5 scheme, Trace Ford plays the “Leo” position — a hybrid between linebacker and defensive end. The athletic Ford has even played some slot cornerback on certain plays. Despite his size and subsequent strength, Ford’s athleticism allows him to be an invaluable chess piece for OSU.

Tylan Wallace:

Amen Ogbongbemiga:

The All-American menace is one of the best receivers in the nation, but a devastating ACL tear cut his season short last season. Wallace is a big-play receiver who’s a dangerous deep threat but also flourishes in the screen game. If healthy, Wallace is in the Blitnkoff conversation once again.

The linebacker position was a huge question mark coming into the season, then Amen Ogbongbemiga emerged. The redshirt senior has transformed himself into one of the best linebackers in the Big 12 with elite tackling prowess and sneaky pass rush ability. He’s a leader in the middle of this defense.

Teven Jenkins:

Kolby Harvell-Peel:

With the sudden retirement of left tackle Dylan Galloway, Teven Jenkins quickly becomes the most important part of OSU’s offensive line. At 6-foot-6, 320 pounds, Jenkins possesses mammoth size with solid athletic ability. He’s a part of an impressive line that paved the way for Chuba Hubbard’s 2,094-yard season.

Kolby Harvell-Peel was good as a freshman but elite as a sophomore. Harvell-Peel was an absolute ballhawk as the “center fielder” for the Cowboys — his five interceptions led the team. And he was equally adept as a tackler. He’s going to be another crucial part of this OSU defense.

WALLACE Continued from page 1B “At home, I was trying to make way with whatever I had, you know at one point, I was doing squats with 40 pound boxes of cat litter,” Wallace said. “I was trying to do whatever I can to make it work.”

While running and jogging seemed to be simpler techniques, Wallace knew that was he was doing wasn’t the same as his normal routine.

It seemed like a more difficult process before finally being back in the practice facility with more resources at Wallace’s advantage.

“Coming in and actually going into the training room and actually doing rehab stuff where they have the right equipment and everything that I need was definitely a big boost from a cat litter box, but I think

Tylan Wallace can thank his feline friend for a good recovery process.

that definitely was a big help with me and my rehab process,” Wallace said.

One of the biggest ex-

citements of the roster this year is at the wide receiver position with Wallace leading the way as the one of the top-tier receivers in college football. Dillon Stoner steps as the dependable No. 2 receiver, with Braden

John-

son and transfer receiver Dee Anderson competing for their spot on the field.

Devin Wilber

Associate head coach and offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn feels confident about his receivers in the 2020 season with everything in place.

“Tylan is showing up, Dillon’s inside along with Landon, so I feel really good

where we are as a receiving core right now,” Dunn said.

With the football season upcoming, it’s a different feel in the air with a global pandemic in the picture.

Wallace said he’s doing everything he can to stay as safe as possible but still wants to communicate with his teammates using online platforms.

“I think we try and make work with what we can, we try and get and know them as much as we can, we try and hang out as much as we can as long as we’re following the rules that have been set in place,” Wallace said.

“If I really want to hang out with them, I’ll probably just find them online through the game system or something like that.

I’m a pretty homebody, I don’t really do much.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Friday, August 14, 2020 Page 5B

O’Colly

SPORTS

Column: As familiar sports stumble, one league gains momentum Alex Sloan, News editor @sloan_alex

This summer, as COVID-19 caused many competitive sports to cancel or postpone their seasons, avid sports fans everywhere began losing their marbles. Thankfully one competitive sports league kept the ball rolling and is now getting ready to crown a new champion.

The Marble League 2020, created by Jelle’s Marble Runs, is known as the world’s leading marble sports event. Formerly known as the Marblelympics, this year’s marble league has been even more competitive than the last.

The Marble League consists of 16 teams, competing in a wide variety of speed, agility, and endurance challenges.

This year’s Marble League, hosted by Team Galactic, has been astonishingly competitive, with several points of interest and numerous compelling storylines.

All of the Marble League 2020’s events premiere on YouTube and are free to view on the channel “Jelle’s Marble Runs”.

Teams are awarded points based on performance in individual events.

A gold medal will earn a team 25 points, a silver will bring home 20 points and a bronze gives a team 15 points.

From there, a fourth place finish is awarded 12 points, a 5th place is awarded 11 and so on, in that fashion.

If you’re craving the thrill of competitive sports but aren’t sure how to get hooked on the Marble League, have no fear. The O’Colly is here to fill you in on what

In a time where sports were absent, one unlikely hero emerged: marbles.

events and storylines are a mustwatch!

The Big 5 From the earliest days of Marble League 2020, it became clear that several contenders, which I have taken to calling The Big 5, have stood apart from the rest of the pack. Although they are not currently the top five competitors in overall standing, these teams have consistently proven themselves in terms of strategy, speed and competitive drive.

The O’rangers, which some might instinctively consider the Oklahoma State University favorite, have taken a commanding lead, with 190 overall points.

Following closely in second place, only 20 points behind, are the Savage Speeders.

The Speeders have taken six medals, two gold, one silver and three bronze.

The Minty Maniacs, currently in fourth place overall, are actually tied with the O’rangers for gold medal count. Although both teams have three gold and two bronze medals,

the O’rangers have managed to earn two silver medals on top of that.

The last two members of The Big 5, the Crazy Cat’s Eyes and Raspberry Racers, are actually tied in medal count. Each team boasts a gold, silver and bronze medal. However, the Cat’s Eyes consistent performance throughout the events have earned them the fifth-place spot, while the Raspberry Racers only climbed into sixth after their recent performance in the Aquathlon.

As of Aug. 13, the O’rangers, Savage Speeder, and Minty Maniacs are in a four-way competition for the championship with the Midnight Wisps.

The Crazy Cat’s Eyes and Raspberry Racers don’t have enough events left to earn enough points to surpass the O’rangers, but they could still technically earn second place overall and are within easy striking distance of a thirdplace finish.

The redemption of the Oceanics After a slow start in Marble League 2020, the Oceanics have made a resurgent comeback

in the last several outings.

During the 2019 Marble League, which the Oceanics hosted, the team didn’t earn a single medal and finished last overall. Their performance was so terrible that coach Tide was fired on camera, during the Gravitrax Eliminatrix race.

He was replaced by coach Lagoon, the current coach, at the next outing.

“Their performance was so terrible that coach Tide was fired on camera, during the Gravitrax Eliminatrix race.”

Alex sloan Marble expert

Until Event 9, the Sand Moguls, the Oceanics were consistently ranked near the bottom of the overall standings. After a frustratingly slow start to the games, Team Captain Ocean won 1st place in the initial

most competitive events of the games, specific competitors and team names will be omitted. You’ll have to watch the race to see who came out on top.

The Hurdles test both speed and agility, and this year’s Marble League competitors are clearly ahead above the rest on both counts.

Over the course of several heats, one of the Big 5 competitors set, and then reset the Marble League record, injuring themselves in the process.

They did, however, advance their teams to the finals.

Although their record would fall to another team before the end of the event, they would be vindicated. The substitute, who was called in due to the aforementioned injury, ended up edging out the competitors in the final. Although they didn’t walk away holding the Marble League record, they did take home the gold.

In two events, a champion If the Marble League sounds like the cure for your sports-withdrawal, there’s no time to lose. With only two events left, on Aug. 15-16, now is the perfect time to catch up on the happenings of the last 14 events.

All of the Marble League’s events are available for free on Jelle’s Marble Runs’ YouTube channel.

Will the O’rangers maintain their lead? Will the Oceanics prove themselves a league competitor? No one can claim to know until the final event of Marble League 2020, the Marathon + CC scheduled for Aug. 16. The one thing that’s certain: these marbles are playing for keeps. sports.ed@ocolly. com

Jelles marble run

heat, the semi-finals and the finals.

From there, the Oceanics only surged forward. In the Relay Run, the Oceanics set a new marble league record in the first heat (although that record would fall to the O’Rangers during a subsequent heat). They managed to walk away with a bronze and remained competitive in subsequent events.

Sitting in 10th place with 115 overall points, the Oceanics now technically have a shot at third place overall (however unlikely).

Their chances of finishing in the top three are fading, but if the Oceanics continue their recent performance, they stand a real chance of competing with some of the less intimidating members of The Big 5.

Must-see event: The Hurdles If you only have time to watch one of the previous events before the Marble League 2020 Showdown on Aug. 15, check out The Hurdles in Event 6.

To avoid ruining one of the

Page 6B Friday, August 14, 2020

O’Colly

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Check us out every Friday in newspaper racks around campus and check us out on the web MondayThursday at O’Colly. com

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Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Peak on the 1,000-yen note 5 Kicked 11 __ bod 14 Sign not always recognized 15 “Sanford and Son” son 16 Wool coat wearer 17 Drove by the campsite?

19 Hist. majors’ degrees 20 Half a cocktail hour pair 21 Needlefish 22 Winery sight 23 It may be proven in court 25 Johann Sebastian and Johann Christian?

27 Soap opera plot staple 29 Kemper who plays Kimmy Schmidt 30 Car stat 31 Buckle 34 Big game, say 35 Carpenter’s work station?

38 Scotch-Brite cleaning product 41 9, at times: Abbr.

42 Race unit 45 First name on a 1945 bomber 46 Polite response 49 Bird popularity surveys?

53 Presidents take them 54 Song and dance 55 Pod resident?

56 “Picnic” dramatist 57 Fifth-century date 58 Wildebeests coming to a screeching halt?

62 Get ready to drive, with “up” 63 Place for a shot 64 Distasteful 65 Surg. facilities 66 Location query opener 67 Viewed warily

8/14/20

By Jerry Edelstein

DOWN 1 Dandy 2 Thurman of the 2005 film “Prime” 3 Having fun 4 Shoe part 5 Apt. house 6 __ grass 7 Breitling competitor 8 Relating to pitches 9 Between, in Brest 10 Drying-out hurdle 11 Total disaster 12 Loaded with 13 It might contain an inbox 18 Tolkien creatures 22 Have a cow 23 School of whales 24 Foul line watcher, at times 25 Water conduits 26 Red-rooted plant, usually 28 Food chain letters 32 Flying formation 33 Athletic awards 35 Some tablets 36 It may be quantum 37 Resident’s suffix 38 In reality

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

39 Awaiting shipment 40 Donald Duck and Winston Churchill wear them 42 Bulbs’ pre-bloom condition 43 Sound of delight 44 U.K. leaders 47 Musical number 48 Smith who played Violet on “Downton Abbey”

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50 Part of OWN 51 Go 52 James, since 2018 56 1,000+ Holidays 58 Texter’s “just so you know” 59 Wrath 60 Hawaiian strings 61 Barrett of Pink Floyd

Daily Horoscope

By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Todays Birthday (08/14/20). You’re especially energized this year.

Health and fitness thrive with consistent practice and care. Revise your professional strategies for new markets. Summer visions and dreams inspire powerful physical action. Community obstacles this winter motivate renewed appreciation for family, romance and fun. Love provides a guiding light.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Stick to tested domestic routines. Home is where your heart is; take care of household chores and focus on family. Savor spontaneous sweetness.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Study and practice.

Learn about a fascinating subject. Collect relevant data and notice patterns. Make bold discoveries that rock your world. Network, connect and share.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Discover a profitable opportunity. Focus on short-term financial objectives. Allow an insider advantage. Put together a win-win deal. Make sure the numbers balance.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Pamper yourself with luxuries like hot water, bubbles and chocolate. Nurture mind, body and spirit with favorite rituals. Celebrate small miracles and hidden beauty.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 6 — Slow and consider what’s most important. Ramble down memory lane. Review and update longrange planning. Start from a point of balance. Do what you love.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Schedule time with friends.

Connect and find out the latest. Share ideas and information. Old passions get rekindled. You’re especially charming when you’re inspired.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Focus on short-term priorities. Adapt for new markets and needs. Simplify. Grow toward the light.

Adjust strategies to take advantage of unforeseen opportunities.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Expand territory. Explore educational opportunities newly revealed by recent changes. Make long-distance connections. Study new communities and cultures. Keep your objective in mind.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Contribute to a shared venture. Monitor numbers and discover easy ways to save.

Work out short-term cash flow strategies. Your greatest strength is love.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate with your partner to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Make beauty a priority.

Treat each other with kindness. Indulge in nostalgic reflection.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Focus to balance your work and health. Provide excellent service while nurturing your own wellness and vitality. Exercise and natural connection recharge you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Prioritize fun. Light candles for romantic ambiance. Enjoy the company of your inner circle.

Harmonize and mess around. Create works of beauty. Share your heart.

Level 1

2

3

4

8/14/20

Solution to Thursday’s puzzle

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

© 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Page 8B Friday, August 14, 2020

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