Friday, Sept. 2, 2016

Cowboy Football Preview Page 2: James Washington, the Stamford Star Page 5: 2016 Oklahoma State schedule Page 6: Jordan Sterns emerging as a leader Page 9: Barry J. Sanders embracing heritage Page 14: Ramon Richards’ journey to OSU Page 16: Mason Rudolph ‘the man’ in 2016

T H E O ’ C O L LY

o c o l ly . c o m september 2, 2016

OSU Football 16 PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JORDAN BISHOP, BRADY MOORE AND KURT STEISS

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James Washington, The Stamford Star on the porch, with a smile as > Top OSU receiver is the wide as Texas. brightest son of a slowly “I beat him, Mama,” he dying Texas town said.

BY nathan Ru iz The son Chrysta never edi to r-In -Chie f believed she would have had hurdled the fence.

TAMFORD, Texas It was the leap that would — James Washingsomeday turn him into the ton didn’t want to best Oklahoma State receiver just run. He wanted since Justin Blackmon. The to race. same jump that would make The bus ride home from a town of 3,000 briefly elementary school created an forget its declining itch. The boy who played any popsport available in Stamford could hardly sit still. As he hurried off the bus, a small park separated him from his mother, Chrysta, waiting on the porch.

“Mr. Bill,” Washington yelled to the bus driver, “I bet I can beat you to my house.”

The bus took off, and so did Washington. He sprinted past the four swings, the slide ulation and the basketball court. At and the edge of a grass field, a follow chain-link fence not much its football shorter than Washington on Fridays stood in his way.

Chrysta realized the boy’s with more on Saturdays. plot.

“Boy, don’t you dare jump The same rise that convinced a collecthat fence,” she yelled.

Washington didn’t hesitate. tion of Stamford Bulldogs they wanted to be like James He wanted to win the race.

Washington.

Chrysta shielded her eyes Washington’s greatness as her son’s foot left the was predicted before his ground. The image of the same foot catching the fence birth, Chrysta said, but she never imagined her child looped in her mind. would become Stamford’s But she heard no smack of skin on dirt. She heard no brightest son. cries of pain. She heard only A future unknown the bus driving off to deliver On the border of Jones the next child. and Haskell counties, two Her hand dropped from water towers jut from the her face. Her jaw followed.

There stood Washington same plot of land, Bulldog

S

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

blue paints the streets like a cloudless summer sky, and strangers receive a smile and a welcome before a glare.

This town of 3,000 marks the origins of the best receiver in the Big 12.

It was in Stamford, 45 minutes north of Abilene, three hours west of Dallas and five hours southwest of Stillwater, that Washington began to etch his legend.

The town has not had an NFL player in almost 50 years. Bob Harrison played linebacker for the 49ers,

Eagles and Steelers from 1959-1967 after a college career at Oklahoma. He spent his life in Stamford. He died in February at 78.

When Washington was in fifth grade, Harrison approached Chrysta. He had seen the boy jumping around, his energy flowing freely and a smile sprawling his face.

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“Chrysta, if you keep your hands on him,” Harrison told her, “that kid’s gonna be something.”

Washington enters 2016 as the Big 12’s top receiver.

His mother and sister put off college and never went. By going to OSU, Washington snapped a family curse. He can end Stamford’s NFL drought, too. He is a symbol of hope for people in desperate need of it.

Johnny Anders, the town’s mayor, has lived in Stamford for all of his 66 years. Those spent with Washington stand out.

“Honestly, James has probably got more talent than I’ve ever seen in one person in my life,” Anders said.

He might never see another fight for that title, at least not in Stamford.

Buildings marked “antiques” not only reflect what were once sold inside, but also what the structures themselves have become.

Wood, brick and glass litters the ground nearby instead of serving as ingredients of the pieces once valued indoors.

The town is old. The town is dying.

In 2005, Anders helped introduce “Reclaiming Stamford,” a program designed to reinvigorate the community.

Like most rural small towns in West Texas, Stamford’s youth has left for the DallasFort Worth metroplex, Houston and Austin. They leave for an education, for work, for opportunities their parents never had.

“We send them off, and they don’t come back,” Anders said. “Small towns, 5,000 people down, they’re dying. Everywhere.”

Stamford’s population has dropped by more than 800 since 1990 and more than 600 since 2000. It saw a dip of 100 from 2011 to 2014.

Anders’ grandfather founded Anders Paint & Body in 1923. His father later ran the business until his death in 1994, when Anders took over.

For 93 years, it has been a Stamford staple.

He prays it makes it

to 100.

Greatness foreseen

In meditation, Sharon Kerrington saw what her nephew was to become.

She saw his talent. She saw how he would bring her family overwhelming pride. She saw miles of success.

That nephew, though, did not exist.

Kerrington called her sister to tell of her vision.

“You will have a son,” she told Chrysta. “This son will be of you.”

The message sent Chrysta into a haze. It had been almost 16 years since she and her husband, James, had their daughter, Tenisha. About eight years later, the couple tried to adopt another child, but their efforts fell through.

Chrysta believed she was incapable of having another child.

When Kerrington spoke of a biological child, Chrysta was shocked. She figured her vision was meant for another woman. The sisters didn’t speak for three months.

“I didn’t want to have nothing to do with her,” Chrysta said. “It had to be somebody else she was talking about.

Not me.”

Chrysta continued to disbelieve. Kerrington was prepared for what was coming. When Chrysta called her, Kerrington knew the reason.

Chrysta, in her early 40s, was pregnant.

“You will have a son,” Kerrington said, repeating her earlier premonition. “But you must name him James.

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That means ‘sent one.’ He’s sent from God.” When that son was born, Chrysta followed her sister’s instructions. Kerrington promised greatness.

“Just watch the signs of how he will be doing things that a normal baby can’t do,” Kerrington said.

Within his infancy, Washington again proved her correct. Gates in doorways were pointless as the boy climbed over them, surprisingly tugging at Chrysta’s dress in the kitchen. On many occasions, Chrysta found Washington on the tops of cabinets and working his way up dressers. He wrapped his toes around the structures’ nooks as his curiosity soared to their peaks.

“Everything’s more exciting up high,” Chrysta said.

The success that followed was foreseen. Kerrington saw it before Washington’s birth.

Harrison saw it in his youth.

His coaches saw it on the football field.

“They always told me, ‘You just don’t know how good you are,’” Washington said. “I kind of feel like I’m beginning to see.”

Boyhood friends

The first time Bo Wimberly saw Washington play football, he couldn’t contain his laughter.

With the temperature above 100 degrees and rising, Washington headed out to the Stamford grass in a turtleneck and leggings.

He had an allergy to grass, he told Wimberly, and had to avoid getting it on his skin.

It was on those grass fields, though, that Wimberly and Washington strengthened a friendship that continues with

phone calls every Saturday.

Wimberly was Washington’s quarterback from seventh through ninth grade before spending two years with him as a receiver, the latter ending in a state championship. As seniors, with Wimberly back at quarterback and Washington at receiver, they reunited to guide Stamford to a second straight title in 2013.

A banner marking the championships still hung on Stamford’s city hall this summer.

Wimberly and Washington had no time to get in trouble, their schedules occupied with playing sports or running around. In Stamford, there was little else to do.

On the field, Wimberly never saw anyone outwork Washington. He would make his best effort, though.

“I could chase the best,” Wimberly said.

Before their senior year, Wimberly’s father, Gary, died. Gary took the boys on hunting trips and was their taekwondo instructor. Washington had to quit because his head hit the ceiling whenever he did a jumpkick.

Washington was the one friend Gary let Wimberly stay out late with.

“If I told him I was with James, I wouldn’t get in trouble,” Wimberly said.

“He was there at the hospital when my dad died. My dad used to call James his son.”

Wimberly spent a year playing football at Mary Hardin-Baylor before quitting to focus on his criminal justice degree and work. At his house, he keeps OSU’s schedule at the top of the stairs. He marks whether the Cowboys won and how many touchdowns Washington had.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

were strong job industries once. They represented reasons to live in Stamford.

“But as it is now,” Chrysta said, “there’s not much.”

Bulldog built

Sitting in their living room, Chrysta and James Sr. labored to think of something their son struggled with.

“He had that algebra class,” James Sr. said, leaning forward in his comforter.

“But he picked that up pretty quick.”

Washington hurried other students in school, craving the next lesson. He loved playing catcher in baseball, nathan Ruiz/O’COLLY where he was always inAt Stamford’s Bill Anderson Stadium, James Washington began his journey to Stillwater. volved despite the rising dust burning his asthmatic lungs.

He tries to call Washington and even bussed the table management, he plans to As an 8-year-old goalie, he after every game. Wimberly OSU receivers coach Kasey pursue a farming career, degenerally avoids talking about Dunn sat at while recruiting pending on whether he finds ferociously kicked a soccer ball the length of the field football, knowing Washinghim, is closed, reduced to a success in the NFL. and into the goal on the other ton hears enough about that red shed.

He doesn’t mind coming already.

“It kinda hurts your heart back to Stamford. He’ll look end.

Come high school, he was Wimberly wants to ensure sometimes,” Washington around Austin, too. the best football player beWashington is ready for life said. “Businesses being in a Others, like Wimberly, beyond football. The on-the- small town, in general, it’s aren’t coming back for work. cause he was the best practice player. He played defensive field tasks don’t need to be kind of hard for them to stay The industry they want isn’t back and returned kicks. He worried about. open ’cause they can’t make there. was the place kicker.

“I have big plans for him, the money that they want.”

“I love my town,” WimHis freshman year, Stamplaying on Sundays,” WimWashington’s rise to berly said. “I kind of want ford got a new basketball berly said. “I have no doubt Division I sent waves of to go off and create my own about that.” hope through the commugym, an investment into the family maybe somewhere nity, especially in the town’s town’s youth. While playelse. I wouldn’t mind going Pigeons and plight children. ing in a junior varsity game, back, maybe when I want to More cows than signs With that hope came a Washington christened the retire.” flank the roads into Stamford. greater desire to leave. gym with a dunk.

Wimberly isn’t the only More pigeons than people “There’s kind of a catch-22 one with that mindset.

He was moved to varsity patrol its streets. there,” said Jeremy West, the next week.

Stamford’s median age is in The birds rule the marquee Stamford’s offensive coordi- the mid-40s. For Texas as a To this day, Wayne of the Grand Theatre, which nator.

Hutchinson, Washington’s whole, it’s about 30. is grand only in title. A resThe people of Stamford football coach, can rattle off Stamford used to have toration project is underway aren’t trying to stop betgreat appeal. Chrysta and his track numbers. to try to reopen the theater in tering their children. They James Washington Sr. said A 200-meter dash of 21.4 spring 2017, but on a sumwill continue sending them it’s still a great place to raise seconds. A triple jump of mer day, a pigeon trapped in off, hoping their children’s a family. Children can ride 46-feet-10-inches. Back-tothe ticket booth bangs against futures will be brighter than their bikes without fear. back 800-meter relay state the glass. the town’s.

There are few distractions, lit- titles.

Even it does not want Washington considers tle opportunities for children “You don’t forget times inside. a future in Stamford. An to get in trouble. a kid like that can run,” Cowpokes, a restaurant agribusiness major with an Oil fields and farming, Hutchinson said. “They don’t STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 4 where Washington worked option in farm and ranch Stamford’s economic roots, OCOLLY.COM

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come around at small schools like that very often.”

Despite no experience, he became one of Stamford’s best tennis players.

“I think the only thing he didn’t letter in was tiddlywinks,” said Anders, the mayor.

“And we didn’t go to state in that.”

Washington, with greater dreams of the NBA than the NFL, had as much of a basketball reel as a football one.

Both lacked quality.

That didn’t stop Dunn, OSU’s receivers coach, from seeing the athleticism and taking a chance on a kid from a 1A school.

“For every James Washington,” West said, “there’s probably nine small-school guys that don’t pan out.”

As a 6-foot post, Washington’s future in basketball was questionable. Dunn and the Cowboys are better off because of it.

West and other Bulldog coaches fed Dunn information about Washington, each review more positive than the previous.

“He made his mark truly with what he did and not what he said he was going to do,” Dunn said. “There’s no flash about the kid at all.

You talk about people having swag and all. He had zero swag. I mean, none. His swag was definitely after the snap of the ball.”

When the Washingtons first trekked to Stillwater, the family got lost in Oklahoma City. Dunn told them they still had another hour to go, and when they arrived, Chrysta was wide-eyed.

Washington, though, felt at home, Stillwater’s small-town feel reminiscent of Stamford.

“Stamford’s just how Stillwater is in the summer,” Washington said. “No one really knows where it’s at. It’s quiet.

“Not much really going on besides football games.”

Both towns come alive under the lights.

Flags in the wind

Friday nights, Bulldog blue flags hanging in town square drift in the wind. It is the only noticeable movement. This part of Stamford is a temporary ghost town.

By 5 p.m., businesses are closed. That includes The Stamford Star, one of the town’s weekly newspapers, its front window painted with a bulldog and eight blue paw prints, the supposedly unbiased realm of journalism unable to escape the shadow of Friday night football.

Meanwhile, at the cafeteria shared between the middle and high schools, a weekly fundraising dinner is ongoing for a local civic club.

Soon, the Bulldogs will take the field at Bill Anderson Stadium. The stands are packed.

For Stamford, that is always the case, home or road.

This is their getaway, where people can come to forget about their town’s descent.

Under the gleam of Friday night lights, Stamford’s future appears as bright as any.

Chrysta and James Sr. are among those in the crowd.

They are not the only ones there without a child to root for. They go to the games because that is what they did before Washington was on the field. They continue to do so after.

They are peppered with questions about what they’re doing there. OSU plays the

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

Devin Wilber/O’COLLY

OSU’s James Washington is the top receiver in the Big 12.

next day. Everyone wants to know about Washington.

“I’m trying to support my Dogs first,” Chrysta says.

“Then I’m going up for them Cowboys.”

They do not attend every OSU game. They pass on the opportunity to allow other family to see Washington.

Plus, Chrysta prefers the view from home, where she can sit instead of stand and watch with food she made herself.

She is not alone. Stamford’s TV sets comfortably switch to Cowboy games.

The town is best known as the site of the Texas Cowboy Reunion, an annual rodeo and festival. But the boy who shied from the spotlight became Stamford’s brightest star.

“Before James started playin’ college, nobody watched college football,” James Sr. said. “But everybody here now is sittin’ watching college football.

“A lot of them saying James bringing this little

town on the map.”

‘See who you can touch’

When Washington returns to Stamford, most people in town start making appointments.

Meals are fought over.

People beg for his free time.

But Washington wants to lie in bed or go hunting.

Chrysta and James Sr. know how popular their son is. They ask for only an hour.

It is often spent with Chrysta looking at him, saying little, only admiring.

“He’s just an amazing kid,” James Sr. said, echoing himself from minutes before, his son a shining star in his mind and his town.

Washington visits the Stamford football team, instructing them on the importance of lifting and teaching them about OSU weight routines.

He goes to the basketball court in the same park he used to race through, and in minutes, a swarm of children

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surrounds him, begging to play.

The small town’s children are inspired to do what Washington has done. He paved the path.

His parents emphasize a simple message: “Try to see who you can touch.”

It’s Washington’s way of giving back to Stamford.

“I feel like I owe who I am to Stamford,” Washington said, “because they made me the guy I am today.”

Ronnie Casey was among Washington’s biggest influencers. An assistant coach when Washington played, Casey took over for Hutchinson as football coach and athletic director when the latter left for Monterey High School, a 5A school in Lubbock, after Washington’s senior year. Casey was also Washington’s basketball coach, tennis coach and anatomy teacher.

He runs the town’s pool, too.

“I’m very proud of him; I know the town of Stamford is,” Casey said. “He knows that God’s blessed him, and he’s very humble about it.

“He’s just a blessing to our whole community.”

Unheard, unseen

Washington is still climbing.

A season ago, he scored 10 touchdowns while averaging 20.5 yards per reception.

Another year of an OSU offense headed by quarterback Mason Rudolph and Washington could lead to more prolific results.

Although Washington is gone from Stamford, he carries the town with him.

He has a buck head mounted above his bed in Stillwater.

He shot the deer back home

the day before he flew to Arizona for the Cactus Bowl in 2014.

Every time he looks up at the deer, he remembers that day, and he remembers Stamford.

And Stamford remembers him.

“What you see is what you get with James,” said West, Stamford’s offensive coordinator. “It’s not an act. He acts that way every day. He did it when he was in middle school. He did it when he was in high school, before he ever caught a touchdown pass.

That’s the kind of kid James Washington is, and 10 years from now, he’s still gonna be that same guy.

“He was a role model for our guys even before he left.”

Washington is the mold of how parents want their Bulldog to be. But the days for another Washington to rise from Stamford are numbered.

While Stamford’s future dims, Washington’s becomes brighter.

Kerrington offered another prediction.

“The best is yet to come,” she said. “Eyes have not seen nor ears heard what the Lord is about to do in James Washington Jr.’s life.”

The people of Stamford, as their children leave, their businesses close and their town slowly dies, will watch.

And what they see won’t surprise them.

Nathan Ruiz is a sports media and sports management senior from Reno, Nevada. He can be reached at editorinchief@ ocolly.com.

F o l l o w N at h a n : @ n at h a n s r u i z

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2016 Oklahoma State Football Schedule Home

away

Sat u r day: vs. Sou t he a s t e r n Lou i s i an a, 2 : 3 0 p. m . O c t. 2 2 : at K an sas, TBA The last FCS opponent scheduled in OSU’s immediate fu -

2016 can’t be any worse for t he Jayhawk s t han 2015. Fresh -

ture, t he Lions are 0-20 against FBS opponents since 2003 .

man quar terback Ryan Willis could give KU fans hope.

Se p t. 10: vs. C ent r a l M i chi ga n, 11 a. m .

O c t. 2 9 : v s. W est V i rg i ni a, TBA

Senior quar terback Cooper Rush passed for 3,850 yards last

Senior quar terback Skyler Howard retur ns to lead coach

season wit h 25 touchdowns. Against OSU, Rush completed

Dana Holgorsen’s spread of fense. Howard played in all 13

28-of-41 passes for 225 yards wit h an interception.

games last season, t hrowing for 3,154 yards.

Se p t. 17: vs. Pitts b u r gh, 2:30 p.m .

N ov. 5 : At K AN SAS STATE, TBA

Running back Qadree Ollison ran for 1,121 yards on 212 car-

The Wildcats will st ar t junior quar terback Jesse Er tz for t he

r ies, 11 for scores, as a freshman in 2015. Ejuan Pr ice, a se-

second straight year. Er tz was injured on t he f irst of fensive snap of t he 2015 season and sat out t he rest of t he year.

nior defensive lineman, f inished wit h 11.5 sack s a year ago.

Se p t. 24: at Baylor , T B A .

N OV. 1 2 : v s. T EX AS T EC H, TBA

It’s unknown what Baylor football will look like t his season

Only one FBS quar terback put up more tot al yards t han

under acting coach Jim Grobe, who replaced Ar t Br iles in

Texas Tech quar terback Patr ick Mahomes in 2015 — Clem-

May.

son quar terback and Heisman f inalist Deshaun Watson.

Oc t. 1: v s. Tex a s, T B A

N OV. 1 9 , AT T C U, TB A

Coach Charlie Strong, repor tedly on t he hot seat, has yet to

The Frogs are rolling wit h Texas A&M transfer Kenny Hill

name a st ar ting quar terback. Tr ue freshman Shane Buechele

at quar terback over last season’s back up, Foster Sawyer.

and senior Tyrone Swoopes are competing for t he job.

Oc t. 8: v s. Iowa S tat e , T B A

D EC. 3 : AT O K L AH O MA, TBA

First-year coach Matt Campbell led Toledo to a 34-15 re -

The Sooners m ade t he Big 12’s f irst tr ip to t he College

cord in four full seasons, t hree of t hose for nine wins.

Football Playof f and retur n quar terback Baker Mayf ield.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

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Primed for explosion: sterns to captain osu

BY Hayd en Bar b er

T

Ne ws Editor

hey stand in an empty weight room.

Jordan Sterns grabs a jump rope off a wall in the recesses below Boone Pickens Stadium.

Cornerback Ramon Richards follows and repeats.

They don’t talk. Music is playing to buffer the silence and the continuous slapping of the jump rope against the floor.

Although there are no words, Sterns is teaching.

Richards and Sterns, a senior captain, are at adjacent ends of the weight room. Richards to the east.

Sterns to the north.

Sterns, a safety, has already decided to do 500 jumps, and then his workout will be done after hours in that metal jungle.

Richards is in pursuit, planning to do a few hundred jumps on each foot. He is almost done with his sets. He looks at Sterns, still going. Richards continues; he will wait for Sterns to finish.

Richards doubles, triples, quadruples his set. About 20 minutes later, he looks back at Sterns.

The mind-numbing jumps continue.

Richards is beat. Sweat is dripping off his forehead, his arms. His legs are weak. He can’t keep going, but he has to.

Sterns is.

Richards has quintupled his set. He has long since lost count. The Sugar Bowl

and matching Sterns has consumed his mind.

Jump, slap, jump, slap, jump, slap.

Another 20 minutes go by.

Richards has nothing left. He wants to stop.

Strength and conditioning coach Rob Glass isn’t around. What’s the point? Richards looks at Sterns for help, hoping the monotony has stopped. It hasn’t, though.

He goes for a few more minutes before his legs give out beneath him. After jumping rope for about 45 minutes, he finally stops and walks to Sterns.

“How long you about to be in here?” Richards asks.

“Just finishing,” Sterns says.

Richards pauses.

“I was just waiting on you to finish,” he says.

“I was waiting on you to finish,” Sterns says.

found week after week.

James, Sterns’ father, has been in and out of Sterns’ life since he was born. He rarely appeared at high school games, and when he didn’t, Sterns knew. His mother did, too.

“He was just always looking for him in the stands,” Brandi Biddy said crying.

James has made mistakes, Sterns said.

Sterns was a fourstar running back and safety, according to Scout.com.

His highlight films show him flying to the ball and lowering his pads, as OSU fans have learned to expect.

He ran around, and sometimes over,

Family matters

Sterns couldn’t find him.

Behind the shoulder pads, the jersey and helmet, Sterns was hurting, looking for his father.

Among the thousands of people at Byron P. Steele II High School in Cibolo, Texas, James Sterns couldn’t be

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

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defenders as a runner and through them as a tackler.

Dad was always on the back of his mind, though, somewhere.

“It happened a couple times just for the simple fact that I would call him, and he would tell me he’d be there,” Sterns said. “I’d expect him to be there, but he wasn’t.”

Biddy told Sterns to stop calling his dad because she didn’t want him to keep helplessly looking for a man he wasn’t going to find.

Sterns scored 10

touchdowns as a senior: five rushing, two interception returns, two punt returns and a fumble return. He flew around on the field. The Associated Press of Sports Editors selected him a class 5A first team all-state athlete.

Baylor, Texas Tech and Iowa State, among others, wanted him and offered him scholarships.

None of that made it easier. Sterns wanted to find his dad.

“At that time, when you look up in those stands and you expect him to be there, it definitely hurts,” Sterns said.

The family struggled.

They got help when they needed it, but Sterns grew up with rightful reasons to “hate the world.”

“But he’s just flipped it,” Biddy said. “He just uses it in the complete opposite way.”

Almost every Friday and continually through the week, though, Biddy wore shirts around Cibolo with “Sterns” on the back, though she doesn’t bear the name. As she walked up and down aisles in grocery stores, she met strangers wanting to talk about her son.

“People would just stop me and talk to

me about what a good kid he was,” Biddy said. “He’s a great football player, and I don’t even really need to say that, but I’m not in awe of that at all. I’m just in awe of the person he is, of the man he is.

“He teaches me. He makes me better every day because of the transformation that he’s gone through.”

Cibolo is a town big enough for someone to lie low, unless your last name is Sterns.

Biddy is going through it again in 2016. Sterns’ brother, Caden, is a junior at Steele and is following the football path.

Caden is a four-star safety, receiver and punt returner for the Knights, according to Rivals.com.

Sterns played running back, not receiver, in high school, but put his defensive high school tape next to Caden’s, and there is no difference.

They attack the ball as if it were a piñata. They sacrifice themselves in almost every highlight.

They even wear the same No. 2 jersey.

Caden is an inch taller and a few pounds lighter, but it’s clear, they are brothers.

In the same way, Caden grew up without a reliant father figure. He struggled, too, but he had Sterns there to look up to.

Sterns didn’t treat Caden as an untouchable, though.

Growing up, Sterns brought his brother into STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

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the streets and made him fight with some of the older kids in the neighborhood. Sterns bet on Caden to win every time, no matter what. He coached him.

He trained him.

He led him. He had to.

“Besides my mom being there, he was also the other main figure that I needed to mature,” Caden said.

Caden’s last fight endedwith his mother dragging him back home by his shirt collar. That was the end of his fighting career, but then Sterns showed his brother sports.

When Biddy had to work until 8:30 at night and it was only the brothers, Sterns took Caden everywhere: the football field, friends’ houses and the basketball court.

“When we’d play pickup basketball games, he’s six years younger than me, but I always made sure he was the first person I picked on my basketball team,” Sterns said. “Even though he was playing against older guys, I wanted to help build his confidence.”

As Caden got better, Sterns was there, even when he couldn’t be after coming to OSU. They go over film together. Big brother shows missed assignments, coverage packages and footwork on his own time.

He makes sure Caden is watching film of the teams he is playing against, and off the field, Sterns was equal the leader for Caden.

From keeping him in line with his mother to making sure he is keeping up with his AP classes and early graduation, Caden is

Smith in the backfield.

Smith broke through the defensive line and linebackers. Only Sterns was left.

Both lowered their shoulder pads, and those watching, such as thenfellow freshman Ashton Lampkin, waited for the pop. Sterns leveled into Smtih, sending the senior backward.

“That was when I was like, ‘Man, this guy — he doesn’t care,’” Lampkin said. “’He’s gonna do anything to help the team.’”

Since, Sterns has 224 tackles, including 103 as a sophomore. Before Stern, no OSU underclassman had broken the century mark in 18 years.

He has led the team in tackles for two straight seasons with 108 in 2015.

He is the best tackler on the roster. For younger players such as Richards, Sterns is someone to aspire to be.

“He’s that ‘it,’” Richards said. “Seeing him at your free safety brings kurt steiss/O’COLLY that confidence and energy to the team. Remove him Safety Jordan Sterns became the first Oklahoma State underclassman in 18 years to refrom the roster, and you cord 100 tackles when he did so as a sophomore. He followed that with 108 in 2015. really remove a lot of our accounted for with Sterns Quarterback Mason Ru- “He sees things so fast that confidence because he’s a constantly in his ear. dolph takes the snap and he can fly. big reason why I gained “Shoot, I can’t really ex- immediately telegraphs a “He’s a freak like that.” some of my confidence. … plain it in words; he’s like bubble screen to receiver Even as a freshman, He’s one of those guys you my best friend,” Sterns James Washington a yard Sterns wasn’t afraid to want to follow. said. “I see a lot of myself behind the line. Before Ru- lower his shoulder. It “He’s like a backbone.” in him.” dolph can even release the didn’t matter who lined up For Whitener, Sterns is ball, Sterns breaks on it. against him. someone he is confident in Learning leader From his free safety Jeremy Smith was as a last resort.

Sterns lurks 12 yards spot, Sterns tears through known as the hard-nosed, “He works his butt deep. the field — eyes oscilworkaholic running back off,” Whitener said. “It’s He surveys the field and lating between the ball, that could come in and comforting, but at the gauges its threats.

Washington, the ball, provide the extra yard on same time, I gotta do my It’s only practice, but Washington. third-and-1 for the Cowjob because, no offense to Sterns, a preseason first “He almost picked it boys.

Jordan, but if they don’t team All-Big 12 safety, is off,” linebacker Chad Sterns was running get past me, they don’t get locked in.

Whitener said wide-eyed. an inside zone drill with to him.”

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

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Late last year, though, Sterns went cold.

After a season-high 16 tackles in the loss against Baylor, Sterns totaled only five in the 58-23 Bedlam freeze.

Sterns was supposed to be the glue. He was the butter, and he knew it.

His teammates knew it.

His mother knew it.

“He doesn’t want to let anyone down, himself, coaches, teammates, family, his little brother,” Biddy said.

Putting the pieces together

Bedlam was the bomb and the baptism.

After the Sooners ran and ran and ran, Sterns reevaluated everything: his playing style, his relationships with his brother, his mother, his God. “I wasn’t living my life the way I knew I should have been living my life,” Sterns said. “Off the field, I wasn’t taking care of business like I shoulda been. After the OU game, I didn’t feel good, and ever since then, my focus has increased.

“It’s kinda like God came and talked to me.

Ever since then, I’ve been walkin’.”

Sterns is a reader, not so much an orator. He only speaks when he knows exactly what he is talking about. It’s something he only learned since Bedlam.

His Twitter page is showered with Bible scripture, and his text messages mirror. Since Nov. 28, Biddy noticed Sterns sending her Bible verses and sermons almost daily.

In the mornings, he STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

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opens the Bible, feverishly studying and learning all he can to grow in his faith.

After he reads, he goes to Boomer Lake to meditate and “embrace the blessings” he receives every day.

Former Cowboy Seth Jacobs led a Bible study every Tuesday night last season. After Bedlam, Sterns was a weekly attendee. He grew quickly religiously; those around him noticed.

“He brings light into any room he walks into,” Richards said.

When Jacobs retired from football and left the Bible study, there was a hole at the top. As Sterns somehow always seems to do, he plugged it.

Bible study moved to his apartment. He was the one at the front of the room, along with offensive lineman Brad Lundblade.

He was there when someone needed to open up, or if someone needed to vent about family issues.

“I know there’s people in the world that might struggle with that, and at the Bible study, it’s just about being open and honest with one another, so I just share my story,” Sterns said. “It’s not hard because I feel like I’m sharing a piece of myself with my teammates so that I can become closer with them.”

He grew as a man.

He grew as a role model.

“I’m just tryna live right, do right,” Sterns said. “If a younger guy needs help, I’ve probably been through it as well.”

kurt steiss/O’COLLY

Jordan Sterns, a senior safety on the Oklahoma State football team, used the Cowboys’ 58-23 loss to Oklahoma as fuel to change himself. He rekindled his relationship with God and became a regular attendee of the Cowboys’ weekly Bible study. In doing so, he earned more respect from teammates.

Richards, Rudolph, Washington and others go to the Bible study habitually to listen to the men at the front, Lundblade and Sterns.

One of the goals of the Bible study has been transparency, and Sterns has done that with his teammates a couple of times about his father.

“That just shows that he trusts us as teammates, and knowing that about him,” Lundblade said. “I just really respect that he was able to open up and tell us stuff about that.”

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

Lampkin has been around Sterns long enough to know the influence and impact he has on other Cowboys, especially those in the secondary.

Eighty games have been played between the two.

They know each other’s tendencies on the field and personalities off it.

“The things that he’s doing are setting himself up for great things to come,” Lampkin said.

“From his freshman year to now, seeing him grow and the major drastic changes in his life, it

makes me think highly of him.”

Sterns never knew the impact he was having on his teammates.

He never knew a 35-point home loss against his university’s biggest rival would inspire him to the change he has gone through and the change he galvanized in his teammates.

Lampkin, Richards and his running mate Tre Flowers are preaching focus, meaning and God. “He’s what you want to be around,” Flowers said.

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Sterns has rekindled his relationship with his father and considers it a blessing now to have him back in his life. There will be no more scouring of the stands.

He is old enough to understand everything that happened back then. He realizes the path God laid before him is the one he is meant to be on.

He has redesigned the way he approaches life.

He has one more season in an OSU uniform. This time, he will walk to midfield with the other team

captains.

His mother, his brother, his father, those he refuses to let down will be watching.

And with all of that on his mind and in his heart, Biddy said there is only one thing left to do.

“Explode.”

Hayden Barber is a sports media junior from Keller, Texas. He can be reached at news.ed@ocolly. com.

F o l l o w h ay d e n : @hk_barber

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sp ort s

More than a Name: Sanders ready to embrace legacy media.

“Junior is nothing like his dad,” Gundy said. “Junior’s Barry J. Sanders paused. got great communication He pondered the next words skills. He loves to talk to he spoke. He always did. people.”

After some thought, each It’s only one way Sanders word came in a rhythmic differs from his father. People line. often take notice of their In June, Sanders spoke to a similarities, but rarely their media outlet for the last time. differences. The father and Three days later, he graduson share a position. They ated from Stanford with a share a first and last name. degree in communications.

Other comparisons might be With graduation on a Sunday, forced.

Sanders was in Stillwater the Barry Sanders created his following Monday. legacy in one season after “Going back is what I need now,” Sanders said in kurt steiss/O’COLLY serving as All-American Thurman Thomas’ backup a phone interview with the Oklahoma State’s Barry J. Sanders isn’t running from the legacy of his father anymore. for two seasons. Barry SandO’Colly. ers exploded as a senior after When Sanders graduated big in making my decision My priorities were different. heartbreaks, though, than rushing for only 622 yards from Heritage Hall High out of high school. I thought That was the main thing. The the joys to be honest,” he as a junior. Sanders posted School in 2012, he traveled I wanted to get away from decision I made four years said. “That’s just me being 314 rushing yards during more than 1,600 miles from home.” ago was perfect for what I a competitor.

You always his junior season while also Oklahoma City to escape his Sanders played at Stanford needed then.

I think OSU is remember what hurts.” backing up an All-American. father’s shadow. He tallied a for three seasons plus a redperfect for what I need now.”

Mike Gundy was coachComparisons shouldn’t be school-record 5,037 rushing shirt year.

His career-high in As an 18-year-old fouring the Cowboys in most of made, but they will be. His yards during his high school carries was 10.

Sanders never star recruit, Sanders’ priority the wins and losses Sanders mother, Aletha House, tried career and earned U.S. Army eclipsed 100 yards in a game. wasn’t football.

Now that he recalled.

Gundy is now Sandto differentiate her son at All-America honors. During During his junior season, has a degree from a top-tier ers’ coach, but Sanders has birth. the All-American game, Sanders witnessed Christian university, Sanders’ focus always known him as “Coach Sanders is not a Jr. His Sanders announced his colMcCaffery break the NCAA will be on football.

Gundy.” middle name is James, after lege decision. The announcesingle-season record for allStillwater is where football As a former teammate House’s father. His father ment shocked Oklahoma purpose yards, a mark that became an integral part of of his father’s, Gundy has does not have a middle name.

State fans.

Sanders’ father set in 1988. the Sanders name. Not just known Sanders since his The middle name was His father is OSU’s lone After watching the man for his father, but also Barry birth. Gundy was under supposed to give Sanders a Heisman Trophy winner. above him on the depth chart J. center during Barry Sanders’ distinct identity, but the extra Barry Sanders’ 1988 season finish second in Heisman Sanders watched games tenure at OSU. letter is often overlooked, is etched in college football Trophy voting, Sanders took at Lewis Field and Boone “I’ve known him my even by Gundy. The closest history as the best from a advantage of the NCAA’s Pickens Stadium. He witwhole life,” Sanders said.

Sanders ever got to those running back. His jerseys nessed the Cowboys beat “Obviously it’s kind of comparisons disappearing still hang on restaurant walls graduate transfer rule and decided to play for the Cow- Oklahoma in 2011 and claim changed over the years, but was at Stanford. The moment in the community like his boys.

OSU’s first Big 12 title. He we’ve always stayed pretty he announced his decision to shadow hangs over his son.

“The situation (at Stanremembers when Texas close.” transfer, the public examined “It’s just nice to be away ford) didn’t look like I would notched the largest comeback Gundy is now Sanders’ the likeness once again. and figure stuff out on your get as much opportunity as I in Longhorn history at Boone voice. Because of Gundy’s “I wouldn’t have made own,” Sanders said. “My thought I had earned,” Sand- Pickens Stadium. first-year player rule, Sanders that decision if I wasn’t fully priority then was more life Sanders said he rememcannot talk to the media. aware of the consequences,” after football and just making ers said. “Out of high school bers losses such as that more Sanders is unheard but not by Sanders said. “I don’t think sure I had a stable foundation I was looking for something completely different than vividly. choice. However, his father there’s anything that I have and to really just get away from home. That was kind of what I’m looking for now.

“I remember more of the chooses to be silent to the that he doesn’t have, just BY de kota gr egory Di g i tal Sports Editor

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

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because I think he had everything. People still haven’t been able to replicate what he was able to do. That’s not what I’m trying to do at all.”

Sanders is now competing for a starting role at running back. He’s one of five possible candidates listed on the Cowboys’ depth chart.

Sanders is also listed as OSU’s kick returner to start his senior season.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this career is that it just takes one season,” Sanders said. “That’s very encouraging being in this situation. I’ll take advantage of whatever opportunity that I’m presented.”

Despite Sanders not having a lead role in the Cowboys’ offense, OSU fans will see “Sanders” on the back of his jersey when he exits the tunnel Saturday. Sanders’ career stats will be forgotten. His position on the depth chart won’t matter. His heritage will.

“They’ve always been there,” Sanders said. “I’ve always done my best just to be at my peak performance.

It always has been enough.

Growing up, I didn’t really feel a whole lot of pressure on myself. It wasn’t difficult.

It wasn’t difficult playing with those expectations because I never put the pressure on myself.”

Dekota Gregory is a sports media junior from Locust Grove. He can be reached at ozone@ocolly. com.

F o l l o w d e k o ta : @ d e k o ta g r e g o r y

PAGE 9

Insider

From OSU Communications

OSU Receives Diversity Award for Fifth Year

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis and Vice President for Institutional Diversity Jason Kirksey received the 2016 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s publisher, Lenore Pearlstein, during a campus reception Wednesday evening.

It is the fifth straight year OSU has earned the honor.

Sovereign Nations Center FIRST ANNIVERSARY Leaders of the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations joined Oklahoma State University officials, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends along with other tribal leaders to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the OSU Center for Sovereign Nations. The center, founded by a partnership of the Chickasaw Nation and OSU, serves students from 39 sovereign nations in Oklahoma.

Choctaw Nation Director of Public Policy Sara Jane Smallwood, an OSU alum, announced that the Choctaw Nation has officially become a second partner for the center. OSU is a leading institution for the graduation of American Indian students. More info: sovnationcenter.okstate.edu

About The HEED Award: The INSIGHT Into Diversity HEED Award, open to all colleges and universities across the U.S.,

measures an institution’s level

of achievement and intensity of

commitment in regard to broadening diversity and inclusion on campus through initiatives, programs, and outreach; student recruitment,

retention, and completion; and hiring practices for faculty and staff.

Into Diversity

(L-R) Arielle Farve, Strategic Communications, Sophomore; Veronica Arredondo, Civil Engineering (Environmental), Senior; Mason Two Crow, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Senior; Dade Eddy, Mechanical Engineering, Freshman; Sky Rogers, center coordinator; Sara Jane Smallwood, Choctaw Nation public policy director; OSU Provost Dr. Gary Sandefur, OSU President Burns Hargis; Danny Wells, Executive Officer, Division of Education for The Chickasaw Nation; and Elizabeth Payne, center director.

THIS PAGE PRODUCED AND PAID FOR BY OSU COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Multicultural Affairs Encourages Inclusion

BY CATHERINE WILSON

Originally founded in 1969, the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) has developed into a place for students of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate their differences.

The notion only minority students can participate within OMA is a misconception Dr. Precious ElmoreSanders, assistant vice president for Institutional Diversity and director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, wants to change.

“Because we live in such a diverse world, it is important for students to understand the importance of working with different people,” ElmoreSanders said. “We are here to serve all students. We have students from different backgrounds in different student organizations they might not identify with but share the same mission of equality and social justice.”

Aubrie Quinley, a junior strategic communications major, has been involved in OMA since her freshman year.

Although she is not a minority student, Quinley’s experiences within OMA have shaped her outlook on diversity.

“Being so heavily involved with OMA has been such a blessing in my life,” Quinley said. “I’ve always valued diversity and inclusion, and OMA has served as a platform to pursue my passion. I have learned how to be confident in myself and stand for what’s right.” For more information about OMA, stop by 240 Student Union or visit oma.okstate.edu.

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offensive position Breakdown Quarterbacks Mason Rudolph will be, and always was, starting at quarterback for the Cowboys in 2016. The real interest is below Rudolph on the depth chart as no OSU quarterback has started every game of a season since Brandon Weeden in 2011.

Taylor Cornelius is the next man up for the Cowboys. Cornelius, a redshirt sophomore, has not thrown a touchdown pass as a Cowboy and has only 8 yards through the air.

Behind Cornelius are John Kolar, a redshirt freshman,

BY m ar shall scott an d hayd en bar ber

and Keondre Wudtee, a freshman whom Gundy is undecided on whether to give a redshirt.

ton High School in Tulsa, is a player many consider a potential breakout star after a solid fall camp.

Sanders, a graduate-transRunning Backs fer from Stanford, brings a lot of spotlight being Listed alphabetically are the son of OSU’s only the possible starters for the Heisman Trophy winner, Cowboys at running back: Barry Sanders. Sanders Jeff Carr, Chris Carson, rushed for 672 yards and Rennie Childs, Justice five touchdowns over three Hill and Barry J. Sanders. years at Stanford.

Carr, Carson and Childs scored a combined seven Wide Receivers touchdowns in 2015, with Carson finishing with a James Washington leads team-leading 517 rushing the pack of what looks to yards. Hill, a freshman be an exciting group of from Booker T. Washingreceivers for the Cowboys.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

Washington, a junior, had 1,543 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns in his first two seasons as a Cowboy. Marcell Ateman was expected to be another big-play option for OSU before he broke a bone in his foot before fall camp and won’t return until about October. Jalen McCleskey, a sophomore, is the speedster of the group. McCleskey had 253 receiving yards in 2015 on top of his 111 punt-return yards. Jhajuan Seales and Austin Hays, redshirt seniors, bring experience to the receiving core, while

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Dillon Stoner and Obi Obialo, freshmen, bring youth to the group.

seen time on the offensive line during his collegiate career.

Cowboy Backs

Offensive Line

Blake Jarwin’s 6-foot-5, 248 pound frame is almost the prototype of the OSUcreated tight end-fullback hybrid. Jarwin enters his redshirt senior season with 307 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Zach Veatch, another redshirt senior, played in every game of the Cowboys’ 2015 season. Veatch, more of a blocker than a receiving threat, has also

It’s no secret that OSU’s offensive line must do a better job run-blocking for the team to be successful.

The Cowboys managed only 126.8 yards on the ground in 2015 and had 25 rushing touchdowns.

An experienced group returns to the trenches for the Cowboys with Zach Crabtree, a redshirt-junior, leading the way.

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Defensive Position Breakdown Defensive tackles Although speculation has swirled around the defensive ends, the interior of the defensive line should be in check for Oklahoma State. Junior Vincent Taylor and senior Motekiai Maile started last season and will again in 2016. Darrion Daniels and Vili Leveni will back them up. Daniels received the OSU newcomer of the year award last year, and Leveni was out for the season with a torn Achilles.

Defensive ends Jordan Brailford and Jarrell Owens must be tired of hearing about having to fill the holes Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean left at the end of last season, but it’s the situation they’re in.

Brailford and Owens are expected to start for the Cowboys, though neither have outstanding statistics with 33 tackles between them. Trey Carter and Cole Walterscheid are listed as the No. 2s.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

Inside linebackers When Ryan Simmons tore his MCL and PCL, Chad Whitener filled in almost seamlessly. Whitener returns this season as the undisputed leader of the inside backers.

That’s only because no one is there to back him up, though, after Joshua Mabin retired Monday because of a heart condition.

Outside linebackers Jordan Burton returns

as the starting star backer, and Devante Averette will line up opposite him.

Burton was second on the team in tackles last season behind safety Jordan Sterns, but Averette has 33 tackles in his two years at OSU.

Cornerbacks At OSU Media Day, coach Mike Gundy said the Cowboys needed another cornerback for dime packages. Ashton Lampkin and Ramon Richards will start, and

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Lenzy Pipkins transferred who combined for 191 in from Louisiana at Mon- tackles last season. roe for his final year of eligibility. Junior Darius Special Teams Curry is slated as the No. 4 cornerback.

Kicker Ben Grogan returns after having hip Safeties surgery this offseason.

Grogan connected on 80 OSU’s safeties will be percent of his attempts its exclamation point on last year, including backdefense. Last year’s partto-back game-winners nership of Jordan Sterns against Kansas State and Tre Flowers returns and Texas. Punter Zach in 2016, and the depth is Sinor is back after a exceptional. Derrick Mon- stellar freshman season. crief and Kenneth Edison- OSU might also employ McGruder are listed bea kickoff specialist from hind Sterns and Flowers, walk-on ranks.

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The Odyssey of Ramon Richards MRI. Murray worried about Richards, who was only 5, being scared of the machine.

The boy stared wistfully Book I: The space was air-tight, and out the car window.

Rocky beginnings she thought Richards might The kids playing football When Richards was in feel trapped. The technician grew smaller and smaller as 10th grade, he read Homer’s gave him glasses with images the car moved away. Why “The Odyssey.” of cartoons on the lenses to couldn’t he be like them? He Most kids read the epic in distract him and began the had the itch to run, tackle high school, but it resonated scan. and throw, but was instead with Richards. He saw it as a “Can you sit still?” the confined to watching others parallel to his life. Although technician asked. do so. It was torture. he hasn’t had to fight off Richards was too busy He was coming back from cyclopes and sirens or take a giggling at the cartoons on watching a friend play in a trip to Hades like Odysseus, the glasses to care about the community league game. the story’s hero, Richards cramped space. After the When the team huddled up, has had his own struggles to scan was done, Richards the boy ran to join them. It becoming a starting cornerlooked at Murray. was as close as he could get back for the Oklahoma State “It’s little in there,” he said. to the joy of playing. football team.

“I couldn’t even move.”

Ruth Murray was conflict“If you look at it, who He wasn’t afraid. He didn’t ed. She felt guilty for keeping could possibly do that?” cry.

Later, when doctors sugher son away from football, Richards said.

“No one can gested surgery, they pointed a sport he so clearly desired go through what (Odysseus) to spots on Richard’s back to play. At the same time, she goes through and make it out. where an incision might be was only doing it to protect People can look at me and made.

It didn’t faze him. him. say the same thing. If they Murray said it wasn’t a The boy had dealt with knew my background and misunderstanding. problems since birth and history, they would probably “You look at him began complaining of back say there’s no way anyone today and you see pains at 5 years old. Doccould go through that and how happy he is and tors discovered his spine remain optimistic or positive you think, ‘How do had fused in two areas and about it.

It’s kind of like a you do it?’”

Murray recommended surgery. The fantasy. Like a false world. said. “… How do you go surgery could fix him, but It’s ‘The Odyssey.’” to doctor after doctor after if something went wrong, When Richards was born, doctor and still laugh every he might be in a wheelchair. he was sick. day? It’s just who he is.”

Murray didn’t want to take Doctors couldn’t figure out that risk.

Book II: She also didn’t want to put what was causing the probThe football star him more at risk for injury by lem, but Richards healed, and Murray’s intuition to allowing him to play football. they sent him home. As he began to develop, problems not have the surgery done His passion, though, was arose. During the day, Richturned out to be right. As hard to ignore. On the car ards was a normal kid. He Richards grew, the comride home, Murray relented. was active, running and play- plications seemed to fade.

“I felt like I was cheating ing games with other kids in He also blossomed into a him,” she said. “‘OK, I’m football star. going to let him do it because the neighborhood. At night, His first season in a if I don’t, I’m robbing him of he told Murray his back hurt.

She took him to a special- community league in something that obviously he has interest in.’” ist, who wanted to run an middle school, Richards BY c h a nd l er ve sse ls Sp o rt s Editor

So began the Odyssey of Ramon Richards.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

played quarterback and led his team to a championship.

Murray’s fears receded after that first year. She said Richards had a natural talent that brought the family closer as they cheered him on.

“The joy was great,” Murray said. “That was the first time we had all felt like that.

I decided, ‘If that’s what you love, then go do it.’”

Richards

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continued his football development in high school.

He played defensive back and receiver his first two years at Brackenridge High School in San Antonio and quarterback in his final two. He also played basketball and ran track, winning the hurdles at district.

“Horrible technique,” Brackenridge defensive coordinator Jeff Smith said. “He just ran hard. Sheer determination.”

Richards’ most memorable game was a playoff victory against Alamo Heights. Smith watched film with Richards, who was to play safety in addition to quarterback, before the game.

Smith noticed a de-

layed route the tight end ran and pointed it out to Richards.

The game came and Alamo Heights decided to run the play on third down.

Richards saw it coming and intercepted the pass.

“He may have saw it twice that whole week at practice,” Smith said.

Richards also threw for over 300 yards and rushed for 200 more in the game.

He came up with the gameclinching interception.

“He sat there and attributed the win to everyone but himself,” offensive line coach Steven Holick said. “Even though he had a game-ending interception, he didn’t talk about that.”

Book III: Determination

For almost a week, Richards had to shower at his grandmother’s house.

The water had been cut off in the one-bedroom apartment that Richards, his brother and sister, Murray and Richards’ father shared.

They were late on paying the bills that month. Every night that week they went to Murray’s mother’s house to shower and had to buy water bottles to drink.

The shortcomings weren’t for lack of trying. Murray worked two jobs and went to school, and Ramon Ray Richards, Richards’ father, worked the graveyard shift.

He took a break from his shift to come home and take the kids to school, then went STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 15

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straight back to work.

Murray went straight from work to school to her second job. She tried to make it home in time to make Ramon Ray and the kids dinner.

Still, the situation was far from ideal. Eric Mannheimer, the offensive coordinator at Brackenridge, said he remembered times when Richards was without electricity.

“The system does not care about what you’re going through,” Murray said. “If you don’t pay them money, they’re going to cut it off.”

Richards was determined to make it out. He figured the best way to do that was to be the best at everything he did, no matter whether it was sports, choir or school.

Sundays, Brackenridge coach Willie Hall came up to the school to file paperwork.

Often, he would find Richards and several of the other players on the team playing seven-on-seven. Richards had gathered them all there to go over plays and get extra practice in.

In high school, coaches are not allowed to make players practice Sunday. Hall filed his paperwork as quickly as possible and left because he was afraid someone would falsely interpret his presence.

In addition to his athleticism, Richards excelled in his classes at Brackenridge. He never made lower than a B in high school, and even those were rare. He took AP classes and college-level courses and was involved with the National Honors Society.

Once, when he was invited to a ceremony, he showed up in a suit and tie. He was the only boy there.

His favorite subject was

The initial feeling was disbelief.

“I don’t know, Mama,” Richards said. “This can’t be real.”

The next day, Murray made a decision. They were going to Oklahoma. After paying the bills, Murray scraped $200 together. She filled the car with gas and Richards, Murray, Ramon Ray and Richards’ little brother started toward Stillwater.

When they arrived, Malone, then the OSU safeties and cornerbacks coach, offered them a tour of campus. After that, he offered something much more O’Colly File Photo valuable.

Oklahoma State cornerback Ramon Richards had the chance to play at Harvard, Yale and “If you commit, we’ll Rice, but when the Cowboys called, Richards couldn’t pass on the Big 12 opportunity. give you a full ride,” he told science. Murray noticed the ing the material. ards changed the play. When Richards.

At first, Richards balked. curiosity in Richards early.

“When I speak about him Richards told him, he didn’t An offer from a Big 12 Because of that, she hoped he to other teachers, he was the believe him. school was enticing, but he would be a doctor. one kid that you knew was “No, that didn’t happen,” still wasn’t sure he wanted to One Saturday morning going to make it,” Apolinar the coordinator said. when Richards was about 4, said. “No matter what he did, “Yessir,” Richards replied. turn down Harvard and Yale.

Ramon Ray piped in.

Murray walked downstairs he was going to be great at The next day, the coach “No, you’re going to sign to find Richards, his sister it. He was the anomaly for a was reviewing film from today,” he said. “This is it. and about 10 cats. They had football player. I think that’s the game. When he got to This is what you’ve been blocked off the staircase why (Brackenridge) was so the play, it was exactly as working for.” so the cats could not get successful when he played.

Richards said. The coach When the family got back upstairs. At first, Murray was He was very intelligent. confronted him about it. to its room in the La Quinta perplexed and annoyed, but “I wish I had 100 Ra“Ramon, why didn’t you on Sixth Avenue, it exshe couldn’t help but laugh. mons.” let me know?” he said. changed a bevy of hugs and Richards started asking Richards considered “Coach, you coach me,” questions. He wanted to becoming pre-med at OSU Richards said. “I’m not going high fives. Yells of exultation bounced off the walls. know about the tails. The but decided balancing the to argue with you. I don’t “I thought they were going whiskers. He compared the workload with that of football have to be right.” to complain about how noisy paws to his hands. Murray would create too busy of a Richards’ work earned we were,” Murray said. “We saw a future veterinarian. schedule. He settled on health him offers to Yale, Harvard were so happy.”

She took him to Halfeducation and promotion and and Rice. He likely could Richards was a Cowboy.

Priced Books to feed his plans to pursue a career as a have starred at any of those curiosity. He and his sister physician’s assistant when he schools, and Rice offered him He had made it out.

After all of the struggles always read books about is done with football. the chance to play quarteron his odyssey, he had found the anatomy of animals.

Richards’ intelligence exback. But Richards wanted a home. Murray thought back Later, Richards took a human tended beyond the classroom, a bigger athletic challenge. to the times when doctors anatomy class in high school though. During one game Then Van Malone called. were telling her Richards that counted toward college for Brackenridge, Richards credit and received an A. called an audible when he Book IV: The turning point needed surgery. She thought about the indecisiveness she Sandra Apolinar, the teacher noticed a linebacker shift to The family was watching for the class, said Richards defensive end. The offensive a Spurs playoff game when it had about letting him play never had trouble understand- coordinator asked why Rich- received the call. football. She wouldn’t have

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

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changed anything.

“My son is everything doctors said he could not be,” Murray said.

Book V: A new beginning Richards’ first two seasons at OSU were turbulent.

He was thrust into the starting cornerback position his freshman season after Ashton Lampkin suffered an injury. Richards performed well for a first-year player, finishing with three interceptions. Going from a full-time quarterback who occasionally played defensive back to a starting defensive back on a Big 12 team was a monumental change for Richards, and it took some adjusting.

“I had confidence, but after a while, (at) corner, you’re going to get beat,” Richards said. “I had to learn how to forget about the last play and move on to the next. I had a hard time doing it my freshman year. I got beat back-toback a couple times.

“I just felt like I was the worst player in college football.”

Lampkin returned from injury in Richards’ sophomore season, and although Richards started the season opener at Central Michigan, he spent most of the season coming off the bench. He finished with two interceptions but felt as if he had taken a step backward.

“Last season wasn’t the season that I wanted to have,” Richards said. “… I wasn’t used to sitting on the bench.

Not only that but, as far as my spiritual life goes, I wasn’t as connected a guy as I usually was. I wasn’t as accepting of myself as a young man.”

STORY CONTINUES on page 19

PAGE 15

cowb oy football

Sp o rts

Opinion: The Year of Mason Rudolph Chandler Vessels SPO RT S ED I TO R

Mason Rudolph is the guy.

He’s been the guy since Nov. 11, 2014, when he made his first start for Oklahoma State against Baylor. The Cowboys lost, but they didn’t look lost.

The offense, which had been stagnant for weeks, showed signs of life.

Then Rudolph led OSU to a Bedlam victory and a bowl berth the next week.

Almost a month later, a Cactus Bowl victory followed.

“As soon as I was named the starter, I felt like I was the guy,” Rudolph said. “(J.W. Walsh) did a great job for us last year in some

situations, but I think it’s full speed ahead.”

What looked to be one of the worst OSU seasons in recent memory ended on a hopeful note. Rudolph returned for his sophomore season as the starter and future face of the program.

The Cowboys had at least two more years of him, three if he decides to stick around that long. It was difficult not to look ahead and imagine the state of the program once Rudolph matured.

Well, now we’re here.

Rudolph’s second season was full of promise, but he seemed overshadowed.

Backup quarterback Walsh played a large role for the offense, finishing with more total touchdowns

(26) than Rudolph (22). Walsh was mostly a red zone and thirddown player, though, while Rudolph was tasked with putting the team in scoring posi-

tion.

It wasn’t always Walsh who overshadowed Rudolph.

When the Cowboys beat TCU last season, the defense received the praise for shutting down Trevone Boykin.

That praise was deserved, but Rudolph also threw for 352 yards and five

Chandler Vessels is a sports media senior from Moore. He can be reached at sports.ed@ocolly.com.

Follow Chandler: @chandlervessels

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would be.

It’s the culmination of the experience Gundy mentioned. The Cowboys should be at the top of the conference, fighting for a title.

Even if Rudolph felt Walsh overshadowed him last season, he wouldn’t say it. The quarterback is tightlipped. It’s difficult to get much other than the typical answers from him, especially when he’s talking about himself. But make no mistake, he’s the guy, and the motivation is there.

“I want to be the best quarterback I can be for Oklahoma State,” he said.

“I wake up, and I want to earn it every single day.

I think I’ve done a good job of that, and I want to continue to.”

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touchdowns.

This year, there is no Walsh. Rudolph will be tasked with not only getting the team down the field but also leading it into the end zone. That should be no problem for Rudolph, who has shown aplomb in the pocket during his first two seasons. Coach Mike Gundy said Rudolph’s maturity is his best attribute and reminds him a bit of himself in his playing days.

“He’s in to about game 15,” Gundy said. “At that time, you start to get a better feel for the game. The game slows down.”

Expectations are high for Rudolph this season. After Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes, he might be the best quarterback in the Big 12.

This is the year Rudolph is supposed to become what OSU fans hoped he

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PAGE 16

cowb oy FOOTBALL

SP ORT S

O’Colly Sports Staff Preseason Football Predictions Nat h a n Ru i z

e dito r- in - c h ie f

C h andl e r V e s s e l s S p o rts E d i to r

de kota grego ry

Digita l sports editor

hayd en bar ber ne ws e di to r

m ar shall scott

Se nio r spo rts re po rte r

10-2 Third

10-2 Second

11-1 Second

10-2

Big 12 finish:

10-2 Second

Offensive MVP:

Mason Rudolph

Mason Rudolph

James Washington

James Washington

Mason Rudolph

Defensive MVP:

Chad Whitener

Jordan Sterns

Chad Whitener

Jordan Sterns

Jordan Sterns

Breakout Player

Justice Hill

Jalen McCleskey

Jarrell Owens

Lenzy Pipkens

Barry J. Sanders

Big 12 Champ

Oklahoma Alabama Christian McCaffrey

Oklahoma Oklahoma Deshaun Watson

Oklahoma Oklahoma Clemson Oklahoma Christian McCaffrey Baker Mayfield

OSU Record:

National Champ Heisman Winner

Second

Oklahoma Alabama Christian McCaffrey

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PAGE 17

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PAGE 18

c owboy FOOT BALL

S P O R TS STORY CONTINUEd from page 15

Richards said the turning point was after the Cowboys lost Bedlam last December.

He sat alone in his room, thoughts running wild. He knew he could be better. He was going to make sure he was.

“The first two years wasn’t grand,” Richards said. “I wanted to do something different. Something has to change. I had to figure that out, and I figured out what it was. I’ve been on it since then.”

So far, the coaches have been complimentary of Richards this offseason.

Defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer said Richards has had a hard time with consistency during his first two seasons. He expects that to change this season with Richards starting alongside Lampkin.

“His passion just explodes,” Spencer said. “He takes chances when he shouldn’t. You see him making a great play, and you see him giving up a play. I think he’s going to be a much more consistent player this year.”

Book VI: The saga continues

Richards is back in San

Antonio, talking to a group of kids.

He talks about football for a couple of minutes, but then the conversation shifts to school.

For the next half-hour, Richards emphasizes the importance of studying, attending class and being responsible for yourself.

College is a lot different than high school, he says.

On the east side of the city, where Richards is from, there are plenty of kids growing up in similar conditions. At Brackenridge, fights broke out every day.

Having been through those struggles and made it out, Richards represents hope for the kids in the inner city.

He could have chosen to be bitter, but the Ramon everyone remembers is the one with a smile on his face.

Easily recognizable because of his dreadlocks, Richards has always had a colorful personality. This is the same guy who, for two weeks straight, sang gospel songs before physics teacher Jennifer Villela’s class.

He talks about his struggles nonchalantly and openly.

“If I go to the training table and there’s food that I wouldn’t prefer, I think about

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times where I didn’t have any,” he said. “I help other guys to when they’re being unhumble, I can humble them. It could easily be worse. I’m happy just sitting here right now.”

His story is important. It inspires. It gives hope, but it’s not over.

Like Odysseus, Richards has traversed the ups and downs. He has beaten many things. But he isn’t where he wants to be.

Before the kickoff of the season opener against Southeastern Louisiana, he will take time to meditate. It’s something he has taken up this offseason. It allows him to clear his mind and focus on his goals, he said.

Saturday will begin a new chapter in the Odyssey of Ramon Richards.

“We always want to give people hope, but it has to be tangible hope,” said Smith, the Brackenridge defensive coordinator. “It has to be someone they can look at.

So we do tell the Ramon Richards story.”

Chandler Vessels is a sports media senior from Moore. He can be reached at sports.ed@ocolly.com Follow chandler: @chandlervessels

FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

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

ACROSS 1 Books in which each sheet of paper is folded into eight leaves 8 Factions 13 See 2-Down 16 Not likely to miss much 17 Politically active fowl?

18 Eyelashes 19 “A Chorus Line” number 20 Goddess with a throne headdress 22 Become clear 23 Flair 26 Easily bent 28 Clever insect?

32 Comfortable with 33 Dresden’s river 34 Takes in 37 Big hit 38 Subside, with “down” 39 Doozy 41 Loan fig.

42 “The Little Mermaid” prince 44 The kiwi is the smallest one 45 Embarrassed avian?

47 Fake it, in a way 50 Pageant accessory 51 Sandy’s home 52 Puts in place 54 Achievement of many a CEO 57 Get rid of 59 Street-wise amphibian?

63 Birch of “American Beauty” 64 Require help 65 Slender woman 66 Oxford don associated with slips similar to 17-, 28-, 45-, and 59-Across

3 Loyal 4 20s dispenser 5 Bigwig 6 Dated 7 Swinging about 8 __ fly: productive MLB out 9 Hebrew prophet 10 Star 11 Operatic vocal effect 12 Dated 14 Coolers, briefly 15 Balancing aid on the slopes 21 Piece at the butcher shop 23 Goals 24 In a supple manner 25 Mayo is in it 27 Swell applications 28 Edge 29 Letters at N.C.’s Camp Lejeune 30 Drink order DOWN 31 Clinton’s first 1 Anne Frank’s Labor secretary father 2 With 13-Across, 34 Locks often gray 35 Aries or Taurus Mexican restaurant choices 36 Brood

OCOLLY.COM

9/2/16

By Mark Feldman

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

38 Make out 40 Make an impression 43 Hose problems 44 Stranded messenger 45 C equivalent 46 Time units 47 Hungers (for) 48 Raring to go 49 Given orally, as evidence

9/2/16

53 Golf club part 54 Complain 55 Thorn in one’s side 56 Dely. destination 58 Half a tuba sound 60 Econ. yardstick 61 One-tenth of a Vietnamese dong, formerly 62 E’en if PAGE 19

h o ros cop e

Daily Horoscope oklahoma state

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SOLUTION TO THURSDAY’S PUZZLE

9/2/16

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

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By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Today’s Birthday (09/02/16). Launch a lucrative year! Realize a personal dream over the next six months, after yesterday’s solar eclipse in your sign. Focus on home improvement for valuable family upgrades. Partnership changes open new possibilities later this month. Spiritual revelations lead to a collaborative breakthrough next spring. Create long-term fun and romance.

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 -- Accept or proffer an offer of assistance. A partner’s opinion is especially important over the next two days. Ask questions to get the background story and context. Listen and learn.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Work, service and health share your attention over the next two days. Balance a busy schedule with healthy routines. Communications may seem intense but ultimately satisfy.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Family, friends and diversions have your focus today and tomorrow. Play entertaining games with people you love. Share cultural treats like music, art and physical activities. Creativity flowers.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You’re in for a busy few days at home. Authorize improvements. Make color choices, and weed out stuff you no longer need. Have meaningful conversations to find solutions to a challenge.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Words come easily today and tomorrow. Dive into a writing project. Engage in witty banter and tell stories. Ask questions. Reveal a hidden truth. Listen to all considerations.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- You can make extra cash over the next few days. Watch for profitable opportunities and find them. Big games offer big prizes. Avoid trickiness.

Improve your position.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- You’re in your element over the next few days. Enjoy the spotlight. Schedule carefully to avoid being overwhelmed. Communications could swirl in a flurry. Dance with it. Count your blessings Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 5 -- Your imagination runs wild over the next two days. Relax in hot water. The action is behind the scenes. Sort files and count your winnings.

Plan your next adventure.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- The next two days favor parties, gatherings and meetings. Share information and resources. Networking opens new opportunities. You have more friends than you realized. You’re especially persuasive.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Career matters have your attention over the next few days. Proceed with caution. Listen more than you speak. Find out the backstage story.

Find out what you’re doing the hard way.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- You have a million questions. Listen carefully to the response. Get into a two-day period of study and research. Travels entice. Work out reservations in advance, scheduling carefully.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 6 -- To avoid a potential problem, play the game exactly by the book. Work out the numbers today or tomorrow. Find another source of family revenue. Aim high. Brainstorm together.

PAGE 20