Friday paper

Pomping palooza Friday, September 24, 2021

Sororities and fraternities are getting ready for homecoming Mak Vandruff Staff Reporter

Homecoming is a huge part of the college experience, but at Oklahoma State it is an even bigger deal.

For “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration” the sororities and fraternities at OSU have started pomping. It takes hours every week to get this done, and they are known to pull all-nighters to finish.

Sororities are spending a massive amount of time every day to roll tissue paper up and deck floats, while having a lot of fun doing it. For some, like Emily Heidenrich in Gamma Phi Beta, this is its first homecoming and the house is excited to take part in the tradition.

“I heard it’s really fun,” said Heidenrich. “They get a bunch of energy drinks for the sorority and the fraternity and basically just grind it out. I’m excited.”

It takes a lot of energy to stay up for around 24 hours straight, so energy drinks are popular for all night pomp.

Students will all walk around, take naps, drink coffee and do anything it takes to keep them up to finish.

Despite COVID-19 everyone is together creating their floats this year, and many are excited to be back. Even with masks, students say it has not changed a bit.

See Pomping on 5A

Abby Smith

Some students did not get to create house dec’s last year.

Virtual class OSU Student Action Advocates Anna Pope News Editor

OSU Student Action Advocates are encouraging students to attend classes online and faculty hold virtual courses next Monday and Tuesday, but some students do not know if they will attend virtual classes.

According to a statement, the organization formed the student-led effort to advocate for certain COVID-19 protocols from the university. The organization released a list of demands including increased flexibility in accommodations for classes, labs and a return to spring 2021 social distancing and mandatory quarantines after exposure.

Leigh Welch, a senior sociology and political science major, is part of the Student Action Advocates and she said part of the student organization for many of reasons.

“I think first and foremost, I think the reason why, that motivated me.. Is related to my best friend who is actually immunocompromised,” Welch said.

Welch will be attending class virtually. Having seen her friend deal with sickness in the past, Welch said it made her fearful of it for her friend and cautious of the at-risk people around her.

Although some students know about it, some students have not heard of it and have not had time to develop an opinion.

Amealya Jackson, a senior pre-veterinary major, said it’s up in the air if she will attend in-person classes Monday and Tuesday.

“Honestly, I just found out just like a few minutes ago,” Jackson said. “I didn’t get anything about it, I wasn’t even aware about it.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Inside...

Making room......................... 4A

The history of ponding Many OSU traditions revolve around Theta Pond.

Ellen Slater Lifestyle Editor It was 1956 and David Orwig had freshly returned from serving in

RAFAEL CORZO

THE COLOR OF DREAMS September 23 — October 29, 2021 gardinergallery_osu

GardinerArtGallery

Abby Cage

the Army to Stillwater in order to finish his college studies at OSU when he was running down University Ave, soaking wet and freezing. He had been thrown into Theta Pond by his fraternity brothers because he proposed to his girlfriend Sara.

See Ponding on 4A

Stillwater Catholic Charities are partnering with other organizations to welcoming incoming refugees.

Embracing............................. 4A

Active Mind held the “Send Silence Packing” event.

Museum................................7A Moh’d Bilesi’s art exhibition includes art caoturing his worldwide travels.

Enneagram.............................6A

Find out which OSU icon is each enneagram type.

Fall.........................................8A It’s the first week of fall in Stillwater.

Opening Reception: Thursday, September 23 at 5:00 PM Artist Talk: Thursday, September 23 at 6:00 PM in the Student Union Theater Artist Workshop: Friday, September 24 from 11 - 3 PM at the Prairie Arts Center

Gardiner Gallery of Art 108 Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts — Hours: M-F, 8 am - 5 pm & Saturday by appointment — Exhibition and programs in the Gardiner Gallery of Art are sponsored by OSU Student Fees, The College of Arts and Sciences, and Donors to the Gallery.

Page 2A Friday, September 24, 2021

O’Colly

Page 2 Science Matters

Researchers have decoded the entire koala genome and now can see how the marsupial can feed on leaves that poison other mammals.

Surprises in koala’s DNA In mammals’ DNA, certain genes control the sense of taste and development of taste buds THE FIVE FLAVORS

Sweet

Salty

Sour

Bitter

Umami (savory)

Koala DNA has more genes for sensory receptors

to bitter tastes than in most other mammals’s DNA

Note: The tongue DOES NOT have separate zones for each flavor

Koala’s DNA: 3.4 billion base pairs (units) and 26,000 genes

Koalas taste the tree’s toxins Eucalyptus leaves are toxic to most animals

In all animals, including humans:

Bitter taste

They are, however, the koala’s primary food, even though they are fibrous and low in nutrients

USUALLY MEANS

Warning!

This is toxic

The koala has evolved the ability to taste which leaves are lowest in toxic chemicals

Sept. 24 is Save the Koala Day

How a koala can eat toxic eucalyptus

Source: Koala Genome Consortium; Nature Genetics journal; TNS Photos; Janine Duffy photo (tongue) Graphic: Helen Lee McComas, Tribune News Service

Graphic: Tribune News

Photo of the week by: Zachary Hunter Students competeting in the chalk war hosted by the Student Union Activities Board on campus.

We asked Twitter...

Comic by: Annemarie Chaney

“A fool with a plan

Question Mark

can outsmart a genius

Exlamation Mark

with no plan.”

Em Dash

- T. Boone Pickens

Period

Editorial board

Reporters/photographers

News editor Anna Pope news.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant sports editor Chris Becker sports.ed@ocolly.com

Lifestyle editor Ellen Slater entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Design editor Karisa Sheely design.ed@ocolly.com

Sports editor Dean Ruhl sports.ed@ocolly.com

Photo editor Abby Cage photo.ed@ocolly.com

Adviser John Helsley john.helsley@okstate.edu

Digital editor Ben Hutchens digital@ocolly.com

Sports reporters: Adam Engel Sam Hutchens Sudeep Tumma Ryan Novozinsky Connor Burgan Calif Poncy Ashton Slaughter Daniel Allen Gabriel Trevino Jarron Davis Jax Thompson

Newsroom

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

Lifestyle writers: Bryanna Nickel Ishani Ray Stephen Stumpf Photographers: Zachary Hunter Habbie Colen Branson Evans Allie Putman Hannah Queen Ben Cohen Sydney York

News reporters: Jared A’Latorre Emily Stuart Willistean Bennett Mak Vandruff Rachel Williamson Annika Warren Teyte Holcomb Alyssa Hardaway Allie Putman Luisa Clausen Logan Smith

O’Colly

Friday, September 24, 2021 Page 3A

News

Sharing experiences Bringing knowledge and awareness Luisa Clausen Staff Reporter

Hispanic/ Latinx Heritage Month is Sept.15 - Oct. 15, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Hispanic/ Latinx American champions who inspired others to achieve success.

Last year Oklahoma State reported in its spring student profile, over half of its student population are students who are white. However, there are different clubs and organizations that make sure diverse communities are embraced and seen. This month is an opportunity for Hispanic/Latinx students to take part in some of the traditions they grew up with and their culture.

Bringing awareness is the main goal of this month, not only for the people in the community but also for everyone interested in learning.

Rey Marrufo is the coordinator of Hispanic/ Latinx Affairs, a first-generation college graduate and the son of two immigrant parents from Mexico.

Additionally, Marrufo works as the adviser for the Hispanic Stu-

Other projects are underway for the City of Stillwater.

Speak Up Stillwater is a new community engagement platform from the City of Stillwater.

The community meeting to discuss changes including topics like better roads, a no-kill animal shelter and a faster response fire department, are over.

However, according to SpeakUp. Stillwater.org, the platform is eager to here community feedback on the Renewable Energy Task Force.

People can submit ideas, stay connected with different initiatives and see upcoming events through SpeakUp.Stillwater.org or Stillwater.org.

dent Association and is passionate about helping all students fit in. Marrufo said he is open to talk with students at any time and share his experiences with them in order to help them out.

“The office of Multicultural Affairs is the best place for students with different ethnicities to first go when they arrive to OSU,” Marrufo said. “ This office is a resource for all students, we have different coordinators that focus on students from different places across the world.”

The office of Multicultural Affairs makes sure students know they don not only belong to one group, but most of the time, they actually belong to several. Aiming to remind diverse communities they have a voice, they are seen and heard on this campus and will grow into great leaders.

Jessica Cortez is a junior and president of the Hispanic Student Association. She has been part of the organization since her freshman year and is a person students can go to when they are looking into getting more involved with events, groups, or even want to learn more about the community. Stu-

dents can stay connected with the Hispanic Student Association’s through it’s Instagram, okstate_hsa, and where it posts about upcoming events or meetings.

“Trying to take more leadership roles is one of the biggest struggles the Hispanic/ Latinx community go through,” Cortez said. “ As minorities, you want to get involved because you want to be recognized and heard and finding a balance between these two things (being a leader and a minority) is a struggle for most of us.”

Cortez and Marrufo said the Hispanic/ Latin community has a lot on its shoulders, and getting involved on campus is an important way of carrying its values and culture. They said learning about the community is the best way to be an ally.

To find more information about events and how to get involved access Hispanic/Latinx Programs and Resources under the Division of Institutional Diversity on OSU’s website.

Courtesy of CampusLink Saul Flores: “The Walk of Immigrants” will be today at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre.

Saul Flores: “The Walk of Immigrants”

Telling the story of his path and the communities he met on the way to the United States, Oklahoma State will host Saul Flores: “The Walk of Immigrants.”

This talk will be taking place today at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre.

Collective Power news.ed@ocolly.com

City officials and OSU representatives discuss plans of new projects in Stillwater Teyte Holcomb Staff Reporter

Wednesday, SGA members and county officials discussed a project that would bring new developments to the Stillwater community.

These new developments, called the TIME Projects, can bring updates and changes to facilities around Oklahoma State’s (OSU) campus. Developments like a new Fire Station #2, nokill animal shelter and new roads were presented, along with ways to pay for these new additions to Stillwater.

TIME Projects discussed plans of new facilities across five schools in the Stillwater community. Becky Taylor, chief civic innovation officer of Stillwater, discussed how speaking to schools all over Stillwater brings more awareness to the members of the community.

“We knew that if we missed out on OSU we would be missing out on a huge population of Stillwater,” Taylor said. “We want to educate our community on some of the biggest needs we have, and talk together as a community about how we should pay for those.”

These new projects would cost a total of $81 million and although it is not certain how these new facilities will be paid for, talks of a half-cent tax raise,

Stillwater officials took polls from the crowd for input on the possible developments in the city.

as well as a bond issue were presented as options.

Christie Hawkins, a city council member and Associate Vice President of OSU, mentions how sales tax and bonds impact us all.

“We talk about bond issues or raising sales tax which would affect any of the students,” said Hawkins. “A bond issue could also raise property tax, and an increase in property taxes could impact the students in terms of

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students know what is going on in their community,” Vanvelsor said. “I want them to understand that they have a voice, and that the city council is here to listen.”

Though the facilities introduced by the TIME Project are not set in stone, talks of plans to pay for these initiatives are happening throughout the Stillwater community.

ALL TYPES OF CLOTHING IN 7-14 DAYS!

SFC Welcomes Back a Fellow OSU Alumni!

indirectly raising rent.”

Students were also given the opportunity to register to vote, which aimed to help in the efforts of getting students more involved in the community. Trey Vanvelsor, the Student Government Association (SGA) public affairs committee chairman, explained how bringing city officials to campus will help OSU students learn more about what is happening in the community.

“I think it is important that

Ben Cohen

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Page 4A Friday, September 24, 2021

O’Colly

News

Making room

Courtesy of Rev. Brian O’Brien/ St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

Stillwater Catholic Charities is at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

The details of making a home Anna Pope News Editor Hammering down the details like food and furnishings, Stillwater Catholic Charities and others organizations like Our Daily Bread are preparing incoming Afghan Refugees.

Oklahoma Catholic Charities are taking in an expected 1,800 refugees,

with 1,000 people expected in the Catholic Charities in Oklahoma City and 800 people in Tulsa. The Stillwater Catholic Charities, which is affiliated with the organization’s branch in Tulsa, are expected to receive around 106 people.

Although finding housing was an issue, Brian O’Brien, Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, said between a partnership with Oklahoma State and a local realtor, O’Brien thinks the organization secured enough housing.

“We’ve checked that box, tentatively knowing that things can change at any time,” O’Brien said.

Embracing the uncomfortable

He said the organization can move forward to the next stages to make a home for people. These steps include transportation, food, clothes, translators and later on, employment and education.

Rachael Condley is the Executive Director at Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center and she said although it is a process and there are still some unknowns, the organization is thrilled to help.

“Obviously with what we do to serve food in our community and serve people who are experiencing food insecurity,” Condley said. “We want to be a big part of the food piece of the puzzle

for these people coming in.”

Our Daily Bread is formed from multiple food pantries and offers grocery assistance and resources to address hunger and poverty. Condley said the organization is learning a lot about the diet of the Afghan people.

“We’ve reached out to several people, several stores just talking about what that could look like to provide them with some of the food they’re accustomed to,” Condley said.

Condley said the organization is exploring multiple angles and ideas like the possibility of boxes with staple food ready for people when they arrive. news.ed@ocolly.com

A visual conversation about suicide

Branson Evans

Backpacks spread across the lawn in tribute.

Luisa Clausen Staff Reporter

addresses the issue visually, and it helps people understand that so many lives are lost to suicide daily. I myself was not expecting to see this many backpacks and it puts everything into perspective.”

Other organizations were at the event. The University Counseling Services and many of its professionals was there to inform students about how and where they can reach out safely for help here on campus.

For instance, the counseling services has a virtual walk-in clinic, group and student counseling. Additionally, students can unwind in the OSU Reboot Center.

Stephen Scott, the clinical counselor at the counseling services, was there to not only share pieces of information but also to listen to students who needed to talk.

This event’s focus was to help destigmatize talking about mental health, while reminding students it is OK to not be OK and there are people out there ready to help them.

“We want to use this experience to continue the conversation, we don’t want to stop here,” Scott said while pointing at the bags. “Talks save lives.

We are trying to end this. We are trying to end the silence.”

Student can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 or University Counseling Services at 405-744-5458.

Reader warning: The content of this piece discusses suicide. For some readers, the topic of may cause discomfort.

Oklahoma State held a soultouching and eyes opening event to prevent suicide Thursday in the Life Science East Lawn.

The “Send Silence Packing” event was brought to the university by Active Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness among college students.

The exhibit had a sea of backpacks spread around the lawn, each one symbolizing either died by suicide or of the family members impacted by the loss of a loved one.

Throughout the day, hundreds of OSU students stopped at the sight of the backpacks without fully realizing what was happening or what meanings it held.

Their curiosity started a conversation right then and there, and even though everyone interprets things differently, it was clear how touched and relieved people were to know it’s okay to talk about mental health.

Lauren Garcia, a sophomore at OSU looked around cautiously and was impressed.

“This conversation needs to be addressed more often, even if it’s uncomfortable.” Garcia said. “This event news.ed@ocolly.com

Students walking by stopped began reading the stories at the event.

On every backpack, there’s story of a person who passed away.

The event took place on the lawn in front of Life Sciences East.

Anna Pope

Branson Evans

Branson Evans

O’Colly

Friday, September 24, 2021 Page 5A

News/lifestyle

‘Once every two weeks’

Branson Evans

Some Oklahoma State student experience Wi-Fi woes.

Students experience recurring Wi-Fi problems Logan Smith Staff Reporter

said. “I’ve never had a problem with it.

It depends on what type of computer you have.”

Landrum said he noticed the WiStudents think the slow speed of Fi, for him, slows down typically in the the Wi-Fi is on them, however, students afternoon and in the student union. are not entirely at fault.

Other students, like Noah Eddy, In the month of August, the also encounter slow internet speeds school experienced nineteen outages in the Oklahoma State (OSU) Student or service interruptions. If students are Union. experiencing slow speeds on eduroam, “The union is the spot I notice the campus Wi-Fi, it might mean there the most,” Eddy said. are too many users at once. However, Eddy said he notices the Wi-Fi acting up around 1-2 p.m. However, he Oklahoma State students like Simon said the campus Wi-Fi is still the best Landrum continue to use the Wi-Fi, option for students to use. despite the issues.

Although the Wi-Fi is widely “I live on campus,” Landrum

Pomping...

Continued from 1A Seniors like Rachel Slater from Alpha Chi Omega are happy to get into the swing of things and compete against the other Greek life students.

Fortunately for Slater, her sorority teamed up with Alpha Gamma Rho, which has a history of winning the float competition.

“We’re super excited,” said Slater, “I went to homecoming growing up and to actually be a part of it is pretty cool.”

Not everyone is lucky enough to be paired with the usual winners.

Hanna Smith and Briley Williams are sophomores from Zeta Tau Alpha and this is their first homecoming because of COVID-19 regulations last year which postponed the event.

After missing out on their first year

available, some students like Noah Drew said there was an outage which conflicted with his school work.

“It was completely down last week, when we were trying to do our roommate agreement,” Drew said. “It was really frustrating.”

Information Technology (IT) student workers at the OrangeTech’s tech bar said it is not entirely on the students. Trey Snowden said sometimes the Wi-Fi goes out and its not an issue on the students’ end.

“There’s definitely times when the Wi-Fi goes down completely,” Snowden said. “Doesn’t happen very often, but once every two weeks...it’ll

stutter.”

Although students can do little about this, Snowden said they can still improve internet speeds by how their computers are used.

“If everybody used the Wi-Fi for (just) their work,” Snowden said. “It would be a lot faster.”

Students can also check on the IT’s website at it.okstate.edu for future scheduled downtimes to better prepare for the Wi-Fi going out.

news.ed@ocolly.com

of pomping, they are feeling more competitive.

“At the end of the day you do want to win because you’re putting so much time and effort into it,” said Smith.

It is a race to have the best house dec, even though it is slow going. It takes hours to pomp a small section of chicken wire, but fortunately, they have music and friends to keep them company while they get house decs ready.

In the end, they are all happy to be meeting new people and making friends.

Oklahoma State is showcasing its centennial celebration this year.

For some Greek life members, having fun and showing their dedication to the event is the goal, and all of the sororities and fraternities are armed with tissue paper, stepping up to the challenge. news.ed@ocolly.com

Ponding refers to the act of throwing someone into Theta Pond.

Ponding...

Continued from 1A

OSU students involved in Greek life have certain pomping they need to fulfill.

Abby Cage

Abby Cage

there was a rumor a fellow student was about to be thrown into Theta Pond.

It used to be a normalacy for OSU sorority houses to have an intercom system regularly used in their houses. Michelle Nisbett, who attended OSU in the 1980s, recalls when they did not use it for things too serious, but it was a consistent use of announcing when fellow a student was about to be thrown into Theta Pond.

“When they announced it we would run to open the windows at the front of the house and holler and cheer at them,” Nisbett said. “We had the best view for pondings.”

While there has been accusations of the act of ponding considered hazing, it is always defended it is something typically done to older members, as they are traditionally the ones getting engaged.

Theta Pond has been an iconic spot on campus since OSU was founded, as it was originally used to feed the cattle living on campus. OSU students come generation after generation, remaining a constant for current students and alumni alike.

No matter how weird this tradition sounds, it is one of many that are very unique to OSU. It has been around for a long time, and will probably be around for a long time ahead.

The tradition of ponding refers to the act of a fraternity member being thrown into Theta Pond by fellow fraternity brothers after he gets engaged.

In the 1950s, the OSU tradition had a twist where the only way they could get out of it was if they provided a cigar for every member of the fraternity, explained Sara. She said this would be a rare occurrence considering the economic state the country was in.

Sara remembers watching out of a window in her sorority house seeing her new fiance- stripped to just shortsrun out of Theta Pond. She wondered to herself if she should bring him a jacket, but decided against it because she did not want to get involved- “plus it was cold,” Sara said.

“He should have waited to propose to me till April if he did not want to get thrown into that freezing pond,” Sara said. She says his fraternity house was fairly far away, and she remembers him running all the way home.

Girls from the sorority house across the street recall the times of living in-house when they would all news.ed@ocolly.com run outside to the porch whenever

Page 6A Friday, September 24, 2021

O’Colly

Lifestyle

OSU icons as enneagram types Ellen Slater Lifestyle Editor

The enneagram is a ppopular personality test among college students. There are nine different types of personalities on the enneagram. Here is what enneagram type goes with what Oklahoma State icon!

Type 1: Dr. Kayse Shrum Type one: the reformers.

Dr. Shrum is a token type one, and surely fellow type ones can relate to her. With her careful studies and prestigious background, she is sure to be organized and goal-oriented. Type ones are determined, which matches with Dr. Shrum’s resume as she has had many great accomplishments in her career.

Oklahoma State University News and Information

Abby Cage

Type 2: Ann Hargis Type two: the givers. Type twos want to help people and Ann Hargis is a perfect example. Between starting Pete’s Pet Posse to giving people rides on her golf cart, Clementine, Mrs. Hargis is definitely a giver. She wants to bring comfort to other people and she brings a smile to all.

Chris Becker

File photo

File photo

Type 3: Burns Hargis Type three: the achiever.

Who is more of an achiever and radiates type three energy than former President Burns Hargis?

Type threes are natural leaders, which makes sense with Hargis.

Type threes are success-oriented. They are driven and love to be involved in their communities. Type threes are bound to relate to Burns Hargis.

Courtesy of Kelly Kerr

Type 5: Nancy Randolph Davis Type five: the thinker. Type fives can relate to icon, Nancy Randolph Davis. Davis is a way maker and is an inspiration to all.

In relation, type fives love to learn new things and gain knowledge.

Type fives are curious, and Nancy Randolph Davis was never short of curiosity as she was a lifelong learner and paved the way for many.

Type 6: Pistol Pete Type six: the loyalist. Of course, Pistol Pete is about as loyal and true as it gets. Type sixes are quality team players, and Pistol Pete is the most consistent player on the field or court no matter what season or sport it is. Type sixes can relate to Pistol Pete through their hard work mentality and loyally to the communities in their lives.

Type 7: Mr. Orange Power Type seven: the enthusiast. Type sevens are energetic in everything they do and are always the life of the party. The perfect match is Mr. Orange Power. The fan is known for being at all of the OSU football games is always there to spread the spirit, as a type seven would. When type sevens go to Boone Pickens Stadium, they are always bringing energy. Type sevens are busy and spontaneous, like Mr. Orange Power.

Type 8: Mike Gundy Type eight: the challenger.

Type eights can be described as “self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational,” which sounds a lot like head football coach Mike Gundy. Type eights have no issue with confrontation, like when Gundy made it clear in his “I’m a man, I’m 40,” press conference.

Abby Cage

Type 4: B-Les Type four: the individualist. No one is more individual than B-Les himself. As the hype man for OSU, he is all about expressing himself (and his love for OSU) as well as expressing his individuality, which are two classic traits of a type four.

Type 9: Baby Bullet Type nines: the peacemakers. Type nines are there to bring peace, no conflict. Type nines are a lot like Baby Bullet; they do not want to cause issues, rather just be in calm situations. Baby Bullet looks up to Bullet, just like how type nines love and look up to the people in their lives. Type nines like making the people around them happy, and it is pretty clear Baby Bullet does a pretty good job at that.

Local foodie Friday

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Abby Cage

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Nikki’s Greek Restaurant Stephen Stumpf Staff Reporter

The first month of the fall 2021 semester at Oklahoma State is complete.

Students have settled into their new homes in Stillwater for the next three months. For new and returning students alike, one of the joys of being in Stillwater is the ability to explore the city and frequent its local businesses.

One of these local businesses is Nikki’s Greek Restaurant. It is located at 610 E. McElroy Road. Located roughly a mile northwest of campus near the intersection of McElroy and Perkins, Nikki’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant serving Greek, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine, in addition to a handful of American-style options to choose from as well. The restaurant features a spacious dining room, but if customers are on the go, Nikki’s provides a drive-thru window for your convenience.

For lunch or dinner, one of the options on the menu is the gyros sandwich, a tasty blend of pita bread, gyros, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. The meat is packed with flavor, and the tangy tzatziki sauce combined with the pita and the other vegetables create a fantastic experience for the tastebuds. Likewise, their Greek salad with tzatziki sauce is jam-packed with the same flavor their gyros sandwich offers.

Other foods featured on Nikki’s menu include a variety of salads, chicken plates, burgers, and appetizers in addition to specialty options including the falafel sandwich and the turkey pita. Nikki’s is delicious and students should definitely try more of what they have to offer.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Nikki’s has a variety of Greek food, which is not common in Stillwater.

Stephen Stumpf

O’Colly

Friday, September 24, 2021 Page 7A

Imaginative News

A simple word to describe a complex artist Allie Putman Staff Reporter

Allie Putman

One of the tables in the exhibition features work like Moh’D Bilbesi’s sketch books.

About 230 people packed into the OSU Museum of Art to enjoy Moh’d Bilbesi’s artwork at the opening reception.

The artwork includes paintings of architectural landscapes, drawings and sketches.

Hannah Queen

Hannah Queen

Hosting over 70 pieces of art capturing his worldwide travels, Moh’d Bilbesi’s art exhibition will run at the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art until Oct. 2.

Bilbesi is a regents professor at OSU’s school of architecture who released his show, “Moh’d Bilbesi, Vision and Visionary,” on Aug. 10.

The exhibition hosts pieces including paintings of architectural landscapes, imaginative drawings and sketches.

With the use of bright colors, bold lines, abstract images that are still recognizable and blurred watercolor brushstrokes, Bilbesi creates his art through his knowledge of architecture.

Although design solutions are created in our mind, Bilbesi said people must express them through drawings done by hand or electronically.

“Drawings don’t design, computers don’t design, you design and then you have to communicate them,” Bilbesi said. “So drawings become elementary in architecture, and it helped me tremendously because of my ambitions to create architecture no one could afford or was willing to do. So I actually communicate it without a client.”

In addition to his art, he is a licensed architect, author and has a passion for teaching others. Bilsbesi says he can truly make a difference by teaching other people.

Bilsbesi taught himself most of what he knows and said he wants to share this knowledge with other people.

“I am good at my craft, and I want people to be better than me,” said Bilbesi.

Bilbesi expresses his fantastical visions through his artwork because they are too imaginative for a client to pay or execute. Additionally, he uses his artwork to better understand polarizing events in the world. It can range from new or old stories, mythology or even religion.

But this is how he investigates the world around him.

“I refuse to do the mundane, so (if) I actually communicate (my vision) I will be happy,” said Bilbesi.

His vision shows through the success of the exhibition. Vicky Berry, the director and chief curator of the OSU Museum of Art, said they have had a tremendous response from people visiting the exhibition. The opening reception on Aug. 27 had about 230 come to the event, normally exhibitions host around 60 people.

There was a huge crowd, including OSU students, former students, faculty and community members. Berry said multiple people continue to come into the museum to view Bilbesi’s artwork, making her glow with pride and happiness.

“Having faculty exhibitions here, which he is one of many, we are thrilled,” said Berry. “He is also unexpected because he is not faculty in the art department, so it’s really great to have the exposure of other faculty artists who have multi-roles.”

If you want to view the exhibition, it will be in the Museum of Art until Oct. 2, 2021. For more information go to https:// museum.okstate.edu/. news.ed@ocolly.com

Game Day Ready with Greige!

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Page 8A Friday, September 24, 2021

O’Colly

Lifestyle

First day of fall

Habbie Colen

America’s Brightest Orange reigns true with the university as well as the colors of the foilage on OSU’s campus in the fall.

plenty of fun and exciting things to do this fall season. September is almost over, but it’s still got a couple of things left in store for students.

On Sept. 23 the Oklahoma State campus will come alive with color as students participate in chalk wars.

Mak Vandruff Edmon Low is the area for the event, Staff Reporter and people will either compete as a single artist or a group. The deadline to Fall of 2020 was not enjoyable for join in has already passed, but stop by anyone. There were not many events, to see the wonderful artwork and watch a lot of classes were online, and COVstudents win free prizes for displaying ID-19 controlled most of what students their chalk drawing skills. could do on campus.

Morale at OSU will be at a high Fortunately, 2021 is packed with on Sept. 25 as Kansas State comes

to town. Spirit is a group that holds a bunch of different events to inspire confidence, and they will continue to do so as they lead the cheerleaders, pom squad, marching band, and football team down Hester Street for the home game Spirit Walk.

For the last event of September, there is going to be a music-filled evening in the Student Union Plaza.

Enjoy an open mic night on Sept. 29, where students can step up to the plate and sing their favorite song or listen to the other students belt their hearts out. If one is not a singer, do not worry, students also have a chance to read the

best poem.

It is sad to see the September events flying by so fast, but October is right around the corner. See the full list of events posted up in the Student Union.

Spooky month holds a whole new set of events for students to enjoy, including painting pumpkins, watching scary movies, stuffing their own plushies, and plenty more. Go have some fun this fall season and make the most of fall 2021. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

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OUR FINEST HOUR! In the beginning days of the 2nd World War, England was in terrible straits. Nazi Germany had conquered all of western Europe. Only the English channel separated England from the German army. They were being bombed relentlessly. It seemed hopeless. Prime Minister Winston Churchill challenged the people not to give up. He said, “If the British empire lasts a thousand years, may it be said; this was their finest hour.” He said, “We will fight them in the streets. We will fight them in the fields. We will fight them in the hills. We will never give up!” The British won in the end. It was their finest hour!

It is easy to think one’s finest hour is when everything seems to be going well and there is great success, however the depth of a person’s commitment and heart most likely is found during the hard times. Jesus’ eternal exaltation came not from some successful outward exploit, but “but being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name...every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

(Phil.2:8-11) The cross was his finest hour!

The apostle tells us that everything works together for good in the Christian’s life to make us more like Jesus. (Ro.8:28-29) When we have the opportunities to serve in difficult situations; when we face hard decisions and challenges and walk on with God, we are on our way to being conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is time to trust God’s love and faithfulness and walk with him. This hardship may be our finest hour!

MONDAY-SATURDAY | 9:30 - 6:00 SUNDAY | 1:00 - 5:00

Taylor’s Time

Cowboy defensive back called upon in another big moment The last time an opportunity fell into Jason Taylor II’s lap when playing Kansas State, he ran with it.

Right down the Wildcat sideline for 85 yards and a touchdown, to be exact.

In that case, a 2020

Sam Hutchens Staff Reporter

game against KSU in Manhattan, the opportunity was obvious.

Taylor, a redshirt junior safety, snatched a fumble by KSU quarterback Will Howard out of Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Walk-on wishes

See Taylor’s on 3B

Jason Taylor blocked a crucial field goal against Boise State this past Saturday.

My journey through OSU’s walk-on program

Courtesy of OSU Athletics Justin Blackmon played a crucial role in the comeback against Texas A&M and the early morning win against Tulsa.

2011 a decade later part 2 A Sunday morning and ‘the biggest win of that season’

Chris Becker Assistant Sports Editor

30-minute delay, to the displeasure of the impatient crowd.

Soon 11 p.m. came and there was still no sign of the game being played as the two teams waited in the locker rooms. School administrators began to discuss the possibility of postponing the game. Both Tulsa and OSU had conference games the next week to prepare for.

This game was in jeopardy, we were another lightning strike away,” said Dave Hunziker, the OSU playby-play announcer. “If this game wouldn’t have kicked off when it did, if it would’ve been delayed another 20 or 30 minutes, if that would’ve been necessary, I don’t think the game would’ve been played.”

However, at 12:16 a.m. on Sunday August 18, 2011 a full three hours and six minutes after the game was supposed to kickoff the game was finally underway.

In this seven-part series I will take a look back at the 2011 Oklahoma State football season, widely recognized as the best season in OSU history, a decade after the historic season.

Lightning lit up the night.

Thunder bellowed over the sounds of fans.

And rain poured down over H.A. Chapman Stadium as Oklahoma State and Tulsa waited to duel.

The kickoff was originally scheduled for a late 9:10 p.m. kickoff— something coach Mike Gundy said he would not do again after the game—that time slowly came and went, still with no football being played.

With each lightning strike came another See 2011 on 4B

Chris Becker

Kale Fouts’ wanted to be a part of Oklahoma State’s football program his whole life.

Kale Fouts Staff Reporter

My whole life I have dreamt of playing football for Oklahoma State.

I’ve looked up to so many former OSU star players, but my favorite has always been Blake Jarwin. He didn’t get a scholarship offer before coming to OSU and had to walk-on.

Jarwin didn’t let that affect him. He had a fantastic football career at OSU. In his career he caught 41 passes for 616 yards, and he also had five touchdown receptions. On March 16, the Dallas Cowboys signed Jarwin to a 4-year, $22 million contract.

I was never the biggest player on my high school team, and because of that I didn’t get scholarship offers from Division I schools.

So, for the first two years of college I played football at a Division II school called Southern Nazarene University.

I lied to myself for a long time that I was right where I

wanted to be, but the whole time I knew that I still wanted to play for the Cowboys. So after last fall semester I transferred to OSU to walk-on to the football team.

I’ve always known that the walk-on process wasn’t easy, but I didn’t expect it to be this challenging. The process is grueling. I am going to walk you through my personal journey when I attempted to walk on earlier this semester.

First of all, anyone who wants to walk on the football team at OSU must go to the tryout. This tryout takes place about a week after the semester begins. On the day before the tryout, there is a mandatory meeting for everyone going to the tryout.

So, in early August, I signed up for the tryout. I was told that there were originally close to 75 people who signed up.

On this sign-up sheet they asked for your name, proof you’re a current OSU student, any football highlights that you have of yourself and a list of items to give to the coaches on the day before the tryout.

Those items included: an EKG test, a negative COVID test, a sickle cell test and a physical.

Getting these items wasn’t easy for me, I had to go to three separate places to get all of these tests. It also took around a week to get my results back from my sickle cell test.

I went to the mandatory meeting on Aug. 24. Immediately I could tell that not everyone who signed up online showed up.

There were also people who were told to go back home because they didn’t succeed to bring everything they needed. This meeting was very short and simple. All we had to do was turn in all of our papers and then sit in the middle of the field to listen to coach Todd Bradford, the Director of Recruiting at OSU football, and the main person in charge of putting the tryout together.

“This process will not be easy. It will be even harder to make the team this year because See Walk-on on 4B

COWBOY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

2 0

Missouri State

Tulsa

Boise State

Kansas State

W | 23-16

W | 28-23

W | 21-20

9/25 - Home

Iowa State

Kansas

West Virginia

10/23 - Away 10/30 - Home 11/6 -Away

TCU

Baylor

Texas

10/2 - Home 10/16 - Away

Texas Tech

Oklahoma

11/13 - Home 11/20 - Away 11/27 - Home

2 1

Page 2B Friday, September 24, 2021

O’Colly

sports

GAMEDAY PREVIEW

Deja vu

Cowboys march forward into Big 12 play with confidence despite adversity

Three storylines:

OSU vs. Kansas State Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Chris Becker Assistant Sports Editor Coach Mike Gundy has never been through this before.

Gundy started coaching in 1990 as the wide receivers coach at Baylor, and said he has never been as ravished with injuries as he has been in 2021.

“I’ve never, ever, that I know of, in my 32 years as a coach started two true freshmen at one position, and we’ve done it a couple of times this year,” Gundy said.

Despite the amount of injuries the Cowboys have scraped out an undefeated 3-0 nonconference record and now push into Big 12 play looking to continue fighting through the challenges with unfettered confidence.

“Our mindset is to play physical, play fast and play our football.

Don’t underestimate (Kansas State and the rest of the Big 12) because everybody’s good, it’s college football,” wide receiver Rashod Owens said.

The injuries have hit mainly the Cowboy’s wide receiver room, a room already full of youth without the injuries. When the Cowboys travelled to Boise, Idaho they travelled just seven receivers, two less than they normally would. That group of seven receivers included three freshmen, one sophomores, two redshirt freshmen and a redshirt sophomore.

Two of the seven were walk-ons.

Despite the depleted room of receivers the ones who are healthy are remaining positive and focused on the games ahead of them.

“We don’t try to think negatively about anything like (the injuries) we always try to think positive, and we hope everybody can be back as quickly as possible,” Owens said.

Owens, one of the two redshirt freshmen, was jolted into more snaps due to the injuries to Jaden Bray, Tay Martin and Braydon Johnson. Just this season Owens has had to play all three wide receiver positions in the OSU offense.

“He learned three positions now, which is unfair to him, but we don’t have an option, because we have to have guys ready in case something happens, he’s got to maybe play somewhere else,” Gundy said.

Owens caught two passes for the Cowboys against Boise State on three targets. His catches totaled 34 yards and both his catches helped the

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Establishing the run game In Oklahoma State’s first two games of the season, the Cowboys averaged just 3.16 yards per carry on the ground. This past Saturday, OSU recorded over 260 rushing yards with Jaylen Warren rushing for 218 of them.

If OSU can continue its success on the ground, this should open up plenty of opportunities through the air.

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

Deuce on the loose Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn has continued his 2020 success into this season, with 371 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

He averaged 6.0 yards per carry against Southern Illinois in week two. He will be a problem for OSU this Saturday, as the Cowboys will have to contain him.

Abby Cage The Cowboys are having the same problem in 2021 as they did in 2020, key injuries ravishing a main position group.

Cowboys continue drives in a close win. His catches came at a position, which he played last season, but he would not be playing until a couple of days before the team headed to Boise State.

“The Wednesday before we went to Boise we found out two of our receivers weren’t travelling so (Kasey Dunn) had to move me to the Z (receiver),” Owens said. “I played Z all last year, so it felt good coming back to that, and getting that back into the system.”

The rash of injuries have grinded the Cowboys offense, which was expected to take a step up from last season. With the injuries have come a struggling offense and more patience from the coaching staff, especially from offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn.

Dunn has dealt with a tumultuous two seasons as offensive coordinator for OSU dealing with COVID-19 and a shortened season in 2020 and now an injury ridden offense on

top of COVID-19 in 2021.

“Well I just watch the practice and on game day, he doesn’t panic and get mad and scream, which is the first sign of losing your patience and being disgusted with something, because that can happen,” coach Mike Gundy said. “And it’s his guys too, so it’s more weight on his shoulders.”

In the first three games, the Cowboys offense has drastically shifted from air-raid to running 20 straight plays in week three. The change is something Gundy, Dunn and the rest of the staff have to be patient with due availability of experience.

“Well, you have to have patience with the young players,” Gundy said. “I’ve said this a number of times, but you’ll see some really good plays and you’ll see a lot of mistakes. You just have to be patient with them, particularly the ones that went on the road.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Abby Cage

Dominant pass rush OSU’s defensive line has been nothing short of impressive these first three games in terms of pressuring the opposing quarterback.

OSU’s pass rush got to quarterback Hank Bachmeier four times against Boise.

Look for the Cowboys to continue that success against Kansas State

Key matchup:

Daniel Imatorbhebhe vs. Jason Taylor II down. The Wildcats will Payton Little eyeing to get him Staff Reporter be involved on Saturday.

Kansas State tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe is coming off of a solid game against Nevada, catching a 68yard bomb for a touch-

After safety Tre Sterling suffered an undisclosed injury, Jason Taylor II stepped up to fill in his place.

Expect these two to battling on Saturday night.

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

O’Colly

sports

Friday, September 24, 2021 Page 3B

GAMEDAY PREVIEW

Number of the week:

54.7

The average number of rushing yards Kansas State allows per game in 2021.

3 players to watch

Buying in or bowing out

OSU students, fans share thoughts on football team

OSU vs. Kansas State Ashton Slaughter Staff Reporter

Abby Cage

Jaylen Warren After his last outing against Boise State, where he rushed for 218 yards along with two touchdowns, Warren may have a tougher time with the Wildcats. On the year the Wildcats have only allowed 54.6 rushing yards per game. The Wildcat defense will come prepared for Warren, as they have all year to opposing running backs.

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

Bronson Massie The sixth-year senior is poised to start after starting defensive lineman Khalid Duke suffered a left leg injury. This puts Massie, who although is an experienced player, has never had consistent reps on the Wildcats defensive line as a starter.

and safety engineering: “I think it’s going to be a good year so far; I think the offense needs to work out some things but other than that I think we’re doing pretty good. We’re 3-0 so they are doing something right. I think we Ben Hutchens need to work on the offense (and) Digital Editor get more precise on the defense but so far they’ve played well enough to win so I think it will be a decent The dust has settled on a quar- season.” ter of Oklahoma State’s football Steven Jenderseck via Twitseason. Three games into a 12-game ter: slate OSU sits undefeated, with one “I’m not buying into it. The score wins over Missouri State, O-Line is still atrocious, there is not Tulsa and Boise State. a confident QB on the roster, they The O’Colly sought to get a have not really taken care of busipulse on how OSU students and ness against allegedly weaker opfans feel about the football team, if ponents. They’ll still get to a bowl they are buying into the season or game in the watered down and weak why they have already lost faith in (Big 12).” the team.

SportsOnly4Me via Twitter: Cooper Garden, OSU stu“I’m buying into the defense, dent majoring in fire protection special teams, and sheer grit of the

team. Injuries have put the offense behind the 8-ball but getting some pieces back with sustained strong (offensive line) play will allow them to be competitive in Big 12 play.”

Sam Weed, OSU freshman majoring in sports management: “I won’t lose interest (in the team if OSU loses against K-state), but it will be tough because it just gets harder. The Big 12 is no joke this year.”

“I really like the run game against Boise. Defense has been good it’s exciting.”

Boston Poke via Twitter: “Not a good team, too many flaws to win more than 6/7 games.”

Cynthia Davis via Twitter: “Been a Cowboy fan since I was 15. 73 now. NEVER GIVE UP!!

Believe every game!!”

The fumble return icing the KSU comeback last year was not an anomaly. Taylor, who keeps a relaxed, fun-loving demeanor on the field, is no stranger to big plays.

Continued from 1B “Since I’ve played football, that’s just how it’s been,” Taylor the air and took it untouched said. “I try to just play. It’s a game. the other way for a score. He put You’ve got to remember it’s a game. himself in the right spot and capital- You can’t get too caught up in the ized, ending the potential go-ahead things outside of it”.

KSU drive late in the fourth quarter Taylor scored the go-ahead to win the game. touchdown by returning an onside Taylor now has a different kick against Texas Tech a few weeks opportunity, coincidentally with the after his fumble return. His most same opponent. recent act of last-second heroism to Senior safety Tre Sterling is bail the Cowboys out of a tough spot reportedly out for the year with an came last week. undisclosed injury. Taylor’s role Taylor turned the blue turf of in the secondary will be expanded Boise State into a launching pad, to fill the void like this past week springing up to block a go-ahead against Boise State.

Bronco field goal attempt late in the “Well, (Taylor) has got good fourth quarter. vision, has a pretty good feel for the “(Taylor II) has been around game,” coach Mike Gundy said. “He a while,” coach Mike Gundy said. sees things maybe a count before “He’s experienced. He’s played in other people do. Those are things big situations. He’s one of those that you can’t coach, just his vision guys that seems to play a lot better and awareness.” in games than what some people or

coaches might expect.”

Senior safety Kolby HarvellPeel is Taylor’s roommate. Now the pair will share a secondary together too on a more regular basis.

“Boy for real, ain’t he?” Harvell-Peel said. “I feel like a proud father…When we came in (together), you could just see how talented he was. He’s big, he can run, he’s got great ball skills. It was just a matter of time for him to be able to actually show it.”

The opportunity has arrived.

Even with limited playing time up to this point, Gundy expects Taylor to run with the opportunity like he did one year ago in Manhattan.

“He gets a feel for when things start to develop, he can kind of see what’s happening,” Gundy said.

“That would be the reason that he’s been able to come in and play pretty well without being a guy that’s out there all the time. And I would say that that’s what he’s got going for him at this time.”

Taylor’s...

Abby Cage

Josh Sills The Cowboys’ offensive line played their best game yet against Boise State. With a tougher defensive challenge against the Wildcats, Sills, and the rest of the offensive line unit need to bring their A-game.

Say What?: Quote of the week Mike Gundy on how to keep fans in the stadium: “Maybe we need to reduce beer prices so not so many (fans) go out at halftime to drink. Maybe we need to get to where they buy it in here to keep them going.”

Abby Cage

OSU fans still believe in the Cowboys defense.

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Page 4B Friday, September 24, 2021

sports In wake of Thompson’s injury, Howard starts against Cowboys for second season Jax Tompson Staff Reporter Will Howard playing quarterback in the stead of an injured Skylar Thompson is becoming a yearly tradition.

Thompson was hurt in only the second game of the season for the Wildcats this year, leaving the game against Southern Illinois with a right knee injury. He is expected to come back later this season, but not before their matchup with the Oklahoma State Cowboys this Saturday.

Fortunately for the Wildcats, Howard has performed well in the wake of Thompson’s injury. Again. Howard secured the win against Southern Illinois, the game in which he came in for Thompson, but did throw an interception and lost a fumble.

However, in their next game against Nevada, he settled in.

Not only did he avoid having any turnovers, he also scored three total touchdowns, one through the air and two on the ground.

Jaren Lewis, the third-string quarterback for Kansas State, also took snaps in the game against the Wolfpack. KSU coach Chris Klieman said the goal

is to make sure Lewis is ready if Howard were to go down as well.

“When we lost Skylar, we wanted to make sure that we were in a position that if something happened to Will, Jaren was ready to help us,” Klieman said.

Both quarterbacks have performed well, and Kansas State has been pleased with how smooth the transition has been from Thompson to Howard and Lewis. Klieman said he worried there may be issues with a change in cadence or style, but so far that hasn’t been the case. “(If) you ask the offensive linemen, they’re like coach ‘it was great’, it was really comfortable having both guys in there,” Klieman said.

But while Howard is coming in with confidence to spare, the Oklahoma State defense has been stifling this season, especially against the run. Only one of their first three opponents has broken 100 yards rushing as a team.

If the running game is hampered, the Wildcats will have no choice but to air it out.

So while Howard has performed well, particularly running the ball, this game could prove a test of his abilities as a passer. sports.ed@ocolly.com

The Cowboys will see Will Howard for the second straight season.

Walk-on...

2011...

Continued from 1B

Continued from 1B

so many of our guys from last year got the chance to come back,” said Bradford. Bradford is referring to the extra year of eligibility that every player got back from the NCAA, because of COVID last season.

“We are at our capacity of 135 guys on the team right now. We are looking for around five to 10 of you to add to the team if we need you later in the year,” said Bradford. Bradford said that there was a good chance of them calling people up, with Covid quarantining players weekly. Also if a big injury bug hit the football team, then there’s a chance that they would also call some people up.

On the next day, I attended the tryout at the Sherman E. Smith Training Center. I got there 30 minutes early, with the tryout started at 6 p.m.

Whenever we were called into the facility, we immediately got our height, weight and wingspan measured. The next thing we did was get into lines to warm up, completing high knees, sprints, backpedals and other workouts.

After the warmups, we all stretched with the coaches and made sure we were ready for the workouts.

We had three stations of workouts.

Station No. 1 was the 40-yard dash, station No. 2 was the 20-yard shuttle run and station No. 3 was the broad jump.

There were definitely players that stuck out by their performances in the workouts.

At the end of the workout we sat down again with the coaches for another meeting. The coaches told us how well we had all done. They also told us that some of us would be receiving a call in the next couple days that we’d made the team.

The next few days I couldn’t keep my eyes off my phone. I had to pay attention to every alert I was getting, because I was so nervous about getting that call. I texted some of the other players who tried out and they said the same thing.

I waited and waited, but no one called me. I eventually learned I didn’t make it. Only two players that tried out made the team. I reached out to those players, and they told me that they haven’t even been called up to practice yet. The coaches just said they would call when they were needed.

“Man, it was pretty surreal. I mean, I’ve seen that kind of stuff on TV, but never thought I would be a part of it,” said linebacker James Thomas after the game.

In the week leading up to the game the forecast looked gloomy, and as the game approached the weather grew more humid and the sky opened up.

“I had some errands to run in Tulsa that day, looking at the forecast and even just being outside it was so humid, it’s like, ‘We’re going to get pounded.’

Of course it all happened right before kickoff,” Hunziker said.

The impending weather wasn’t the only thing clouding the OSU football program that night in Tulsa. OSU defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer was called back to Stillwater to be with his wife who was nearing death at the hospital after a long battle with cancer.

When kickoff crept up, eventually, the Cowboys proved their superiority. Tulsa took an early 3-0 lead, and then the Cowboys pounced. Scoring 21 straight points before Tulsa finally hit another field goal.

Early in the third the Cowboys held a 45-6 lead. Tulsa’s offense finally began to put points onto the board, but the Cowboys eventually won 59-33 to move to 3-0.

“We had to open with (Texas) A&M the next week in conference play, and that was a huge game. It was just so bizarre,” Hunziker said.

After the Sunday morning game against its in-state rival, OSU headed south to College Station to face the Aggies.

During practices and days leading up to the game they didn’t know if they’d have their defensive coordinator Spencer, who was burying his wife, the mother of his two sons, in Georgia in the week leading up to the game.

Spencer decided to coach the game.

“That was a guy who was dedicated to his players, to his team, to his job, what he signed up for and what he needed to do to persevere through,” defensive lineman Richetti Jones said in a magazine report. “To bury your wife, and you still come to the next game and are there – and we had been along with him through the process of everything – to see that, it was a testament of what kind of coach we had with us at that time.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

The game was the first conference game for the Cowboys, and it came against a lethal Aggies team in a challenging environment.

The No. 7 Cowboys (3-0) came out of the gate slow against the No. 8 Aggies (2-0).

The Aggies challenged something to the Cowboys they hadn’t seen before in the season: a touchdown and a halftime deficit.

Texas A&M took a 20-3 lead into halftime and the Cowboys were reeling.

The Cowboys, normally elite lethal, offense couldn’t do anything against the stifling Aggie defense.

The Cowboys offense led by coordinator Todd Monken came into a second half with a new adjusted gameplan.

Make the Aggies run back-andforth and work the sidelines.

“It was a hot day, especially in South Texas. It was really humid.

Coach Monken came out and his game plan was we’re going to throw to the left sideline, then throw to the right sideline, then run a stretch left outside the seven hole or nine hole,” former O’Colly beat writer Brendon Morris said. “ That Texas A&M defense just ran back-and-forth all day long in that second half.”

The Cowboys defense, known in 2011 for forcing turnovers, didn’t force any in the first half, but violently forced four in the second, to help lead the Cowboy charge to tighten up the game.

Then with 3:33 left in the third quarter Brandon Weeden lined up behind his large offensive line on the Aggie 4-yard line. Tight end Tracy Moore lined up just off the right tackle.

Weeden took the pass and dropped back. Moore snuck up the seam as Weeden fired a bullet toward the back of the endzone.

Moore was there to haul it in with a toe tap for the Cowboy touchdown with the nearest defender being media photographers.

The Cowboys took a 24-20 lead into the fourth quarter. The Cowboys never surrendered that lead.

“Coming from behind, and playing the way we did in the second half was kind of reassuring in the locker room for us,” Weeden said.

The Aggies pulled within two with just over two minutes left in the game after a Ryan Tannehill pass to Jeff Fuller.

With 1:31 left in the game the Cowboys held a four point advantage, and then James Thomas intercepted a tipped Tannehill pass, to all but capture the win for OSU. Then a play that still lives in the minds of Cowboy fans occurred. After

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

File Photo Tracy Moore was a critical part of the 2011 offense and caught the go-ahead touchdown against Texas A&M.

kneeling the ball on third-and 16 the Cowboys still had to snap the ball on fourth down, something that would normally mean punting, which risks the Aggies scoring.

As an emotional Glenn Spencer walked up the Cowboy sideline hugging his defenders, the Cowboys, instead of taking a delay of game called a timeout with five seconds remaining to draw up the play to end the game.

The Cowboys lined up in the victory formation, but with Justin Blackmon taking the snap with the Aggies sending an all out blitz knowing the Cowboys needed to wait a full five seconds before kneeling on the ball.

Blackmon took the snap, turned around and started running, backward, away from the Aggie defense. He ran a full 39 yards out of the back of the endzone, for a safety, and the celebration was on.

The Cowboys had escaped Kyle Field.

“I think the game that kind of catapulted us and gave us the momentum that set us off in the right direction was that Texas A&M game,” Weeden said. “We go on the road, down there at Kyle Field and pull one out.

“That was probably the biggest win of that season.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, September 24, 2021 Page 5B

sports

Keeping her spot

Thursday Night Sept. 23 Final:

Past 5 Cowgirl Goalkeepers of the Week

Sydney York

This week, Cowgirl goalkeeper Evie Vitali earned the Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week award.

At the beginning of the season, she was competing for a starting role with redshirt freshman Ary Purifoy and Amber Lockwood, the only Cowgirl keeper with college experience.

Halfway through the camAdam Engel paign, Vitali played every minute Staff Reporter this season — 831 in all. To the credit of her backline, she has only fished the ball out of her own net Evie Vitali needed two weeks seven times in nine matches. Just of college soccer practice. like her experience, Vitali’s conIn those 14 days, she estabfidence as well as her trust from lished herself as Oklahoma State’s her teammates and coaches has top goalkeeper. increased.

Fast forward to late SeptemShe’s no longer the timid newber and Vitali is among the Big 12’s comer recognizable at the beginbest. Earlier this week, the freshning of the season. man was named the conference’s “I think (Vitali) understands Goalkeeper of the Week after that she belongs,” coach Colin Carcollecting two clean sheets over the michael said. “I think any freshweekend. Her five shutouts are tied men, probably more so goalkeepers with Texas Tech’s Madison White because it’s such a unique position, for most in the league. they all have this sort of doubt like

‘I am I good enough?’”

Even now, Vitali controls her own fate.

“We stress she’s doing really well, especially for a freshman goalkeeper to be thrown in,” Carmichael said. “But there are areas to improve and if she takes her foot off the gas and trains poorly for a week or two, Amber (Lockwood) or Ary (Purifoy) are dying to play.”

Carmichael said ball security and her decision making with ball distribution could be improved.

Beyond the little things that could make a good goalkeeper great, Vitali’s efforts have been noticed by her squad.

“She’s just doing what she’s supposed to do,” defender Charmé Morgan said. “You don’t fix what’s broken.”

Evie Vitali (2021)

Amber Lockwood (2021)

Emily Plotz (2020, 2021)

Dani Greenlee (2019)

Michela Ongaro (2016)

More than a flag sports.ed@ocolly.com

Gupta helping grow the game of golf in India Chris Becker Assistant Sports Editor

Courtesy of OSU Athletics Aman Gupta recently switched to play under the Indian flag, and is now the top Indian amateur.

Aman Gupta was born in the United States, and has always played golf under the American flag throughout his amateur career.

Until one day, Oklahoma State men’s golf coach Alan Bratton and Aman Gupta were talking and it randomly came up. Then fellow Cowboy golfer Rayhan Thomas, who plays under the Indian flag, talked with Gupta about the AsianPacific, an amateur event.

“Rayhan on our team was talking about playing (the) Asian Pacific, and just kind of a joke, ‘Like you’re an Indian citizen, maybe you could play?’ Gupta said.

That conversation sparked Gupta’s interest in possibly switching to play under the Indian flag, and representing his family’s country.

So he inquired about the possibility.

“I reached out to the amateur rankings and was like, ‘Hey, if I wanted to make the switch could I?’ I gave them my documents, and they were like, ‘Yeah, if you want to do it you can do it. You can’t change it back,’” Gupta said.

Gupta went ahead and pulled the trigger on the switch, something he is proud he did. Gupta, from Concord, North Carolina and born in South Carolina, still has family in India, namely his grandparents on his dad’s side who reside in New Delhi.

“I’ve always played under the American flag, but my family and everyone is from India,” Gupta said.

“There were a couple of events I found out I could possibly represent India for.

“It would be a shame if I went my whole career never playing for India.”

Golf is a sport that has grown in India, especially in recent years. In the recent Olympics, Aditi Ashok finished just off the podium at fourth place in the world competition. Akshay Bhatia, 19 and a 2019 Walker Cup participant, is also making waves attempting to earn his PGA Tour card.

Gupta said he wants to help grow the game in India.

“People like (Bhatia and Ashok) and like me just helping the game of golf in India is pretty special,” Gupta said.

“It’s not a sport that is overly popular in India, obviously golf isn’t the cheapest game to play and a lot can’t afford it.

“I still think there’s a lot of room for growth just being able to play under the Indian flag and competing at the highest level hopefully that inspires younger Indians or Indian-Americans to pick up the game.”

When the switch was finalized Gupta became the top-ranked Indian amateur in the world. If Gupta, the 76th ranked amateur overall, still played under the American flag he would be the 41st ranked American Amateur.

I think that’s huge being able to play for your country,” fellow Cowboy Brian Stark said. “He’ll be the No. 1 ranked Indian player for them.

It’s a huge get for India.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Fresh faces

Page 6B Friday, September 24, 2021

O’Colly

sports

Cowgirls reload roster ahead of fall ball

Cowgirl Freshmen INF - Brianna Evans

Dean Ruhl Sports Editor It was 2:18 a.m. when Oklahoma State’s season ended.

On June 6, at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, on a field soaked with rain, and soon tears, the Cowgirls lost 4-2 against Florida State in the Women’s College World Series.

It was emotional, as the Cowgirls said goodbye to pitcher Carrie Eberle and first baseman Alysen Febrey, among others, who had worn their OSU uniforms for the final time. Embraces on the mound, eyes wet, it was a bittersweet for OSU, which had fallen within reach of their goal.

Fast forward three months, and the Cowgirls fall portion of their 2021-22 season has commenced. OSU has prepped a new crop of talent to replace its graduated starters.

“Every year comes with a new start,” coach Kenny Gajewski said. “A new journey.

We’re moving forward here.

We’re continuing to grow, continuing to evolve.”

Gajewski remained involved in the transfer portal this offseason, a consistent source of talent for the Cowgirls. OSU ushered in three transfers, Kansas infielder Morgyn Wynne, Illinois State pitcher Morgan Day and Texas pitcher Miranda Elish.

Elish is the biggest name

C - Audrey Schneidmiller C - Maggie Herdejurgen UTIL - Hailey Kastl UTIL - Tatum Sparks P - Tatum Clopton P - Kathryn Ogg Abby Cage

Three months after the Women’s College World Series the Cowgirls return.

of the group. Before opting out of the 2021 season amid COVID concerns, Elish was the 2020 Softball America Player of the Year, batting .370 with a 1.25 ERA. She entered the transfer portal on Aug. 26, signing just weeks later with the Cowgirls on Sept. 13. A former Oregon Duck and Texas Longhorn, Elish decided to make the transfer official by calling Gajewski during a dinner with the entire team.

“We were hoping when she called him that he was going to cry,” outfielder Hayley Busby said. “We kind of put bets on that a little bit. It was a really cool moment, just to see how excited she was for that.”

Gajewski said Wynne will be a factor in the middle of the lineup because of her offensive prowess. She batted .355 with 17 home runs and 49 RBI’s in the Jayhawks’ 2020 season. He said she will likely be Febrey’s replacement at first base. “(Wynne) is an all-world

person with everything she does off the field,” Gajewski said. “She is a complete package. (Day) put up gaudy numbers (at Illinois State) and now she wants the opportunity to do it in this elite conference. She is a different type of energy.”

Day’s strength at ISU was her strikeout ability, fanning 247 batters this past season. Her imposing strikeouts were complimented by her 1.63 ERA and 19-6 record.

“We’re going to compliment what we lost there with Carrie with Morgan Day,” Gajewski said. “We’ve got a freshman in Tatum Clopton who has come in and we’ve got high hopes for. Obviously Maxwell coming back, was in the shadow of Carrie. We’ve added Elish as well, so I think we’ll be just fine.”

Freshmen are already vying for starting spots on the veteran-heavy team.

Among Clopton factoring into the pitching staff, infielder Brianna Evans, a freshman

from Red Oak, Texas, has created a position battle at the second base with Karli Petty.

“I would say that right now, they both play,” Gajewski said. “Karli has proved she needs to be playing here. Bri is walking in here and going ‘I’m going to play too’. So it is like that matter of fact.”

Catcher Taylor Tuck is nursing an undisclosed arm injury, giving freshman catcher Audrey Schneidmiller reps behind home plate.

“She is special, she is a maybe the best arm we’ve ever had here,” Gajewski said.

Gajewski, now in his seventh season with the Cowgirls, said the key to bringing in new players is mentoring them on the Cowgirl Way. “(They need to learn) the system we run,” Gajewski said.

“The specific plays defensively, offensively and then just being comfortable here. We’re just working through all that, and I’m really excited about this group.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

P - Bailie Runner

Cowgirls Fall Schedule Sept. 29 – vs. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6 p.m.)

Oct. 3 – vs. West Texas A&M (2 p.m.)

Oct. 6 - @ Tulsa (5 p.m.)

Oct. 9 – vs. Oklahoma Christian (6 p.m.)

Oct. 13 – vs. North Texas (5 p.m.)

Oct. 16 – vs. LSU* (TBA) Oct. 20 vs. Wichita State (5 p.m.) * - Houston, Texas

Chris Becker Record:14-4 Last week: 5-1 Spread: 9-9 Last week: 3-3

KSU vs OSU OSU -6 ND vs WISC WISC -6.5

Dean Ruhl Record:11-7 Last week: 4-2 Spread:11-7 Last week: 4-2

Sudeep Tumma Ben Hutchens Sam Hutchens Record: 12-6 Last week: 3-3 Spread:6-12 Last week:1-5

Record:10-8 Last week: 4-2 Spread: 6-12 Last week:4-2

OSU 20-16

OSU 23-18

OSU 35-10

OSU 31-24

OSU 30-17

WISC 27-24

ND 21-20

WISC 30-20

WISC 35-27

ND 24-21

TAMU vs TAMU 24-17 TAMU 24-22 ARK 30-10 ARK TAMU -5.5 ISU vs BAY ISU -7

Record:10-8 Last week: 4-2 Spread:8-10 Last week:3-3

ISU 32-24

BAY 37-34

ISU 40-20

TAMU 27-23

ARK 28-24

ISU 33-24

ISU 28-17

Sam Hutchens “Struggling” and “underperforming” are not fair descriptors of the OSU season. The Cowgirls are 5-3-1 with respectable one-goal losses to Pittsburgh and Brown. Three key players from the lineup, senior midfielder Grace Yochum, junior forward Olyvia Dowell and senior defender Kim Rodriguez have missed time with injuries. OSU has been forced to tinker with its starting lineup on a weekly basis. Dealt an unfortunate opening hand, the above .500 Cowgirls are staying afloat.

Is the Cowgirl soccer team underperforming?

Ben Hutchens

RUT vs MICH MICH -20

MICH 31-24

RUT 31-28

MICH 24-17

MICH 45-20

MICH 42-20

SMU vs TCU TCU -9

TCU 42-38

TCU 34-31

TCU 31-20

SMU 37-35

TCU 33-17

Yes, the OSU soccer team is underperforming. Just five months ago in a COVID-induced fall season, the Cowgirls went 6-0 in nonconference play. With a current team that lost only two starters from that season, there is no excuse for a 5-4-1 nonconference record this season.

Yes, the Cowgirls have had injuries, but that happens to every team every season.

OSU’s extra depth with four bonus “super seniors” should be enough to overcome injuries.

Point / Counterpoint

Picking winners (and losers)

O’Colly

Friday, September 24, 2021 Page 7B

Classifieds

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Misc. For Sale

Houses For Rent

$100/year parking on East side of Campus, near Eskimo Joe’s. Call Salem Luteran at 405-372-3074 and leave message.

Spacious 1100 sq. ft. 2 bedroom home. Recently remodeled, Wood floors, CH/A, Nice yard.

2214 E. 6th Ave., Scarlett bus route.

405-372-7107

Church Meetings

Help Wanted

Join the New Covenant Fellowship for service every Sunday at 10am and share in our passion for Jesus Christ!”

Farm and ranch work. Must be able to drive 4-speed, bobcats, tractors, lawn mowers.

Extra pay if you can weld. Call Jack 405-372-2291.

Business Squares Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

DID YOU KNOW..

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Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Acid 4 Pine product 7 Swell 12 First name in pharmaceuticals 13 Irritated, with “on” 14 90% of Earth’s volcanic rock 15 Otolaryngologist’s colleagues?

17 Reach for rudely 18 Home-awayfrom-home vacation 19 Departure notice?

21 Historic period 22 PIN points 24 Big name in databases 26 Solid vestment choice?

30 Water in the Seine 31 Rejoices 32 Foot specialist?

35 Like burnt coffee 37 Member of a noted sailing trio 38 LGBTQ activist George 39 Hershey toffee bar 40 Home of The Trop 42 Clean Water Act org.

43 Rodent reduction measure?

46 One getting smashed at a bash 47 Big Island coffee region 48 Faux follower 49 Servers at affairs 51 Donation drop-off site 55 Afghanistan’s national airline 57 Minuscule biters, and a clue to understanding 15-, 26- and 43-Across 59 They take things in stride 60 Nice ways to say yes 61 Patel of “Lion” 62 __-pop: electronic music genre 63 Test for M.A. seekers 64 Medium claim

9/24/21

By Margit Christenson

DOWN 1 Not a nice look 2 Pole, e.g.

3 Gossip 4 Lipton product 5 Branch or limb 6 Currency of 25-Down 7 It may be closed at last call 8 Winner of the most medals at the 2020 Olympics 9 Tiny office printer 10 Screen problem 11 Sundance’s sweetie 13 Squirmed 14 Certain breakdancers 16 Attract 20 Where hands may be brought together 23 Double, often 25 Birthplace of Gloria Estefan 26 Poured-over leaves 27 Cybersecurity concern 28 2021 musical contest held in Rotterdam

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

©2021 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

29 Get away to get together 33 Default result 34 Old phone feature 36 Decrease?

38 Sneaks 40 Hindu teachings 41 __ Roll 44 Set in motion 45 Format for much ’80s music 46 Bash

9/24/21

48 Word with hall and press 50 Make out, in Britain 52 “Hey __”: classic hit 53 Iowa college town 54 Request on an invitation 56 River isle 58 Collective pronoun

We are active on twitter sharing all of the latest news, our daily online edition of The O'Colly, and all other OMG! Content. We have almost 20k followers.

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Daily Horoscope

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O'Colly TV is available on Apple TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire Stick, App Store & Google Play.

O'Colly TV features live programming including a weekly newscast, sports shows, and events.

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Linda Black Horoscopes

Bthrough UND E Sthis year. Build creToday’s Birthday (09/24/21). Fortune flows theLheart ative and romantic bonds with steady action.

Navigating a sharedcommunity financial transiSAVE MONEY and reach our limitless by tion this autumn leads to asigning winter surge and communications.

Joint up forwith our creativity highly discounted bundles. These include consistent advertising on all Dedicate platformsyourself listed assets rise next spring, covering summer shortfalls or expenses. above plus additional perks and discounts. to love.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most chalONLY $250/MONTH lenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — ads@ocolly.com Today is a 9 — Making money comes easier. Grab an opportunity that fits like a glove. Monitor data and budgets closely. Adapt to changes in real time. Simplify.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Take charge. Discover a beneficial opportunity and take advantage. Provide energized leadership. You can clean up later. Invent and innovate. Push your own limitations.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 6 — Slow to consider options. Check out interesting possibilities. Get promises in writing. Go for distance rather than speed.

Plan carefully. Rest and recharge.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — A team effort could take an unexpected twist. All isn’t as it appears. Minimize risks. Offer and accept support.

Strengthen foundations and structures.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Anticipate professional changes. An interesting opportunity may require making a mess. Slow to avoid mistakes. Get inventive. Take your chance when you find it.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Study and explore. Some avenues are blocked. Adapt around a challenge. Patiently navigate delays. Make a longdistance connection. Discover a brilliant yet unusual solution.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Collaborate with shared accounts to take advantage of a lucrative opportunity. Resist impulsive expenses. A creative spark ignites an interesting possibility. Brainstorm and invent.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Share extra patience with your partner. You may process things differently. Look for hidden opportunities with recent changes. Stay receptive and willing to compromise.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Prioritize physical health, energy and fitness. Adapt routines and practices around a surprise. Slow down. Listen with an ear for hidden elements. Recharge.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Relax and take it easy. Romantic surprises may not be pretty. Avoid provoking upset or controversy. Focus on your own interests, passions and enthusiasms.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate with housemates to adapt with domestic changes. Make upgrades and repairs. Clean and organize. Cut clutter. A coat of paint freshens everything.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Tap into the grapevine for the latest news. Network and connect the dots. Do the research. Edit carefully before publishing. Share a scoop.

Level 1

2

3

4

9/24/21

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

© 2021 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Page 8B Friday, September 24, 2021

O’Colly

sports

From groups to power An analysis of the newest Big 12 members

finishing as the 11th ranked team in 2020, and is currently a top 25 team, shows BYU can be a competitive threat as soon as it enters the conference in 2023.

Cincinnati Gabriel Trevino The Bearcats football Staff Reporter program has been one of the highest ranked group of five teams in recent years.

Four new schools, four Cincinnati, located in new fanbases and alumni, three southern Ohio, is a major footnew states, historic athletic ball market. programs and world class ath“Geographically, Cincinletes. nati and the state of Ohio are This is what the Big 12 is a great asset to the Big 12,” getting from BYU, UCF, CinSchovanec said. cinnati and Houston, the newest Cincinnati finished as the additions to the conference. ranked No. 8 in the country in These four schools have 2020, ending of its season with built historic and winning a close loss to Georgia in the reputations, adding to their Peach Bowl. Cincinnati opened résumés for joining a power 5 the 2021 season again as the conference. Each school deeighth ranked team, the highest serves to be in the Big 12, and ranked group of five team in bring more competitiveness and the country. traditions to the conference.

Since joining the AmeriBYU can Athletic Conference in BYU is one of the most 2013, the Bearcats won two recognizable institutions and conference championships, and brands in America. won 13 other football confer“BYU brings a broad ence championships. national interest,” Lawrence In basketball, Cincinnati Schovanec, Big 12 board of has won two national chamdirectors chairman said. pionships, the only national On the football field, championships in school hisBYU won one national chamtory, and continuously finish in pionship, in 1984, and have the top 25. played in 38 bowl games.

Cincinnati, along with The Cougars have proHouston and UCF, are lookduced 12 NFL first-round draft ing to join the Big 12 in 2024. picks, and numerous members If Cincinnati can continue to of the Pro Football Hall of compete as a group of five Fame, such as Steve Young. school and finish in the top 25, BYU was a member of the Bearcats may be one of the the Mountain West Conferbest teams in the Big 12 immeence, however, have been diately upon joining. independent in football since UCF 2011. In its years as a member The University of Central of a conference, BYU won 23 Florida is the self-proclaimed conference championships in 2017 National Champion. In the football.

2017 college football season, Outside of football, BYU UCF was the only remaining is the winner of 12 national undefeated team in the entire championships, including two country, but was not selected in men’s basketball. to the College Football Playoff.

BYU’s recent success, UCF claimed the 2017 National

Courtesy of Cincinnati Athletics

The Big 12 picked its new members all of them haling from nonPower 5 conferences.

Championship after a Peach Bowl victory over Auburn.

UCF went on a 25-game win streak over the course of the 2017 and 2018 season, falling to LSU in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl.

UCF has wanted to join

a power five conference over the past five years due to their recent success.

The Big 12 had interest as well.

The Big 12 will expand into the Orlando, Florida, market through UCF, where many

top ranked recruits are located.

The conference will also have a footprint in a city where over 50 million people travel to each year.

See full story at ocolly.com