The show must go on Friday, January 7, 2022
Ellen Slater Staff Reporter
Some of Oklahoma State’s Cowboy Marching Band did not get to preform at the Fiesta Bowl.
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so any possible case is scary to me. I tried to sleep the rest of the way back but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cry with everyone else,” Holguin said as she and her friends were headed home from what was supposed to be the last football game they would have played as seniors. Holguin said before leaving, the members of the band was expected to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status. If individuals were not vaccinated, those members would be expected to wear a mask. “I know us being sent home hurt many members continuing to Arizona simply because that was like losing your family for the last game,” Holguin said. The Cowboy Marching Band was not only down over 100 members but ended up taking on the challenge of learning and playing the Notre Dame fight song. While OSU’s band was short some of their members, Notre Dame was not able to send any. Some of the Cowboy Marching Band returned home at 5 a.m. which was 15 hours after they departed for Arizona, without even making it to their destination.
Bus No. 6 and Bus No. 7, full of excited cowboy marching band members heading west down the highway, made it all the way to Amillario, Texas, when they learned their crew was going to be turned back around due to a COVID-19 exposure. The Cowboy Marching Band was set to play at the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day in Phoenix. Two busloads full of band members were withheld from the occasion. Someone tested positive for COVID-19 at a stop in Amarillo and Bus No. 6 and Bus No. 7 departed back to DFW airport shortly after. The rest of the Cowboy Marching Band continued on to the bowl game, but then the band was over 100 members short. Sam Holguin, a senior art major and member of the Cowboy Marching Band was on one of the buses that was turned around. “I, myself, have health news.ed@ocolly.com concerns that put me at risk,
COVID-19 guidance for OSU’s spring semester Anna Pope News Editor Oklahoma State released updated guidance allowing faculty to choose the format of classes for the first two weeks of school. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) reported 6,280 new COVID-19 cases as of yesterday morning. During the break, OSU’s Pandemic Response Team met to monitor the pandemic and because of the rise of omicron cases, the OSU officials sent out new guidance. Although courses will be begin next Monday, for the first two weeks of the semester faculty may choose to how classes can be held. Faculty can offer in-person classes with three choices. - In-person with mandatory masks. - Hold hybrid classes where students can attend in person with required masks or online. - Have only online instruction. Once the first two weeks of school have ended, faculty can offer classes under the same guidance as last semester. If someone
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tests positive in a class, faculty can choose to hold classes in-person with masks, move the course online or hold the hybrid instruction style for two weeks. Additionally, OSU is encouraging faculty, staff and students to get tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus. This guidance comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shortened the recommended quarantine period when an individual is diagnosed with COVID-19, and the quarantine time when someone is exposed to the virus. “People with COVID-19 should isolate for five days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by five days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter,” according to the CDC. In the statement from the CDC, vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 do not need to quarantine, but it is recommended for them to wear a mask for 10 days from their exposer. For individuals who are exposed and unvaccinated, the CDC is suggesting for them to quarantine for 5 days and wear a mask for 10 days following their exposure. Preliminary data continues to be gathered about the omiTransportation Security Officers Positions starting at $16.51 per hour*
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Behind the scenes of OSU Dispatch
OSU dispatchers work to ensure students’ safety.
File photo The State of Oklahoma’s COVID-19 case numbers are rising.
cron variant and according to Dr. Johnny Stephens, OSU’s senior vice president for heath affairs, it shows the variant is highly transmissible and cases numbers are rising. “Early data also indicates cases of COVID-19 from the omicron variant appear to be less severe than the delta variant, particularly among those who are vaccinated and boosted,” Stephens wrote in a statement. “Statistics available show that getting boosters when eligible is extremely important to prevent serious infection.” news.ed@ocolly.com
“I went to school at OSU in 2011 and intended on getting my master’s degree, but it just wasn’t the right fit. I knew I needed to do something different. Dru Norton I wanted to help people,” Gipson said. “Lucky for Lifestyle Editor me, I get to help people every day now.” When you think of During the panfirst responders, you prob- demic, Gipson has been ably imagine paramedics, working single 12-hour emergency medical tech- shifts to promote social nicians, firefighters and distancing. police officers. However, “We have been there’s a first responder short-staffed due to CObehind the scenes who VID-19, which means a handles things long before lot of late nights for me as those individuals get the night shift, but we’re involved: the 911 dismaking it work,” Gipson patcher. said. “There will always Andrew Gipson, be someone here 24 hours public safety commua day, every day of the nications officer II, has week, to answer calls.” worked as a 911 dispatcher for Oklahoma State for seven years. See Dispatch on 3A
Page 2A Friday, January 7, 2022
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quote of the week:
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Friday, January 7, 2022 Page 3A
News
Rowdy reviews: Spider-Man: No Way Home
Tribune News Service
Rowdy Baribeau
ing moments, crowd reactions - this movie has been debated to be the top Staff Reporter Spider-Man film across all adaptations. Now, your friendly neighborhood The following story contains journalist (no, I’m not talking about J. spoilers. Jonah Jameson) is going to give you a As many know, one of the most friendly neighborhood spoiler warnanticipated movies in 2021: Spider-Man: ing. If you have not seen it yet, I highly No Way Home. Maybe I have some advise going to see this movie, you will recency bias, but I can truly say this not want to miss it. movie was a masterpiece. Okay, here we go. This film starts Marvel Studios and Sony, once out with Spider-Man’s past foe, Mysteagain, hit it out of the park with this rio exposing his true identity and essenfilm. From nostalgia to great cinematog- tially flips Parker, Ned and MJ’s lives raphy, a riveting storyline, heartbreakupside down. The group is thrusted into
Dispatch...
record the make, model, serial number and an optional photograph of valuables. It is available on the my.okstate. edu portal under Quicklinks. There has also been an increasContinued from 1A ing number of calls reporting the welfare of those suffering from depression Although the first few weeks or suicidal thoughts, Eastman said. working the night shifts were difficult, “Mental health, especially durGipson said he found a way to reduce ing this time, has been a major trend his drowsiness during the early morn- across a lot of college campuses, and ing hours. it’s one of the things that is very im“You hit that 4 a.m. wall and portant to me that we are responding nothing is happening, and then after to,” Eastman said. “When we receive a while, you get used to it. For me, these calls with students who are worpersonally, it’s a lot easier having cut ried about suicidality or depression, we out almost all my caffeine. Instead of immediately start trying to mobilize drinking more and more energy drinks resources whether that’s counseling, and more caffeine, I just have a little paramedics or whatever they need at bit at a time. I can really feel the difthe time.” ference,” Gipson said. Eastman said students needOSU dispatchers respond to all ing any kind of non-emergency help calls within state-owned university should call the non-emergency line at property, Gipson said. 405-744-6523. If students have an emergency “Every police department is difoutside of campus, they can contact the ferent, because they are so individual Stillwater Police Department. to their communities. Our community “Most of the calls we receive here is trying to help students and OSU tend to be auto burglaries, traffic stops, as a whole. So, a lot of what we do isn’t small collisions, cars needing to be just for the 911 calls, we also want to jumped, stolen bikes and small prophelp out students with any resources erty crimes,” Gipson said. we can provide,” Eastman said. “So Travis Eastman, public safety if you need help of some kind, please communications supervisor, said he give us a call on the non-emergency noticed a spike in reports of crimes line, we will try to get you in touch like bicycle theft and car break-ins. with the right university resource.” “During these colder months, Eastman said he is thankful to these crimes tend to happen more have the opportunity to better the lives often. Students should call and report of others. any suspicious activity as soon as pos“Coming to work, it’s not just sible. They can also send a picture and a paycheck for me. No one wants to chat directly with us through the Rave have to call 911,” Eastman said. “Being Guardian app,” Eastman said. there when someone is having probably To help officers locate these sto- one of the worst days of their lives, and len items, students should take advan- knowing what I do can change that for tage of the university’s Public Asset the better is easily the most rewarding Inventory, Eastman said. part of the job.” The Public Asset Inventory is an online tracking system that provides a place for students, faculty and staff to entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
Courtesy of Oklahoma State police department The Oklahoma State Police Department has more the 30 sworn officers, 12 support staff and over 10 student employees, according to the department’s website.
the spotlight and the group experiences difficulties getting into universities. So, Parker seeks out Doctor Strange for help. Events rapidly unfold after Strange conjures a spell for Parker. Characters from the multiverse arrive in Parker’s world. These characters include Spider-Man super villains such as the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Sandman, Lizard and other Peter Parkers. All these characters are played by actors from previous Spider-Man films. This movie was filled with twists and turns, which drew the audience in
with a stream of surprises. All in all, I loved the idea of bringing back actors to reprise their roles. It was awesome seeing everyone come back and I think that’s why the movie is so high on my personal rankings of Marvel films. Not to mention, the wittiness of combining some elements of the older Spider- Man movies, made it humorous. Additionally,, bringing back unique characters brought a sentimental flair to the film. news.ed@ocolly.com
Loyal, true (and a little Irish too)
Oklahoma State’s Cowboy Marching Band prepared Notre Dame’s fight song at rehearsal.
Ellen Slater Staff Reporter Although Oklahoma State’s football team offered no help to it’s Fiesta Bowl rival on the field last week, the Cowboy Marching Band offered a hand to help out the Fighting Irish opponents when they could not make it. Oklahoma State’s Cowboy Marching Band rallied up the crowd with not only the OSU fight song, but also the Notre Dame fight song. While the rivalry ran rampant for the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day, the Cowboy Marching band did not hesitate to play their opponents fight song when its band could
not make it to the bowl because of last-minute changes regarding COVID-19. The Cowboy Marching Band, which was already down over 100 members due to its own change with COVID-19, received the music for the Notre Dame fight song at the first rehearsal on the trip, just before it was needed for performance. A few hours went into making sure it was Fighting Irish-ready with memorization and learning. Despite preparation, it was still an on-the-fly adjustment for the band. Sam Holguin is a senior and has been with the Cowboy Marching Band throughout her college career. She has never seen the band play another school’s fight song. “Part of the band experience is learning things on the fly,” Holguin said.
Abby Cage
Holguin compared it to when the band gets revisions just a day or two before performances. Although the members where preparing for the Fiesta Bowl, she said it was viewed as another one of those scenarios. The tunes of fight songs are something fans, players and alumni will recognize. Holguin said fight songs are something that is incredibly important to thousands of people who will be listening. Because fans hold their alma mater’s fight song closely, more care is put into fight songs in order to be close to perfection. Both teams were not on home turf because the bowl game was in Arizona. However, fans on both sides got to hear their fight songs because entertainment.ed @ocolly.com
Page 4A Friday, January 7, 2022
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News
Prominent OSU figure’s inner Golden Girl
Tribune News Service
lore, Sophia gave us the same level of success. She had the best wit and humor on the show. Not to mention, Dorothy, her daughter and fellow Golden Girl would not exist without her and she had some Ryan Novozinsky of the most entertaining storylines. Still not convinced she’s John Smith? Staff Reporter Let’s talk about age then. Did you know Betty White’s death shocked sodespite being the oldest member of cial media on New Year’s Eve. the girls in the show, Sophia’s actress, Millions of users reflected on her Estelle Getty, was the youngest of the famous roles over the years, with many four in real life? I think the same logic talking about her legendary portrayal can be applied to Smith. You think he’d of Rose Nylund in the Golden Girls. be older because of his success, but in This discourse inspired me to answer an reality he’s only 56. important question: Which prominent OSU figures are most like the Golden Girls?
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Sophia Petrillo- John Smith I’m going to present you with two words: bold and storied. These adjectives perfectly sum up both John Smith and Sophia Petrillo from the Golden Girls. At 56 years old, Smith has five national championships, two Olympic Championships and four World Wrestling Championships. In Golden Girls
Rose Nylund- Burns Hargis I swear, I mean this as a compliment. In the show, Rose is portrayed as incredibly naïve and ditzy. In that regard, former OSU President Burns Hargis is not Rose. But where I see similarities between them is in their auras. Rose and Hargis are both kindhearted legends. They are never too loud or boisterous and they certainly know how to win a
SFC Welcomes Back a Fellow OSU Alumni! Monica Harden, D.O. is Now Accepting New Patients of All Ages
room. Every time Hargis spoke at OSU, you remembered it. He had a certain charm about him. Similarly, Rose basically steals every scene she’s in–even with the rest of the star studded cast in play.
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ton File photo
Blanche Devereaux- Mike Gundy OK, hear me out. If we had to choose a human mascot to represent the state of Oklahoma over the past decade or so, Gundy would be one of the leading candidates. His persona screams Oklahoma: the mullet, the farms, the snake hunting, etc. Well Rue McClanahan, who played Devereaux, was a salt-of-theearth Oklahoman herself. McClanahan was born in Healdton and was cast as Blanche to fit the “southern belle” description of the character. While Gundy’s no southern belle, he is definitely an old fashioned country boy. One of Blanche’s main character traits is flirting too––and there’s no denying that Gundy has flirted with leaving for Tennessee a few times.
Dorothy Zbornak- Mike Boyn-
In canon, Dorothy was born in New York City. That’s only a small part of why she reminds me of Mike Boynton, a native Brooklynite. Dorothy is passionate, sarcastic and wildly protective of the people closest to her. She would do anything for her crew. I get the same vibes from Mike Boynton. When the NCAA gave Boynton some ridiculous penalties, Boynton fired back with a hard stance. “It’s no wonder that nobody trusts (the NCAA). It’s shameful,” Boynton said while holding back tears. I guarantee if Dorothy was OSU’s basketball coach and Rose was running the point, she would show the same passion Boynton did.
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It has been a number of years ago that the Lord Jesus challenged me to be definite in making myself available to him. I was attending church regularly. My wife and I were giving to the work of God. We were not doing anything that would be considered wrong in the eyes of God. I thought I was available to Christ. As I prayed about this, I felt the Lord wanted me to spend more consistent time with him. I decided to get up each morning and spend an hour in prayer and in the Bible. The first morning when I knelt at the living room couch, I went to sleep. What a commitment! However, I did not give up. The next morning with my Bible in hand, I walked back and forth across the living room praising, praying and reading the Bible. I was being definite, not perfect, but definite.
King David said, “My heart says of you (God), ‘Seek his Face! Your face, Lord, I will seek.’ (Ps.27:8) David was a man after God’s own heart. He certainly was not perfect, but one who sought after and followed God. Being definite with God has such great reward. He is the Good Shepherd that will faithfully lead our lives into the best and lasting way. As the Lord challenges our lives in various areas of obedience and service, It is so important to be definite; to be clear, to be wholehearted. Go all the way, and do that thing(s) you are challenged to do. Don’t compromise! Possibly God is challenging you about a definite time in prayer and in scripture. Maybe it is in giving; not just occasionally, but often and consistently Maybe it is Christian service; helping is mission work; worthwhile projects. Go for it! Be definite. You will find God definite, and there will be lasting fruit and satisfaction.
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Friday, January 7, 2022 Page 5A
Lifestyle
Music to look forward to in 2022
The Weeknd has started the New Year with a bang, as the superstar surprised fans by announcing that his fifth album, “Dawn FM”, was ready days before its arrival on January 7th.
lost time. Here are the most anticipated albums in 2022: Today, Jan. 7 - The Weeknd, “Dawn FM” Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known by his stage name The Weeknd, kicks Dru Norton off 2022 with his album, “Dawn FM.” This album features popular artists Lifestyle Editor like Tyler the Creator, Lil Wayne and comedy legend Jim Carrey. This is The After two years of shutdowns, Weeknd’s fifth studio album. postponements and cancellations, sevJan. 14 - Earl Sweatshirt, eral music artists are making a come“Sick!” back in 2022. Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, known Although the music industry suf- by his stage name Earl Sweatshirt, will fered in 2020, 2021 persevered amidst release his fourth studio rap album the pandemic with music from some “Sick!” on Jan. 14. familiar faces and unexpected new artJan. 14 - The Lumineers, ists. Last year, Olivia Rodrigo’s debut “BRIGHTSIDE” album “Sour” captured the world’s The Lumineers first gained popuattention with hit songs “drivers lilarity with songs “Ho Hey” in 2012, cense” and “good 4 u”, Adele emerged and “Ophelia” in 2016. This year, the from her six-year hiatus with album indie folk band will debut its fourth “30”, and Taylor Swift’s song “All Too studio album, “BRIGHTSIDE”. Well” from her re-recorded album “Red Feb. 4 - Mitski, “Laurel Hell” (Taylor’s Version)” broke the record Mitski Miyawaki is an indie punk for longest No. 1 song in the Billboard artist who rose to fame in early 2021 Hot 100. This year is expected to have through social media platform TikTok plenty of new music to make up for for hits “Washing Machine Heart” and
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“First Love / Late Spring.” “Laurel Hell” is her sixth studio album. Feb. 4 - Bastille, “Give Me the Future” Bastille is an English pop rock band best known for their hit songs “Pompeii” and “Happier”. “Give Me the Future” is their fourth studio album. Feb. 11 - Spoon, “Lucifer on the Sofa” American rock band Spoon was formed in 1993, best known for hits “The Way We Get By” and “I Turn My Camera On.” “Lucifer on the Sofa” will be their first album in five years. Feb. 11 - Alt-J, “The Dream” Alt-J is an English indie rock band formed in 2007, best known for hits “Fitzpleasure” and “In Cold Blood”. This will be their fourth studio album. Feb. 18 - Beach House, “Once Twice Melody” Beach House is a musical duo formed in 2004, best known for their dream pop sounds. Their previous album, “Depression Cherry” debuted in 2015 and quickly gained popular-
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ity. “Once Twice Melody” will be their fourth studio album. March 18 - Charli XCX, “Crash” Charlotte Emma Aitchison, known by stage name Charli XCX, is known for her electro pop sound and collaborations with artists like Iggy Azalea and Cardi B. “Crash” is her fifth studio album. April 8 - Jack White, “Fear of the Dawn” Jack White is best known as the lead singer of The White Stripes. When The White Stripes dissolved in 2011, Jack White began his solo artist career. “Fear of the Dawn” is his fourth selftitled studio album. Artists expected to release music in 2022: Saweetie, Kanye West, Machine Gun Kelly, Camila Cabelo, BTS, Kendrick Lamar, FKA Twigs, Kid Cudi, SZA, Grimes, Normani, Cardi B, Lizzo, Frank Ocean, Post Malone, A$ap Rocky, Megan Thee Stallion and more. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
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Student Union Activities Board Campus activities for students are already scheduled for spring 2022. Below are events the Student Union Activities Board will be holding during the semester. January Monday: Puppies & Puppy Chow Tuesday: Kindness Rocks Wednesday: T-shirt Swap Jan. 20: Bingo & Hot Cocoa Jan. 24: Survey Says Jan. 31: Lunar New Year
Jaiden Daughty
New recommendations for boosters and vaccines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made new recommendations this week.
VID-19 infection and the complications of severe disease,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement. “This booster dose will provide optimized protection against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. Anna Pope I encourage all parents to keep their News Editor children up to date with CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.” In addition to the recent Pizer’s COVID-19 booster shot booster expansion, the CDC reis expanded to children 12-15 with leased more new recommendations the recommendation of the Advithis week. The CDC recommends sory Committee on Immunization 5-11-year-olds who are moderately Practices (ACIP) and the Centers or severely immunocompromised for Disease Control and Prevention should receive one more primary (CDC). dose of the Pfizer vaccine 28 days The CDC endorsed ACIP’s after their second shot. recommendation after the Food and Another update is individuals Drug Administration (FDA) apwho are fully vaccinated with Pfizproved the booster for the age group er’s COVID-19 vaccine may receive earlier this week. the Pfizer booster shot five months “It is critical that we protect after they complete their vaccine our children and teens from COseries. The initial recommendation
was a six-month wait between the vaccine series and booster. This move from the CDC also follows the FDA authorization of the changed time interval earlier this week. Keith Reed is the interim health commissioner at the Oklahoma State Department of Health. He said in a statement the department is pleased to see the CDC’s expansion in vaccination eligibility, and getting Oklahomans boosted is critical because of the rise in COVID-19 cases. “We encourage families to talk with their primary care providers about vaccinating their kids and now boosting those who are in the 12 to 15 age group,” said Reed.
February Feb. 10: Vals & Pals Feb. 17: Glow Bingo Feb. 21: Black History Celebration Feb. 24 : Music Therapy Feb. 28: Mardi Gras March March 7: Paint Night March 9: Talent Show March 24: Arabian Nights March 28: Soda Pope Shop March 31: Nearly Naked Mile April April 4: Condom Bingo April 7: Dragonfly April 11: Graffiti Wars April 14: Mr. OSU April 20: Extreme Petting Zoo April 20: Laser Tag April 21: Succulent Planting May May 2: Late Night Café May 3: Late Night Café
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Looking back on one of OSU’s most memorable seasons
Dean Ruhl Sports Editor
Wide receiver U Oklahoma State has built a strong history of developing wide receivers.
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Reflecting on the past two decades of Cowboy receivers
Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter The history speaks for itself. Biletnikoff Award winners, Heisman Trophy semi-finalists, first round NFL draft picks and 2,000-yard seasons. Oklahoma State receivers have done it all. Rashaun Woods, Dez Bryant, Justin Blackmon, James Washington and Tylan Wallace. These names are prominent in the annals of history, and have given OSU the reputation of “Wide Receiver U.” OSU coach Mike Gundy rejoined the Cowboys coaching staff in 2001, becoming the team’s offensive coordinator, and would later become head coach in 2005. Since then, OSU has produced some of the best receivers in college football history. “Wide Receiver U” is the nickname fans and former players refer to OSU as, for having the best pass catchers in the country. Not one receiver came to OSU as a five-star prospect, but honed their skill sets during their time on campus. The first receiver of the Gundy era set the precedent for all receivers after him in the two decades since was Woods. Woods set multiple NCAA, conference and OSU records in his four seasons as a Cowboy. A native of Oklahoma City, Woods committed to OSU in 1999. In 2000, Woods did not score a touchdown, and caught less than 30 passes. In his freshman year, Woods saw flashes of greatness in himself. “If guys are making plays, that is a tell-tale sign that those guys are going to be really special,” Woods said. “For me, it was my freshman year.” From 2001-2003, Woods would break records. In the next three years, Woods would have three straight, 1,000-yard and 10-touchdown seasons. Woods finished his career with over 4,400-yards and 42-touchdowns,
both Big 12 records at the time. Woods also set the NCAA record for touchdowns in a single game, with seven against SMU. Woods credits his success to Gundy and the coaching staff. “From my receivers coaches, to Gundy, those guys are really good at their job,” Woods said. “Most of the success came from working hard. I was working hard. I was doing my part to make sure I got open and executed the plays. All and all, they were all hands on, and responsible for helping me become the player I ended up becoming.”
Bryant’s impact lives on in the minds of OSU players and fans, over a decade after his collegiate career ended. In OSU’s win over Oklahoma in 2021, wide receiver Tay Martin caught a touchdown pass and paid homage to Bryant in the end zone. With Bryant in attendance, Martin crossed his forearms in the air, recreating Bryant’s iconic “X” celebration, an act known well by OSU and Dallas Cowboys fans. Martin said he was unaware of Bryant’s presence at Boone Pickens Stadium prior to the moment, but already knew once six points were added to the scoreboard he wanted to throw up the X. Martin was able to talk to Bryant later, and after being a fan of the former great for a long time, he was grateful for Bryant’s teachings. Dameron Fooks, an OSU receiver during the 2009 season, was able to watch Bryant at his highest point. Bryant was coming off his statistically spectacular 2008 season, and he wanted to get even better. Fooks watched and learned from Bryant in practice every day, - Rashaun Woods and described Bryant as the hardest working person he had ever seen. Fooks recalls every practice, Bryant would try harder than he did in the games, and every rep he took Hart Lee Dykes was a sucwas no less than 100%. cessful receiver for OSU in the Although Bryant was not as 1980s, but Woods set a high bar vocal to Fooks, he set the example for the group following his deparand showed every receiver how to ture. Woods continues to remain practice. humble, 20 years later. Woods said The message was also sent to he believes every receiver who Blackmon. came after him at OSU are similar Blackmon was a freshman in to him, people who work hard and the 2009 season, and Fooks rewho take the opportunities given to members seeing moments of talent them in order to be the best players in the young receiver. they can be. “I saw flashes,” Fooks said. Three years after Woods was “He played a little more of a slot, drafted in the first round, Bryant but after Dez left he moved over to took his talents to Stillwater. Bry- the X position where Dez was, and ant, a four-star prospect, was rated won the Biletnikoff. Before that he as a top-10 receiver in his class. was still fundamentally sound, a Woods said he believes his success good route runner, and the way he helped bring Bryant to OSU. executed things. He was confident Bryant’s 2008 season numin everything he did, he trusted bers pop off the page. In 13 games, himself. He had all the intanthe sophomore receiver would gibles.” catch 87 passes for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns. Bryant would be a finalist for the Biletnikoff, behind two other Big 12 pass catchers. See Wide receiver on 3B
All and all, they were all hands on, and responsible for helping me become the player I ended up becoming.
Three weeks in, coach Mike Gundy thought Oklahoma State was in trouble. Without a fingertip field goal block by safety Jason Taylor, and a game-clinching catch by walk-on receiver Cale Cabbiness, the Cowboys likely wouldn’t have escaped the blue turf of Boise State with a win. Through three games, OSU had narrowly navigated its nonconference schedule to a 3-0 start. Each margin of victory was by a touchdown or less, the closest being a 21-20 win against the Broncos. But, they kept finding ways to win. In a season highlighted by NIL deals, conference realignment talks and COVID continuing to leave an impact, the Cowboys navigated a tumultuous Big 12 schedule toward their first 12-win season in a decade. They opened conference play with backto-back two possession wins, including a 10-point win over Baylor that was more significant than originally thought. They downed Texas, one of the three blue blood programs the Cowboys would face this season, assisted again by Taylor’s heroics, who intercepted UT quarterback Casey Thompson, returning it for an 85-yard touchdown. The wins accumulated on the back of the defense, guided by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who became revered in Stillwater for his quirky, cartoonish personality amid talks of contract extensions. The Cowboys would be handed their first loss against Iowa State, falling inches short of an opportunity to win. This wouldn’t be the last time OSU would come within inches of a win. The offense would pick up the pace following the Cyclones, posting 55 and 63 points in back-to-back weeks, while the defense would allow just 16 points in a four-game stretch. OSU would immortalize Barry Sanders, inducting him into the Cowboy Ring of Honor and unveiling a statue in honor of the running back’s achievements. The Cowboys secured their first appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game following a shutout of Texas Tech, and locked up a 10win season in Lubbock, Texas. They followed it up with a thrilling 37-33 victory over rival Oklahoma, the Cowboys first since 2014. Propelled to the No. 5 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings, OSU was on the brink of cracking into the four-team tournament for the first time in school history ahead of championship weekend. But, like against Iowa State, fell inches short. Instead, the Cowboys would grace the Fiesta Bowl for the first time since 2011, once again winning in comeback fashion against a blue blood, this time Notre Dame. After being projected to win seven games this season, the Fiesta Bowl win over the Fighting Irish was one Gundy called the biggest in program history, and concluded one of the most memorable seasons in OSU lore. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Chris Becker OSU football capped off a historic season with a Fiesta Bowl victory.
Page 2B Friday, January 7, 2022
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Friday, January 7, 2022 Page 3B
sports
Cowboys honoring Iba, 30 former players returning to Stillwater building.” Iba’s legacy will again be celebrated Saturday, when the Cowboys host No. 14 Texas at Gallagher-Iba Arena Iba, with more than 30 of his former Dean Ruhl players returning to Stillwater. For Boynton, current Oklahoma Sports Editor State coach, celebrating the history of the program is crucial. The Henry Iba stories “The blood, sweat and could be told for days. tears they put in to establishing The Munich Olympics. Oklahoma State basketball will Two national championship be about is something I’m still runs. More than 30 years douindebted to,” Boynton said. “I’m bling as head basketball coach glad those guys feel comfortand athletic director. There is able coming around and wanting even this anecdote about a forto be a part, supporting these mer player naming his newborn guys.” son after Iba. Boynton said he previously “I talk about it being met most of the former players coach (Eddie) Sutton’s program, at other OSU events over the but he is actually the heir to the past few years, but is eager to throne,” coach Mike Boynton once again connect with them. said. “It is Iba’s program, there It is still unknown what is a reason his name is on the former players will be traveling
PROJECTED STARTERS Oklahoma State (7-5 overall, 0-1 Big 12) Avery Anderson Isaac Likekele Bryce Williams Kalib Boone Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe
THE BASICS
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No. 14 Texas vs. Oklahoma State Where: Gallagher-Iba Arena When: Saturday, 1:00 p.m. TV: CBS Sports
In a Saturday matchup with Texas OSU will honor one of the namesakes of Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Wide receiver... Continued from 1B Although Blackmon had all the talent to become a great player, Fooks said he still worked for it. Fooks believes the way Bryant practiced was picked up by Blackmon, which allowed Blackmon to win back-to-back Biletnikoff awards. The Biletnikoff award is handed out to the best receiver in the country for each season. Blackmon won the 2010 and 2011 trophy. Although Bryant was suspended during the 2009 season, his 2008 season in which he finished with over 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns, paved the way for Blackmon to accumulate 3,304 yards and 38 touchdowns in two seasons. Fooks considers Bryant’s work ethic and Gundy’s coaching allowed Blackmon to be drafted in the top five of the 2012 NFL draft. Washington came next. He was on very few radars. His hometown of Stamford, Texas, is a small town with less than 3,000 people. Washington only held four Division I offers, however offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn discovered the young receiver, and the two formed an unbreakable bond. Washington came to OSU as a three-star receiver, and just like those before him, sharpened his craft. “I maximized every source and opportunity I had,” Washington said. “I met with Dunn on my lunch break or on his lunch break. Staying after practice to watch film with him. It did not even have to be with a coach. We would come together and just break down corners and learn the game amongst each other.” Washington and Dunn’s relationship continued, and improved in their time together in Stillwater. Washington recalls times of the two fishing together in Dunn’s boat, taking trips to Idaho, and spending time at Dunn’s house talking about football and hunting. Washington describes their connection “like a father and son relationship,” and said it has continued to this day. Washington showed glimpses during his freshman year, where he caught six touchdowns. From his sophomore to junior year, Washington would have the second most receiving yards in Big 12 history, with 4,472, and 39 touchdowns. Washington won the 2017 Biletnikoff Award, the third in school history. With three, OSU became the school with the most Biletnikoff trophies. Washington’s crowning achievement of his career was winning the
Texas (12-2, 2-0) Timmy Allen Marcus Carr Tre Mitchell Courtney Ramey Andrew Jones
Biletnikoff. Washington was excited he was able to win the trophy for Oklahoma State, but he was also able to fulfill his promise to his brother. “It meant a lot,” Washington said. “I had a brother, he was really my cousin but I called him my brother. I told him ‘I am going to win this award and I want you to see me.’ A week before I won, he passed. It meant a lot to me because of that.” Washington looked for outside help during his time to help him succeed, in the form of Bryant. “I talked to (Dez) on Instagram,” Washington said. “Just about the mental side. It is a hard league to play in, especially for young guys. He helped me stay focused.” In 2017, a young four-star receiver from Fort Worth, Texas, came to Stillwater. As a senior, Washington paid it forward, and helped the young player. “It was a lot of fun,” Washington said. “They showed flashes, and there were times I saw me and my life and my journey in football. It makes you happy to help those guys, and give them tips and advice in life.” The young receiver was Wallace. Wallace, and his twin-brother, Tracin, both committed to OSU, and were wellaware of the previous receivers. “When you look at the lineage of receivers that have come through OSU and the offense they run, it was a major part,” Wallace said. “Both of us were offensive players and we thought ‘what other offense would we want to be a part of.’” Although Tracin dealt with injuries throughout high school, OSU kept Tracin’s offer available. Gundy knew the importance of the brotherly connection, and Tylan said he felt cared for, leading to the twins commitment to OSU. As a freshman in 2017, Wallace was able to watch Washington take home the Biletnikoff, and succeed in the Big 12. Wallace remembers learning from Washington, which he said allowed him to become better. “As a freshman I heard about James and I looked up to him,” Wallace said. “He taught me how to practice and how to play the game. Without physically telling me, he taught me how to practice and how to act in meetings. He taught through his actions.” The very next season, Wallace became OSU’s No. 1 receiver, catching 86 passes for 1,491 yards and 12 touchdowns. Wallace would finish second in the Biletnikoff voting, and was a Heisman Trophy semi-finalist. Wallace tore his ACL during his junior year, but decided not to declare for the draft, instead returned for his senior season. Wallace said he believed OSU had a special team who could compete for the Big 12 championship,
to Stillwater for the recognition. Aptly titled “The Men of Iba”, the celebration of Cowboy basketball’s legacy is something Boynton wants to become a consistent occurrence in Stillwater. “I think we should try to find out which of our, if any, former players, alumni, coaches and managers that have been here to help build what we believe is a program worthy of national recognition,” Boynton said. Boynton wasn’t a part of the decision-making process behind the Iba celebration, but said the administration is doing a good job honoring the legacy. “About everything that happens in this program other than calling timeouts and substitutions, is pretty much somebody else’s idea,” Boynton said. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Three things to watch 1. The Cowboys continue to struggle at 3-point shooting, successfully hitting 28% of their attempts this season. They improved in their first conference game this season against Kansas, shooting 43%, success they’ll look to carry over against Texas. 2. Texas forward Timmy Allen currently ranks fourth in the conference in rebounds per game
(6.9). Watch for how the Cowboys contain Allen, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound transfer who has excelled at rebounding through 14 games. 3. The Cowboys have the top two shot blockers in the Big 12, with Moussa Cisse averaging 2.2 blocks per game, and Kalib Boone at 1.8. Watch for how the Cowboys protect the paint against a Longhorn team averaging 72 points per game.
but he also said he wanted to experience successful for one reason or another. his senior year, and graduate with his None were five-star recruits, destined brother. for success. They learned from receiv-
The list of recent OSU receivers to play in the NFL has grown over the past five years.
Wallace was drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft, but still thinks fondly of his time as a Cowboy. “It was great, I don’t think I could have chosen a better place to attend over my four years of college,” Wallace said. “(Gundy and Dunn) were both great coaches, they are there for the players, they want to see everybody succeed, so it was really great to play for them over four years.” Wallace, just as other former Cowboys did, returned to the sidelines of Boone Pickens Stadium for the 2021 Homecoming game. Wallace traded his helmet, pads, and cleats, for a bright orange beanie and OSU merchandise. Wallace was rejoined with his twin brother, who had since joined OSU’s coaching staff. Both Wallace’s were coaching during a game week, as Dunn remembers Tylan mentorship towards his former teammates. “He talked to the receivers about what it is like playing in the NFL,” Dunn said. “The first thing he said was about effort. He was even teaching during our practices.” Each aforementioned receiver was
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ers of the past, and honed their abilities. Woods set the standard, and the rest followed suit. Wallace looked back on the past receivers and attests their success to meticulous effort. “Each guy had their own thing that they were great at,” Wallace said. “I would assume it was their work ethic. The offensive system they run at Oklahoma State is one built for receivers to succeed in. If you ask me, they just took advantage of the opportunities given to them.” Woods, however, said he believes the success of receivers comes from Gundy and the program he built. “It is a testament to the development of the kids,” Woods said. “The coaches and their ability to develop guys has been phenomenal during the Gundy era. The strength and conditioning program as well. Those guys are getting stronger and are provided with the tools to maximize their ability. It’s important to get talented guys, but development still reigns supreme.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
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Friday, January 7, 2022 Page 4B
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Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 TV show featuring both blood cells and jail cells 4 Not exactly a warm blanket 8 “Heavens!” 14 Boo 15 Club in a Manilow hit 16 Waver’s cry 17 Chef and author Garten 18 Green card offerer 19 *Works with needles 20 Mob inductee 22 *Binge-watch on Netflix, say 23 Grand __ 24 *Hero’s place 26 Chaney of the screen 28 *Work position with little mobility? 34 *Italian sparkling wine region 37 *Tweetstorm, e.g. 38 *Makes splashes at the shore ... and what each answer to a starred clue does 40 *Sandie ingredients 41 *Existential funk 42 *Crisis specialists 44 Hopped-up refreshment? 45 OutKast chart topper with the lyric “My baby don’t mess around” 47 Humorist Bombeck 50 Bebop lover 55 One crossing the line? 57 Like some garages 58 Word with bike or bag 59 Fertility clinic collections 60 Ones taking advantage of suckers to get by? 61 __ alphabet 62 Lip 63 Secure 64 Early creation
1/7/22
By Christina Iverson and Jeff Chen
65 Word in wedding announcements DOWN 1 First hominid in space 2 Bat signal? 3 Stuck 4 Email to watch out for 5 One lacking roots 6 Made the first bet 7 Need on the slopes or the waves 8 1979 #1 hit by The Knack 9 Draft choice? 10 It has a nice ring to it 11 Home to Athens and Dublin 12 Yearly address, initially 13 One sending a Zoom link 21 Stranger things 22 Friends often pay one 25 “Supposing ... ” 27 Playfully bite 29 Swedish coin 30 Clanked around, like keys in one’s pocket
Thursday’s Puzzle Solved
©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
31 Swiss peak 32 Oft-spoken tributes 33 Outdo 34 Serpents in some hieroglyphics 35 Bias 36 Severus Snape’s house 39 Look on Snape’s face, often 43 Large number 46 Major artery
1/7/22
48 Flick 49 Top performance level 50 One of a buck’s four 51 Quechua speaker 52 Many adoptees 53 Paisley native 54 It’s on a roll 56 Tiny bit 58 1-Across evidence
Daily Horoscope
Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes
Today’s Birthday (01/07/22). Take advantage of this lucrative year to replenish resources. Consistency and disciplined practices build financial strength. Winter visions, plans and dreams inspire springtime fun, creativity and romance. Support your team with changes next summer, before social fun surges next autumn. Make valuable connections. 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 9 — You’re getting stronger. A personal project energizes you. An intensely creative moment flowers naturally. Feed your own passion by paying attention to it. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 6 — Settle into a peaceful, private spot. Creativity sparks in the shower. It’s emotion versus reason. You can solve a puzzle. Refine for the perfect plan. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Teamwork grows and develops in communication. Share what you’re learning. Listen and contribute. Collaboration can make what was “impossible” seem easy. Encourage participation. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Professional priorities advance with coordination and collaboration. Make decisions, sign contracts and determine the way forward. Prepare deliverables. Productivity comes easily. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Enlarge your horizons. Follow a fascinating thread that leads to unexplored frontiers. Study and research potential solutions. Get engaged in an interesting puzzle. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Collaboration and coordination get lucrative. Rake in shared profits. Share the load with your partner. Together, you’re a powerful team. Discuss the possibilities. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Strategize about shared priorities with your partner. Communicate and collaborate. Keep your bargains and agreements. Show up for each other. Listen with your heart. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Focus on physical performance. Practice to grow stronger. Nurture your health and vitality. The excellent work you’ve been doing reflects you well. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Put your words and energy where your heart is. Connect with a sense of passion, purpose and inspiration. Practice arts and skills. Enjoy beloved people. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Work from home? Domestic surroundings suit you fine. Home keeps you centered and grounded. Family, kids and pets provide love and connection. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Get creative with an intellectual puzzle. There are multiple solutions. Expand your perspective. Write your views and thoughts. Refine, edit and sort your notes. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Monitor accounts and maintain positive cash flow. Your ideas are attracting attention. Refine your elevator speech or the pitch for your great idea.
Level 1
2
3
4
1/7/22
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
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Friday, January 7, 2022 Page 5B
Page 6B Friday, January 7, 2022
The final 17 sports
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Cowboys plowing toward different ending
know, and I wasn’t in their situation, but they know it’s the last go around for (the seniors),” Boynton said. For Boynton, the goal is still limited in the end, but for now his sight is set on each day not too far down the road. Chris Becker “I mean, yeah, but it’s a shortEditor-in-chief memory league,” Boynton said. “You get too caught up looking too far down Oklahoma State basketball is the road, you’ll find yourself in a real unique this season. misery, because the schedule never Unlike most NCAA Division I gets easier. So we’ve got to focus on basketball teams the Cowboys know getting better when we come to practhe exact date their basketball season tice on Thursday.” will end. The goal for the Cowboys who “Everybody knows we can’t go to sit at 7-5 after a loss to Kansas remains the tournament, so we have these last unchanged. Win the only trophy they (17) games to do something about it,” can, the regular season Big 12 ChamBryce Williams said ahead of the Kan- pionship. sas game. “We’re all here for a reason, “We come together with the same they aren’t stopping us like they did goal, to win this championship, the two years ago. We have to show every- Big 12 Championship in these games,” body we can still do this even though Williams said. the NCAA.” The date will be March 5 against Texas Tech at Gallagher Iba Arena. sports.ed@ocolly.com The Cowboys season will end in their last regular season game with no Big 12 Tournament and, more importantly, no NCAA Tournament. Due to an NCAA postseason ban the 2021-22 OSU roster has just 17 games left together. 1/8 - vs. Texas “We know we are starting a journey, that’s our season, really. @1 p.m. That’s been the message, we have something right now in front of us that 1/11 - at West Virgina we can play for,” coach Mike Boynton said prior to his team’s Big 12 opener. @8 p.m. “We’re going to do it against the best competition in the country. 1/13 - at Texas Tech “If we can put ourselves in a po@6 p.m. sition to be relevant in the standings at, maybe we can make something special out of this year with this group.” 1/15 - at Baylor For Bryce Williams it will be his @4 p.m. final 17 collegiate games of his career. Williams, who is in his second season with OSU, has been a key piece to the 1/19 - vs. TCU Cowboys rotation since joining the @7 p.m. team from Ole Miss. “That sense of urgency, I talk about having, it’s different when you
Next 5
Noah Weber Oklahoma State can’t play in March Madness, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have an end goal.