Friday 3/4

Friday, March 4, 2022

Debate for a change Kylie Hammack Staff Reporter

presidential candidates Trevor Woodburn and Madilyn Dunn.

Pritzlaff, a junior studying political science and applied statistics, and Dunn, a junior As students prepare to vote for a new elementary education major, used the debate student body president and vice president, to forefront their THRIVE platform which the Student Government Association’s newest focuses on teamwork, health, resources, inpresidential and vice-presidential candidates novation, visionary and equity. debated their plans to better OSU on Wednes“Basic needs go hand and hand with day night. academic success,” Pritzlaff said. “We want to Running for OSU’s top positions in stu- make sure you are thriving in your personal dent government are presidential candidates life so you can thrive in your academic life.”

Sydney Adkins and Riley Pritzlaff, and vice See SGA on 8A

The candidates plan to expand student involvement and interest in SGA.

Karlie Boothe

Student holds close ties to Ukraine Kylie Hammack Staff Reporter

Abby Cage

Roth’s path from USAA to art Liz Roth’s exhibit “Understanding Place: Ideas and Process” uses research she gathered from her travels.

Brendan Ashley Staff Reporter

Liz Roth is a lot of things.

She is an associate professor at Oklahoma State, where she teaches painting and drawing. She is nearly fluent in Russian and is learning Chinese.

She is the interim department head of the Art, Graphic Design and Art History department at Oklahoma State.

No matter how many titles or positions she holds, first and foremost Roth is an artist. She has an exhibit on display in the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art called “Understanding Place: Ideas and Process.”

The exhibit will be on display until April 9. The museum hosted a reception for the exhibit Feb. 17.

Roth was not always a well-decorated and internationally known artist.

She didn’t major in art in college, instead graduating with a degree in Russian. Thanks to her degree, she was able to study in Russia. This experience led to Roth’s love of travel and immersing herself in foreign cultures.

After graduation, USAA hired Roth to work on cultural exchange exhibits in Russia and Ukraine.

While working with USAA and then stateside in criminal law, Roth was able to save money for law school.

With enough money saved, Roth then applied and was accepted to law school, but as she prepared for her first semester, her friends intervened.

“They said, ‘You are an artist, and while you would do well in law school, you have no business going,’” Roth said.

Thanks to the advice, Roth did not attend law school and moved to San Francisco with no plan.

“When I came back from Russia, I had some money ‘cause I saved it for law school,” Roth said. “So I was bumming around in San Francisco, and I walked past a sign for the community college and decided to take an art class.

“While I was taking those classes, it dawned on me that some people’s work was better than other people’s, and it seemed that all of the better work was made by people that went to grad school.”

With that realization,

Roth decided she would attend grad school and pursue a master’s degree in painting and screen printing, a passion she developed while taking classes at a San Francisco community college. She was accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison a decade after she had finished undergrad.

Having finished her master’s program, Roth began submitting works for solo and group art exhibits, but she wanted more out of her degree. She began to look for teaching positions in painting and came across a job listing at Oklahoma State in 2005.

“When this one (Oklahoma State) came, I jumped on it,” Roth said.

“It was a good offer, and while I had been offered some other positions, none of them were very good. I had been in the market for a while, and it is difficult to get a job as a faculty member in painting.”

After consulting her refrigerator magnet of the United States and figuring out where Oklahoma was, Roth made her way to Stillwater. Cora Avlos, a former student of Roth’s, saw firsthand the teacher Roth is.

“Professor Roth was

fantastic,” Avlos said. “The way she talked about her past works and the artistic process as a whole really made me enjoy every aspect of the class.”

After Roth was hired in 2005, she continued to create art. She put on solo exhibitions and contributed to several group exhibitions across the United States and the rest of the world. While making pieces for these shows, Roth developed a love for landscape-and-geographic-centered projects.

These projects mixed Roth’s loves, art and travel, which led to a major project for Roth, “America 101.”

For “America 101” Roth visited all 50 states, driving to 48 in a car with no cruise control, and painted 100 small landscapes. She created two paintings per state with the goal of showcasing the beauty of the country. The 101st piece in the exhibit was a billboard-sized image of a disposable plastic water bottle.

“As I visited each state, and found landscape vistas, the sense that these areas would eventually be choked with landfill was omnipresent,” Roth said.

See Roth on 6A

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shook the world last week. For political science freshman Dynel Bessah, the news hit closer to home. Born in the East African country of Cameroon, Bessah lived in Ukraine from 2011-2015 and considers the eastern European country a true home.

Q: What is your story with living in Ukraine and how did it become your home?

A: “I moved to Ukraine from Cameroon, and it was unexpected. Adapting to the culture was a little bit challenging but honestly, after just six months of living there and I had learned the language and everything, I just fell in love with the people. I clicked with everyone, and everyone was so nice. I was like, ‘Wow this truly is home.’”

Q: What do you love about Ukraine?

A: “I love their culture and tradition.

It’s probably one of the most colorful and brilliant. When I say the people are genuine; I mean it. They accepted us so greatly, each person like their own children. That’s the thing I really love about Ukraine, like the culture, the people, and the food.”

Q: In daily life, was there ever an idea of the possibility of a Russian invasion?

A: “Sort of. In a way, we anticipated there could be an invasion, but we still went about our days and everything until one day Russia annexed Crimea. In 2014, my grandma was wounded and that’s when we knew things were getting serious. It was totally out of nowhere. We didn’t expect things to get that serious.”

Q: Do you have any family members still in Ukraine?

A: “We all escaped Ukraine and are now just all over the world, but I still have friends there. That’s what worries me a lot right now.”

Q: Is there anything you want people to know about Ukraine that I have not asked?

A: “Seeing how everyone is worried about it is what is making me happy. It’s like, ‘Oh people care about Ukraine.’ To those who support Ukraine, the Ukrainian people are very grateful. People are messaging me asking, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ We love the support so much” news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Dynel Bessah He lived in Ukraine for four years as a child.

What's Inside

Perkins Page 3A

Construction on a major Stillwater road is causing delays for students.

Welfare Page 6A

The April 5 bond proposition for a new animal welfare facility is put on hold.

Intimate Page 7A

Another OSU production was a success as the next one begins.

Page 2A Friday, March 4, 2022

O’Colly

Page 2 Myrtle Beach is considered one of the best spring break destinations for college students on a budget. Myrtle Beach is a city along the U.S. east coast that is the located halfway between the beginning and end of The Grand Strand– a 60-mile of beachfront running along the northern coast of South Carolina.

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per collegeconsensus.com

Spr i

Top 5 Spring Break destinations for students

reak Countd B g

days

Ocho Rios, which translates to Eight Rivers, what was once a simple fishing village has become a spring break preferred destination for spring breakers on the island of Jamaica. Ocho Rio is considered the place to go for a Jamaica spring break vacation.

South Padre Island is located on one of the most southern edges of Texas, on a barrier island. South Padre Island is known for being the first location outside the state of Florida to draw tremendous amounts of spring breakers.

Its popularity was gained for its ability to offer cheap spring break destinations outside of the sunshine state.

Panama City Beach is located along the Gulf Coast on the southern shores of the northwest Florida Panhandle.

Panama City Beach, Florida, claims to be “The World’s Most Beautiful Beach,” and the “Spring Break Capital of the World” which is easy to understand as tourists walk the 27 miles of pristine white sand beaches with the Gulf Coast waters tickling their toes.

Photo of the week By: Molly Jolliff The Student Union Activites Board hosted a Mardi Gras celebration on Monday for students on campus.

Daytona Beach is about 50 miles from Orlando’s playground – home to Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. People refer to it as the original spring break beach that meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Daytona Beach is the principal city on what is known as “Florida’s Fun Coast.”

Editorial board

Reporters/photographers

Editor-in-chief Chris Becker editorinchief@ocolly.com

Sports editor Dean Ruhl sports.ed@ocolly.com

News editor Dru Norton news.ed@ocolly.com

Design editor Sam Beebe design.ed@ocolly.com

Lifestyle editor Teyte Holcomb entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Photo editor Abby Cage photo.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant sports editor Sam Hutchens sports.ed@ocolly.com

Adviser John Helsley john.helsley@okstate.edu

Sports reporters: Adam Engel Ben Hutchens Sudeep Tumma Davis Cordova Calif Poncy Ashton Slaughter Daniel Allen Gabriel Trevino Gavin Pendergraff Kaleb Tadpole

Newsroom

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

WHEN IS LITTLE MUCH?

There is a short chorus that has encouraged me many times. “Little is much if God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame. There’s a crown and you can win it. If you go in Jesus’ name.”

The woman, who poured the precious ointment on Jesus just before he was crucified, was criticized for “wasting” this expensive item. Yet, Jesus said everywhere the gospel is preached this woman’s action would be told. (Mk 14:3-9) Little things mean a lot as we are willing to serve the Lord. Paul mentions many in Romans 16 who helped him. The Good Samaritan stopped to help the man beaten and robbed.

(Lu.10:30-37) Paul writes as you have opportunity, do good to all men, especially to other believers.(Gal.6:10) When the poor widow dropped the two pennies, all that she had, into the temple offering. Jesus said she gave more the large offerings given. Her “large giving” was in relation to what she had. (Mk.12:41-44)

Many people may plan to give when they receive a great amount of money, but that large amount of money may never come. We may plan to give time or talent to a project when we have more time, but that perfect time arrangement may never happen. Again, the apostle Paul encourages us “as you have opportunity, do good to all men.”

We never know when a little gesture of kindness, with money, or helping in an area of service, spending a little time with a person, a word of encouragement, will be just the action that will be a great help to someone. These can be practical ways of living out the Lord’s challenge to love one another. This is the fulfilling of the many commandments in the Bible: loving people by word and action.

News & Lifestyle reporters: \Jake Sellers Sierra Walton Rachel Williamson Kylie Hammack Mak Vandruff Stephen Stumpf Ellen Slater Jaden Besteda Rowdy Baribeau Anna Pope Allie Putman

Photographers: Jaiden Daughty Braden King Branson Evans Habbie Colen Abby Smith Alex Hernandez Molly Jolliff Sarah Briscoe Karisa Sheely Noah Weber Karlie Boothe

O’Colly

Friday, March 4, 2022 Page 3A

News

Payne on Perkins OSU students and Stillwater residents sound off on untimely road construction

Branson Evans

The construction project on Perkins road is expected to last two years.

Chris Becker Editor-in-Chief Perkins Road looks a little different currently.

The normally bustling four lane road in a central part of Stillwater is down to just two lanes.

The construction is part of an ODOT project to expand the road and decrease congestion along the major route in Stillwater.

The project is expected to

impact the road for two years and is reportedly over the original budget.

Popular businesses in the construction zone are Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, Buffalo Wild Wings and Texas Roadhouse.

OSU students, staff and Stillwater residents had mixed feelings about the project, especially the timing — the middle of the school year.

“I wish they would’ve waited until the summer to do it, or Christmas break. It shouldn’t take 45 minutes to get from campus to Palominos on a Saturday,” said Kassidy Paul, an OSU student on Twitter.

Some students think other

roads should be given the same treatment around Stillwater.

“Why couldn’t they go redo all the city streets like Elm and Maple where you could lose an axle any given day because they’re about as smooth as Rocky Mountain roads,” Peyton Burns, an OSU student, said.

Others are praising The City of Stillwater and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the project, choosing to look on the brighter side of the construction.

“Gonna be way worth it when it’s done,” Nathaniel Polston said. news.ed@ocolly.com

Switch lanes and choose Raising Cane’s Asa Lucas Staff Reporter Everyone has their happy place. For some, it’s the beaches of Hawaii, the rolling mountains of the Rockies or time at their grandmother’s house. For others, it’s Raising Cane’s right here in Stillwater on 317 N Perkins Rd. ​I f you drive past the restaurant it probably won’t stick out to you.

The logo itself is pretty standard and the architecture of the building blends into Stillwater.

But, if you decide to take a leap of faith and go inside you will be taken away. ​T he aroma of chicken and fries immediately grabs your stomach’s attention. When you walk up to the menu, you will be shocked to see the limited number of items on the menu. But, that is what contributes to the beauty of Raising Cane’s, its simplicity. ​T hey only have five main entrees on their menu. The Box Combo

with four chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, Cane’s sauce, Texas toast, a regular drink and it’s around $9.

Then, there is the three Finger Combo with three chicken fingers, fries, Cane’s sauce, Texas toast and a regular drink for close to $8. A fan favorite is the Caniac Combo, which includes six chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, two canes sauces, texas toast and a large drink for around $12.

They do have a Sandwich Combo, its three chicken fingers in between two buns, a Canes sauce, lettuce, fries and a regular drink which is around $8. Kids aren’t forgotten either, with the last entree being the kids combo with two chicken fingers, fries, Cane’s sauce with a kids drink, nearing $6. ​W hen your order is completed and you taste that Cane’s sauce for the first time, you will be transported to that happy place. Your stomach will be in heaven and the saltiness of the fries perfectly matches with the special sauce Cane’s

Asa Lucas One of the most popular orders from Raising Cane’s is the Caniac Combo, which includes six chicken fingers, fries, texas toast and two canes sauce containers, pictured above.

creates. And washing it all down with the freshbrewed lemonade is magical. ​Overall, eating here is a treat and before Stillwater had a Cane’s I would drive over 40 minutes to go eat at the

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am - 11:00pm

128 N Main St. Stillwater, OK 74075 Great selection, prices, & staff!

405.372.5080

nearest one. Although there are many positives to Cane’s, prices have raised twice in the last year. As a result, it’s not very affordable for college students to eat there often. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Abyy Cage Provost is expected to be named by 2022-23.

OSU clarifies timeline for provost search

permanent head for nearly a year, could be filled before the 2022-23 academic year, per the university.

Possible candidates are unknown at this point.

During OSU’s search for Chris Becker Editor-in-Chief a president last year, the official candidates were not released from OSU. Gary Sandefur, for- When asked if the Provost mer OSU Provost, retired candidates would be made from his role at OSU in public OSU did not conMarch of 2021. firm one way or the other.

Since his departure “Disclosing a list of from the role, Jeanette finalists is at the discretion Mendez has been filling of the president’s cabinet in as the interim. Nearly and upon the recommena year after Sandefur’s re- dation of Buffin/Baker, tirement, OSU clarified the the executive search firm next steps for the search assisting with the process,” for Sandefur’s replacea university official told ment.

The O’Colly. “The goal OSU officials told of the university is to be The O’Colly a search as transparent as possible committee for the provost while also respecting the could be selected “end of privacy and wishes of the this week or early next candidates as the process week.” moves forward.”

The time frame for naming a new provost, which has been without a news.ed@ocolly.com

modmuze Page Friday, March 2022 Page 24A Friday, February 22,4,2022

O’Colly The Daily O’Collegian

Nirvana Inspired Clothing “Look through any pictures of [Nirvana] and you will see Kurt Cobain, Kris Novoselic, Chad Channing and Dave Grohl in staple grunge pieces playing on stage. Wool cardigans, striped t-shirts, denim, Converse low-top shoes, and plaid shirt jackets make up the Nirvana uniform.

With the rise of grunge fashion coming back again, below are 6 clothing staples inspired by the band.” by: Tyler Tassi

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Photographer: Elizabeth Sanders Stylist: Gabriella Rangel Models: Caroline Pitzer, Phoebe Buffington, Gabriella Rangel

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modmuze O’Colly Page 2 Friday, February 22, 2022

Friday, March 2022 Page 5A The4, Daily O’Collegian

Photographer: Nicole Renaud

Model: Lainey Watson

“Sweatsuits are the new go-to. They are comfortable for all occasions and can be as stylish, chic or grungy and pajama-like as they please. While tracksuits may have started in the 2000s, their impact is still felt today in the way people opt out of formal wear for comfortable By: Leah Brainerd loungewear and pajamas.”

A G u i d e T o Grunge C h i c

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Photographer: Hannah Floyd Stylist and model: Lauren Watkins

Page 6A Friday, March 4, 2022

O’Colly

News

Roth...

me the best opportunity to do so.”

Roth was initially Continued from 1A scheduled to teach for a semester and take in the This exhibit was sights of the province. This when Roth was able to plan was disrupted when travel and create art that the teaching schedule she was not only beautiful but was on changed. also had a bigger, over“I was supposed arching purpose. to teach three, six-week After success of classes,” Roth said. “But “America 101,” Roth when that last class rolled continued to produce art around, they said, ‘It in the United States and doesn’t really make sense abroad. She recieved praise for you to teach it,’ because for her Grand Canyon they didn’t have a translaexhibit which analyzed the tor for me.” way people viewed natural With the six weeks beauty through the lens of of free time, Roth decided their camera rather than to travel the silk route, their eyes. a historic trade route Roth also expanded between Asia and the on the self-referential Mediterranean, with her aspect of the art she was sketchbooks. During her Abby Cage creating. Her “24/24: A travels, Roth realized in Roth focuses on expanding the self-referential aspect of art she creates.

Project Space” work is a the Guangzhou province, major example. and China many famous there and started turning withpeople coming in to For this project, Roth places were on the 40th my sketches into drawings view the exhibit. Elizabeth painted 24 portraits, one parallel. Roth then consult- so they could be printed.”

Gosney, marketing and an hour, during ed a globe and realized Roth produced four communications manager two 12-hour sesprints in the eight weeks of the museum, is excited sions. Roth said she that she was back in the about the opportunities wanted to “deprovince, but COVID dis- Roth’s exhibit brings to the mystify art” with rupted her workflow. museum. the exhibit. Roth She put off the “40 “We do something routinely went back Degrees” project until she called ‘Second Saturday,’” to this concept in her could travel and document Roth said. “The second future works. the places she needed. Not Saturday of every month After most of wanting her sketches to go the museum puts on arther recent solo exhibto waste, she got to work centered activities for the its had focused on the on another project. “Under- community, and we are United States, Roth standing Place: Ideas and doing one around Liz’s decided it was time Process” uses the research exhibit in March.” to expand. In 2019, she gathered from her time These activities are Roth was accepted as on the silk route. influential in the Stillwater a Fulbright Scholar in Roth began drawcommunity, said Spencer Liz Roth Guangzhou, China. ing, painting and screen Carter, a Stillwater naA Fulbright printing landscapes of tive and Oklahoma State Scholarship is a Oklahoma to accompany student. program where the the prints she had made “Growing up in American government will many of the locain China. Roth did not want Stillwater, my parents were pay artists to go abroad tions on that parallel were to make just an exhibit of always trying to get me and either teach or work places she had been before. only landscapes of China involved,” Carter said. “I on a project in that counThat led Roth to and Oklahoma, so instead, remember going to a lot of try. During the application develop the concept for her she found a new lens Second Saturdays at the process, Roth had to be “40 Degrees North Latithrough which to view the museum and getting to crestrategic about where she tude” project and gave her project. Jennifer Scanlon, ate art that was similar to would go. a plan. She would travel guest curator of the exhibit, what I was seeing hanging “You can only apply around the globe on that said the show is about more in the museum. As a young to one program at a time,” parallel and create art of than just art pieces. kid it was an awesome Roth said. “I applied to the locations she visited.

“The show docuexperience and no doubt China in part because it Shortly after she developed ments the many ways that shaped the way I appreciate was one of the programs I the idea, her Fulbright was Roth considers a landscape: art now.” was fairly sure I could get ending. researching it, experiencThe Second Saturday in, and I knew I could do “As soon as my ing it and then seeing it event centered on Roth’s some great work there.

Fulbright ended, I got back deeply through her artmak- exhibit has not been an“I wasn’t applying for on a plane and flew back to ing,” Scanlon said in the nounced or scheduled. a Fulbright to say, ‘I’ll go China,” Roth said. “I had museum’s press release. to Borneo and snorkel.’ I a great relationship with a The educational really wanted to further my screen printing company in opportunities from Roth’s work, and China offered Guangzhou, so I headed news.ed@ocolly.com exhibit do not end

ʼʼ

The second Saturday of every month the museum puts on art-centered activities.

ʼʼ

Jaiden Daughty Liz Roth, associate professor at OSU, has an exhibit in the OSU Museum of Art called, “Understanding Place: Ideas and Process.”

Stillwater Animal Welfare in need of new building

Brylee Smith There are not enough kennels to house stray dogs needing shelter at Stillwater Animal Welfare.

Brylee Smith and welfare facility, ensuring all animals find a Dru Norton

home.

Jackie RossGuerrero, director of the Stillwater Humane Society, said she speculates the preposition was put on hold because the Stillwater city council was concerned both bonds would not pass if put on the same ballot.

“They prioritized what was more important and they prioritized the fire department over animal welfare,” RossGuerrero said. “That’s why this year they decided to go with the fire department, and next year, hopefully, they are going to try to pass a bond for an animal welfare facility.”

As a nonprofit organization, the Humane Society is separate from Stillwater Animal Welfare and will not be included on the ballot.

At the Welfare department, they have three officers and Wasserman. They are understaffed and have started taking volunteers. Students interested in volunteering at the Stillwater Animal Welfare Department or Stillwater Humane Society can walk dogs or take care of cats.

“To volunteer here you just fill out a waiver, and sign in,” Madysen Jefferies, senior officer at the Stillwater Animal Welfare, said.

“It’s a great experience.”

Wasserman said the city council should have the preposition for a new Animal Welfare Department facility on the ballot in January 2023.

Wasserman and Ross-Guerrero said they are hopeful that this preposition is eventually passed, leading to a better home for these stray animals to recover and find their forever family.

Animals housed at the Stillwater Animal Welfare Department are in need of new home.

On April 5, the City of Stillwater planned to hold an election to vote on two bond prepositions: a new fire station and a new animal welfare facility.

However, the bond preposition for a new Stillwater Animal Welfare Department facility was put on hold and taken off the ballot.

Rachel Wasserman, director of Stillwater Animal Welfare, said a new facility is desperately needed.

Because of the high capacity of animal intake, animals are often overcrowded, leading to the spread of contagious diseases, Wasserman said.

“There are times, especially in the last week or two, where we have been turning away people who have surrendered animals and asking people to hold onto strays because we don’t have the space to put them anywhere,” Wasserman said.

Wasserman said they need a new space for an office and space for more kennels. There are 10 dogs on the adoption floor and 10 in isolation, and four cats are being kept in the garage because they do not have space to isolate the sick cats from the healthy ones. Wasserman said they are lacking the facilities to take care of the animals, and are expected to face issues when litters of kittens come in the spring.

A few feet away, the Stillwater Humane society, a nonprofit nokill shelter, is located in the same annex as the welfare. The Humane Society takes in adoptable animals from the news.ed@ocolly.com

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O’Colly

Friday, March 4, 2022 Page 7A

News

'Intimate Apparel' review

All photos by Karlie Boothe Actors in “Intimate Apparel” showcase different emotions to display a play about love and truth.

Jaden Besteda Staff Reporter

supporting characters in the background, fading out in position, waiting for when the main characte comes into their lives again. However, the best trait of it was how complex the show was without trying to be.

Courtney Noisette, an OSU student who plays OSU's Department of Theatre's production of Mayme, a good friend of Esther, said she believes the "Intimate Apparel" shares a story of love, belonging, play is important because of the story it shares. passion and truth.

“I think it's an important story because everySet in 1905, the main character, Esther, is a tal- body has hopes and fears in life and it's a matter of ented African-American seamstress trying to navigate how you can chase them,” Noisette said. “Then in the her way through the world. This story can resonate context of it, 1905, how limited can your dreams be? with any person trying to make it in the world. With How much of an actuality can they have to be fulthe steady script and excellent direction from director filled?”

Lisa Strum, OSU Department of Theatre put on an Normally when stories are centered around an excellent show.

African-American man or woman, the story revolves Lynn Nottage’s original production premiered around a trauma they have induced or slavery. Noiin 2003 in Baltimore, Maryland, and had no major sette said that is not the case for this story. revamps from the director. The play was set in 1905 “It’s not a story about trauma, it's not a historiand the characters were true to how they were writcal story,” Noisette said. “It's just something that your ten before. What sets this play apart from the original great-grandmother might have told you. I think just is the amazing performance from Genievre Thomas kind of neutralizing that sphere of like black stories who portrays the fantastic heroine Esther. It could that are put into the limelight is really important as also be the gorgeous cinematography displaying the well.”

These stories are important and should be told.

Many people, including myself, have grown tiresome of slavery stories being used as the only outlet to see people of color in fictional and non-fictional media.

This makes "Intimate Apparel" an evocative story that brings strong characters and storytelling together.

Director, Lisa Strum said the nature of the story imposing.

“I think it's always important to tell stories that focus, illuminate the experiences of AfricanAmerican women,” Strum said. “We don't always get the opportunity to do that in such a three-dimensional way. So I think that's why the story is really important and with it being a period piece that has African Americans at the forefront” "Intimate Apparel" finished its run on Feb. 27.

OSU Department of Theatre will run “The Wedding Singer” April 21-23 in Locke Theatre at the Seretean Center for the Performing Arts to finish the 2022 school season lineup. Students can visit theatre.okstate.edu to purchase tickets for upcoming shows. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Page 8A Friday, March 4, 2022

O’Colly

Lifestyle

Midterm Madness How OSU students are prepping for midterm season

Karlie Boothe Students all around campus are enjoying the warm weather while preparing for midterm tests

Kaylie Sequira Staff Reporter

midterms this semester in and compile the important which she plans to prepare aspects into one big docufor with a group or by ment,” Scholten said. making a Quizlet.

Scholten said her Midterms are “I would say my best advice to give is to quickly approachingand study tips are finding a focus on what matters.

Oklahoma State Univergood location where you “Narrowing down sity students are putting can focus and comprehend on the important parts can their best studying skills the material,” Carwile be a lifesaver in a pinch,” and strategies to the test. said. ”Having other people Scholten said. “Truly Riley Stearns, a in my class quiz me is understanding the basics freshman sociology major also a great way to recall or building blocks can go with a minor in criminal any information.” a long way into navigating justice, has two midterms Carwile also said complex issues.” coming up. She said her that writing important inScholten said she studying strategy is writ- formation in a colored pen hopes to share helpful ing down the material. is helpful for committing advice for students apStearns said she finds it to memory. proaching midterms. motivation by studying While many stu“Don’t let midterm somewhere other than dents are stressed around madness get to your head, home. this time of year, midterm drink water and see your “I like to come to week looks different for friends too,” Scholten the union,” Stearns said. senior Ariel Scholten, an said. “While very impor“The union is a heavagricultural communica- tant, your worth or imily populated area, so it tions major. Scholten has portance is not defined by makes me want to be pro- one midterm exam and a one test.” ductive when other people project deadline for her Midterms is a big are watching me.” senior capstone. time for college students, On the other hand, Scholten said she and some have unique some students prefer to likes to study at Aspen on tips to help speed up the study in the comfort of Western because of the memorization process. their own homes, like vibe and late hours. Her Whether students are Katelynn Carwile, a strategy is to reread all having a bigger workload sophomore in applied the material and make a these next few weeks or exercise science with a study guide. cruising by, OSU has concentration in strength “I am a digital girl, resources for tutoring and and training. so I typically open all the stress. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com Carwile has two powerpoints and notes

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

Karlie Boothe Photo description

SGA...

hopes to expand student involvement and interest in SGA. Continued from 1A “Outreach starts with going out and meeting our students not just “I want to make being in offices,” Woodsure students know who I burn said. am, they know how I act, Similarly, Pritzlaff and they feel comfortable and Dunn place connectcoming up to me,” Adkins ing with all parts of the said.

OSU community as a top Issues discussed in priority. the debate ranged from “A huge pillar of plans to provide free men- our THRIVE campaign is strual products around equity,” Dunn said. campus to solutions for “We believe the best problems with game day way to do that is meeting recycling. The candidates students where they are also examined the role at.” of SGA as a whole and Jack Edwards, curoutlined action plans to rent student body presiincrease outreach with di- dent and senior political verse groups on campus. science and psychology Adkins-Woodburn double major, was also at plans to up advertisement the debate. about the organization in “I’m incredibly

proud of all four candidates,” Edwards said. “I don’t even know who I’m going to vote for right now.”

Moderating the presidential debate was Stillwater’s Oklahoma State Representative Trish Ranson.

“They have such great ideas, and they are so articulate,” Ranson said. “Answering those questions was not easy and they did it so flawlessly.”

Students can vote in the upcoming election Tuesday, March 8 at 8 a.m., ending on Wednesday, March 9 at 5 p.m.

There will be voting booths stationed around campus or students can vote online via Canvas. news.ed@ocolly.com

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Gfeller’s final go wrestle, I’m going out there and I’m looking to take some people’s heads off,” Gfeller said.

“That’s how I’m feeling for this weekend.”

A resurgence two Adam Engel years in the making.

Staff Reporter Back in a full-time starting role for the second When Kaden time in college, Gfeller Gfeller pointed to his emerged as one of the heart amid a deafenteam’s vocal leaders. He ing cheer, emotions possesses a quiet, meland memories filled his low voice, but his words mind. are strong.

The tumultuous He recovered from years of ankle injuries the past and learned to that followed a Big 12 change his attitude, actitle in 2019. Constant cepting the sacrifices necoff the mat decisions essary to anchor college involving drinking and wrestling’s winningest vaping. Being beat out program. After the 2019 of a starting role by NCAA Tournament, realeager, trophy-starved ity settled in. teammates.

“I felt the urge to Two years gone from his first taste of quit my bad habits,” he minor college wrestling said in December. “It supremacy, Gfeller redidn’t hit me until after. I dedicated himself to the was looking for answers. mat by ditching distrac- I was really mad, and I tions and digging into was angry of course. It a role as a dependable fifth year. On Saturday, was like a wakeup call Gfeller enters the Big 12 and telling me, ‘You can’t Tournament as the No. 1 be doing these things.

You need to clean up your seed at 149 pounds. life.’”

“I don’t really See Gfeller on 2B care who I all have to

Chilly Cowboy’s cool origin story

File Photo OSU outfielder Chelsea Alexander started the Chilly Cowboy event to raise money for the Special Olympics.

tinue the trend in college but got caught up in the busy student-athlete life and it never happened.

An additional “COVID year” of eligibility gives Alexander another chance.

“I’m like, ‘Man, I’m running out of time.

If this is ever something I want to do I need to do it now,’” Alexander said.

Alexander’s younger brother, Caden, has Down’s Syndrome.

Caden is a regular in the stands at OSU softball games and the reason Alexander originally got involved supporting the Special Olympics.

“When Caden was born, it changed things in my family and for myself, just the aspect that I have on life, the outlook,” Alexander said. “And so, it’s just really become important to me to give back in any way that I can.”

Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter

Chelsea Alexander said she asked herself the question posed to her in a Wednesday press conference.

‘Why now?’

Alexander, a graduate student outfielder on the OSU softball team, is launching a project with a cause near to her heart, the Chilly Cowboy. The event is tied in with First Cowboy Darren Shrum and OSU Athletics and will raise money for Special Olympics, benefitting kids with special needs.

In high school, Alexander participated in events benefiting Special Olympics athletes. She said the plan was to con- See Chilly on 3B

Follow the leader Since arriving on campus, Isaac Likekele has led the Cowboys through adversity. His contributions will be celebrated Saturday during OSU’s senior night celebrations.

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter Not many players have experienced adversity like Isaac Likekele.

Fewer college basketball programs have been through the turmoil OSU has had in recent years.

Yet, Likekele and OSU have stayed in tandem for four years.

The events which brought the player and program together, the difficulties shared along the way, and how Likekele responded to hardships are what have defined him and the team.

The birth of a leader Likekele’s leadership dates back to preschool.

When he turned one way, others would turn with him. When he looked one way, the other children did the same.

Likekele was a natural competitor. That came with having two older sisters who he played with from a young age. His competitiveness translated to football, where a young Likekele was bigger and stronger than the other kids, resulting in him taking more hits.

Just like any other mother, Sarah Likekele, wanted her son to stop playing football, and after a suggestion from his parents, Likekele picked up a basketball in the fourth grade.

“Isaac was never into anything other than football,” Sarah said.

“He was extremely good at football, but I did not

like football. So I told him, 'Why don’t you try basketball?’ We then realized he was really good at basketball.”

Likekele continued playing basketball at Danny Jones Middle School in Arlington, Texas, where his leadership blossomed.

After middle school, Likekele had the option of attending one of two area high schools, Mansfield Timberview, or Mansfield Lake Ridge.

Likekele was set on attending Timberview.

When Duane Gregory, Timberview's head coach visited Likekele's middle school, he gathered the entire team to talk with Gregory. When coaches from Lake Ridge visited, Likekele made sure nobody attended those meetings.

“He has the gift to communicate,” Gregory said. “Even back in middle school he was like that. It is something that has always been a part of him.”

As a freshman at Timberview, Likekele

wanted to make the varsity team. He had a growth spurt that summer, but his mother did not want him to be disappointed. Sarah told her son the junior varsity team would fine.

Likekele only lasted one week on the JV team.

He quickly received the promotion he had wanted. Before his first practice, Likekele noticed the team standing around, waiting for Gregory to arrive. Sarah remembered her son’s strong words as he walked into the gym.

“Why don’t we do drills before coach gets here,” Likekele said.

Likekele became the leader of Timberview Wolves from the moment he arrived. It caught the attention of Gregory.

“He’s one of the best leaders we’ve had,” Gregory said. “He related to every player, he found a way to connect and motivate them. He was also a coach on the floor.”

Likekele led Timberview to the Texas 5A state championship game his junior year. Timberview trailed late in

the game, and Likekele noticed a teammate show little effort on a rebound. During a timeout, Likekele shared his thoughts about his teammate’s effort to the entire team.

“Coach, I want somebody else in the game,” Likekele said.

Gregory made the substitution in the closing minutes. Timberview would win 74-66.

Path to Stillwater Likekele joined the AAU circuit following the title game. He paired with YGC36, a team sponsored by former OSU guard Marcus Smart. Likekele’s recruitment escalated that summer. He held 14 offers from Division I colleges until he fractured his ankle on the second play of a game.

As quick as Likekele ascended the realm of recruiting, the offers went away.

Likekele’s parents would not let their son play basketball for six months following his ankle injury, a dreadful experience for Likekele.

See Follow on 5B

Likekele was one of six players on scholarship during his freshaman season at OSU.

Braden King

What's Inside

Handling it Page 2B

Two Cowboy All-Americans are fighting through injuries in Big 12 tournament.

Lucky one Page 4B

The Davids detail trip to Lawrence with men’s basketball team.

Six year journey Page 6B

Thompson having breakout success with Cowboys.

Page 2B Friday, March 4, 2022

O’Colly

sports

big 12 tournament

SCHEDULE

Saturday: • Preliminary matches and quarterfinals: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Semifinals and consolations (first and second rounds): 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday: • Consolation semifinals and placement matches: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Finals: 7 p.m.

Finals will be televised on ESPN2, and all other sessions will be available on ESPN+

AUTOMATIC SPOTS

The NCAA allocates a specific number of automatic bids at each weight class. Here is how many automatic spots are available in the Big 12 Tournament.

125: Top six 133: Top six 141: Top seven 149: Top four 157: Top six 165: Top four 174: Top eight 184: Top four 197: Top seven HWT: Top six

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

The importance is simple. For the first time in years, OSU is not the tournament’s favorite.

That superlative belongs to Iowa State. If OSU wins, its streak of nine consecutive conference titles hits double digits. A finish behind first would break that streak and signal a change of order in a constantly improving Big 12.

OSU OUTLOOK

125: Trevor Mastrogiovanni enters as a No. 4 seed, a legitimate contender for his first conference title.

133: Daton Fix is the heavy favorite for his third conference title. He is 34-0 all-time against Big 12 opponents.

141: Carter Young enters as a No. 5 seed and has struggled against ranked Big 12 opponents.

He remains in strong position to qualify for NCAAs, needs a run late into Sunday.

149: Kaden Gfeller - In 2019, won a conference championship at 149 pounds. He will need to duplicate that to increase OSU’s chances at a top finish.

157: Wyatt Sheets the No. 3 seed, stumbles into Tulsa with five losses in his previous seven bouts.

165: Travis Wittlake’s left knee injury dilutes the likelihood of a conference champion, but he can still find his way to Detroit.

174: Dustin Plott the top seeded competitor in his bracket, recorded three conference losses and faltered at unexpected times.

184: Despite leading OSU in takedowns, Dakota Geer lost to conference opponents at critical times. As a No. 4 seed, the wrestlers ahead of him have defeated Geer a combined six times.

197: Gavin Stika is the only unseeded Cowboy and is not expected to place in a bracket that includes eight ranked competitors.

HWT: Luke Surber has learned how to compete as an undersized heavyweight and will need to surpass expectations to qualify for NCAAs.

Grappling pain

Cowboys wrestling through pain at Big 12s Braden Bush Staff Reporter

165-pounder, was not as clear. Wittlake sustained a left knee injury a match after Sheets’.

OSU coach John Both will compete Smith tapped his head. in Big 12s. A bye week “You’ve got to be leading up to the conferhealthy up here," Smith ence tournament gave the said.

Cowboys some time to It was Smith's simrecover, but Smith admitplest answer about postted that Wittlake is still season health. On the cusp dealing with the pain of of postseason matches, his injury. everyone is physically “He’s far from injured. Now its about 100%,” Smith said. “But mental strength.

I don’t think we’re going “Everyone has some to put him in any posidings and some soretion to do more damage. ness and some things that He’s worked out well, he’s might not be healed up, trained well, and all along but that doesn’t mean you he’s talked about winning can’t go," Smith said. the Big 12.”

Two All-Americans Dustin Plott, OSU’s are returning to the mat 174-pound starter, dealt for OSU at the Big 12 with a shoulder injury Wrestling Championlast season and is familiar ship, both after missing with Wittlake’s burden of the final dual meet of the wrestling through pain. season with injuries.

“Wittlake’s a very Wyatt Sheets, OSU’s tough guy, I don’t think 157-pound starter, missed (pain) is gonna bother the Oklahoma dual after him much,” Plott said. suffering a rib injury “The adrenaline defiagainst Bucknell two days nitely helps. Being in a earlier, but Smith later match with adrenaline, hinted that the injury was you’re not thinking about not major and that Sheets your injury, you’re thinkwould be ready for the ing about getting the job postseason. done.”

The status of TraWittlake, the No. 4 vis Wittlake, OSU’s seed at 165 pounds in the

Gfeller...

Continued from 1B He supported his teammates in messages of criticism and accountability. Entering this season, the expectations Smith placed on Gfeller were firm.

Especially after a season opening major decision loss at Stanford. After that, criticism flowed from Cowboy coach John Smith and disgruntled OSU fans.

“It was like, ‘Who are you?’ You know, almost like he was Houdini,” Smith said. “Like, ‘How’d you do this? And you look so good and then look so bad? It was just kind of odd. Really caught me off guard like you know, ‘What happened?”

Smith wasn’t and still isn’t satisfied. Enough double-digit rankings.

Not only for Gfeller but the rest of the squad. That means you’re not placing at the NCAA Tournament.

For a fifth-year wrestler at OSU, Smith isn’t satisfied with those results.

Gfeller consistently absorbed the criticism and turned extra drilling time into results. Enough to the point where he’s clearly

OSU’s guy at 149.

But the real difference between lies within matches and his training.

It was noticed in December. The ability of wrestling to win, not wrestling to avoid losses.

One of Smith’s most mentioned themes throughout the season. With other Big 12 programs catching up to OSU, his patience has been tested.

For the first time in years, Gfeller is wrestling to OSU’s baseline expectations.

“There’s a level of, ‘OK, I gotta go,’” Smith said. “So, he’s won a lot of close battles. That’s what he’s going to have to continue to do.”

In a weight class as nationally deep as 149, thin margins are abundant.

“He’s not head and shoulders over people and he’s learned to win some two point matches against some good people,” Smith said.

But Smith’s faith was restored in those battles. Gfeller is long past the ranking matches with teammates Victor Voinovich, Travis Mastrogiovanni and Joey Sanchez.

“At critical times in matches it seems likes he’s responded,” Smith

the t u o ck e Ch

Alicia Young Wyatt Sheets is prepared to wrestle through a rib injury Saturday.

Big 12 Championship, again finds himself looking to return strong after a nagging injury. Wrestling through pain is not an easy task. Especially since opponents are sure to give maximum effort in the postseason.

But winning can be accomplished despite the injuries. And winning must be accomplished if Cowboy wrestling is to

secure its 10th consecutive Big 12 title.

“When you go out there on the mat, nobody’s gonna care; especially your opponent,” Smith said on the team’s injuries.

“You’ve got to kind of keep that in mind. I care; but your opponents don’t care. You’ve got to get ready to wrestle them.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Habbie Colen Kaden Gfeller earned the No. 1 seed in the Big 12 149-pound bracket.

said. “He’s the one that got the takedown. He’s the one that got the turn.

He’s the one that got out.

When it got real critical, he responded. He’s the one that made it happen where it just didn’t seem ever that he would win those situations.”

And part of Gfeller’s late growth is urged by the fact that time in his career is running out.

“It’s a little bit of fear like, ‘I gotta get myself on the right side of this,” Smith said. “Fear can be good as long as you don’t cripple yourself with it. Gfeller is never gonna cripple himself with it.

He’s a low-keyed funny guy but there’s a level of seriousness about him that recognized, ‘I want to

way! a e d i al H n i g i Or

finish out on top of my senior year.”

In the final weeks of what could be his final year, Gfeller’s improvements are recognized.

Gfeller, Daton Fix, OSU’s 133-pound starter and 174-pounder Dustin Plott are usually the first three in the wrestling room hours before practice. It’s a level of commitment that is seen in Gfeller.

“We kind of had an ongoing joke he’s aging like fine wine,” Plott said about Gfeller. “Each match it seems like he’s getting better at extending his leads and it’s really awesome to see one of the leaders in the room stepping up and separate scores.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

SINCE 1957,

230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074

Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!

O’Colly

Friday, March 4, 2022 Page 3B

sports Celebrating seniors Chilly...

Continued from 1B

All photos by: Habbie Colen Davis Cordova Staff Reporter Senior forwards Brittany Reeves, Abbie Winchester and center Kassidy De Lapp were celebrated Wednesday evening along with senior managers Alex Quarles, Chase Morris and Landry Gum on

senior night before the 79-76 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners.

The Cowgirls will finish out the regular season on the road against Texas on Saturday at 1 p.m. and will be competing in the Big 12 Tournament next week to likely wrap their season up.

“Just grinding it

out with coach (Jim) Littell and the girls that have poured their hearts into this team,” De lapp said. “Looking back, it’s just those highs and lows and getting through it. Good coaching, good playing and bad playing everything. It’s been an amazing experience.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

The event will have two parts, a fundraising portion during Saturday’s men’s basketball game and a polar plunge part held Monday, with select members of the OSU community jumping into water, depending on how much money was raised.

Alexander brought up the idea at a bible study the Shrums hosted.

Darren Shrum said he was in, and the pair found several different teams willing to offer items for donations. OSU football player Aden Kelley will auctioneer the bidding Saturday at halftime of the Cowboys’ basketball game against Texas Tech.

“In athletics everybody’s been on board from the start,” Alexander said. “Just getting everybody to understand… why exactly we’re doing it, what it looks like what they need to do, and getting everybody on the same page with that stuff. But once they all learned it’s been great. It helped a lot.”

Softball coach Kenny Gajewski, football coach Mike Gundy and even OSU President Dr. Kayse Shrum are on the list of potential plungers.

“It’s gonna be great to see Gundy get his hair wet,” Shrum said. “I can’t wait.”

Shrum said the motivation behind the Chilly Cowboy is more meaningful than Alexander’s desire to finally do something she’s been meaning to do since her freshman year.

“Chelsea had such a true dedication and motivation to get this done not just because it’s

Abby Cage First Cowboy Darren Shrum is helping Alexander with the event.

her last year, but because it’s something she really believes in and something she wanted to see last forever,” Shrum said.

“This is not going to be a one-time done deal with a Chilly Cowboy and we want this to last forever.”

Get Involved There are a few ways people can get involved and support the Special Olympics. People can attend the events listed below or make a donation online at https://www.classy.org/ campaign/chilly-cowboy/ c386703.

Saturday: At halftime of the OSU game against Texas Tech there will be a live auction with proceeds going to the Chilly Cowboy. Anyone in attendance can bid on five gift basket worth $1,500-

$1,700 each.

Monday: People are invited to the OSU Student Union plaza to watch the polar plunge, taking place around noon.

If over $500 is raised, softball studentathletes will jump into the water.

If over $1,000 is raised, softball coach Kenny Gajewski will jump.

If over $5,000 is raised, First Cowboy Darren Shrum and Athletic Director Chad Weiberg will jump.

If over $10,000 is raised, football coach Mike Gundy, men’s basketball coach Mike Boynton and OSU President Dr. Kayse Shrum will jump. sports.ed@ocolly.com

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Page 4B Friday, March 4, 2022

O’Colly

sports Major League message Lessons learned from Carpenter’s Stillwater visit

Payton and Bailey won a trip to travel with the Cowboys to Lawrence, Kansas.

Abby Cage

Winner, winner, steak dinner Fans recount trip with team

Sam Hutchens Assistant Sports Editor

said. “They would ask us what our names were and all that stuff.”

Payton and Bailey stayed with the team at The Oread Hotel, a tall, white building Bailey described as a “castle.” Dinner on Sunday was a buffet-style spread of salad, steak, bone-in chicken wings, prime rib and potatoes.

The Davids were sure to pace themselves.

“We had to keep in mind that we weren’t burning thousands of calories,” Payton said. “We kind of had to keep it down a little bit.”

Because Payton and Bailey were newcomers, they did not know where to sit. When they got their dinner and made their way toward an unoccupied table, someone spoke up.

“Coach Boynton was already sitting down and he was like, ‘Hey, come on. Come over here,’” Payton said. “So we sat down with Coach Boynton and had dinner with him.”

With the Super Bowl as the backdrop, the Davids talked with Boynton.

“I hope they had a good time,” Boynton said. “They seem like a great couple. From good old Elk City. I really enjoyed my time with them.”

Boynton and the Davids told each other how they met their spouses. They talked about how classes and work were going.

“I feel like it describes the OSU atmosphere,” Payton said.

“The friendliness everyone talks about. The coaches did that to us and probably knew we were definitely out of place and not used to traveling with the team…but everyone was like, ‘Make yourself at home.’”

When OSU arrived at Allen Fieldhouse, assistant coach Barry Hinson was the guide. He coached at Kansas from 2008-12 and showed the Davids around. Hinson encouraged them to take a picture on the Jayhawk at midcourt.

He also gave them a behind-thescenes look at the offices.

The Davids met ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla, and Hinson introduced them to Kansas coach Bill Self. Around walls filled with memorabilia and trophies, the Davids talked with Self, Hinson and OSU President Kayse Shrum.

When the game tipped off at 8 p.m. on Monday, Valentine’s Day, the Davids already had a whirlwind experience.

“They did everything with us,” Walker said. “Shootaround, breakfast, dinner. We were around them all the time.”

The game was the finale of the David’s trip, a date that will be nearly impossible to top. They sat behind OSU’s bench in seats so close to the action that their feet touched the court.

“You could feel (the floor) shaking when they were doing the Kansas starters,” Bailey said.

The Davids don’t usually yell during games, instead preferring to analyze from the stands and predict plays. Kansas dominated, winning 76-62. There wasn’t much opportunity for cheering.

After the game, the Davids got a peek into the less glamorous part of an athlete’s life; late-night traveling. The bus ride to the airport was quiet and quick. They flew back that night, landing in Stillwater about 12:30 a.m.

The plane ride, a private flight, was pleasant. All passengers were with OSU and there was plenty of food.

Payton and Bailey David said they think they were watching Yellowstone. Or maybe it was 1883.

Whatever TV show was playing in their living room that evening, they had to rewind it about 15 minutes because they weren’t paying attention.

They were too busy celebrating.

Payton, a senior nutritional sciences major at OSU, doesn’t usually answer his phone when he sees an unknown number. When it rang that evening, a few days before the OSU basketball team traveled to Kansas to play the No. 6 Jayhawks in Allen Fieldhouse, he saw the Stillwater area code and picked up.

Patrick Osborne, OSU’s sports information director, was calling with a question.

Was Payton aware there was a prize drawing?

“I was like, ‘Yeah, actually I am,’” Payton said. “And he goes, ‘Well, I'm calling to congratulate you because you're the winner.’”

The pool of eligible candidates (OSU students who attended every basketball game), had been whittled to four. OSU drew Payton’s name and he won the prize — an all-expenses-paid trip for him and a friend to travel with the Cowboys to Kansas.

When Payton, who married Bailey in August, confirmed he could bring her, the celebration was on.

“We've never really won a drawing,” Bailey said. “I was like, ‘This is awesome that he won that and it’s something fun for us to get to do.’”

Bailey did not sleep well the night before the trip; but it was not because of nerves.

She is an ICU nurse at Stillwater Medical Center, where she works the night shift and gets off at 7 a.m. The Davids arrived at the airport at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, where they talked with the coaches and boarded the bus that would take them to the game the next night.

When they got on the bus, coach Mike Boynton flipped the script on the couple that had heard dozens of starting lineup introductions from the stands.

“On the bus I was like, ‘Who are these people?’” sophomore forward Tyreek Smith said. “And then Coach Mike introduced them as the couple that won the tickets to watch the game.”

Payton and Bailey sat in the middle, behind the coaches and in front of the players. If the Davids sat in someone’s usual seat, no one made a fuss.

“When the players got on they told us congratulations for winning the trip,” Payton said.

“They gave us a fist bump as they got on.”

Conversations with Avery Anderson, Chris Harris, Kalib Boone and Keylan Boone stuck out. It was mostly small talk. The Davids chatted the most with senior guard Isaac Likekele, and got the go-ahead from Bryce Thompson, who sat in the row behind them, to lean back a little if they needed to.

“They were good about Read full story at ocolly.com saying congratulations,” Payton

Chris Becker MLB free agent Matt Carpenter visited Stillwater last month to work with Matt Holliday and talk with OSU’s team.

Carpenter came really to see Matt (Holliday) and working on his own game as a major league player,” OSU coach Josh HolBen Hutchens liday said. “And obviwe have the Staff Reporter ously, benefit of a field and batting practice.”

OSU's baseball Outfielder Jake coaching staff has Thompson is in his connections. sixth year of college Coaches Robin baseball and was one Ventura and Matt of the people who Holliday have 33 got to hear Carpenter years of MLB playing share the story of experience between his five-year college them and countless baseball career at relationships in the TCU that he built close-knit baseball into a storied MLB world. career.

That is how “He was a guy three-time MLB All- who went to school Star Matt Carpenter for five years; I’m on ended up in Stillwa- my sixth so someter last month. On a thing (in common) quest to work on his there,” Thompson game, the longtime said. “But he stuck St. Louis Cardiwith it and he’s doing nal interacted with the dream now so just members of the OSU kind of try to follow baseball team, taking in those steps.” batting practice and Freshman Roc sharing the story of Riggio said meeting his inspiring journey Carpenter was a pleathrough baseball. sure, and his message “Matt Carpen- gave a lot of Cowboys ter and Matt Holhope. Carpenter’s liday are really close dedication to the friends and so Matt game is what stuck

out to Riggio.

“Hearing that someone loves the game that much to where they can play five years in college and then sustain a long career in major leagues, that's more heart than it is skill,” Riggio said. “I mean, you can have all the skill in the world but if you don't have the heart to do it, you're not going to succeed.”

Thompson was in Carpenter’s hitting group and got to take batting practice with him. He said it was fun seeing how Carpenter, also a lefthanded hitter, went around his business.

Sophomore Marcus Brown got a different view. He was in the outfield shagging balls when Carpenter took batting practice.

“Watching him attack his BP, to be honest, it was pretty electric,” Brown said.

“Because you can tell he's zoned in on one certain thing and it's honestly fun to watch

those big leaguers hit BP because they're locked in. If they're trying to go the other way they're going to stay inside a ball and they're going to hit it the other way.”

Carpenter isn’t the first big-leaguer to journey to Stillwater looking to practice the game or spend time with a friend. In January of 2020, St. Louis Cardinal Nolan Arenado came to Stillwater to talk shop and practice. The trips benefit everyone involved.

“It's always great for guys this age to hear messaging from guys that have done what they're doing and have later moved on to have great careers because there's not a lot of fifth-year seniors playing in the major leagues,” Holliday said. “But even if there's just a few, it gives hope to everybody that not every path to the end of a road is the same.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Tuck, Cottrill engaged in ‘healthy’ catcher competition

Taylor Tuck has reunited with her former high school teammate Julia Cottrill, who transferred from Florida.

Cottrill, the starting catcher at Florida the last two seasons, had made the move official over Thanksgiving break.

She was transferring Dean Ruhl to OSU. After playSports Editor ing three seasons with Tuck at SHS, the Taylor Tuck pair was reuniting in couldn’t hold in the Stillwater, albeit on a excitement. different team.

She pulled out Tuck and Cother phone and rattled trill play the catcher off a text message to position and dig into Julia Cottrill, her for- each other’s playing mer Stillwater High time, but the pair said School teammate. it is just a healthy “She reached competition. out to me and just “Most people said, ‘I am so excited would have thought you’re coming home’ playing the same she was so welcomposition there might ing,” Cottrill said. be some tension there

and stuff like that, but there’s not at all,” Cottrill said.

Through 14 games, Cottrill has started all but one, with eight at catcher and five as designated player. Tuck has shouldered the six other starts at catcher. Both have been consistent bats in the lineup, with Cottrill batting .353 and Tuck .333.

Tuck said Cottrill has been able to have offensive consistency this season because of how comfortable in the program she is.

Her father, Jeff, being the Cowgirls’ batting

File Photo

coach helps with that.

Cottrill also developed team chemistry with OSU while still being at Florida. She would return to Stillwater during fall and winter breaks and be around the team.

She took batting and fielding practice with the team and built relationships with the Cowgirl players.

OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said having the talent at catcher has helped both players develop this season.

“She makes me better every single day,” Tuck said. sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

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Friday, March 4, 2022 Page 5B

Continued from 1B “Honestly I was in panic mode,” Likekele said. “I had a great summer, my name was getting around. Coaches came to see me play, and I was going to get offered by all of them that weekend. It put me in a moment of panic and loss.”

While recovering, Likekele visited Fresno State, where he developed a relationship with coach Rodney Terry, resulting in Likekele’s commitment to the Bulldogs.

Likekele said he was content with Fresno. He returned from the trip for his senior season at Timberview.

Then his phone rang in history class.

Terry called Likekele to inform him that Terry would be leaving FSU for the same job at UTEP. Likekele said he appreciated Terry’s honesty. He was tempted to follow him, but decided to reopen his recruitment.

Likekele chose the last school to offer him a scholarship: OSU. From the moment Likekele met coach Mike Boynton, the two have built a strong relationship. Boynton was never able to visit Likekele’s school or home, and Likekele never visited OSU, but the connection between the two was tight.

“The vibes are just different,” Likekele said. “We connect on a different level. Coach B is the only one who has been with their university for the whole four years. I chose the best choice, and whether it was the right choice or not, I wanted it to be my choice.”

The day the earth stood still At the end of the 2019-20 regular season, OSU was one of the hottest teams in the Big 12. Months earlier, many projected the Cowboys to be the worst team in the conference.

The dismal projection was in part to the season before. In Likekele's freshman year, OSU only had six scholarship players after several players were removed from the team for violating team rules. The Cowboys held open tryouts to fill roster spots, and the team finished 12-20. Likekele started all 32 games.

In Likekele’s sophomore season, OSU finished its nonconference schedule with a record of 10-5, a vast improvement from the past season when OSU won 12 games. Likekele was a major contributor early on — until he couldn’t.

In OSU’s first seven games of the season, Likekele was averaging 14 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Before OSU’s game on Dec. 4, 2019, Likekele would be ruled out with mono, causing him to miss a month.

When Likekele returned, the Big 12 proved difficult. The Cowboys went 1-9 in their first 10 conference games.

OSU dropped to the bottom of the conference standings, with just a month to play until the conference tournament.

Then it clicked.

OSU won six of its next eight.

Over the course of the streak, Likekele averaged eight points, seven rebounds and almost four assists.

After the stretch, OSU finished

Abby Cage Likekele originally committed to Fresno State, but when Bulldogs coach Rodney Terry left for UTEP, Likekele opened his recruitment again.

eighth in the Big 12 before the conference tournament.

On the first day of the tournament, with 17,606 fans in the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, on March 11, 2020 around 5:30 pm, Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby made an announcement.

The Big 12 would be following in step with the NCAA, limiting fan attendance for the remainder of the conference tournament, amid fears of the at the time novel coronavirus, a plan to be instituted the next day.

At 6 p.m., just 30 minutes after Bowlsby’s announcement, OSU tipped off against Iowa State.

for, and confident they were going to defeat No. 1 Kansas the next day. Even if OSU were to lose, Likekele and his teammates believed they were going to win the NIT. Three hours later, the World Health Organization branded COVID-19 as a pandemic.

The next day, the NCAA officially canceled the remainder of the season.

Less than 24 hours since Likekele and his teammates had their "nirvana", there would be no more basketball played. At the same time under the same conditions, Bonyton was thinking bigger.

“I still feel like I never got to close that season,” Boynton said. “There was so much unknown when the season stopped. I did not know if I was going to coach basketball ever again.”

The college basketball season ended before it reached its climax, and Likekele said he thought he was robbed of a storybook ending.

“I was playing the best basketball of my life at that time,” Likekele said.

“The entire team was rolling, and we didn’t want it to be over.”

Instead of dwelling on it, Likekele uses the ordeal as a teaching tool, showing younger players how to stay level-headed with a real illustration of internal strife. “(Isaac) often talks about how they were not doing well one year, but flipped the script,'' OSU guard Bryce Thompson said. “He tells us to keep a steady head and take it game-by-game.”

Out of control On the night of Nov. 2, 2021, three days before the first game Bryce Thompson of his senior season, a teary-eyed Likekele made a call.

In a group Facetime, Likekele OSU rallied from double-digit called his mother, his father, Serge, and deficit, taking the lead with 20 seconds sisters, Hope and Faith. He broke the left after a pair of made free throws news. OSU's sanctions were upheld. from Likekele. The Cyclones took the The school’s appeal case of the Lamont lead back immediately following a dunk Evans scandal was rejected. by forward Terrence Lewis.

The Cowboys would not be eliWith no timeouts, Likekele ran up gible to participate in the postseason. the court, and with four seconds on the Just as he had before, the senior clock, soared in the air, floating the ball called his mother, who Likekele gives into the basket and gave OSU a 72-71 credit to helping him the most in hard victory. times.

After the game, OSU players were “My momma, she’s my anchor,” ecstatic. Likekele described the feeling Likekele said. “She keeps me focused in the locker room as nirvana. Players and holds me down. I’m not perfect, I and coaches were already prepared tend to stray off just like any other human being, but she has my back.”

Sarah had helped her son through it all, but this hurdle was greater than any the pair faced before.

“He was really looking forward to this season,” Sarah said. “Until one day I got a call from him, and our whole family was on the call. When he started to talk he started to cry.

“His disappointment was very great.”

Enduring that pain Likekele and Boynton’s relationship is what brought an 18-year-old to Stillwater. It is the same relationship that kept him at OSU. The pairs respect each other at the highest level and have been through it all together.

The player and coach were together at a time when OSU had only six scholarship players on the roster.

They were together when the world shut down.

And they were together throughout a season with no end goal in sight.

Boynton has talked about his four-year pupil extensively, but with the chance of Likekele playing in his last college game this season, Boynton gave all the praise to the one who stuck with him through it all.

“We don’t win games without Likekele,” Boynton said. “He is our most experienced guy, he’s been in these battles before. Sure he does not shoot it well, he’s not the sexiest player and he makes some bone-headed decisions Courtesy of Sarah Likekele sometimes. But his teammates like him

ʼʼ

With (Likekele) you learn a ton.

He’s been here the longest, he’s seen the ups and downs, so I’ve learned to stick with him.

Likekele led Timberview to a state championship during his junior year in high school.

ʼʼ

and he has been through it all here.”

Likekele shared a similar loving sentiment to his coach. “(Boynton) is my guy, my righthand man,” Likekele said. “I make him mad, I make him disappointed at times but the genuine love he has for me is real. He truly cares for me.”

Likekele has always been described as a leader by teammates. He’s been one since childhood after all. No matter how long a player shared the court with Likekele, his guidance left an impact.

“With (Likekele) you learn a ton,” Thompson said. “He’s been here the longest, he’s seen the ups and downs, so I’ve learned to stick with him.”

On the court, Likekele has already left his legacy inside Gallagher-Iba Arena. He is the only OSU player with 1,000 points, 600 rebounds and 400 assists. But Likekele does not want to be remembered for his on the court feats.

“I want to be a statue of loyalty,” Likekele said. “They say, ‘Loyal and true’ and I want to embody what that is.”

Likekele has not decided if he will use his extra year of eligibility from COVID. Before OSU’s last home game of the season on Saturday, Likekele will participate in senior night activities.

“I think about the staff and the university,” Likekele said. “They took me in when they had to. It’s an appreciation. I’m not perfect but it’s a blessing to be here, and this university for accepting me for who I am." sports.ed@ocolly.com

Noah Weber Bryce Williams throws down a ferocious onehanded slam dunk pregame.

Cowboys also celebrating Williams on Saturday Bryce Williams did not originally enjoy basketball.

Williams was the quarterback for his high school football team, but after he tried basketball, Williams committed to Daytona State for basketball, a Division III program.

After two seasons, Williams entered the transfer portal, and had to decide between two teams: Ole Miss or OSU. Williams chose Ole Miss. He did not know much about college basketball, but he wanted to play against Kentucky.

Williams decided Ole Miss was not for him, and chose to follow his former coach Erik Pastrana to OSU. After two seasons with the Cowboys, in which he averaged eight points, Williams is out of eligibility, and thus will play his final college game Saturday and be celebrated during senior night.

Despite Williams’ on the court accomplishments with OSU, he wants to be commemorated in a different aspect once his career ends.

“I want to be remembered as one of the hardest players that came through,” Williams said. “Someone who never quit on his school.”

Page 6B Friday, March 4, 2022

O’Colly

sports

Fourth time’s the charm Thompson maturing with Cowboys Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

Jake Thompson left Allie P. Reynolds Stadium in 2017 in utter disappointment.

This time, on the opposing side.

Thompson began his college baseball career at South Dakota State, where he accrued substantial playing time right away. His team faced OSU in a three-game series in early March 2017, where SDSU would win game one against the Cowboys but drop the next two.

“I remember leaving (Allie P Reynolds) and saying to myself, ‘You know I think I could play there,’” Thompson said.

After his freshman season, Thompson looked to go where most other college baseball players go following the conclusion of the season. The summer leagues.

After a successful season playing out in the San Diego summer leagues, Thompson sought elsewhere for his sophomore season. During his time in the summer leagues he built a strong rapport with his host family he stayed with, who happened to live within the radius of Palomar Junior College. As the start of his sophomore year drew closer, Thompson felt a call to stay.

“They ended up telling me, ‘Hey, if you want to stay here for the year you can stay with us,’” Thompson said. “I didn’t see any reason not to, so I did.”

After multiple talks with his host family, Thompson contacted Palomar College head coach Ben Adams about a potential opportunity for his sophomore season.

Adams, having already been familiar with Thompson, had no hesitation offering him a spot on the roster.

“He could really hit. He could always hit. But for him, that was relatively easy,” Adams said. “Baseball-wise, the adjustment from South Dakota State to (Palomar College) was somewhat of an adjustment in regards to the level of play. But he’s a good kid and a great teammate, and I certainly had no issues

with him.”

After a strong season at Palomar College, Thompson looked to make a reappearance at the Division 1 level.

Over January 2019, when Palomar was on break, Thompson attended a camp at Kentucky. Shortly after attending, Thompson managed to earn a walk-on spot.

Thompson would redshirt the 2019 season, before going to play summer baseball at the Northwoods League after his junior season. Over the summer, Thompson would post a .355 batting average, drawing national attention to his name.

Around that time, the NCAA had introduced the transfer portal, where student athletes would be allowed to declare their intention to transfer to a new school before communication with other coaches and programs occurs.

After finding out he would be immediately eligible to play in 2020, Thompson entered his name in the transfer portal. Almost instantaneously after his name was entered, Thompson received calls from a bevy of coaches showing interest in him.

One of those first calls came from OSU coach Josh Holliday.

Having lost many key pieces from a 2019 squad that would win the Big 12 Tournament and make an appearance in the NCAA super regionals, Holliday and his staff were in search of viable options to replace the veterans lost.

“We knew of Jake,” Holliday said.

“So, when he made that decision to transfer it was a pretty active recruiting process… once we knew he was available, we had interest in him. We had interest in him because we were still looking for one more piece for our team.”

During his time at OSU, Thompson has recorded his two best batting averages in his collegiate career, boasting a .326 batting average in the shortened 2020 season, and a .342 batting average last season in 2021 which ranked second among the starting roster.

Thompson credits the breakout success during his time in Stillwater to the OSU coaching staff, but is not coy to

Chris Becker OSU is the third school outfielder Jake Thompson has attended in his six-year collegiate career.

point out a big piece in it was maturing as a person and a student athlete.

“Yeah I just kind of matured,” Thompson said. “Every day mentally (I) just kind of picked up the game. I feel

especially here at Oklahoma State you never leave the facility better than you did the day before.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, March 4, 2022 Page 7B

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Applications are now available in the Paul Miller Journalism and Broadcasting Building, room 106. Applicants must return their completed applications to room 106 no later than 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2022. This application process involves two separate positions; EIC for Summer and EIC for Fall. Applicants can apply for one or the other, or both positions. Be sure to indicate which position(s) you wish to be considered for on the application form.

To be eligible for Editor-In-Chief, the applicant must be a student on the Stillwater campus of Oklahoma State University, be in good academic standing (i.e., not on academic probation), have a grade point average of not less than 2.5, and have completed at least 60 hours toward a degree. Applicant must show evidence of having worked one semester writing for The O’Colly. Students serving as an Editor-in-Chief may take up to 6 credit hours of independent study in consultation and approval of their major advisor.

An internship on a newspaper in a newsroom capacity may be substituted for one semester of service on The O’Colly. The internship must meet the requirements of the School of Media and Strategic Communications’ current internship course.

Daily Horoscope

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 With 41-Across, “Cloud Shepherd” Dadaist 5 RR depot 8 Elbow grease 14 Hoosier 16 Storied restaurant 17 *Throw for a loop 18 *Traditional jack-o’-lantern sources in the British Isles 19 Worthlessness metaphor 20 “__ Weapon” 22 1921 robot play 23 Surfers’ find 25 Warring son of Zeus and Hera 26 __ Scarlett 27 Only Canadian MLB city 28 Half-Betazoid sci-fi counselor 29 Draw to a close 30 Four quarters 32 Spanish inns 34 Incapacitating agent of pulp detective and sci-fi novels ... and a hint to solving this puzzle’s starred clues 36 Illegal “Risky Business” business 37 NRC forerunner 38 Avatar of Vishnu 39 Blanket __ 41 See 1-Across 44 Copacetic 45 Nickname of NBA great Oscar Robertson 46 Branch headquarters?

47 Actress Gardner 48 Songlike 50 Homer’s bartender 52 *Adele and Cher, e.g.

55 *Buffet variety 57 Flora and fauna of different regions 58 Liqueur made with coffee beans

3/4/22

By Bryant White

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

59 Actress Dash 60 Sun. delivery 61 Hat-tipper’s address DOWN 1 Wink 2 Beat the draft?

3 “Moonlight Sonata” opening movement, e.g.

4 Penpoint 5 Dagger of yore 6 Fish-and-chips sauce 7 Studiers of human ancestry 8 Viscounts’ superiors 9 Winter bug 10 Be the right size 11 Panpipe relatives 12 Picture puzzles 13 Winter Palace figures 15 Cutting the mustard 21 Vital quintet in English literature 24 *Gourmet 26 *World’s secondlargest island country

©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

28 Georgia __ 29 Carry on 31 “__ bad idea” 33 Runs or walks, e.g.

34 Volcano in the Sunda Strait 35 Russian milk drink 36 Go out into the storm, say 40 Dorm pal

3/4/22

42 Ride-hitching fish 43 Everycity, USA 44 Door parts 45 Very low 46 __ paper 49 Skyrocket 51 Red-wrapped cheese 53 LAX tower service 54 Issa of “Awkward Black Girl” 56 Emeril catchword

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (03/04/22). Grow and develop this year. Determine, plan and prepare to realize a dream. A winter rise in professional status energizes springtime creativity, communication and connection. Adapt summer studies and travel around changes, before discoveries light up the autumn. Imagine an inspiring possibility and animate it.

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. An intensely creative moment flowers naturally. Connect with a sense of purpose and inspiration. Passion inspires action. Expand personal boundaries.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Your imagination is working overtime. Focus on practical priorities. Balance emotion with reason. Consider options and possibilities. Organize and plan to realize a dream.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Share what you’re learning. Good news travels fast. Connect with friends and collaborate for common gain. Discover new harmonies. Create something beautiful together.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Professional opportunities arise in conversation. Follow up. Provide what you said you would. Take advantage of a lucky break. Your influence is on the rise.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Lay solid foundations for an exploration.

Communication channels are wide open. Research, study and record your discoveries. Expand territory. Take new ground.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Profit through collaboration today.

Communication channels are wide open. Take advantage of favorable conditions for an energized push. Teamwork pays in gold and silver.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Partnership flowers naturally. Share love and support around a challenge. Coordinate a plan and implement it. Strengthen foundational elements. Rely upon each other.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Health takes priority. Strengthen muscles with steady practices. Take advantage of clear conditions to push for greater performance. Stretch and warm up first.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Express your love, passion and creativity today. Fortune favors action. Go for what you truly want. Invent possibilities together. Fulfill a romantic dream.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Domestic projects provide satisfying results. Strengthen household support systems. Communication flows with ease. Discuss family priorities. Make repairs and upgrades. Clean and renovate.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Speak out and take a stand. Make bold commitments and promises. Communication, networking, writing and research lead to valuable connections and satisfying results.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Advance a lucrative opportunity. A bold push now can get especially profitable. Discuss the possibilities, terms and budget. Strengthen foundational elements. Sign contracts.

Level 1

2

3

4

3/4/22

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

© 2022 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

SENIOR SEND OFF

BRYCE & ICE Isaac Likekele

Bryce Williams