Friday, April 1, 2022
Stepping out
Courtesy of Brandi Simons
On Friday, OSU President Kayse Shrum lended her orange high heels to Jami McKibbin an OSU senior.
Shrum’s student engagement building fans her boyfriend, Jacob Batterton, and photographer and friend, Brandi Simons when she noticed a bright orange pair of high heels emerge from a nearby truck. The bright orange Steve Madden heels belonged to OSU presiChris Becker dent Dr. Kayse Shrum. Editor in Chief “(Jacob) said, ‘Jami, that’s literally the president.’” “And I It started with a pair of heels. said, ‘I don’t care, her shoes are so Jami McKibbin, an Oklacute,’” McKibbin said. homa State senior, was alongside When Shrum passed the trio,
McKibbin complimented her shoes. The rest resulted in a shock. “She heard me, and when she walked by I said I loved her shoes,” McKibbin said. “I was trying to find orange shoes for the photoshoot but I couldn’t find any that I loved. She was like, ‘What size do you wear?’ I said an 8, and she said, ‘Well here, just use mine.” “I mean who’s going to say no?” Mckibbion said. See Shrum on 3A
Courtesy of Brandi Simons Jami McKibbin had finished taking her senior pictures when she spotted Kayse Shrum wearing bright orange heels.
SGA announces president, vice-president, sparks debate
Stimulus Grant returns, OSU students apply Luisa Clausen Staff Reporter
Dru Norton News Editor Two new faces will represent the Oklahoma State student body. On March 25, the Student Government Association Election Commission announced the student body president-elect and vice president-elect: Riley Pritzlaff and Maddie Dunn. The election results were delayed after the competing pair, Sydney Adkins and Trevor Woodburn, received a claim of an alleged election violation March 9. This claim states Adkins/Woodburn were 56 minutes late to submit their budget. This rules against Title X, a part of SGA bylaws for elections. See SGA on 4A
Courtesy of SGA From left to right, the candidate pairs are Trevor Woodburn (vice president), Sydney Adkins (president), Riley Pritzlaff (president) and Maddie Dunn (vice president).
and effective ways to get financial help when you’re paying attention,” Lange Oklahoma said. State University beOne thing gan to review appli- some students have cations for the OSU in common is the economic stimulus constant search grant March 21; for scholarships bringing light to the and financial help; end of the semester. and the economic This is the fi- stimulus grant is a nal round of federal reminder that there funding through the are accessible opAmerican Rescue portunities. Plan (ARP) and is Tessa Dorrel, open to all students a freshman at OSU enrolled part or majoring in sports full time. Students media, said she bewho applied last lieves that the more semester are althe school helps the lowed to apply for students they have, spring 2022 with no the more students restrictions. they can bring in. “This grant reminds students See Stimulus on 4A that there are easy
What’s Inside
Philharmonic Page 4A
The famed New York philharmonic is coming to the McKnight Center stage.
Artist spotlight Page 5A
Lenley Brown’s art career started when he was a child and has grown to new heights.
Chilllin’ with chinchillas Page 5A
Stillwater couple turn their house into a chinchilla haven.
Page 2A Friday, April 1, 2022
O’Colly
Page 2
Start Here too cold, try the bushes
look in the trees
maybe in the belltower?
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staircase
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almost... check the bricks
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April Fools
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Photo of the Week:
Branson Evans Sydney Pennington hit her first career grand slam Wednesday night. Fellow Cowgirls cheered for her as she ran the bases and touched home for her 45th career home run. Library photo: Chris Becker
Editorial board
In the March 25 edition, O’Colly Contributor Morgan Malget’s name was misspelled. The O’Colly regrets this error. -The O’Colly Editorial Staff
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
News & Lifestyle reporters: Jake Sellers Sierra Walton Rachel Williamson Kylie Hammack Mak Vandruff Stephen Stumpf Ellen Slater Jaden Besteda Anna Pope Allie Putman
Newsroom
108 Paul Miller Stillwater, OK 74078 (405)-744-6365
Party/Semi-formal Pageant/Performace Wedding
Correction:
121 E 9th Ave, Downtown www.formalfantasy.com 405-780-7720
Sports reporters: Sudeep Tumma Ben Hutchens Adam Engel Daniel Allen Gavin Pendergraff Kaleb Tadpole Davis Cordova Jax Thompson Calif Poncy Ashton Slaughter Ben Creider Gabriel Trevino Payton Little Baylor Bryant Rowdy Baribeau Braden Bush Ivan White
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, April 1, 2022 Page 3A
News
Shrum... Continued from 1A “She heard me, and when she walked by I said I loved her shoes,” McKibbin said. “I was trying to find orange shoes for the photoshoot but I couldn’t find any that I loved. She was like, ‘What size do you wear?’ I said an 8, and she said, ‘Well here, just use mine.” “I mean who’s going to say no?” This scenario is far from the first time Shrum has injected herself into campus life. Her activeness has been widely noted by students and alumni. While presidents of past have too been active on campus, Shrum’s feels different. “The students have a place in my heart just like my own children,” Shrum said. “I was delighted to have an opportunity to do something spur of the moment for Jami. It was a simple thing, but I know how much it means to have something in just the right color orange for a special occasion. Sharing my heels for a few moments gave her a splash of orange in her photos, and it made my day seeing Jami so happy.” McKibbin scoured everywhere for orange heels, even ordering a pair at one point, but sent them back. “They just weren’t it,” McKibbin said. The President’s shoes fit. “(Shrum’s heels) were top tier. They were perfect,” McKibbin said. McKibbin and Simons finished taking a few more pictures while Shrum watched with a smile. She waited, letting them take as many pictures as they liked, her hectic schedule not playing a factor in this moment. That is what stuck out to the trio. “She didn’t have to do that,” McKibbin said. “She obviously had somewhere to be, they had stuff going on in the (student union). It’s amazing she took time out of her day for a student just doing grad photos, which happens all the time. The fact that she took five minutes to stand there and be there with me was really cool.” After the pictures were taken, the heels had been switched back to the owners, Shrum could’ve left heading to whichever event she had scheduled for that time, but she didn’t. She stayed longer, making a point to sit and talk, and get to know McKibbin. “I was obsessed with the moment,” Simons said. “She was obviously on her way to an event, and it wasn’t like she was pressed for time at all… It felt like she had all the time in the world even though she didn’t. “Total attention on Jami, and it was really sweet.” McKibbin shared the sentiment. “This just shows that she cares more than just the politics of being president and the day-to-day responsibilities,” McKibbin said. “It shows that she genuinely cares about the people who go to this school.” Since officially taking office on July 1, Shrum has been heavily active in campus life, from just walking around, going to on campus events and, most often, being seen at whichever Cowboy or Cowgirl
Courtesy of Brandi Simons Jami McKibbin had looked everywhere for orange heels for her senior pictures, president Kayse Shrum saved the day with her pair.
sporting event is taking place. “Life should be built on basic guiding principles and kindness is one of those — it’s a foundational concept,” Shrum said. Even at the sporting events she’s seen, not constantly in a suite, but walking around the stadium and intermingling with students and the OSU faithful. She and her husband, Darren, even go to practices. “Her and her husband are always at practice supporting us,” OSU offensive lineman Preston Wilson said. “She’s even come to Sunday night runs after games.” When Shrum meets with a team, organization or even an individual student, like Jami, the happiness is not only given to the student or group, but Shrum shares the sentiment. Even in the busy life of a university president Shrum makes sure to get to know the people of her community. “It’s very important for me to personally connect with students, faculty, staff and the community
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whenever possible as well as celebrate achievement in the classroom and on the field,” Shrum said. “Every student and every member of our faculty and staff matter. It’s a joy to me when I have an opportunity to get to know a member of the Cowboy family personally, or I can see what they’re working on.” Simons, a photographer and instructor at Tulsa Tech, could sense, in that moment, the care for students Shrum holds deeply. “I think it says that she’s all about the students, students are her priority. I really felt that. Letting someone wear your shoes is really personal and intimate and the fact that she did it without hesitation,” Simons said. “She saw a student in need and filled that need.” From their chance encounter, one quote stood out to McKibbin. “One of her quotes was something like, ‘It’s not about the clothes, it’s about the character.’ That pretty much sums it all up,” she said. news.ed@ocolly.com
Page 4A Friday, April 1, 2022
O’Colly
News
Sound of a symphony McKnight Center announces partnership with New York Philharmonic
Top photo: Branson Evans Bottom photo: Courtesy of Tribune News Service The New York Philharmonic returned to Stillwater to perform at the McKnight Center.
Jake Sellers Staff Reporter
move quickly from town to town, the Philharmonic will intentionally be staying extended lengths to greater impact the Stillwater community. “At the Philharmonic, we sincerely care about The McKnight Center has announced a threethe impact we can have on local communities,” year residency partnership with the New York PhilThompson said. harmonic Orchestra. In addition to the performances, the residencies The New York Philharmonic was the first perwill include a gala event, youth education concerts, a formance of the McKnight Center’s inaugural season variety of masterclasses and opportunities for stuin 2019 and will return September 2023 for three dents of the Greenwood School of Music. days. Mark Blakeman is the executive director of the Isaac Thompson serves as the managing direc- McKnight Center. Both Blakeman and Thompson tor for the New York Philharmonic, and has been a said a residency partnership like this one is rare. part of the orchestra since 2017. “Opening the McKnight Center, and in parThompson said the Philharmonic’s connection ticular this partnership, is a highlight in my career,” to Stillwater and the McKnight Center is deeper than Blakeman said. just a stop on tour. One of the more unique opportunities for vo“It’s not something we just take for granted,” cal students include performing the choral section Thompson said about coming to Oklahoma State. of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, “Ode To Joy.” There As opposed to the whistle-stop way of touring, will be more than 100 students performing with the referring to when musicians would travel by train and orchestra.
Blakeman had originally proposed this idea with another orchestra, but he said it never happened. After knowing the Philharmonic would be returning to Stillwater, the orchestra expressed their desire to return with a big symphonic work, and proposed a work with chorus. “We kind of mutually arrived at the conclusion that it really was to the benefit of the students to do something innovative like this,” Blakeman said. Bella Eneff is a freshman majoring in music education and performance. She said the benefits she receives learning from professional musicians and the opportunities for students are vast. Eneff said the partnership will be an opportunity for music students to learn and make connections. “It makes the idea that maybe I can play in a big orchestra someday seem more real,” Eneff said.
news.ed@ocolly.com
SGA... Continued from 1A
Emily Weed This will be the Economic Stimulus Grant’s final round of federal funding and is open to all students enrolled part or full time.
Stimulus... Continued from 1A
Tessa Dorrel, a freshman at OSU majoring in sports media, said she believes that the more the school helps the students they have, the more students they can bring in. “I think anything to help with school financially is worth trying for,” Dorrel said. “I come from an all-teacher household in Oklahoma and have a twin brother at OSU. Anything helps my parents and me when it comes to affording school.” The grant can be helpful not only with paying tuition but also the other expenses that come with being
a student away from home; and it can be a breath of fresh air for the students that live on a tight budget. “We spend all our days and weeks studying and doing classwork, and making extra money is not our priority,” Caden Davis, a freshman majoring in marketing, said. “This grant gives us an opportunity to pay for gas without stressing out and maybe eat something different during the weekend. It can give us a little bit of financial freedom without stressing out over our budget.” Students can apply for this grant on my.okstate.edu, located under the “Responses Required” section in the “Home” portion of the Financial Aid tab. news.ed@ocolly.com
On March 10, SGA Supreme Court held a hearing and proposed the trial be moved to after spring break. Adkins/Woodburn appealed this claim March 24, stating, ‘To automatically disqualify, nullify and invalidate election results based on the submission of a late budget is wrong and unfortunate.’ The SGA Supreme Court unanimously decided in favor of this claim, stating, ‘Sydney Adkins had multiple opportunities to suggest changes given that she was the author on said piece of legislation.’ “I was co-author on Title X, and it really speaks to how even me, a co-author, and other co-others can miss those little subsections,” Adkins said. “I feel like everyone was shocked when the ruling came out. We felt like that rule, in particular, wasn’t really fair.” Adkins said she sees SGA making
Courtesy of SGA Riley Pritzlaff (left) and Maddie Dunn (right) will be inaugurated as student body president and vice president April 29.
changes to this bylaw in the future. “I think a lot of people were very upset, not only with how the hearing went, but how the court decision was made as well,” Adkins said. “There are already pieces of legislation in the works to fix this along with other discrepancies within the bylaws as well.” Adkins said although she is heartbroken by the disqualification, she is thankful for the support and plans to stand by the promises made in their campaign. “I didn’t run for the position, I ran for the changes that I could make,” Adkins said. “I
really hope those changes will still be made.” Pritzlaff and Dunn will be inaugurated as student body president and vice president April 29. Pritzlaff said he looks forward to speaking with SGA members about how they would like to see the organization run during the next year. “Maddie and I are looking forward to working with students and university leaders over the next year,” Pritzlaff said. “I am excited to be able to serve in this capacity.” news.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
Friday, April 1, 2022 Page 5A
News/Lifestyle
Artist Spotlight Lenley Brown Jaden Besteda Staff Reporter
Lenley Brown is one of the few students at OSU who expresses his emotions through art. Lenley talked about what inspires him, and what motivates his pieces of art. Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself? A: Well, I’m from Miami, Florida, originally from a single-parent home where my mom is raising two kids. And just early on in those years I was just kind of finding my way into artistry. My mom was always looking at my coloring book and my sister’s too like, well, your sister knows how to stay inside the lines, but you’re all outside this one and doing other stuff. So she kind of took tours and she was like, he’s doing stuff, I’m gonna try to push him to be a good artist. Through elementary school, I just started sharpening, starving and started doing conventions, a place called Miami Dade youth. They have a little art museum for a day display, with everything from fourth grade to sixth grade. I was like, I was always there. You know what I’m saying? So that’s where it all started. Q: How does your process work? Do you have an artistic process of any sort? A: It depends, because I do explore some digital art as well too. I mean, there are certain classes now that consist of trying to learn how to do coating processing and making art through that way. That way, I can come with
Kendall Suess Katherine Saravia, runs Pandamonium Pets, a pet store that sells items for chinchillas and other exotic animals.
OSU alumna creates chinchilla safe haven Kendall Suess Staff Reporter
Courtesy of Lenley Brown Lenley Brown said that telling untold Black history inspires him.
something to present in my career later on. But yeah, that’s how I mostly started, they were just pushing me to do it. He just kept on pushing me to express myself. Most of the time, I’ll sit there and get in trouble for not paying attention to the class but I’m only drawing and that’s the most common kid. And I’m saying just sharpen it a little bit and just see what you can do after that. Q: Do you have any inspirations, like other artists you look up to? A: I do. One artist, her name is Reyna Noriega and she has done some incredible
work. It’s been a few I forgot what his name is, but he does one of these famous black guys, and makes pieces that always look like a whole bunch of slender black people just having fun. His artwork is incredible as well too. Because it’s like Black Renaissance you know, I’m saying people in the jazz clubs, hanging out just having fun. Art always has a history behind it. So when I gave my piece, I just wanted to include some history about other parts of the world.
Smith, Rock steal Oscars with slap Read full story at ocolly.com
Connor Gray Staff Reporter
From dramatic face slaps to record-sweeping wins, this year’s Oscars left viewers all over the world a little confused and excited. In an eventful evening we saw stars such as Jessica Chastain and Will Smith win their first Oscar, while films such as “Dune” flourished with awards. Best Picture Arguably one of the most recognizable categories of the Oscars, this year’s Best Picture nominees had quite the competition. With 10 nominees, best picture ultimately went to “CODA,” a drama that portrays Ruby, the only hearing member of her deaf family. “CODA” is available to watch on Apple TV+. Best Actor Although the Oscars is one of the most memorable award shows, the winner for best actor made it one to never forget. After slapping comedian Chris Rock in the face, Will Smith then went on to win the award for Best Actor in the film “King Richard.” Although this is Smith’s first Oscar win, it is safe to say that viewers will remember him for something else other than his win. Best Actress Along with Best Actor, this year’s Best Actress nominees did not disappoint. With nominees like Nicole Kidman and Kristen Stewart, this category featured women who have been in the industry for years. The award for Best Actress went to Jessica Chastain for her work in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” a story about the life of televangelist Tammy Faye. Best Director This year’s Best Director nominations left many viewers wondering what the
Tribune News Service The 94th Academy Awards were hosted in Los Angeles, California, where the film and cast of “CODA” (pictured above) took home the award for Best Picture.
academy would decide. Though world-renowned directors like Steven Spielberg were nominated, the award went to female director Jane Campion for her work on “The Power of the Dog.” Based on the 1967 novel by Thomas Savage, the story looks at two brothers on a ranch in Montana who live very different lives. Although many movies had a very successful night at the Oscars, the movie “Dune” walked away with the most awards for the night. A science fiction/adventure film, the story portrays Paul Atreides who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to save the future of his family and his people.
With stars like Timo thee Chalamet and Zendaya, it is no wonder that the film walked away with so many awards. Winning Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design and Best Sound, “Dune” has set records for most Oscar wins for a remake. The Oscars gave audience members a memorable night of everything from hard-hitting face slaps to well-deserved awards, and it did not disappoint. The Oscars has officially kicked off award season, and it is just one of the many award shows making a comeback this year. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
“Most of our customers are from California, New York, Pennsylvania and Indiana,” Saravia said.“We ship to Canada and the United Kingdom a lot and a couple of times to Japan. In Denmark and Turkey, we have people who want to bulk order so they can sell in-store. We already do that for a lady in China.” Pandamonium Pets makes everything by hand for the chinchillas except the ceramic houses. Saravia makes all of the treats and food from organic materials such as bee pollen, herbs and dried flowers for the chinchillas because of their sensitive stomachs. Once business picked up, Marquez and his wife had to turn to their family for help. “We get at least 200-300 orders per week,” Marquez said. “Sometimes we will get up to 400. It is hard to keep up. We have a lot of stuff premade, but there’s some people that want a specific size so we have to remake it. But it’s important that we are doing something for pets everywhere, so they can have a longer life.” Beyond the business, Saravia runs a nonprofit that rescues chinchillas. In the past couple of months, she has rescued six chinchillas. In college, Saravia intended to become a veterinarian after she graduated. Saravia said she went to OSU to study zoology and pre-med but fell in love with exotic animals instead. “I’m not even using my bachelor’s now,” Saravia said. “When I get asked what my full-time job is, I get weird looks when I say chinchillas. People never know what a chinchilla is, so I got a tattoo of one on my arm. When people ask, I just tell them to look.” Eventually, Saravia wants to work with a veterinarian and try to open exotic veterinarian clinics in Stillwater that are properly prepared. Saravia said next year once Pandamonium Pets builds an addition to the shop, she will expand her business and hire about 30-40 employees to reduce wait times. During the summer, she plans to attend the Payne County Expo Center with her exotic pets to spread the word about the rescue and adoption process.
Finding a home full of chinchillas down a rural road in Stillwater might be surprising. Pandamonium Pets owner Katherine Saravia’s decision to rescue an injured chinchilla named Yuki led to her starting a business. In 2015, while attending Oklahoma State, Saravia and her husband, Jose Marquez, started Pandamonium Pets in their one-bedroom apartment. “My wife showed up one day with Yuki,” Marquez said. “I didn’t know what a chinchilla was, but I thought it looked pretty cool. A couple months later we got another chinchilla so Yuki could have a friend. The chinchilla came with a plastic wheel that had been chewed up. A month later, the chinchilla died because of the plastic, and that’s what made my wife upset. We decided we had to start making something that’s safer for chinchillas.” Saravia searched for safer options at Petco and PetSmart but found nothing. She decided she was going to make a wheel and a few treats for her chinchillas. “I started posting on Instagram, and people started asking if they could order,” Saravia said. “I was a student at OSU at the time, so I opened an Etsy account. Pandas are my favorite animal, so I named it Pandamonium Pets. It took about three years to go full time.” The shop makes items for chinchillas, rats, degu, birds, hedgehogs and cats. Saravia had to do her research before starting to raise chinchillas. Saravia said in school she had to work an internship to learn about exotic animals. After Saravia made Pandamonium Pets her full-time job, her sales tripled and she and her husband had to buy a new home to have more space for orders. The business was boosted again when COVID-19 hit, and people from around the world started buying online, causing her to move into her current house. Through getting the word out on social media, Saravia has reached multiple countries. Saravia said being one of the only chinchilla stores that sells everything is the biggest thing that helps. She does giveaways on social media to grab people’s attention. news.ed@ocolly.com
Kendall Suess After Katherine Saravia made Pandamonium Pets her full-time job, her sales tripled and she and her husband had to buy a new home to have more space for orders
Page 6A Friday, April 1, 2022
News
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is showing at Town and Gown Theatre this weekend and next weekend. Tickets and more information can be found at www.townandgown.org. All photos by Abby Cage
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.
O’Colly
O’Colly
Friday, April 1, 2022 Page 7A
Lifestyle
Stillwater Woman Turns 100-years-old Mary Kate Driggs celebrated her 100th birthday in style: with a parade through downtown Stillwater. Residents brought balloons, streamers and decorated vehicles to celebrate Driggs living for a century. All photos by Karlie Boothe
Sneakers: Unscripted You can never have too many shoes. Never. Written by: Emily West In a continuing ode to fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, modmuze continues our new approach to street style photography, but this time honoring campus footwear. Again, no pre-planned stylings; just sneakers, styled by people from their shoe rack to various
places across OSU’s campus. Styles included lots of Nike products and leather, and the influence of sports and sport sneaker styles were prevalent from Jordans to blazers to the more sentimental styles that our generation sported as kids such as Converse high tops.
Overall, sneakers are a great way to casually show off your specific sense of style. The trend report includes: multicolored shoes, lots of hightop styles and some platform soles. Whether you are heading to
class or grabbing a coffee before hitting the library, footwear and street style can go hand in hand. As everyone knows, the shoes can make or break the outfit.
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405.372.5080
see more @ modmuzemag.com
Page 8A Friday, April 1, 2022
O’Colly
Consistent Factor OSU center fielder Chyenne Factor has developed into a consistent weapon for the Cowgirls, but after struggling her sophomore season, she might not have continued playing.
Graphic by Karisa Sheely
COVID break saved Factor’s softball career Dean Ruhl Sports Editor
Chyenne Factor was pissed. She’d accumulated two at-bats the past four games. Her lone hit in that duration was a single against Mercer. After beginning the 2020 season as OSU’s starting center fielder, Factor suddenly was spending more time on the bench than the field. As the season bled into March, Factor faced a conflict more crucial than dwindling playing time. Her love for softball was waning. She wasn’t having fun. Two years later, the answer evades her. She still doesn’t know why. Nothing had happened in her life. Sure, some person issues were popping up, but it wasn’t affecting her play. She was battling a slump, but she didn’t “suck” all the sudden. She knew that. The previous season, a freshman Factor led the Cowgirls in batting average. Ten months later, she had tumbled out of the top five. Factor wasn’t just frustrat-
ed. She was borderline done. “I was just existing,” Factor said. As she entered the batter’s box against Wichita State (a lackluster atbat resulting in a hit-by-pitch), Factor didn’t know it would be her final plate appearance of the season. Once pinch runner Mady Lohman replaced her at first base, Factor didn’t know it would be the last time she saw game action in 2020. Not due to her benching, but the bubbling COVID-19 pandemic. And on the night of March 11, 2020, it boiled over. The Cowgirls were dealt an abrupt ending to their season after accruing a 19-5 record. They looked primed to return to the Women’s College World Series. Little was salvaged from the wreckage of the lost season. Players were awarded an extra year of eligibility, a precious commodity in college softball, a sport that doesn’t filter into a renowned professional league. Outside of that, the Cowgirls and all collegiate sports, forfeited their seasons and were pushed into a daunting pandemic.
But for Factor, it eased the tension. The frustration weaned. She relaxed. For the first time in a while, she was able to take a break. “I needed that,” Factor said. “I came back last year and it was just a breath of fresh air.” When play resumed almost a year later, Factor returned to the field and to form. Since then, she has become one of the most consistent players for OSU, starting every game for the Cowgirls since the 2021. The break saved her.
Factor’s mother. “So, we laugh and tease.” Instead, she was relegated to wrestling teammates of her older brother, Cross. After his duals, Factor would burst into the wrestling room and compete against her brother’s teammates. She’d win most times. “We laugh because there was a boy, one little guy, she always made cry because you know, she would go in there and (beat him),” Kimber said. Her supremacy wasn’t exclusive to teammates. Cross and Factor would spar *** often, with Factor usually defeating her brother. Factor was born a few years too “She used to beat me up back in the early. day. She was a little bigger than I was,” At least, her family teases her Cross said with a laugh. “Chyenne, I’m about it. telling you, she is mean.” Factor grew up loving wrestling. That’s the way competitive houseIf she was born a few years later, Factor could have competed in women’s wres- holds work. And the Factor residence tling, a sport recently added at Yukon optimized that. Factor is the youngest of High School. three siblings. Her two eldest siblings are “She is like, ‘Gosh, I could be six years older than her, but Cross is only wrestling,’” said Kimber Factor, 15 months older. See Factor on 4B
Cowgirl basketball team taking shape
There were two competitions in Gallagher-Arena on January 26. When OSU played Iowa State, fans were invited to wear their best shoes. The winner would be determined with a vote, and awarded a pair of Mike Boynton-signed shoes. By Sam Hutchens
See Shoe on 2B
What’s Inside
Shoe collection Page 3B
Boynton flashes assembly of shoes, discusses mindset behind which pairs to where and when.
spin class with the girls,” Hoyt said. “But that’s me. I want to be really hands-on. I want to grind with them. I want them to know I’m here with you, beside you. And I think Ben Hutchens that’s kind of what Staff Reporter just I’m trying to help them understand right now is Jacie Hoyt attended just really who I am and the 6 a.m. spin class. how I operate.” When a spot The calories burnt opened up last minute, weren’t as important to Hoyt, OSU’s women’s Hoyt as the additional basketball coach, took time she got to spend the chance to join her with her players. She players for the optional hasn’t had as much of it morning cardio session. as she’d have liked since “Of course, you being named head coach know, the competitive See Hoyt on 6B person I am, I did the
Acquiring acccolades Page 6B
Franch one of five former OSU athletes and coaches inducted into Hall of Honor.
Abby Smith Cowgirls’ coach Jacie Hoyt has started compiling her roster and staff for next season.
Inked objects Page 7B
Autographs signings after postgame special for fans and players.
Page 2B Friday, April 1, 2022
sports
Shoe game Students respond to Boynton's challenge Winning messy The folding table couldn’t contain the paint speckles, but the mess was worth the clean-up. Cody Bauer, a fire protection safety engineering major at OSU, had little time after he saw the social media post. The Cowboy basketball team was having a shoe contest at its next game. Coach Mike Boynton’s directions in the video were clear. “Make sure the drip is good,” Boynton said. Bauer saw the video the night before the game. He contacted his sister, Makenna, and they put up a folding table in Bauer’s living room and grabbed a pair of white Nike Air Force 1s “I’d previously already had those Cody Bauer’s Shoes Forces,” Bauer said. “I try to keep all my shoes relatively clean. I saw the post about what they’re doing for the challenge or whatever. And so my sister and I just kind of got to thinking, ‘Well, we’ve always wanted to do it, so why not now?’” Bauer is interested in the custom shoe game, and even bought a pair of off-brand leather shoes at Christmas to try his hand. He knew he needed to use his Air Force 1s, the real deal, for the game, so the pressure was on. “I’m not much of an artist,” Bauer said. “That’s why I kind of had my sister around. She’s definitely the artist in the family. So very creative. Very, very good with painting.” They worked on the shoes for about four hours. Makenna brought a pair to customize as well. Some of the details were planned. Others, like the emblem painted to the back of Bauer’s shoes, were spontaneous. Speckling the shoes in paint was tedious. They loaded a brush up with paint and flicked it at the shoe. The speckles coated the shoes. And the table. And the surrounding cabinets. “We got paint absolutely everywhere in the house,” Bauer said. “That Avamarie Blackmon’s Shoes took a lot to clean that up.” At the game, Bauer was picked from the crowd as one of the top contenders. The crowd cheered loudest for him, and he was crowned the winner. Bauer won a signed pair of shoes from Boynton, which he will display. “I probably wouldn’t ever wear them,” Bauer said. “One, they’re a little too big for me and two, I don’t know that I want to wear a signed shoe. I mean, they’re the Air Max 1s I believe, so they’re a really nice shoe.”
Unfathomable night
Dayna
Dayna Brown likes her shoes to be unique. “I wouldn’t say I’m a shoe collector, but I do have some shoes that are pretty out there,” Brown said. Brown’s Shoes “I do tend to go for shoes that I don’t see so often. Brown decided to wear her blue Nikes with a basketball on the back to the game. She didn’t have a hard time picking because for her, the outfit always comes first. She went with some friends, and they all brought their best shoes. She said her group was in good spirits. “You could feel that everyone was feeding off each other’s energy, which overall made it a pretty amazing place to be,” Brown said. Brown went to pretty much every game, and was sure to make time to attend. She said the excitement that night ranked near the top of the season. “The energy was unfathomable,” Brown said. “It was one of those night where you just had to be there.”
O’Colly
Meeting needs Tracey Walker identified the need with a quick glance, and came up with a solution. The fix wasn’t hard to find. He was wearing it. Walker hardly ever misses an OSU game Gallagher-Iba Arena. He enjoys watching his son, Rondel, play. With the added incentive of the Jan. 26 game, a shoe competition, he settled into his usual spot at the front of the student section above the Cowboy band well before tip. Walker chose to wear his Nike Flights, black, purple and or-
Tracey Walker’s Shoes
ange galaxy themed shoes. They reminded him of the movie Space Jam, which helped in the difficult selection process. Walker estimates he has a few hundred pairs. It’s a welcome infestation, but some rooms of his house are bursting with Nike, Adidas and Reebok kicks. “Packed from top to bottom...on the back of the doors, on top of the closet, under the beds, I’ve got racks in the closet, on top of the closet, in my bedroom, under the bed in the guestroom,” Walker said. “They are everywhere.” All stories by Sam Hutchens Walker’s collection can be overwhelming. All photos by Abby Cage “You actually can (lose track of what you have) and turn around and buy the same pair, or have something very very similar,” Walker said. But on game night, Walker wasn’t focused on his shoes. Walker started another collection. A collection of one. And it, too, was overwhelming. Walker noticed a member of OSU’s band gawking at his shoes. Walker looked at the boy’s shoes and had a quick thought. “Damn, homie needs some,” Walker said. After the game, Walker offered his NYC to Stilly shoes to the band member. Avamarie Blackmon was on a “He was like, ‘I can’t take them, special trip when she got her shoes. I can’t take them, oh my God,’” Walker For her 21st birthday, Blacksaid. mon, a junior health education and Walker, who places importance promotion major, traveled to New on mentoring and service, was insistent. York City with her dad. She went Walker gives away almost as many shoes to the Nike Store, and a pair of Air as he buys, and he wanted to bless the Force 1 Shadows caught her eye. boy. When finding out the boy was a The Arctic Punch Barely Volt big fan of the Cowboys, Walker called Discreet colorway pops. It’s the same Rondel over and set up a meeting on the reason she wore them to the game, court. but the contest was just a plus. She “(He was) surprised, intrigued, would have been in Gallagher-Iba happy, excited,” Walker said. “Couldn’t Arena anyway. believe the fact that he got a conversation Blackmon did not miss a home with Rondel. Shoot, overwhelmed befootball or basketball game this seacause I think he cried as well.” son. Her older brother, Justin, played Rondel autographed the shoes. football for the Cowboys, and said she Walker, who occasionally loads shoes is a huge OSU fan. from his collection into 50-gallon trash Despite her fierce loyalty, bags to give to homeless people in OKC, Blackmon had to be careful when did not share the meeting on social mecheering from the student section. dia. The close quarters and jumping “I’m not saying (posting on social around suddenly became hazards for media) is a bad thing, but I just know that her shoes. (it feels good) when you’re doing right “I was terrified of scuffing my because you want to do shoes,” Blackmon said. “I was it,” Walker said. “I really careful cheering that don’t think the game.” world has to Blackmon said she know.” likes what Boynton is doing to engage students and increase fan support. “I love what Coach Mike is doing, and I love how he cares for the fans,” Blackmon said. “You can tell that he really cares about us and knows that we can help hype up the team in crucial situations.”
Supporting in style
Kiara Wood had two choices. While scrolling through Instagram, Wood, a marketing major at OSU, saw the video announcement Boynton made in his office. Wear your best shoes. “I only have two really nice ones,” Wood said. “My Syracuse high top dunks and purple pulse dunks low OG.” Wood went to the game wearing the orange dunks Wood went to the game with her boyfriend, who doubled as competition. He wore gold toe Jordan 1s. Wood went to every home game, and said the atmosphere was good. People in the crowd got especially vocal when prompted to cheer for the shoes they liked the best. Wood was a fan of the night. “(Boynton) does an amazing job,” Wood said. “I also Kiara Wood’s knows he tries to go to every sport OSU has which I think is awesome.”
Shoes
O’Colly
Friday, April 1, 2022 Page 3B
sports Boynton showcases mighty shoe collection whole lot of action.” Boynton estimates he has 100 pair of shoes. Seventy-five are athletic styles, and the rest are dressier shoes like Louis Vuittons or Pradas. He keeps them all in their boxes in his closet. Sometimes, it’s difficult determining which to wear. Sam Hutchens “It’s really kind of a feel of the day Assistant Sports Editor thing,” Boynton said. “I usually get all the way dressed, then walk around bareA glance at Mike Boynton’s shoes foot for a while. Sometimes it hits me reveals the intensity of a game. as I’m getting dressed. But sometimes it Along with comfort, Boynton, a doesn’t hit me till I have to go. Like, you Nike aficionado, considers rarity when have to put something on your feet.” deciding what to wear while coaching. With bad weather, Boynton re“There is the exclusivity of it,” frains from wearing anything exclusive Boynton said. “If this game gets going, or vintage. He will wear Nikes Air Force like, really, really intense and I have to 1s or Huaraches; shoes he’s comfortable be in a stance or pace up the sideline, wearing working out or doing yard work. then they may crease. They may get Three pairs of Off-White Jordans scuffed.” top Boynton’s hierarchy. To get exclusive For Boynton, who exudes energy shoes, like the Off-Whites, or his black when coaching and sometimes crouches and royal blue Travis Scott Air Jordans, right along with his players on defense, he relies on his shoe “plug,” his personal some shoes fare better than others. shoe supplier. Shoes he wore coaching OSU the past Boynton and his plug check in with season had noticeable creases. Other each other once a week in case there are shoes, like a red, white and blue pair of new releases. Boynton, who started his Jordan 6s he wore coaching USA Bascollection as a kid with a pair of gray ketball in the U19 World Cup, bare less Tim Duncan Air Foamposites, reminisevidence of stress. cent of a space boot, has always had a “For USA Basketball, when we had plug. the 13 best players in the world at their “I had an advantage when I was age, I wore these,” Boynton said. “Not a young,” Boynton said. “My mom worked
Mike Boynton wears some of his shoes all the time, and saves others for rare occasions.
Abby Cage On game day, Mike Boynton is sure to wear shoes he would be fine with roughing up while coaching.
in a sporting goods store. A place called Modell’s. When releases would come out then, she knew. Maybe she would put a pair aside and hold them until we could afford to buy them.” Boynton’s favorite shoes are his black Jordan 11s. Comfortable and classic. He wore them during OSU’s March Madness run. Sometimes, he has to retire shoes from the court. “There was a stretch last year
where we lost every time I wore a pair of Air Force 1s,” Boynton said. He tried to overcome superstition by wearing a slightly different pair the next game. After another loss, the Forces returned to the box. On big recruiting trips, like the times he visited Cade Cunningham, Boynton always wears his best. He saves shoes like his multicolored Nike Dunks, which feature dozens of colors, for special occasions to make a unique splash. “(Mike Krzyzewski) is not wearing those,” Boynton said. “In fact, Coach K would probably think that this is nonsense. No doubt. He would think that no one should even make a shoe like this. There was probably a time where I would’ve thought it was pretty ridiculous to have two basically different shoes on your feet.” Boynton shares his passion. He has given shoes to friends and players who wear his size, 11.5. It is also something fun to talk about with recruits. “I hope that it helps them understand that I have very good taste in shoes, and it’s something we can maybe talk about over lunch one day, and we can joke about to lighten up the mood,” Boynton said. Abby Cage
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Page 4B Friday, April 1, 2022
Continued from 1B She tried soccer out like her older sister, Ciara. Factor gave basketball a try in middle school. She wrestled with her brother. The siblings would compete in anyway they could. Disputes would be settled in the living room, with boxing gloves being laced up. They’d eventually turn into wrestling matches. We’d be so pissed off,” Cross said laughingly. “Then we would get into wrestling matches and boxing matches to try to settle stuff like that. It was competitive to say the least.” In the moment, the matches were intense. Years later, they’re something to look back and laugh at. The competitive nature still lingers but with maturity, it has taken on a more uplifting manner. Factor and Cross, a senior outfielder at Oklahoma City University, held a home run competition in high school. The premise was simple. In their respective seasons, the pair wanted to see who could mash more homers. The punishment? Loser gets punched in the face. “Obviously, that didn’t happen, because I’m pretty sure I ended up beating her,” Cross said. Despite claiming he won, Factor remembers it ending in a tie at nine. Almost five years later, the twosome restored the competition, this time with a more edifying approach. Despite remaining close early in the season, Cross handily controls the lead, claiming a 17-9 advantage over his sister. Despite not having enough to beat her brother, Factor’s nine still leads the Cowgirls. The sibling rivalry turned friendly competition was also vital in Factor fighting through her sophomore struggles.
***
In high school, he started every game. He did the same at Cowley County Community College in 2018. But after transferring to OSU his sophomore season, Cross wasn’t getting playing time. He was riding the bench most games. He accrued only five at-bats all season. In a situation he wasn’t used to, Cross used it as an opportunity to learn. He paid attention to the everyday players and what they did. He listened to their advice. His lone season at OSU was Factor’s first.
sports Playing at OSU was something the siblings had always planned after Factor committed. Even with Cross being relegated to the bench, and his sister blossoming as a freshman, he said it was a dream come true to play at the same school. “That was nice,” Cross said. “We were just right there with each other.” After the season with the Cowboys, Cross transferred again. Like his sister, he has become one of the most consistent players for his team, leading OCU in home runs. But the lessons he learned stuck with him. And a year later, he relayed them to his sister, whose love for the game was waning. He knew what his sister was feeling. He did his best to advise her through it. Because he needed to. Cross and Factor had leaned on each other their whole lives. With two siblings significantly older than them, the two had formed a bond. Growing up, it was the two of them and their single mother. They looked for support from each other. “I think me being somewhat in a situation like that where I wasn’t playing it was harder to love what I was doing,” Cross said. “It ended up being a good thing me having to go through because I was able to help her with doing that.” It was the emotional support Factor needed to refocus on softball. Factor often begged her brother to go take batting practice with her, something Cross would begrudgingly do. When Cross is away from the field, he likes to step away from baseball, not think about it too much. But with the COVID break, the ball wasn’t being thrown around much. The duo instead opted for working out and relaxing. “I didn’t really touch a ball that often at all,” Factor said. “I hung out with my family, that is really it. I didn’t do much.” Factor once again heeded her brother’s advice. She removed herself from the game. When Cross isn’t in season, he uses it as an opportunity to get away from baseball. He avoids burning himself out. She did the same. It was a chance to catch her breath. “I think that might have been a big help just having that happen in her life,” Cross said. “Her getting away from it.”
Chyenne Factor and her brother, Cross, were born 15 months apart, often getting mistaken as twins.
drink?” Kimber said. at work. Kimber handles The temperature merchandising for musioutside was more than cians traveling through 100 degrees. Factor’s face Oklahoma to perform, was bright red from the overseeing sales at the sweltering Oklahoma sun Paycom Center, BOK beating down on it. Center and other venues But Factor was in across the state. her element. At 3 years Factor helps her old, donning a diaper, mother with vending and Factor was swinging a other tasks at the conplastic bat at the Johnny certs. Bench Batter Up placed Kimber said Facin the yard. The toy, with tor also enjoys cooking, a a ball attached to a pole, claim Factor disputes. that spins in a circle at“I can cook stir fry, tached quesadillas and frozen to another pizzas,” Factor said with a pole in the laugh. “That ground, is all I can helps cook, I can’t batters believe she improve said that.” their timStir ing and fry is the swing, dish Factor was a has masfavorite of tered, but Factor’s the along growing with her up. mother, the “I pair stresses don’t seeking out know… new reciCross Factor she’s just pes when Chyenne’s brother had it Factor in her,” returns to Kimber said, reflecting on Yukon. the moment. Factor bakes strawberry Baseballs, bats and cakes, cookies (often acbases have always been a companied by ice cream) part of Factor’s life. Three and Dr. Pepper floats. days after she was born, “She will call and Kimber cradled Factor be like, ‘Mom, will you in a parking lot during a make some stir fry?’” little league tournament Kimber said. “That is her her oldest son, Cisco, was go to.” playing in. Softball team Factor doesn’t have dinners have become a much time to step away tradition, but Factor said from the grind of she refrains from cookdiamond sports and hom- ing for those. The honor *** work. When she does it instead belongs to fellow is usually filled spending outfielder Hayley Busby. Kimber called out to time with family and But Factor still prioritizes Factor. friends. having dinners with her “Chy, do you want When she has time friends outside of softball. to come in and get a off, she’ll help her mother Factor also adopted a dog recently. Luca, a half border collie, half Labrador retriever that’s high-energy. Factor can be found tossing tennis balls to him. “That is her baby right there,” Kimber said. No matter how small, Factor is able to find little breaks from softball. Spending an evening helping her mother at work. Despite not being the best, cooking a meal with family. Being able to throw a ball to her dog. It helps avoid the burnout.
ʼʼ
Factor...
O’Colly
done more than helped. It saved her. After returning from the COVID break, Factor started every game her junior year, batting a consistent .337 with six home runs. It juxtaposed the conversation Gajewski had with her the year before. Factor walked into Gajewski office frustrated by her sophomore season. He picked up on it. Gajewski can always tell by the look in his players’ eyes. He posed a simple but heavy question. “What’s wrong with you?” Factor explained she wasn’t having fun anymore. Gajewski proposed stepping away from the team. If she wasn’t enjoying things, she didn’t need to be there. “That’s not it,” Factor responded. “I’m not going to quit.” Gajewski has known Factor since the eighth grade. He’d gone out and watched Factor in the state tournament her freshman year. The player-coach relationship had been established well before Factor arrived at OSU. She committed early in high school, when Gajewski was in the infancy of his coaching tenure. He’d sold her on his image of the program and the future trajectory he wanted to achieve. It also helped Factor had always wanted to play at OSU. Growing up, Factor made a small book of drawings. She dressed herself in OSU apparel each time she appeared in the book. After visiting several other schools, Factor quickly landed on the Cowgirls.“I feel like he expects a lot out of me,” Factor said. The duo hasn’t ever shied away from hard talks. Factor falling out of love with softball wasn’t the first difficult conversation had by the pair. During her freshman year, Factor was struggling at the plate in the first two games of OSU’s 2019 super regional against Florida State. During batting practice Gajewski approached Factor, and again asked a *** simple but heavy question. “Can you even Coach Kenny play?” Gajewski said. Gajewski pulled Factor “The look in your eye…” aside. Factor responded, The Cowgirls were “I’m fine, I can play.” on the cusp of postseason She’d go on to slam play, wrapping up the best a program-altering home season under Gajewski. run in the third inning. It “I think you may be was the difference, as the the only kid that COVID Cowgirls would win 3-2, helped,” Gajewski said. cruising into the Women’s To Factor, it had College World Series for the first time since 2011.
I think that might have been a big help just having that happen in her life. Her getting away from it.
Courtesy of Kimber Factor Chyenne Factor played softball at Yukon High School, committing to OSU her freshman year.
ʼʼ
Courtesy of Kimber Factor
It was also Factor’s first hit of the series. “I don’t feel like I really get in my head too often,” Factor said. “I mean I know I can hit the ball and it takes one swing to get back to feeling OK.” The moment never seems to be too big for Factor.
*** It was an oddly familiar situation. In 2019, Factor had eked out one hit in the super regionals. In 2021, she went 0 for 9. She was dealing with another postseason slump. OSU again returned to the WCWS, but its two-hole batter was struggling. The level of pitching would only get tougher. OSU faced Georgia in its first game, with the Bulldogs throwing ace pitcher Mary Avant. Factor popped out in her first at-bat and the second wasn’t going much better. Factor accumulated two strikes with two outs. Gajewski called for a runand-hit, a call designed to create action and get the ball in play. “I’ve just got to swing,” Factor said. “I was being defensive in that game.” But Factor didn’t put the ball in play. She deposited it out of play. On a high-rising pitch from Avant, Factor beamed the neon softball over the center field fence she stood near just a halfinning before at. Georgia centerfielder Jayda Kearney made an attempt, but he knew it was gone. She’d broken the slump. Pinch runner Avery Hobson scored along with Factor, her family cheering from the stands. Factor, not known for her home run ability, had lived up to the moment. Because the moment has never been too big for her. “She is nonchalant,” catcher Taylor Tuck said. “She makes it look easy every single day.” She had fought out of the slump, just like she had fought through the hardships. Factor’s story is one of resilience. The persistence to continue fighting. Two years ago, she didn’t know if she’d return to softball. Now, she is the cornerstone of a program fighting for another championship run. “She’s just a badass,” Kimber said. sports.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
Friday, April 1, 2022 Page 5B
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ACROSS 1 Came out in the wash? 5 Support pieces 10 Execs’ wall displays 14 Houston campus 15 Fiddlers follower, in verse 16 Soft drink opener? 17 Small step 18 Flight maintenance word 19 Worldwide: Abbr. 20 Lists for patrons 22 Toucan’s pride 23 I.M. Pei alma mater 24 Like much love 26 Word with board or mentioned 28 Sudden flight 29 Actress Longoria 30 Came out suddenly 32 Romance novelist Hilderbrand 34 Natural climber 36 SUV part, briefly 37 Architectural marker, or what can be found four times in this puzzle 41 WWII org. with a Pallas Athene symbol 42 __ Paulo 43 Govt. agents 46 Some surfers 50 “It depends” components 52 Give-go link 53 Ain’t like it oughta be? 54 “Please remind me” 57 VII x CCC 58 Ottoman honorific 59 Hall of Famer who was a Yankee manager and a Mets coach 60 Canapé delicacy 62 Astonished 64 Keeps out 65 Yard, for one 66 67-Across sites 67 Rockies state 68 Modern navigation aids
4/1/22
By Jeffrey Wechsler
Thursday’s Puzzle Solved
69 Court orders 70 Ward of “FBI” DOWN 1 Berry bush 2 True to the original 3 Like Paul Samuelson’s field 4 Rollout 5 Criterion: Abbr. 6 Key ending words? 7 Archangel of repentance 8 Falls into ruin 9 Try to locate 10 Defunct AT&T rival 11 Witticism 12 Still at it 13 Like roads in winter, at times 21 Maritime pronoun 25 Expose 26 Road runner 27 Spiner of “Star Trek: T.N.G.” 31 Postpone 33 Bad sort of situation 35 Annual arrivals: Abbr.
©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
38 Tirade 39 Subtitle of Enya’s Grammywinning “Orinoco Flow” 40 Settle in a new country 44 Always there 45 Boris’ sidekick 46 Old Native American currency beads
4/1/22
47 Luxury fashion name 48 More than busy 49 Seal on a ring 51 Blubber 55 Capital at 12,000 feet 56 Picture puzzle 58 Intentions 61 Summer at the Sorbonne 63 Start to snow?
Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (04/01/22). Good things come through friends this year. Coordinate and strategize with faithful regularity. Begin a lucrative springtime phase, before adapting around a shared summer financial challenge. Abundant autumn harvests fill joint accounts, providing support with winter financial changes. Together, you’re an unbeatable force. 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 — Pursue personal dreams. Expand talents, capacities and skills over two weeks, with the New Moon in your sign. Grow and develop. Shine your light. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Insights, breakthroughs and revelations sparkle in the dark of the New Moon. Dreams seem within reach. Enjoy a two-week creative, imaginative and organizational phase. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Connect for shared support, fun and appreciation. This Aries New Moon phase benefits team efforts. Grow through friendships, social networks and community participation. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — This New Moon illuminates professional opportunities. Develop interesting projects over the next two weeks. Pursue exciting possibilities. Your career, status and influence rise. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Educational opportunities arise after this New Moon. The next two-week phase favors study, investigation and exploration. Consider new perspectives. Make connections, contributions and bold discoveries. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Find creative ways to grow your family nest egg. A lucrative two-week phase dawns with tonight’s New Moon. Launch valuable initiatives with your partner. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Collaboration flowers. Your partnership blossoms with the New Moon. Strengthen bonds and deepen roots over the next two weeks. Begin another chapter together. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Energize your physical moves. The New Moon tonight initiates two weeks of growing health and strength. Put your heart into your actions. Practice makes perfect. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Enjoy yourself. Stir up some romance. The New Moon tonight begins a two-week family, fun and passion phase. Get creative. It’s all for love. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Realize domestic visions with upgrades over a two-week New Moon phase. Get creative. Improve the beauty and functionality of your home. Nurture family. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Profit through communications for two weeks. Possibilities spark in conversation over this New Moon phase. Creative projects flower. Express, share and connect. Write your story. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Begin a lucrative New Moon phase. Discover fresh markets and rising prosperity. Strengthen financial foundations for growth. Rake in and preserve a healthy harvest.
Level 1
2
3
4
4/1/22
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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Page 6B Friday, April 1, 2022
O’Colly
sports
OSU inducts five to Hall of Honor Braden Bush Staff Reporter
The OSU Athletics Hall of Honor is inducting five members into its 2022 class. On Thursday, OSU announced that former standouts AD Franch (soccer), Lindy Miller (men’s golf), Andrea Riley (women’s basketball), Rashaun Woods (football) and former softball coach Sandy Fischer constitute the class. A selection committee appointed by OSU voted on a list of eligible candidates to determine the inductees. The 2022 class brings the total number of honorees in the Hall of Honor to 71.
Lindy Miller
Rashaun Woods
Woods is a two-time Miller was a force first team All-American in college men’s golf from wide receiver who played 1975-78 and became a four- from 2000-03. He was the time All-American, named first Big Eight or Big 12 three times to the first player with 4,000 receivteam. He was named the ing yards, and he holds the 1978 Fred Haskins Award NCAA record for touchwinner as national player down catches in a game of the year and helped lead (7) and the all-time OSU OSU to the 1976 and 1978 record for career receptions NCAA team titles. and touchdowns.
Sandy Fischer
AD Franch
Franch is a threetime first team All-American goalie who played for the Cowgirls from 2009-12. She holds several OSU program records and went on to play in the FIFA Women’s Cup World Championship, Olympics and NWSL.
Fischer led the CowAndrea Riley girls for a school-record Riley is a two-time 23 seasons (1979-01) and All-American that starred amassed 901 wins. Under for Cowgirl basketball Fischer, OSU softball had from 2006-10. She earned 28 All-Americans, nine the 2010 Nancy Lieberconference titles and nine man Award as the top point Women’s College World guard in the country and Series appearances. was the No. 8 overall pick A formal induction of in the 2010 WNBA Draft, the five honorees is schedthe first Cowgirl ever uled for the weekend of selected. Sept. 17 in Stillwater. sports.ed@ocolly.com
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match her energy, are smarter than her and value relationships. Hoyt got into some specifics, saying she wanted to add coaches with experience. She pointed to Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly, who has coached at ISU for 26 seasons. “I know that’s just not me right now,” Hoyt said. “I want people who are going to complement me in that way with experience.” Hoyt has control of her staff, but her roster is somewhat at the mercy of her players. Since Hoyt was named coach, five Cowgirls have entered the transfer portal. Lauren Fields led the Cowgirls in scoring last season and was the first to enter, two days after Hoyt was hired. Fields has been followed by N’Yah Boyd, Brittany Reeves, Tori Garza and Tracey Bershers, all of whom averaged less than 16 minutes a game last season. Hoyt said she felt as if the players who entered the portal gave her a fair chance. “Just because you’re in the transfer portal doesn’t mean that you can’t go back to the school that you’re currently at,” Hoyt said. “So, I do feel like I’m being given a fair shot and I tried to do the same for you know, the Continued from 1B players that are here, but at the same time, listen, it’s nothing personal. I March 20 and said getting to mean, people have things that they’re know the team was her top priority. looking for. It’s a two-way street.” Hoyt has been busy trying to Hoyt estimates half of her origibuild a coaching staff and learning nal roster returns next season. Just as which of the 16 players on the roster she is adding coaches, she will need to when she was named coach will readd players. main on the roster for next season. The previous OSU staff did not The picture is clearing up. sign any high school players in the The O’Colly learned through an 2022 class, meaning Hoyt will be open records request Hoyt’s contract on her own to fill out the roster. The is for five years and expires June 30, transfer portal will be her primary 2027. She earns $500,000 annually. method of doing so. Hoyt made her first staff hire “At this point, I’m not saying Wednesday afternoon, bringing in there’s no high school kids out there Jhasmin Player as associate head but the ones that are going to help us coach. Player graduated from Baylor at this level, they’ve already signed in 2009 and played professionally elsewhere,” Hoyt said. “So, at this overseas and in the WNBA. She has point where we’re at, we’re really coached at SMU, Kansas and Loyola focusing on the transfer portal.” Marymount. Hoyt said additions to the team “Not only was she a great player can be expected shortly. She has a she is a proven recruiter and coach,” lot of work to do but doesn’t want to Hoyt said. “She will allow us to remember her first weeks in Stillwater recruit top talent both nationally and as stressful and unenjoyable. internationally, but she brings so much “I’ve had a lot of times when more than her recruiting ability to our I’m drinking out of that firehose, and program. She has a great mind for I just kind of take a second and I tell the game, passion for molding young myself just enjoy it,” Hoyt said. “What women’s lives and represents all the a blessing this is that I have all these things I want Cowgirl basketball to decisions to make and this amazing stand for.” opportunity.” Hoyt said Tuesday she wants to build her coaching staff of people who sports.ed@ocolly.com
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Friday, April 1, 2022 Page 7B
sports Autographs return to O’Brate Stadium Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter Spencer Soloman didn’t know which OSU baseball player signed the back of his shirt. He didn’t care. “It doesn’t even matter,” he said. “It just means I got an autograph today.” Spencer, a young OSU baseball fan, hung out in the stands on the third base side of O’Brate Stadium after OSU’s game Sunday. He waited for players to meander over to take photos, talk with grandparents and girlfriends and sign autographs. He said his plan was to hang the shirt up when he got home. Henry Ellington was also in the throng of people holding out Sharpies. Henry, another young fan, had never gotten an autograph before scoring five on the bill of his orange OSU baseball hat. Henry said he was proud he had the courage to ask the players for a signature. “They were actually pretty nice,” Henry said. “They didn’t hurt my feelings.” Kimberly Anderson is a frequent supporter of OSU baseball and has a Twitter account called @OSUbaseballgirl. She shared a picture of a gray shirt signed by all 40 players on the OSU team. The autographs came easily, OSU infielder Roc Riggio took the unsigned shirt on Friday back to the clubhouse and on Sunday the Cowboys returned the shirt with all the signatures on it. Even for an experienced autograph seeker, the thrill of seeing dry ink on an object remained. “When I did get it back and it was all signed, I was just amazed, and my heart was full of a lot of warmth,” Anderson said. She said she is saving the shirt to wear to Bedlam or Omaha, Nebraska, for the Men’s College World Series. Never wanting anyone to be left without, Anderson said she carries extra Sharpies with her for young fans
Abby Cage OSU pitcher Kale Davis is one of many Cowboys who enjoy signing autographs for fans after games.
to use. Little do the fans hoping for a signature know, the joy of an autograph is equally present for the person signing the object. OSU freshman Zach Ehrhard is from Tampa, Florida, and said he remembers going to University of Florida games and getting autographs as a child. He said it is cooler to give an autograph than it is to receive one. “It’s a pretty awesome experience,” Ehrhard said. “It feels like yesterday you were one of those kids getting your ball or poster signed by college guys and now you’re one of those guys. That’s pretty cool.” Cowboy sophomore Nolan McLean said his favorite autograph he ever received came on his recruiting visit from OSU coach Matt Holliday.
When McLean heard Holliday, a seventime MLB All-Star, was going to be on the visit, he said he knew he had to get an autograph. He still has the signed baseball at home in North Carolina. “You can’t be scared to look up to the guys, no matter how old you are,” McLean said. OSU coach Josh Holliday said he thought fans and players missed the personal interaction before and after games last season when COVID restrictions were in place. The game can’t be fully enjoyed unless there are people to share it with. “This is way more fun to share with the fans,” Holliday said. “It’s way more personal when you see families, little kids in beautiful Saturday after noons at a ballpark.”
Interacting with fans is also a way for players to keep the sport in perspective. “If you had a rough game or something the kids can really bring back the joy of just enjoying baseball because you see the passion that they have,” McLean said. Just as McLean and Ehrhard did in their youth, kids at O’Brate Stadium clamor for a brush with their heroes, falling further in love with baseball. “Some little kid will come through here and 15 years from now they’ll play here, guarantee it,” Holliday said. “It’s hopefully moments like that where kids fall in love with baseball or Oklahoma State that ultimately lead them here.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
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