Friday, April 22, 2022
Tuning up
Mason’s hobbies reflect football mentality
Dean Ruhl Sports Editor
FAMILY FIRST Habbie Colen
OSU linebacker Mason Cobb has stepped into a leadership role with the Cowboys, and is ingraining a family bond on the defense.
Cobb instilling Polynesian values among linebackers family. A native of Provo, Utah, Cobb grew up in a competitive environment with five brothers. As the second youngest child in the family, Cobb remembers times when he was tormented by his older brothers Gabriel Trevino and having to compete with them in Staff Reporter everything from basketball to playing cards. Hidden on the underside of “Those guys used to bully Mason Cobb’s left bicep, in contrast me but I think it helped in the long to his black Polynesian tribal tatrun,” Cobb said. “We just come too spiraling down his shoulder to from a competitive family.” forearm, in blazing scarlet ink, are From a young age, Cobb was three letters. taught by his parents and grandpar“F.O.E.” ents of the importance of family. The acronym is a motto Cobb His mother, Ruth Cobb, instilled the lives by, which stands for “Family values of the Polynesian culture to all Over Everything.” Cobb allowed his of her children. Chief among them, tattoo artist to freestyle while designing the Polynesian tattoo but it the importance of family. was a personal request to add F.O.E. as a reminder of the importance of See Family on 6A
Football Spring Finale
Saturday, 1 p.m. Free admission, gates opened at 12 p.m. Postgame interaction session with OSU players on the field. Fans can enter from the south side of the stadium between gates S1 and S12.
Chris Becker OSU defensive coordinator Derek Mason enjoys spinning records, riding horses and restoring cars in his free time.
Wild card
Chasing aspirations Adkison handled adversity at numerous colleges
Elish’s emotional two-way play style
Daniel Allen Staff Reporter OSU catcher Chase Adkison’s fascination with baseball started early. At the age of 10, Adkison was homeschooled, allowing him to travel more than the average student athlete attending school in-person. Adkison would fly from his hometown in Los Angeles to Miami to play with his travel baseball team and then fly back following the conclusion of each camp or showcase. This process was year-round, in intervals of two weeks and sometimes as long as two months. “Obviously, that was one of the top teams in the country to play with,” Adkison said. “So I just moved out there to challenge myself a little bit more.” Adkison’s family would stay behind, and he would stay with the head coach of his travel team during the
Derek Mason loves the classics. Mason, OSU’s new defensive coordinator, enjoys tough, disciplined and smart football players. Growing up, he looked up to demanding, old-school NFL coaches like Tony Dungy and Dennis Green. He is an avid disc jockey, consistently spinning and mixing records from the golden age of hip-hop. Mason hasn’t invited players over to spin with him yet, but he said he hopes to soon. He spent six hours this past weekend tinkering with his turntable, toying with a variety of throwback and recent music. But Mason will
always favor the throwbacks like Jay-Z over the modern artists like Kanye West. Because he’s into the classics. “Netflix gets old, I’d rather get on the turntables and figure out some combinations and figure out how to put some stuff together,” Mason said. Mason’s family has yet to move to Stillwater, allowing him to spend more time with his hobbies. Mason’s wife, LeighAnne, will move this summer, allowing their daughters to finish the semester. Mason joked the house would be destroyed if they left their daughters alone there. But on Saturday, Mason’s family will be in attendance for OSU’s spring game, a free practice at 1 p.m. at Boone Pickens Stadium, where Mason’s iteration of the Cowboys’ defense will be showcased for the first time. See Mason on 4A
Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter
Ben Cohen OSU catcher Chase Adkison flew alone from Los Angeles to Miami at 10 years old to compete in a travel ball league.
constant down-and-back trips. After living in LA for the bulk of his lifetime, Adkison’s family moved to Grangeville, Idaho, a small town in the western region of the state. See Chasing on 4A
Abby Smith Miranda Elish will pitch and hit against her former team this weekend.
settled in,” Gajewski said. “It’s like she needs something to make her upset. She needs someKenny Gajewski thing to get her going. I accepts who Miranda El- wish it wasn’t like that, I ish is when she steps onto wish it was easier but it’s a softball field. a grind. And she knows Even when things how to bounce back withare not going well, Gaout letting it affect her.” jewski, OSU’s softball Following an early coach, watches as Elish pitching tumble, Elish finds a way to maintain does not only bounce her emotions and conback in the circle, but tinue to compete. uses the later opportuniIn her two starts ties in the batter’s box to against Kansas this past overcome the adversity. weekend, Elish allowed It is not common three home runs in the for a productive No. 2 early innings, only to pitcher to also bat cleanpitch clean innings for up in the order, yet Elish the remainder of the does so with conviction contest. and a steadfast mentality. “(Elish) is really good when she gets See Wild on 7A
What’s Inside
Setting an example Page 2A
Dunn, Mason the only Black coordinator pairing in the Big 12.
Staying put Page 5A
NIL, commitment, important in Chacarra’s decision to return.
Closing time Page 7A
Martin studied closing under Standlee, developed into closing role.
Page 2A Friday, April 22, 2022
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sports
Robbins stepping away from track for missionary work Peyton Little Staff Reporter It seems crazy someone from Stillwater would travel to Kosovo. It’s a small, sparsely populated European country that borders Siberia, Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia, and it will soon be the home of Zach Robbins, a sophomore thrower on OSU’s track and field team. Robbins is diligent with his Christian faith. He attends Countryside Church in Stillwater and lives by the motto “All God, no brakes.” This past summer, Robbins felt a call to serve as a missionary overseas, yet the region he wanted to serve in had yet to be decided. “Being an athlete, my whole identity was wrapped up in that,” Robbins said. “After realizing it wasn’t I wanted to go next year. Athletics is cool and it will always be an important part of my life, but ultimately the call of the gospel is the most important thing in my life.” After this realization, Robbins came to the conclusion that he wanted to serve in Europe. He narrowed it down between a few areas in the Baltic region, where he decided his top three destinations were Greece, Romania, and Kosovo. “I ended up only interviewing with Kosovo just because I really love the guy on the ground down there,” Robbins said. “It was an awesome team that I really wanted to be a part of.” With moving to a
new country ( a 5,738mile move in Robbins’ case), language barriers are a huge obstacle he’ll need to overcome. The Kosovans speak a language that is not even in the same dialect. While it may seem daunting, Robbins plans to learn the basics of the languages this summer. He is joining an onground mission team of a few post-college adults, a native of Kosovo and a local church in the area where he will be staying. Robbins will be overseas in Kosovo for a year serving in what he calls a “youth ministry.” “One of the cool parts about the organization I am with, Greater Europe Mission, is they really want to focus on how you can use your own personal gifts to share the gospel,” Robbins said. “I am hoping to use my experience as an athlete to do some kind of sports ministry as I’m over there.” Robbins is unsure if he will return to OSU after he is done serving in Kosovo. He doesn’t want to make any plans or rule it out at the moment. If he does return, he plans to come back as a student coach for the thrower program and to graduate from OSU as a student but, potentially, not as a student athlete. Josh Langley, OSU’s throwing coach, would be open to having Robbins back on the team if he opts to return. “I think it’ll be tough for him if he chooses to come back and try to throw again,” Langley said. “I think it will be tough for him to find the kind of shape. Over the past two years he’s really built his strength up. He still has a way to go in some areas, but being
away for that long he’s going to find that he’s simply lost some training.” As with any large, life-altering decision like this, it was not the easiest thing for Robbins to step away from the familiar to the unknown. “There are still days when I go out to practice and I’m done with practice and I’m like, ‘Dang, I’m going to miss this,’” Robbins said. “But it was so encouraging one of the first weeks of practice I sat down with Coach Langley, and he was so supportive. “What I can just remember him telling me is that he has a lot of athletes that come through and they never find their passion and what they want to do with their life until after they graduate and he said he was just proud of me that I found what I wanted to do even before I graduate.” Langley emphasized that the team is treating this like Robbins’ senior year, striving to win Big 12 medals, and they are going to have as much fun with it as they can while Robbins is still a part of this team. Robbins made it clear that his teammates have always been supportive of him and his decision. Senior Hannah Bradford, a catalyst in OSU’s track program and the team’s “Momma Bear” has been a main supporter of Robbins. “I commend him. It’s a very hard choice to make, especially when you’re doing so well in a season,” Bradford said. “He is super strong within his faith, and I totally respect that because I myself am a Christian and it’s very honorable that he’s putting his current desires aside and he’s looking toward the fu-
Courtesy of Zach Robbins Zach Robbins, a thower on the OSU track and field team, is leaving behind his life in Stillwater, opting for missionary work in the small country of Kosovo.
ture.”
Bradford also commented on how Robbins is a brother to the team. “He is a weirdo. I love him, but he is a weirdo,” Bradford said. “I definitely think he’s like a brother. He’s a helping hand when needed. A good person to go to for advice. He’s always looking to do something for someone else and always checking in like a big brother would.” Robbins has grown at OSU, and he plans on carrying what he has learned to Kosovo.
“The physical aspect of being on the team is really not that hard,” Robbins said. “It’s the mental aspect. As soon as I’m done with practice and I go back home, I can’t just sit on the coach for an hour like I want to because I’m exhausted. I have to go out and do something else that’s productive and that part’s tough. “That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned. So, when I go over there one of my biggest goals is just to be the guy that kind of does everything.”
Robbins’ mission statement always remains the same. He is genuine in who he is, and his time at OSU has reflected that. Although Robbins will be stepping away from the track program after he concludes this season, his influence will continue to make waves throughout the team. “That’s ultimately what I’m here for. Ultimately why I’m here as an athlete and ultimately why I’ll be going is to share the gospel,” Robbins said.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Cowgirls claims overall national title, first in program history
Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter Another trophy will enter the gallery of Heritage Hall. For the first time in its history, Oklahoma State’s equestrian team won the overall national championship, defeating Texas A&M 11-9 on Saturday. The NCEA National Championship kicked off with reining, where OSU fell behind 2-3, but the Cowgirls tied the score, 5-5, with a 3-2 victory in flat. Junior JoJo Roberson won her second event of the day in horsemanship, defeating Hanna Olaussen 226.5-221, as the Cowgirls took the lead heading into the final event: fences. The Cowgirls clinched the national championship in the final contest of fencing when senior All-American Sydnie Ziegler toppled Texas A&M’s Kaitlyn Lovingfoss 250.5-249. In his 23 years at the helm, coach Larry Sanchez led OSU to eight conference championships and four western national championships, but this is the first overall win for Sanchez and the Cowgirls. “Honestly, I could not be more proud of this group of girls,” Sanchez said. “They left everything on the line, trusted the process, and did more than we ever expected them to do. They deserve every bit of this.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
All photos courtesy of OSU Athletics
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Friday, April 22, 2022 Page 3A
WHAT TO EXPECT
For the Cowboy football team, spring will not end with a game. Because of a shortage of offensive linemen, OSU is hosting an open practice rather than traditional scrimmage. First team repetitions Saturday won’t give away depth chart secrets, but will give fans a look at young receivers and running backs.
3 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Xavier Benson - LB The No. 3 JUCO prospect from Texas, Xavier Benson, chose OSU. After the departure of All-American linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and senior Devin Harper, many will look to see how Benson fits into the lesser experienced OSU defense.
Chris Becker
Talyn Shettron - WR OSU’s prized piece of the 2022 recruiting class, Talyn Shettron, joins a crowded and young wide receiver room. With hype comes attention and many will look to the 6-foot 2-inch, nearly 200-pound freshman receiver to secure a high spot on the depth chart. Garret Rangel - QB A three-star recruit, freshman quarterback Garret Rangel joined a depleted OSU quarterback room. With Spencer Sanders as the clear starter at the position, many are looking to Rangel, or Gunnar Gundy, to become the first backup option despite his lack of experience.
3 STORYLINES
How different will Derek Mason’s defense be? On Monday, five days before the spring finale, defensive coordinator Derek Mason told members of the media his defense will be 85% the same as Jim Knowles’. Mason’s slight difference in defensive style than Knowles’, who Mason is replacing, may be visualized on Saturday afternoon. Who will back up Richardson? Spring football is primarily a time for young players to rise up and showcase their talents after the departure of older players. Junior Dominic Richardson, who has plenty of carries in his career, is the presumed starting running back, as he is the only upperclassman on the roster. The No. 2 role could be between freshmen Ollie Gordon, Jaden Nixon and CJ Brown or sophomore Zach Middleton. Who will be the starting safeties? After the departure of seniors Kolby Harvell-Peel to the NFL draft and Tanner McCalister to the transfer portal, two open safety spots are accessible for many takers, such as former four-star freshman Kendal Daniels and seniors Trey Rucker, Sean Michael Flanagan and Thomas Harper.
Chris Becker
Dunn pleased with offensive improvements in spring ball
OSU offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn has seen quarterback Spencer Sanders mature this spring with the younger receivers.
back to that Baylor one, he came out of that one and took it hard and has able to put it behind him. I think that was a big step in his maturation.” Sanders has a clear idea of where his maturity comes from. Rowdy Baribeau “That probably goes back to Staff Reporter (Coach Tim) Rattay again,” Sanders said. “Whether every play is As spring ball comes to a a good play or every play is a bad close for Oklahoma State, offensive play, you throw it out the window coordinator Kasey Dunn reflected and you move on to the next play. on the improvements his squad has After the game, if you win, you made this offseason. celebrate. If you lose, you learn.” One of the biggest things Sanders stated the chemistry Dunn noticed is the progression of he has with wide receiver Brennan quarterback Spencer Sanders. Not Presley and other wide receivers is that his play is different, but his like “clockwork.” While that may maturity and the way he handles be the case, Dunn has been chalsituations are what have stood out lenging the wideouts because he to Dunn. knows the best way to get the most “I think it’s just maturity, I out of the group is by a collective just think that he’s more relaxed, effort. especially in the pocket, when “Yeah, we’re just trying to we’re doing our drop-back stuff,” raise the bar with them now,” Dunn Dunn said. “He’s just comfortsaid. “Across the board, I think able back there. He’s comfortable we’re in very good shape. We’ve in knowing where everybody is. I got a couple three-deep with these don’t necessarily know if it’s from wideouts right now. I’m not saya game or anything like that, that’s ing there’s a bell cow, that’s for pushing him forward. Again, I go sure. It’s not like you’re running
out there with (Justin) Blackmon, who’s won the Biletnikoff, or Tylan (Wallace) who was a finalist. But we’ve got a lot of capable guys and I think it makes us more wellrounded than we’ve been in the past. Certainly deeper.” Offensive line depth over spring has been a problem. Not that the room lacks talent, but they do lack healthy bodies and its made practice for the offense and defense difficult, but Dunn said he thinks he and the fellow coaches have managed the situation as best as they could. “You would like to think that as coaches, we’re just trying to do the best that we can for the big picture, meaning the offensive line, the defensive line, you know, the trenches,” Dunn said. “But also, that our quarterback feels it too. You can’t just go out there and go seven-on-seven all the time. So, we’ve had some nicks and bumps and bruises and all that kind of stuff and we’re a little bit light there” sports.ed@ocolly.com
Mason, Dunn appreciative of unique role as Black coordinating tandem OSU is the only team in the Big 12 that has two Black coordinators. There are only two other Black coordinators in the Big 12, West Virginia’s ShaDon Brown, who became co-defensive coordinator in 2021, and Todd Bates, the coSam Hutchens defensive coordinator at OU. There are no Black head Assistant Sports Editor coaches in the Big 12. OSU defensive coordinator Mason said he looked up to Derek Mason’s role matters. Black coaches such as Tony Dungy, Sure, it matters to Cowboy who won a Super Bowl with the players and fans. In January, MaColts, and NFL coach Dennis son was brought in from Auburn to Green. Mason wants to be a visible, maintain and build on the wildly successful presence on the sideline successful OSU defense from the for kids. past season. “It’s about making sure that But Mason has another role those guys have the right role aside from coaching. models and the right guys, you Being a role model. know, standing up and trying to do And along with OSU offenthe right things,” Mason said. “I’m sive coordinator Kasey Dunn, who going to try to transform our game is also Black, Mason says being a a little bit.” Black coordinator in college footKasey Dunn has had a difball is important. ferent path to OSU than his new “You know, I think it’s an counterpart. Dunn joined OSU’s honor and a privilege,” Mason said. staff in 2011 and has become the “To be honest, when it’s all said and longest-tenured OSU football asdone, I’d be lying if I told you that it sistant since 1962. doesn’t matter. It does matter. You He has high hopes for the know, like it matters to young kids.” Cowboys with Mason running the
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defense. “I want it to go well, I want more doors to be opened,” Dunn said. “When you look at the Big 12, I think it’s just myself and Derek in the Big 12 and no minority head coaches. You know, I’d like to see more. And I think this is a good step.” Mason said he is trying to be a good role model for young Black coaches he knows, including the ones on staff at OSU. “At the end of the day, what you’re trying to do is just put your best work, like on display,” Mason said. “And then when people get an opportunity to evaluate you and say, ‘Okay, maybe you can get this done,’ then like, that’s great.” Success is one of the best things Dunn and Mason can model. “We’ve had some good runs here and we’re winning ballgames,” Dunn said. “(Mason) has had a lot of success and I’m looking forward to this season and working with Derek and trying to get another great season here and hopefully create more opportunities for minorities down the road.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
Page 4A Friday, April 22, 2022
Chasing...
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Continued from 1A
Adkison didn’t want to leave, but over time he understood that it was for the best. Instantaneously, he became a star at his new school, batting .400 or better in each of his four years, as well as a career high .653 average in his senior season. Despite the success, Adkison was an under-the-radar recruit, not drawing a lot of interest from high-profile programs. After attending countless camps, sending countless letters of interest to coaches around the nation and an insurmountable amount of training to remain in top shape, Adkison was approached by Gary Van Tol. Van Tol was hired as Boise State’s coach in 2017, expected to lead the program in its first season back in existence in 40 years. “At that point I had fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine,” Adkison said. “I’d always wanted to play college baseball at the Division I level. I wasn’t going to say no.” Adkison was one of the few players on scholarship in Boise State’s first season. The majority of the roster was composed of junior college transfers and walk-ons, many of whom were scholarship athletes on the football team. Adkison quickly established a starting role on the team, showcasing his versatility, starting as both a catcher and outfielder. He displayed poise and grit in the first games of his young college baseball career, a series against a top 25 Texas team. “That series against Texas showed a lot about Chase,” Van Tol said. “The fact that a true freshman was able to go out and perform as well as he did on a national stage against a (top 25) ranked blue blood program like Texas, in not only one but in multiple games, says a lot about the kid.” Adkison’s stellar true freshman season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I remember feeling blank when I heard the news,” Adkison said. “I didn’t know what to think really. I remember messaging my teammates immediately after I heard about it. I mean, we all understood of course, but it still stung.” During the lockdown, Adkison was determined to remain in top shape for whenever life would return to some sort of normalcy. When the lockdown ended, Adkison, and many of his Boise State teammates resumed playing baseball in the North Dakota summer league. In July 2020, things would take a
Mason...
Chase Adkison (right) landed the starting catcher spot at OSU after transferring from San Jacinto Junior College in Pasadena, Texas.
turn for the worse. Van Tol received a call from then BSU athletic director Curt Apsey, with news that Boise State would be dropping baseball and swimming and diving from its athletic department in order to make up for all finances lost. Van Tol scrambled for answers, throwing every possible recommendation toward Apsey in hopes of preventing the school from cutting the baseball program, even offering to fundraise to keep the program in check, with or without his players. Every suggestion, however, was quickly shot down, leading to a short and concise phone call between the two. “He said, ‘No, don’t bother to fundraise or anything and just tell your players that the decision has been made and it’s final,’” Van Tol said. “I was like, ‘Are you (kidding) me?’ No opportunity to salvage the season for these families and players who dedicated their lives to play in the name of this school. Unbelievable.” Shortly after, on July 2 at 9 a.m., Adkison and his teammates received an email from the athletic department with the news that baseball was being dropped. Adkison, unsure of what to do, realized he had two weeks to find a new
school and began reaching out to other college coaches around the nation. “It kind of took a while to hit,” Adkison said. When the news broke nationwide of Boise State dropping its program, Devin Smeltzer reached out to Chase’s brother, Tyler. The pair had built a rapport during spring training when they were teammates in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Smeltzer reached out in response to a post on Tyler’s social media, offering to reach out to the coaching staff at San Jacinto junior college in Pasadena, Texas, where Smeltzer had played college baseball. Adkison got in contact with the coaching staff at San Jacinto and was offered a spot on the roster. Tyler had already done his part in reaching out to the San Diego State coaching staff and providing a potential walk-on spot for Adkison. Van Tol said numerous other D1 schools were calling him about Adkison, requesting to reel him in through the walk-on route due having full rosters as a result of the late timing in the disbandment of the program. After talking it over with his family and friends, Adkison reached out to
Ben Cohen
Van Tol for assistance. Van Tol, in hopes of keeping Adkison’s baseball career alive, told him to keep playing. “I told him to do what was best for him, which was just to keep playing,” Van Tol said. “I recommended the JUCO route because I knew he’d start right off the bat and the more he played the more I knew he would have an opportunity to be evaluated properly, and with his talent, I knew a proper evaluation would open countless doors for him as it has. It gave people more time to evaluate him.” So, when the opportunity presented itself, Adkison enrolled at San Jacinto Junior College in late 2020 and had a successful season. He said he learned everything works out in the end, resulting in Adkison landing a starting spot with OSU the following season. “For me I’m fortunate it happened,” Adkison said. “Looking back on it, it was probably one of the best things to happen. But I mean I would have loved to stay (at Boise State) and play there but the way it worked out, it’s great to be here.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
Continued from 1A After arriving in January, Mason spent more than a month deconstructing the intricate defensive system former DC Jim Knowles built, retooling it with new wording and schemes. Mason once again referred to a classic hobby of his when comparing the reconstruction process. Mason occasionally restores and modifies vintage cars in his free time. Paired with his DJing, his love for riding horses and dirt bikes, there doesn’t seem to be much Mason doesn’t do. When comparing the car repairing pastime to OSU’s defense, Mason beamingly talked about his three-year journey restoring a 1964 International Scout, a compact utility vehicle. “I’m a deconstruct guy,” Mason said. “When you pull something apart, you’ve got to make sure that you’ve got everything in place when you put it back together. But here’s the deal: When you’ve got smart mechanics, when you’ve got smart coaches and really good players, the thing that you’ve got to do is make sure that you don’t put them in a situation where you make them play slow or think about it.” Mason lauded the skills of his defensive staff, saying each could ascend to a coordinator position in the future. One of Mason’s main goals is to give them, and his players, an opportunity to grow. Throughout the first few months, Mason said having the learning curve on him and not the players or defensive coaching staff has been good. “I don’t have to be the main guy,” Mason said. “I don’t have to be the guy in the front of the room. These guys know I’m the defensive coordinator, it’s not about that. It’s about making sure that we can all get this thing moving in the right direction. “I want to be in a room with a bunch of smart guys, not be the smartest guy in the room.” During the reconstruction, Mason hasn’t avoided adding things he understands, but he emphasizes others weighing in with concepts they’re comfortable with. “If they feel good, I feel good,” Mason said. Knowles’ foundation is still there, with Mason saying 85% of the existing defense remains – something he opted for to ease the transition for players and coaches – but the remaining 15% are his
Chris Becker Derek Mason (right) said he isn’t looking for mistake-free football from the defense, instead emphasizing consistency from the unit.
own twists he has added. The changes are something Mason said will make OSU’s defense unique in the Big 12. “We know we need to be physical,” Mason said. “We know we do want to stop the run and pressure and confuse the quarterback. If you have an opportunity to do that then you can get to third down.” Third down defense is something Knowles preached, resulting in the Cowboys being a top five defensive unit that guided OSU to a 12-2 record. Mason emphasized putting the 11 best players on the field, something he said could look different compared to last year depending on the schematics the coaching staff decides to use. Mason has used the spring as an opportunity for everyone to “interview” for their job. The emphasis isn’t on players making mistake-free plays, instead Mason wants consistency from everyone, including the staff.
“We’re going to make some mistakes, but we will do it together,” Mason said. “There is no blame and there’s always opportunity to grow.” Defensive end Collin Oliver, who built a monumental freshman season off his play on third downs, said having Mason around has been different but in a good way. “With Coach Knowles, we lost a good piece, but we brought a good piece in as well,” Oliver said. “I think it’s been real good. We’re adjusting well and we’re getting to it.” The new system is still taking some time to adjust to. Defensive end Tyler Lacy said the toughest aspect of Mason’s defense has been learning the signal and play calls. Most of the signals have changed, and Lacy is still working on adjusting to it all. He said Mason is hands-on with the defense, making the process of picking up the changes easier. “It’s more laid back than energet-
ic,” Lacy said. Mason is a “roving” defensive coordinator, spending time with each group instead of focusing on one. “He brings a different type of energy,” said defensive tackle Sione Asi. “He’s like a person player. He really cares about us as people, so I feel like that’s huge.” Mason said he hasn’t spent much time observing what other Big 12 schools are doing. He’ll catch up this summer and review their spring games, but now he is focused on implementing the Cowboys system and having it function smoothly. He has emphasizing building trust with the players and coaching staff, something coach Mike Gundy and the defensive players have bought into. “It’s not about ego, it’s about the end product,” Mason said. “It’s not about being right, it’s about getting it right.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
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sports
Holliday keeping team present ahead of tough schedule stretch Rowdy Baribeau Staff Reporter
Branson Evans OSU tennis player Maxim Verboven has served as the Cowboys’ heart and soul since transferring.
Verboven bringing energy to Cowboys Baylor Bryant Staff Reporter
heart on the court, he’s got a big roar, and he cares a lot about the team.” Verboven’s transition to playing at OSU has been smooth. In his little time at OSU, Verboven said he has loved being a Cowboy. “We’re still a new team but I’m trying my best and we’re all trying our best to get up in the rankings,” he said. Verboven said his tennis game has improved vastly with the advice Taylor and assistant coach Dane Webb gave him. “At Arkansas, I was struggling and the coach didn’t really say anything to me,” Verboven said. “DT knows what he’s talking about and just little changes that he’s made with me. And now I’m playing some of my best tennis ever.” Verboven’s doubles partner Alex Garcia explained what makes Verboven such an important member of the team. “He always brings this fire even when he is losing,” Garcia said. “I feel like Maxie brings us all up, and the way he cheers for everyone, the way he screams, it’s just unreal the energy he brings to the team.” Verboven has been a great teammate on and off the court for the Cowboys this season. Garcia said his days are happier when Verboven is around, and the pair consistently crack jokes together. “When he’s down we bring him up and whenever he’s up it’s just super good to have him,” Garcia said. Verboven came to OSU with a goal in mind. He did not want to just improve his tennis, but he also wanted to help build a great program with Taylor. “I have one more year, and I’m going to try everything to leave here with a ring here, or win conference, and do well,” Verboven said. “And for myself I want to get ranked in the top 50. But really as a team I want to do something special.”
Maxim Verboven’s spirit is fiery. Verboven, a tennis player at OSU, transferred to the Cowboys this season after playing three years at Arkansas. Verboven said he was looking for a fresh start, and coach Dustin Taylor was a vital part of his decision. “He has been working with top players, and I kind of did not like it at Arkansas,” Verboven said. “So when DT reached out to me I came here.” Taylor was impressed by Verboven at Arkansas and wanted to bring Verboven in to be the heart and soul the Cowboys were searching for. “Maxie, he’s got a beautiful tennis game,” Taylor said. “He’s got a one hand and back hand, he floats on the court. Watching Maxie hit the tennis ball is a thing of beauty in itself. He’s really explosive, and his personality. He brings his personality on the court where he is big and bold.” Verboven’s tennis play wasn’t the only reason Taylor wanted to bring him into the program. He saw the level of energy Verboven brought, and Taylor wanted that for OSU. “Maxie, he has that roar,” Taylor said. “When we signed him and recruited him that’s the big thing, we wanted him to bring to this team. He had a lot of experience playing at Arkansas which is a program that is notorious for being big and bold and having a big court presence, and Maxie has brought that and even more.” Verboven has not only been a big personality on the court for the Cowboys, but also off the court as well. Taylor said Verboven is a great friend for his teammates, and someone people will keep in contact with after college. “He’s genuine, big heart and it carries on to the court,” Taylor said. sports.ed@ocolly.com “He’s got a big
to it.
“It doesn’t do you any good to be worried about that,” Holliday said. “Today is the day. Need to take care of these boys today from mental framework, physically recovering from the weekend. I also know that the only way you navigate each day is to just try to get something out of it.” In the past two weekend series, the Cowboys split the first two games. Each time, OSU looked like a different team than the games before. Holliday attributes the success on Sundays to the methodically planned practice weeks that keep the players with enough energy to end a tiring week of baseball. A new baseball facility is nice too. “Sundays have always been about also banking some energy during the week,” Holliday said. “That’s why we so shorter amounts of work on Monday and Thursday. So there’s a little bit more energy reserve available come Sundays. “It’s hard to get going (on Sundays), but if you keep things efficient, one of the great things about this facility is we can get a lot of things done in a shorter amount of time than we used to. Then maybe the body has more ability to bounce back at some level on Sunday.”
OSU baseball coach Josh Holliday never lets the team get ahead of itself. During the course of a college baseball season, teams often play three to five games a week. That makes it difficult for players and coaches to stay in the “now,” something Holliday has realized and adjusted to over the years. He said he noticed his philosophy of taking things one week at a time keeps his team ready and focused on the current tasks, not future ones. “We think about what we practice today, based on how the weekend went, based on what energy the kids may have to offer,” Holliday said. “So you know, you have a four-game week where you get to play at home which is great. Your goal is to win those weeks. Take them one at a time. You don’t spend much time in reflection of the past other than to learn from it.” The OSU baseball squad has a tough stretch ahead. This weekend, it will face against No. 21 TCU. The following weekend, OSU travels to Austin, Texas, to take on the No. 10 Texas Longhorns. Holliday is aware of the stretch but isn’t paying attention sports.ed@ocolly.com
Ben Cohen Ahead of a difficult stretch, OSU baseball coach Josh Holliday has emphasized players remaining focused on the day.
Cowgirls focused on Big 12 title
OSU Athletics After finishing the regular season ranked No. 11, OSU coach Chris Young said it felt good to prove everyone wrong after the Cowgirls started unranked.
ranked in the ITA tennis rankings, the Cowgirls reached as high as No. 7, earning a total of 11 top 30 wins over the course of the season, en route to a 17-4 overall record and a third place finish in the conference. “It certainly felt good to prove Daniel Allen everyone wrong,” Young said. “But Staff Reporter that’s all in the past, as I told the girls. We have one goal ahead of us One thing sits atop OSU tennis and that is a Big 12 championship.” coach Chris Young’s mind. Oklahoma State, currently No. A Big 12 conference champion- 11, is one of six Big 12 teams in the ship. ITA top 30 heading into the conferYoung’s team, who was tabbed ence tournament. The Cowgirls will fourth in the Big 12 women’s tennis start off tournament play against Texpreseason poll, has drastically exas Tech, who OSU narrowly defeated ceeded those expectations, coming off on the road this season by a score of of a disappointing 2020-21 season. 4-2. Should the Cowgirls come out After starting the season unvictorious from their
opening match, they will face the winner of No. 4 Texas and either Iowa State or West Virginia. “It’ll be tough,” Young said. “Having to play Texas Tech right off the bat, who gave us a run for our money early on when we went to Lubbock earlier this year. Then play Texas or Iowa State or West Virginia, all three are really good teams. It’s no easy task ahead of us.” Despite the difficult schedule ahead in the conference tournament, Young said he knows the arduous schedule during the regular season prepped his team for not only moments like this, but the postseason as well. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Page 6A Friday, April 22, 2022
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sports
Family... Continued from 1A
Courtesy of Ruth Cobb OSU linebacker Mason Cobb spends his time away from football with art, often drawing and using a wood burning kit.
the departures of all three, Cobb is seeof Cobb’s senior season, former Provo coach Tony McGeary witnessed his star ing the game differently. “I feel like there’s a lot on my player make the play of the game. On a stretch where Provo scored three touch- shoulders,” Cobb said. “I’m now in a time where the game is slowing down downs in a row, McGeary watched for me and I feel more comfortable in awe as Cobb soared into the air, out there. I can see the play before stretched out his arm and came down with a one handed interception, return- it happens, I’m not second guessing anymore.” ing the ball for a touchdown. Cobb’s The instincts and highlight of ability on the Cobb’s field caught high The Poly community is the attention school very easy to get along with, of OSU coach career Mike Gundy, reprewe’re funny and invite people who said he sented how believes the coaches see everywhere. characteristic him play comes from the the game — two years as a Mason Cobb backup. always at OSU Linebacker “He runs full speed. well and is a Three years removed from high school, Cobb is en- physical player,” Gundy said. “He has a tering his junior season at OSU, prepar- knack for being at the right place at the ing for a starting role with the Cowboys right time. He’s been here long enough to where he understands the maturity it and is showing the same traits and takes to play at a high level.” skills off and on the field. Mason admitted while he was a When he arrived in Stillwater, the backup it was hard to stay patient, but linebacker room was crowded. Amen instead of leaving for a better environOgbongbemiga, Malcolm Rodriguez ment through the transfer portal, said and Devin Harper started over Cobb, he wants to create a better place at allowing him to refine his skills and OSU. learn from the upperclassmen. After
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“In the Polynesian culture your family is the most important thing in your life,” Ruth said. “The way you act reflects on your last name. Mason always honors his family and it’s very important to him.” The Cobb’s family bond is strong, but it has become harder to stay connected with everyone spread out across the country. The way they remain close is through Cobb, when he returns home from college. Cobb’s love for family also applies to his football teammates and close friends. Since he was a child, Cobb played and enjoyed many sports, not just football. During his older brother’s high school football games, Cobb would be under the bleachers playing with other children, which established his passion for football, along with another motive. “When he was young he asked me, ‘Mom, would I get more chicks playing football or baseball?’” Ruth said. At Provo High School, Cobb played baseball for two seasons, basketball for four and was a leader on the varsity football team. While on the gridiron, Cobb commanded respect and when he spoke, his teammates listened. From the weight room to the field, Cobb emphasized giving 100% of his effort to the situation and was not afraid to become verbally agitated when his teammates did not act up to standard. “We were in a walkthrough and Mason and another guy got into a fight because the other guy wasn’t taking things seriously,” said Kirk Chambers, Provo High School coach. “But he’s quick to forgive, because they were family. Mason could call out the best player on the field and people respected him.” During games, Cobb was known for the same drive and effort. Mason was described by anyone who watched him play as a physical tight end on offense and headhunting linebacker on defense. “He was the type of guy we had to force off the field,” Chambers said. “He played tight end and special teams but we needed him just to be our linebacker. We had to pull him off the field for him to rest. He’s one of those elite competitors, he’s going to try to win.” In the first round of the playoffs
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Courtesy of Ruth Cobb One of Mason Cobb’s (right) most memorable plays in high school was catching a one-handed interception and returning it for a touchdown.
Now as an upperclassmen leader in the Cowboys’ linebacker room, Cobb is building a new culture for himself and his teammates. His same love for his family relates to his teammates, who he considers his second family. He plans barbecues and other events for him and his teammates to bond at. “The Poly community is very easy to get along with,” Cobb said. “We’re funny and invite people everywhere. We’re just friends with everybody. It’s crazy to see how close the linebacker room is. It’s cool to create a brotherhood.” While fast and turbulent on the football field, off the field, Cobb expresses his love for his family in a way which forces him to be slow and methodical — art. As a child, Cobb found tranquility in drawing and creating pieces with his hands. He drew with a permanent marker, sure of himself that he was not going to make a mistake. The love for art never faded as he got older, and while he still draws and paints, Cobb’s new craft is wood burning. The latest piece created by Cobb took him five hours: a unique bench press board for OSU strength and conditioning assistant coach Jamie Blatnick, with the OSU logo and Polynesian tribal patterns. His mom purchased the wood burning set for Cobb as a Christmas present, and in turn, Cobb burned the United States map into a piece of wood with a line connecting Utah and Oklahoma, even including the exact mileage from his mother’s doorstep in Provo to Cobb’s in Stillwater. Other than using his created gifts as a way to express his love and care for those close to him, Cobb uses art as an escape from stress. “(Art) is therapeutic for me,” Cobb said. “You have to make sure the lines are straight and the colors match, and it’s the same thing with football.” Family is the driving source for Cobb’s character in a locker room and inspiration for creating art projects. He is a leader on the football field out of care for his teammates, and he creates art for his family to enjoy, but just like his tattoo says, family is above everything else. He’ll text me randomly and say ‘I love you, Mom,’” Ruth said. “And that’s cool.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
Friday, April 22, 2022 Page 7A
sports
NIL money, completing degree vital in Chacarra's decision to return
In his initial announcement, and then again in subsequent interviews, Chacarra stressed keeping his word to OSU was important to him. He said he’d play until 2023, and wants to keep that promise. There are added benefits to staying too, like earning his degree. Jax Tompson “Finishing my major is obviously Staff Reporter going to be huge for me, for my future,” Chacarra said. With senior golfer Eugenio ChaHis return also gives him another carra returning next year, new possibili- chance to win big in college. Although ties await. senior Aman Gupta is leaving after this At a glance, Chacarra’s decision year, everyone else is returning. Senior to stay runs counter to expectations. If Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen is included he went pro, he would immediately be in that. He has had a successful spring handed millions of dollars in sponsorseason with multiple top 10 finishes and ships and get to earn more on Tour. a win. Staying in college, his options are “We’ve got 11 returners, and limited. For now, because he is an inwe’re only gonna get better so I really ternational student, he can only accept like our chances, both this year and NIL deals from companies in Europe, even more so next year,” Neergaardnot the United States. But, Chacarra Petersen said. said he feels the restrictions are going As exciting as it is that the Cowto go away soon. boys will be returning four starters, “They’re working on it, and I feel including two with individual wins, the like for next year NIL deals will be season isn’t over yet. Now, Chacarra available for international (students), and the Cowboys are focused on the so that’s gonna be a big thing for me,” Big 12 Tournament and getting to the Chacarra said. NCAA finals this year. Some NIL deal restrictions could “We have a really good team,” be lifted and provide a good sizeable Chacarra said. “I really have a lot of amount of money, they still wouldn’t trust in my team, and I really like our beat the large sums and flexibility of chances this year; I mean everyone is sponsorships in the professional tours. playing really good.” Chacarra said staying because the money is nice, but it isn’t everything to him. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Chris Becker Completing his college degree was one of the reasons OSU golfer Eugenio Chacarra opted to return for another year.
Abby Cage Miranda Elish’s emotions carry her through the game.
Wild card...
brings it every time she goes out there,” Alexander said. “Getting to know her has been really fun. She’s just as goofy and energetic on the field as she is off the field. She’s a hoot, she’s crazy and Continued from 1A she’s funny.” “I like hitting and pitching both,” Ahead of a three game series Elish said. “If I’m not pitching well, against No. 16 Texas, the Cowgirls then I can pick myself up and help my expect Elish to be at the top of her game team while hitting. I can’t carry one and handle the emotions of softball into the other though. If I’m doing well — especially considering the circumpitching it doesn’t mean I’m going to be stances. hitting well. I just have to separate the Elish once donned the burnt ortwo, but I’ve been doing it for a while.” ange of the Texas Longhorns, but after After allowing four runs against the abbreviated 2020 season, she was Kansas Thursday, Elish picked up her nowhere to be found in the realm of colbat and drove in five runs, including a lege softball. The former national player three run shot over the center field batof the year at Texas took a year and a ter’s eye. It was not the first time this half away from the game, before transseason that Elish initially floundered in ferring to OSU for the 2021-22 season. the circle, and says she needs to fix the Although some specific motives often lousy tendency. for the break are known by those within “I have a habit of starting out slow the Cowgirl softball clubhouse, Gajewand gaining momentum as I go,” Elish ski said Elish became disenchanted with said. “It’s something I need to work on. softball. But our team is great and they pick me “She fell out of love with softball, up instantly. I just have to stop (giving that’s the big issue,” Gajewski said. up home runs), it’s annoying me.” “When you fall out of love with someElish was not always a praised thing you devote a lot of time into, it’s left-handed power hitter by coaches, not fun. For whatever reason she made as an inherent right-handed person, a really good personal decision to get she grew up as a right-handed slapper. away. That’s not easy. It’s much harder During a slump in eighth grade, Elish’s and it takes way more guts to walk away father forced her to switch to batting then it does to hang on. I credit her for left-handed in a last ditch attempt to walking away at the top of her game.” improve the quality of her play. While brushing off other’s con“My dad said, ‘I can’t watch this cerns of the moment, Elish said playing anymore, you’re just going to bat lefther former team for the first time will handed and if you’re bad it would at “just be another series” for her. Those least be because you’ve never done it close to her on the team are confident in before,’” Elish said. Elish’s abilities to remain stable in the To complete the trifecta of hitmoment. ting, pitching and fielding, before games “She’s going to have some emoElish can be found at shortstop, taking tion, but it’s a big series for her,” Alexground balls and making throws to first ander said. “I don’t see her being anybase. Although she does not take part body that she isn’t. She knows who she in the field during games, Elish persists is and she plays with that confidence.” in asking Gajewski daily if she can be With all the changes during Elish’s allowed to during a game, to which his life in the past year, Gajewski comanswer is always a stern, yet joking, mends her choice to return to the sport “no.” as a proven two-way star on the hopeful Infielder Sydney Pennington and Cowgirl softball team. outfielder Chelsea Alexander recognize “I think she’s fallen back in love Elish’s natural arm strength in the field with softball again,” Gajewski said. before games, but say her smoothness at “She’s enjoying every moment of the the position needs improvement. journey. There’s still a lot of tears, Many around the OSU softball there’s still a lot of laughs and it’s real. program believe the source of Elish’s Her biggest problem is she wants it too success as a dynamic athlete with a bad, and I love that.” well-rounded repertoire partially comes from her high-octane personality. “She’s a hard competitor, she sports.ed@ocolly.com
Page 8A Friday, April 22, 2022
O’Colly
sports Standlee mentored Martin for closing role Braden Bush Staff Reporter
Karisa Sheely OSU pitcher Trevor Martin studied under last season’s closer Brett Standlee ahead of assuming the role.
a routine together for closing.” Having end-of-game situations placed on the shoulders nightly can be overwhelming, and Standlee understood the freshman’s transition. Overthinking is a natural part of the gig, but something that must be controlled to have success. “Sometimes you go out there and you just think too much, and then the game kind of eats you alive,” Standlee said. “If you just go out there and compete and grind, it really takes away the thinking aspect of it; you can just go play free.” So, he gave him some simple advice as antidote to keep from thinking too much. Believe in your ability. The approach was to attack it like any other outing. Push the pace and put the pitches where they need to be. Stay focused and do what you know to do. “I’ve been playing baseball for almost 20 years, and you look back and think, ‘Well, how many pitches have I executed for a strike?’ Probably somewhere in the thousands,” Standlee said. “So it’s one of those where you just have to trust yourself and then go out there and ultimately just compete.” As the season went on, Martin’s confidence and comfortability rose. The freshman’s slider, speed and selfconfidence combined and materialized in emphatic fashion on the field. Against New Orleans in the regular-season finale, Martin entered as the closing pitcher one-third of the way through the eighth inning. Four of the next five batters were struck out by the freshman, who earned his first career save in the hitless outing. “It’s fun to watch when he comes in there and shuts it down,” Standlee said. “It’s a good thing to see, you know, young kids like that to gain the confidence and get trust in themselves. And it shows.” It has showed. Fast forward to this season, and the same confidence has oozed off Martin, as he’s collected nine saves on the year, good for seventh-best in the NCAA. In his second season – first as the starting closer – Martin is steadily improving as the Cowboys’ closer. The lessons found footing, and Standlee is thrilled as he watches the new Cowboy closer from afar. “I love Trev,” Standlee said. “He’s got a big, big future ahead of him.”
Brett Standlee saw something special in Trevor Martin. A season ago, Martin entered the OSU bullpen as a true freshman, who showed signs of promise. As an all-state pitcher from Asher, Martin quickly established a role in the rotation, making relief appearances early in the season. That pitching rotation featured Standlee, the Cowboys’ closing pitcher and soon-to-be draft pick of the San Francisco Giants. Over the course of Martin’s first fall on campus, the abilities he possessed became apparent to Standlee. “The guy was throwing 97-98 (mph) with a turbo slider – the stuff’s electric,” Standlee said. “And we all knew that he was going to make a big impact, but I don’t think he knew it yet.” And make an impact he did. The young freshman earned his first win in his collegiate debut, and he went on to tally two more. But Martin not only relief pitched, he was in charge of stepping up as a closer – a position that isn’t easy to pick up. “No one’s trained to close when you’re young,” OSU coach Josh Holliday said. “You don’t come up in high school being a closer. In high school, you pitch seven innings every time out for your team and that’s what you’re used to. So when you learn to close, it’s like a whole different deal. It’s a new responsibility.” The responsibility of closing a game was something Standlee knew all about. It’s something he calls “being comfortable in uncomfortable situations.” And as a fourth-year player and preeminent closer on that OSU team, he viewed mentoring Martin as his personal duty. Martin shadowed the Cowboy closer and watched how he approached his upcoming challenges while in the bullpen. Standlee advised him that closing is actually ideal for getting into a routine and keeping the body ready because of the advantage of knowing when to expect taking the mound. “I watched (Brett) last year, kind of like how he prepared and when he likes to get moving or get ready to get loose off the mound and in the bullpen last year,” Martin said. “So, he provided a lot of help, just kind of getting sports.ed@ocolly.com
From cart to shack Friday, April 22, 2022
Curtys makes impact on community Dru Norton News Editor
During football season, Sarah Cazzelle does not rest often. Most game day weekends, she runs on four hours of sleep; two diet Mountain Dews, a vitamin B12 shot and half Monster energy drink keep her awake. As owner of The Curty Shack, Cazzelle said she is used to the long nights. The shack, at 402 S. Washington St., gets the most business in the early morning. “My body’s kind of accustomed to it,” Cazzette said. “There’s been thousands of four-hour nights of sleep in my life, some of ‘em in a row. It’s just part of it when you’re running a business; you do what you have to do.” Owning The Curty Shack is not Cazzelle’s only job. In the summer, she owns a lawn mowing service, Green Guys Lawn Care, with her husband, Zac Cazzelle. And at every baseball, basketball, soccer, wrestling and football game, Cazzelle works at the The Curty concession stands, selling hundreds of hot dogs, pizzas, fries and more. Before football games, Cazzelle and her employees arrive at Boone Pickens Stadium four hours early to begin prepping for the rush. That gives Cazzelle a four-hour break between closing The Curty Shack at 3 a.m. and prepping at the concession stands at 7 a.m. for 11 a.m. football games. Luckily, Cazzelle said she has a dependable group of employees: her family. For nine years, Cazzelle’s brother and older sister have been managers at
Abby Smith In 2018, Cazzelle opened her first concession stand, a hot dog cart at the former baseball stadium, Allie P. Reynolds Stadium, now she has a stand at O’Brate Stadium.
the Curty Shack. Cazzelle’s younger sister, brother-in-law, children and husband alternate working shifts at the concession stands and the shack. “My whole family basically works for me and with me,” Cazzelle said. “I try very hard to make sure they don’t
feel as tired as me.” In 2018, Cazzelle opened her first concession stand, a hot dog cart at the former baseball stadium, Allie P. Reynolds Stadium. Since then, Dirty Curtys has had two stands at Boone Pickens Stadium, one at Gallagher-Iba Arena,
one at O’Brate Stadium and another at Neal Patterson Stadium. Although Cazzelle said football season is the busiest time of year, baseball season has more games, which means more hours to work and food to sell. “At the [baseball] stadium, we have all the hot messes,” Cazzelle said. “We have fried pickles, corn dogs, onion rings, all kinds of food we don’t offer at other concessions because we have a different kind of kitchen there.” Dirty Julio is one of the many specialized hot dogs at The Curty Shack; loaded with cream cheese, pineapple salsa, shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled potato chips for added “crunch.” Each “dirty” hot dog on the menu is named after the student who created it, Cazzelle said. “It’s cool because all of these OSU alums, some of ‘em have graduated 10 or 11 years ago, will come with their kids to games and point at the menu and say, ‘That’s named after me,’” Cazzelle said. “It’s crazy to me, but I think it matters when you believe in what you’re doing and the people you’re serving.” This tradition started before the shack’s opening on Washington Street in 2015; it began in September 2010 with a hot dog cart from Craigslist and a dream. After quitting her 80-hour a week job as a server, Cazzelle was working three jobs: managing a gas station, working part-time making doughnuts at Red Rock Bakery & Deli and mowing lawns for her husband’s company. Cazzelle said working these jobs with three children See Curty on 3B
SUAB hosts first Mr. OSU Kendall Mcghee Staff Reporter
questions that were being presented tonight,” said Jeremiah Donald, a sophomore. Eleven sharplyThe winner dressed men lined the was awarded a $500 Student Union Theater scholarship. There was stage, competing to be also a runner-up award the first Mr. OSU. of $225 and a crowd On April 14, favorite award of a those competing trophy. answered questions Temitope about education, Olapade, a mechanical COVID-19, politics and aerospace and performed their engineering talents in front of a major, won crowdcrowd. favorite award The contestants with his saxophone entertained the crowd; performance of the dancing on stage and famous song “Tequila” showing their talent by The Champs. of music, comedy and Cameron Payne, acting. The audience general business prewas involved and law major, won runnercheered for them as up with his singing each of them ended of “Come Fly with their performances. Me” in the style of “It’s nice to Michael Bublé. Korbin see different people Hammer won Mr. OSU showing their talents with his outstanding and giving their performance of suggestions on the “Believe” in the style
of Jefferey Austin. Hammer was dressed in a sash and a crown and handed a $500 cardboard check as the audience erupted with praise. “I honestly didn’t expect to win,” Hammer said. “My goal was to get in the top three but winning honestly did not occur to me.” Hammer said that he always loved to sing and did choir and theater during high school and middle school. Hammer said he chose the song “Believe’” while he was scrolling through Apple Music. The competition was a success; filled with cheering and happiness from contestants and the audience. news.ed@ocolly.com
Courtesy of Calla Regier (From left to right) Jordan Lin, winner of Mr. Asian OSU 2022; Calla Regier, winner of Miss Asian OSU 2021; and Esther Niang, winner of Miss Asian OSU 2022.
Q&A: Miss Asian OSU 2021 Dru Norton News Editor
Molly Jolliff SUAB hosted the first Mr. OSU competition where Korbin Hammer was given the crown.
Calla Regier uses her platform as Miss Asian OSU 2021 to help others feel comfortable in their skin. Adopted from China at a young age, Regier, a junior agricultural economics major, said she once felt out of place as a minority living in the small town of Enid. Through connections with the Asian American community at OSU, Regier has found a
home on campus. Now, she reflects on her experiences as Miss Asian OSU 2021 and president of the Asian American Student Association. Q: So, how has this past year been as Miss Asian OSU? A: It’s been really busy, especially because I’m also the president of the Asian American Student Association. So, I’ve been planning events for both organizations. It’s helped me get more involved with the Asian community See Miss Asian on 6B
What’s Inside
Shakespeare Day Page 2B
April 23 is Shakespeare’s birthday. What would he say about OSU?
Stressed Students Page 3B
OSU seniors are learning the stress of finding a job after graduation.
Summer Movies Page 6B
With school winding down and the weather heating up, Hollywood is preparing for a summer full of movies.
Page 2B Friday, April 22, 2022
O’Colly
Page 2
Photo of the week By Braden King OSU Speakers Board hosted Tim Tebow this week for its spring semester speaker.
If Shakespeare were at OSU Shakespeare Day is Saturday. To commemorate the holiday, The O’Colly came up with phrases Shakespeare might say if he were at OSU. “Goeth thine Poke!” “The Sooner doth think he is wise, but the sooner doth knows himself to be a fool.” “To be a poke, or not to be a poke. That is the question.” “Kayse, oh Kayse, wherefor art thou Kayse?” “Et tou Bullet.” “Hell is empty and all the fools are in Norman.” “This above all: To thine own Cowboys be true.” “Words are easy, like the wind; faithful friends are found in low places.” “Lord what fools these Sooners be!”
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
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Curty.. Continued from 1B proved to be difficult and tiring. Having earned a degree in English and business administration from OSU, Cazzelle said she knew she could run a business, but she needed an idea. “One of our friends had found this camper and turned it into a barbecue food truck, and they were talking about how much money they had made,” Cazzelle said. “So my friend and I thought, ‘We should start a hot dog cart.’” With all the money Cazzelle and her husband received from their tax return, they bought a $1,200 hot dog cart. “We were gonna buy a big-screen TV or a hot dog cart, and we chose the cart,” Cazzelle said. “Turns out, it was one of the best decisions we ever made.” Cazzelle and her friend set up shop in a muddy alleyway next to The Cowboy Book on West Elm Avenue, which has become The Garage. She printed a few signs on Microsoft Word and attached them to the cart: “COME GET YOUR HOT DOGS!” “We loaded up like Beverly hillbillies in our truck, with a lot of hope, hot dogs and a cart we had only lit once,” Cazzelle said. It was the second football game of the 2010 season. After 30 minutes and no sales, Cazzelle was discouraged. She needed the cart to work; her family depended on it. With three kids, it was outgrowing the 900-squarefoot home.
Friday, April 22, 2022 Page 3B
News “That cart was all I had,” Cazzelle said. “I’m emotional thinking about it now because it was my kids’ future. I just remember thinking, ‘This has got to work.’” So, Cazzelle stepped out of the alley onto the crowded street and tried selling hot dogs to people walking past. “You know, when you work as a vendor in the middle of a lot of people, they don’t automatically think you’re this cool hot dog lady who has a college degree,” Cazzelle said. “A lot of people laughed at us.” Cazzelle didn’t give up; she sold 15 hot dogs her first night. After that, Cazzelle never missed a football game from her cart. She started gaining some regular customers like Curtis, an OSU student. When Curtis came to Cazzelle’s stand on her opening night, he had a request. He wanted a hot dog with cream cheese, chili and cheese. After taking a bite, Curtis was hooked. He asked Cazzelle whether she would name the hot dog after him. “I told him, ‘I’m not going to name it the Curtis dog. That sounds dumb,’” Cazzelle said. “And he goes, ‘Well, they call me the Dirty Curty.’ And I said, ‘Oh Lord, help me. Don’t tell me why, and I’ll name it after you.’” Thus, the Dirty Curty cart was born. Cazzelle said word traveled quickly; people began to line outside the cart to taste the famous Dirty Curty. Then, the Dirty Dee: a hot dog with cream cheese, chili cheese, jalapeno relish and red onions; the Dirty Paco: a hot dog with cream cheese, gua camole, cheese, grilled onions, bacon and
The wait is over
Seniors attempt finding jobs after graduation
Abby Smith Dirty Curtys has two concession stands at Boone Pickens Stadium, one at Gallagher-Iba Arena, one at O’Brate Stadium and another at Neal Patterson Stadium.
crumbled potato chips; and the Dirty Julio. Now, Cazzelle has 15 “dirty” hot dog combinations on the Curty Shack menu. The Dirty Curty has remained her best seller, Cazzelle said. In 2015, she moved her cart to The Strip and became what is known today as The Curty Shack. From there, Cazzelle’s business bloomed. “I went from counting how many hot dogs I needed to sell to pay my bills to selling 250 hot dogs every night and completely outgrowing the cart,” Cazzelle said. Cazzelle works at the shack WednesdaySaturday from 9 p.m. until “The line ends.” This can be anywhere from 3-4 a.m., Cazzelle said. While Cazzelle spends her nights working at the shack, Matt Ring, a human resources junior, frequents the bars on The Strip. At the end of the night, Ring said he usually finds himself at The Curty Shack. On a few occasions, Ring said Cazzelle has offered him free food.
“One time, I had lost my wallet and the bars were closed,” Ring said. “I went to grab something to eat at The Curty Shack and realized I didn’t have money to pay for it. Sarah was like, ‘No big deal’ and handed me a piece of pizza.” Cazzelle said kindness is part of the job. Cazzelle said she ensures all students in her line, whether they are drunk or sober, are taken care of. On some occasions, Cazzelle has driven intoxicated students home. Even with The Curty Shack’s success, Cazzelle said she won’t forget her humble beginnings. In the future, Cazzelle said The Curty Shack might open another location in Oklahoma City or open concessions at other Oklahoma stadiums, but she plans to keep her location on The Strip. “Five years ago, I was standing on the corner with trash bags on my feet in 20-degree weather because I was about to freeze to death, selling hot dogs from a cart,” Cazzelle said. “It’s a real Cinderella story.” news.ed@ocolly.com
File Photo Oklahoma State students can attend career fairs, practicing their interview skills in mock interview sessions held by the university.
Katelyn Schedcik Staff Reporter
“It’s a lot,” Wade said. “I still try to give myself time to have fun. I set myself a goal every day that I have to at least apply to two jobs so I don’t have to get behind. That’s just so I won’t get too stressed about it later.” Wade is communicating with the Omni Fort Worth Convention Center and is trying to gain a job working events within the center. The Omni position is the only job she has in sight, but she said she stays positive about finding something that will fulfill her. Wade said she is working on staying levelheaded as her classmates receive job offers. She asks for tips from those who have a job about interviews and how to present herself. “I believe I’ll get a job when the right job comes along,” Wade said. “I’ve gotten to know quite a few people and ask them for advice. But it’ll come along.” On the other hand, while students like Wade are constantly searching, others are hesitant. In addition, pressures to stay around family keep some students, like Rex Floyd, from applying.
Celebrations, applications and stress accompany graduation. Oklahoma State senior Emily Wade, majoring in hospitality, has applied to 20 jobs this semester. “At this moment in time, I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness,’” Wade said. “I’m super stressed out and trying to apply to all these jobs on Indeed and HireOSU. I’m just trying to find a job that I can start as soon as June or July.” Wade attended two career fairs this semester. She said she was not thinking heavily about her future during the first career fair. She oversaw the second career fair and focused on ensuring things were running smoothly rather than landing a job. She talked to a handful of employers but never reached back out to secure a position. Wade has a minor in events management and wants to pursue a job as a banquet coordinator. She said she recognizes she must build her way up to have the position she wants in the future. Wade is in the process of finding a beginner job that allows her to gain experience. See Seniors on 8B
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modmuze Page Friday, 22, 2022 Page 24B Friday, AprilApril 22, 2022
O’Colly The Daily O’Collegian
Stylist and Photographer: Rylee Keesee
Picture a revolutionary. Who do you see? What are they wearing? In the history of American liberation and civil rights movements, it was vital for revolutionaries to be able to pick each other out of a crowd or to have a signal indicating solidarity, to know who in a room you could trust despite being strangers. While the militant-esque uniforms of race rights groups like the Black Panthers or Brown Berets might not have been sported by members daily, simple indicators of one’s position in the fight for a liberated country popped up across organizations. The first, and most recognizable, symbol of protest fashion is the infamous Black Panther Party uniform. Established as the official dress code of Black Panthers by founders Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, members of the Party were typically spotted wearing all black— black pants, black leather jackets, a dark shirt and even sunglasses to obscure the Panthers’ identities. The most essential aspect of the Black Panther uniform was a black beret, sitting atop all-natural black hair. Though not necessarily enforced by dress code, Black Panthers wore their hair natural as a means of rejecting white beauty standards and to set an example for young black Americans. The Black Panther Party was revolutionary not only in its socio-political platform, but also because they worked to reverse the psychological components of anti-black racism by preaching pride in one’s non-
eurocentric features. The black beret was so heavily associated with the Black Panther Party that it became an unspoken rule not to don the garment if you weren’t standing guard over a crowd of protesters in the streets of Oakland. The impact of Newton and Seale’s berets didn’t go unnoticed by other revolutionary groups. Following the Black Panther Party’s example, street activist Cha Cha Jiménez organized Chicago’s Afro-Latinx community and called themselves the Young Lords. In a move that might’ve been influenced by color coding in West Side Story, Jiménez implemented the use of purple berets when organizing publicly. Berets weren’t the only intersection between the Young Lords and the Black Panthers— both organizations shared similar revolutionary platforms, publicly opposing American capitalism, labor exploitation, housing inequality, and, most importantly, police brutality. The Young Lords only had a few major demonstrations throughout their short reign, bearing their purple berets during an occupation of a South Bronx hospital intended to publicize the subpar conditions of healthcare facilities in black and Latinx neighborhoods. A smaller, yet effective, symbol in protest fashion was the pin-back protest button, often used to display protest chants, urge others to vote for an act or generally demand change. Protest buttons were especially popular during
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by Katy Kemp
Fashion of the Revolution
Inspired by the dreamlike state that phases us during the season of Spring.
modmuze O’Colly Page 2 Friday, April 22, 2022
the Vietnam War, in which anti-war pacifists sported pin-backs with phrases ranging from “get out of Vietnam” to “draft beer not students.” Given the conscription only drafted young men from ages 18 to 26, college students had a particular bone to pick with the war— meaning the average anti-Vietnam War pacifist was a university or high school student. This era in American history also popularized the use of peace signs, and easily the most basic anti-Vietnam War protest pin featured the simple circled intersection of three lines. Climate change activists, working class strikers, and queers on the frontlines of the Gay Liberation Front utilized protest buttons as a means of communicating both with lawmakers and onlookers, displaying grievances with specific systemic injustices in short phrases to both urge change and rally support. Other notable symbols representing liberation and a revolt against inadequate treatment included that of armbands used to coordinate large-scale street protests. Middle schooler Mary Beth Tinker and her
Friday, April 2022 Page 5B The22, Daily O’Collegian
siblings were expelled from a Des Moines public school for wearing black armbands featuring a single white peace sign in an act of protest against the Vietnam War. The early ‘70s saw the rise of punk music and fashion, with an important aspect of punk rebelling against materialism by mending or decorating old clothes with a plethora of safety pins. In more recent times, safety pins have become a symbol of solidarity— worn to communicate that the wearer is an ally to marginalized voices. Revolution cannot exist without organization. When Huey Newton and Bobby Seale slipped on a black leather jacket with a black beret, they weren’t trying to establish themselves as fashion icons. Cha Cha Jiménez didn’t put the Young Lords in a purple beret as a fashion statement. These revolutionaries created an image recognizable to their communities that were demoralized, communities that were painfully aware of their disadvantages but couldn’t count on representatives or congressmen to improve their conditions. With a dress code, these communities could look up to leaders who were genuinely fighting for their liberation.
It has officially been announced: Pantone’s Color of Year for 2022 is PANTONE 17-3938: “Very Peri.” This periwinkle color, a cross between a blue-purple color and gray, with slight red undertones, is a light, modern take on the color blue. In fact, PANTONE created this shade specifically for 2022’s Color of the Year, something that has never been done before in history. In PANTONE’s official description of the color and why they choose it as the color of the year, PANTONE states “As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged in new ways. Digital design helps us to stretch the limits of reality, opening the door to a dynamic virtual world where we can explore and create new color possibilities. With trends in gaming, the expanding popularity of the metaverse and rising artistic community in the digital space, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how color trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa.” In fact, simply looking at Very Peri, one cannot help but feel like the color is
a breath of fresh air. It’s a new, modern take on traditional colors like blue and purple. Very Peri continues the trend of modern colors and shades being seen in pop culture and fashion. Vibrant hues of classic colors like orange, red, yellow, pinks and purples have been seen all over social media, marketing and branding. These colors all differ in shades and tones from the traditional colors of the rainbow. The rise in vibrant color choices for clothing and Y2K fashion have all caused a rise in unconventional shade choices from traditional colors for clothing. Colors like pistachio green, chocolate brown and now periwinkle have all been seen on various runways around the world. In fact, Very Peri has already been seen on Fendi, Saint Laurant and Christian Dior have all had periwinkle clothing in their Spring/Summer 2022 shows.
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Stylist and Model: Abby Haraway Photographer: Hannah Floyd
by Tyler Tassi
Page 6B Friday, April 22, 2022
O’Colly
News/Lifestyle
Miss Asian... Continued from 1B here on campus and I get to know people a lot better.
Courtesy of Tribune News Service “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” is the newest addition to Marvel’s series and is set to come out later this year.
Anticipated summer 2022 films Connor Gray Staff Reporter
Madness” promises to be nothing short of a treat. “Top Gun: Maverick” (May 27) With a strong slate After countless of movies hitting theaters delays, the sequel to the this summer, these are the classic “Top Gun” is most anticipated films to finally coming. With Tom look forward to seeing on Cruise doing his usual opening night. shenanigans, Miles Teller “Doctor Strange in playing the son of Goose the Multiverse of Madand Val Kilmer reprising ness” (May 6) his role as Iceman; not With director Sam much is known about the Raimi attached to the plot, but a thrilling advenproject and two trailture with Tom Cruise’s ers already released, the Maverick will always be newest installment in the something to look forMarvel Cinematic Uniward to. verse appears to be trippy, “Jurassic World artistic and an exciting Dominion” (June 10) experience at the theater. The conclusion of The newest film is likely the Jurassic World trilogy going to be packed with has been relatively quiet fan favorite cameos from about what the plot will Marvel projects of past entail, but based on the and present based off trailer, we will be seeing the trailers. With Doctor the return of the original Strange, you are guarJurassic Park trio of Sam anteed to be given great Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff visuals so combining the Goldblum. The world of character with a fantasJurassic Park has always tic visual director like been a series that I watch Raimi, “Doctor Strange and enjoy, so I am lookin the Multiverse of ing forward to this one.
way! a e d i H inal g i r eO h t out k ec Ch
“Elvis” (June 24) I am a sucker for biopics and in an era of films such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Rocketman,” and “Respect,” where famous musicians’ lives have been displayed, I am thrilled for an Elvis film. Austin Butler seems to look the part of Elvis, and I am optimistic that he will pull off a great performance of The King. “Thor: Love and Thunder” (July 8) With a teaser trailer released this week for “Thor 4,” we finally get to see this Avengers journey after “Avengers: Endgame,” and it’s bound to be a big one. The characters from the Guardians of the Galaxy are to be in the film as well as elite actor Christian Bale as the villainous Gorr the God Butcher. I do not know what to expect with “Thor 4,” but I am certainly excited. Read full story at ocolly.com
SINCE 1957,
Q: What is your platform? A: So, my platform is about maintaining a healthy body image. Something I struggled with when I was younger was the way I looked, especially because I was adopted from China. I looked nothing like my parents. And the school that I went to, I was like one of the only Asian kids in the entire school. It was just kind of hard, comparing myself to others and learning to be comfortable with who I am. I want to help others struggling with those same feelings. Q: What has been your favorite part of being Miss Asian OSU and president of the Asian American Association? A: Something I’ve really enjoyed this semester helping with the 2022 Mr. and Miss Asian OSU pageant this year. Last year, we didn’t have any Mr. Contestants. But this year, we had a couple of guys interested, so we had the Mr. and Miss part. I helped plan and coordinate the pageant as well as help the contestants get ready. It was a lot of fun working with the contestants and I got to know them better and they are just a really great group to be around. Q: How many contestants were there this year? A: We had four contestants, two for the Mr. Asian OSU and two for the Miss Asian OSU. We generally have a hard time finding contestants, honestly. And most of the time we have to push back the application deadlines because there’s not really a whole lot of Asian Americans or Asians on campus that are interested in doing this. Q: Is there a scholarship award at the end? A: Yes, and this year they actually upped it. My year, it was $1,000 for first place. This year, it was $1,500 for first place Mr. and Miss Asian OSU. Then the second place is $500 and third place is $250. It’s really nice. Sometimes on top of it, the Institutional Diversity will add maybe another $100 or $200. Q: When you competed, what was your favorite part of the pageant? A: I really liked seeing cultural wear and talent. It’s really cool seeing that and the different cultural
Courtesy of Calla Regier Calla Regier was crowned Miss Asian OSU 2021 April 13, 2021.
performances that we had throughout the pageant. Q: What are some of the things you do as Miss Asian OSU? A: Part of winning is that you have to hold four different events related to your platform, as a way for you to advocate for it. So, I did two last semester, and two this semester. You also get to be in the Homecoming parade, and go to the Diversity Hall of Fame gala and you also attend the other multicultural pageants. Q: Who won Mr. and Miss Asian OSU this year? A: The pageant this year was on April 3, and Miss Asian OSU was Esther Niang and Mr. Asian OSU was Jordan Lin. Q: What are your future plans after graduation? A: I really don’t have a whole lot planned out for my future, honestly. This summer, I have an internship with a foreign agricultural service, the USDA. So, I’ll be in Washington D.C. this summer. I’m working for them as a student trainee for agricultural economics. Q: Is there anything I didn’t ask that you would like to add? A: For anyone who is interested in doing the pageant, you should do it. This isn’t like the regular, beauty pageant kind of thing. It’s a way that you can display your culture to everyone on campus and advocate for a social issue that you are passionate about. It also is a way for you to help fund your education. news.ed@ocolly.com
HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE
230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074
Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!
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
Friday, April 22, 2022 Page 7B
Classifieds
FOR RELEASE APRIL 22, 2022
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
Business Squares Church Meetings Craft Beer Forum! April 9th, 2022! Purchase your tickets at www. craftbeerforum ofoklahoma.com
Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy! Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main “The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”
Help Wanted 108 RV Storage needs helper with mechanical skills. Welding skills a plus. Tasks include cleaning vehicles, repair and moving stuff. 10 flex hours per week during weekdays. Call Richard 405-377-7101
Join the New Covenant Fellowship for service every Sunday at 10am and share in our passion for Jesus Christ!”
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Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 Frito pie ingredient 6 Percussion-based theater troupe 11 Back in the day 14 TV signal part 15 SAT prep help, often 16 Like beach volleyball players 17 Casino array 18 See 6-Down 19 Trellis growth 20 “Freeze!” 21 Former spouse who never lets things get awkward? 23 Serpentine fish 25 Streisand film based on a Singer story 26 Outcome when a salon student makes waves? 32 Holy __ 33 Cleared for takeoff? 34 Low nos. for aces 38 Many Egyptians 40 Domino dot 41 Day of the Dead drink 42 Arizona locale for spring training fans 43 Suits 45 Silent communication sys. 46 Luring an academic to the dark side? 49 “The City & the City” novelist Miéville 51 WSJ news topic 52 Taylor Swift hit song about defying the haters, and an apt title for this puzzle 56 Cause of inflation? 60 “Nailed it!” 61 Miyazaki’s genre 62 Binge 63 Snare 64 Four-time Australian Open winner 65 Piano part 66 Weep
4/22/22
By Karen Lurie
Thursday’s Puzzle Solved
67 Utopias 68 Mature DOWN 1 “Hurt” singer 2 Dance for a lei person 3 TV competition, familiarly 4 Kitten caboodle 5 Apple platform 6 With 18-Across, ingredient in fivespice powder 7 Fish in salade niçoise 8 Ear-relevant? 9 Sauntered 10 Want more 11 Listing 12 Chairperson’s hammer 13 Black stone 21 Series set at McKinley High 22 Not fulfilled 24 Winds down 26 Rich soil 27 Word on some European postage stamps 28 “That’s a shame” 29 Mature 30 Octavia Butler’s genre
©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
31 “Fast Food My Way” chef Jacques 35 Have a good laugh 36 Besides 37 Mirror image 39 Dyeing art 41 PDQ 43 Clocked 44 “What a long week” sigh 47 Trepidation
4/22/22
48 Burst 49 Pull (for) 50 Impulsive 52 Out of __ 53 Bananagrams piece 54 Sign 55 Own (up) 57 Lahore tongue 58 Repast 59 Hide 62 Après-ski option
Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (04/22/22). Your career status and influence flower this year. Consistent practices and professional discipline provide satisfying rewards. Springtime introspection reveals valuable personal insights, providing support with a summer partnership challenge. Autumn collaboration and romance blossom, motivating self-discovery and personal improvement next winter. Your work is gaining respect. 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 an 8 — Advance a professional vision, one step at a time. Dreams seem within reach. Do the research to back up your theory. Learn from a master. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Plan your educational itinerary. Explore new frontiers. A dreamy opportunity is worth pursuing. Luck follows initiative and solid preparation. Listen to your heart. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — You’re building for the future. Collaborate to grow shared savings. Conserve resources. Follow your heart. Take advantage of lucrative opportunities. Conditions favor bold initiatives. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Together you can take on the world. Align talents to achieve a common dream. Creative collaboration flowers. Coordinate your moves. Kindle a little romance. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Get moving! Physical action gets satisfying results today. Get your heart pumping. A dreamy prize is within reach. Work and fun blend together. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Follow your heart where it leads. Have fun with someone special. Savor delicious treats with family and friends. Play your favorite games and sports. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Take care of family first. Your heart is at home. Collaborate for a domestic dream. Luck follows initiative. Take action for the results you want. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially creative and brilliant. You can solve a challenging puzzle. Discover an unusual clue. Follow it with determination. Quick action wins a prize. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Take advantage of lucrative conditions. Push ahead and luck follows where you lead. Advance a profitable project. Monitor cash flow to grow savings. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — A personal passion project begins to take off. Quick action can advance a dream by leaps and bounds. Dress for success. Connect with aligned hearts. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Creativity and imagination inspire your thinking. Notice intuition and dreams. Reduce external stimulus and noise to hear your own thoughts better. Plan and organize. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Get together with friends. Discover a path to achieve a shared dream. Advance through teamwork and cooperation. Fortune follows determined initiatives. Collaborate.
Level 1
2
3
4
4/22/22
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.
Page 8B Friday, April 22, 2022
Seniors... Continued from 3B Floyd is a senior at OSU finishing his fifth year after switching majors three times. He initially studied biology, business and political science but settled on criminal justice. Floyd said he wants to go into law enforcement but has not decided whether he wants to pursue federal or state level. Floyd said he is stuck between going into a career he enjoys or staying under the control of his parents as graduation comes closer. “I just feel lots of pressure to stay home and also lots of pressure to do whatever they want me to do,” Floyd said. “They want me to do everything I don’t want to do. If I make any plans, their plans kinda take over mine.” Floyd put off job searching during the beginning of the semester because of his parents. Now,he has had to plan life after graduation in a hurry to make up for lost time. Floyd said he fears he will not get the position he wants due to waiting. He said he wants to be able to live by himself and make a living without his family’s help. “I think the biggest stressful part besides needing a job is figuring out a way to get out of the house,” Floyd said. “Sooner rather than later. I feel like I have to speed things up in half the time people usually get. I want to be able to support myself finally.” Some seniors panic about finding a job close to home, and others worry about leaving the country. This is the reality for Cameron Whitmarsh, a student from England finishing his final year at OSU. Whitmarsh attends Keele University but said he figured he would give international studies a go. Whitmarsh is majoring in marketing and said he is indecisive about whether he wants to pursue a job back home or in America. He said he knows the market for his career is booming in England, but he feels a pull to come back to the states in the future. Whitmarsh said he has made plenty of network connections within Oklahoma but lost a few contacts back in England. As a result, Whitmarsh has not set his sights on a job but said he knows he wants to go into advertisement. “It’s been kinda like a vacation, to be completely honest,” Whitmarsh said. “But I am nervous. College life has been quite, quite great and I’m sad I’m leaving that behind and entering the
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News real world. I’m going to miss it.” In contrast, some seniors are overwhelmed at the possibilities their career provides. Abigail LaNoue, an OSU senior studying theater, said graduation and not knowing what path to take smothers her. LaNoue said she understands the risk of going into a field where she might not get paid well at first. She has been looking into performance openings in the Oklahoma City area but wants to work her way up to pursue Broadway openings. She has worked to make connections, but a role has not been offered. “As much as any form of art can bring you happiness, it’s hard to make money doing that,” LaNoue said. “It’s hard to make it to auditions and find directors that you like. You have to be top of the crop or else you won’t get noticed. I think that’s why I haven’t had any success in the bigger cities.” LaNoue has navigated the field and said she wants to settle on a position she can build her way up in. She said she is also looking for side hustles to help with money issues as she searches. Jobs like bartending or being a waitress are what she has in mind. LaNoue said she wants to have a performing role but knows she will possibly have to start with backstage jobs or crew work. She said she feels overloaded by not knowing where she will end up and is drained trying to decide what to do before the end of the semester. The struggle to find openings has weighed on her mental health and outlook. “The options are so wide right now because I don’t have a place to start,” LaNoue said. “It’s almost more stressful than only having one option. Like, how do I know if I make the right decision, you know? I don’t have to do one thing for the rest of my life, but it feels like it.” Oklahoma State is equipped with resources for students on the lookout, like LaNoue. An abundance of career service assistants is one of those resources. One career service assistant, Amy Weaver, said she meets with about 10 students a week from different backgrounds, majors, and ideas. Helping to make job searching less stressful and offer guidance with each step is her job. In addition, career services provide mock interviews, helps with cover letters, resume checking and general career advice. Weaver said though she is not familiar with the ins and outs of every industry, some students can fall behind if they do not take the right actions at
File Photo Kenneth Kern, director of graduate programs in the Watson Graduate School of Management, said interview preparation can make the difference between acceptance or denial into a program.
the right moments. “There are some [majors] where if a student is not proactive, they might have a more difficult time when it comes to looking for a job,” Weaver said. “There are seasons when a lot of students get hired in and it can be really discouraging for some students who miss it.” Concerning the job market, Weaver said it is a great time to search for positions because of people moving around and graduations. She said it might be overwhelming for an entrylevel employee, but she encourages students to lunge at opportunities. “I think that employers are becoming more attentive to the needs of their employees in terms of offering flexibility,” Weaver said. “So, I think it’s a great time to be looking for a job. Lots of availabilities are starting to pop up.” Sometimes career services are not enough to calm the nerves of some seniors while preparing for graduation. This is where University Counseling Services on campus steps in. Nikkie Dunnigan, Department of Wellness program manager, has been involved with Oklahoma State since August. In her experience, Dunnig an said students struggle with the question, “What next?” She said when graduation comes, anxiety rises because students must leave a system
they have been familiar with their whole life. She works with students to help verbalize their problems and understand it is normal to feel this way during development. “As students, we always knew what was coming next,” Dunnigan said. “We did elementary school, middle school, high school, college. We always knew what the next step in the plan is. Once we get that degree, the world is wide open. That can be overwhelming sometimes.” Students putting pressure on themselves to find an amazing job after graduation is another issue she sees often. Dunnigan said it is best to keep moving forward even though nerves might get the best of people. She works to reframe the student’s mindset more positively so the future is less intimidating. Dunnigan said students should focus more on taking life slowly on a day-to-day basis instead of planning out their lives. She offered advice to those who may think negatively about the road ahead. “[Students] are worth so much more than a title, productivity or what they could earn,” Dunnigan said. “The ‘next step’ is just that: a next step. There is still a lot of time for growth and discovery.” news.ed@ocolly.com