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Celebrating Sanders Monday, November 15, 2021

Cowboys rout TCU with famed running back in attendance

Chris Becker

Barry Sanders (right) received his statue at OSU’s football game.

Ben Hutchens Digital Editor Gunnar Gundy and Barry Sanders shared a field in Stillwater Saturday night.

Gundy because the Oklahoma State Cowboys throttled the TCU Horned Frogs 63-17 and Sanders because he was added to the Cowboy Ring of Honor.

Festivities for Cowboy fans attending the 7 p.m. blackout-themed game in Boone Pickens Stadium began two hours earlier, at the unveiling of a 9-foot-tall statue of Sanders, commemorating his time as a Cowboy.

The guest list was impressive.

Members of Sander’s offensive

line the War Pigs, former coach Pat Jones, dozens of people in the Sanders family, coach Mike Gundy, OSU athletic director Chad Weiberg and president Dr. Kayse Shrum were some of the people participating in the ceremony.

Gundy talked about why it was so valuable to have Sanders back in Stillwater. Shrum shared a story of seeing her face alongside Sander’s on a Homecoming sign. Weiberg issued thanks to everyone who made the ceremony possible.

But all echoed the same sentiment: Sanders was one of the best to ever do it.

That is how Sanders found himself on the field at the half of a game already a blowout. In a brief ceremony, video messages were played on the big screen congratulating Sanders for his accomplishments. And again, the guest list was impressive.

Football legends Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Desmond Mason and Tim Tebow all spoke of Sanders’ ac-

colades. Even OSU alumni Thurman Thomas and Garth Brooks recorded messages, with Brooks calling Sanders the “Greatest fricking running back in college and professional football history.”

The curtain over the west side of the stadium covering Sanders name and number was pulled up, revealing the second name in the Cowboy Ring of Honor, alongside Thomas. A few more photos were snapped and a framed black OSU jersey bearing Sanders’ No. 21 was presented and then, keeping with the famed running back’s personality, the festivities were quietly over.

But his impact in the game was not.

The largest crowd in Boone Pickens Stadium this season, part of which came out for Sanders, had plenty to cheer about as the Cowboys continued to dominate the Horned Frogs.

Led in carries by senior running back Jaylen Warren, the Cowboys rushed for 447 yards.

Gundy was asked if Sander’s presence gave Warren any additional energy.

“For the story, I’d like to say yes,” Gundy said. “But Jaylen likes to play.

I’ll say yes for your story.”

The atmosphere, fueled partially

by Cowboy touchdowns and Sanders hysteria, made for a dominating performance in a unique atmosphere for all players involved, including Gunnar, who handed the ball off three times and ran it himself once.

“It was different than a normal game,” wide receiver Brennan Presley said. “With everything going on, people coming back in town for (Sanders) just bringing attention to it; you got to love playing under the night lights, 7 p.m. black out that’s cool. So, I mean just the added mystique to the night I think that was kind of cool.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Gundy hopes Cowboys will avoid tunnel vision Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

coaches talk. I spend my time stressing to them the importance of what tomorrow brings and what’s got them here.”

Gundy’s key to staying on track- the same things his players have been to get them in the position they are in.

“What’s got them here is their focus,” Gundy said.

“Their discipline and their toughness and staying the course. It’s just so difficult in the world today with social media and the outside people who now are going to tell them how great they are more than ever for them to stay focused.”

Gundy used his wrestling background to create an analogy for his team. Gundy said there is always someone ready to take you down, and when you think you are doing well, you get hit down.

The Cowboys mentality and effort during practice have brought them to a nine wins this season, with two regular season games remaining. Gundy said he will not be worried, as he believes their culture will continue to flourish.

“I’ve not been around a team that likes to be around each other and likes to practice,” Gundy said. “They like it and they go play hard. It’s just an unusual group. We have a culture that we all follow the rules, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to always work every year.”

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are one win away from something they have never done before.

A trip to the Big 12 championship game.

The Big 12 created a conference championship game in 2017, and since then, the Oklahoma Sooners have won all four games. Its rival, OSU, only has claimed one Big 12 championship in school history, in 2011, long before the championship games conception.

OSU has a history of late season collapses. In 2015, OSU climbed the rankings, becoming the fourth best team in the country, before losing three straight games. In 2020, OSU had a chance to go to Arlington, then fell to unranked TCU, allowing Iowa State to compete for the crown.

Coach Mike Gundy said he wants his team to avoid tunnel vision, in order for history not to repeat itself.

You know, now I try to not ever think past tomorrow’s practice,” Gundy said. “But human nature is that, and I can only imagine that the players and everybody, but it’s not just sports.ed@ocolly.com

Abby Cage

Page 2 Monday, November 15, 2021

O’Colly

sports

In Barry Sanders’ presence, running backs buy into new identity

Abby Cage

Dean Ruhl Sports Editor It is hard to change an identity.

For Oklahoma State, currently engaged in a season where defense and rushing are at the forefront compared to the Cowboys traditional pass-heavy offense, a return to the past might have helped expedite the identity change.

On Saturday, the university celebrated former running back Barry Sanders, unveiling a 9-foot-tall bronze statue outside of Boone Pickens Stadium and inducting him as the second member of the Cowboy Ring of Honor.

In OSU’s 63-17 rout of TCU, the Cowboys embraced the rushing attack, compiling 447 rushing yards compared to 235 passing yards. The numbers, slightly askew because of the large lead the Cowboys (9-1 overall, 6-1 Big 12) had constructed (OSU only attempted one pass in the fourth quarter), still trended toward OSU’s

new identity.

“I think we just blocked (well),” coach Mike Gundy said. “They were physical, they dropped their pads and ran hard.”

Staying on trend, running back Jaylen Warren once again took carries in the first half, amassing 103 yards and three touchdowns before halftime.

He touched the ball thrice more in the second half, gaining 10 yards before leaving the game with an injury.

Gundy said Warren had the breath knocked out of him and will be fine, but with 25-point lead, he opted to rotate depth pieces in.

Running backs Dezmon Jackson and Dominic Richardson split carries in the third, each finding the end zone twice.

Richardson nearly doubled his season yardage total, concluding Saturday’s contest with 134 yards, the second-most in his OSU career behind only a 169-yard game against Baylor this past season.

“Dominic runs hard now,” Gundy said. “If you get in front of him you’re going to get punished. He runs hard and takes pride in it.”

Richardson, initially a TCU commit before being granted full re-

lease, displayed his aggressive running style against the Horned Frogs, bowling over TCU linebacker Dee Winters on a 28-yard run.

Jackson, who has missed six games this season with an undisclosed injury, also padded his stats Saturday.

He had only accumulated 23 yards this season on seven carries, but doubled his carries, and tripled his yards, rushing the ball 16 times for 68 yards, and bursting into the end zone for the first time this year.

“Jackson looked good,” Gundy said. “He has been healthy now for two weeks and practiced hard and ran well tonight.”

Freshman running back Jaden Nixon was able to record his first touchdown as a Cowboy, breaking several tackles on a dizzying 63-yard rush. His three rushes Saturday bring his season total to 14, and rushing yards to 122. “(Nixon) came in and showed why we recruited him. I’m very encouraged by those guys,” Gundy said.

The rush onslaught was accomplished without two starters on the offensive line. Left guard Josh Sills was replaced by Tyrese Williams, and center Danny Godlevske by Joe

Michalski.

Gundy said neither injury is serious, and he expects Sills to return to practice this week.

“I thought the big kids, obviously they took control of the offensive line, the line of scrimmage, and they did a really good job with whoever was in there at the time,” offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn said.

Two of the three quarterbacks who played recorded positive yardage, with Spencer Sanders adding 53 rushing yards, and Gunnar Gundy recording his first career rushing yard.

The win elevates OSU into a tie for first place in the Big 12 standings, pulling the Cowboys abreast with Oklahoma. With two remaining games on the regular season docket, the historic performance, in front of a historic figure, might be a sign OSU has bought into its new identity.

Running the ball.

“Our guys were fired up and excited to play in front of Barry today,” Dunn said. “We just didn’t want to disappoint.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

sports

Monday, November 15, 2021 Page 3

Notebook: Williams, Boone return and Smith has an efficient game

Chris Becker Assistant Sports Editor Kalib Boone elevated above the rest of the players on the floor and slammed in a dunk.

It was then his brother, Keylan, knew his brother was healthy.

“The connection was out there again,” Keylan said. “Once he got his first dunk I was like, ‘Yeah, he’s back.’

We’ve got a lot more depth now.”

Kalib returned for the first time in Oklahoma State’s season on Sunday against Prairie View A&M from

a shoulder injury. Kalib, who was a starter most of last season, came off the bench and played 11 minutes scoring five points.

His availability increases the Cowboys depth at center along with Moussa Cisse and Bernard Kouma.

Bryce Williams also returned in the Cowboys 72-59 win after serving a suspension stemming from an offseason DUI arrest.

Williams scored two points and recorded seven assists in his return to action. “(Williams) is our floor general, just like (Isaac Likekele)” Keylan said.

“They just bring so much calmness to the game. (Williams) is completely calm all the time, passing, he knows the right shots to pull and he can drive.

He’s just dynamic.”

Tyreek Smith shines in limited

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minutes.

Smith only played nine minutes in the Cowboys game, but his impact was felt off of the bench. Smith, a transfer from Texas Tech, was perfect from the field knocking in both attempts and made four from the free throw line for a total of eight points.

Smith also added three rebounds in the game.

Coach Mike Boynton said he may have had the most efficient game of any of the Cowboys.

“We have a deep team,” Boynton said. “I think the most efficient and effective player we had out there today was Tyreek Smith.”

Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe carving out a new role.

Moncrieffe gathered a steal on the defensive end and began to run the floor. With Cisse and a Prairie View

Ben Cohen

defender waiting on the offensive end of the court. Moncreiffe barreled toward them.

Cisse said he thought Moncrieffe would dish the pass to him instead, he elevated and slammed in a right-handed tomahawk dunk over the Panther defender.

Moncrieffe, who earned his first start of the season, tallied six points and seven rebounds while playing outside more than he did last year. With the Cowboys finding some identity in the paint, Moncrieffe’s role has shifted, but he’s been filling it well.

“He’s expanding his game and he’s getting dynamic,” Keylan Boone said. “He’s understanding what he needs to do to go to the next level.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4 Monday, November 15, 2021

O’Colly

News

OSU Veterans center reopened

Rowdy Baribeau

Rowdy Baribeau Staff Reporter

towards giving back to veterans. Ashlyn Oliver, a student and Gamma Phi Beta member, started the project.

“One day I emailed every head Dr. Kayse Shrum, president of coach and President Shrum,” Oliver Oklahoma State University, announced said. “I think within the week they were the reopening of the Student Veterans all like ‘yeah, we’ll help.’ One way they Success Center located at room 061 in incorporated us with the reopening of the basement of the Student Union. the veteran center was by having us go In addition to the reopening cere- out and announce that OSU was takmony, OSU freshman, Emerson Nowell, ing on the challenge of doing 800 bags. a freshman, introduced a project geared Earlier today I think there was 125 bags

delivered, so I think [the veterans] are going to be overflowed with donations and love.”

While Oliver may have taken the initiative to get the University involved, Emerson Nowell began the bags for veterans project in 2018 with a small goal of getting ten bags for veterans. Nowell and her family blew their goal out of the water as they ended up with 1,500 bags for veterans in 2018. In the same year, they raised enough donation bags

to cover six of seven VA living centers in Oklahoma. Over the past three years, Nowell and her family have been able to receive over 5,000 donation bags for veterans.

For Nowell, she has a special place in her heart for veteran soldiers because of her lineage.

See Veterans on 5

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Monday, November 15, 2021 Page 5

News

Veterans...

university embrace a project that started in my home nearly four years ago,” Nowell said.

Shrum also has military roots in her family she takes pride in.

Continued from 4 “My paternal grandparents were both in the Navy; my father was in the Navy, a Vietnam veteran,” said Shrum “Both my grandpas are veterans, said. “So, supporting veterans is imporso I’ve always had a big appreciation tant to me because I know first hand, I for veterans,” Nowell said. “It means so guess from a personal perspective, the much to me now. Some of the veterans sacrifices they’ve made for our country will show up at our house just to talk and for people that they will never meet, and they call us all the time. My family so we can do things like this.” and I really count them as family now.”

The veterans center was origiNowell expressed her gratification nally located on the edge of campus, to the University for allowing her to but now the Student Union location is pursue this project here in Stillwater. more centralized and more accessible “I can’t begin to express how area. Shrum said she takes pride in the humbling it is as a freshman to have this reopening of the success center and sees

it as a benefit for veterans returning to get their degree.

“Just giving our student veterans a place where they can get resources, where they can find support and really transition into academic life, where they may not feel comfortable, it’s very important,” Shrum said. “I think important to also our land-grant mission and providing access. I think it’s just a small thing that we can do here at the university.”

Shrum said she was also excited to work with students and their philanthropy project geared toward helping veterans.

“I’m excited to partner with students to do a gift drive for veterans that are in veterans homes and in hospice care for Christmas,” Shrum said. “It’s

not elaborate Christmas gifts, but it’s comfort things, pajamas, blankets, things that they may not have. Just a little way to show that people care and appreciate the sacrifices that they’ve made.”

“It’s absolutely something I want to do and I want to help support students to be able to lead initiatives like this because that’s what Oklahoma State University and students experiences is about, is growing.”

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Rowdy Baribeau

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Page 6 Monday, November 15, 2021

O’Colly

Lifestyle

Murder in the Student Union SUAB puts on a murder mystery Mak Vandruff Staff Reporter Oklahoma State students were served a dinner of salad, pasta, breadsticks and cheesecake as they watched a fake murder take place.

On Wednesday, students were invited to join the Student Union Activities Board to participate in solving the murder of a man at a wedding.

It started out as a wedding filled with a bickering bride and groom, as well as several interruptions from people who demanded the wedding to end. More and more people came in to stop the marriage, but in the end, a dead man walking through the doors put a hold on the matrimony. The wedding was put on hold to solve the murder, and the students were able to guess who the culprit was.

Bri Campbell, the talent director for SUAB, was able to help pick the theme, hire the cast, set up the decorations and decide what food the event would offer.

“My favorite part was probably the rehearsals,” Campbell said. “I really liked getting to know the cast and really watching it go from nothing to this big show where they all knew their lines and they all got to kill it.”

Students also had a kick watching the cast, Jorja Ford and Cameron Hill said.

Ford was able to catch the bouquet thrown at the end by the bride, which was her favorite part of the event. Second to catching the bouquet was the food, Ford said.

“The breadsticks were pretty bomb,” Ford said.

For Hill, he enjoyed getting to vote on who he thought the killer was.

“I like thinking it through,” Hill said.

“Maybe this person did it because of this, or maybe this person did it because of this.”

Both students said they would come to one of these events again. Ford and Hill said they enjoyed the performance.

“I walked out having a good time,” Hill said.

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Monday, November 8, 2021 Page 7

Classifieds

FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 8, 2021

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ACROSS 1 Fictional hero raised by apes 7 URL letters after two slashes 10 Prefix meaning “huge” 14 Single-celled creature 15 “So I was right all along” 16 Pizza cooker 17 *Swing from the get-go 20 Bonuses for the waitstaff 21 Whitewater ride 22 Mookie of the Dodgers 23 *Well-made 25 Make amends 29 Wallach or Whitney 30 *Early pudginess usually lost by one’s teens 33 Go out, as the tide 35 Econ. yardstick 38 Timeworn phrase 39 In the same family 41 Dined 42 Can metal 43 *Continue to avoid, as alcohol 44 Pigs out (on), briefly 46 Bird homes 47 *“Don’t go yet” 54 Lou Grant portrayer Ed 55 __-Rooter 56 Worker protection org.

60 Bumping into someone, say ... and what the end of each answer to a starred clue can have?

63 Clark at the Daily Planet 64 NW corner key 65 __ versus nurture 66 Valuable rocks 67 5G __: mobile standard 68 Eats into DOWN 1 Diplomat’s asset 2 Mine, in Metz 3 Blowout victory

11/8/21

By Jerry Edelstein

4 Pizzazz quartet 5 Blood-typing letters 6 Tiny Pacific republic near the equator 7 Pancake cousin 8 Wood shavers 9 What happy tails do 10 Roadside overnight stop 11 Broadway role played by Madonna in film 12 Restroom label 13 Common teen phase 18 Mai __ 19 “His Dark Materials” channel 23 Are suited for 24 Dalai Lama’s land 25 Palindromic “SOS” pop group 26 Sharp-tasting 27 Bassoon relative 28 “Miracle” NL team of 1969, on scoreboards 31 Farewell to Felipe 32 Most easily chewed, as meat

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

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34 Not at all spicy 35 Sporty Pontiacs 36 Nimble-fingered 37 Some emailed files 40 Sailor’s yes 45 Wall-mounted light 47 Amusingly eccentric 48 Son of Jacob 49 Silly

11/8/21

50 Campers’ shelters 51 Joan of __ 52 Not Rx 53 “... said __ ever” 56 Aware of, as a plot 57 Kind of poker 58 “__ we go again!”

59 Greek war god 61 Electric fish 62 Former EgyptSyria confed.

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes (TNS)

Today’s Birthday (11/08/21). Grow and expand from your home base this year.

Steadily build family support structures for thriving. Navigate tricky waters with your partner this autumn, before winter income rises. Springtime muses inspire new passion, before next summer’s personal victories. Tend your garden with love.

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 — Discover unexpected potential when new doors open. A professional opportunity offers long-term gain. Follow your mom’s advice and win. Advance to the next level.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Learn by doing. You can solve a puzzle. Refine and adjust. Practice makes perfect. Discover surprising or startling results. Intellect and intuition agree.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Collaboration could get especially profitable today. Wheel and deal. Sign contracts and send invoices. Rely on a strong partner. Coordinate to bring in extra silver.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Reaffirm a promise or commitment.

Strengthen partnerships with shared appreciation, recognition and laughter. Respect and affinity build lasting bonds. Align hearts and minds.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Start from a point of balance. Take action for what you love. Practice to grow stronger and maintain agility. Don’t overextend. You’re gaining valuable points.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially charming and attractive. Find love in unexpected places. Go for fun, romance and creativity. Realize a delightful possibility. Make a wonderful connection.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Creative domestic projects lead to beautiful results. Clean and reduce clutter. Dig and discover buried treasure. Connect with family and housemates over something delicious.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Make a brilliant connection. Accept advice from loved ones and especially children. Gather information and put together the puzzle pieces. Write your discoveries.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Discover unexpected loot. A push now can earn an extra prize. Conserve resources anyway. Money saved is money earned. Make sure everyone gets paid.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Grow and expand by leaps and bounds. Push beyond self-imposed limitations. Let go of outworn ideas, habits or customs. You can realize exciting possibilities.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Plan carefully for ease. Look for harmony and find it. Peaceful practices and rituals soothe and comfort. A beautiful transition is underway. Discover new inspiration.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Teamwork can accomplish wonders. Someone shares a brilliant idea, and you’re off and running. Rely on each other. Support others and be supported.

Level 1

2

3

4

11/8/21

Solution to Saturday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

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

Page 8 Monday, November 15, 2021

O’Colly

Lifestyle

Culture and community

Mr. and Ms. International are crowned

Willistean Bennett Mr. and Ms. International were crowned this Friday.

Mak Vandruff Staff Reporter Culture is highly emphasized for international students, and the Mr. and Ms. International pageant is a chance for them to show that.

Last Friday, students were invited to compete in a pageant to recognize those from other countries. They competed in different events, like a talent

show and a Q&A, to represent each of their countries. In the end, there were only two winners.

Shuqin Tang and Viswanath Nukala won Ms. China and Mr. India respectively.

One of the lead organizers of the event, Chhavi Nijhawan, emphasized the importance of this event leading students to recognize, express, and learn about other people’s cultures.

“It’s how you explore other cultures,” Nijhawan said. “This is the most important opportunity for people who live in America to know what different cultures are about.”

Nijhawan said the performances students made related back to their

countries, and even though they are showcasing their talents, the point is to give everyone an opportunity to see what different cultures are like. The students could show this by representing their country’s festivals, music, food and other various pieces of culture. Nijihawan also said this gave everyone an opportunity to check out other people’s cultures.

The rounds of the event also served to show the community aspects of a different country’s lifestyle. According to Tang, her favorite part of the pageant was the talent show.

“I did a traditional Chinese dance for the audience,” Tang said.

On the other hand, Nukala said

he enjoyed the Q&A section because of one of the questions he was asked. He said he was happy to make the audience laugh.

This whole pageant was also a very good opportunity to encourage other international students as well, according to Nukala. He said anyone could step outside their comfort zone if he could, as an introvert.

“If I inspire somebody, since I was inspired by so many people, it is good help to someone at least,” Nukala said. “If I could be that inspiration, that would be great.” entertainment.ed@ocolly.com