HOME of champions
THE CAMPUS
August 24 - September 14, 2022 – Volume 116, Issues 1-4
OCU Athletics The National Champion softball Stars display the university’s 11th championship banner and trophy June 1 after defeating Mobile, 3-0 in the NAIA Softball World Series. The title game featured the two top-ranked teams in the nation and included six members of the All-Tournament Team. The softball Stars previously brought home the national title in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2016 and 2017.
NAIA SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES
‘Team chemistry’ brings home 11th national title Softball Stars validate season-long top ranking with dominant post-season run Elizabeth Heffernan
SPORTS EDITOR
OCU Softball closed the 2022 season as NAIA National Champions – winning the June 1 championship game 3-0 against Mobile. Lexi Duff, senior from Lone Grove, Oklahoma, said the key to the team’s championship season was how the players prepared themselves for every game.
“We prepared by taking every team we played like we were playing the No. 1 team in the country,” she said. “In practice, we prepared to play at a national level. Not just for the games we had that week, but for games we knew we had the ability to play in. “We took every practice and rep seriously.” This attitude and approach resulted in a team
that was consistently ranked towards the top of the list of NAIA teams throughout the season. “I strongly believe our key factor in winning was our team chemistry,” Duff said. “We had so much trust in each other and knew that we would continue to fight for one another. We didn’t just want the title for ourselves; we also wanted it for our
teammates, coaching staff, fans, and our entire school. I think every program has the goal of winning the title, but we knew we had a real shot this year of bringing one home if we got all our gears working together properly. “You have to practice and play like you expect to play for the title if you actually want to play for the title.” This should carry over into the next season, Duff
said, if players work as hard as they usually do. “I think we will just carry the momentum. We will hold each other accountable to the standard that has been set and help the newcomers learn that standard to be one well-oiled machine again. “We will bring experience to the table this year. As long as we continue the great team chemistry, bring in the new experience we gained,
and also work as hard as OCU softball does, I don’t see us being stopped.” OCU’s dominant season ended with senior Kennedy Jackson being named NFC Player of the Year. Meanwhile, OU won the NCAA D-I title, and Murray State College was runner up in the NJCAA D-II final. Is it safe to say that Oklahoma is becoming the world home to softball?
NAIA WOMEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
Stars finish second in May, win two in September Elizabeth Heffernan
SPORTS EDITOR
Just after the spring semester ended in May, the OCU women’s golf team, ranked No. 1 nationally at the time, finished second in the NAIA women’s golf championships at the Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City. Now, back in swing for the fall, they played two tournaments in one week - and swept them both. First, the team took home the trophy at the Southwestern Chris-
tian Invitational – the first competition of the season – Sept. 7. Then, they scored a 519 to finish first at the Missouri State/Payne Stewart Memorial Sept. 12. This second dominant win also marked the team’s very first Division I tournament victory. They’re just getting started. “I feel we have a lot of momentum moving into the remaining fall tournaments,” said Reagan Chaney, a sophomore from Ardmore. “I feel that we are going to be a very solid team and make a
great run throughout the fall and into the spring season.” “I feel our team is extremely competitive and that sets us apart from all other golf teams,” she said. “We are continually pushing each other to be better golfers.” “Individually, I feel like I played well, and it was nice to grab a win early in the season. I feel that this tournament gave me a grasp of what to work on throughout the fall to make sure I stay sharp and in contention during the rest of our tournaments.” Chaney said.
OCU Athletics The No. 1- ranked Stars finished second in the finals of the NAIA women’s golf championships in Oklahoma City May 27. Previously, the team earned eight national titles and four runner-up finishes. After a short break, the team continued its winning ways, already notching two major tournament wins this month.
NATIONAL FLUTE ASSOCIATION
Ensemble earns national award, performs in Chicago William Peetoom
ARTS EDITOR
In August, the OCU Flute Choir received the Mary H. Anderson Award at the National Flute Association Convention in Chicago, where it also performed. “This is a huge honor for us,” said Parthena Owens, flute choir director. Continued at MEDIAOCU.COM
Becca Mueller At left, Parthena Owens, associate professor of flute, conducts the OCU Flute Choir. Above, the choir poses in Chicago with a poster commemorating the National Flute Association’s 50th Annual Convention. The choir performed at the conference in August, after being selected as the 2022 Mary H. Anderson Collegiate Flute Choir. At right, the choir rehearses.
M MEDIAOCU.com
Page 2: Opinion
Be sure to take time to care for yourself during these exciting yet stressful times.
Page 2: Opinion
Our tech expert Jake Adebayo shares his Top 10 Tech Gadgets list for the semester.
Page 3: News
Newcomers to campus encounter real-life ‘angry’ birds near Meinders School of Business.
Page 4: Sports
Fall sports explode! Volleyball, soccer start season with multiple victories.
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opinion IN OUR VIEW
Back-to-school: Excitement and stress Please take care of yourself; nothing is more important than your well-being Schools and universities across the nation are kicking off the new semester. Likewise, OCU began the fall semester with tons of activities, orientations, and excitement. For many college students, the new semester introduces a ton of schoolwork and stress. Students often juggle full-time classes, extracurricular activities, and part-time or full-time jobs. Sororities/fraternities, rehearsals for the campus shows, and sports are fun and incredibly rewarding, but often take huge chunks of time on top of classes. During the busy semester, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. That includes getting enough sleep, drinking water, and taking time for yourself. As your workload increases, don’t rely on energy drinks and caffeine to get you through the day. Taking a mental health or rest day is sometimes necessary, and you should never be ashamed of taking a breather. There are lots of resources on and off campus that can help you manage your mental health and stress. There is nothing more important than your own well-being.
Elizabeth Heffernan Student Publications
STAFF VIEWPOINTS
These 10 tech gadgets could give you an edge
It’s the beginning of the fall semester. As the new semester’s first days turn to weeks, we are reminded of time’s passage. Time marches on for everyone, and one of the most significant changes ever experienced in education is the use of tech gadgets by all students. Most of the devices on this list help college students energize for class, stay focused, and help them relax when it’s time to take a break. We have carefully curated a trusted list of the most useful electronic devices for students with fast-paced learning schedules and personal lives. Some of these gadgets might require you to save up to afford them, while others are very affordable. 1. Smartwatch: A smartwatch is one of the most valuable tech gadgets we’ll recommend any OCU student should have. Using a smartwatch to track daily productivity and fitness, as well as monitoring your health, is important for any student. 2. Portable battery packs: Imagine yourself as a graduate student rushing to an evening class after a full day at the Ann Lacy School of Dance and Entertainment center only to realize you’re out of power
and can’t take notes. Or even worse, needing your iPad or laptop to submit an assignment Adebayo but missing the deadline due to something as trivial as having a dead battery. In times like this, having a reliable backup battery pack is a no-brainer. 3. Lamp/Smart lights: A reading lamp sets the right atmosphere for studying after dark. What’s more, some lamps counter the symptoms of seasonal-caused moodiness or trouble sleeping, because it mimics natural, outdoor light to make your body feel like it’s getting more sun than it is. 4. Smart backpacks: An intelligent backpack is not necessarily a new invention. However, not everyone knows the various models to choose from based on several tech-enabled functions like charging devices and protection against theft. In addition, some of these backpacks are very comfortable, so you also feel relaxed when you wear them for a long time. With miniaturized solar energy
panels embedded in the front, these backpacks are environmentally friendly and make brilliant items to own for those who can’t live long without access to technology. 5. USB fan: Spring and summer are great times, but not if you’re in Oklahoma. As you’ll soon find, it can get blistering – extremely hot in a way that is uncomfortable on any day all year round. Bottom line, it’s hard to keep a clear mind when sitting in a humid atmosphere and dying of thirst. USB fans are cheap but can help you through one of those rough days in OCU. 6. Portable printer: We get that it makes little sense to buy a printer because you think it’s too big. However, many small and compact models do not take up much space and can help you in time-sensitive situations. Stop relying on your hostel library printer to let you down so often. Simply print out your homework assignment and have more time to sleep in the morning. 7. A Bluetooth speaker: Bluetooth speakers are not only super fitting for travel but also when having a dorm party or an outdoorsy barbecue with your friends.
Expand your circle! Hello Stars, and welcome back to campus! My name is Ava Karas, and I am the Life Editor for Student Publications. This is my third year writing for StuPub, and I’m so excited to cover all of the wonderful and weird things happening on campus this year. If you know of any interesting things happening on campus, or are a part of a group or organization that you feel is underrepresented and could use more publicity, please feel free to contact me! Or, if you notice any things happening on campus that you think are beautiful, strange, unfair, or just worth writing about, shoot me an email! I want to hear from the student body so I can cover stories that are important to us. As you begin to settle back into school, make sure to continue to take care of yourselves. The first few weeks can be somewhat overwhelming, and adjusting to a new
schedule can be taxing. Set aside time to relax with your favorite book, grab a coffee with someone who brings you joy, or check out a new spot in town that you’ve always wanted to see. This year is different from the rest: for some, this might be the first time that you are seeing your classmates, friends, and teachers without a mask! While it is crucial that we stay safe, it is also important for us to proceed with gratitude, and take advantage. Expand your social circle, and learn new things! College is all about growth, so I encourage you all to take some intellectual and creative risks this semester. I can’t wait to connect with you all! Enjoy your semester. Best, Ava Karas Life Editor Student Publications
THE CAMPUS August 24 - September 14, 2022 • Volume 116, Issues 1-4 Editor-in-Chief: Natalie Turner Managing Editor: Tyler Wright Sports Editor: Elizabeth Heffernan Sports Assistant: Bethany Bishop Arts Editor: William Peetoom Arts Critic: Michaela Childs Life Editor: Ava Karas Visual Editor: Sofia Granados Visual Assistant: Mace Lowrance Tech Archivist: Jake Adebayo
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News Assistant: Anette Barrios-Torres News Writers: Amanda Kohutek, Anjali Harrison, Bethany Woemmel Sports Writer: Jeremy Creek Contributing Writer: Mamadou Yafa Staff Photographers: Mackenzie Shaw, Ashley Nguyen, Nadia Alejandres
Another useful feature of a Bluetooth speaker is the built-in mic that can be used for hands-free calling. So there you go, you have a speaker loud enough that you can hear the person on the other end and yet it releases your hands to do other tasks. 8. Noise-canceling wireless headphones: If you need to revise to the quiet sounds of the ocean in the library or simply let off steam with a head-banging session to Metallica at 3 am, noise-canceling headphones are a brilliant way to ensure no one will ever again be distracted by stuff they don’t want to be distracted by. It’s perfect for revision and ignoring the guy eating crisps in the library’s quiet zone. Suppose you are a student that doesn’t work well with distractions. In that case, noise-canceling headphones help you listen to music and help you study peacefully in any environment, whether in your dorm, library, or on a break until your next class. 9. Fitness tracker: Keeping yourself active and energized can get difficult while in the midst of a busy college semester. Even without dedicated gym time, seeing your activity throughout the day (especially with walks
to class) is a helpful way to see your fitness statistics without obsessing over it.
10. Alarm clock: Do you have trouble waking up in the morning and missing a lot of morning classes because of it? Even if you have your smartphone’s alarm set, it may not be enough, especially if it’s within arm’s reach and has a snooze feature! For true night owls, you need an alarm akin to our blaring tornado sirens that’s loud or disturbing enough to wake you.
Bottom Line: There’s no onesize-fits-all solution regarding the college tech essentials you need at OCU this fall. What you need and don’t need depends on your class schedules, budget, self-study habits, and personal preferences. When it all comes down to it, having the right gear is the best way to set yourself up for success during your OCU career. We hope this list was informative and helpful in guiding your decisions and preparing you to ace your fall semester at OCU this year.
Jake Adebayo Tech Archivist Student Publications
Maybe a little free time? As a freshman starting a new chapter at Oklahoma City University, Stars Week was initially a perfect integration into my new home. The first day activities held an air of new beginnings and embarking on new friendships; however, the once exciting activities became daunting to many new students as the week continued. The activities of Stars Week seemed constant and overwhelming to me and many other students I spoke to about these festivities. The new students from across the world lacked the time to fully enjoy each new seminar or activity as they piled on top of each other. The students majoring in theatre, dance, and athletics already had many worries weighing on them while tackling each required Stars Week event. The students interested in sororities and fraternities spent hours of interacting with new
Corrections & Clarifications The Student Publications staff is committed to transparency and factual reporting. Corrections / clarifications may be sent to editor@okcu.edu StuPub faculty adviser: patodd@okcu.edu StuPub Committee chair: badale@okcu.edu
people while thinking about the next Stars Week event. All students spent their brief free time adjusting to a new environment surrounded by people they had just met. While freshmen greatly appreciated each careful hand that organized and worked for Stars Week, too much can be the greatest downfall. We can all tell that it took very precise planning to put this week together, but scheduling time for free time and an adjustment period is very much needed due to stress. We want to thank the OCU teams that put this great week together. We hope the needed adjustment and relaxation periods will be considered when planning next year’s Stars Week.
Mace Lowrance Visual Assistant Student Publications
The Campus has served the Oklahoma City University community since 1907. The Student Publications staff publishes periodically at MediaOCU.com, and in print each month, during the academic year. The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and must include the writer’s phone number, address, major, and classification. The staff reserves the right to edit all letters, and to refuse letters without explanation. Letters can be sent online at mediaocu.com, emailed to editor@okcu.edu or delivered to the Newsroom in Suite 121 of the Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition. The first copy of The Campus is free. Each additional copy costs 25 cents. All contents copyright © Oklahoma City University Student Publications, 2022. All rights reserved.
August 24 - September 14, 2022
news
Tyler Wright Student Publications
ACADEMIC FREEDOM
Billy Palumbo, left, a professor of film studies, directs the virtual and in-person panel of scholars at the Academic Freedom Assembly in the Great Hall Sept. 9, sponsored by the American Association of University Professors. Above, Dr. James Ma, business chair of OCU’s school of finance, speaks about sensitivity at the assembly.
AAUP chapter hosts Academic Freedom Forum Burkholder: ‘To know that we are not alone is a special thing’ for faculty solidarity Tyler Wright
MANAGING EDITOR
All faculty and professors across the world have the right to voice their opinions and concerns when it comes to teaching, and the staff at Oklahoma City University are no different. On Sept. 9, OCU held an Academic Freedom Forum that took place in the Great Hall, bringing in a plethora of graduate students, coaches, and professors from all across campus, including the schools of Business, Nursing, Theater, and Arts & Sciences. The assembly was hosted by the OCU AAUP Advocacy Chapter. Chapter officers are Billy Palumbo, visiting associate professor in film studies; Beth Pitman, clinical
assistant professor; and Dr. Sabina Amanbayeva, assistant professor of English. “We found that some faculty were looking for an opportunity to talk more about practicing and protecting academic freedom,” Palumbo says, “so we thought it would be good to put together an event that aims at educating our colleagues and others at the university about academic freedom and why it is valuable.” A plethora of topics were discussed at the five-hour assembly, including conversations about diversity, employee salary, changes in nation-wide curriculum, online teaching, and ways to promote academic freedom on campus. “Our goal for this year’s Academic Freedom Forum
was to educate faculty, staff, administrators, and students about academic freedom-- what it is, and why it is important in all fields.” Palumbo said. Virtually joining the forum included respected scholars from around the country, such as Dr. Rachel Buff, the Chair of the University of Wisconsin’s history department, Dr. Ani Mukherji, a professor of American Studies at Hobart & William Smith Colleges in New York, and Dr. Donald Downs, professor emeritus at Wisconsin-Madison, among several others. “The most important thing you can do to spread the AAUP’s stance is to build solidarity,” Dr. Ani Mukherji says, “if you get know people and other faculty, you can
have each other’s back in the most important way.” Among the large in-person audience included OCU faculty Dr. James Ma from the Meinders School of Business, Dr. Heather Sparks, a professor in the department of education, and Dr. Kristen Burkholder, an associate professor of library sciences. “To know that there are other people out there at other universities, to know that we are not alone, is a special thing,” Burkholder said. “I learned that I wasn’t alone in a lot of thoughts and feelings.” Palumbo, who had previously never hosted a forum like this before, was enthusiastic about the results. “I thought the forum was excellent,” Palumbo
said, “there aren’t a lot of chances for colleagues from across campus to get together and talk about teaching and learning, so I appreciated the unique opportunity to participate in this kind of conversation with people from all over the campus community. I left the event feeling very energized, ready to talk more about academic freedom and celebrate its power.” “It was great that we had professors from so many different schools,” Dr. Heather Sparks said. “It was a great display of on-campus diversity. I was appreciative that we brought so many great issues to the forefront.” The AAUP has helped to advance academic freedom and maintain quality
of education in college and universities since its inception in 1915. Many staffers at OCU plan to continue more Academic Freedom Forums in the future. Sparks was one of many who were fond of this year’s forum. “If something gets mentioned over and over and over again, something will eventually change. These meetings do a lot good, and I’ll be back next year!” All OCU faculty members of any rank, status, or unit can join the OCU AAUP Advocacy Chapter by attending a meeting or emailing Palumbo.
Students can also attend and voice their academic concerns.
‘Knowledge is power!’ University hosts HIV screening clinic Ava Karas
LIFE EDITOR
On Sept. 7, the Diversity Family Health Clinic provided free HIV testing and PREP clinic in OCU’s Great Hall. Dean of Students Levi Harrel-Hallmark said that this is the third time that the on-campus clinic
has partnered with Diversity Family Health to provide HIV screening. “Diversity Family Health has an outreach program that provides free and accessible screening to ensure that people are in the know about their sexual health, all free of charge,” Harrel-Hallmark said. According to Harrel-Hallmark, the screening process is not long.
A swab or fingerprint blood test is used, then results are given in ten to fifteen minutes. All results and screenings are confidential, between students and fully accredited health care professionals. “Knowledge is power!” Harrel-Hallmark said. “Being aware of sexual health and destigmatizing those concerns is important.”
Senior Music Theater major Arissa Brown said that testing like this is overdue on campus. “To see campus destigmatizing the need for queer and general sex ed and health is overdue but satisyfing, and I’m grateful that students have this resource,” Brown said. Other STI testing is provided by the OCU clinic on a regular
basis. Diversity Family Health will partner with OCU again in another three months to provide more HIV screenings. “If a student is interested in getting tested, they should not hesitate,” Harrel-Hallmark said. “We are here to learn, grow, and be better, and clinics like these add to that.”
Territorial birds terrorize unsuspecting student pedestrians Tyler Wright
MANAGING EDITOR
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s actually just a bird. A Mississippi Kite Bird, to be exact, and it’s more than just one -- up to seven of them flying around your area, and they might just swoop down on you when you least expect it! No, this isn’t the trailer to a 50’s B-movie or a SyFy Channel original.
Rather, it describes the conundrum many students at Oklahoma City University have encountered throughout the summer and into the blossoming school year. A flock of Mississippi Kite Birds have declared a war against the students, selecting the garden in front of the Meinders School of Business as their battleground. Picket signs and fliers warning students of the birds’
presence have been placed all around the Meinders area, but schoolgoers are still falling victim to the territorial avians. In August, the birds had an apparent bounty on freshman John Lane. “I was literally just existing, and those dang birds took it personally,” Lane recounted. “They swooped at me from all angles and tried to get my French fries. I ain’t
having none of that.” with the back of her head. “I Lane, a business major, was completely blindsided,” was in his first week of college McGhee says, “I thought when the birds launched their somebody had pegged me assassination attempt against in the back of the head with him. “It was a great introduc- a football or something. It tion to my college experience. really hurt.” I’m definitely telling this When Bri turned around, story at parties.” she saw a cloud of stray feathBri McGhee, a film major ers floating in the air, and a who graduated in 2022, was white bird fluttering on the walking to her on-campus ground. $2,000 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WINNERS job this last June when a IN FIVE CATE GORIES Mississippi Kite Bird collided Continued at MEDIAOCU.COM
YOU COVER THE STORIES WE COVER THE TUITION
Submit entries to the student categories for the 2021 Great Plains Journalism Awards. The Tulsa Press Club will give $2,000 Dan Harrison Memorial Scholarships for winners in five individual categories.
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DAN HARRISON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Tyler Wright CATEGORIES PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER EDITOR DESIGNER BROADCASTER
Join a winning OCU tradition! New to the contest this year is the Student Magazine category! Be sure to check greatplainawards.org for details on this addition to the competition as the entry dates approach.
OVERALL CATEGORIES
Student Publications The contest is a great opportunity for students to be recognized for their efforts in our eight-state region: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. In addition, your entries will be reviewed by nationally recognized journalists.
To apply, email
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sports FALL SPORTS
Volleyball Stars ‘play our game’ Elizabeth Heffernan
SPORTS EDITOR
Oklahoma City University’s volleyball season has just begun, and the Stars already have five games and four wins under their belt. Ruby Kelley, a sophomore from Mustang, Oklahoma, and Catelyn M. Vargas, a senior from Lubbock, Texas, were able to answer some questions. Kelley was asked how she felt about getting a career high of 20 kills during the game. “I personally felt like I had an obligation to make sure I was on top of my game at all times. Although that didn’t happen, I wanted to make sure my team didn’t feel that energy from me. I definitely did not expect to reach a career high, especially at the home opener game. In the moment it didn’t feel like I was doing much, but I’m glad I could contribute to my team in the best way possible,” Kelley said. Vargas was asked how she felt during the game against Southwestern Christian. “Being the first home opener it’s always an anxious thing because you want to show out and of course win. Being here for 5 years now I’ve been doing it for a while so I know the excitement and it’s crazy that the same feeling stays with you even after doing it for so long! The game itself was a nail-biter…but it was fun and a good win to start the season” The players were asked how they feel they, as individuals, and their team will perform throughout the rest of the season and what keeps them motivated. “Going into our first game of the season we seemed nervous. After getting our first game jitters out, we performed to our almost full potential our second game. I know we will just keep going up from there. “Our driving motivation is our intention to be the best we can. We want to show we are the best team together on and off the court.” Kelley says. “I feel like we are a very talented group of players. We have so much to offer and since we are such a new team it’s nice that our opponents are going to have to study how we work a little more! “Our saying that we started out with for the season is ‘every game let’s play our game,’ and with these last two home games I think we found that!” Vargas says. The players were asked what they feel sets their team apart from the rest. “Two words we talk about quite a lot is intention and discipline. I feel are team is different from the rest because we have ability to adjust and adapt. We will sway the game whichever way we (want). We are able to communicate front row to back row and know we have each other’s backs.” Kelley says. “Everything about us is new. We do have such a powerful and positive
OCU Athletics Sophomore Ruby Kelley goes high over the net for the Stars during their Sept. 8 loss at Mid America Christian University. The 5-6 volleyball Stars next host Central Christian University at 1 p.m. Saturday.
work ethic on and off the court. “We all support each other on and off and we all have the same mentality which is to play hard and win! I think I can say this team is going to be one for the
Men’s soccer opens with wins
books for sure!” Vargas says. The Stars have made a great start to the season, but they’ll definitely need to keep their play hard and win mentality for the season ahead of them.
Ready for some flag football?
Jeremy Creek
Elizabeth Heffernan
SPORTS WRITER
SPORTS EDITOR
On Saturday, August 24, the Oklahoma City University men’s soccer team fared off against the Bethany College Swedes. The final score was 4-1, with the Stars securing their first victory in their season opener. Building on this first win, the OCU men’s soccer squad have soldiered onto a 6-1 winning record. Their sole loss so far came on the road against Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. The Stars play their next game Sept. 17 in San Antonio against Our Lady Of The Lake University, and begin their conference season Sept. 27 against Texas Wesleyan. That first game started with an early lead by OCU when senior Lucas De Freitas scored with 36 minutes remaining in the first half.
OCU’s Flag Football season will commence in just a few days! The Fall 2022 season opens Sunday afternoon at 1. Joshua Hall, assistant director for student life and head of intramural and recreational sports, said teams will play “on the intramural sports field on Sundays.” The Intramural Sports Field is across from the nursing building at the soccer field. Tyler Wright Student Publications In this screen capture of an action video, Stars senior forward John Woodhead launches the winning goal against Bethany College Aug. 24. The men’s side next plays Thursday.
An unusual timeout was called by the referees with 26 minutes left that lasted three minutes, but players took this pause as an opportunity to rest up before finishing out the half. After three minutes, the Stars increased their lead, with senior John Woodhead scoring the second goal of the game. OCU missed the only penalty
kick of the game, and shortly after, made a huge save with 13 minutes remaining in the half, kicking the ball out of bounds to prevent a scoring chance from the Swedes. Freshman Olly Clifford, in his first-ever game with the Stars, scored with just a few minutes left. Continued at MEDIAOCU.COM
Hall said the program was open to anyone interested. “Students create their own teams by filling out a team entry form that they can pick up at the front desk at the Aduddell Fitness Center or at the Intramural Sports table outside the Caf,” he said. This means that anyone who wants can create their own team and join the experience. “Students can come and watch the games,” Hall said. “We just ask for students to be respectful to the opposing teams and to the referees.” More information will come on the teams that will be involved in the 2022 flag football season and the standings of the games when the season commences.
STARS BASEBALL
Keith Lytle: ‘You will be what you will to be’
Longtime baseball assistant steps up to keep late Coach Crabaugh’s legacy alive Bethany Bishop
SPORTS ASSISTANT
OCU Athletics Coach Denney Crabaugh, left, stands with former Stars baseball outfielder Caleb Davis and then-Assistant Coach Keith Lytle in this undated file photo. Crabaugh passed away July 13 after 34 years with OCU. Lytle, who joined the OCU coaching staff in 1989, the same year as Crabaugh, was named head coach Aug. 8.
4
“You will be what you ‘will’ to be.” This quote by James Allen the quote that Keith Lytle, Oklahoma City University’s new head baseball coach, says he lives by. The late coach Denney Crabaugh’s passing on July 13 impacted the baseball team tremendously. Now, Coach Lytle is working to keep Coach Crabaugh’s legacy alive. “As a coach, I think the biggest thing is realizing that your impact on them is not just immediate, it’s long term.,” Lytle said. “I think the biggest thing that I hold on to is impacting their lives from the point that you’re with them which goes beyond that later in life.
“It’s not just baseball, it’s that they become good husbands, good fathers, and good role models in their community. “Denney and I have preached that narrative for 34 years with our guys,” he said. “It goes beyond baseball. We spend a lot of time talking about integrity and your words, your word and what it means to be a good teammate, what it means to care more about the person next to you than it does even yourself. “So, we stress that a lot of coaches will say that they do, but it’s a big part of our success here at OCU. “We spend a lot of time working on life lessons, things that are going to not only help the team but help the individual as they transfer to a different chapter in their
life after they’re done here,” Lytle said. Now that Lytle’s the head coach, what legacy does he hope to leave at OCU? “That’s a tough question. For me, it’s the relationship that you’ve had with the boys over the years, I think, more than anything else,” he said. “When I was young and I first started coaching, I remember you get this mindset that you just on how well you do on the field, the wins, and the championships. “ What I realized, as Denney and I both got older, we realized it was the relationships that you made. And when it comes to what legacy you want to leave behind, you hope that you’ve inspired people to see the best version of themselves. Continued at MEDIAOCU.COM
August 24 - September 14, 2022