TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW YOU WILL BE MORE OISAPPOINTED BY THE THINGS YOU DIDN'T DO THAN BY THE ONES YOU DID DO. SO THROW OFF THE BOWLINES. CATCH THE TRADE WINDS IN YOUR SAILS. EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.
- MARK TWAIN
THE BEGINNING
Letter fromMIKE
We'd like to thank you for being a member of the POSSE.
POSSE membership is one of the most important roles on the OSU athletics team. Your support of OSU sports and the university makes it possible for our student athletes to compete on the field and in the classroom. In a very real way, you financially and as a fan make a significant impact in their lives.
As a way of showing our appreciation for your contributions to OSU, we've created POSSEmagazine. It will come out six times a year and feature behindthe-scenes stories on OSU coaches, teams and student athletes, alumni and fans, facilities and donors.
We have a vision that OSU can be the preeminent athletic program in the country. You can help us bring that vision to life. Thank you for all you do, and enjoy the first issue of POSSE.
POSSE Director
JASON PENRY
Event Coordinator
BRANDON ARMSTRONG
Donor Relations
ELLEN AYRES
Publications Coordinator
CLAY Bl LLMAN
Athletic Development Assistant
STEPHANIE BOESE
Club Seat Coordinator
MATT GRANTHAM
Premium Services
KARYL HENRY
Project Manager
SHAWN TAYLOR
Programs Coordinator
MINDY WALTHALL
OSU POSSE 102 ATHLETICS CENTER
STILLWATER, OK 74078-5070
P: 405.744.7301 / 877.28.POSSE
F: 405.744.9084
POSSE@OKSTATE.EDU
POSSE MAGAZINE
Director of University Marketing
KYLE WRAY
Editor-in-Chief
CORY CHENEY
Art Director
KIM BUTCHER
Director Of Photography
PHIL SHOCKLEY
Contributing Photographers
GARY LAWSON
Contributing Writers
CLAY BILLMAN, MICHAEL HARRIS
ADVERTISING: 405-744-7301
E-MAIL: jason.penry@okstate.edu
EDITORIAL: 405-744-6263
E-MAIL: cory.cheney@okstate.edu
1he Oklahoma State University Athletic Department would like to thank John Clerico for his vision and dedication to our athletic programs. His generosity has made POSSEmagazine possible.
COMPLIANCE
Oklahoma State University appreciates your support of our athletics program and your commitment to ensuring our student-athletes receive the best educational and athletic experience possible while at our institution. As a member of the POSSE, you are considered to be a "booster" of OSU athletics. The NCAA defines a booster several ways; including, anyone who has made a financial contribution to the athletics department or to an athletics booster organization of the Institution. As a booster of OSU, we ask for your help in understanding and abiding by the following information to insure our programs operate consistent with NCAA and Big 12 legislation. We are all committed to the integrity of our programs; therefore, please ask the Compliance Office if you have any questions concerning interaction with our student-athletes and/or our sports programs.
1. What is an extra-benefit and why do I need to know this term?
a. An extra benefit is anything that is provided to a student-athlete or a student-athlete's family and friends by an institutional staff member or a booster that is not available to the general student body or general public under the same terms. Providing anything considered an extra-benefit to one of our student-athletes or their family/friends jeopardizes their eligibility to compete for OSU. The following are some common examples of extra-benefits:
i. Cash, loans or co-signing a loan on behalf of a student
ii. Free or reduced services (e.g. free oil change, laundry, car detailing)
iii. Providing free lodging or rental property at a reduced rate
iv. Free or reduced cost meals and drinks
v. Providing tickets to concerts, sporting events, & other entertainment activities
vi. Any other gifts or presents, even for special occasions (e.g. Birthday, Christmas, etc.)
2. What are the general rules surrounding boosters and recruiting?
a. Boosters should not be involved in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes. A prospective student-athlete is anyone who has started classes for the ninth grade. The best rule of thumb is to refer any questions about OSU athletics to our staff and do not attempt to influence a prospect's decision to attend OSU. Remember that only members of the coaching staff may be actively involved in the recruiting process.
3. Are student-athletes allowed to be employed?
a. Yes, it is possible for student-athletes to be legitimately employed. However, it is important to remember the following guidelines regarding the employment of studentathletes:
i. The job must be registered with the Compliance Office prior to the studentathlete beginning any employment duties
ii. The student-athlete must be paid for work actually performed
iii. The student-athlete must be paid the going rate for the position
iv. A student-athlete may not be compensated for any value or utility they may bring to an employer because of their athletics reputation or affiliation
v. A student-athlete's name may not be used to promote a commercial business
It is always a good idea to ask before you act. If you are ever unsure about a particular situation, please feel free to contact our office at 405.744.8166 and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.
JIM COBB
LOFTY GOALS
Cowgirl Soccer arrives on the national scene
TEN QUESTIONS w/ Mike Holder
BOYES CLUB
50 LEADERBOARD
39 POSSE HISTORY
PAGE BACK IN THE r rl SADDLE AGAIN "-' I The making of a pcegame video.
PLAYER PROFILES: Adarius Bowman, Dantrell Savage,DonovanWoods and Jeremy Nethon
Ji111Cobb
When you walk into Jim Cobb's office, the first things you'll notice are the awards, pictures and collectibles hanging from the walls.
Ir's a space decorated in memories, and a great deal of them are OSU-related. That's probably co be expected from a man with two degrees from OSU ('59, civil eng, '60, M.S., eng) and who's a lifetime member of the OSU Alumni Association.
If you ask him, he would probably show you the three-inch chick folder of materials he has from the creation of the OSU Football Club, circa 1964. Inside chat folder are stacks of yellowed graph paper, memos, schedule cards and all manner of early POSSE paraphernalia.
For instance, he still has the original sign-up sheet with the original members' signatures and the memo where the "Committee on Name of Organization and Insignia" recommended "Posse" as the organization's name. That same memo, by the way, suggested what would become the POSSE logo.
Cobb's relationship with OSU began in the fall of 1955. He was working in che area and came to Stillwater to stay with a friend. "The next day, I ended up enrolling," says Cobb. As a veteran of che Korean War, Cobb attended OSU on a G.I. Bill.
le didn't take long for the Norman, Okla., native co fall in love with OSU spores.
"I always went over co the basketball game so I could see the end of it, even when I was supposed to be studying," says Cobb. He lived close enough co-campus he could hear the crowds cheering and the band playing in Gallagher Hall.
Once he scarred attending the games, he never scopped. Cobb has had season tickets to OSU football and basketball since 1960 and was pare of a group chat began a tradition of caking a bus load of OSU fans co the season-opening football game at Arkansas.
"We had a lot of fun with the bus trip," says Cobb, "and we never had trouble selling it out."
After graduating with his master's, Cobb immediately became involved with the OSU Alumni Association. It was at an
Oklahoma County association meeting chat the idea of the POSSE first appeared. And it was Cobb who suggested it.
"I said, Tm going co scare a quarterback club,"' says Cobb. The motion was cabled, but the idea was out there. "I wanted co support OSU athletics."
The Football Club began with just 19 members, but had 42 by the end of 1964 and 147 by the end of 1967.
"Because I opened my mouth, I was chairman of the organization committee. And I took the first year as head until we had our first election of officers," says Cobb. "We invited everyone we could gee."
Cobb attributes much of the success of the POSSE co chat group of early participants, including brothers Mitchell and Fred Jones. Mitchell was the first elected marshal of the POSSE, and Fred cook a turn lacer.
"The POSSE has been successful because it's never really had any controversies," says Cobb. "We started off correctly. We struggled for a few years, but when Jerry Gill came in, he really got it going."
Cobb also served on the Athletic Council from '84 co '88. He was on the selection board chat hired Leonard Hamilton co coach the men's basketball team. ,
If you ask Cobb why he contributes co the Athletic program, he'll likely give you chis answer: "I think it's the right thing co do."
"Jim and LaVarna have been loyal and generous supporters for decades," says Craig Clemons, Vice President for External Affairs and Development. "Their latest commitmentendowing a scholarship to the football program - helps the athletic department manage our annual budget while providing academic support ro a student-athlete. Their generous gift establishes a legacy for future generations at Oklahoma Scace."
Cobb's contributions ro OSU don't end with athletics. He's active in the CEAT Associates program, and last year funded seven scholarships, six of chem endowed.
In 1987, Cobb was inducted into the CEAT Hall of Fame for "Outstanding Professional Achievement." Cobb Engineering Company, which was founded by Cobb's father, Fred, in 1921, has expanded from its home office in Oklahoma City co three ocher cowns around the state - Tulsa, Ada and
Duncan. If you can chink of a civil engineering project in the state, Cobb and his company have probably worked on it.
Cobb Engineering Company has even worked on many projects at OSU, including Gallagher-Iba Arena, the women's soccer field and Karsten Creek.
Cobb, like many OSU spores fans, is excited about the progress in new facilities for the school, and believes chat in the long run, chose facilities will help our athletic programs and che Stillwater communiry.
"That stadium is really going co be something."
Cobb has passed his orange pride on to his children, all four of whom are OSU alumni - Dan ('87, accounting), David ('88, political science), Dena ('89, accounting) and Diana ('95, management information systems).
It was almost inevitable they would become OSU sports fans. "We've always gone co OSU football and basketball games," says Cobb. "They just grew up with it."
Cobb says Diana is president of the Washingcon/Oregon OSU Alumni Association chapter. Her first meeting was held at a Seattle Sonics Game and NBA pro and OSU alumnus Desmond Mason dropped by before and after the game.
"Diana had a pretty good turnout," says Cobb.
It seems the Cobb legacy at OSU will endure for many years co come.
Cory Cheney
Stacey Satterwhite
Hometown: Welch, Okla.
Sport: Football (1988-91); two-time All-Big 8 defensive tackle, three-time Academic All-Big 8
Degree: Marketing, 1992
Current Residence: Near Miami, Okla.
Family: wife Nicole; children Jackson (5) and Reece (11 mos.)
Current Job: Agent, Oklahoma Farm Bureau
Life After OSU: Signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos, but pro career was sidelined due to a torn hamstring worked in oil business in Louisiana moved back to Welch in 1997 joined Oklahoma Farm Bureau in 1998.
Hobbies/Interests: Hunting and fishing Involved in 8-Man Football Association and serves as committee chairman of the 8Man All-Scar Game.
Best OSU Memories: "Definitely the Holiday Bowl and getting to play with Barry Sanders, a quality person as well as the greatest running back to ever play."
Do You Keep in Touch with Former Teammates: "Yes. I talk to my roommate (Greg Williams) on a regular basis. There are a lot of former teammates who have football tickets around me. I try to
come to as many games as possible. I chink getting the alumni involved is a key in having a successful program. I would like to encourage all former Cowboy and Cowgirl student-athletes to get involved and be active in the O-Club."
Thoughts on Current State ofOSU Football: "I chink Mike Gundy's doing a great job. We're going to have the best facilities in the country. He's doing a great job recruiting. We are definitely heading in the right direction I chink chis season is very important, and I chink you can really see a big change coming. You're seeing it in facilities and the commitment the athletic program has made. If they can continue building on what they've started, we have a very bright future."
Additional Thoughts: ''I'm excited about the future of Oklahoma State Football. I've been through the trying times, so for me to see what's going on with these kids now is amazing. Hopefully we can come together as Cowboys and support the program at the level it needs to be supported.
Do you want exclusive OSU Athletics apparel for FREE? Do you want to help create a home-field environment for our studentathletes and coaches second to none? If you answered yes to one or both questions, then Orange Rewards is for you.
OSU Athletics has launched the Orange Rewards program, a fan loyalty program that will give Cowboy and Cowgirl fans (including alumni, students and community members) free prizes for attending OSU athletic events. The program has been gra~iously underwritten by Stillwater National Bank and P&K Equipment - John Deere.
"Orange Rewards is a way co say 'Thank You' to our loyal fans for their passionate support of our teams," says Jason Penry, POSSE Director. "They're raking time out of their busy schedules to see our srudent-arhleres perform and have a good rime, and chis is our way to reward them."
Penry says the number one goal of rhe program is to increase attendance at all home sports venues.
"There's nothing chat makes an atmosphere better than a full house," says Penry.
"Our coaches cell us it will help them with the recruiting process, because all student-athletes want to play in an electric atmosphere."
OSU has a long history of its men's and women's programs competing at the highest level. In April, Cowboy Tennis reached No. 7 in the national polls, becoming the ninth OSU program to reach the Top 10 during the 200607 academic year. Sports like tennis provide the opportunity to get up-close to the srudentarhleres, Penry adds, noting chat fans may begin attending sports for the first time due to the rewards program.
"They might find char they really like rhe sport and then go more often."
When fans attend OSU athletic events they can stop by the Orange Rewards table(s) to have their card scamped (first ten events) or scanned (after ten events). The locations will be visible in each facility. Participants earn one stamp for attending an OSU athletic event in Stillwater, excluding men's basketball. Once fans have attended a specific amount of contests, they will receive a free reward. The more events they attend, the more exclusive rewards they earn. Fans who attend 10 OSU sporting events are given an Orange Rewards rsh irt. Twenty events earn fans a Nike Orange
Rewards hat, and attendance at 30 home games resulrs in a Nike Orange Rewards duffie bag. Once someone has attended 40 events, they have earned a VIP Party with OSU head coaches. Fans that attend over 70 events will receive an additional exclusive reward.
With more than 80 events to attend, fans can check out the Orange Rewards leader board (okstate.com) for updates to see who has attended the most events throughout the year.
"We hope OSU fans will see weekends like September 21-23 as opportunities to earn points for attendance," Penry says. "With Friday and Sunday soccer contests sandwiched around the Texas Tech football game, fans will have three Orange Rewards stamp opportunities."
This fall, look for the Orange Rewards rshirt. Let it be a reminder chat chose wearing the shirt have truly made a difference.
ORANGE ISP
pho111 In PHIL SHOCKLEY
OSU fans can thank a pair of former Cowboy Basketball players for helping land the best soccer player ever to don a Cowgirl uniform.
Andre Williams gave his alma macer an assist in 2003 when he lee coach Karen Hancock know about an elite prospect overseas.
"Andre called me up one day, out of che blue, and said, Tm in Sweden playing professional ball,"' recalls Hancock. "He said he knew of a player who was really good, and I might want co look at bringing her over."
Williams was referring co Yolanda Odenyo, a club player from Uppsala, Sweden. Odenyo had been familiar with OSU through another Cowboy hoops connection. Uppsala native Fredrik Jonzen (a teammate of Williams) was Odenyo's coach in youth basketball.
Hancock spoke with Odenyo, who said she had heard nice things about OSU from Jonzen and Williams, but the talented prospect had her eyes on a more established program.
"She was very police co me, but said North Carolina seems co be the best program in the country and she was going co test the waters there," Hancock says.
That was the end of her recruitment, Hancock thought, until a phone call a year lacer helped changed che course of OSU Soccer history.
"Yolanda actually called me up after the season started in 2004. My first question was 'How's North Carolina creating you?' She said, Tm not there. I'm still in Sweden."'
Due co her club affiliation, the Tarheels considered Odenyo a professional athlete and cold her she was ineligible co play NCAA soccer. Being familiar with recruiting international student-achleces, Hancock thought otherwise. With che help of compliance director Scott Williams, OSU embarked on a nine-month process co restore Odenyo's amateur status.
"Through chat process, we found out chat she never was a professional athlete," Hancock says. "That was a label someone had tagged on her. Once someone puts a label on you, it's pretty hard co prove your innocence. During chat process, Yolanda told me, 'I really appreciate anyone who's willing co fight chat hard for me, and ifI gee rhe chance ro play, I'm coming co Oklahoma Scare."'
Odenyo was desperate for some good news.
"In July of 2005, Karen called me and said I was cleared," Odenyo says. "I think char was rhe first time she heard me laugh in six months. I used co say I ended up in Stillwater on accident, bur now I know it wa-sGod's plan. I've been so blessed."
Odenyo says some of her friends in Sweden questioned her decision.
"When I left Sweden for Oklahoma, my friends where saying 'Oklahoma? Thar's like the middle of nowhere. What are you going there for?' I cold chem I'm going co make history."
And she has. Odenyo's presence on the field has helped the Cowgirl program reach new heights and has earned her numerous individual accolades.
As a newcomer in 2005, Odenyo garnered immediate attention, including second team All-Big 12 and freshman All-America honors as a defender. Bue despite the recognition, the OSU coaching staff expected more our of rbeir budding star.
"She had all the potential in the world, bur wasn't as motivated as she needed co be," says Head Coach Colin Carmichael. "When she came in her first year, there was no doubt she was the most talented kid we had, but we always thought there was another level. We talked to her after her first season about her dedication co firness, strength and conditioning, nutrition and she made a commitment co herself co improve in chose areas. She made the decision co become a 90minute player."
In her sophomore campaign, the coaches moved Odenyo co midfielder and got what they were looking for.
"She's always been very talented, bur we felt she would be better utilized on the midfield, because she gets on the ball a lot more," Hancock says. "When a player is as special as Yolanda, you wane her couching the ball all the time. She's able co control the game and dictate rhe tempo. When we need the game picked up, she can pick it up from char position. She can slow it down. She's just an all-around great player."
Odenyo didn't disappoint, earning Big 12 Conference Co-Player of the Year honors, as well as first team All-America status, while leading the team co their best finish in the program's history.
"It is a great honor," Odenyo says of her athletic accomplishments. "When my mother comes co visit me chis fall, I will show her my name on the wall in Heritage Hall and cell her I was the first ever women's soccer first team All-American at OSU. Ir's something for her co be proud of."
Carmichael says the 5-fooc, 8-inch junior doesn't have any weaknesses in her game.
"She's the coral package in my opinion. She's obviously a physically imposing woman.
She sees things quicker than ocher players. She's very dangerous off sec plays and corner kicks. She has the ability co bend balls over defenders. She's brilliant in the air. She's just dominant. Her stats for a defensive midfielder are amazing. If you look at ocher midfielders around the country, you won't find anybody with Yolanda's production."
Odenyo was the team leader with 18 points (a measure of combined goals and assists) a year ago.
"Yolanda makes the ocher players around her better," Hancock says. "She really helps chem co raise their game."
"She makes the coaches better," Carmichael adds.
Though confident in her abilities, Odenyo remains humble and unassuming. Her easy-going demeanor off the field is a sharp contrast co her dominant presence between the lines. Even with the increased attention and praise she's received, Odenyo says she doesn't feel any added pressure.
"The only pressure I care about is the pressure I put on myself, and chat's always been high," she says. "There are things I still need co work on. I'm always working co gee better. Fitness is a struggle, but thanks co our strength and conditioning staff I have it under control now. Also, I need co gee better at really aspiring co dominate every game I play."
Odenyo says she is also motivated by a desire co inspire ochers.
"Soccer has always been my sanctuary. I love the sport," she says. "I know a lot of kids look up co me, in Stillwater and back home - especially girls of color. It makes me happy to provide a role model for chem chat I didn't have when I was growing up."
As talented as she is on the field, Odenyo is equally adept in the classroom. In 2006 she was one of only two players nationally who earned both first-team All-America and first-team Academic AllAmerica honors.
The Family Relations and Child Development major says she doesn't take her student-athlete status for granted.
"I feel a responsibility co make the most of the opportunities chat have been given to me," Odenyo says. "One day, I hope co be able co give ocher young, poor boys and girls the same opportunities chat were given to me. And my mother always said, 'Knowledge is Power.' I have cousins dying of AIDS in Kenya, living below the poverty , line, but I have an opportunity co do some- • thing about it: educate myself and give back. Being able co study and play my sport is the best setup I could have asked for."
LOFTYGOALS
Cowgirl Soccer Arrives on National Scene
For che OSU Soccer program, lase season is a cough ace co follow.
The Cowgirls are coming off their best performance in school history, including a runner-up finish in the Big 12 Conference and a No. 12 ranking in the final polls.
"This past year was obviously our best season ever," says Head Coach Col in Carmichael. "On paper, we should be as good as last year, bur there's a lor of things char go into having a successful season. You have co stay healthy, you have co win close games, you have co have a bit of luck, you have to get a few officials' calls "
OSU finished the 2006 season with an overall record of 17-3-3 overall (8-1-1 in
conference). As a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Cowgirls won their opening game, bur lost a hearrbreaker to Clemson on penalty kicks in the second round.
"Our goal is co compete for the Big 12 Championship and go further in the NCAA Tournament," he says. "When you
season. We had more kids than ever stay during the summer co train here, and I think we saw the fruits of their labor pay off."
The Cowgirls are led by first-ream All-American midfielder Yolanda Odenyo, plus All-Region performers
Adriane Radeke (forward) and Niccole Grimaldi (defender). Midfielder Siera Strawser was named to the freshman All-America team a year ago and also earned conference newcomer honors along with defender Bridger Miller. Fellow rookie Kasey Langdon also earned regional recognition as a midfielder.
''When you're
' nationally ranked, you're going to take everybody's best shot. , ,
also named NSCAA All-South Region Scholars. Ir is the first rime OSU has had as many as three players named co the Allsuccessful season? Thar's something we're definitely stressing. We return most of the ream this fall, so we'd like co think we can build on the success we had in 2006."
After their breakthrough season, rhe Cowgirls no longer have rhe luxury of being the underdog. Bur despite the pressure of being on the national radar, Carmichael feels his squad is up co rhe challenge.
"We talk co our kids about it," , Carmichael says. "There's a target on our chest now. When you're nationally ranked, you're going to rake everybody's best shoe."
The Cowgirl program has come a long way since its inception in 1996, bur Carmichael isn't letting it go co his head.
"In our first year of starring rhe program we had co go our and get a bunch of walkons just co field a ream," he says. "Now have a first ream All-American and an NCAA tournament ream. We're certainly proud of it, bur we always remember where we came from."
Assistant Coach Karen Hancock says rhe ream's work ethic was displayed after a subpar season in 2005.
"They really rallied together and said that's nor going co happen again. They worked extremely hard during rhe off-
Although 2006 was a season of significant milestones, it's clear char the 2007 ream is nor resting on its laurels.
"Last year was great. I'm proud of what we did, bur it's in the past," Odenyo says. "Now we have to do even better this year. We wane to be champions."
"I don't think it's a stretch co say char chis is rhe most talented ream we've ever had," says Hancock. "Top co bottom, we've got a good group of kids char really understand rhe game and are very competitive. They care. They want co win.,,
The soccer ream's drive co succeed carries over co the classroom. The Cowgirls boasted a ceam grade point average of 3.43 chis past spring semester, with 17 of21 players on che roster recording a 3.0 or better. Four players had a perfect 4.0 GPA in rhe spring.
OSU also earned rhe Team Academic Award for the fifth straight year with a 3.34 GPA for the academic year. Thar mark is tops in the Big 12 as Texas A&M and Kansas are rhe only other schools in rhe conference co earn char distinction. OSU's GPA has risen each year it has won the award.
The Cowgirls sec a ream record and led rhe Big 12 with a dozen Academic All-Big 12 selections. Odenyo became che program's
South Region Scholar teams.
first NSCAA All-American Scholar. Along with Odenyo, Grimaldi and Radeke were have success, the hardest thing is co sustain it. Thar's the challenge we put co the ream: Do you wane co have a great program or just a
"We are very proud, not only of our ream's athletic success, but also of their achievements in the classroom," Carmichael says. "Our student-athletes are dedicated co succeeding in all their endeavors at Oklahoma Scare."
Both coaches credit rhe POSSE with a viral role behind rhe scenes and providing funding for rhe maximum number of scholarships allowed by the NCAA.
"Without rhe POSSE we're nor going co be able to fully fund Oklahoma Stare Athletics and offer scholarships to all of our scudent-arhleres," Hancock says. "Fourteen soccer scholarships are allowed at the Division I level, bur we wouldn't be at 14 without the POSSE. There are ocher women's soccer programs throughout che United Scares char can't afford the full allotment."
"The POSSE helps every sport," Carmichael adds. "Without the support of people in the POSSE, our program probably wouldn't be able to have che success we're having I'm a member." '
Mike Holder
I ATHLETICDIRECTOR
> First: What's your vision for OSU Athletics?
I don't know ifI'd want to go public with chat. People would chink I'm crazy.
Let's put it this way. When I recruited as a golf coach, I always tried to challenge the recruits, and when they became players on our ream, to have big dreams. I really believe anything is possible.
My vision or dream for Oklahoma State Athletics is pretty big. I'd Iike to see us have che finest collection of facilities in collegiate athletics. I'd like to see us compete for national championships and conference championships in every spore.
I'd like to see us move up on chat list. We're fourth right now in che number of NCAA championships. Now, significant in chat list is chat we've won 48 and none are in women's athletics. We need to change chat.
We've got a long way to go. Right now, we're concentrating on facilities for football. In due time, we'll get around co ocher sports. We really don't have to do anything right now for golf. Basketball's in pretty good shape. Basketball, primarily on the women's side and wresrling, we could do a few things to enhance what they have.
) What athlete, living or dead, do you wish you could see play?
Barry Sanders. I chink he's the best of all ti me. I went to every game he played in and every Cowboy football game in Stillwater if we were in town. Problem is, the golf team played a lot of tournaments in the fall. I tried to schedule around the better games, but it didn't always work out.
> What's something that gets you riled up?
There're lots of things. I couldn't narrow it down to something or one thing. My wife, she's pretty good at chat. She gets me riled up about every day.
) What is your proudest accomplishment?
I chink my parents were probably proud of the fact that I graduated from college. That was a big deal for chem. Wasn't as big a deal for me at the time, but looking back, I didn't realize the significance of it. When we were first married, it was pretty significant just paying the bills. •
) What are three things you would have to have with you if you were stranded on an island?
Food's pretty important to me. I'd have to have obviously food and water. I'd say my wife, but I'm afraid if you asked her the same question, she'd say, "Food, water and a television."
I guess you can already see chat she's pretty important. She'd always argue chis. She scares naming off priorities and she always puts herself pretty far down the list, and I cell her chat she's always number one. I don't chink she agrees with chat.
Ocher than chis job, she's all I really care about. Her and Oklahoma State. Most of my significant friends, they're all associated with the university in one way or the ocher.
) What's your favorite OSU sports memory?
I don't have one. You could name several wresting matches. You could name any of those football games where Barry Sanders was playing.
> Who do you admire (and why)?
I admire a lot of people, bur I'd say at the top of my list would have to be Boone Pickens. I admire him for a lot of different reasons. I think he represents what chis country stands for. He started with basically nothing and he's accomplished a lot. He's made a lot of money. I know he's done it the right way. He's principled, ethical, has a strong work ethic. He believes in playing by the rules. And he loves to compete.
And he shares a passion for Oklahoma State University, the same as I do. He's done a lot for the university and athletics.
> You have one wish. What is it?
To be younger. I'd do everything differenrly. You know, some people always say they'd like to start all over, but they don't start real young. I'd start real young. Elementary school or junior high school, somewhere in there.
I chink I'd have been better in athletics. I know I would've been a better golfer. I think I know a lot now I'd like to put into practice at a young age. I chink I could coach myself up.
) What's your favorite type of music, and where do you listen to it? '
I don't really have a favorite. I like oldies. Music from the '60s and '70s. Sometimes I listen to it when I work our. I usually listen to it in the car.
> Who had the biggest effect on how you turned out the way you did?
Ir has to be my mother and father. You know, for better or worse, richer or poorer. I didn't agree with most of what they said when I was young. They were a lot smarter now, looking back.
I learned a lot from my father without him actually saying things to me. I think he was a good example. My mother was very frugal. She could squeeze a dollar pretty right. I learned to save money from chem, especially her.
> How big an OSU fan are you?
I'd say pretty big. I wouldn't get too grandiose and say I'm the number one Cowboy fan, by any means, but I'm passionate about Oklahoma State. I'm not in Boone Pickens' league, but I think about it every day.
I can honestly say that when I was golf coach, I never worked a day in my life. I can't quite make chat same statement as Athletic Director. Ir's definitely more of a challenge, and there are a lot of things you do that aren't as much fun as coaching golf. Still, I don't consider myself having a job or working for a living. It's something I'd do for nothing. I just appreciate the opportunity.
Parents of OSU Students
ParentsofOSU studentscan save thousandsof$$$ on their student'shousing that would othe1wisebe lost to rentals.
Alumni & OSU Boosters
OSUAlumni I Boosterscanhave a connectionwith the past and an investmentin the future. Ideal for entertainingand relaxingwith family and friendsin a college atmosphere.
OSU FacultyI Professionals
OSU FacultyI Professionalswill recognize the convenienceof owning at Campus Wallewith its low-maintenancelifestyle thatis trulyjust minutes from theiroffice and campus. U.
The 2006 football season ended in triumph for the Cowboys with a thrilling 34-31 win over Alabama in the Independence Bowl.
It was a strong season denouement for the team, and the momentum from the bowl victory has carried over to th is season. The Cowboy Nation is talking. Even the media has raised its expectations. In an article in the Dallas Morning News on June 22, writer Chip Brown picked the Pokes to finish second in the Big 12, ahead of Texas and TexasA&M.
Brown wrote, "OSU is loaded on offense, will be improved on defense and has slippery speed on special teams. Also, you'd hope the Cowboys have learned how to finish after losing five of their six games in 2006 lare in the fourth quarter."
OSU Head Football Coach Mike Gundy received numerous letters and notes from alumni, coaches and fans afrer the article hit newsstands.
"I chink it's a great compliment to our football program," says Gundy. "We have more than 15,000 fans in Dallas, and we do a lot of recruiting there." "It was exciting for chem."
Expectations are high. The coaches, players and fans all sense rhe potential for a special year. The offense should once again be high-flying and high-scoring. The defense should be vastly improved. The schedule is filled with tough games and should make for an exciting season for the Pokes.
"We play on the road at Georgia, Troy - people don't give Troy enough credit," says Gundy. ''Troy won a bowl game last year. Then we play at Nebraska, A&M. We have to play at OU and obviously, Texas and Texas Tech will be coming to Boone Pickens Stadium.
"The reason we pursued that type of schedule is because in order for us to win a Big 12 Championship, we have to win on the road against good teams. We're preparing our football team to play well on rhe road, because that's what helps you late in the season when you're deep in conference play."
By deep in conferenf:e play, Gundy is also slyly referring to rhe conference championship game. Beyond that, he expects the Cowboys to compete for championships.
"We want to win a Big 12 championship and a national championship. We have all the pieces in place. We have the best athletic director in the country - and not just because he's my boss. I believe chat. We have one of the strongest support groups out there financially, led by Boone Pickens. It's just a fact."
Preparation for the 2007 Cowboy Football season began years ago. If you ask any of the coaches, they'll cell you the cycle
never-ending, and they wouldn't wane it to.
"You never stop preparing for next season," says Gundy. "You recruit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Preparation for games and practices is ongoing. Ir's a continuous cycle. It never stops.
"Ar the end of the day, I have a family to go home to. IfI didn't, I'd probably just stay here until I went to sleep."
Defensive Coordinator Tim Beckman shares a similar ourlook.
"As soon as that last game is finished," says Beckman, "you're immediately focused on what you can do to make your team better next season. Whether it's scheme or player development. Whatever you need to do to make sure your team is focused on the ultimate goal - to be in rhe national championship game."
There's a lot of talk about winning among Gundy, Beckman and Offensive Coordinator Larry Fedora.
"It's more than just a game to me," says Beckman. "It's life. And I'm crying to teach the kids chat it's about winning. That's the bottom line, You have to win to be successful. And chat's in life, too."
The defense took its licks last season from the media, despite keeping the Cowboys in position to win every game but one. For the team to achieve its goals this season, it's understood the unit will have to perform better.
For Beckman, merely performing better is not enough.
Beckman is a winner. He's been a part of a winning coaching staff everywhere he's been, including Auburn, Bowling Green and most recently Ohio State. When he's talking about championships, he skips right past the Big 12. He wants rhe big glass egg. He expects it.
Beckman arrived in Stillwater Feb. 18. Two weeks later, spring practice began. He hit the ground running, doing his best to express his expectations of his fellow coaches and players, as well as understanding their expectations of him.
"I strived to tell them, '1his is what has to get done for us to be successful chis year.' Everyone has X's and O's. Everyone can scheme. Everybody runs basically about the same thing. It's what you make your players do or how they play. Effort is a big thing."
Beckman ensures effort through accountability.
"Coach Beck has brought accountability," says Gundy. "The players know what they're going to be responsible for on and off the field. If you perform and do things right, you get to play and have success. If you don't, you don't get to play.
"Most of these guys come here co play football and get an education. If they know this is what they're accountable for in order to play, they're going to take care of it."
Gundy, like everyone else, has higher expectations of rhe defense this season.
"We have guys chat can make plays, but
we
don't have as many mature players that are as athletic as we have on offense," says Gundy. "But we're going to be better on defense. We're into the system more, even though Coach Beck is new. We're further into our overall system as a team. We need to be more physical. But we'll be better. There's no question in my mind."
Everyone talks about the skill players on the offensive side of the ball, bur the D has its share of playmakers, including Donovan Woods, Martel Van Zant and Jeremy Nethon.
"Their ultimate individual goal is to be an All-Conference, All-American football player," says Beckman. "That can't happen if you're not around the football.
"We all know in this game, through the media and the coaches, you have to have the stats to be considered an All-American or All-Conference football player."
Beckman and his staff will make sure the players are in a position to make plays, and trust the players to make them when the time comes.
"You're a Division I, Big 12 football player. You're here to make plays," says Beckman. "You're here to perform at a level that's higher than any other in the country."
In the offseason, Beckman had his players watch every sack from the previous NFL season. He wants them to know how the experts do it. He also wants all his players to aspire to play professionally.
"If you go to Ohio State and tell a player, 'You're going to be done playing in four years,' they're going to fight you," says Beckman. "Their expectations are to go to the next level. Ir's the same here."
So what can OSU fans expect from Beckman's defense? Aggressiveness and effort. In fact, the unit's motto is E.A.T.T. - Effort. Aggressiveness. Tackling. Turnovers.
'Tm a believer in effort. Fans will see effort," says Beckman. "They'll see kids around the football, and that creates excitement. They're going to see a swarm of orange and white around the football."
Cowboy Offense as the "most powerful on earth." A heady claim, for sure, and one that made the coaching staff chuckle. However, it's not something they are backing down from.
"Those are lofty expectations," says Fedora. "I probably wouldn't have said it that way. We have the players and we expect to be one of the best offenses in the country."
Last season, the Pokes were explosive on offense, finishing seventh nationally in scoring and averaging more than 200 yards rushing and passing per game (one of just two teams to manage the feat, the other being Boise State).
They were exciting to watch, partly because of the dynamic offense, partly because of the dynamic players. The Pokes could score at any time from anywhere on the field.
"If you're nor watching, you'll miss something," says Fedora. "We're always going to change the tempo of the game and keep the defense off-balance. We're going to spread the field horizontally and create seams for our running and passing game. You have the chance for explosive plays, and we have the explosive players to make those plays. The defense has to try to defend everything all the rime because we're unpredictable.
"Our players enjoy playing in it. They have fun with it. They see the fatigue and pressure it puts on the defense and it just makes them want to play even harder."
The Cowboys lost a major offensive weapon before two-a-days even began. Sophomore Artrell Woods injured his back in what is being called a "freak" accident in the weight room and will miss the entire year. Woods was expected to play opposite allconference wide receiver Adarius Bowman.
"I don't think he's replaceable,'' says Fedora. "Going into the season, I expected him to score 10, 12 touchdowns. But I expect someone to step up. We have very good players on this offense and they know they have to step up."
who began dismantling Coach Gundy's passing records last season.
Fedora is happy to have rhem.
"Ir makes you a whole lot better as a coach," says Fedora. "Two years ago, the OSU fans would've been happy if I left. It's all about the players. It's about putting them in the position to be successful. I feel very blessed and thankful to our coaches and recruiting staff that we have the players we have.
"Our goals are very, very high offensively with this group,'' says Fedora. "They believe they can win every game. They truly believe they can be successful and play in a BCS bowl. Of course, to do that, we've got to win the Big 12 South and be very strong or close to winning the Big 12 Championship."
During the offseason, the OSU marketing staff described the 2007-08
The Pokes are not short on talented skill players to fill the production gap that might be caused by the loss of Woods. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew should be an impact player, and wideout]eremy Broadway competed with Woods in the spring for the starting spot. There's also much-ballyhooed freshman Dez Bryant, a player many regard as one of OSU's most talented in years. Then there's the stable of running backs, including returners Dantrell Savage and Keith Toston. And don't forget quarterback Bobby Reid, the Pokes' gunslinger
Kick-off for Georgia can't get here soon enough, not for players, coaches or fans. OSU's allotment of tickets for the opening game is selling quickly.
'Tm excited for the season to start,'' says Gundy. "I have to hold myself back at times. It's the most fun time of year."
He's ready to put the 2007 Cowboys on the field. As big of an OSU fan as he is, he wants to see what the team can do just as much as the orange faithful.
"Our fans can expect to see an exciting brand of football. Obviously, everyone's excited about what we did on offense. I am, too," says Gundy. "But they're going to see a defense that's going to play differently. We'll have an aggressive football team. We don't sit back. We go for fourth downs. We play to win.
"We want to win a championship. My goal as a coach has always been that if we play well, we'll have to a chance to win the game. I don't care who it is. That's all you can ask for."
The Cowboys have played in a bowl game four of the last five seasons. Each time it's been a dynamic offense that has carried a suspect defense. New defensive coordinator Tim Beckman, who coached defensive backs at Ohio State the past two years after six years as Bowling Green's defensive coordinator, emphasized an aggressive, attacking mentality last spring. The offense should score plenty of points. If the defense improves, the Cowboys should notch their best record in the Gundy era.
Each day nearly 500 student-athletes juggle work in the classroom and on the field. Each dreams of a greater success beyond the playing field. Each relies on private support to fulfilltheir dreams. All are rooted in a solid education.
Step up to the plate.
Endowed scholarships support the dreams of our student-athletes today and tomorrow.
What started as a small gathering in 1964 by five OSU graduates at Whit's Cafe in Oklahoma City, has evolved into the vibrant, official fundraising arm for OSU Athletics.
With more than 6,100 members in the 2006-2007 fiscal year, the POSSE provides essential functions for OSU Athletics. Ir ensures all 18 varsity sports at Oklahoma State are able to fund the maximum amount of scholarships offered by the NCAA. All total, more than 400 Oklahoma State University student-athletes benefic from che generosity of POSSE members.
"Oklahoma Scace University Athletics has a national reputation as one of the most competitive in NCAA hi~tory. The generosity of POSSE members has played a critical role in that success," says POSSE Director Jason Penry. "We are all thankful for POSSE members being an advocate, ambassador and investor in our athletic future."
At the initial meeting 43 years ago, the five decided on the name, "The Posse Club," and elected officers. They held meetings and charged dues to increase membership and raise money. The "Deputy" was the president, while the officers and board of directors were the "Sheriffs."
As the Posse picked up steam, the membership rolls increased and the group evolved into a more formalized fundraising organization.
When former Cowboy coach and wrestling great Myron Roderick became the Oklahoma Stare Arhlecic Director in the 1980s, the Posse organizacion was recognized as a means for fundraising for all sports and became an official part of the Athletic Department.
In 1990, Posse administrators Kurt Carter and Cathey Jo Warner created an acronym from the letters in the word: Providing Opportunities for Scholastic and Sports Excellence. This credo encompasses the organization's mission of helping che Cowboys and Cowgirls compete at the highest level, both on the field and in the classroom.
The POSSE has a strong track record of loyalty and generosity from its members. Those loyalists include Jim Cobb of Oklahoma City, one of the POSSE's charter members, who remains active in the organization (page 12). With his help and the aid of many like him, it is no wonder the POSSE heads into its 44th year strong as ever.
Today the POSSE offers a variecy of annual benefits, including the new POSSE magazine; priority ticket and parking options for regular and post-season football, men's basketball, women's basketball and wrestling contescs; POSSE E-News updaces; OSU Authentic store discounts; bowl activities and more.
"Over che nexr few years, our main focus is growing POSSE membership," says Penry.
"Through high-quality vehicles such as che POSSE magazine, we now have the ability to connect and provide value for POSSE members who are nor season ticket holders."
"Ir is going to take a collaborative effort to rake OSU Athletics to the next level. Alumni, fans, community members, faculty, scaff and students each play a key role in our success athletically and as an organization. We all have an opportunity to rake part in shaping the OSU athletic program for generations to come."
The POSSE came from humble beginnings bur now exists as one of the top intercollegiate arhlerics fundraising organizations in the country. This has not been through the efforts of a few. Thousands of people have made major contributions of both time and resources.
From Whit's Cafe ro the present day, POSSE members continue to have a huge impact on the playing fields and in classrooms.
BOYES Club
Heather Boyes grew up seeing red. Nebraska red.
"My entire family is from Nebraska. Nebraska was bred into us," says Boyes, an Oklahoma native. ''As I got older, I thought, 'Bue I'm nor from Nebraska.'
"One of my brothers is a huge OSU basketball fan and he got me watching OSU basketball. And I've always been a huge wrescling fan," says Boyes. 'Tm a huge Oklahoma Scace fan."
Now she offices in Gallagher-Iba Arena and is the strength and conditioning coach for the soccer, softball and equestrian reams.
She'll cell you she just fell inco che profession. "I knew someone wbo had a personal training service," says Boyes. She decided co cake the next seep. While working full-rime as an ophthalmology surgical coordinator, she offered personal training and worked on her Health Promotion degree at OSU Tulsa. She graduated in 2004 and holds certifications from che National Strength and Conditioning Association and che Collegiate Strength ·and Conditioning Coaches Association.
Boyes played softball - and a bit of soccer - all her life. She chinks of herself as an athlete. "Being an athlete, I decided I wanted co do something more. Thar's when I got into strength and conditioning," says Boyes. ''I've always had a passion co work with athletes."
She pours char enthusiasm into training OSU's scudenc-achleces. She prefers meeting chem when chey are freshmen so they can be properly trained. Training begins on an individual basis, including proper lifting
and running techniques, and then progresses ro group workouts.
Boyes admits it's difficult ac first. Many of the young women have misconceptions about strength training. "1hey'll say, 'Oh, I'm going co gain weight. I'm going co gee big.' I have co remind chem char we're not training co be body builders," says Boyes. "We're training for explosiveness and endurance. Once they gee past char, they're hardcore. 1l1ey can hang with anyone."
She's nor kidding. If you spend half an hour in the weight room while they're working our, you'd be impressed, possibly humbled. You couldn't gee chrough their workout.
"I love ic when they gee it. They feel beccer about themselves, and they're more comfortable with ic," says Boyes.
Of course, chey have Boyes chere making sure chey follow through. She wouldn't describe herself as a drill instructor, but "I wane chem co be disciplined, so I enforce some discipline. I make it very clear what I expect from chem," says Boyes.
"She's very devoted," says Yolanda Odenyo, che OSU soccer ream's first-team AllAmerican midfielder. "Every rime you come in, no matter what your mood, she's always in the right mood co motivate you. You wane co work for her even when you don't wane co work for yourself. She's cough when she needs co be."
Boyes would probably agree with that assessment. 'Tm preccy hardcore, but I can't be mean all che rime," says Boyes. "I like co teach. If it's something they should know, then yeah, I'm going co ride them. But I can be kind of a jokester."
Boyes plans our each year well in advance. A typical calendar year is composed of four
pares in terms of strength training: offseason, preseason, in-season and postseason. Boyes usually structures her workout programs into eight-week segments within chose four training cycles.
She's developed her training regimens in cooperation with the coaches, and has even practiced with the athletes. "I cook chat and feedback from the coaches and brainstormed," says Boyes.
Each workout program is tailored co the spore. For che equestrian program, Boyes says it's mainly general fitness. She has chem do lower-body work and core-strengthening exercises. "They feel beccer so they perform better," says Boyes.
"She does a great job with che teams she's assigned to," says Rob Glass, OSU director of strength and conditioning. "She's been a phenomenal addition co our staff. Her researching the spore and crying co refine the workouts co make chem sportspecific, it's just outstanding.
"The coaches have been excited about what she's brought co cheir teams."
The appreciation is nice, but for Boyes, it's all about seeing her athletes succeed.
"The most rewarding pare is seeing che individual changes from the beginning of the year co che end, and co see the outcome of cheir se:,son," says Boyes. "They gee beccer each year.
Cory Cheney
STAFF
Precedent
For over four decades, Club Car has delivered specialty transportation solutions chat set the standard in innovation, quality and performance. So it's no surprise chat Karsten Creek is a loyal Club Car customer. Through our dedication co customer satisfaction, Club Car has developed the most extensive product line in che industry to meet a wide range of demands. So no matter what your needs, visit us today, and we'll help you find the Club Car vehicle chat's right for you.
Every week this fall, you can experience OSU spores in high definition on okstate.com.
"Earlier this year, thanks to the generosity of donors Becky and Brian Brady, we invested in a Canon XL-Hl, a cutting edge high-definition camera capable of capturing OSU action in vibrant HD," says Kyle Wray, director of OSU Universiry Marketing. "The footage this thing takes is unbelievable."
Starting in August, fans can visit okstate.com and download HD videos. It's behind-the-scenes stuff like interviews with coaches, players and even fans no one else could provide. You want the highlight reel from last week's victory? It'll be there in high def. Videos from two-a-days? No problem.
"We're always crying co enhance the OSU fan experience," says Wray. "With the implementation of our new website design, we wanted to up rhe ante with our video content. Nothing does char better than high definition."
Vii3EiJriJili1lrlT
1080, 50i/60i recording formar oprional upgrade ro 50i/60i operarion is done by Canon Facrory Service Center (standard operation 60i)
Frame Rates 60i 60i, 30F, 24F
Frame Rates 50i 50i, 25F
SD recording 16:9, 4:3 either 480 or 576
HDV recording 16:9, 1080
ii1Ci..iJi3Ei3i..~i1:i
20x HD video zoom lens 12 elements, 10 groups, 2 aspherical lenses with Fluorite and High Refraction Glass, SR Coating
Lens Mount Canon XL imerchangable mount system
Zoom Range 5.4-108mm, (38.9-778 mm in 35mm photography)
Zoom Control manual ring on lens, power zoom top handle - constant (16 speed levels selecrable), zoom handle - variable/constant {multi level adjustment 16 speeds)
Zoom Display zoom bar, zoom position (0-99)
Maximum Aperture f/1.6 to 3.5 through zoom range
Aperture Diaphragm 6 leaves, iris diaphragm
Display of Focus Distance Feet or Meters (mounted on XL-H 1 only in Manual Focus)
Manual Auro focus AF/M switch one-push AF
rliJi3ii3
HDV recording 2 channel MPEG 1Audio Layer II (48kHz, 384kbps),
4 channel MPEG2 Audio Layer II (48kHz, 384kbps)
SD Recording 2 channel PCM {48kHz, 16 bit or 32kHz, 12 bit),
4 channel PCM (32 kHz, 12 bit)
Locked Audio locked, unlocked (DV mode only)
2 rear XLR jacks mic and line level selectable {input only): can be used for Channel 1 and 2 or Channel 3 and 4 recording
The list reads like a veritable who's who of orange-clad superheroes, and whether you know their true identities or nor, you've almost certainly seen them in action at both Cowboy and Cowgirl sporting events.
In recent years, Boone Pickens Stadium and Gallagher-Iba Arena have played host to "Bath Robe Guy," "Monkey-on-a-Stick Man," "Colonel Cowboy," "The Paddle People," "O-Scare Santa," "The Jumpsuit Crew," "The Tailgarin' Pimp," and "Orange Mohawk Dude," to name a few.
They meld their undying loyalty with a touch of eccenrric fanaticism, but Lee Redick- better known to most OSU fans as "Mr. Orange Power" - says there's a reason for the madness.
"It's fun," Redick says. "That's the key."
Since assuming his "Mr. Orange Power" persona, Redick has become a frequent guest at OSU pep rallies and other university functions.
Still, Redick doesn't let his pseudocelebrity status go to his head.
"OSU has so many·grear fans out there, and I'm just one man," Redick says. " I just chink people should have a good time and really,~njoy the game. Thar's all I'm crying to do.
For Redick, however, enjoying a game is more than watching quiedy from his designated seat along the Boone Pickens Stadium sideline.
Rather, Redick prowls the north stands with an arsenal of handwritten signs, ready to rile the Cowboy faithful at a moment's notice. And even if the shrill strains ofRedick's unmistakable tenor are lost beneath the roar
That's ''Mr." Orange Power to You
As enthusiasm for all of Oklahoma State University's athletic programs continues to swell, the list of iconic fans who make their presence known - both on the Stillwater campus and beyond - has come to include a hodge-podge of characters that add a special flavor to OSU's gameday atmosphere.
of the crowd, his trademark - a neon-orange jumpsuit - makes him easy to find.
"I don't want to sit on my hands," Redick says. ''I'm crying to affect the game. I'm trying to do my part to win - that's the way I look at it."
Redick left Oklahoma State in 1987 to pursue a career in North Carolina, bur during his time in Stillwater, he developed a taste for the cheers performed by OSU's spirit squads.
"I came back in 1994, and my favorite cheer had always been 'Orange Power,' but we didn't do it anymore," Redick said. "It was dead. Gone."
The chant's absence set Redick on a quest to revive it, though "Orange Power" didn't initially receive the same enthusiasm it did when first heard at Lewis Field during the 1970s.
"I used to sit there and scream 'orange' and scare people," Redick says. "I was just an idiot sitting on the 40-yard line."
In fact, the "Orange Power" cheer might never have been revived had it not been for Redick's wife, Kristi, during the 1999 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament in Kansas City.
"It's all her fault," Redick jokes. "I was scarring to scream 'orange,' and Kristi said, 'Why don't you ask these people if they'll do it with you?'
"So, I went up and down the aisles, asked some old alumni if they wanted to do 'Orange Power.' They said yes, and it was reborn."
That year, the Cowboys defeated Baylor, Oklahoma and Texas before falling to Kansas in the championship game - a run Redick attributes in part to the "Orange Power" chant.
"It was kind of magical because we did 'Orange Power' that whole weekend, but the cheerleaders had no idea what was going on," Redick says. "Everybody was looking up and
the cheerleaders were just dumbfounded. They didn't have any signs or anything, so they would just point both arms toward our section and then turn ro the other side."
Fast forward nine years, and Redick's efforts have both revived a favorite athletic tradition and spawned a rally cry synonymous with the university. The cheer - coupled with an increasingly rabid "sea of orange" - has helped give OSU's athletic programs an undeniable advantage, Redick says.
'"Orange Power' works," Redick says. "We've actually made teams burn time-outs because it was so loud. It gets the momentum going. You can see it on the Cowboys' faces, you can see it on the opponents' faces.''
Redick used to lead the cheer during third-and-short situations, but now he unleashes it when opponents face second-and-long.
"When we get one of those, boom! That's when we hit it," Redick says.
"It's exhilarating to hold that sign up and hear all chose fans following along. It's the greatest feeling in the whole world."
Michael Harris
David D. Le Nor:man
When POSSE member and donor David D. Le Norman was younger, his father was an Explorer leader, and on Saturdays in the fall, the Explorer scouts would usher the OSU home football games.
"We'd show people co their sears until a liccle after halftime, and then we'd get co watch the game," says Le Norman. 1hat was all it cook co make him a lifetime Cowboy fan.
These days, Le Norman and his friends and family are, in his words, "crazy" OSU fans who never miss a home game. He's not a fair-weather fan, either. Literally. He was one of the few who attended the infamous "Ice Bowl" in 1985.
"You could've introduced the fans and had fewer than the players," says Le Norman. "le was really, really cold chat day."
Having followed OSU all these years, Le Norman believes OSU is on the cusp of greatness. He points co the 2007 Independence Bowl as an example.
"Can you imagine us in the past chinking we could play football with Alabama? 1he people around me in the stands, they were all pretty confident," says Le Norman. "Even when Alabama was coming back on us, no one really thought we were going co lose. That's a change.
"You know, there's just an excitement around all of the athletic programs and the school itself for chat matter. And with Boone's gift, it just changes the equation. It's a good time ro be in the OSU camp. We have waited along time for chis now it's our time. People are stepping up."
Including Le Norman. This past year, the Duncan, Okla., native endowed a full scholarship for the football program.
"We have X amount of scholarships we're allowed co give every year," says Le Norman. "If they all became endowed, look at all the money chat would be available for ocher programs and projects."
"We greatly appreciate Dave's recent philanthropic involvement," says Craig Clemons, Vice President for External Affairs and Development. "He is an avid fan, generous supporter and will be a Top 50 ranked POSSE member with the purchase of a suite on the north side of Boone Pickens Stadium last year, as well as his commitment co endow a football scholarship chis year. He understands the importance of the Leave a Legacy Campaign and how it helps fund fees, books, tuition, etc. for an Oklahoma Scace student-athlete."
Le Norman admits co being inspired by Boone Pickens' record-breaking gift.
"I chink a lot of people were," says Le Norman. "The need is huge if we're going co execute the vision we have for OSU. There is more work chat needs co be done a lot more.
"You're trying co build a state-of-the-art facility co attract the highest quality student athletes. We're crying co build a place they're proud co be a part of, as well as the alumni and the students," says Le Norman. "Positive things beget positive things. We'll improve the overall quality of the OSU Experience for all our students, athletes and non-athletes alike. When the athletic programs are better, it all feeds off each ocher."
Le Norman is also interested in contributing co OSU in ocher areas.
"I chink Oklahoma Scace is going co make more and more of a difference in our state, so we need co support it as best we can," says Le Norman.
One of the ways he would like co contribute co the university is co establish an energy management program within the Spears
School of Business. It's a program he'd eventually like co be involved in as an instructor.
"Ifl had a child going co college right now, I'd cell chem co major in anything having co do with the energy business," says Le Norman. "Oklahoma is about energy."
He would know. Le Norman has built and sold seven oil and gas companies, and done well for himself and his employees, eleven of whom have made more than $1 million.
"We build up companies, almost like a Triple-A baseball prospect. Say you have a pitcher. When he gees good enough, che Majors want him," says Le Norman. "In our case, the bigger companies wane it. They come and buy your scuff, and you scare again."
His current company, Crusader Energy Group, will no doubt be his next success story. He hopes chat after the next deal, he won't have any co-workers or investors who haven't made significant money.
He's quick co point out chat chose working for him are a charitable bunch. There's a giant check for $50,000 leaning against the wall in his office - a donation from his employees co a cancer treatment facility in Duncan - chat supports his claim.
"They're charitable people. We support several charitable efforts," says Le Norman.
"I work with Sc. Jude's and a local charity called Hearts for Hearing.
"The toughest thing for me co give is time. I just have so little of it. So I cry to contribute financially and inspire ochers to do what they can."
Cory Cheney
Here's your up-to-date list of Oklahoma ference makers.
Qualitydegrees viadistance learning formorethan 30years.
Influence Skills: Authority Is Out, Influence Is In
Developing Your Professional Image fDeveloping Your Professional Image
Critical Thinking
Supervisory Program: Leadership, Mentoring & Coaching for Outstanding Performance
Leadership: Good to Great Employee Selection and Interviewing
Perfecting Your Presentation Skills
Living Smarter, Working Smarter
Setting Goals to Increase Productivity
Developing Effective Attitudes in the Workplace ACCOUNTING CONFERENCES (TULSA)
DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES AND GRADUATE DEGREES
• Master in Business Administration
• M.S. in Management Information Systems
• M.S. in Telecommunications Management
• Graduate Certificate in Database Mining Flexible hours Flexible formats
• Graduate Certificate in Information Systems
• Selected undergraduate courses
W&W Steel was founded in Oklahoma in 1945 and is now one of the largest steel fabricating companies in the World. We provide complete turnkey design, fabrication and erection services covering a wide range of domestic and international construction projects.
BUILDING the
FUTURE
Recently, POSSEMagazine had the opportunity to sit down with Mike Holder and get a progress report on the stadium construction and athl_etic village. Here's what he had to say:
'
' After this football season, we're going to begin construction on the new grass practice fields for football. They'll be due north of Boone Pickens stadium across Hall of Fame.
The riming of everything beyond that depends on three things: One is rhe acquisition of property. I think we own in the neighborhood of 90 percent of what we need to complete the arhleric village. We need ro continue buying that property.
The second thing is we need to get cooperation from the city of Stillwater in the vacation of the streets and utility easements in the athletic village area.
The third thing rhar needs to happen is that Boone Pickens has to make money. Right now, that west end zone is projected
to cost about $180 million. We'll spend in the neighborhood of $45 million buying property, so that's $225 million. Hall of Fame is probably $2 million. Those grass practice fields are about $3 million. So that's $230 million.
We owe the golf team $40 million. They've essentially loaned the athletic department $40 million of their money to help us underwrite or pay for these construction projects. So if you rake that $40 million and add it to the $230 million, that's $270 million. Our investments are worth about $270 million right now, so we have just enough money to pay for those things.
As Boone Pickens grows that investment via BP Capital, we'll be able to afford to build something else.
If someone would say, 'Sherman Smith gave $20 million for that indoor training facility.' Thar's correct, bur that's going to be for the long-term maintenance of that building to ensure it's in pristine shape in perpetuity. Ir doesn't pay for the construction.
That'll go into our investment. As our investment grows, we gee to borrow 60 percent of what we're worth at BP Capital. So that's our real constrictor. The ability to borrow against chat principal. I would anticipate starting the Sherman Smith Indoor Training Facility in January of 2009. Thar's probably a realistic target date. Thar's nor set in stone. We'd like to accelerate that if possible. ' '
WRAY.VINGS
The refined gentleman strode to the tee and awkwardly placed a golf ball down. He was on the famous par-three 6th hole on the Sand Springs golf course. I watched from an adjacent fairway as he eyed the expanse of water between himself and the hole. It was only 160 yards, but may just have well been a mile.
"I just know I'm goin' in the pond," exclaimed the Arnold Palmer look-a-like to his playing partner. He took a few practice swings and then hit the shot. It never got more than a few inches from the surface before performing a Red October impression.
He murmured something under his breath and reached into his hip pocket for more ammo. "I always hit it bad on this hole," he said before striking his second tee shot. To call it a chili-dip would be far unfair to chili. The ball barely got to the water's edge before easing in like a child's first summer swim before the water warms up. Again he uttered some unmentionables.
A third Top Flite was placed on the tee, a third empty prayer offered, and the golf ball became air-borne. This one had promise. It was half-way across the abyss before it fluttered and ran out of gas.
Another baptism.
He maneuvered around his partner to the back of the golf cart and wrenched his bag from its platform. This time he intended on saving the whole congregation. His golf bag, clubs and contents went to the bottom faster than Davy Jones and the Flying Dutchman.
"Why do I have such a hard time on this hole?" he said to no one in particular.
"Because you focus on the water instead of your target," said his playing partner.
1his brings me to Oklahoma State University Athletics. I truly believe that right now the sun rises brighter in Stillwater than on any other college campus in America. Unprecedented gifts have inspired an
era of facility development unlike any ever seen at OSU.
Teams in the Big 12 and other conferences are beginning to ask about our patterns of success and trends toward the spectacular. A precursor of unparalleled athletic success? Many believe so. What really determines if those plans turn out to be reality? Keeping our eyes on the target and not on the distractions. Hitting the target takes focus and sacrifice.
Sacrifice. It's at the heart of team competition. Athletes get stronger when they train and push themselves. 1he more an individual embraces sacrifice, the better the team becomes. TI1e same can be said of Oklahoma State Athletics. Smdentathletes, coaches and fans are sacrificing to ensure team success.
What're you sacrificing? What can you do other than attend a game? Plenty. When you purchase season tickets or join the POSSE, you help OSU. When you inspire someone else to help the Orange cause, you multiply that factor by 10. When you buy officially licensed OSU products, again, you improve our abilities to win on the field of competition. Sacrifice always comes before results. TI1anks to all of our Orange faithful who are focusing on the target! You are a big part of the reason our facilities and our teams are getting better every day.
Kyle Wray
Oklahomans are using more electricity than ever before. Our job is to make sure the power's there.
But you can help by conserving electricity where you can. You'll find energy saving tips for your home and business on www.oge.com.
Meanwhile, OG&Ewill invest in the right equipment and the best people. Together, we can conserve energy and keep your electric service reliable.