you joined with us as WEMOURNEDTHELOSSOFASTUDENT-ATHLETE INJULY.
Ty Coger was a delightful young man with a bright orange futme. Even more important than the success he would have had on the basketball court were the opportunities an OSU education would have on his future. Coach Underwood INSTILLSINHISPLAYERSTHEIMPORTANCE
OFBROTHERHOODANOTEAMWORK. Those sentiments have certainly been on display this summer.
We are fortunate to have many opportunities to get to know our student-athletes. Of course the most important times are those when we can cheer them on during their athletic contests and offer them support as they compete for OSU.
Greetings OSU fans.
Your validation and encouragement of our student-athletes are primary reasons OSU Athletics finished the year with a record ranking of 13th in the Learfield Directors' Cup competition. This finish demonstrates our ability to compete at the highest level against the very best coaches and athletes in Division I. 4
FOOTBAUISRIGHTAROUNDTHECORNERand Coach Gundyts team is completing fall camp. Please join me this fall as we watch the Greatest Sho-vv- on Grass in Boone Pickens Stadium!
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THE NEWEST DIVISION OF OKLAHOMA STATE ATHLETICS IS OR6NGEPOWER STUDIOS
LOCATEDINTHEWESTENDZONEOF BOONEPICKENSSTADIUM..zTHECREW OFOPSISRESPONSIBLErORALL FACETSOFVIDEOPRODUCED BY OSUATHLETICS.
Online streaming, third tier television productions, social media video clips, coaches shows, recruiting videos and in-game video board productions a 11 originate from the OPS studio and control rooms.
THEOPSSTAFFprovides a blend of technical knowledge (engineer talk), creativity, news judgment and cinematic know-how to handle the growing needs (actually let's call it DEMANDS) of video in the modern era of college athletics.
aTHERE IS NO OFF-SEASON FOR THE STAFF OF ORANGE POWER
STUDIOS as they roll from season to season and from platform to platform to promote the Cowboys and Cowgirls. THEYBEGINGAMEDAYS EARLY,AREUSUALLYTHELASTTOLEAVE.DOWNTIMEISJUSTARUMOR.
PHOTOGRAPHYBYBRUCE WATERFIELD
OFFICIAL KIDS
CLUB OF ATHLETICS ONLY $25 PER CHILD SIGN UP TODAY AT OKSTATE.COM/KIDSCLUB
•FREE ADMISSION to Horne OSU Soccer, Basketball*, Wrestling, Baseball, and Softball
*Excludes Men's Basketball vs. Kansas and Oklahorna
•Special Discounted Tickets to Horne Football Garne
*As Available Sarne :Restrictions May Apply
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•AND MUCH MORE
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT INAMERICA?
STORYBYKEVIN KLINTWORTH
"THE TREMENDOUS DISPARITY IN FUNDING AND SPORTS SPONSORSHIP AMONG UNIVERSITIES MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO COME UP WITH AN UNBIASED WAY TO MEASURE SUCCESS."
THIS IS A STORY ABOUT OSU ATHLETICS FOR AN OSU ATHLETICS PUBLICATION AND FOR AN OSU WEBSITE. WE HAVE CHOSEN OUR SIDE AND THE CASE WE PLAN TO MAKE.
FANS ARE NOT OBJECTIVE. If they were, most coaches would feel no pressure - EVER. Butfans think their schoolcan do better, be better and achieveall things. THEY MAKEDONATIONSWITHTHOSETHOUGHTS INMIND.ANDTHANKGOODNESSFDRTHAT.
CERTAINLY THE MEDIA IS NOT OBJECTIVE. If they were, they wou Id not spend time trekking to the same football schools each ·ummer and fall, regardless of that particular school's struggles while claiming other schools are "offthe beaten path." Perhaps the path needs an adjustment. There are no better examples of media bias than preseason polls. And MOSTMEDIAFOLKS,especially the good ones, HAVENOPROBLEMAGREEING WITHTHATPREMISE.ANDTHANKGOODNESS FORTHAT,TOO.
Due to the subjective nature of college athletics, it should be no surprise that measuring the performances of university athletic programs is usually done by those whose minds are made up before any evidence is gathered.
THERE IS, HOWEVER, one recognized form of objective measurementFLAWED THOUGH IT MIGHT BE. It's called the LEARFIELD DIRECTORS' CUP (thedirectorscup.com) and it measure each university's national finishes in NCAA postseason competition throughout an athletic year to determine America~ most succeseful athletic departments.
THE STANDINGS ARE BASED ON A CUMULATIVE POINT TOTAL. Qualifi1 ing for an NCAA championship event nets a school a smattering of Learfield points. Winning a national title is good for 100 points. And quite frankly, the more athletic team a school sponsors, the more likely that school is to finish high in the Learfieldstandings. THERE'S NO SECRET FORMULA.
At the end of the athletic season, which concludes when the final out of the College World Series is recorded, THE LEARFIELD CUP IS AWARDED almost always to Stanford and its 37-sport athletic department.
IS IT A FLAWED SYSTEM? WE THINK SO. But like everyone else, we are not objective.
A school that wins a national championship in a sport sponsored by 300 schools gets the same number of Learfield points as a school that wins a national championship while competing against just 30 other schools for a national title. Despite a much hallower pool of competition, the Learfield points are the same.
Schools can use the results of 20 of their sports teams toward their Learfield point total (10 men's teams and 10 women's teams). Stanford can count its best programs in the Learfield competition and cast away struggling programs while doing no damage to its Lear-field Cup hopes. IT MAY NOT BE EFFICIENT,but that's the way the Lear.field Cup works. But in fairness to Stanford, there are not a lot of struggling programs on THEFARM. Only counting 20 sports is probably a hindrance to the Cardinal.
Stanford, with its 37 sports, and OHIOSTATE(35 programs) finished first and second in the 2015-16 Learfield Cup. Incidentally, they spent nearly $110 million (Stanford) and nearly $137 million (Ohio State) on athletics last year, according to the most recent numbers available. Those numbers probably increased this past season.
LET'S TAKEA BRIEFTIMEOUTFORA DISCLAIMER. It's very diJficult to compare apples to apples when talking about expenditures in college athletics.
Money spent on facility upgrades can easily be confused for operating and sport expenditures over the course of a fiscal year. It is a common mistake made by media and others, and it makesstraight-upcomparisonsaniffyunderlaking. But suffice it to say that Stanford and Ohio State are two of the largest athletic departments in the coutry, both in terms of sport sponsorship as well as budget.
BY POWERCONFERENCESTANDARDS, OKLAHOMASTATESPONSORSAMODES 18SPORTS(SPENDINGAPPROXIMATELY $80 MILLION),and only 17 of those programs ca-n-~ be counted in the Lear-field Cup standings because equestrian is not yet recognized as an NCAA sport. SOEACHSCHOOLYEAROSUHASTHREEFEWERCHANCES TO SCORELEARFIELDCUPPOINTSTHANMOSTANYSCHOOLSEEKINGTOP25 STATUS.And, of course, OSU cannot discard any struggling programs due to its sheer lack of numbers.
"I CONSIDER THE LEAR FIELD DIRECTORS' CUP RANKING TO BE ABOUT AS FAIR AS YOU CAN MAKE AN INHERENTLY UNFAIR ENTERPRISE," said OSU athletic di rector Mike Holder. "The tremendous disparity in funding and ports sponsorship among universities makes it very difficult to come up with an unbiased way to measure success."
ALL OF THE MATH
brings us to the 2015-16 school year, which was a banner one at Oklahoma State. OSUled the Big 12 Conference with eight league championships. From the SUGAR BOWL to the COLLEGE WORLD SERIES to NCAA RUNNER-UP FINISHES by WRESTLING and WOMEN'S TENNIS,OSU made its presencefelt across collegeathletics. Incredibly, 15OFOSU'S17ELIGIBLESPORTSscored Learfield Cup points for the athletic department. EIGHT PROGRAMSearned top-10 finishes and 11TEAMSFINISHED the year in the equivalent of their SWEET16.FOURTEEN PROGRAMSended the year in their top 25. OSU had 28 ALL-AMERICANS inn ·ports, FOURINDIVIDUALNATIONAL CHAMPIONS and FOURBIG12PLAYERS of the year.
AS A RESULT, OKLAHOMASTATEFINISHEDNO.13 NATIONALLY in the final 2015-16 Learfield Cup standings. ITISTHEHIGHESTFINISHEVERBYOSU.
THE ACROSS THE BOARD SUCCESSES, quite frankly, MAYQUALIFYOSUASTHEMOSTEFFICIENTATHLETICDEPARTMENTINTHECOUNTRY. No other school in the Learfield Cup top 25 achieved its ranking by countingjust 17sports to reach its total. Texas A&M finished 12th with 20 sports and spent $22 million more than Oklahoma State to get there. Oregon finished 10th and sponsors 19 sports. The Ducks also outspent OSU. When it comes to finances, onlyoneschoolinthefinal 2015-16LearfieldCuphadexpenditureslessthanOklahomaState.
It wa No. 11 California, which has 28 sports and finished ahead of Oklahoma State by just 15.5 points.
Texas and its 20 sports finished ninth in the Learfield Cup to lead the Big 12, with OSU second in the league. Texas also spent somewhere close to $153 million, about twice as much as OSU, to accomplish that feat. Texas and OSU were the only Big 12 schools to finish in the top 15 of the Lear.field Cup.
JUSTDOWNTHEINTERSTATE,Oklahoma: ha: a strong year and helped the Big 12 brand by carrying the league banner into the COLLEGE FOOTBALLPLAYOFFand the men's FINALFOUR. THESOONERSFINISHEDNO.16INTHELEARFIELO CUPjoining Texas and OSU as the only Big 12 members in the top 35 of the.final standings. The Sooners feature 21 sports and spent approximately $125 million on athletics in 2014-15.
PHOTO I BRUCEWATERFIELD
on theWomen'sSide
ENTERINGTHE2015-16 ATHLETICYEARt
OSU had been on a slow, steady rise in the Lear.field Cup standings. The 2011-12 athletic year saw the school anchored at No. 42. The next year there was a jump to 27th and then a school-best No. 22 in 2013-14. Last year OSU was o. 28 before climbing all the way to 13th.
The risingtideofOSU Athletics HASBEEN FUELEDGREATLYBYTHEOSUWOMEN. or OSU's eightconferencechampionships in 201516, FIVEWEREWONBYWOMEN'SPROGRAMS, including some landmark championships. COWGIRLCROSSCOUNTRY won the league for the first time, while WOMEN'STENNISBIG12CHAMPSforthenrsttimesince2003
- marched th rough the regular season and conference tournament without losing a match. But the success has been across the board for the Cowgirls.
THE STRONG SHOWING by the women's teams simply set the stage for a month offun provided by the Cowgirl tenni ·program.First it was a romp th rough the Big 12 Conference postseason tournament, hosted at the Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center.
THECOWGIRLS
WERENEVERTESTED BY CONFERENCE OPPOSITION.
The following week it was the NCAA regional tournament, once again held in Stillwater. The Cowgirls cruised through the competition to reach the national tournament in Tulsa where the 16 regional champions gathered to decide the national title. In front of packed crowds decked out in orange, OSU marched to the national championship match, upsetting fifth-seed Georgia, fourth-seed Ohio State and No. 1-seed California to reach the championship match.
ln a thrilling back-and-forth finale, the Cowgirls fell to Stanford, but may have blazed new trails along the way, according to coach Chris Young.
"WHEN ONE PROGRAM HAS SUCCESS, IT INSPIRES OTHERS to envision what is possible for them," he said. "On the women's side WE ARE ALL STRIVING TO BE THE FIRST PROGRAM
TO WIN A NATIONAL TITLE, and that has driven us all to a higher standard. It is fun to see your peers achieving at a high level and I hope we can build on what was an amazing year."
Young doesn't believe that surge in the uccess ofOSU's women's programs is an accident.
"ONE OF THE GREATEST ASSETS AT OKLAHOMA STATE IS THE STAFF within our athletic department and the caliber of coaches Mike 1-lolclerhas hired during his tenure," Young said. "WITH INCREASED RESOURCES for the women's programs and a greater emphasis placed on our success, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PUSH EACH OTHER TO HIGHER LEVELS."
l-lolcleragrees with Young that it is more than coincidence that has led several Cowgirl programs into national relevancy.
"THE COINCIDENCE IS THE PRODUCT OF EXCELLENT COACHING AND A COMMITMENT FROM THE ADMINISTRATION to fund cad, sport at a level that allow them to compete for championships," I-lolder said. "A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THAT COMMITMENT IS FACILITIES, AND WE STILL HAVE SOME WORK TO DO IN THAT AREA." fj)
The equestrian program WON THEBIG12 FORTHEFOURTHTIMEIN FIVEYEARS.
r The women's track and cross country teams had record-breaking seasons. Not only did the Cowgirls win the BIG12 CROSSCOUNTRYTITLEFORTHEFIRST TIME,but their NATIONALFINISHIN CROSS COUNTRYWASSEVENTH,the best championship performance by OSU since 1989.
ir' And the female runners weren't finished. As a team, OSU was 10THATTHE NCAATRACKANDFIELDINDOORNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS and 12THATTHENCAATRACKAND FIELDOUTDOORNATIONALCHAMPIONSHIPMEET.
Both finishes were the best in school history.
FIRST-YEARCOACHKENNY GAJEWSKI took over an osu softball program that had not qualified for the NCAA Tournament since reaching the Women's College World Series in 2011. He led his youthful squad to a trip to the 2016NCAAREGIONALFINALand extended lhe home-standing Georgia Bulldogs to a one-game, winner-take-all finale. Georgia qualified for the Women's World Series the next week by ousting two-time national champion Florida in a two-game sweep.
The OSU women's golf program picked up its FIRSTBIG12 CHAMPIONSHIP since 2013, and its 11THPLACEFINISHin the national championship tournament was its best since 2010.
Under COACHJIM LITTELL, the Cowgirl basketball program has become a regular in the NCAATOURNAMENTwith FOURSTRAIGHTAPPEARANCESsince the NIT championship season in March of 2012.
PHOTO I BRUCEWATERFIELO
manpower
THE MEN'S PROGRAMS
were far from idle over the past year, and their national finishes covered the entire academic calendar.
Like the boost the OSU women got from the Cinderella run by tennis, THEMEN'S PROGRAMSGOTABOOSTFROMALATESPURTWHENCOWBOYBASEBALLGOTHOT.VERYHOT.
The Cowboy ' postseason featured SEVENSTRAIGHTWINS,including a regional championship at Clemson (ACCTournament champion) and a super regional sweep of perennial SEC power South Carolina.
According to Holder, the idea of a wellrounded program at Oklahoma State is nothing new.
"IN MY OPINION, ALL OF THE SPORTS SUCCESS AT OSU BEGAN WITH Ed Gallagher," Holder said of the legendary father of collegiate wrest Iing. "THE DYNASTY HE BUILT INSPIRED COACHES AND ATHLETES OF OTHER PROGRAMS TO DREAM OF WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS, WHICH HAS RESULTED IN 51 NCAA BAN· NERS HANGING FROM THE TOP OF GALLAGHER-IBA ARENA."
The CrOSS COUntry team once again brought home a TOP-20FINISH,PLACING 18THat the NCAA Championships after SWEEPINGCONFERENCEANDREGIONALTITLES.
The Cowboys captured the BIG12 INDOORTRACKANDFIELDTITLEfor the second time in three years. The men were NO.24 ATTHENCAAINDOORmeet and finished 15TH ATTHEOUTDOORnational championships. OSUIS NOWPERCEIVED AS ONEOFAMERICA'S TOPPROGRAMSWHENCOMBININGTRACKAND FIELDANDCROSSCOUNTRYPROGRAMS.
- The osu football team was credited with finishing 19TH NATIONALLYINTHELEARFIELDSTANDINGS after its 10-3 season and ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL appearance.
~'r Another OSU staple on the national scene - men's golfFINISHED10THat the NCAAs.
The runner-up finish by the women's tennis team overshadowed another The Cowboy wrestling program developing program at the GREENWOOD overcame injuries to two starters to finish TENNIS CENTER as the men's tennis SECONDATTHENATIONALCHAMPIONSHIPS, team returned to the national stage with a in what would have to be considered an run of its own to the SWEET16, where it lost over-achievement by JOHN SMITH's crew. to eventual national champion Virginia.
THE TRADITION OF WINNING ACROSS THE BOARD IS STILL STRONG AT OSU. AND SO IS THE TRADITION OF BEING EFFICIENT.
PHOTO I BRUCEWATERFIELD
HOWDOMY POINTS RANK?
ASOF JULY 25, 2016 POINTS RANK
OSU ATHLETICS PRIORITY POINT SYSTEM
The PRIORITYPOINTSYSTEMprovides a fair, consistent and transparent method of providing benefits to donors in exchange for their financial investments in OSU athletics.
DONORSGAINPOINTSTHREEWAYS:
• CONTRIBUTIONS All current and lifetime contributions (cash or stock) are worth 3 points per $100 donation. Planned (deferred) gifts in the new Leave a Legacy Endowment Campaign will receive 1 point per $100.
• COMMITMENTDonors will earn one point each year for purchasing season tickets (one point per sport annually), as well as one point for each year of POSSE donations.
• CONNECTIONWITHTHEUNIVERSITYDonors (or their spouses) who are CSU Alumni receive a one-time 10 point bonus, as do OSU faculty/staff and letterwinners.
Points never diminish and will carry over to subsequent years. Donors retain all previously earned Priority Points in their giving history. For questions about the POSSE Priority Point System, email posse@okstate.edu or call us at 405-744-7301.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ER "'O"CE VV" .A TERFIEL:O POSSE
In building a championshiplevel collegiate program. the factors are infinite.
FIRST. ITREQUIRESALEADER.Someone willing to put in the time, and who can make you believe that through hard work and commitment there will be rewards. That work ethic can be contagious, bringing in new fans and supporters. In other words, a visionary.
A big number TWOon the list is A COMMITMENTFROM A UNIVERSITYTOFACILITIES.Without question, young athletes can have their decisions swayed by a state-of-the-art facility and all its amenities. If a school does not show a commitment, then why should an 18-year-old?
LASTLY. and perhaps most important, finding AGROUPOFYOUNGPEOPLEWILLINGTOCOMMITTOEVERYTHING INVOLVED is imperative. From the daily grind of practice, to the classroom dedication, to learning to love and fight tooth-and-nail for teammates every week for almost eight months requires a special group.
The Oklahoma State women's tennis program has all of the above.
ITWASN'TALWAYS
SO.More than three decades have passed since Ike Groce built the Cowgirl tradition on a shoestring budget.
He got the program going when he became head coach in 1979. His teams went 167-33 and competed infour consecutive NCAA Championships from 1982-1985; OSU's Lori McNeil reached the NCAAQUARTERFINALS in 1982 and later played in WIMBLEDON as a professional.
KELSEY LAURENTE, a lightningquick senior from Florida, frustrated opponentsall seasonand was perhaps the team's best doublesplayer.
KATARINA ADAMOVIC, a junior from Serbia, took her momentumfrom the fall and turned it into an NCAAquarterfinal appearancein the individual portion of the championships.Her emotional and vocalleadership,plusher runthrougha list of top-25 playersdown the stretch, highlightedthe season.
The 1985 NCAACHAMPIONSHIPS were played in Oklahoma City thanks in part to Grace's efforts as tennis' popularity continued to increase regionally. Groce died tragically at 44 in December of 1985, but he, along with longtime men's bead coach James Wadley, PUTOKLAHOMASTATETENNISONTHEMAPANDBUILT ITSTRADITION.
In 1980, a $147,900 contract - part of the COLVIN CENTER ANNEX project - produced the JACK DEBOIS TENNIS COMPLEX. A year later bleachers were added, and at the time, tennis at Oklahoma State was flourishing. Conference titles flowed throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but a move from the Big Eight to the Big 12 changed the landscape and upped the ante - especially for the opponents. But the Cowgirls continued to find succ·ess.
After winning 22 of26 matches during the 2000-01 academic year, the Cowgirls hosted an NCAA regional - at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond. Coach Julius Lubicz-Majewskl led the program to 283 dual wins and five NCAA appearances from 1990 to 2009. His one NCAA tournament victory came in Edmond.
By 2008 things were stagnant in regards to women's tennis in Stillwater. The courts, as one former Big 12 Conference coach said, "were like playing at a bad high school." Attracting quality players was becoming more and more clifficuIt. Linda Faltynkova finished her career in 2003 with 94 singles victories, 10th in school history.
"TOGOFROMBEINGA TOP-3OTEAMTO PLAYINGIN THENCAAFINALS,IT HAS
"THOSE
COURTS
GOOD," she said. "THE (VISITING PLAYERS) WOULD JUST LAUGH SOMETIMES."
Faltynkova's senior season in 2003 produced a Big 12 championship. However, only twice over the next six seasons did the Cowgirls produce a breakeven record in league play. All involved knew it was time for a change and that it would require energy, work ethic, enthusiasm, and of course, vision. And it would require a.financial investment.
WERE NOT BEENVERYSPECIAL."
KATARINA ADAMOVIC MEETCHRISYOUNG.
A 2000 graduate of Oklahoma Christian University, Young led the OCU men to the 2003 NAIATITLE.He lifted the Wichita State program to new heights, leading the Shocker men to a 27-3 mark and the school's first NCAA Tournament vtory in 2007. At both schools, he also h stints as the women's tennis coach.
"I knew Oklahoma State had the potential to compete at the highest levels in tennis," said Young, who was hired prior to the 2009-10 season. "I HAD A VISION FOR THIS PROGRAM FROM THE VERY BEGINNING."
VIKTORIA LUSHKOVA, a junior duringthe 2015-16season, wasan ALL-AMERICAN as a freshman.Thefire-ballingUkrainian wasuntouchablein singlesduringthe Cowgirls'runto the NCAAfinal. Hercome-from-behind,three-setwin againsttop-rankedCalifornia clincheda spot in the championshipmatch.
AnotherSpaniard,CARLA TUR MARI, teamed with Lushkovain doubles.If anybodykept the team loose when things were tense, it was Tur Mari.
At the top ojYoung's list was facilities. After ti re less efforts, getting people to buy into his vision, and -finding members of the Oklahoma State family willing to comm it to a program left on the fringe of the Cowboy and Cowgirl landscape,
THE INCREDIBLE MICHAEL AND ANNE GREENWOOD TENNIS CENTER WAS BORN.
Con truction began on the S17.5 million complex in October, 2012. It opened for business just over a year later with al I the amenities required for a championship-level program. Mika Gre nwood is the founder and managing director of Carnegie Capital LLC, a corporate finance advisory fi~m, and a trustee of the OSU Foundation. Anne breed enthusiasm and bring an infectious positivity to the courts and all things OSU tennis. She serves a a community volunteer after retiring from a corporate accounting career with several Fortune 500 companie and i president of Friends of the OSU Library.
"THEIR ENTHUSIASM IS CONTA GIOUS, and I think people realize what special people they are and the impact they've had on the program," said Young of the program's biggest supporters. "I th ink it will encourage other people to do things for other sports; what happened to u should help other programs, not only the money but the support, the momentum it creates."
COACH.FACILITIES.
First-year Cowgirl KATARINA STRESNAKOVA, from Slovakia, battledthroughinjuryandthe nerves of being a freshman in big court momentsto show her mettle. Her three-setvictoryagainstOhioState senttheteamto the NCAAsemifinals.
PLAYERS.SUPPORTERS.
The Oklahoma State women's team first announced its return as a national brand in 2015 when it reached the round ofl6 in the NCAATOURNAMENT. The regular season included a win over eventual national champion Vanderbilt.
DURINGTHESPRINGOF2016,HOWEVER,OKLAHOMASTATEASCENDEDTOACHAMPIONSHIPLEVEL.THE COWGIRLS BROUGHT HOME THEIR FIRST BIG 12 CHAMPION• SHIP SINCE 2003. OS U won the rcgu lar s a on and postsea on tournament trophies without losing a match to a league foe. Then it wa on the NCAAs with the first two
rounds held in Sti I!water at the Greenwood Tennis Center. lt was the second-straight year that an NCAA regional landed in Stillwater. In 2016 it wa twice as fun as both the OSU women and men hosted NCAA play. BOTHREGIONALSWERE WONBY OKLAHOMASTATE.
The Cowgirls rolled though Albany and Tulsa at OSU, and then dismissed Georgia, Ohio State, and No. l ranked and top-seeded California to reach the NCAA Championship match in Tulsa. A gutw1·enching, down-to-the-wire 4-3 loss to Stanford ended the 29-5 season but left Young, the Greenwoods, and a new batch of tennis fans welcoming the OSU women into the nation's elite.
Prior to Young's arrival, OSU owned a 4-13 record in NCAA Tournament matches. Afte1· six seasons with Young at the helm, OSU is 9-5 in collegiate tennis' biggest event.
"(This) is what you plan for, what you work for,"said Young after his team's loss in the NCAA title match in Tulsa on May 24. "I THINK IF YOU DON'T HAVE GOALS, IF YOU DON'T EXPECT TO BE SUC• CESSFUL, I THINK YOU ARE GOING TO FALL SHORT. This is the vision l
VLADICA BABIC, a sophomore from Montenegro,very rarely tasted defeat at No. 2 singlesandwith Adamovicat No.3 doubles. Hercalm, confidentmannerneverwavered.
"I KNEWOKLAHOMASTATEHAOTHE POTENTIALTOCOMPETEATTHE HIGHESTLEVELS
IN
TENNIS."
CHRIS YOUNG
had forth is program from the very beginning, even when no one else thought it was possible.
"We've been blessed along the way with somethings that have happened for us, but WHEN YOU GET THIS FAR IT IS NOT LUCK. It's based on a lot of things being set in place, a lot of hard work, planning and vision, leadership in the kids. I never had a schedule in my head, but I certainly envi ioned this (season) in my bead."
First-year assistant coach Matt M na s had a decision to make last summer. He was convinced something special could be brewing in Stillwater. Ii)
FreshmenSOFIA BLANCO, a native of Argentina,and ALEXIS LUCAS, of Bixby,(aboveleft) were there every day keepingtheir teammatessharp.
"Chris is a guy with a ton of character," said Manasse, a 201 l graduate of Purdue. "He told me when I got here that we were going to out-work everybody, and I've tried to get to his level but I haven't yet. The girls see how much work he puts into it, and it's contagious from the top down.
"THE FIRST TIME WE TALKED I KNEW (OSU) WAS A PLACE I WANTED TO BE. To be a part of this in my first year, to just be a part of th is OSU family, it's a special place. I really feel like the culture is bu iIt. There has been a lot of work put into this program, and it's hard to imagine things slowing down."
Collegiate tennis is a dijferent animal. It demands international recruiting. Players from Europe, Asia and South America converge on campuses all with similar issues. From learning the language to adjusting to American life, from the drastic cultural change to the pressure to perform at the level you were recruited to perform, it all factors into a coaches' 1ist of responsibilities. Everyone has similar, yet different, circumstances on the diverse roster.
After meeting Young, it took Adamovic one day to decide she would attend OSU.
"(Young)came to Serbia to talk to me and I knew there was something about him and the goals he had for the program," she said after her run to the NCAA quarterfinals as an individual. "EACH YEAR WE HAVE GROWN BETTER AND BETTER. IT HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY. To go from being a top-30 team to playing in the NCAA finals, it has been very special.
"Coach motivates us every day, he pushes us to be better on the court, in the classroom. Our success is due to him and (Coach Matt) Manasse. They really
made us believe that this is possible, that we belonged with the best teams in the country. We are just getting warmed up."
Stresnakovajoined the lineup during the spring semester.
'At first I was struggling, so nervous," the Slovakian admitted. "I wasn't playing well, and there were things back home that I had to worry about, and then I was injured and had to start over. It is helpful to have teammates who experienced some of the same things.
"IT WAS SO MUCH FUN CAT THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS). Being a part of this team, seeing how hard everyone worked, and to think what we have coming back next year is very exciting."
"I really wasn't even thinking about playing college tenni ," Babic said. "I wanted to play pro tennis, but I was injured and started to think about college tennis in the U.S. There were a lot of teams ranked higher at the time that were recruiting me, but I really felt like Chris (Young) cared about the girls, about our personality. I WANTED TO BE SOMEPLACE THAT CARED ABOUT EVERYTHING OFF THE COURT AS MUCH AS THE RESULTS ON THE COURT.
"There are no words to describe what all this means. It has been an incredible experience. To see how hard everybody has worked, the coaches, the players, it feels great to be a part of a team like this."
From cracked and unplayable courts to the second-to-none Greenwood Tennis Center. From just qualifying for NCAA Tournaments to competing for national titles, it's been an unexpected rise of a program many had written off.
"I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE AND BLESSED TO BE WHERE I AM," Young said. "I wouldn't use the word surprised because I've been very driven and focused, I've tried not to put Iim itations on what is possible. I CAME HERE TO WIN THE FIRST WOMEN'S NCAA TEAM CHAM· PIONSHIP, AND WE WERE ONE POINT AWAY FROM DOING THAT. THAT MEANS THERE IS STILL WORK TO BEDONE."
SeniorMARIA ALVAREZ, a Spaniard,wasthe last rostermemberto call the ColvinCentercourts home.SheplayedNo.1 doubleswith Laurenteand was right in the middleof the run in May.
REPEATED REGULARLY IN A CONSISTENT STORYLINE FORMING HIS JOURNEY AS A PLAYER AND COACH, ULTIMATELY-AND FITTINGLY- LEADING HIM TO OKLAHOMA STATE.
UNDERWOOD'SWORKINGTHEME IS ANDHASALWAYSBEENBLUECOLLAR.
THAT'S HIM. THAT'S HIS TEAMS. THAT'S NOW, AND ONCE AGAIN, THE COWBOYS.
STILL LONGING FOR THE LUNCH PAIL persona pushed and perfected by HENRY P. IBA AND EDDIE SUTTON? OR IF TOO YOUNG FOR THOSE REFERENCES, SIMPLY LOOKING FOR A WORKING GROUP OF GUYS, molded and defined by toughness, team play and confidence?
BRADUNDERWOOD ISYOURMAN.
"I truly enjoy people. I enjoy relationships. I enjoy a wave or a flick of the finger wtien you're driving down the road when someone says hello."
OSU'S19THHEADBASKETBALLCOACH,Underwood marched across the floor of Gallagher-Iba Arena for his introductory press conference as if he'd returned home. And io many ways, he had, as a disciple of JACK HARTMAN - himself a product of MR. IBAandlonginaweofthehistoryandtraditionofCowboybasketball.It'swhyhewantedthejob,cravedthejob,evenas hisstockwassoaringthroughimpressiveannualworkat Stephen F.Austin.
SCHOOLDAYSIN KANSAS
Brad Underwood grew up in McPherson, Kan.,just off the stretch of I-35 between Wichita and Salina. Small, yet welcoming, McPherson molded him as much as a youngster as the firm and loving guidance of his parents.
"It's one of those places where you get to know everybody," Underwood said. "It's a very family-oriented town. And it was easy to get to know people. In my case it was through sports, and the parent interaction. WHETHER IT WAS BASEBALL OR GOLF OR YOUTH BASKETBALL AT THAT TIME, IT WAS JUST A WHOLESOME PLACE TO CALL HOME.
"A very friendly community. A lot of hard-working people that went about their business. It's one of those places when you're 17- or 18-years-old, you're ready to get out. Then you get away and realize, 'Hey, this is a pretty good place.' And you know how fortunate you were to grow up in McPherson."
Underwood knows the aura surrounding OSU basketball and what it's represented. And, he vows, it will be represented again.
'Tm a purist that way," Underwood said. "That's what makes this great. THIS IS ONE OF THE TOP PROGRAMS IN AMERICA, AND IT'S BECAUSE OF THAT. I DREAM BIG. To go someplace else and have to try to create can't do that. It's impossible.''
Underwoodjumped into all the sports - football, basketball, baseball, even golf- which is what you did back in the '70s, particularly in a rallying community like McPherson. He held down a job, too, on orders of his father, busing tables and washing dishes (and mowing lawns on the side) by the age of 14.
"It was really healthy," Underwood said. "WHEN I FELL IN LOVE WITH BASKETBALL, THAT KIND OF TOOK THE PLACE OF A JOB. And I worked at it every day. I was very fortunate, because my father was in the insurance business and my morn was a stayat-horne morn. Yet they were at every event. They were involved in my youth sports, helping coach and interact.
"I HAD A REALLY, REALLY SUPPORTIVE, YET DISCIPLINED HOUSE. I think back, pretty fortunate to have that type of upbringing."
All that prepped him for hoops atMcPhersonHigh, where Underwood was a 6-foot-4 center, calling on every bit of that developing work ethic to bang
with bigger post players. It's a work ethic he carried forward, too, put to good use as a player in junior college and at KANSAS STATE,and later in a coaching career that advanced at its own pace.
Underwood leaned on his roots, always maintaining a feel for where he came from. With his mother still up the road in McPherson, now just a couple hours away, it's an easy drive to catch a special Sunday dinner with mom and to reconnect with his old surroundings.
"I'll never forget Coach Iba saying, ' you guys listen and pay attention, because he's forgotten more basketball than I know.' That statement alone was scary."
"GROWING UP IN THE MIDWEST, THERE'S NO QUESTION IT TAUGHT ME MY WORK ETHIC AND THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK," he said. "I think when you get out of the Midwest, you understand the different cultures. You take for granted helping a neighbor, like on Saturday morning bailing hay, because someone's son is sick, so you jump in and go do it. And you don't even think about it. Because that's our way.
IBATOHARTMANTOUNDERWOOD
Jack Hartman, born in Dewey, Okla., HITTHE BIG-TIMEINSTILLWATER,playing football and basketball ANDSPONGINGKNOWLEDGEFROMMR.IBAduring the most dynamic basketball era of Oklahoma State - then Oklahoma A&M - history, CONTRIBUTING TO TWONATIONALCHAMPIONSHIPTEAMSduring his stay from 1943-47.
By the time Brad Underwood got to Kansas State in 1984, Hartman was nearing the end of a legendary career built on the influences of Iba, who sometimes made cameos at praclices in Manhattan.
While Underwood was a devoted Wildcat, he couldn't help but draw from Hartman's reflections ofOSU, tales oflove and admiration for the school and the community and his time served under Iba. Underwoodfelt it, too, once inside Gallagher-IbaArena as a player and later an assistant coach.
"When coach Iba came to practice at K-State, to know his history and his background and the Olympics and to know that (his son) MOEIBA'sat Nebraska, that's powerful stuff for me," Underwood said. "l'VE BEEN AS BIG AN EDDIE SUTTON FAN AS A COACH AS ANYBODY."
And deep down, he was becoming a deep admirer, if not afan ofOSU.
"No question," Underwood said. "I APPRECIATE HISTORY AND THE GREATNESS OF THIS CONFERENCE. But yeah, that was a big part of it.
"I'll never forget Coach Iba sitting at that scorer's table and Coach Hartman saying, 'Ifhe calls you over, you guys listen and pay attention, because he's forgotten more basketball than I know.' That statement alone was scary."
"Being brought up that way was special. It's impacted me throughout my life. I truly enjoy people. I enjoy relationships. I enjoy a wave or a flick of the finger when you're driving down the road when someone says hello."
Underwood had just such an occasion with Mr. Iba, too, summoned for a bit of analysis one afternoon during a break in drills.
"TOLD ME I WAS DOING A BAD JOB OF SETTING SCREENS AND THAT I DIDN'T MOVE MY FEET VERY QUICK," Underwood said. "So that led Coach Hartman to actually use the phrase THAT HE NEEDED TO 'STRAP A MOTOR TO MY BEHIND."'
Underwood's fondness for OSU and GallagherIba Arena was hardly hidden, either. HECK,HEMIGHT HAVEBEENA COWBOY,having made an official visit to Stillwater seeking a new school as a transfer from Hardin-Simmons. Still, Underwood always made a point to share just how cool and special the place was whenever accompanying teams in for games.
"Because it's the other school he visited as a player, and because of Coach Hartman and the !bas," said FRANKMARTIN,who had Underwood on his staffs at Kansas State and South Carolina. "Those are the two schools that Brad just raves about at all times."
Mike Holder, facing the likelihood of a coaching change last winter, placed Underwood on his radar and became even more intrigued upon discovering his genuine appreciationfor OSU.
As things happened quickly, with the job vacant._ __only three days, Holder chalked up the matchmaking to a bit of serendipity.
"BEFORE HE EVER CAME UP HERE, HE KNEW HE WANTED THE JOB," Holder said. "BEFORE I EVER SAT DOWN WITH HIM, I KNEW I WANTED TO HIRE HIM.
"It just seemed so obvious, looking back. It was a nobrainer. I can't believe how lucky we were. LUCK:PREPARATIONMEETSOPPORTUNITY.There's a lot of serendipity involved. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE."
"I was never consumed with being a head coach."
THECOACHINGCLIMB
Maybe landing your dreamjob - and Brad Underwood calls being the head coach at OSU a dream job - is something worth waitingfor, depending on individual perspective.
Underwood's always managed hi per pcctive, never letting ego cloud his vision. Good thing, too, because it took 25 years from the start of his coaching career in 1988 to his first hot at leading a Divi ion I program in 2013.
"I le just needed a break," said West Virginia coach BOB HUGGINS, who hired Und •rwood at Kansas State. "HE WAS JUST PHENOMENAL FOR ME AT K•STATE, AND ALSO DID A GREAT JOB FOR FRANK MARTIN.'
That's because Underwood always dedicated himself to the job he had, not some job he wanted. Whether it was as a head coach at Dodge ity ommunity College or Daytona Beach Community ollcge, or work in,. as an a sistant at Western l 11inoi , Kansas tat' or outh Carolina, he was on task in the pr 'sent.
, o what if'it took a while, Underwood valued learning from good coaching mentors like I luggins and Martin and JIM KERWIN at V\lestern Jllinois, and he cherished the relationships along the way, all contributing to who h is today.
''I was never consumed with being a head coach," nderwood aid. "I wanted to be one, but I didn't let it consume my every day. And knowing that I was with good people, who I think valued my opinion, and allowed me to coach, that was good. I was very thankful."
Martin kept Underwood on hi staff when he took over for Huggin at K-State, then lured Underwood with him to outh Carolina.
"HE DOESN'T THINK THE BUSINESS, THE JOB, THE GAME OWES HIM ANYTHING," lartin said. "On the contrary, he appreciates all of that. HE APPRECIATES HOW LUCKY HE IS. THAT'S WHY HE FEELS HE OWES THE SCHOOL, THE COMMUNITY, THE JOB, THE GAME, THE PLAYERS. THAT'S WHY HE'S SO GIVING OF HIS TIME."
It was Stephen F. Austin that finally offered opportunity to Underwood, which he seized, in every way. At the Iittle school in acogdoche , Texa , Underwood elevated the pr gram to the national stage in th rec season
All tli1·eeyea1·s, his teams won the Southland Confe1·ence regular season and tournament titles, going 89-H overall and 53-1 in league play.All three years, Underwood was named Southland Conference Coach of the Year. And all three years, Underwood took Stephen F. Austin to the NCAA Tom·nament.
And the Lumb 1:jacksdidn't just fill a bracket line at the BIG DANCE, they made some MARCH MADNESS. In his tlrst season, Stephen F. upset VCU. This past sea on, th' Lumberjacks knocked off West Virginia and 11uggi ns, then had Notre Dame down in the final seconds, with a SWEET 16 pot at take, before a late tip-in lifted the Irish to victory.
I-lowclid Undcrwood do it? With work th ic, of cou r e.
"HE DOES A GREAT JOB OF PREACHING TOUGHNESS AND BROTHERHOOD," said THOMAS WALKUP, who played threes ason at F for Underwood and became one of those household names in March. "Those arc thing that go into winning I asketball games."
Walkup became a udden sen at ion for the Lumbe1jack in the NCAA 1ournament. And he was starring before that, although wel I off the national radar, as the South land Conference player of the year. Still, the Lumbe1jacks weren't a star system. They were a system of sharing.
Six dif.ferent players led SFA in scoring during the course of last season. FA averaged 18.7 assists per game, or on 64.6 percent of its baskets.
"Many clifferent guy can get going in that system and can get hots from all around the court," aid TREY PINKNEY, who played the point for Underwood at SFA, "by simply pas ing the ball rather than having to make one-on-one moves all the time, or doing thing by yourself. It's a very team-oriented system. And it worked out really well for u ."
THAT'SUNDERWOOD. THAT'SHISTEAMS.
THAT'S OLD-SCHOOL OSU, TOO.
And that's now, and once again, the owboys. SERENDIPITY?
"There's not too many times in this business where you end up at one of the places where you dream about and you respect," tJartin said ... And that happened for him. I le', a Big Eight guy. HE'S A BIG 12 GUY "HE'SHOME."
"This feels like home this was meant for me."
THEFIT
Milce Holde1· went about whittling down a working list of coaching candidates, seeking three major chamcteristics: CHARACTER,COACHINGSTYLEANDFIT.
The first two elements were obvious factors, but the thfrd, that was the kicker.
OSU's greatest coaches all have that.fit, that comfort in the program and around campus and in the community. Maybe that's why alums, former Cowboys, have succeeded so well in leading the Cowboys.
Underwood wasn't an alum, officially, yet he's got the look and feel of an insider.
And it feels that way to him.
The day after he accepted OSU's ofter to be the next coach, he and his wife Susan spent the day driving around Stillwat.f'r, checking out their new surroundings and considering neighborhoods for a place to live.
Pretty soon, Susan knew it, too, telling her husb,md, "This feels like home."
And home it is for the Underwoods, Brad and Susan, son Tyler and daughters Katie and Ashley.
Now it's working ti me for Underwood, which comes naturally.
His first Cowboys team features some strong pieces and will be bolstered by tbe return of injured guards Phil Forte and Jawun Evans. Still, there's much work - that word again - to be done for OS U to make a run up the Big 12 standings and back into the NCAA Tournament.
And much work they'll do, with only the highest goals in their sights.
"There are no Ii m itations. And I'm surely not the one who's going to put a ceiling on us," Underwood said.
"I ·said all along at SFA, we could be a Sweet 16, Elite Eight team. We were that this year. The outcome didn't happen - we were a tip-in away from the Sweet 16.
"But here, I'm sure not going to put a ceiling or a limit on a program that's been there before - that's done it before, that has what 1 think is the hardest thing to develop, and that's tradition.
"TRADITION DOESN'T REGISTER MAYBE WITH KIDS TODAY, UNLESS YOU MAKE IT REGISTER. And T'm going to talk about it. And I want that experience to be special for them."
Underwood knows the tradition, than ks to Hartman. And what he doesn't know, he'll seek out, welcoming input from all his new best friends, both inside the athletic department and out, across campus at the Rancher's Club, in the aisles of the grocery stores and on the corner pumping gas.
Like Susan said, the Underwoods are home. And it seemed that way back on March 23, when Underwood entered GIA with pistols waving for what became a pep rally,flanked by his family, his new players, members of the Ibafamily and several past players representing the OSU family. Eddie Sutton regrettably had to cancel his appearance, although the two met later. Same with Bryant "Big Country'' Reeves, whose wife was due to deliver a baby when Underwood was introduced. They, too, co-=1:1nected soon enough.
"This fits who I am, who my wife is," Underwood said. "l grew up in a town ofl.3,000 people, and I'm comfortable and it's friendly. I love to go to the coflee shop and say hello. That's who lam. I DON'T NEED A LOT OF EXTRA STUFF; the occasional golf course every now and then, but it fits me. That's what excites me.
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The accessorizing began when Edwards was a cheerleader in her hometown of Littleton, Colo.
"I STARTED WEARING THEM MY SENIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL," Edwards recalls. "I had a bunch of cheer bows laying around and thought, 'Maybe I'll wear them wheD I race.' That's kind of how it started." For Edwards, the irony of a frilly bow on an intense, aggressive athlete was not immediately apparent.
"A TEAMMATE POINTED IT OUT TO ME. SHE SAID, 'WHEN YOU WEARYOURBOWSYOULOOKALL GIRLY, JUST TRYING TO BE CUTE. BUT WHEN THE GUN GOES OFF, YOU'RE FIERCE. IT'S THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE.'
"I never really thought about that contrast or the image the bows present, but I THINK IT'S KIND OF COOL," she
adds. "IT'S JUST SOMETHING FUN TO WEAR. And l think the dichotomy it creates makes it even more interesting."
Arriving in Stillwater, Edwards traded the purple and gold of LHS for her new college colors.
"WHEN I FIRST CAME HERE I BOUGHT SOME ORANGE, BLACK AND WHITE BOWS - PRETTY BIG ONES."
"My life has been so focused around running, but I do have a creative side. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought like seven rolls of ribbon so I can make a bunch of different designs. These bows are smaller, but they're way more fun. It's a creative thing to do, and I can make it match whatever uniform we wear. Ifit's a big race, I'll make it even more ostentatious."
Edwards says she hasn't counted the bows in her collection, but conservative estimatesputthenumberinthedozens.
"I have no idea. I was organizing my stuff today and realized I have a whole basket fu II of bows ... and then I just have some laying around the house. They're kind of everywhere.
"I ALSO HAVE SOME CLIPPED ONTO MY BACKPACK SO I ALWAYS HAVE ONE OR TWO WHEN I GO TO RACES."
At the 2016BIG12CONFERENCEINDOOR MEET,Edwardsoutfittedseveralteammates withherhandmadeaccoutrements.
"I had enough bows with me for all Ave of us who made it to the Anal in the mi le, so we all wore them."
"I wouldn't race any differently if I didn't haveone. I'm not superstitious. It'sjust cute."
With her exploits on the track, Edwards' bows have become a topic of conversation in running circles.
"It's kind of become a trademark now for me. (Coach Dave Smith) STARTED THE HASHTAG #FEARTHEBOW, so that caught on in social media. Now FloT'rack uses it, so that's fun. A lot of girls wear bows, but " BUT
ALOTOFGIRLSDON'TRUN LIKEKAELA.
''I'm definitely way better at catching people," she says. "IT'S A LOT EASIER TO KICK WHEN YOU HAVE SOME· THING TO CHASE. I THINK THAT'S WHEN I PERFORM MY BEST."
With the caliber of competition at nationals, however, runners have to be ready for anything. With two laps to go on the 200 meter oval, Piccirillo made her move. Edwards matched the pace, making it a two-person sprint for the title.
"Our first 400 meters was pretty fast, but then it slowed down," Edwards recalls. "When the Villanova girl went with 400 to go, I just reacted. I felt really good coming off the last turn at about 50 to go. We were right on each other coming around the curve, and I was able to pull away on the last straightaway."
Edwardscrossed the line a full secondaheadof her competitor.
Two weeks after claiming conference titles in the mile and 1,000METERS(2:47:42), Edwardstoedthelineat the2016NCAA INDOORTRACKANDFIELDCHAMPIONSHIPS in Birmingham, Ala.
ThefavoritewasVil/anova'sANGEL PICCIRILLO, the collegiate record holder in the 1,000 meters (2:40.82), butEdwards hadyettobebeatenonthetrackin2016.
"I felt really collected about it all, because I was really confident that I could achieve it, based on how everything was going," she recalls. "I knew it could happen, so I didn't feel like a tremendous amount of pressure. I think the most pressure comes from myself; because I know how I feel every day and where my confidence is coming into a race.
"I FELT PRETTY UNBEATABLE THAT WHOLE SEASON," she adds, "SO I WAS CONFIDENT GOING INTO NATIONALS, ready for anything. I felt really calm at the starting line. Ready to go. That feeling does not last, unfortunately, but I was riding a wave during indoors."
Knownforherstrongfinishingkick,Edwards' racestrategyhasoftenbeentositneartheback ofthepackbeforemaking a late-racesurge.
"Every day I would think about that championship,just doing a workout or on the elliptical, and I'd think about crossing that finish line," she says. "Once it actually happened, it was amazing. I don't exactly even remember the first thought or how I felt. I didn't even know how to react. I yelled and cried and laughed all in Iike five seconds. It was amazing."
HerNCAA-winningtimeof4:35.62setanew facilityrecordfortheBirminghamCrossplex and capped off a monumental season for the junior.
"Indoor just went so well," she says. "In addition to winning the title, I think it was a huge turning point in my career. It was just unreal."
Edwards was part of a 2012 recruiting class that included prep standouts Savannah Camacho (Paso Robles, Calif.) and Clara Nichols (Omaha, Neb.). Meanwhile, eventual NCAA champion Natalja Piliusina (Klaipeda, Lithuania) was rewriting the Cowgirl record books in the 800 and 1,500 meters.
"I came out of high school with pretty good times, but I didn't want to go to a school where I would be the best athlete," Edwards says. "That' why I came here. Natalja and a lot of the older girls had successes. And there was a lot of talent in my class. Savannah and I had similar times, and Clara had run faster in the 400 and was a strong 200 runner."
The trio has since etched their own names in the OSU record books.
As freshmen, Camacho and Edwards finished second and third in the indoor 800 meters at the NCAA Championships. Edwards finished second at the NCAA indoor meet her sophomore season, earning another ALL-AMERICAHONOR in the soo.
For the 400/800 specialist in high school, Edwards' move up to the indoor mile and outdoor 1,500 meters proved prescient.
111
At the prestigious Mt. Sac Relays, Edwards held her own against afield of professional runners and elite collegians. SHERECORDEDTHENO.3 1,500METERTIMEINSCHOOLHISTORY(4:17.07)AND ADAYLATERFOLLOWED ITUPWITHA2:01.97 INTHE800,just half~a-second off Piliusina's OSU best. (The time ea1·nedEdwards an invite to the Olympic Trials in July, 'lvhere she missed advancing to the 800m semifinals by 12-hundredths of a second.)
A stress reaction in her left quadriceps kept Edwards out of the conference meet and threatened Edwards' shot at competing for an outdoor national title.
"YOU LEARN TO PUSH THROUGH PAIN AS A RUNNER, but obviously it was enough to keep me out. Had I run at Big 12s,I might not have been able to finish out the season," she says. "I had the same type of injury in my right quad my freshman year, and my sophomore year I had a stress fracture in my left femoral neckthat was pretty painful. Considering l had those, I knew it was the same thing."
Sporting her signature bow, along with two strips of Kinesio tape running kneeto-hip that read "NOMERCY"written in Sharpie, Edwards survived the NCAA West Regionals to advance to the NCAA Champion hips in Eugene, Ore.
Edwards ran a new personal best of 4:13.63 in the 1,500 meter prelim. Two days later in the finals, she gutted out a +:15.14 to finish in sixth place to earn FIRSTTEAMALL-AMERICAHONORS for the third time. It wasn't the coveted NCAA title, but Edwards has no regrets.
"Having to take time off and not fully training, l guess there was more pressure just to make it to nationals," she says. "I was going to give myself a chance and put myself in a position to win, but r •ally I was most happy about just getting through the rounds."
NEXTUP:CROSSCOUNTRYSEASON.
Edwards has shown remarkable stamina on the cross country course, where many middle-distance runners fear to tread.
Last fall, Edwards finished fourth at the Big 12 Championships and ninth at the NCAA Central Regional.
"I really like cross. I love that type of training," she ays. "You'd think since I'm a Iittle bit more speed-based, I wou Id n't Iikc it, but I love the long sets of workouts where you have to grit through it. I like that. Maybe because it's more of a challenge. It's fun because I have a lot of room to grow, so I look forward to it."
Edwards admits ·he ran too conservatively for the first half of the 6K championship race last year.
"You have to be top +Oto be AllAmerican, but with 3K to go I was about 170th I was Iike, 'Th is is not okay to be this far back.' I started moYing.l was dying. I just had to grit through the last 3K, so that's why I didn't have as much of a kick at the encl, because I left a lot more on the cour c. I did move up 100 people in the last 3K though, so that was pretty cool."
Edwards finished 70th, and along with teammates Ingeborg Loevnes (35th) and Natalie Baker (41st), helped the Cowgirls to their highest NCAA team.finish under coach Smithseventh place overall. Boyert and Sughroue rounded out the team's five scoring places at 122 and 123. All but the senior Loevnes return in 2016.
"Every year people show up and are healthier and stronger than the year before," Edwards says. "And there's always someone who steps up. I think we're hungry. Seventh was awesome, but if we can stay healthy, we can definitely be a podium team."
Her personal accomplishments notwithstanding, Edwardssayshermostmemorable momentofthispastseasonwascapturingthe Big12teamtitle.(OSU swept the men's and women's titles in the Big 12 and regional meets in 2015.)
"I think the highlight from the team perspective is winning the Big 12. It was on our own soil, we were the underdogs, and it was the Arst ti me in school history."
A marketing m,\jor, Edwards will graduate next spring, already having established her legacy as one of the top 1·unne1·s in Cowgirl history.
The ultra-competitive Edwards has no desire to rest on her !aurcls, however.HER SENIOR YEAR WILL NOT BE A VICTORY LAP.
"I still feel like it's not enough," she says. "[ put pressure on mysclfto keep getting better. That's the thing that makes me good, but it's also bad. lfl achieve something I want more. I want to do better. l was excited about winning indoors, but THERE'S STILL MORE TO ACHIEVE. I DON'T FEEL LIKE THE JOB'S DONE YET."
LOOKS
TO KEEP
MAKING HISTORY
IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A I II ,,. GRAND EXPERIMENT IN II U THE BEGINNING. TH~ II HIRING OF MIKE GUNDY/,, AS OKLAHOMA STATE'S HEAD FOOTBALL COACH IN 2005 WAS PERHAPS
BASED MORE ON HOPE AND SENTIMENTALITY THAN COACHING ~--· ACCOMPLISHMENTS . OR RESUME. fj)
STORYBYKEVIN KLINTWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUCE WATERFIELD. PHIL SHOCKLEY AND GARY LAWSON
SURE GUNDY WAS AN EXPERIENCED ASSISTANT COACH AND OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR, but he had also been involved with several programs that had struggled on the field. His first stints at Oklahoma State under Pat Jones and Bob Simmons, along with his stays on the Baylor and Maryland coaching staffs, had produced lukewarm results.
"I WOULDN'T HAVE
HIRED ME," Gundy said. "THAT
FIRST YEAR I WASN'T SURE ANY OF US KNEW WHAT WE WERE DOING."
Gundy's first season resulted in a 4-7 record during a transition year.
Maybe the hire was a statement on where Oklahoma State's football program ranked in the nation's pecking order at the time. Or maybe the university was interested in seeing if the gunslinger mentality Gundy displayed as a Cowboy quarterback could carry over to the entire program if he were in charge.
Maybe it was both.
But as they say in golf, it's not how, it's how many.
GUNDYLANDEDTHEJOB.
HEHADAVISION for the program, and he had a plan - regardless of the results of that first season.
Incredibly, Gundy will ente1· his 12th season as OSU's headfootball coach in 2016. His 12-year stay at OSU is the eighth longest tenure in the country among active coaches at their current school. And the Cowboy football program is virtually unrecognizable from that 2005 season. Under Gundy, Oklahoma State has won at least 10 games in a seasonfour times. Before he took over as the Cowboy head coach, OSU had won 10 games just three times in its history, including twice with him as quarterback. He has led OSU to the.first 11-win and.first 12-win seasons in school history.
Oklahoma State won 61 games in the 11seasons prior to Gundy's hire. It has won 94 games in the 11 years since. His coaching record of 94-47 has been achieved despite a 12-15 start nearly three seasons into his tenure. The simple math shows that under Gundy, OSU has gone 82-32 in its last 114 games. That's a winning percentage of. 719.
THEREAREMANYOBVIOUSREASONSFOROKLAHOMASTATE'SSKYROCKETING FORTUNESWHENCOMPARING ITTOOSU'SHISTORYOFBREAK-EVENFOOTBALL: BOONEPICKENS,MIKEHOLDER,MIKEGUNDY,BRANDONWEEDEN,DEZBRYANT, ROBGLASS,KENDALLHUNTER,ZACROBINSONANDMANYMORE.But the splash they have made has moved the needle in bigger ways than just comparing it to the school's facility-challenged and funds-deprived past. OSUHASBECOME A CONFERENCEANDNATIONALPLAYER.
In 2016, Oklahoma State will look to continue its recent run with 18 starters returning from the SUGAR BOWL squad, including nine on the offensive side of the ball. The potential speed bumps include a tougher road schedule, a non-conference visit from surging Pittsburgh, which will bring ONEOFAMERICA'SBESTOFFENSIVELINESinto Boone Pickens stadium, and a Big 12 that could include three playoff contenders. But when you are talking about Big 12 heavyweights, there is no denying that OSU is now a regular part of the conversation.
THEOFFENSIVEOUTLOOK
A COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM RETURNING NINE STARTERS
FROM AN OFFENSE THAT WAS 22ND NATIONALLY in yards and No. 14 in scoring the previous season is not one that normally flies under the radar. But Oklahoma State may very well be overlooked on that side of the ball entering 2016, thanks in part to some rough sledding rushing the ball the past two seasons.
To say that Oklahoma State has put an emphasis on the offensive line in 2016 would be an understatement. Including walk-ons, OSU has 23 LINEMEN in fall camp. But to further illustrate the challenges in that area, it's worth noting that only two seniors are included in that group of 23 - starters Michael Wilson and Victor Salako.
"We have some guys that are pretty locked-in and some positions are up for grabs," Gundy said. "Going into camp we have seven guys we feel pretty good about, and then we'll see what happens."
Six linemen who have earned a letter will return, while 12 of the crew will be redshirt freshmen or true freshmen.
On paper, the Cowboys return all five starters on the offensive line, and OSU's group of blockers leads the Big 12 with 101 career starts on the current roster. But the OSU staff has made it clear since the beginning of spring drills that competition within the unit will be encouraged, fostered, maybe even demanded.
Salako, the transfer from UAB, along with junior Zachary Crabtree, are the anchors of the line from their tackle positions. The duo leads the unit in career starts with Salako checking in with 36 (including 24 at UAB) and Crabtree and guard Michael Wilson at 21 each.
The other returning starters include GUARD Jesse Robinson and CENTER Brad Lundblade.
"WE HAVE SOME PLAYERS (LINEMEN) WE FEEL PRETTY GOOD ABOUT," said OFFENSIVE COORDI-
NATOR Mike Yurich after the spring drills were wrapped. "WE'LL BE DEEPER THAN WE WERE LAST YEAR. THAT'S FOR CERTAIN."
A pair of junior college linemen, Larry Williams and Shane Richards, were signed with increased competition up front in mind, and redshirt freshmen Marcus Keyes and Johnny Wilson could contribute early as well.
At the skill positions, Oklahoma State starts from an envious position. Returning to lead the way are junior QUARTERBACK Mason Rudolph and junior receiver James Washington. Rudolph is 12-3asOSU'sstartingquarterback, andWashingtonistheBig12'sleadingreturningreceiver.Also back are experienced receivers in Marcell Aleman, who is coming off a 45-reception season, Chris Lacy, Austin Hays and Jhajuan Seales with his 75CAREERRECEPTIONS.
Other returning veterans are Jalen McCleskey, along with TIGHT END/ H-BACKS Blake Jarwin, Zac Veatch and Jordan Frazier. Jarwin is a RETURNINGALL-BIG12SELECTIONANDAMEMBEROFTHE2016 MackeyAward watch list. That honor is bestowed annually on the nation's top tight end.
At RUNNING BACK, returnees include Chris Carson, Rennie Childs and Jeff Carr. That crew could get a boost from Barry J. Sanders, a fifthyear Stanford transfer, and true freshman Justice Hill.
DEFENSIVELYSPEAKING
OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF SEASONS, some of OSU's star power has shifted to the defensive side of the ball with Emmanuel Ogbah, the FIRST PICK OFTHE NFL'SSECONDROUNDIN APRIL, a prime example. Along with Ogbah, OSU will also enter 2016 shy an All-Big 12 cornerback with the graduation of Kevin Peterson. DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Glenn Spencer must also replace Jimmy Bean, who held down the other defensive end spot in 2015 before being lost to injury. Bean's replacement, Trace Clark, has also graduated.
Despite the losses, Oklahoma State returns a healthy dose of talent on defense. On the line, there is talent and experience on the inside and youthful enthusiasm (read inexperience) on the outside.
Returning All-Big12 SAFETY Jordan Sterns is back for his senior season as the conference's leading returning tackler with more than 220 career stops. His running partner, Tre Flowers, is also a multi-year starter and gives OSU a formidable tandem to anchor the back end of the defense. Another intriguing possibility is Auburn transfer Derrick Moncrief. who redshirted in 2015.
The CORNERS include Ashton Lampkin as a returning starter, and Ramon Richards will be given a look on the other side of the field. Another transfer, Lenzy Pipkins from Louisiana-Monroe, could figure in at corner as well.
The OSU LINEBACKER corps also has some headliners returning. Jordan Burton was an AllBig12 selection a year ago by the Associated Press, and Chad Whitener. who took over for an injured Ryan Simmons last year, is also back. He and Burton combined for 191 tackles last season, second most by any Big 12 duo. A would-be third returning starter at LINEBACKER, Seth Jacobs, retired from football, but osu has an interesting and talented group of youngsters. Senior Devante Averette will be a candidate to start with the likes of Justin Phillips, Josh Mabin, Kirk Tucker, Kenneth Edison-McGruder and Gyasi Akem waiting in the wings at the various linebacker spots.
Then comes the DEFENSIVE LINE. For many years OSU made due with undersized, overworked defensive linemen. That won't be the case in 2016 as OSU is blessed with a nice blend of size and athleticism. But the flip side is a lack of experience at some key spots. And the obvious chore is replacing a couple of standout defensive ends in Ogbah and Bean.
The Cowboys return a pair of stout TACKLES in senior Moteklal Maile and junior Vincent Taylor. Key backups returning include Eric Davis and Darrion Daniels. There could be other helpers as well, including the potential return of Viii Levini from an injury that cost him all of 2015.
On the outside, things get interesting. There are numbers. There are athletes. But there is limited experience. The host of potential contributors includes Trey Carter, Jordan Brailford, Jarrell Owens, Cole Walterscheid and newcomer Tralund Webber. They have big shoes to fill, and there will not be a chance to ease into the position. Two members of the candidate pool will be starting when the Cowboys open t:he season.
Overall, the Cowboy defense returns seven starters and a total of 18 lettermen from a year ago.
SPECIALISTS
OKLAHOMA STATE IS BLESSED TO HAVE A PAIR OF EXPERIENCED AND SUCCESSFUL RETURNEES to head up the special teams. KICKER Ben Grogan is back for his senior season ,and he is on the preseason watch list for the Lou GrozaAward,which is presented annually to the nation's top kicker. OSU's Dan Bailey, now of the DALLAS COWBOYS, won that award in 2010.
Grogan made 16 of his 20 field goal attempts last season and enters 2016 as the FOURTH LEADING SCORER IN OSU HISTORY.
Sophomore Zach Sinor returns as the COWBOY PUNTER after an impressive first season. He was ONE OF JUST SEVEN FRESHMEN NATIONALLY TO BE LISTED AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE Ray GuyAward,which is presented annually to the nation's top punter. Former OSU standout Matt Fodge won the award in 2008.
Opponents netted just 94 punt return yards all season against OSU, and Sinor had 31 of his punts downed inside the 20-yard-line.
Only once since 2009 has Oklahoma State finished lower than thJrd 1n Big 12 play.
EQUESTRIAN SENIOR
I JUSTINE PETERS
FemaleScholarAthleteoftheYear
STORYBYTAYLOR MILLER I PHOTOGRAPHY BYBRUCE WATERFIELD ANOPHIL SHOCKLEY
The honor is well-earned as the senior ended each academic year with a 4.0 grade point average. It's a trend that dates back to elementary school.
"ACADEMICS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF MY LIFE," Peters said. "It's kind of nerdy to say, but l'VE ALWAYS LOVED LEARNING NEW THINGS.
"THAT WAS ALSO THE CASE WITH HORSES. I wanted to gain knowledge to better understand my surroundings. It goes back to fourth or fifth grade. I would work really hard during the weekdays and then on the weekends, I would go to the shows. To stay on top of my studies was a huge goal so I would be able to have fun at my shows. I had to work hard to make sure I had enough ti me for that."
Peters grew up in a small town in Nebraska and graduated in a class of 15. Not only did Peters have to learn how to manage school and her frequent horse shows, but she also balanced several other extracurricular activities.
"I LEARNED MOST OF MY TIME MANAGEMENT IN HIGH SCHOOL BECAUSE I WAS INVOLVED WITH EVERYTHING," Peters said. "I did acting and speech, cheer, choir and show choir. You name it, I did it. And in addition to all that, I was showing horses on the side. Sometimes I had to get up at 5:30 a.m. to finish a homework assignment that .Ididn't get done the night before, or I would stay at school until 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. learning a new cheer routine. I JUST LEARNED TO CRAM AS MUCH AS I COULD INTO MY DAY."
Those skills helped Peters with a smooth transition from high school to college as she moved on to Oklahoma State to continue her education and equestrian career, a choice that she said was a no-brainer.
IT WAS A HUGE HONOR TO GO TO OKLAHOMA STATE," she said. "I was recruited by a few schools, but the atmosphere at OSU is just what got me. Everybody was so friendly, and I loved the campus. It's the most beautiful campus I've ever been on. IT FELT LIKE HOME."
Cowgirl equestrian coach Larry Sanchez was also eager to have her on the team.
"JUSTINE LEADS BY EXAMPLE AND AT A HIGH LEVEL," Sanchez said. "She's an overachiever and is not afraid to do what it takes to accomplish what she has set out to do." fjJ
Once at OSU, Pete1·s continued to excel academically, as well as athletically.
As a freshlllan, she had a winning record and showed as a part of the 2013 Big 12 championship team. She was also named one of the top four riders of the WESTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM on top of earning TWO MOST OUTSTANDING PERFORMER HONORS.
Her sophomore year, the Cowgirls claimed another Big 12 title as well as the NCEAChampionship in reigning. Peters experienced personal success as wel I. She compiled a 13-2 record, earned BIG12 RIDEROFTHEMONTHhonors in March, and went on to be named SECOND-TEAMALL-AMERICAN and FIRSTTEAMACADEMICALL-AMERICAN.
Peters was primedfor another outstanding season when tragedy st1·uck.
"They put Ille in a cervical collar and flew Ille to another ho pita] because THE SEVERITY OF THE INJURY COULD'VE LEFT ME PARALYZED FROM THE EYES DOWN," she said. Thankfully, Peters received a prognosi that she could, one clay, ride again. It would take lllonths of recovery.
"l was in a cervical collar for 97 days," Peters said. "I THINK MY BIGGEST MOTIVATION WAS WANTING TO GET BACK ON THE HORSE AND GAIN MY INDEPENDENCE BACK. l was so fortunate to have a sister-in-law and Ill)' morn to help me do things like shower. Every clay, [ wanted to get better and get stronger. ln the summer, I would go on
walks, and l would set a goal each clay to go a little farther than the clay before."
That motivation also carried over into her academics.
"WITH SCHOOL, I KNEW I HAD TO STAY ON TOP OF MY STUDIES BECAUSE IF I DIDN'T STUDY AND DIDN'T PASS THEN I WASN'T GOING TO BE ABLE TO SHOW," Peters said.
Due to the injury, Peters wasn't able to show the fall semester of her junior year, but in the spring she competed eight ti Illes, including going 2-0 at the NCEA CHAMPIONSHIPS. Her study habits were rewarded as she was nallled to the NCEA ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL.
"It's the mental part of that whole recovery process that I think was the toughest part for her," Sanchez said. "SHE HAD TO STAY POSITIVE AND KEEP AN ATTITUDE OF WANTING TO WORK HARD AND GET BETTER, knowing that once she was able to get out of that brace she could get back into the physical activity and COlllpeteagain. THAT TO ME, WAS THE SHINING MOMENT FOR HER IN THIS WHOLE PROCESS. She dedicated herself and believed in herself to get to the point where she was back in the arena and eventually back to the level that she was prior to the accident."
Peters' senior calllpaign allowed her to put an exclamation point on her ti Ille at OSU. She helped the Cowgirls to a third confe1·ence title during her career and was named to the NCAA acctdemicfirst-team. The Cowgirl also added another MOP to her resume.
"I am engaged, and myfiance is a huge roper," Peters said. "He loves the WORLD SERIES TEAM ROPING ASSOCIATION. So because of that, it al lows horses to stay in Ill)' life. I had to sell both of Ill)' reigning horses my freshman year to help with some costs, but once I get settled clown, I'll probably look into buying another horse and get back into showing."
Peters said she will always look back on her time at OSU with a smile as it played a huge role in her lif-e and taught how to appreciate everything and everyone around her.
"T'm definitely going to miss it," Peters said. "OSU has shaped Ille and has allowed me to become the woman I am. It has given me so many opportunitie to grow and expand my horizons. I've also been able to meet some amazing professors, teammates and classmates. I will llliss that the most."
Peters will be missed by OS as well as she leaves behind a legacy not only as a great athlete but also as a great leader and student.
"SHE'S A COACH'S DREAM AS FAR AS WHAT SHE BRINGS TO THE TABLE AND HER WORK ETHIC, both in the arena and in the classroom," Sanchez said. "She led by example, doing the things that weren't necessarily the most glamorous things to do. She had a positive attitude.
"JUSTINE IS THE EPITOME OF WHAT EVERY COACH LOOKS FOR, no matter what they're coaching. I WISH I HAD MORE LIKE HER."
There was still more to come. Peters was named the BIG12SCHOLARATHLETE OFTHEYEAR.received the prestigious BIG12POSTGRADUATESCHOLARSHIP and is on the watch list for NCAAWOMAN OF THEYEAR.
Peters plans to continue her education this fall at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, pursing a nursing degree. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse p1·actitioner.
Although her collegiate athletic career is over, don't think for a second that she done with riding.
STORYBYRYAN CAMERON I PHOTOGRAPHY BYBRUCE WATERFIELD
THESAMESTANDARDSTHATPRODUCED
JORDAN NIEBRUGGE ARRIVED ON THEOKLAHOMA STATECAMPUS WELLAHEAD OFTHEGAME WHENITCAME TOLIFEASA STUDENTAND ANATHLETE.
THE MOST RECENT IN A LONG LINE OF WELL-ROUNDED COWBOY GOLFERS WERE
IMPLEMENTED AT AN EARLY AGE BY HIS PARENTS, ROD AND JUDY.
"HE WOULD ALWAYS LIKE TO HAVE HIS FRIENDS OVER TO PLAY IN THE BACKYARD, whether it be Wiflle ball or baseball, soccer or whatever. THE RULE WAS HE COULDN'T HAVE ANYBODY OVER UNTIL HIS HOME• WORK WAS DONE," Rod said. "That was the carrot for him."
The moment he walked in the front door from school, Niebrugge would make a beeline for the kitchen counter and crack open the school books. Once the day's homework assignments were completed, phone calls around the neighborhood would quickly begin, and the games would inevitably follow.
"I LOVED SPORTS, AND I JUST WANTED TO PLAY. MY DAD ALWAYS SAID YOU CAN'T 00 ANYTHING UNTIL YOU GET YOUR HOMEWORK DONE. I wanted to play in the backyard with my friends, and I had to get that stuff done before I could do the other stuff," Niebrugge aid.
When Niebrugge was seven, the family relocated from St. Louis to Wisconsin. Academics were of such importance in his household that the local schools die-..,...-- , tated the landing spot.
"The school district was the main thing and we went to the best school district in the state, so academics have always been a high priority," Rod said.
In addition to the support provided by bis parents, Niebrugge had to look no further than his older sister, Alyssa, for a role model.
fl)
During her time as a Boston College swimmer, Alyssa was an all-ACCacademic honor roll member on multiple occasions. She competed in the backstroke and medley relays for the Eagles all the while providing the blueprint for her younger brother.
"I guarantee you she is smarter than me. Shed id a great job with her grades growing up. I don't think she got many B's in high school, or if she did she was pretty mad at herself and it showed me how important it was to her," Niebrugge said.
"I am very thankful for my mom and sister and dad for instilling that in me at an early age, so it wasn't that hard for me to understand how important it was down the road."
On the course, Niebrugge's hard work resulted in a STELLARAMATEURRECORD. A two-timememberof the U.S. Walker Cupsquad,he earned a berth in the field at THEMASTERSIN2014after becoming the first Cowboyto win the U.S. Public LinksAmateurChampionship,doing so the previous summer.
Last year, Niebrugge made news across the Atlantic with a sixth-place showing at The OpenChampionshipat St. Andrewsto secure the Silver Medal as the event's low amateur.
Followinghis trip to Augusta and historic showing at The Home of Golf, the allure of the professional circuit would have proven too enticingfor most young
JORDANAND SISTER,ALYSSA
FORALLOFTHEEXCELLENCENIEBRUGGE HASSHOWNINTHECLASSROOM,ONEPLACE IN WHICHHEWASRARELYFOUNDATOSU MIGHTCOMEASASURPRISE - OSLJ'SACADEMICCENTER.Like his sister, the threetime academic all-Big 12 selection possesses the discipline to handle his business unaided.
"I LIKE $TUDYING ON MY OWN. IT IS JUST EASIER FOR ME. I likejust taking care of my business alone, and if I need to go there and get something done l can go there and get it done."
players to resist, but the principles instilled in Niebrugge kept him in Stillwater to earn his diploma.
"One of the reasons he stayed here all four years was to get his degree and finish what he started. That is what we have always preached to him. Finish what you start," Rod said.
After receiving his degree in entrepreneurship with a grade point average north of 3.6, Niebrugge put his own stamp on the family's standard for excellence with his selection as both the school'sScholar Athlete of the Year and the Big 12 Men'sGolfScholarAthleteof theYear.
'It is pretty special. There are a lot of other people who could have gotten the award. I FEEL HONORED TO GET IT," NIEBRUGGE SAID. "IT IS VERY GRATIFYING TO ME because you see the product of your hard work, not only on the course, but off the course."
A winter trek to Florida for a tournament during high school was a three-pronged learning tool for Niebrugge as Rod took the opportunity to teach his son to utilize golf in pursuit of successes in other walks oflife.
"He and his friend (Illinois All-American) CHARLIE DANIELSON were playing in this tournament, and they didn't want to go to this clinic that the tournament was putting on. We were in South Beach, and it was the middle of December and they wanted to go to the beach," Rod recalled. "I told them making acquaintances and being at the tournament isn't about just playing golf, but to think beyond if your goal is to play professional golf. You want to make connections. Even if it is not golf and it is in the business world, you want to be associated with people that are not only like you, but better than you. If you surround yourself with good people I think that helps you out so much."
"THERE IS NO GUARANTEE IN ANYTHING IN LIFE AND IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE OPTIONS."
Coming out of Homestead High School, Niebrugge t:iad numerous options.
"I was kind of in between OSU and Illinois, and I was more comfortable with Illinois because my best friend (Danielson) was going there. lt was closer to home, and I knew people who were going there. I literally did not know one person that went here," Niebrugge said.
In the end, OSU's track recordfor developing great players and the opportunity for a longer playing season won out.
"I WANTED TO COME DOWN SOUTH AND GET A CHANCE TO PLAY YEAR ROUND. That is something I want to do in the future. I don't want to just play
PHOTO
golf seven months out of the year and be indoors the other months. THE MAIN REASON (FOR CHOOSING OSU) WAS THE AMOUNT OF PLAYERS WHO HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL HERE AND GONE TO THE NEXT LEVEL."
With a collectionof top-tier coaches and an environment created to breed success in all facets of a student-athlete's development, Niebrugge looks back on his time at OSU and realizes his decision to become a Cowboy was the correct one.
"YOU GO TO OKLAHOMA STATE FOR A REASON, AND THAT IS FOR THE COACHES, the school and the golf course to develop you into a professional golfer. All of the coaches we have had, whether it was coach (Mike) McGrawt coach (Alan) Bratton or coach (Brian) Guetz or coach (Donnie) Darrt I TRULY BELIEVE THEY ARE SECOND TO NO ONE," Niebrugge said. Initially, it was Rod who whittled down the list of potential destinations to a handful for his son to play collegiately. Once again, father provided son with one stipulation.
"It was definitely what I expected. I had heard what the people around us were going to put into us to make us better," Niebrugge said. "The coaches all want to go above and beyond. The amount of work those guys put in, I am very thankful for that."
The summer of2016 has seen Niebrugge embark on professional career, a venture he knows he will be ready for thanks to his time spent at OSU.
"I have already kind of experienced it. At THE OPEN I played with JONATHAN MOORE, RICKIE (FOWLER) AND MORGAN (HOFFMANN) and have
u.•. making acquaintances and being at tlle tournament isn't about just playing gall, but ta tllink beyond ii your goal is ta play professional gall.,,
"I HANDLED THE FIRST PART OF IT ANO SAID, 'THESE ARE THE COACHES I WOULD BE OK WITH YOU PLAYING FOR. YOU CAN PICK ANY OF THEM YOU WANT AFTER THAT.' THE ONLY THING I SAID WAS I WANTED HIM TO BE A BETTER PERSON WHEN HE LEFT THAN WHEN HE CAME," Rod said. "Oklahoma State and Stillwater are a lot like where I grew up, small town and everybody knows everybody. I think it was a great fit for him and couldn't have worked out any better."
Niebrugge considers his father's directive to leave college better than when he arrived fulfilled thanks to OSU staffers.
become really good friends with those guys," Niebrugge said. "I have definitely been able to reach out to some of the guys to help me with the process as far as getting ready to be a professional. THEY HAVE HELPED ME TREMENDOUSLY. I would be lost if I didn't have them.
"Coach Bratton and Coach Guetz played here, but to be able to go to Dallas or somewhere and have 20 guys at a dinner and have them all talking about the things ..... ... they did in school is pretty cool. It is prett special to have all those things availabl to us," Niebrugge said.
"ONCE I GET OUT THERE, I WILL RETURN THE FAVOR."
When OSU announced its 1a.1,,;;u.i.;.1.1..1,,ll;;,,l,l~ 1,;;1,1,i.:.i.::.L1J.=u.u1.L1.1..i..1..i..a.;,t,:;ii· the athletic program was last in the Big 12. Now, more than halfway through the IO-year program, •
But wa•ra not ilnlahecl yet.
at a cost of $4.S million. Each dollar freed up through endowed scholarships goes back into our
Each dollar has a direct impact on the lives of our student-athletes. says Mike Holder, Vice President for Athletic Programs and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
This is the list of all thet;;·~-~~::!..;;~.!!!:u..z-11-1 who have helped to provide
u.:.;LJ..;.>.a::,:,· They are our
To learn more about scholarship opportunities and how you may contribute, PLEASECONTACT
STORYBYCLAY BILLMAN .PHOTOGRAPHY BYBRUCE WATERFIELD, PHIL SHOCKLEY ANDGARY LAWSON
FROM GAME DAY TO GRADUATION, CLASS RINGS TO WEDDING RINGS, OSU'S BELOVED MASCOT APPEARS AT MORE THAN 500 EVENTS ANNUALLY. YES, PISTOL PETE CAN BE TWO PLACES AT ONCE!
Taylor Collins, l<;ft, (Pistol Pete No. 85) is the veteran, first earning his spurs in the spring of 2015. The construction management senior from Celina, Texas, has a year of experience as Pete under his gun belt.
The rookie is Austin Johnson, 1·ight, a finance major from Afton, Okla. The seniorto-be was selected as the 86th Pistol Pete this past April.
SAT DOWN
WITH THE YOUNG MEN WHO WILL PORTRAY PISTOL PETE DURING THE 2016-17 ACADEMIC YEAR AND TALKED ABOUT WHAT IT'S LIKE UNDER THE BIG ORANGE HAT(S). ff)
Whendidyoufirstdecide youwantedto try out to be PistolPete?
TC: "I committed to trying out the spring of my junior year. I finished up some Homecoming responsibilities and had some people mention it to me. I REALLY HAD NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT BEING A MASCOT. That's not what appealed to me about the position, but a few people recommended that I check it out. I looked into it. 1read FRANKEATON'SBOOK - Pistol Pete - read what the tradition was all about. I immediately had a great respect for it and took a ton of pride in it. THAT'S WHAT MADE ME WANT TO BE PISTOL PETE AND REPRESENT OSU."
AJ: "I was a member of STUDENT FOUNDATION my freshman year, and AUSTIN BOWLES, a former Pete, was also a member. I asked him about being Pistol Pete one day. He explained the history behind it, and what it meant, more than just being a mascot. I think everyone sees Pistol Pete on game day, but THERE'S A LOT MORE THAT GOES INTO IT THAN JUST FOOTBALL GAMES. The thing that appealed to me the most, even then, was the opportunity to be an ambassador for OSU. That was when I started toying with the idea of trying out. It really wasn't until this past semester when I knew I'd have the time and motivation to commit to being Pistol Pete. I spent the spring kind of preparing, talking to former Pistol Petes like Austin and PRESTON WHITLAW - just doing a lot of background research.
"AS A KID, YOU DON'T REALLY THINK ABOUT PISTOL PETE BEING A PERSON. I THINK THAT'S PART OF THE MAGIC AND THE FUN FOR LITTLE KIDS. Maybe, until I was in middle school, I didn't think that was an actual guy in there. You think Pistol Pete's Pistol Pete. That's something that TAYLOR ANO I, AND PAST PETES, TAKE A LOT OF PRIDE IN, KEEPING THE SPIRIT OF THE MASCOT INTACT."
DidyougrowupOSUfans?
TC: "My parents, SCOTT AND BETTY (MCMURTRY) COLLINS, are both OSU alumni. They met in college. So I grew up coming up to Cowboy football games. Being from ,Texas, we didn't make it up to every game, but I grew up an OSU fan, grew up around the Cowboy spirit. Actually, THE HIGH SCHOOL I WENT TO WORE THE SAME COLOR ORANGE, SO l'VE ALWAYS LOVED IT. My sister, KELSY, who's two years older, came here. It was also an opportunity for me to spend another couple years with her in college, so it's been a great experience.
AJ: ''l'M ACTUALLY A THIRD-GENERATION COWBOY. My dad and my grandpa both went to OSU (SCOTT JOHNSON, class of '90 and LEROY JOHNSON, class of '66). Obviously, being an OSU legacy, I grew up coming to the football games and stuff like that. Also, being from Oklahoma,
I was really big in FFA and other organizations in high school, and a ton of that stuff happens on campus in Stillwater. It was never really a choice I had to make. I wanted to come to OSU my whole life."
TC: "I feel like every other person you talk to at OSU has the same story, but I got to come to one HOMECOMING growing up. We went to WALKAROUND when I was like 14, and I was just blown away. Made my decision right then. I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A PRETTY FUN PLACE TO GO TO COLLEGE for four or five years."
Describethe auditionprocess.
TC: "ABOUT 18-20 OF us TRIED OUT. There's a window a few weeks before tryouts where we can reach out to the current Petes to ask questions, to go try on the head at least once. WE ALL MEET IN GALLAGHER-IBA ARENA. The first part, you go in and sit down, ALMOST LIKE A JOB INTERVIEW. They have your resume and ask you personal questions trying to get to know you as a person, about your life, where you're from.
"EVERYBODY'S WEARING A WHITE BUTTON-UP, BLACK JEANS AND BOOTS - LIKE WHAT YOU'D WEAR IF YOU WERE PETE, MINUS THE CHAPS AND SPURS. THEY HAVE YOU PUT THE HEAD ON AND THROW YOU SOME SCENARIOS,
brotherhood. Then they asked me, 'Why should we pick you? Why do you want to be Pistol Pete?' And in my opinion, that's the most important question that we're asked, because if you're only slightly in it for your own glory, it's going to be hard, and it's not going to be fun. YOU HAVE TO BE DOING IT FOR SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF, getting to represent Frank Eaton and that tradition and getting to represent the university.
AJ: "There were 17 who tried out for Pete this year, including Taylor. EVERY PETE HAS TO TRY OUT, EVEN THE VETERANS. They had a neat question I didn't expect. They said, 'Imagine that you're at a dinner at the president's house, and they ask you, as Austin, to come up and say a
like 'We scored a touchdown, what are you doing?' or 'They threw a flag, called it back, what are you doing?' YOU JUST NEED TO SHOW THEM YOU LOOK RIGHT AS PETE, that you can walk a little bit like Pete. It's pretty important to look the part. MY YEAR THEY CALLED FIVE OF US BACK FOR THE FINAL ROUND. The first thing they said was, 'PUT THE HEAD ON AND ENTERTAIN US FOR TWOAND-A-HALF MINUTES.' CAN YOU IMAGINE? TWO-AND-A-HALF MINUTES IS A LONG TIME.
"A couple of the judges, former Petes, explained why it was so important to them, what it meant to be a part of this
few words. Take it from there.' It was like an impromptu two- or three-minute speech on being Pistol Pete. I imagined what I'd say in that scenario and gave a mini version of the history of Pistol Pete and what it meant. Then they had me put the head on. I knew the interview was important, but I had prepared so much for the part in the head, I THOUGHT I REALLY NEED TO LOOK LIKE PISTOL PETE. I had practiced my walk for months. I'm walking around, miming, staying in character I thought it went well, but the judges are super nice anyway, so I didn't think we'd get a very good indication if we did a bad job.
"WHEN THEY CALLED US BACK IN, EVERYONE WAS so NERVOUS. The judges had two sets of custom-made spurs in their hand. We took a group picture and then they lined us up and said the process gets harder and harder every year Then they said, 'WE'RE HAPPY TO WELCOME BACK TAYLOR COLLINS FOR A SECOND YEAR.' Everyone clapped. 'AND THE NEW PISTOL PETE, NO. 86, IS AUSTIN JOHNSON.' I WAS STUNNED.
Whatwereyour parents'reactions?
TC: Getting to call my parents, my family, and tell them I'd been selected was a neat experience. IT'S SOMETHING I WORKED REALLY HARD FOR. I studied, researched, and REALLY PUT MY HEART AND SOUL INTO TRYING OUT and fully committing. NO GOING BACK. NO REGRETS. Giving it all I had. Austin and I are on the same page with that.
AJ: I actually only told one person I was trying out. I have an identical twin brother, DILLON - he's also going to be a senior here - and he's the only one I told, just because I didn't want to hype everyone up in case I didn't get it. I thought I'd take some of the pressure off After tryouts, I called my mom (KIM) and said, 'I have a lot of information for you to process, but I'm the new Pistol Pete.' MY PARENTS WERE FLOORED, because they didn't know it was something I was even interested in. WHEN THE SHOCK WORE OFF, THEY WERE SUPER PUMPED ABOUT IT. They're in Stillwater quite a bit, and now it gives them even more reason to b ..,.1;-.:====.-Stillwater, which they love.
TC: "I GOTTO BE THERE WHEN WE STORMED THE BASKETBALL COURT AGAINST KANSAS. That was a neat memory. But THE MOST FUN WAS GOING TO UT, when we played Texas and won that close game. IT WAS MY FIRST AWAY GAME. Primarily the main thought in my
head the whole time was, 'I wonder if I'm doing this right.' Nobody was there for me to ask. As a rookie, I felt an obligation to stay out there the whole time, not take any breaks, and it was super hot. But the whole thing was a ton of fun. There's like a hundred thousand people in the stadium, and I'm thinking, 'WHAT AM I DOING?' IT'S JUST CRAZY. SO MUCH FUN.''
Whatwasyourfavorite non-sportingappearance?
TC: "WE GET THIS QUESTION A LOT. There's a Coaches vs. Cancer GOLF TOURNAMENT we do each spring at Stillwater Country Club. THERE'S A BUNCH OF KIDS THERE WHO ARE BATTLING CANCER It was one of my first events as Pete, AND I WAS PLAYING FRISBEE WITH ONE KID - HE WAS LIKE 7 OR 8and I just remember thinking, 'I haven't caught the Frisbee yet, and I don't think I've thrown it near him once.' It was almost like playing fetch. I would just chuck it, and he would go get it. But it was a blast, because he was still having fun. ABOUT A MONTH-AND-A-HALF AGO, I got a request to go to The CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL in Norman, WHERE A CHILD HAD JUST BEEN PUT ON HOSPICE. I went and visited him in his hospital room, had to put on gloves. THEY BROUGHT OUT THIS PICTURE FOR ME TO GIVE HIM, AND IT WAS OF ME AND HIM PLAYING FRISBEE. I got really choked up. PETE HAD A POSI• TIVE IMPACT ON HIS LIFE. He looked up to Pete. In the hard times, he and his family wanted Pete to come visit, say hi, give him knuckles, whatever little thing we could do to just brighten their day during a hard time just that impact that Pistol Pete can have. IT'S AN EXPERIENCE l'LL NEVER FORGET."
AJ: "I did this year's COACHES VS. CANCER GOLF TOURNAMENT. That was awesome, getting to be a part of those kids' day and be part of such a cool event. l'VE DONE A TON OF WEDDINGS so far. Pete's obviously a very popular request for weddings. We've had five to 10 wedding requests every weekend since the end of school. Those people are requesting you to be there for one of the biggest days of their life. It's normally either the bride getting it as a surprise for the groom, or the parents getting it as a surprise for the couple. THEY THINK ENOUGH OF OKLAHOMA STATE AND PISTOL PETE TO HAVE HIM BE A PART OF THIS DAY THAT THEY'LL REMEMBER FOREVER. I love weddings because it's normally a surprise.
"So I come in, shoot a few bullets, and everyone's like 'OMIGOSH, PISTOL PETE'S HERE!' I go straight to the bride and groom and give them hugs and then start taking pictures with them. I think one of the coolest things about being Pete at weddings is how many of those pictures
SUMMER2016
they're going to have forever. They're going to show their kids, their grandkids. I'll stick around and dance with the bride, find kids dancing or pull a grandma out on the dance floor, stuff like that. I do lot of dancing as Pete. WEDDINGS ARE A BLAST. It's just cool to be a part of, and we get to do a lot of them.
"MY FIRST EVENT WAS THE Ring Ceremony IN THE CONOCOPHILLIPS ALUMNI CENTER. I WAS NAMED PETE ON A TUESDAY NIGHT, AND MY FIRST
APPEARANCE WAS THAT THURSDAY. The graduating seniors who bought a class ring come across the stage, and Pete gives them their ring, shakes their hand, takes a picture It seemed simple enough, but I DON'T THINK l'VE EVER BEEN MORE NERVOUS for anything. I grew up on a farm and ranch, but had never worn spurs or chaps before. So I called Taylor and said, 'CAN I COME OVER TO YOUR HOUSE AND PUT THIS STUFF ON?' Preston was still being Pete, so Taylor and I shared his Pete gear for the first couple weeks. I get there three hours early, put the stuff on and walked around, shot the gun IT DIDN'T HELP MY CONFIDENCE AT ALL. I was still nervous. I had never been in the Pete costume in front of people. So I walk in to the fight song, 250 people turn and are looking at me. I had walked maybe 10 steps as Pete and notice there are stairs to get up on stage - I hadn't even thought about stairs - so my only thoughts were to walk like Pete so people don't know I'm the new guy, and then don't fall on the stairs. I get to the
stairs, grab the handrail and slowly make my way up. ONCE I GOT UP THERE AND HAD HANDED OUT THE FIRST COUPLE RINGS, I GOT IN THE FLOW OF THINGS, and I wasn't nervous again until I had to go back down the stairs.''
TC: "MY FIRST EVENT WAS SIMILAR. It was an accounting banquet. I'm sure a lot of Petes probably have similar experi· ences with their first one.''
Whatareyoumostlooking forwardto as the 2016-17 schoolyearapproaches?
AJ: "I think what I felt at my first appearance has been amplified at my 40-plus events since, and EVERY APPEAR· ANCE YOU GET A LITTLE BIT MORE COM· FORTABLE and you stop being super nervous beforehand. Now I don't even think about it when I get there. It's so easy. There's a ton of stuff I haven't done, though. I haven't done any sporting events at all. I've heard so much from Taylor and the other Petes, l'M ABSOLUTELY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FIRST FOOTBALL GAME MORE THAN ANYTHING. Without fail, you ask Petes what their favorite events throughout the year are, and they'll say game day. I'm already so pumped for the first of September."
TC: "On game days, Pete is at the COWBOY CORRAL at the ALUMNI CENTER, and that same person will do THE WALK. Whoever isn't at The Walk will do PREGAME in the stadium, ride onto the field on the Gator, and shoot the shotgun on the middle of the field. Then we'll switch off each quarter."
Taylor,whatadvicehave yougivento Austinas he beganhis rookieseason?
TC: "HONESTLY, THERE'S NOT A LOT OF THINGS YOU CAN PUT INTO WORDS. YOU JUST HAVE TO EXPERI· ENCE IT. Like I was saying about the Texas game: 'I wonder if I'm doing the right thing?' There's no right answer. There's no right thing to be doing. That's something you have to overcome as a new Pete. THE UNKNOWN IS UNBELIEVABLE WHEN YOU FIRST BECOME PETE. But you just have to figure it out on your own. Just relax and think, 'I've.got this."'
AJ: "Taylor has given me so much great advice about the logistics side of it, scheduling appearances, emails, stuff like that. He's been super helpful. But I think as far as being Pete, even if you think you have it down, you never know what
everyone's thinking. DOES EVERYONE THINK I LOOK STUPID? DO I LOOK LIKE PISTOL PETE? As I've built confidence in being Pete, most of those thoughts have gone away. We did a CARAVAN in Woodward, and it was my first time that Taylor had seen me be Pete. Taylor knows what it's supposed to look like, so I was really nervous to go out there, afraid I was going to mess up or that he'd notice something wrong. I didn't hear anything from him, so that's a good review I guess. YOU GET MORE CONFIDENT BEING PETE, BUT THERE'S ALWAYS NEW THINGS TO GET NERVOUS FOR. PRESIDENT HARGIS and the FIRST COWGIRL were there, and that also adds another element of nervousness. You don't want the president of the university thinking, 'Is that the new guy? What's he doing?' The nervousness also keeps you on edge.
What'sthe bestthing aboutbeingPete?
AJ: "That's a question that's so hard to answer, because you don't want to say, 'You wouldn't understand.' But it's so hard to put into words, because YOUR LIFE IS TOTALLY CHANGED ONCE YOU GET PISTOL PETE. In a good way. You're super busy, but it's also an opportunity I never dreamed I would have."
TC: "I THINK IF I COULD SUM IT UP, ALL THE PLACES WE GET TO GO, all the events that we do, it's never on our own. We show up, we have somebody we're supposed to be in contact with, we shake some· body's hand as Taylor or Austin In and out of the head, AT EVERY EVENT, WE'RE REPRESENTING OSU AND PISTOL PETE. We get to meet some really neat people, and we get to go a lot of really neat places.
TC: "NO FORMER PETE WOULD HESI· TATE TO CALL US OUT IF WE WERE DOING SOMETHING THAT WASN'T REPRESENTING PETE IN THE RIGHT WAY. THERE'S 86 OF US - 84 ALUMNI PETES - AND THERE'S A LOT OF PRIDE."
Howmanyevents/ appearanceswill youdoover the courseof theyear?
TC: "This year, I ended up doing 282 appearances. I think that number will grow this year. Last year Preston had more than the year before, so WE'LL EACH DO ROUGHLY 250-300 EVENTS."
We travel a lot, we see a lot of Oklahoma, we see a lot of the United States. It's just an experience we're very blessed to be a part of, and I think the people you get to meet and the places you get to go, is the best part of being Pete."
gAJ: "It's cool being Pistol Pete, and once you get it, you're Pistol Pete forever. I haven't been doing this long enough to talk about the legacy of being Pistol Pete, but I've met enough alumni Petes and I've seen the respect they have for it. Knowing that I'm a part of something so much bigger than myself and so important to OSU IT'S SO HUMBLING AND IT FLOORS ME EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT IT."
Anyconsto beingPistol Pete?What'sthe downside?
TC: "A LOT OF SACRIFICES. No doubt about it. Austin had an internship set up in Kansas that he was willing to give up, and that's a sacrifice. WE DON'T GET WEEKENDS - that's not a complaint. WE DON'T GET A CHRISTMAS BREAK. WE DON'T GET A SPRING BREAK. WE'RE BUSY ALL THE TIME IN THE SUMMER. LATE NIGHTS EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT. It's not the typical schedule of somebody who's 22. But that time commitment is made very clear before tryouts. It's not a surprise."
AJ: "I've only been doing it five weeks, but I have a lot of friends living in Stillwater, and the only ones who get it are the other Petes. Your friends will be off doing something, and you have an appearance. It's not a complaint. I would definitely rather be Pete at a wedding than doing whatever my friends are doing. I WOULDN'T TRADE IT."
TC: "It takes a ton of coordination on our part to coordinate with our teachers, because there are many times when we might not be able to be in class. It's our fesponsibil_ity to let them know ahead of arrangements to come see them during their office hours beforehand to get the work done or find out what chapter we should be reading. ALL MY PROFESSORS HAVE BEEN VERY UNDERSTANDING OF THE TIME COMMITMENT THAT WE HAVE."
What'sit likeinsidethe head?
TC: "IT'S DARK. YOU HAVE TUNNEL VISION. You look through mesh eyes. You can't see below you, so you have to be very careful with kids that walk up. IT'S HEAVY. ABOUT 46 POUNDS. Your neck is very sore when you start, the first couple weeks, but you kind of get used to that. It is very hot. During the summer time, even doing events inside, IT'S SUPER HOT. IN THE WINTER, YOU'RE STILL SWEATING, NO MATTER WHAT. But you're so into what you're doing, I'm never like, 'I'm miserable.' It's kind of afterwards, you take it off, and you're like, 'I'm stinkin' hot.'
AJ: "There's no airflow. There are nose holes and ear holes, and one hole in the chin, but the holes are so small, even if there's a breeze, you're not getting much airflow in there. There's a backwards baseball helmet in there with foam padding. YOU HAVE TO WASH YOUR BANDANA EVERY NOW AND THEN, BECAUSE IT CATCHES A LOT OF SWEAT THAT GOES DOWN. "It's really weird how quickly you get used to it. At first you think, 'I'll never be able to see where I'm going with this,' but you get used to only being able to see straight forward. You get pretty good at surveying the room before you move ahead, looking for lights, exit signs, tables, kids, and you just navigate that way."
Youcan'ttalkwhenyou've gottheheadon,right?
TC: "WE TALK TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. WE'LL TALK TO EACH OTHER, if we need something as Pete. You can't hear us anyway. You have to yell to get any noise out. Sometimes at football games I'll get excited and yell something, but nobody can hear me."
TC: (Taylor smiles and gives a thumbs up.) "MAYBE EVEN A DOUBLE THUMBS UP FOR BOONE."
Howcanwetell who'sin the headat a game?
TC: "PETE WILL EITHER HAVE AN ORANGE OR A WHITE BANDANA IN HIS BACK POCKET. The orange bandana was passed down to me from LANDON STALLINGS. Austin's got the white one, passed down from Preston."
Anyhumorousanecdotes fromunderthe head?
TC: "For some reason, when I was doing Pete for my first few games. I loved walking out on the field. A couple times Preston had to call me back. One time we were winning a game pretty big, and the referee said something to me like, 'Lookin' good, Pete!' So I asked Preston to give me his phone. I WENT OUT THERE ON THE FIELD BETWEEN PLAYS AND TOOK A SELFIE WITH THE REF. He was all about it. He whispered. 'You wanna send that to me?'
AJ: "I'm kind of trigger-happy at this point. I shoot my gun a lot. as Taylor can attest to. But YOU HAVE TO BE SMART ABOUT WHEN AND WHERE YOU SHOOT THE GUN. You have to always be paying attention. That's something they really stressed to me. You don't want to do anything to jeopardize the legacy of Pistol Pete. You have to be careful for sure. I never shoot it in schools. Never on campus, unless it's a closed event.
"I PRACTICE WITH THE PISTOL PRETTY MUCH EVERY NIGHT AT MY HOUSE. I had never spun a pistol before I got Pistol Pete. and you want to be good at it. I spend quite a bit of time at night in my living room standing over the couch. because you don't want to drop it on the floor. Once I get the basic spins down I'll try and throw in a few more tricks."
TC: "I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE I GOT TO DO THAT. BE ON THE SET, interacting with those guys. I think the first memory on that day is Preston and me coming up onto the set and just kind of looking at each other and laughing. Like, 'I can't believe we're standing here about to go on TV and do this.' We took one of the heads and crouched down behind LEE CORSO underneath the set for like 15 minutes. The whole time we're thinking, 'ESPN GAMEDAY is going on right now with millions of viewers, and we're sitting here behind the set. KIRK HERBSTREIT was holding onto the shotgun to give to Lee. and I said, 'OKAY WHEN IT'S TIME, YOU NEED TO COCK THESE HAMMERS BACK AND PUSH THE SAFETY FORWARD,' AND HE'S LIKE, 'WAIT, WHAT?!' SERIOUSLY? I showed him again, hoping he didn't screw it up or shoot the shotgun by accident. We hear our cue. stand up, put the head on Corso. and then he shoots the shotgun and the head starts to fall off. We catch the head and push it back on straight. The producer said feel free to shoot your pistols. There were shots going off like crazy. Fans were loving it. It was a fun deal. That show ended up being the most viewed College GameDay of the season."
Howcanpeoplebook Peteforanevent?
TC: The correct way to go about it is through the OSU SPIRIT WEBSITE: OSUSPIRIT.COM The requests go through Spirit Coordinator and porn coach BEKI JACKSON. You can't request Pistol Pete more than four weeks out, and it usually books up pretty quick. Beki sends us the requests that fit into our schedule around all the required university events. Everything else she sends to Austin and me. It's all on us. The university set a rate of $100 for every half hour plus 75 cents for every mile outside of Stillwater. PEOPLE DO GIVE US TIPS. WE APPRECIATE IT, BUT IT'S NOT EXPECTED."
Anythingfinalthoughts forourPOSSEreaders?
TC: "AT THE ENO OF THE DAY, the goal for me in my second year IS TO REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN. We have an awesome opportunity, and it's an awesome experience to get to be a part of this. I always remind myself. although we have a lot of responsibilities. to make sure we're having fun."
AJ: "TAYLOR AND I BOTH HAVE A TON OF PRIDE IN BEING PISTOL PETE AND WHAT IT REPRESENTS TO OSU AND THE 84 GUYS BEFORE US WHO WERE PETE.
''PISTOL PETEtS NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU DOt ITtS WHO YOU ARE/t
REMEMBRANCE OURSELVES
"TO BE OR NOT TO BE, THAT IS THE QUESTION," is Hamlet's opening phrase of inquiry to himself in the Shakespearean play. FOR THIS EDITION OF WRAYVINGS, WE WILL ASKOURSELVESSEVERALQUESTIONS.SOME OF WHICH AREAMUSINGAND OTHERSMORESERIOUS.
LET'SADDRESSTHE AMUSINGFIRST.Who exactly is Pokemon and where is he going? For that matter, who are all these people chasing him? Next, where in the 1980s did the mullet hairstyle originate, and who is responsible? Is it back in vogue or is it a fleeting summer reverie brought to us by a Cowboy icon?
NOW FORTHE SERIOUS CONTEMPLATIONS. Have you been asking yourself a version of this: "What in the world is going on inAmerica these days?" I bet you have. COWBOYS STAND STRONG IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY. We need some cowboy strength in our nation today, on a host of fronts. That strength and national pride are necessary for the United States to be a world leader. It will happen! A question and subsequent answer was brought to us by the great CHARLIE DANIELS in 1980. He asked, ''And you never did think that it ever would happen again, inAmerica, did you?" You might Google the remainder of that song. It turned out pretty good.
HERE'S ANOTHER SERIOUS HISTORICAL QUESTION: "Oh say can you see, By the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed, At the twilight's last gleaming?"
THE YEAR WAS 1814. A foreign country had captured Washington, D.C. THE WHITE HOUSE WAS LITERALLY ON FIRE. Nearby, FORT McHENRY was under barrage by British troops. As the last faint glimmer of daylight retreated from a September sky, FRANCIS SCOTT KEY and a few colleagues witnessed a desperate battle, now artificially illuminated by British rockets. As the sun finally sank, so did the hopes of many Americans for the survival of these United States. AS A YOUNGNATION, LEADERSWERE TRYING TO FIGURE THINGS OUT. Too much government or not enough? States' rights or federal supremacy? How do you take a nation of people with ever increasing, diverse differences and inspire them to pull together toward a set of goals to bring about tranquility? Soundfamiliar?
Whatever Key saw the next morning from a ship in Chesapeake Bay would likely indicate either the continuation or finality of America. As the first brilliant bursts of orange light chased the darkness away, Key's eyes strained toward the fort. He wrote one final question:
"OH SAY DOES THAT STAR-SPANGLED BANNER YET WAVE, O'ER THE LAND OF THE FREE, AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE?" A RESOUNDING YES was the answer as the massive American flag defiantly whipped and snapped in the dawn breeze. A NATION WAS REBORN AND WITH IT, A NATIONALANTHEM calling all people in all circumstances to ask themselves some very important questions.
THIS FALL,as we sing this glorious song's lyrics, LET'S REMEMBERITS REVERENCEAND MEANING to us as Americans. As we gaze at a pristine flag, let's recall a few that were tatteredandtorn, so we could stand here in freedom.
