Friday 1/14

Getting back Friday, January 14, 2022

International students face flight cancellations and delays Jake Sellers Staff Reporter

Inside...

Tim Huff learned to deal with any scenarios while working during the pandemic.

Huff is the administrator of the ISS office and adviser to the International Student Organization. He has been working internationally with the university since 1991.

Huff spoke with The O’Colly to discuss the challenges international students will face this semester.

Q: With cases of COVID-19 variants, such as delta and omicron, surging up again over the break, what have been the inconveniences that international students have had to overcome thus far?

Les Thomas.........................................................7A The O’Colly sat down with OSU hype man and

Weeknd Review..................................................5A Jaden reviews the newest album from the Weeknd.

Sports....................................................................1B The O’Colly sports staff has stories from around the athletic department.

Tribune News Service

Finish Getting Back on 4A

Some Oklahoma State students are experiencing cancelled and delayed flights.

Making Room:

TCU Rally Page...........................................3B & 6B The OSU men’s basketball team returns home Wednesday to play TCU.

Stillwater Public Schools help families acclimate to life in Stillwater

Anna Pope News Editor Two teachers and Stephanie Coca meet every day with Afghan refugee families to get to know them, teach English and classroom procedure and provide cultural information on American schools.

Stillwater Public School is partnered with Oklahoma State to help with education for the incoming families.

This is all part of Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma’s (CCEOK) initiative to resettle hundreds of Afghan families. The Stillwater Catholic Charities is taking in around 150-200 people. This is the third largest amount outside Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Finish Story on 8A

File Photo

Stillwater Medical Center declares a Code Green Stillwater Medical Center is reporting all of its inpatient units are at or over capacity.

Anna Pope News Editor

File Photo Stillwater Public Schools partnered with Oklahoma State to help resettle Afghan refugee families.

TSA IS NOW HIRING

Stillwater Medical Center (SMC) is declaring a Code Green because of critical staffing levels.

Shayla Egger, the center’s director of public relations, said resources are strained and the hospital is experiencing a record number of patients. This is caus-

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ing the Emergency Department, inpatient units, including the ICU and urgent care locations to be at or over capacity.

Because of the rise in patients the Necia Kimber, system director of quality and infection control is encouraging people who wish to get tested and not medical care to use other testing locations.

“Testing for COVID-19 is an important step in decreasing the spread and keeping our community safe.” Kimber said.

On Monday, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported over 9,207 cumulative cases in Stillwater. This comes after

thousands of the students, staff and faculty resumed sessions this week.

Earlier in the week, top U.S. infectious-disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said “virtually everybody is going to wind up getting exposed and likely get infected.

But if your vaccinated and if your boosted the chances of you getting sick are very, very low.”

Students, faculty and staff can schedule an appointment at University Health Services to get tested for COVID-19 or receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 2A Friday, January 14, 2022

O’Colly

News

Meet the spring 2022 Editors With a new semester underway at Oklahoma State The O’Colly has some new faces on the editorial board. Here are the spring 2022 editors.

Chris Becker Editor-in-chief

Anna Pope News Editor

Dru Norton Lifestyle Editor

Dean Ruhl Sports Editor

Hey y’all, my name is Chris Becker and I’m beyond excited to be the Editor-in-chief this semester. I have been with The O’Colly for more than two years and I’m thrilled to make this final semester of my college career the best semester yet for The O’Colly. A fun fact about me is London seven times.

On long car rides and on early Sunday mornings, my family would watch, read and listen to the news.

I guess, this stuck with me because now I am a multimedia journalism senior. I am happy to serve with my fellow editors this semester through keep our readers updated, and finding engaging stories. A fun a fact about myself is I have never been out of the country.

Hi, I’m Dru. Originally from Ardmore, Oklahoma, I am a senior at Oklahoma State graduating in May with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism. I have written for the O’Colly since fall 2019. I love sharing stories and constantly encountering new experiences and ways of life. When I’m not writing, I’m probably drinking coffee and hanging out with my dachshunds, Noodles and Ozzy.

My name is Dean Ruhl, I will again be serving as the sports editor at The O’Colly, and am exuberant to carry over this past semester’s success into this year. From basketball to equestrian and everything between, I look forward to piloting a sports department and bringing comprehensive coverage of all OSU athletics this spring. A fun fact about myself is I have never flown on an airplane before.

Abby Cage Photo Editor My name is Abby Cage, and I am the Photo Editor this year! I am a sophomore majoring in Graphic Design and Strategic Communication. I have two dogs back home, and two sisters. I love visiting my family at home, and sharing TikToks with my best friends late into the night. I create new art as much as I can, and sleep every chance between creating and school. Stillwater has become my favorite city and I can’t wait to capture more campus life this year!

Sam Beebe Design Editor

Sam Hutchens Assistant Sports Editor

Hey guys, my name is Sam, and I am thrilled to be the design editor this semester.

This is my first semester being a part of this awesome team and I am so excited to dive in and learn as much as I can. A fun fact is that I use to work with exotic animals.

I am a junior, and like many OSU students have split time growing up in Oklahoma and North Texas. I’ve covered six OSU sports and am always looking for a fun story. When not in a press box, I enjoy playing sports and camping. A fun fact about me is I’m an identical twin.

BRIANNA HARLAN

January 13 - February 11, 2022 An exhibition of new and recent artwork

Opening Reception Thursday, January 13, 2022, 5:00 PM

Artist Talk Thursday, January 13, 2022, 6:00 PM Gardiner Gallery of Art in the Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts

art.okstate.edy/gardiner-gallery To follow along on upcoming events and updates, follow us on social media.

O’Colly

Friday, January 14, 2022 Page 3A

News

File Photo Some classes at Oklahoma State have been moved online.

Students and OSU’s COVID-19 guidance Teyte Holcomb Staff Reporter

Health Services (UHS) is reporting 498 active cases since Tuesday. Before students returned to campus, OSU partnered with the app Healthy Together, in an effort to help reduce the spread of infections.

The app can be used to track symptoms, record As the spring semester begins, students and COVID-19 vaccines and testing. Student can report faculty are still figuring out how to navigate the COsymptoms and stay up to date with COVID-19 guideVID-19 pandemic, specifically the omicron variant. lines through its daily “health pass.”

From virtual classes to rescheduled Student Although the university has adopted this app Union Activities Board (SUAB) events, the spring Carman Montgomery, a sophomore, said she had semester is echoing the beginning of the pandemic never heard of the app. to some students. Although professors are trying to “It sounds useful, but if no students know about accommodate the changing campus guidelines, some it, then what good does it do?” Montgomery said. students think it is not enough.

Along with the new app, Dr. Johnny Stephens, Darla Jirousek, a senior, said the new guidelines, the senior vice president of health affairs at OSU, while annoying, will hopefully help the rest of the emailed student this week updating them on COsemester.

VID-19 guidelines for the spring semester.

“It’s annoying right now,” Jirousek said. “But “With the explosive growth of omicron cases in hopefully the precautions we take now will help the Oklahoma, it is highly likely that individuals would rest of the semester not be as restricted.” unknowingly return to the classroom COVID-19 In Oklahoma, 48,143 active cases have been re- positive,” Stephens wrote in the statement. “This is corded since Jan. 8, according to the Oklahoma State why the temporary modification applied to the first Department of Health (OSDH) and OSU’s University two weeks of school assumes there will be infected

way! a e d i H inal g i r eO h t out k ec Ch

SINCE 1957,

individuals in the classroom.”

Though some students are excited about the list of school events, Cheryl Kleeman, the transfer and veteran student success director, sent an email explaining how Winter Welcome Week activities have been rescheduled.

“Due to unavoidable circumstances, we are having to reschedule some of our Winter Welcome Week activities,” Kleeman said. “We apologize for the late notice about the schedule changes, but (the activities board) are trying to ensure the health and safety of all of (OSU’s) staff and students.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

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WHEN IS LITTLE MUCH?

There is a short chorus that has encouraged me many times. “Little is much if God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame. There’s a crown and you can win it. If you go in Jesus’ name.”

The woman, who poured the precious ointment on Jesus just before he was crucified, was criticized for “wasting” this expensive item. Yet, Jesus said everywhere the gospel is preached this woman’s action would be told. (Mk 14:3-9) Little things mean a lot as we are willing to serve the Lord. Paul mentions many in Romans 16 who helped him. The Good Samaritan stopped to help the man beaten and robbed.

(Lu.10:30-37) Paul writes as you have opportunity, do good to all men, especially to other believers.(Gal.6:10) When the poor widow dropped the two pennies, all that she had, into the temple offering. Jesus said she gave more the large offerings given. Her “large giving” was in relation to what she had. (Mk.12:41-44)

Many people may plan to give when they receive a great amount of money, but that large amount of money may never come. We may plan to give time or talent to a project when we have more time, but that perfect time arrangement may never happen. Again, the apostle Paul encourages us “as you have opportunity, do good to all men.”

We never know when a little gesture of kindness, with money, or helping in an area of service, spending a little time with a person, a word of encouragement, will be just the action that will be a great help to someone. These can be practical ways of living out the Lord’s challenge to love one another. This is the fulfilling of the many commandments in the Bible: loving people by word and action.

Page 4A Friday, January 14, 2022

SGA president, vice president and senator elections are looming Anna Pope News Reporter Students who want to become Oklahoma State’s (OSU) student body president and vice president next year must file their intent to run before Jan. 24 at 5 p.m.

Student Government Association (SGA) elections happen twice a year. Elections for senators representing living groups, and the election for SGA president and vice president will be on March 15 and 16. The president and vice president will run on the same ticket.

Austin Dedmon works in SGA’s communications department, and he said the president takes on more internal tasks while communicating with university officials. The vice president handles communication and basic needs.

Dedmon said they oversee different SGA programs like Speakers

Board and Mental Health together.

“Part of the role of SGA is being the voice for the students,” Dedmon said.

Around 24,000 students are on OSU’s campus and are eligible to vote in SGA’s elections.

In the previous year, over 1,000 students voted in SGA’s presidential election resulting in Jack Edwards becoming president and making Alex Bias vice president.

Dedmon said SGA members handles potential policy that impacts students.

In the fall 2021 semester, senators heard regimentation concerning gender inclusive housing and making recommendations to university COVID-19 policy.

These policies

must go through SGA’s executive branch and then are sent off to various university departments.

“When students do have concerns, which they usually do, a couple of times a year they bring them to us,” Dedmon said. “Those are things that turn into actual pieces of legislation and can be passed on and enacted through a university department by recommendation.”

For the students interested in filing to run for student body president and vice president, the form can be found on online.

O’Colly

News

Gary Lawson/ Courtesy of OSU

Raising interest in ground water At the ground water conference, attendees can learn anything from what they need to do to get their license renewal to having hands on experience.

Anna Pope News Reporter

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of SGA

ogy professor at OSU, said the workers are needed. Halihan said the water well industry in Oklahoma is like a familyWorker shortages in the based business and the younger ground water industry have generations are going into difsparked education initiatives. ferent fields.

In effort to spark inter“There’s a whole range of est in the field, Oklahoma issues to manage (concerning State (OSU) partnered with the ground water), but the biggest National Ground Water Assoone for us to manage is getting ciation to create online training people to help manage them,” programs for entry-level work- Halihan said. ers, university students and There are over 135,000 industry professionals. This jobs open in the country’s partnership brought the Oklaground water industry, accordhoma Ground Water Associaing to a study at the American tion’s (OGWA) annual conferGeoscience Institute. ence and tradeshow to OSU for Josh McClintock, directhe first time. tor of the OGWA, said the need Todd Halihan, a geolfor workers is the biggest issue

because ground water is constantly being used.

“Oklahoma’s been pretty fortunate that we’ve historically had more ground water resources than a lot of other places but words out about that,” McClintock said. “And we’ve started using more of the groundwater especially as we are in drought cycles.”

See Story on 8A

Nights at the McKnight This semester’s McKnight Center schedule Jaxon Malaby Staff Reporter

Tribune News Service Tim Hoff said one of the biggest challenges is integrating the new international students with the rest of Oklahoma State campus because of restrictions.

Getting Back..

Continued from 1A A: The flights are the biggest thing, and as far as the infection rates for the kids coming back in, we haven’t really heard of a tremendous number of them. Only a couple positive cases have come back so far. The university has these certain students in self isolation, and the ISS (International Students and Services) is working directly with these students to complete their orientation and registration digitally, and then hopefully see them in person to complete immigration information.

Q: How is the ISS working to test arriving students for COVID-19?

A: What we’re primarily doing is making sure that the new arrivals are being facilitated and properly screened through University Health Services. This has been regular practice for international students for the last 25 years at least. The health screening

is nothing new, but COVID screening has been added to the process.

enrollment until the 18th, which gives more time for those students to get back in time to enroll.

Q: Compared to last seQ: Besides COVID-19, mester, how challenging will what are the ‘normal’ chalthe upcoming semester be? lenges the international A: We’ve been operatstudents will have to face this ing under this cloud of pansemester? demic for the last 2 years, and A: The biggest chalit’s one of those things where lenge is integrating the new you just learn to deal with all international students with of the possible scenarios that the rest of campus. It makes could go wrong. This year, it challenging to do this with what we’re seeing more than the restrictions of how many anything else is the delays people can be in one room, and cancellations of flights, and whether or not classes and this is probably going to will be digital for a little be our biggest challenge for while. The best thing we the semester. can do is to make sure these students are informed and are Q: Are there certain staying in touch with their parts of the world where instructors to stay on top of students are having a tougher their education. Sooner or time than others with getting later, the pandemic should back? peak and start declining, A: Under normal and once it does, we can get circumstances, I’d say that back to regular programming would be the case, but with where we can get these studelta and omicron as volatile dents into the greater campus as it is, this year I’d say it’s and community. all over. It isn’t so much the political side of things as it is the practical side of things.

It’s certainly more chaotic this year than the last couple of years, but fortunately the news.ed@ocolly.com university has extended the

NatGeo Live: Greenwood - A Century of Resilience: Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

- Tulsa native Alicia Odewale, will discuss how archaeology can be used to recover lost stories, reclaim a narrative and pursue restorative justice regarding one of the worst instances of racial violence against Black people in American history, the Tulsa Race Massacre.

Masks will be required at this event.

Sarah Coburn in Concert: Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

- Soprano Sarah Coburn, an inductee to the OSU Alumni Hall of Fame, will perform a selection of arias and songs for the evening event. Coburn’s performance is accompanied with free residency events for a week. These master classes will take place at 1:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m. on Jan. 25 and Jan 27, and again at 3 p.m. on Jan. 27.

The PhiladelMasks are phia Orchestra: required at these March 10 at 7:30 events. p.m.

- Making Bernadette their debut at the Peters: Feb. 14 at McKnight center, 7:30 p.m. the Philadelphia - Tony Award Orchestra under the and Golden Globe direction of Nawinning actress, thalie Stutzmann, Bernadette Peters will be performancwill perform a setlist ing Gabriela Lena for Valentine’s Day. Frank’s Leyendas, Masks and Violin Concerto No. proof of full vac1 by Max Bruch, cination and masks and Franz Schubert’s are required. Howfinal and majestic ever, children under Symphony No. 9 12 and those with among others. religious or mediMasks are recal exceptions can quired at this event. present a negative COVID-19 test.

Pilobolus Dance Company: STOMP: Feb. March 24 at 7:30 18 & 19 at 7:30 p.m. p.m.

- The eight- A year after man group using their 50th anniveranything except sary, the Pilobolus conventional percus- Dance Company sion instruments will brings the BIG be making its way to FIVE-OH! tour to Stillwater.

Stillwater.

Masks will Masks are rebe required at this quired at this event. event.

Tower of

Power: April 9 at 7:30 p.m.

- Tower of Power has set the standard for funky horn bands for more than fifty years and their live concerts have often been labeled electrifying as even the oldest songs have not lost any energy.

Masks are required at this event.

South Pacific: April 22 & 23 at 7:30 p.m.

- This Rodgers & Hammerstein creation has won 10 Tony Awards and is still one of the most popular Broadway shows with beloved songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.”

Masks are required at this event.

Family Series - Dan and Claudia Zanes: May 14 at 3 p.m.

- The final event of the 2021 2022 McKnight Center season invites the youngest patrons for a night of music with Grammy Award winner Dan Zanes and Haitian-American jazz vocalist Claudia Zanes as they perform their own style of “All-Ages Social Music.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Lifestyle

Friday, January 14, 2022 Page 5A

The Weeknd brings a good start to 2022 with album ‘Dawn FM’

Abby Cage

Puppies and Puppy Chow

Tasha mingles with students in the Student Union theater lobby.

Dru Norton Lifestyle Editor

Via Tribune News Service The Weeknd performs in front of fans during the halftime show for Super Bowl LV on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Florida.

Jaden Besteda Staff Reporter

FM.”

“You are now listening to 103.5 Dawn

Those are words that listeners will get used to hearing on The Weeknd’s new album.

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, better known by his professional name The Weeknd, is notorious for his ever-changing sound and unique concepts he uses for his albums. This time around, ‘Dawn FM’ shows The Weeknd in a new light, with a more crisp futuristic sound and ties into the concept of death and the real world pandemic.

If I’m being honest, this album would’ve been better suited to be called “After Hours” more than his last. ‘Dawn FM’ uses its 16 track length to give a solid and tight story to everything you hear. The first six tracks were good, but not anything special. Right from the start, track one ‘Dawn FM’ showcases the narration of Jim Carrey.

Carrey serves as a guide through the sudden abyss listeners are thrown into. It’s a good setup. However, I wish the songs in the beginning were stronger. Don’t get me wrong, songs like “Gasoline” and “How Do I Make You Love Me?” will be hits and have major radio legs. Although, The Weeknd is at his best when he’s not trying to make the next radio smash.

Track seven “Out Of Time” is when the album becomes something special. The transitions become seamless. At that point, I had listened through four songs straight and I didn’t know that many had passed. “Is There Someone Else” is, without a doubt, the best song on the album. It serves as a middle sequence to this quick four song sequence that could run together as one song.

The slower tempo ‘80s R&B and techno sound displayed through the back half of ‘Dawn FM’ is some of the best work The Weeknd has ever done. It’s a bizarre choice to have Jim Carrey not only narrate, but have his own track on the album’s outro. Carrey spends the outro talking listeners into the afterlife and it’s done well. Whenever reviewing an album, the outro is perhaps the track I judge the most. Although I would prefer a real song, the creativity was fun and interesting to hear.

The Weeknd is a very well defined artist with quadruple the accolades and fame that most artists will ever achieve in their life. In retrospect, ‘Dawn FM’ is not a career defining album for The Weeknd, nor is it anywhere near his best. However, the back half of it definitely picks up the pace for me and makes the listen worthwhile. Overall, Abel created a solid piece of work with ‘Dawn FM.’

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

thought hot chocolate and puppy chow would be more fitting this time.”

In addition to free hot chocolate and puppy chow, SUAB was Students pet pups, drank hot giving away collectible OSU enamel chocolate and ate puppy chow yespins. terday at the Student Union Activi“It’s a really fun event, and a ties Board’s first event of the semes- great way to kick off the first day ter, Puppies and Puppy Chow. back from the break,” Welch said.

Ashley Welch, mechanical and Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., aerospace engineering sophomore, three members of Pete’s Pet Posse serves as the SUAB spirit direccame to visit students at the Student tor. Welch said this is the first time Union theater lobby: dogs Caldwell, SUAB has hosted this event.

Murphy and Tasha.

“We had an event called pupTasha’s owner Ashlyn Clary pies and popsicles last year,” Welch said Tasha was eager to return to said. “With the colder weather, we campus after the break.

“Tasha was so excited to see everyone, it was a great turn out,” Clary said. “She loves being around students.”

For more information on SUAB’s upcoming events, visit https:// union.okstate.edu/suab/events.html.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Humans of OSU: Emma Lynn

tion…” featured sculptural jewelry wearables that were built directly on the body, bringing attention to specific regions of the female body that are deserving of conversation.

“I focus a lot on themes that relate to my experience with sexuality and the ways that have influenced my understanding of the female experience,” Lynn said. “I think that there is a really unique opportunity to create a rawness and authenticity in the work’s relatability, when the body is introduced as a crucial part of the work itself.”

Lynn said showcasing her artwork for the public to view was a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

“It was incredible to have the opportunity to see strangers connect with the work and sit in vulnerable moments of silence in their experience with each piece,” Lynn said.

“Those moments of connection and emotion are exactly what I aim to create, so it was amazing to see those instances sort of form before my eyes.”

At the moment, Lynn said she is spending lots of studio time developing skills and working toward creating more bodies of work. In the future, Lynn plans to pursue a master’s degree in fine art or art therapy.

Lynn said she will never forget the connections and memories made with her colleagues in the art program.

“I miss all of my people in the art program the most,” Lynn said.

“We’ve all seen each other at our worst at 3 a.m. cramming on projects in the studio, and we still find the time and energy to care for each other outside of those workspaces.”

degree in art by taking art electives Photo name alongside the two year psycholgy dePhoto description gree. So, I took another year at TCC while concurrently taking classes Dru Norton towards my BFA at OSU,” Lynn said.

Lifestyle Editor Once she made the decision to switch majors, Lynn said she never looked back.

As students returned to campus “I’ve always been involved in this week, Emma Lynn adjusted to the arts from as early on as I can her first year as an Oklahoma State remember. It’s always been a serious alumnus. passion of mine and I knew that it Lynn graduated last December would be foolish of me not to pursue with a bachelor of fine arts and a that on a more serious note,” Lynn minor in pre-art therapy. said. “I intend to merge my two pas“It feels strange not being a sions in the future.” student anymore,” Lynn said. “It reThe most impactful moment of ally hits you once you graduate.” her college career was witnessing her However, her start at OSU was growth as an artist, Lynn said. not traditional. Lynn began her col“It was so rewarding to see all lege career majoring in psychology of the hard work and dedication that at Tulsa Community College.

I have put into not only evolving my After earning her associwork over the years, but in finding ate’s degree in psychology at TCC, myself as well,” Lynn said.

Lynn decided to make a switch. She Lynn’s BFA Capstone project wanted to change her major to her was presented last year in The Garother passion, art. diner Gallery located in The Bartlett “I had already almost complet- Center from Nov. 17. to Dec. 10. Her entertainment.ed@ocolly.com ed all of my credits for an associate’s work, titled “An Honest Conversa-

Page 6A Friday, January 14, 2022

O’Colly

Lifestyle/News

SUAB Schedule All of the events are free to OSU students and community members. Here is the full list of SUAB events for the spring 2022 semester: Jan 10. Puppies & Puppy Chow Jan 11. Kindness Rocks Jan 12. T-shirt Swap Jan 20. Bingo & Hot Cocoa Jan 24. Survey Says Jan 31. Lunar New Year Feb 10. Vals & Pals Feb 17. Glow Bingo

Abby Cage

SUAB kicks off new semester with events A student pets Tasha, a member of Pete’s Pet Posse, at SUAB’s first event of the semester “Puppies and Puppy Chow”

Ellen Slater Staff Reporter

pancakes during finals week are some events that have happened in previous semesters and will return because of the success.

An event that caught the attenBetween drag shows and Mardi tion of some students, as it has not Gras, Oklahoma State students inter- been on the recent schedule, is the ested in on-campus events are going “Nearly Naked Mile.” Participants to have their calendars full. are going to wear layers of clothing Last week, the Student Union they are wanting to donate. Along a Activities Board, more commonly running route, there will be pit stops known as SUAB, released its spring where the runners “strip” down their 2022 schedule. clothes until they eventually are The schedule consisted of 24 wearing the required bathing suit unevents for the semester that started der the layer. All of the clothes will this Monday, with the first event be donated to the Salvation Army. being held on the first day of school, Henry Fredricks has been a part to the final event being held the last of SUAB since 2018 and currently week of school in May. serves as the Vice President on the Students may be familiar with executive team. some events SUAB is planning this “We will be having some really semester. The annual drag show, cool, and unique events that are not “Dragonfly and Late Night Cafe” and (usually) offered during the winter

semester,” Fredricks said. “As an executive team, we have been working closely with the various vendors and have kept our ears close to the ground to listen to the feedback from OSU students to hear what they are looking for in SUAB events.”

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Feb 21. Black History Celebration Feb 24. Music Therapy Feb 28. Mardi Gras March 7. Paint Night March 9. Talent Show March 24. Arabian Nights March 28. Soda Pop Shop March 31. Nearly Naked Mile

Abby Cage SUAB begins their first event of the semester

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O’Colly

Friday, January 14, 2022 Page 7A

News

Abby Cage

Q&A: Les Thomas Sr. When Les Thomas Sr. is not yelling Oklahoma State’s chants or working a t-shirt cannon, he fishes, write music, barbeques and spends time with his family.

Connor Gray Staff Writer

The first thing Les Thomas Sr. remembers is drumsticks.

Thomas is an Oklahoma State (OSU) celebrity and is known for his role as gameday host or “hype man.” Although Thomas has a passion for music, on his days off he sees his family and goes fishing regardless of the weather.

when you are not energizing the OSU crowds?

A: “Hanging with my family, fishing, barbecuing, and writing music. I love to fish whether it is cold, hot, morning or night. I consider myself humble, but when it comes to cooking out my food is good. It is amazing.”

Q: What kickstarted your love for music?

A: “My love for music started pretty much when I came out of the womb. The first thing I remember is drumsticks. My family was music. I was considered a prodigy on the drums growing up. Growing up with my parents and brothers in a family of music really started my love. In 2002, when my mentor asked me Q: How has COVID-19 affected your job and ap- to rap with him and make positive music that really proach to being a hype man? unlocked the artistic side of me. I cannot tell you that I A: “Not being able to embrace people, stadiums wanted to be a rapper, but I liked to rap. When he said being minimized by how many people can be there; that I took it and ran with it and in 2006 we became it really impacted me. I had to dig deep in myself to national, and we almost signed with Sony Records! bring the energy. It has limited my interactions with Then in 2011, I decided to go solo and that’s when I fans off the mic and I’m not a fan of those limitations.” decided to become B Les.” Q: What is your favorite moment as a musician?

Q: What are some things you do to wind down A: “My favorite moment is that I played the

drums for a group called Sho-Nuff from 2003-2006 and it was beautiful because we blended hip-hop, jazz and funk and made a whole new genre. We opened at the Super Bowl in 2005 at Jacksonville, FL. That’s the most memorable moment in music for me.”

Q: Have your experiences as a musician helped you at all as a hype man?

A: “For sure. Traveling as a rapper helped me prepare for being a hype man because when I tried out to be a hype man I did it in front of six people. Being on the road I had performed in front of six, 60, 6,000 people and always went hard and gave me my all.

Great people prepare before the opportunity comes; good people prepare when the opportunity presents itself. So, I was not scared when the opportunity came because rap had prepared me.”

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O’Colly

News Continued from 1A

Making Room...

Coca is the district English language learner and diversity and inclusion coordinator for Stillwater Public Schools. She said there are 12-13 students from the families in Stillwater ranging from pre-k to being a senior year in high school.

“We’re just helping them kind of acclimate briefly before we transition them to an actual classroom,” Coca said.

Coca said they are working the OSU’s English Language Intercultural Center to help get parents and student registered and enrolled.

Cocoa moved around a lot while growing and said she understands what its like to be in a new place and not be able to speak the language or understand the food or culture “It’s scary, you know, the first you go to another country where you can’t understand the language it can be scary,” Coca said. “But one thing that’s

the same in every culture is a smile.”

In addition to helping with education, the district is taking up donations.

Diana Nolan is the district social worker for the school district and she said they are receiving donations from everywhere.

“Some guy mail backpacks from California,” Nolan said.

The district is working closely with the mosque, churches and different community organizations to help resettle the families. Nolan said the response from the community has been great.

Donations for school supplies are still being taken one thing Nolan said that is needed are small white boards and expo markers.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Gary Lawson/ Courtesy of OSU Oklahoma State hosted Oklahoma Ground Water Association’s annual conference for the first time.

Continued from 4A

Groundwater...

McClintock said because surface water comes from ground water somewhere, water quality issues are in any area of the state. These challenges surrounding ground water include water quality, and having enough ground water in parts of the state like the panhandle. This area sits on the Ogallala Aquifer, which is reportedly being extracted at a faster rate than recharge can fill it.

McClintock said being able to do a better job at facilitating more conversations to raise awareness in these topics is one of reasons why

he is excited about the partnership with OSU and the academic and research community.

Caitlin Barnes, a professor and assistant director of outreach for the college of arts and sciences, said the university can help with education and students who want to go into the industry.

“The groundwater associations are really wanting people to help, and we can help with the education part, OSU,” Barnes said.

Barnes said this is important work because there is small percentage

of water on the planet available for fresh drinking water. Out of this percentage of available water, 98% if made up of ground water, according to the NGWA. “The more awareness you bring to it, the more attention and hopefully it will capture people who are like, ‘Yeah, I want to be a part of this,’” Barnes said. news.ed@colly.com

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Stillwater Catholic Charites is expected to take in around 150-200 people.

Film study

Tennis trio

New faces

Bryce Williams’ newfound love for watching tape.

Three freshmen look to make an impact for the Cowgirls

An early look at what the 2022 football team will be.

Pg. 4B

Pg. 5B

Pg. 8B

Keys breaking out of shooting slump Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter Lexy Keys’ record for her latest night in Gallagher-Iba Arena is 12:30 in the morning.

Pretty late for a student-athlete who said she likes to go to bed early.

The reason Keys remains in the gym far past her preferred bed time is to practice

shooting. The sophomore guard began the season on fire from beyond the arc. She made 50% of her 3-pointers in OSU’s first two games but her percentage plummeted to 21% for the next nine games. At one point during the downturn, Keys said she doesn’t remember exactly when, she decided to do something about it.

See Keys on 5B

Abby Cage Since the death of his mother, OSU forward Moussa Cisse has found new focus on the court.

Cisse’s strong Big 12 debut a tribute to late mother Dean Ruhl Sports Editor

Mike Boynton had just narrowly fended off another upset.

On Dec. 13, Oklahoma State escaped Cleveland State 98-93 in Gallagher-Iba Arena, claiming its seventh win of the season. It came with many of the issues the Cowboys had struggled with this season, including spotty 3-point shooting and turnovers.

But Boynton had a much more pressing issue to handle.

He needed to get his center, Moussa Cisse, home.

Mere hours before tipoff, Cisse had received a phone call during afternoon practice informing him his aunt, who raised him from a young age and who Cisse called his mother, had died. Cisse, despite Boynton’s permission to abstain from the game, opted to play, tallying a rebound in three minutes on the court.

But now it was time to go home.

“The thought of losing your parent certainly can’t sit well, especially if you’re talking about a 19-year-old kid who has not seen

his mom in five years,” Boynton said.

Cisse is a native of Guinea, a coastal country in West Africa, but getting back home proved challenging. Between COVID-19 restrictions limiting air travel, and the possibility of a quarantine period needed before he could reenter the United States, Boynton dealt with the possibility of losing his center for weeks.

“I told (athletic director) Chad Weiberg, we have to send (Cisse) home and if we can’t get him back for however long, then we can’t get him back,” Boynton said. “Obviously, we need him, but this stuff is more, it is bigger than that.”

Cisse returned to campus several days after Christmas and was one of the few OSU players not in COVID protocols. After missing the Houston game on Dec. 18, Cisse has become a sturdy asset for the Cowboys in conference play, averaging seven points, five rebounds and two blocks through three games.

His newfound focus, something Boynton said he has noticed since Cisse returned, has been a reliable anchor for the team in Big 12 play. For Cisse, his performances are a tribute to his late mother.

“My mom was everything for me, so it is very hard,” Cisse said. “I’ve just got to do it for her, really.”

Junior forward Keylan Boone has also noticed the improvements.

He said Cisse keeps a level head and is working to be a team-first player on the court, and it shows.

Cisse doesn’t want to look back on what has happened. He said he will continue moving forward and remain strong.

But, as a teary-eyed Cisse sat silent with his head down during his postgame press conference after the Cowboys defeated No. 14 Texas, Boone, seated to his right, made it clear Cisse has a second family. One that is more than 5,600 miles away from his original.

“We try to do our best to stay around him, console him,” Boone said. “I know that is his mom, but he has family here too. We’re brothers, we’ve always got him.”

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Braden King Lexy Keys after making a 3 point shot.

Through hasty weight gains, Harper continues to be reliable asset for OSU Adam Engel Staff Reporter

But last week, he encountered a career first.

Wrestling at 174 pounds.

Dustin Plott, OSU’s 174-pound starter, along with Kaden Gfeller, OSU’s 149-pound starter were unavailable in Little Rock because of COVID-19 protocols.

So, someone had to step up.

It wasn’t going to be a redshirt. OSU coach John Smith didn’t want to use a redshirt’s eligibility for a midseason non-conference dual.

So, it had to be an experienced backup.

Harper and Sanchez fit that description.

When unforeseen circumstances arise, Jalin Harper is always ready to wrestle.

OSU’s 157-pounder isn’t new to the starting lineup. A year ago, when Wyatt Sheets tore his left ACL, Harper started four duals at 157 pounds and compiled a 3-1 record.

When Sheets returned, Harper continued his success in extra matches.

This season, prior to this past Sunday’s dual against Little Rock, Harper collected a 13-4 record in open tournaments at 157 pounds.

Two weeks ago, he placed seventh at the Southern Scuffle.

See Hasty on 2B

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Page 2B Friday, January 14, 2022

NEXT THREE MEN’S BASKETBALL Saturday, Jan. 15 | @ Baylor Ferrell Center - Waco, Texas | 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 19 | vs. TCU Gallagher-Iba Arena - Stillwater | 7 p.m.

Saturday. Jan. 22 | @ Texas Erwin Events Center - Austin, Texas | 1 p.m.

p.m.

Cowgirls focused on No. 9 Cyclones, shutting down Joens Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter The Oklahoma State Cowgirls host the Iowa State Cyclones Saturday in Stillwater.

OSU (6-7, 1-3), is coming off a one-point road loss to TCU. Here are three things to watch for Saturday:

WRESTLING Sunday, Jan. 16 | vs. Columbia WVU Coliseum - Morgantown, West Virginia | 10 a.m.

Sunday, Jan. 16 | @ West Virginia WVU Coliseum - Morgantown, West Virginia | 12 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 23 | vs. Lehigh Gallagher-Iba Arena - Stillwater | 2 p.m.

Free throws hurting, not killing This season, free throws have killed the Cowgirls. They are making 56% of free throws this season and have made 50% or less five times this season.

But in OSU’s last two games free throws have only hurt the team, not killed it. The Cowgirls improved their free throw percentage to 69%, converting 18 of 26 attempts in the stretch. The uptick in percentage may seem marginal but was critical because the games were decided by a combined three points.

MEN’S TENNIS Friday, Jan. 14 | vs. Lamar Greenwood Tennis Center - Stillwater | 1 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 14 | vs. Bryant Greenwood Tennis Center - Stillwater | 5 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 17 | @ Arkansas Billingsley Tennis Center - Fayetteville, Arkansas | 1

WOMEN’S TENNIS Friday, Jan. 14 to Monday, Jan. 17 | Freeman Memorial Tournament Fertitta Tennis Complex - Las Vegas, Nevada Wednesday, Jan. 19 | vs. Princeton Greenwood Tennis Center - Stillwater | 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 23 | vs. South Carolina Greenwood Tennis Center - Stillwater | 12 p.m.

TBD

sports

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Saturday, Jan. 15 | vs. Iowa State Gallagher-Iba Arena - Stillwater | 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 19 | @ Baylor Ferrell Center - Waco, Texas | 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 22 | vs. West Virginia WVU Coliseum - Morgantown, West Virginia | 1 p.m.

TRACK AND FIELD Friday, Jan. 14 | Arkansas Invitational Randal Tyson Track Center - Fayetteville, Arkansas | Friday, Jan. 21 | Red Raider Open Sports Performance Center - Lubbock, Texas | TBD Saturday, Jan. 22 | J.D. Martin Invitational Mosier Indoor Track Facility - Norman | TBD

Hasty...

urday because he figured he would have to make 157 for the dual against Little Rock.

But after Saturday’s Continued from 1B practice, Harper was told he would be wrestling at “You’re in a scenario 174. He never wrestled where your direct backup beyond 160 pounds, his could be a redshirt,” Smith weight in high school. said. “So really it came The gain began. down to Jalin (Harper) “I had a good steak, willing to do it and a lack some vegetables and a lot of the next person available of fluids because I knew at the time.”

I’d have to practice in the The decision for morning,” he said. “I’d lose Harper to wrestle at 174 that weight. “So, I did gain was made the day before about six to seven pounds Sunday’s dual. but it’s kind of fake weight His coaches warned when it’s just water and him of that possibility food at the time.”

Thursday afternoon, but Even though Harper it wasn’t confirmed until knew he would yield 14 Saturday. pounds to his opponent, It wasn’t an all-out Triston Wills of Little gain to 174. It was a twoRock, he didn’t panic. His pound gain to 162. confidence didn’t waver.

“With the way the “It was just kind of NCAA is, if I were to the next man up and it weigh too high, I wouldn’t was opportunity for me to be able to make 157 again,” wrestle,” Harper, a redHarper said. “So, I wasn’t shirt junior from Manhateven able to weigh in at tan, Kansas, said. “I was 174 or 165. It had to be at excited about it. I knew I’d 162 to allow me to make 57 be giving up quite a bit of again in two weeks.” weight and it was going Throughout the sea- to be different, but I feel son, Harper’s weight typi- confident.” cally hovers around 160.

His confidence, howHe maintained that ever, didn’t translate to the weight until this past Satoutcome of the bout.

O’Colly

Keeping up with the Joens ISU senior Ashley Joens gave the Cowgirls problems last season.

She paired 30 points with 15 rebounds in the matchup in Ames and scored 23 in the rematch in Stillwater. Joens is a talented scorer, averaging 20 points a game, who can score from the 3-point line, at the rim and from the free throw line.

Playing ISU’s own game The Cyclones are a skilled

Habbie Colen

Guard Lauren Fields moving the ball down the court.

3-point shooting team and lead the Big 12 with a 38% team percentage. Aubrey Joens has made 46 3-pointers this season at a 48% clip and there are two other Cyclones who have made more that 40 3-pointers.

The Cowgirls are ninth in the Big 12 with a 27% 3-point percentage. OSU impressed in its last game shooting 53% from three, but the statistics don’t bode well for the Cowgirls to try and beat the Cyclones at their own game.

Key matchup: Lauren Fields vs Ashley Joens Cowgirl guard Lauren Fields has been OSU’s best defender this season and leads the Big 12 with 2.9 steals a game.

Although she has a 4-inch height disadvantage, she will likely be the one

Oklahoma State (6-7 overall, 1-3 Big 12) Point guard- N’Yah Boyd, 5’6 junior Small forward- Lauren Fields, 5’9 junior Shooting guard- Lexy Keys, 5’7 sophomore Power forward- Taylen Collins, 6’1 sophomore Center- Abbie Winchester, 6’1 senior Iowa State (15-1, 4-0) Forward-Ashley Joens, 6’1 senior Guard- Lexi Donarski, 6’0 sophomore Guard- Emily Ryan, 5’11 sophomore Center- Morgan Kane, 6’3 junior Small forward- Aubrey Joens, 5’8 sophomore

primarily guarding the 6-foot-1 Joens.

Projected starters

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Wills, an OSU transfer, beat Harper 7-1.

It was one of Little Rock’s two individual wins in the Trojans’ 35-6 loss.

It also wasn’t Harper’s first loss to Wills.

“We wrestled quite a bit in Kansas,” Harper said.

“A couple state championships actually. A freestyle one, a folkstyle one and this match. He has got me twice now.”

Sanchez filled in for Gfeller at 149 and lost to Joseph Bianchi, 5-0.

If a rematch occurred, Harper said he would plan to stay on his feet more.

“I don’t know if I’ll go back down on bottom,” Harper said. “That was a little different to have all that weight on my back.”

But back in Stillwater, Plott missed out.

“I’ll be honest, it was kinda rough watching,” Plott said. “Not being there to wrestle and I don’t like missing any competition so in that was aspect it wasn’t that fun. Watching my teammates from a phone was definitely a little bit different.”

OSU Athletic

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Jalin Harper glances at the referee against SIU-Edwardsville at the Jack Stephens Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Sunday January 17, 2021.

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Friday, January 14, 2022 Page 3B

Page 4B Friday, January 14, 2022

O’Colly

sports

Williams praises film study for increase in offensive production

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Abby Smith

Beating the Bears Photo description

OSU aims to record another upset victory

PENDING TTU RESULT) have struggled to start the year. They average 72 points per game, four less than their mark last year, and free throw and turnover issues have cost them late in games.

The Bears have won 11 of the Sam Hutchens last 13 games against OSU and will Assistant Sports Editor provide stout competition for the Cowboys, who look to break out of The last team to beat Baylor is a rut. (PENDING TTU RESULT) no longer Oklahoma State.

Match up to watch: After the Cowboys knocked Moussa Cisse vs. Flo Thamba off No 2. Baylor in the Big 12 TourA rare area where OSU could nament this past season, the Bears have a favorable mismatch is in the went on a tear. They won six-conlane. OSU center Moussa Cisse, secutive NCAA tournament games, who stands at 7-feet tall, is a difwinning a national title. ficult assignment for any team. The Baylor’s winning streak con- Bears have 7-foot Zach Loveday on tinued into the 2022 season until their roster, but he only averages they met Texas Tech on Tuesday.

4.4 minutes per game. While Cisse The No. 19 Red Raiders beat No. 1 will likely see some double teams, Baylor 65-62, joining OSU as the Baylor’s 6-foot-10 Flo Thamba, who two teams in almost a calendar year averages 1.1 blocks per game, will to best the Bears. help guard Cisse.

OSU enters Saturday’s game Three keys to victory against Baylor in a much less envi1. Avoid turnovers. OSU able position than when they last turned the ball over 17 times met. against West Virginia on Tuesday.

The Cowboys (RECORD Baylor ranks 13th in the country in

turnovers forced at 16 a game. The Cowboys cannot afford an other inefficient scoring game resulting from high-turnover volume.

2. Limit Baylor’s 3-pointers.

The Bears have two players who are threats to that goal. Guard LJ Cryer has made 36 threes, and guard Adam Flagler has hit 32. Both are shooting at 40% or better.

3. Keep it close. It is said basketball is a game of runs, and that has been apparent throughout OSU’s games this season. The Bears average 81.5 points a game, and have the ability to blow teams out. The Cowboys have shown an ability to overcome small deficits, but if the Bears start well and string out a 15 or 20-point lead, it puts OSU in position to be the 16th team to fall to BU this year.

his teammates, and the OSU offense.

“I am more comfortable in the offense,” Williams said. “I know where guys are trying to be and what the defense is trying to do. I have a very high IQ. I am one of the leaders of the team, I can make plays. I send the coaches clips and ask if I can do more or certain things.”

Both Thompson and coach Mike Boynton have noticed the change in Williams following film study. Thompson recognizes Williams on-court leadership, and watches as the senior reads the court to find open teammates on pick-and-rolls.

Boynton receives frequent text messages from his team’s second leading scorer, about film and proposals to help improve the offense.

Text messages from Williams about film is something Boynton admits did not used to happen in prior seasons, and stressed the film study sessions may be the key to Williams own and the team’s success. “(Williams) is one of the guys who sends me quite a few text messages because he is watching film and wants to make suggestions,” Boynton said.

“He knows I watch film and wants to know if I see this action or if we can try this and I always respect when the player is that engaged and bought into the process of our team having success, because at the end of the day they’re the ones out there having to make the plays.”

Student-athlete’s lives revolve around studying, and not just in the lecture hall.

When he is not studying for classes, Oklahoma State guard Bryce Thompson is watching film, studying for upcoming games.

Thompson said he believes watching film after games is crucial in learning and preparation.

“I think that is an essential part,” Thompson said. “I think that is how you learn to see, because when you are playing you don’t always remember what you did or if you made the right read or wrong read so being able to go back and see if from all the different angles and stuff is very important.”

Thompson, and others on the Cowboy basketball team, watch film in order to improve themselves, review key aspects of games and areas of struggle. Senior guard Bryce Williams, OSU’s leading scorer in three of the Cowboys’ last five games, attributes his recent scoring success to his avid film study sessions.

Williams admits studying tape wasn’t a priority in his previous three seasons, but made changed things for his senior season. After making the effort to watch more film from previous games this season, Williams said he is learning more about sports.ed@ocolly.com

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Abby Smith

Picking winners (and losers)

Junior Guard Avery Anderson attempts to find open teammate.

Noah Weber OSU guard Bryce Williams has led the team in points in three of the Cowboys’ past five games.

O’Colly

Friday, Januyary 14, 2022 Page 5B

sports Keys...

Continued from 1B Make 100 threes a day.

On her off days, that number goes up. But after days when the Cowgirls practice, Keys said she makes sure to knock down 100 3-pointers, along with other shots.

Her goal is to make 75-80% of the unguarded looks and said she usually ends up around that range.

“All good shooters, all great shooters put in time,” OSU coach Jim Littell said. “You know, you don’t become a shooter by what you do in practice. You become a shooter when no one’s watching.

What are you doing coming in

Farm boy OSU wrestler Dakota Geer grew up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania.

here in the evening? Before practice after practice?”

Usually, it is just Keys alone in the gym pumping out shots.

She doesn’t have to worry about locking the doors or turning out the lights (they’re automatic) when she leaves her late-night shooting sessions.

The extra worked helped.

Keys burst out in OSU’s win over Texas Tech Saturday, knocking down 5-of-10 3-pointers and scoring a season-high 17 points. Keys said it was her best 3-point shooting performance of her career.

“I’ve just been working in the gym,” Keys said after the TTU game. “I’ve been setting a number of how many threes I want to make in a day and going and doing that and I think that’s what

really helped me.”

Littell noticed a difference in the game. He said Keys made shooting a priority over passing.

That mentality switch suites Keys’ role as a zone-killing sharpshooter.

OSU Junior guard Lauren Fields said she runs into Keys going to the gym or leaving the gym, so she knows Keys is working hard on her shot.

“I’m really proud of her, like (Keys) said she had been struggling and so I think (the TTU game) is just a big confidence booster for her,” Fields said.

“And I think her scoring like that will definitely help us in future games.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Alicia Young

Geer uses farming experience to excel on the mat

Adam Engel Staff Reporter

prospered during his time as a Cowboy. He is a three-time All-American and currently ranked No. 10 in the 184-pound weight class.

In Stillwater, he has pummeled opponents with his relentless offensive attacks. After a takedown, he’ll intentionally let his opponent back to their feet only to pounce again. Through eight bouts, Dakota has recorded five technical falls and outscored opponents 102-23 in those wins.

“Everything that you hope comes from a lifestyle like that transfers to the wrestling room,” coach John Smith said. “It has with him.

A tough kid. For the most part, he controls some of the guys on the team from doing stupid things.”

As a Cowboy, Dakota isn’t the only wrestler with a farming background.

“I feel like every other farm kid I’ve wrestled always just had an absurd amount of strength that you just didn’t want to deal with,” Dakota said.

Many of his teammates have experience farming or ranching.

Including his practice partner, Blake Skidgel, a freshman from Pawnee.

“That dude is stronger than hell and he is a lamb farmer,” Dakota said.

And he wouldn’t be the same guy without his farming experience. On Sunday, when No. 4 OSU travels to West Virginia, his parents, those dairy farmers who helped build his strength for years, will be in attendance.

“I’d be fat because I ate McDonald’s a lot as a kid,” Dakota said.

For the first 18 years of his life, Dakota Geer lived like a Division I student-athlete.

He’d wake up at 4 a.m. to work, attend school, wrestling practice and work again.

And somehow, find a way to cram in homework.

But he wasn’t a DI athlete. Yet. He didn’t hit the weight room in the morning. He milked cows.

Before Geer, now an Oklahoma State sixth-year wrestler, competed at Edinboro for two years, he worked at his family’s dairy farm in Pennsylvania.

Between his parents and his two siblings, the family milked about 200-250 cows plus grew crops. His dad, Dan, did not hire outside help until Dakota departed for college.

“They started hiring help all over the place,” Dakota said.

“Now, they’ve got too many people. I don’t know why they couldn’t do that when I was there.

I could’ve used some free time.”

After milking in the morning, Dakota would do anything from taking care of the crops, chopping corn or making square bales in the afternoons. He would milk again at 4 p.m.

“Dairy farming, doing it as a kid growing up, you either love it or you hate it and I hated it,” Dakota said. “So, I’m sports.ed@ocolly.com gonna stay as far away from that as I can after college.”

But in farming, Dakota found many parallels to wrestling. Physical labor is a major component, but many values can be taught in each practice.

“Growing up on a dairy farm, I feel like you just learn hard work and grind through things,” he said. “You’re always working. That instilled a good work ethic in me and it’s helped me prosper in the sport of wrestling too.”

But as a kid, Dakota only viewed it as a chore.

“You’re just working and it sucks,” he said.

“You want to go see your friends but long term, looking back, I’m happy that I went through it and did all the stuff that I did.

Geer has accumulated a I feel like it’s made me 7-1 record this season. the person I am now.”

And Geer has only

Abby Smith After impressive debut performances this fall, the Cowgirls have reliable freshmen options this season.

After impressive debut performances this fall, the Cowgirls have reliable freshmen options this season.

Freshmen provide depth for Cowgirl tennis Daniel Allen Staff Reporter The Cowgirls have options.

Many options.

Alicia Young

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

As the 2022 Oklahoma State women’s tennis season commences, the Cowgirls find themselves set with a variety of roster choices on a deep squad.

Several of them being freshmen.

In early November, during the Big 12 Fall Invitationals, OSU coach Coach Young experimented with a number of freshmen in the roster, with optimistic results. “(We had) two of our freshmen, our new players, in the top flight semifinals,” Young said . “That is really what you want to see. You want to see like how they compete against the best players in the conference.”

The freshmen fared well having been thrown into action at such an early moment in their college careers.

Freshman Mananchaya Sawangkaew was paired with Cowgirl tennis standout Ayumi Miyamoto in doubles play, earning first in the doubles championship. Freshman Oona Orapana made a run herself, beating the invitational’s No. 1 seed in singles play.

Freshman Sofia Rojas played well in the midst of a difficult slate of opponents in singles play and

being paired with opponents from other Big 12 schools in doubles play, with a lack of preparation and chemistry between her and her partner.

Coach Young will have a viable group of freshmen who are entirely capable of being thrown into the spotlight at any point during the season.

“Obviously a freshman contributing the way (Sawangkaew and others) did is huge,” Young said.

“It shows how much depth we have on this roster.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

The Cowgirls went 11-12 this past season.

Ben Cohen

Page 6B Friday, January 14, 2022

O’Colly

O’Colly

Friday, January 14, 2022 Page 7B

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes (TNS) Today’s Birthday (01/14/22). Enjoy the Midas touch this year. Generate gold with steady, disciplined action. Winter dreams and visions inspire new love, delight and fun this spring. Weather summer transitions with friends and groups before a team victory lights up next autumn. Nurture, grow and conserve resources.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Team practice makes perfect, with Mercury Retrograde over three weeks. Have patience and humor with communication snafus or delays. Nurture old friends and connections.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Review professional data closely, with Aquarius Mercury Retrograde over three weeks. Misunderstandings could cause delays. Guard against communication breakdowns. Backup hard drives and archives.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Make educational plans and itineraries for later travel, with Mercury stationing Retrograde. Communicate carefully over the next three weeks. Keep confidences and secrets. Review research.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Check financial data, with Mercury Retrograde over the next three weeks. Pay bills. Secure what you’ve gained. Review statements and account activity for errors.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Revise shared goals. Misunderstandings with your partner can spark easily, with Mercury Retrograde for three weeks. Support each other through breakdowns. Share patience and humor.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Slow down to finish faster. Delays, misunderstandings or mistakes could frustrate your work and health over three weeks, with Mercury Retrograde. Keep equipment repaired.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Romantic overtures could backfire over the next three weeks, with Mercury Retrograde. Clarify misunderstandings right away. Find your sense of humor, and reconnect.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Clean, sort and organize at home, with Aquarius Mercury stationing Retrograde. Protect photos, heirlooms and possessions. Make repairs. Backup files. Review potential upgrades.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 6 — Take extra care with communications over the next three weeks. Clarify misunderstandings immediately, with Mercury Retrograde. Launch creative projects later. Plan and prepare now.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Monitor cash flow closely. Allow extra time for travel, transport, shipping, invoices and collections, with Mercury Retrograde over three weeks. Review financial statements.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Upgrade your personal brand, with Mercury Retrograde in your sign. Determine what works and doesn’t. Reaffirm commitments. Review your message, style and presentation.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 6 — Home comforts soothe. Lay low, with Mercury Retrograde. Avoid misunderstandings. Set backup plans in case of delays or breakdowns. Revise and review. Rest and recuperate.

Page 8B Friday, January 14, 2022

O’Colly

sports

On the horizon

2022 Cowboys could see a facelift on defense Chris Becker Editor-in-chief Coach Mike Gundy stood on a stage near the middle of State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with the Fiesta Bowl trophy making the rounds to top university brass.

Gundy was part of a large Oklahoma State celebration ringing in the new year with a Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame.

However, the celebration didn’t last long, as the Cowboys win concluded the 2021 campaign, and spurred the start of the offseason.

The offseason brought departing seniors and NFL draft and transfer announcements from the Cowboy program.

The Cowboys secondary will be completely new on the back end with all three safeties departing Stillwater. Tanner McCalister is heading to Ohio State with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles while Tre Sterling and Kolby Harvell-Peel both declared for the NFL draft.

Jason Taylor II and Thomas Harper are the only remaining safeties to have started a game for the Cowboys. The safety room does contain young unproven talent including former 4-star recruit Kendal Daniels, who could crack into the rotation.

Much like the safeties, the linebacker corps will be seeing new faces take charge.

Both OSU starters, Malcolm Rodriguez and Devin Harper, will be starting their professional endeavors after long careers at OSU. The linebacker position is open for the taking with new players entering the program and multiple players who saw a handful of snaps in 2021 vying for the two starting spots.

Quarterback Spencer Sanders is slated to return to the OSU offense after a recordbreaking Fiesta Bowl performance. Barring a shocking departure, Sanders is in line to hold onto his job as the leader of offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn’s offense.

Sanders threw for 2,839 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his junior season.

The wide receiver room loses its leading receiver in Tay Martin running out of eligibility. Martin had 1,046 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season in his first season in a starting role for OSU. The receiving room brings back a load of youthful talent, which made a crucial impact for the Cowboys during the 2021 campaign.

Brennan Presley was second in yards for OSU

The Cowboys will look toward a young receiver group to replace senior Tay Martin.

and will return for Dunn’s offense. He also had five touchdowns. The Cowboys will also retain Bryson and Blaine Green, the newest set of twin receivers to play downs for the Cowboy receiver room.

Coming in the Cowboys bring Tayln Shettron, and his twin brother Tabry, from Edmond Santa Fe. Talyn is the 13th ranked receiver in his recruiting class and brings in more youthful talent to a budding receiving room.

The Cowboys ended 2021 with a Fiesta Bowl win, but the celebration quickly turned to work with the offseason underway with 2022 now on the horizon.

Key returners Collin Oliver- LEO

Spencer Sanders- QB Hunter Woodard- OL Jarrick Bernard-Converse- CB Blaine Green- WR/CW

Key Newcomers Talyn Shettron- WR

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Tyrone Webber- OL

Key Key losses: losses: Malcolm Rodriguez- LB

Malcolm RodriguezLB Israel Antwine-DT Josh Sills- OL

Israel Antwine Jim Knowles- DC

Josh Sills- OL Jaylen Warren- RB Tay Martin (right) leaves the wide reciever room open for younger guys.

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Chris Becker

Chris Becker

Xavier Benson- LB Cameron Epps- CB Ollie Gordon- RB

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