Friday, August 8, 2025
OSU football notebook
Gundy, Cowboys talk quarterbacks, more at media day
Gundy said. “So, we could very well end up playing two (quarterbacks) in the first game.”
both Hauss Hejny and Zane Flores Week 1. That also doesn’t mean the Cowboys will.
OSU receiver Davis doing ‘really well’ during fall camp
When the Oklahoma State football team runs into Boone Pickens Stadium to start the season Aug. 28, no one will know what to expect.
On Saturday, OSU held its football media day. Mike Gundy and his staff haven’t named a starting quarterback. Running backs have big shoes to fill after Ollie Gordon II left for the NFL draft. The Cowboys are still looking for who can be their top contributors.
“Not sure,” Gundy said when asked about the best players on the team. “I don’t know that we know.”
One player Gundy highlighted was wide receiver Terrill Davis. In a wide receiver room full of new faces, Davis could fulfill his full potential quickly.
“He’s done really well,” Gundy said. “I would say he’s exceeded my expectations, just based on my history.”
An Oklahoma City native, Davis spent the past three seasons playing at Division-II University of Central Oklahoma after redshirting his first season.
This past season, Davis led the NCAA with 1,609 receiving yards. He brings poise and experience to the team.
“He’s very mature,” Gundy said. “I think he’s comfortable because he’s from right down the road.”
See DAVIS on page 2
Mike Gundy doesn’t have a timeline to name a starting quarterback.
The Oklahoma State football coach’s latest update on the Cowboys’ most important position battle is similar to what he’s said for a while now: Gundy and Co. are waiting on someone to take the job.
“I can’t put a timeline on it until I know when it will happen, and I don’t know when it will happen,”
On Saturday, OSU held its football media day, 22 days out from its season opener against UT Martin. Uncertainty still lies across the Cowboys’ depth chart about what this team will look like. Here’s some notables from Saturday — starting with the quarterback battle:
Two-man game?
Gundy didn’t rule out playing
Until one of Flores or Hejny separates himself, OSU will continue to let them battle it out. Will it be Hejny, the speedy TCU transfer tabbed as a dual threat? Or Flores, who’s been waiting on an opportunity in Stillwater for a couple of seasons now?
Only time will tell. Gundy and his staff are still sorting through it.
Kenzie Kraich & Will Thorogood STAFF REPORTERS
Boone Pickens Stadium has been the home of Oklahoma Sate football since 1920, and more than 100 years later, it still boasts some of the most impressive experiences for fans.
USA Today tabbed BPS as the No. 25 stadium in college football, and there are lots of reasons why.
Amenities
While the tradition at BPS remains the same, there are new features coming for fans this season.
Along with its current 123 suites and 3,500 club seats, OSU is implementing six new on-field suites along the east end zone. These 14-person options will be available for group and individual purchase for spectators this fall.
“It’s just another unique way to put people even closer to the action,” OSU Associate Athletic Director of Development Operations and Strategy Brakston Brock said. “It’s the only seats we have that are actually on the field… We think it’s going to enhance the atmosphere being right there.”
The premium seating in BPS continues to be a point of emphasis for OSU as it has sold out all suites for the fifth consecutive year.
“Most people that have been on the road to other premium club suite spaces (say) that ours stands the test of time, having been open 10-15 years at this point,” Brock said.
Payton Little
Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy talks to reporters at Cowboy football media day last Saturday at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Courtesy OSU Athletics Oklahoma State wide receiver Terrill Davis (2) has made a strong impression early in fall camp. The Central Oklahoma transfer brings a veteran presence to the Cowboys.
Kenzie Kraich
Sam Mitchell STAFF REPORTER
Davis, who spoke highly of his team heading into the season, appreciated Gundy’s statement.
“It means a lot,” Davis said. “Just having a head coach have confidence, it means a lot.”
Davis’ teammates also have confidence in him. Sam Jackson V, a transfer wide receiver from Auburn, isn’t surprised. He believed Davis would be just as good as he has shown himself to be.
“I don’t know about exceeding his expectations because I expected him to come here and do that,” Jackson said. “Being that guy, even though it was where he was at (University of Central Oklahoma), still, you’ve got to be playing ball. His expectations from me were pretty high.” Jackson believes the wide receiver room has benefitted from having a lot of new faces, Davis included.
“We got some new guys in, I’m a new guy,” Jackson said. “It’s brought a lot of competition to the room, but I don’t think anybody is like, let down by that. I think that’s actually making guys showcase their talents more and just being more eager to go out there and play ball.”
In practice, it sounds like Davis has been doing just that.
“He’s made some crazy catches,” Jackson said. “He plays with a lot of effort. He’s getting better every day, to be honest.”
Davis is excited for the opportunity to fulfill his teammates and coaches’ expectations this season. “Prove everyone that believes in me right and prove everyone who doesn’t wrong,” Davis said. “That’s my biggest thing for the season.”
Davis and Jackson V are confident that themselves and their peers have pushed each other to be ready come kickoff.
“It’s a lot of new faces, and I feel like every single one of them can play,” Davis said. “It’s competition every day, and I’m just glad that I get to be a part it.”
“I’m not even saying we would be able to play two in the first game,” Gundy said. “I’m not sure. But at this point, we don’t have a guy that we would name the starter. So, all options are on the table.
“... I think they’re competing, but it’s unfair for me to say after four practices — or however many practices that we’ve had — exactly what direction we would go.”
Athleticism, depth in the secondary JK Johnson has already made strong impressions on his fellow defensive backs.
Johnson, who transferred to OSU from LSU in the spring, has the potential to be a pivotal piece for Todd Grantham’s defense in 2025. He’s 6-foot, fast and a twitchy athlete who has experience with two major FBS programs — the Tigers from 2023-24 and Ohio State from 2021-22.
On Saturday, multiple Cowboys said Johnson is one of the players who’s stood out most in camp.
“My dog JK, man,” defensive back Cam Epps said. “He been making plays and he flyin’ around. I’m excited to see him for us this year.”
But Johnson isn’t the only Cowboy who brings athleticism and experience to OSU’s new-look defensive backs room.
Jaylin Davies transferred to OSU after three seasons at UCLA and previously spent time with Oregon in 2021. He arrived in Stillwater with 40 games played, 108 tackles, four interceptions and 11 passes defended.
Epps, who tore his ACL in OSU’s game against BYU last season, is back and ready to go. Cowboys fans know him best for his pair of interceptions — including a 35-yard return for a touchdown — against Kansas State in 2023, a game OSU won and used to propel its season toward a Big 12 Championship appearance.
The Cowboys also have brothers Cam and Dylan Smith returning, and added Miami safety Zaquan Patterson, a former five-star recruit who played in 12 games for the Hurricanes last season.
Across the board, OSU’s secondary is confident it can rebound from 2024 — a season in which the Cowboys ranked No. 131 in the FBS in passing yards allowed per game with 285.6.
“I just bring experience and was able to be in a lot of big games,” Davies said. “... But we got a lot of depth and a lot of guys ready to play.”
Bouncing back in the Big 12 Shamar Rigby looks at OSU’s 2024 season as an outlier.
Rigby, one of the Cowboys’ new wide receivers who transferred from Purdue, said he had interest from SEC and ACC Schools when he entered the transfer portal, but chose OSU because he felt the school’s previous success — like an 18-year bowl game streak — was a better representation of what it offered than the 3-9 showing last season.
“I mean, they’ve been winning for years,” Rigby said. “One year doesn’t define (OSU) at all. It’s a great program. One year doesn’t define them.”
The Big 12 Conference has become known for its parity. Last season, Arizona State won the conference championship game after being picked to finish last in the league. And overall, no program has cemented itself as a dominant football force over the past couple of seasons.
Rigby said he thinks the Cowboys will “catch people off guard” next season, similar to how other Big 12 teams have in previous years.
“I like being the underdog,” Rigby said. “... That 3-9 season they just had, I feel like we can win (the conference after that) still.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little
Oklahoma State defensive back Jaylin Davies talks to reporters at Cowboy football media day last Saturday.
Payton Little Oklahoma State wide receiver Terrill Davis talks to reporters at media day. Davis played three seasons at Division II Central Oklahoma, where he had 1,609 receiving yards last season.
OSU running backs embracing versatility ahead of 2025 season
Cayden Cox STAFF REPORTER
With a blend of elusiveness and power, the Oklahoma State football running backs are poised to provide Doug Meacham’s offense with a spark.
While there’s no Doak Walker Award winner amongst the group, there are skillsets that Ollie Gordon II left behind. At OSU football media day Saturday, Sesi Vailahi talked about what he was able to learn from Gordon.
“Being a downhill runner,” he said. “When someone’s in your face, run through them.”
The Cowboys have their fair share of downhill runners with Trent Howland and Kalib Hicks. Howland ran for 230 yards on 41 carries last year, showcasing his ability to lower his shoulder and run over defenders. Hicks, who transferred from Oklahoma, also
plays with the bulldozer mentality.
Howland and Hicks showcase strength, while Rodney Fields Jr. and Freddie Brock IV bring speed. All five backs could be big-time contributors this season.
Fields turned heads in 2024, showcasing his elusiveness before redshirting. Brock, the Georgia State transfer, had 819 yards and three carries that went 50-plus yards for the Panthers.
With several guys capable of handling the rock, There’s uniqueness on the Cowboys offense. Having the ability to balance shiftiness and physicality allows for the run game to not diminish as games progress.
“There might be three or four guys rotating in games.” Vailahi said. “With each running back having different play styles, I think it would be hard to stop that.”
Having multiple play styles
in the backfield is a strength for a Cowboy offense that still has question marks in the passing game. Neither Zane Flores nor Hauss Hejny has attempted a pass in a college game, and having a successful run game should help ease the pressure on Flores and Hejny.
“We want to make sure it’s stable in the run game and pass game.” Brock said. “If we could get the ball running early in the season, it will be good for them to get some passes.”
Even though they’re competing for reps and playing time, the running backs have a brotherhood comradeship, leaning on one another and working as a unit.
“We’re all together.” Howland said. “We’re not turning against each other, We’re motivating each other and pushing each other day in and day out.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Continued from 1
Along with premium seating comes premium experiences for Cowboy fans, and with the new Kickoff Club being introduced this fall, they’ll have another opportunity to be immersed in a sea of orange and black. This new tailgating substitute, located in the O-Club room in Gallagher-Iba Arena, will allow fans to pay to come inside and enjoy a meal, to keep them out of the hot sun or just to keep them involved. While the ticket won’t act as entry to the game, it gives fans access to a fresh meal as well as TVs broadcasting other games happening throughout the nation that day.
“We really want to try to provide a seat (and experience) for everybody,” Brock said. “We’re excited about these new (ideas).”
The new experiences keep rolling for fans this fall with the opportunity to take part in the field-level tunnel club. This will give spectators access to the northwest tunnel of BPS as the Cowboys do their traditional runout with Bullet.
While the renovations to the north and south sides of the stadium over the past couple of years have decreased seating capacity inside BPS, keeping the proximity to the field was top priority.
“That was very important for us… maintaining those tight sidelines,” Brock said. “It keeps people right down on the field, and for a stadium that seats 4050,000 people, it feels much bigger than that... We use that to our advantage.”
The Boone Pickens Legacy Experience, located in the east end zone of BPS, honors the life and legacy of Boone Pickens — one of OSU’s most generous donors. Throughout the experience, spectators see a story unfold through artifacts and anecdotes of Pickens’ life.
In 2005, Pickens donated $165 million — one of the largest gifts ever given to a university athletic department. He totaled more than $650 million in donations to OSU, making the experience in BPS a justifiable addition.
Also in the east end zone are four levels of athletic facilities.
The bottom level houses locker and weight rooms, and the second is reserved for team meeting rooms. Move up one more and you’ll find the coaches’ offices, and the fourth floor is where athletes can find the Training Table — their own cafeteria.
The stadium’s video board is unique, coming in at eye level for spectators. While most schools opt to put boards higher up, OSU has made sure to keep fans immersed in the action.
Tradition Memories are made with every gameday in BPS, and the ranking from USA Today is a testament to the Cowboys’ dedication to tradition.
The song played after every OSU touchdown ignites an immediate wave from fans. Going back to 1908, the tradition began when OSU’s speech instructor H.G. Seldombridge visited Columbia University and drew inspiration from a performance of “The Red Mill.” He took lyrics from the show and adjusted them to say “O-A-M-C, O-A-M-C, we’ll sing your praise tonight.” It was an anthem for what was then Oklahoma A&M College, but it remains an integral piece of OSU’s tradition more than a century later.
The Paddle People of OSU are part a unique tradition at OSU. Kickstarted by a group of students sneaking into the stadium before game time with orange paddles back in the 90s, the club continues to be the beat of the drum inside BPS, literally.
From jingling keys to “Zombie Nation” during kickoff to standing side by side for Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” after every third quarter, the Cowboy family connects for a few hours every gameday.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little
Oklahoma State running back Freddie Brock IV talks with reporters at media day last Saturday at Gallagher-Iba Area.
Kenzie Kraich OSU will introduce six new on-field suites for the 2025 football season.
sports
OSU softball adds transfer infielder Perez
Parker Gerl CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Oklahoma State softball is bolstering its infield with a transfer portal pickup.
On Monday, the Cowgirls announced the signing of infielder Selena Perez, who spent the previous three seasons at Long Beach State.
“We’re very happy to add Selena to the group,” OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said in a press release. “She brings a level of experience on the left side of the infield that should make for a fun battle to watch this fall.”
Perez holds a career .166 batting average in 277 at-bats with 24 runs scored and 28 RBI. This past season, she set a single-season career high with 15 runs scored and slashed .167/.245/.271 with five doubles, one triple, one home run and 11 RBI.
A native of Chandler, Arizona, Perez is the Cowgirls’ fourth Division I transfer addition. She joins utility player Jayden Jones (Virginia Tech), outfielder Kaya Booker (Georgia Tech) and outfielder Melina Wilkinson (Indiana).
“I’m beyond excited to be a part of a winning culture with the most amazing coaches and girls,” Perez said in a press release. “Being a Cowgirl means so much to me and I can’t wait to make history with this team.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
OSU soccer lands three on Preseason All-Big 12 list
Kenzie
Kraich EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Three Oklahoma State soccer athletes found their way to the Preseason All-Big 12 list on Tuesday. Xcaret Pineda, Laudan Wilson and Jazmin Brown are expected to head the Cowgirls — and possibly the Big 12 — in the upcoming season.
Pineda is wrapping up a successful junior campaign, boasting six goals, 16 points and four assists. She was top three on the Cowgirl roster last season in all three categories. She also received All-Midwest Region and All-Big 12 First Team honors in 2024 and started all 22 games for OSU.
The Bolingbrook, Illinois, native
SINCE 1957,
230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074
Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!
spent time with the Mexico U23 National Team in the offseason, adding to her already-impressive resume.
Pineda and Wilson have been a dynamic duo for the Cowgirls the past couple of seasons and are two of the seven returners who started at least 10 games last season.
Wilson led OSU in scoring during her standout sophomore season, scoring 19 points and tapping in five goals. Her nine assists put her second in the Big 12 in 2024 and helped her earn All-Big 12 First Team honors along with Pineda.
Brown, a transfer from Kansas State, joins the Cowgirls in familiar conference territory. The senior earned All-Big 12 Second
Team honors in 2024 and led the Wildcats in minutes played with 1,450.
Over her first three seasons at KSU, Brown appeared in 55 games, starting 53. She started 18 games in her junior season and earned Big 12 All-Freshman honors in 2022.
The Cowgirls found themselves at the No. 7 spot in the coaches’ Big 12 rankings, putting them in the middle of a 16-team league. Just a season ago, the team was picked to finish eighth in the conference, but ended with a 6-3-2 record to finish fifth.
OSU is set to play at Tulsa on Friday at 7 p.m. before its home opener against Mercer on Aug. 14.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
The O’Colly has carrier positions open for the new school year. These positions are each Friday from 5 a.m. to approximately 7 a.m. Carriers deliver approximately 1000 papers each to newspaper racks all over campus. We also have a position open to deliver to several hotels in the Stillwater community. Campus carriers are required to have a backup carrier in the event you are not able to deliver papers.
If you are an early riser and are dependable we urge you to apply. Position starts August 15, 2025.
Please send resume to Lori@ocolly.com
Payton Little
Oklahoma State soccer’s Xcaret Pineda (left) was tabbed as a Preseason All-Big 12 selection Tuesday. Pineda is coming off a junior season in which she scored six goals. She’s one of three OSU players to receive preseason Big 12 honors.
Chance Marick
Oklahoma State softball coach Kenny Gajewski has added four Division I transfers this offseason. The latest is Selena Perez, an infielder who played the past three seasons at Long Beach State.
Oklahoma State football head
Mike Gundy talks to the media during Oklahoma State football’s media day in Stillwater.
Photos by Payton Little Kalib Hicks,
Mike Gundy and the Oklahoma State football team will open
season play on Aug. 28 in Stillwater.
Zane Flores is is competing for the Cowboys’ starting QB job.
OSU wide receiver Terrill Davis played three seasons at Division II Central Oklahoma, where he had 1,609 receiving yards last season.
Oklahoma State football players attended OSU’s media day in Stillwater last week.
Friday, August 8, 2025
Bucket list to finish your summer in Stillwater
Raynee Howell NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Summer for Oklahoma State students ends the second the first Edmon Low Library bell rings on an August morning. With only two weekends left until we leave the sweltering heat for airconditioned classrooms and new coursework, there is just enough time to savor your last few moments of summer in Stillwater.
Block 34
Stillwater’s newest downtown hot spot, Block 34, offers a unique park space for several activities. The open grass area is perfect for relaxing, reading a book or practicing some yoga. Bringing a blanket for a picnic is another way to connect with friends before class begins. The park also features displays honoring Stillwater’s music history. A walk through the park will not only enlighten you intellectually, but will also reconnect you with nature.
There’s also a small water feature to cool off in.
To shop Oklahoma-owned businesses, Market 34, located in the park, is open each Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.
Downtown boutiques
Local businesses blossom beyond Block 34 in the downtown area. Find a spot on Main Street to park and walk into any boutique to experience the small-town, westerninspired fashion.
Bloom with Grace — a
mother-daughter-owned boutique downtown — offers graphic tees, jewelry and Christian merchandise. The Beadery on Main is also a good spot for jewelry, specifically turquoise. Oklahoma-inspired home decor, candles and Oklahoma State game-day outfits can be found here.
Greige Goods is a good place to find a dress for an upcoming fall day. The boutique also caters to sororities including Greek letters on a few pieces of clothing.
If shopping for clothes isn’t your scene, Bliss Books & Bindery offers old and new books. The store often hosts events and is right next to Balanced Coffee Co. if you need a drink to accompany your literary finds.
Brunch
Before venturing onto Main Street, grabbing brunch is essential. The Hatch and Granny’s Kitchen are both great options available downtown.
To get a caffeine fix, head over to Roundhouse Bakery behind The Hatch. The place has amazing coffee, but the atmosphere is even better — and perfect for Instagram pictures.
Cool off
It’s been a hot summer, and it’s not cooling off anytime soon. While you still have the time, find a place to swim. The Colvin Pool is open Monday through Friday 1-7 p.m. and 127 p.m. on the weekends. It gives you a chance to get back on
campus but also avoid the heat. Lake Carl Blackwell is also only a few miles out of town and is complete with a beach and swimming area. Grab a cheap cooler from the gas station, a towel and some sunscreen and have a beach day without the drive.
Sunsets Oklahoma is known for its paintings in the sky. Going to see the sunset in one of the campus parking garages allows
TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR!
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Is.55:6 NIV)
It is worthwhile to take the time; to stop and consider your way of life and make resolutions; new steps to take to make your life more meaningful or productive. Maybe you are doing this, or maybe you have just given up on the whole idea.
Can you remember when you were a child, how time went by so slowly? It seemed like it took forever for the holidays to arrive. Now time passes so swiftly; the years seem to rush by. The turn of the century seemed so far away when I was younger. Now we are nearly twenty years into the 21st century.
I want to encourage you to stop and consider your life; especially the remainder. None of us know when our life may end. Jesus spoke of those who
would come into their purposes in the “eleventh hour;” right at the end of life’s work day.(Mt.20) You may think that it is too late to turn your life over to Christ; there is such little time left on “your calendar.” Yet, those who come in at the “eleventh hour” will receive the same wages as those who labored the whole day. We need to work in God’s purpose for our lives while we still have time. The Bible tells us the time is coming when “no man can work.” (Jn.9:4)
As you set your heart and get definite about trusting God with your life and serving him, you will find wonderful opportunities will open for you. You see God has his purposes for you planned out, and he will begin to open doors that you know nothing about. There will be such great satisfaction in serving and finishing what he has for you to accomplish. When your life does end, and it will, you will be so glad you have followed Christ. The Bible tells us that your labor for him is not in vain. (1 Co.15:58)
you to see the beautiful hues for miles. 4th Avenue Garage and Monroe Street Garage go high enough to see over the buildings and into the horizon. Be careful near the edge, and keep in mind that during the school year, unauthorized inhabitants of the garage may be asked to leave.
Line dancing and live music
While in the place Red Dirt country music calls home, all you can do is slide on your
cowboy boots and find a dance hall. The Dirty Rooster has line dancing, led by local dancer Pepper, most Thursdays. The crowd favorite Tumbleweed Dancehall will be open Aug. 14, the Thursday before class. A few of the bars also host weekly mic nights and karaoke if dancing isn’t your scene but country music is. Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q , for example, hosts a weekly competition on Wednesday nights.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Cristian Mendoza
Block 34, located at 218 W. 9th Ave., is open and ready for people to enjoy.
‘Happy Gilmore 2’ leans into nostalgia, brings back iconic moments, stars
Raynee Howell NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
A Netflix sequel is not always the most appealing descriptor for a movie, but for “Happy Gilmore 2,” it is.
Legacy sequels often stray too far away from the original and almost never satisfy the fans of the first movie. But with Adam Sandler having free rein to incorporate celebrity cameos, his family as regular cast members and original clips from the first film, it felt like a heartwarming tribute to a decades-old comfort movie.
The original clips not only called back to some of the most iconic — and quotable — moments of the original, but also made references easier to catch for those who haven’t seen “Happy Gilmore” in a while, or at all. From Happy’s caddie becoming a golfer to Hal L. (Ben Stiller) coming back as the leader of the AA meetings, it leans on characters from the original to interest older viewers.
That’s not to say it doesn’t target the new generation. Celebrities such as Post Malone, Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce and Ethan Cutkosky (Carl Gallagher from “Shameless”) keep you on your toes and on the lookout. With each snappy line, the viewer is squinting at the TV, questioning where they’ve seen that actor or celebrity before.
The storyline differs from the original but aligns closely. Happy Gilmore is still in it for the prize money, but this time to send his daughter to dance school — and to get back his grandma’s house, which he
loses after punching a repo guy he thinks is breaking into his car during the first five minutes of the movie.
The introduction brings viewers up to speed, killing off Happy’s wife — from a tee shot — and introducing their four sons and one daughter. Then a string of misfortune follows Happy, leaving him broke and unable to fund his daughter’s dancing education.
John Daly of all people encourages a now-alcoholic Happy to pursue golf again.
The pro golf organization is losing sponsors to a new faster-paced league called Maxi, whose golf play ironically reminded me of a Dude Perfect YouTube video.
To save “real” golf, the top five winners of the pro tournament are set to play against the best in the Maxi league.
And for some reason, Guy Fieri and Eminem appear.
Actual pro golfers from the PGA play with Happy. Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka compete in the pro tournament and the Maxi tournament. Scheffler ends up punching another golfer and ending up in jail for the rest of the Maxi tournament, referencing his actual visit to jail after punching a competitor during the 2024 PGA championship.
With another disqualification from Koepka’s broken arm, a fresh-out-of-the-psych-ward fan favorite Shooter McGavin secures a tie for the team, leaving Happy Gilmore to beat his new rival Billy Jenkins, who is played by the hilarious Haley
Joel Osment. Bad Bunny is Happy’s caddie, and honestly is one of the best characters in the stacked cast. And of course, Happy wins and saves the day with Bad Bunny’s help because it is a goodnatured comedy. Sandler creating this movie with his family contributes to its feel-good vibe. One comedic moment that only true fans of the Sandler family caught was
when Sadie Sandler, his oldest daughter, told Happy Gilmore in an AA meeting that he reminded her of her dad.
The movie also featured a video of Sandler’s youngest, Sunny Sandler, dancing as a younger child in a flashback, as she was the daughter who danced in the movie.
Her mother and Sandler’s wife, Jackie Sandler, was her dance teacher. These
connections only strengthened the dynamics between the characters played by Sandler and his family.
Just like sequels don’t always work, a bunch of celebrity cameos and surprise guests don’t always work, but “Happy Gilmore 2” made it work. The difference that sets it apart — Sandler and his creative freedom.
Courtesy Netflix
Adam Sandler stars in the Netflix sequel to his 1996 classic “Happy Gilmore,” alongside huge names such as Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny and Post Malone. Sandler also cast members of his family in the film.
Stillwater High School shares vision for upcoming construction years
Raynee Howell NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Stillwater Public Schools is a year into construction on its brand-new high school, and its vision is more tangible than ever.
Creating a more unified campus with larger facilities to fit extracurricular activities and more students is the district’’s goal for the new high school. The current school only holds students in 10th through 12th grade, and the new school will have room to add nith grade.
The current 9-12 enrollment is around 1,700. The new building will be able to house 1,960 students, which leaves room for students who spend part of the day off campus for concurrent enrollment and other activities. It also is equipped for future expanded class sizes.
The change is coming quickly. The upcoming school year is the last year freshmen will be considered junior high. The grade configuration for the
next school year will be Pre-K through fifth grade in elementary, sixth and seventh grades in middle school, eighth grade in junior high and freshmen through seniors in high school. This is a transitional year to prepare for the final grade configuration.
The final grade configuration will be Pre-K through fourth in elementary, fifth and sixth grades in middle school, seventh and eighth grades in junior high and the same for high school. Superintendent Tyler Bridges acknowledged the district’s multi-year commitment to bringing freshmen to the high school in a press release.
“This is going to be an amazing facility,” Bridges said. “I’m thoroughly impressed by the work the district has done leading up to this point. I know a bond issue, campus expansion and a construction project of this size take years of careful planning.”
Moving ninth grade to high school has several benefits. It will expose freshmen to a larger social environment,
and high school coursework will all be in one building. In years past, 50% of summer school enrollment has been ninth graders needing required credits for graduation. Keeping the curriculum and staff in one location will allow the ninth graders to take the correct courses, especially as new academic requirements are approved.
The new academic buildings are set to be completed in fall 2026 — in time for the next school year. Extracurricular spaces are scheduled to begin construction shortly after. The plans are developing quicker than originally planned, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Bo Gamble said.
“During planning for the new building, post-pandemic construction costs were skyrocketing, and we were anticipating a smaller facility,” Gamble said in a press release. “But by the time bids were coming in, we were able to get not only a larger facility, but also add on the 36,240 square foot performing arts wing and some additional classroom
space about 10 years before we thought we would.”
The plan has long been for the high school to be surrounded by facilities — baseball and softball to the north and other academic facilities to the south, near the football stadium. To add more extracurricular facilities to the south, the current SHS building is set to be demolished. The demolition is planned for fall 2026.
Knocking down the building saves the district money that would be used for its renovation. About $1.5 million is needed for the demolition, while more than $30 million would be needed to renovate the current high school.
These advances all align with the district’s vision of growth and success for its students.
“We want to make sure that each of these facilities is serving their students well,” Bridges said. When it gets down to it, the reasons we’re here are the kids and what’s best for them.”
Courtesy Stillwater Public Schools