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T H E O ’ C O L LY

GO DOWN in histo ry 2015 O’Colly Football Preview

O C O L LY. C O M AUGUST 28, 2015

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KURT STEISS, O’COLLY FILE PHOTOS, OSU ATHLETICS, TULSA WORLD

HOPES, hype AND DREAMS SPORTS I Mason Rudolph is 20 years old, but the weight of a community rests on his right arm

Cody S tav e n h a g e n S r. S po rt s R e p o rt e r @ C o d y S tav e n h a g e n

Stillwater is a town of contradiction. It is a place where a Garth Brooks bar anthem is somehow sung like gospel, where wearing bright orange from head to toe is always in fashion. It is a place where a mascot fashioned in the image of a wild west gunslinger makes appearances at birthdays and weddings. Where a football stadium’s capacity is larger than the town’s population. And where the biggest dreams of an Oklahoma community rest on the right arm of a 20-year-old quarterback from South Carolina. When Mason Rudolph walked into the practice gym at historic Gallagher-Iba Arena on Aug. 8, it became a weird cross between a Hollywood premiere and Oklahoma State football media day. A line of teammates mockingly cooed like paparazzi.

Maaaaaasonnnnnn.

Photographers from a handful of media outlets asked him to pose for photo after photo. He had enough sense to decline an opportunity to do the Heisman pose, but he flexed his arms, pointed toward the sky, did his best to scowl into the camera. Like most college sophomores would, he felt out of place. “It’s a little awkward,” he said. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

“Doing all the striking poses is too much. It’s not what I’m into, at all.” It is, though, what he is forced into as a 6-foot-4 golden child with a chiseled jaw, tan skin, obvious talent and a certain grace under pressure that coaches and teammates rave about. When Rudolph sat down, a horde of cameras surrounded him while most of his teammates sat alone (“I’ll get crap for this when I get back to the locker room,” he said). Most of Rudolph’s answers were mundane, but he exuded the confidence his supporters want to see. They hope Rudolph can erase the years of losing records, the NCAA probation of the 1990s, the heartbreaks against hated OU. They dream of arriving at the mountaintop. “We’ve been talking about winning a Big 12 championship,” Rudolph said. “That’s the goal every year here, and once we get there, who knows what’s next?” Oklahoma State fans have hailed him as a prince, celebrated him as if he were a warrior. He has played three college games.

HOPING TO WIN

This place is not Tuscaloosa or Auburn. It’s hyperbole to say the hopes of a community depend upon Rudolph. A hope is different, more tangible than a dream. In their long history, the Cowboys of Oklahoma A&M have lost plenty of football games. Regrettable losses even marred the most iconic seasons in school history, 1988 and 2011. In 1988, the Cowboys lost to rival Oklahoma after Brent Parker dropped a fourth-down pass in the back of the end zone with 43 seconds left. In 2011, the second-

ranked Cowboys got upset on a Friday night when a field goal sailed high over the goal post and was called wide right. Iowa State went on to win in double overtime, and fans stormed the field. OSU finished the regular season 11-1 and missed out on the national title game. In 2001, first-year coach Les Miles met with a newly hired broadcaster named Dave Hunziker. They ate at Mexico Joe’s, a spin-off of the Stillwater landmark Eskimo Joe’s. Hunziker asked Miles what his biggest challenge would be, thinking he would get an answer about creating turnovers or establishing a sound running game. “Without hesitation, he said, ‘Creating a winning mood,’” Hunziker said. “People in Stillwater don’t expect to win. They hope to win.” This is why casual OSU fans are a rare breed. Either you’re all in or you aren’t in at all. When Matt Fletcher came to campus in 2004, he would have picked OSU over OU, but he was far from a fanatic. By the time his days as a student were over, he wore hula skirts to football games, camped out 48 days straight for basketball games and became so visible as a super fan that it helped him get a job with OSU Communications. He now works in the athletic department promoting OSU sports. “The culture here on campus sucks you in,” Fletcher said. “It’s almost hard to be an OSU fan. To be that diehard, you almost have to be baptized in orange.” Graham Coffelt, a sports media senior, grew up close to FayetteOCOLLY.COM

ville, Arkansas. He came to OSU in 2012, where he joined OSU’s Paddle People, a fan group so notorious for the noise its paddles create in Boone Pickens Stadium that it was the impetus behind the Big 12 cracking down on artificial noisemakers in 2012. Each group member has an identity, a sort of alter ego. Coffelt stood out by buying an orange jumpsuit off eBay and painting his face as an homage

to one of his favorite bands, Slipknot. He was the Paddle People’s president in 2014, sat on the front row of every game and was a go-to shot for camera crews. Soon, people wanted to take pictures with him. He even had two children, maybe 7 or 8 years old, come up to him with their faces painted similarly. “The only way to do it here is to jump in with both feet,” Coffelt said.

GALVANIZING MOMENT

The Cowboys have lost 83 football games to the Oklahoma Sooners and won 19 (don’t forget the seven ties). In 2011, OSU beat OU for the first time in nine years and sealed the school’s first Big 12 football championship. The fans mobbed the field and declared Oklahoma the Cowboy State. Saying it was a manifestation of a Stillwater inferiority complex makes sense only on the surface. “For a lot of people, (the win) was something they thought they’d never see,” Hunziker said. Stillwater is a resilient place because the Cowboys have lost more than games. In 2001, 10 members of the men’s basketball program died STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 3

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when another plane crashed. OSU lost that game to Iowa State the next night. When the Cowboys beat OU two weeks later, the student section didn’t rush that field to mock big brother; the students did it because when their Cowboys win, they are proud like parents after graduation. That win was one to remember forever. Fletcher, sitting with alumni, started hugging people he had never met. He remembers tearing up because it went beyond football. It was a galvanizing moment for his surrogate family. OU fans love their football team. OSU fans love their university. “I remember watching our students go over the wall onto the field, and I kind of shrugged for a second,” Fletcher said. “I was watching our students pile onto the field, and I was like, ‘That’s all I wanted. I wanted to do that once.’” OSU is different from many competitive programs because football isn’t everything. It is a part of everything, but not the driving force. In Stillwater, people hope the Cowboys play well so fraternity brothers can cheer with sorority sisters, so fathers can celebrate with sons. There are schools with far larger enrollment than Oklahoma State, but there is a reason it boasts the self-proclaimed “America’s

Greatest Homecoming.” Coffelt said the town has a certain effect that draws people back. “It’s a family town with a college in it,” Coffelt said. The people dream of winning the Big 12, of running down a mythical national championship, of watching an archetypical quarterback chase a Heisman Trophy. “It’s because we haven’t reached the mountaintop,” Coffelt said. “We’re still climbing.” Once in a generation or so, some of those dreams become reality. Bob Fenimore. Barry Sanders. Brandon Weeden. An optimistic community like Stillwater never stops dreaming. What if OSU could become a perennial power? What if the fans had a savior of a quarterback to take them there?

HANDLING THE HYPE

This is a place that can feel isolated from the rest of the world. Stillwater is an hour drive from cities such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and not much is in between. Despite the university’s growth in the past decade, Stillwater has a death grip on its small-town feel. Boone Pickens Stadium, renovated in 2009 to become a small palace, sits with its east end connected to Gallagher-Iba Arena, once known as the Madison Square Garden of the plains. The classic hangout, Eskimo Joe’s, is a short walk south on Duck Street. There

are three churches within a block, another reminder that football is not religion, but they are perfect for confession after too much fun at the tailgate or too much rage after a loss. “For (the stadium) to sit so intimately next to everything is so unique and cool,” Hunziker said. “I like to call it the Wrigley Field of college football because it has lots of quirks, and it’s almost just sprung up out of the middle of town.” Rudolph is not mobbed in the way Johnny Manziel was at Texas A&M because of both his personality and the town’s. Still, he is the center of his small world “In Stillwater, he’s like a celebrity,” receiver David Glidden said. “Everywhere he goes, people are turning their heads.” Rudolph acknowledges he is getting more attention, but he plays down the extent of it. He said he takes mostly online classes, so cross-campus walks are rare. The OSU media relations department has eased him into stardom. He wasn’t a representative at Big 12 Media Days; only proven veterans get that honor. He is not on the front or back covers of the team’s media guide. He is, though, stuck in the middle of two worlds, college student and star quarterback. He is the grandson of a preacher, the son of a North Carolina football player and a Liberty track star. This summer,

he made a trip to Israel. He saw The Sea of Galilee and The Garden Tomb. On the same trip, by coincidence, he met the Backstreet Boys and posted pictures on social media. Celebrity followed him on a religious trek. A recent fan survey posted on the OSU blog Pistols Firing got 1,509 responses. Rudolph led the way with 36.6 percent of the vote for favorite offensive player. Ninety percent of fans want to see OSU win a national title in football more than any other sport, and 78 percent believe the Cowboys will play in the championship game in the next 10 years. The hype, in reality, is absurd. Rudolph enrolled early at OSU in the spring of 2014. He was a four-star recruit, expected to be the Cowboys’ next great quarterback. But it all happened so soon. Late in the 2014 season, OSU was running on fumes, in danger of missing a bowl for the first time since 2005. J.W. Walsh, the starter in the season opener, was out for the year with a foot injury. Daxx Garman, the backup, had been up and down and had symptoms of a concussion after the Texas defensive line used him as a punching bag in November. Coach Mike Gundy pulled Rudolph’s redshirt. His first game was against No. 6 Baylor. In the spring and early fall, Rudolph had been far from ready. He

was slow to grasp the intricacies of the offense and adjust to the speed of the college game. Midway through the season, there were signs that was beginning to change. “I had someone call my attention to it at practice,” Hunziker said. “One of the support staff members told me, ‘Keep an eye on Mason. I think he’s starting to turn the corner.’ And it was true.” The Cowboys lost at Baylor as expected, but Rudolph opened some eyes. He threw for 281 yards, a record for an OSU quarterback’s debut. He started the next week against OU and helped lead a fourthquarter comeback and overtime win that changed the direction of the program. He started in a Cactus Bowl win against Washington and passed for 299 yards and two touchdowns. The three-game coup d’état drew so much attention that Rudolph is tired of talking about it, though even he understands. “That’s all (the media) has to go off with me,” he said. Rudolph has never started in Boone Pickens Stadium. He has never experienced the tolls of a grueling full season. He has never had to bear the smoldering weight of an entire university’s attention and expectations. “Mason has the chance to be very, very good,” Hunziker story continues on page 4

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said. “But I think you do have to remember, experience at that position is a big deal, and it may take a few games for him to get settled in.” Gundy has a history of shrouding his quarterback position in mystery, but he was quick to declare Rudolph the unquestioned starter in the spring. Gundy said he wanted Rudolph to get acclimated to being a leader.

RISE OF A PROGRAM

It wasn’t so long ago Oklahoma State football games rarely attracted more than 35,000 people. They didn’t all wear orange, and they sat in the rickety bleachers of Lewis Field. Wrestling and basketball were the strongholds of the school’s athletic success. In the past decade, the entire feel has changed. It started with Miles, who did his best to create that winning culture. In 2001, Rashaun Woods caught a legendary late touchdown pass to beat OU, and suddenly the program picked up momentum. OSU alum Boone Pickens donated more than $165 million to transform OSU’s athletic complexes. Miles left to become coach at LSU, where he would win a national title, and Gundy took his alma mater to the most

successful period in its history. “Now you can sense game day from the minute you leave my driveway out on the edge of town,” Hunziker said. “The closer you get to town and into campus, the more you can feel it. It’s everywhere. That was not true in 2001. Not at all. Not even remotely true. “To think that you have a 60,000-seat stadium that was full – people would have said that is the stupidest thing you could ever imagine. But here we sit.” Rudolph is the face of this team, but a veteran defense will be its backbone. Add a deep offensive line and a long list of receivers who could make Rudolph’s job easy, and the excitement entering this season is the highest it’s been since Weeden and receiver Justin Blackmon announced their return for 2011.

PROMISE OF THE FUTURE

Don’t forget, Stillwater is a town of contradiction. The Cowboys are not actually ranked in the preseason top 25. They are picked to finish fourth in the Big 12. “If you talk to people in Stillwater, you’d think we’re in the top five teams in the country,” Fletcher said. This is a place where winning isn’t everything, but the promise of winning, even in its theory, is a big deal.

kurt steiss/O’COLLY file photo The Paddle People are one of the traditions that make OSU and Stillwater different from other college towns and universities.

John Reber graduated from Oklahoma A&M in 1958 and is the patriarch of an OSU family. His youngest son was an equipment manager for OSU football in the late 1980s. Three of his grandsons have attended OSU. All three have been in the same fraternity because in Stillwater, tradition matters. Reber’s oldest grandson worked film for the football program. The middle grandson, Bryant, is a walk-on cornerback.

The youngest is beginning his sophomore year. “So many memories,” Reber said. “You go back through the years …” OSU and family are synonymous, but you can’t describe the meaning of either of those in one sentence. Reber attended OSU’s Fan Appreciation Day in August and brought with him a white football from the 1987 Sun Bowl. Gundy had signed it as a player

28 years ago, but it was in pencil, and the signature had faded away. Reber got Gundy to trace over it in black marker, bringing to life decades of memories. He held the past proudly. But Reber, who turns 87 on Sept. 17, is thrilled for the future. “It means a whole lot,” Reber said. “I just can’t be happier with the way I’m thinking about this year.” Sports@ocolly.com

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Quoteboard: What are the Cowboys most looking forward to about this season? There is plenty to be excited about this season. A full season of Mason Rudolph. Home games against TCU, Baylor and OU. But what about the season starting are players most looking forward to? James Washington, receiver “I’m looking forward to being better than last year. We had the (rough) year last year, but this year, we’re coming out strong. Gonna set a tone this year.” Zach Crabtree, offensive line “Watching this team compete. Watching this team play week in, and week out. It’s gonna be an exciting year. There are gonna be a lot of big football games played here in Boone Pickens Stadium that we have to win to have a big season.” Kevin Peterson, cornerback Just us getting back out there on the field. Last year we ended the season pretty well, we beat OU and we won our

bowl game, but at the same time we lost a lot of games before that. We’re gonna bounce back from that. We’re gonna give them our best effort and we’re going for the Big 12 championship.

Emmanuel Ogbah, defensive end “(Opening on the road) doesn’t really matter to me. Anywhere I go I like to give it my all for myself and my teammates. Wherever we go, we just have to play hard and ball hard.”

Ryan Simmons, linebacker Something new. Something that (the fans) probably really wouldn’t expect. Last year we started out pretty good, then we went through a time where we had some rough patches. Everybody feels that we can be really, really good around here. Just expect great things from us. We expect great things from each other, so it’s gonna be a great season.

Mason Rudolph, quarterback “I think we’re gonna really play fast. We’ve got a lot of work in, as far as spring, this fall camp. We did well, and I think our defense is gonna be a real force. We’ve got a great defensive line. Both sides of the ball, really firing on all cylinders. We’re still taking steps forward here during these final days of preparation, but I think everyone should be excited.”

“It’s been long. It’s been great to get back at it, but we’re gonna take advantage of these next practices and really try to iron out all the details and mistakes, but we’re looking forward to it.”

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The prophecy of Ogbah, a child of destiny SPORTS I Emmanuel Ogbah nearly died at birth. Now, the Cowboys’ defensive end is a potential first-round pick,

Chandler Vessels S PO RT S R e p o rt e r @ChandlerVessels

When Emmanuel Ogbah was born, his parents were shocked to find him alive. The umbilical cord was coiled around him like a boa constrictor. They feared their baby would be strangled, gone before they had a chance to meet him. Fortunately, that just wasn’t how the story was to be written. Emmanuel survived with no long-term effects and proved his ability not only to persevere, but prosper from day one. His parents gave him the middle name Ikechukwu — pronounced ee-KEH-choo-quoo. The name means “God’s power” in Igbo, a native language of Nigeria. His father, Richard Ogbah, came away with a revelation. “Emmanuel, from his conception, he is just a child of destiny,” he said. “… Everywhere he goes, whatever he sets out to do, becomes done.”

Coming to America

A defensive end at Okla-

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

homa State, Emmanuel was born in Nigeria but immigrated to America with his family in 2004, when he was 9 years old. Because he was so young, his memories of Nigeria are foggy. What he does remember is his first day in America. As his family drove through their new home, Emmanuel was in awe of everything he saw. It was as if he were putting on a new pair of glasses for the first time. Even stoplights and stop signs were sights to behold. “It was a different environment,” he said. “I had never been to a place like this before. It was crazy. It was a rush. I was young. I was excited. I was happy to be in a new place.” His father had lived in Nigeria all his life and knew that life there was arduous. When Richard was just 7 years old, his parents died in an accident while taking public transport from the village they lived in to the city. Because of the tragedy, he learned independence at a young age. But he was not entirely alone. After the accident, Richard and his five siblings went to live with their aunt and uncle. They lived in a village where the community was tight-knit, sharing food and other necessities. To them, family became a word that referred not only to parents, brothers and

sisters, but also to aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended family. Richard has few fond memories of Nigeria. The day he killed his first antelope is one he remembers dearly, as is the day he married his wife, Regina. However, with over half of the people in Nigeria living in poverty, he remembers it more for its destitute villages and gaunt citizens. In spite of this, Richard had managed to make a nice life for himself. He attended the University of Lagos in Nigeria, where he earned a

Bachelor of Science in business administration and management. He also attended Bible school and was ordained as a minister. He later became a bank manager. But he had a family, and was faced with an important decision. Richard wanted a better life for Emmanuel; his older brother, Kingsley; and two younger sisters, Victoria and Faith. Once he OCOLLY.COM

had saved enough money for a house, Richard moved his family to Houston. “The real reason I came to this place was my family, my children,” he said. “I said early on that things in Nigeria are not really all that nice. When I look at my children, I wanted to give them a better education, a better life, to make sure they have everything that they need. That they do their best to be what God wants them to

be.” Richard expected to find a job as a banker, but his searching turned up no results. He ended up going back to school at Ocean Corporation Engineering Institute, eventually earning a degree in NonDestructive Engineering. He now works as a pipe line inspector for Exxon Mobil. Soon after they settled, the Ogbahs were blessed with their fifth child, Angel. As his father toiled to provide for his family, Emmanuel watched, soaking in valu-

able lessons. “My dad has a huge impact on me because he is the only one that works for a family of seven,” Ogbah said. “Driving on the highway every day at work, that just inspired me. I want to help him out. I want to keep playing for him.”

The prophecy

From an early age, there were signs that Emmanuel would be an athlete. He remembers receiving a soccer ball story continues on page 7 PAGE 6

continued from page 6

perhaps a harbinger of his future profession. But he soon gravitated to basketball, and by middle school, he, along with Kingsley, expressed a desire to try football. His parents didn’t like the idea. “When he opted to play football — because football is alien to us, we don’t know much about football — I resented it,” his father said. “Me and my wife resented it. We said no. Football is too violent.” They would rather the boys play a sport they were familiar with, like basketball. But Emmanuel was headstrong. After much resistance and prayer, Richard got his answer. “While we were praying,

there was a prophecy about him doing well in football,” Richard said. “He had not even started playing much. The prophecy confirmed that he will be all right and will do well and be successful by God’s grace.” Richard knew what he had to do. Although he was still not keen on the idea, there was nothing else he could do. As a child of destiny, Emmanuel’s success was inevitable, though he had just become a teenager. He allowed both Emmanuel and Kingsley to join the football team. “We never supported it initially,” Richard said. “But, as a servant of God, whatever happens in my family and in my life, I take it to God to give me direction as to what to do. These children, they are different from me. They

are not like me. This is what they have chosen to do. If I don’t support them, I will be depriving them of their happiness.” Emmanuel showed nothing but commitment. Richard remembers one day after Emmanuel had joined the team, he came home feeling sick. His mother checked his temperature, and it was high. He had football practice that evening. “His mother told him ‘You won’t go to practice today until I see your temperature is fine,’” Richard said. “He didn’t say anything.” As soon as his mother stepped out of the house, Emmanuel began planning his escape. Before she returned, he had sneaked out and ran to the practice field. His parents arrived at

the school to find their son, sweating it out with the rest of his teammates. They explained the situation to his coach, who was oblivious to the fact that Emmanuel was running a fever, and took him home. Not long after, the Ogbahs attended their first football game. “As soon as we walked in the gate, they started announcing our name,” Richard said. “They said ‘Emmanuel’s parents are here.’ My wife looked at me and said ‘What is going on?’ That was the first time that football was exciting. From that point, I never looked back.” He remembers hearing a voice exclaim “Emmanuel Ogbah!” on the loudspeaker with every tackle his son made. It filled him with

pride.

Climbing the ladder

So far, the prophecy is proving to be true. Emmanuel is entering his junior season at OSU, and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him as the eighth-best prospect for the 2016 NFL Draft. When offensive linemen see the 6-foot-4, 275-pound beast charging toward them, they can only brace themselves and hope he doesn’t run them over. “He’s the type of guy that will stick you if you need to be stuck,” Texas Tech center Jared Kaster said at Big 12 Media Days in Dallas. Emmanuel was named Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year last season after recording 11 sacks and 17.5 story continues on page 8

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tackles for loss. His penchant for pummeling opposing quarterbacks is one fueled by resentment. “I’m not sure how many people know, but I used to play backup quarterback, and when I got to high school, I tried it and they didn’t want me to play,” he said. “I actually got mad at every quarterback that I played against. I just wanted to get back there and hit them.” But Emmanuel wasn’t always a star. Defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer remembers when he first saw Emmanuel play. “He was real raw,” Spencer said. “Didn’t play strong. He had some athleticism for his size, but he had so much to learn. He didn’t play with good leverage. In high school, he could get away with some stuff, then his first year here, … he wasn’t ready.” The Cowboys redshirted Emmanuel in his first season. The next year, he came back with something to prove. “He started getting stronger, started taking coaching, started playing with technique,” Spencer said. “He starts taking his game to another level. Every year, he’s become better and better.” His sophomore season, he opened with two sacks, two tackles for loss and two pass deflections against defending national champion Florida State. “It felt unreal,” he said. “It’s like ‘I just got the Heisman Trophy winner (Jameis Winston) down.’ I was excited, like ‘Dang, I can’t believe I just did that.’ It just kept coming into my head, and I FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

just kept saying ‘I’m going to keep getting more.’” Emmanuel still hasn’t maximized his potential. He said he needs to work on staying low and his run-stopping abilities. He has been watching film this offseason, both his own and that of professionals. DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora are two players who were once dominating forces in the NFL. Ogbah has been watching their film in order to gleam insight into their tactics and model his game after theirs. He doesn’t want stagnancy. He wants to be the best. “My goal coming into college was to become an All-American,” Ogbah said. “That’s the goal I’m still trying to get. … I want to break records. That’s my goal — to break as much records as I can.”

Like father, like son

Emmanuel lives by a mantra: remember whose son you are. It’s something that Richard tells all of his kids, in hope that they will learn from their parents’ example. By telling them to follow his example, it also ensures that he stays in line. “When you have a father that tells you ‘Don’t do this because it is not good,’ and you see your father doing that thing that is bad, would you believe him?” Richard asked. Leading by example is another trait that Emmanuel adopted from his father. He is on the Cowboys’ leadership council. He shies away from speaking, but he will certainly show you how it’s done. But he’s making an effort to talk more. “I’m not real vocal, and I

O’COLLY file photo Emmanuel Ogbah strikes fear into opposing offenses, bursting through offensive lines and capturing quarterbacks. He sacked 2013 Heisman winner Jameis Winston twice in the Cowboys’ 2014 season opener.

think coach (Mike) Gundy wants me to speak more and help the younger guys,” he said. He said he hasn’t given a locker room speech, but he did talk to the team on the field once. “I just talked about what it takes to become a champion and be successful,” he said. “I just said it takes discipline. You have to listen to the coaches. They’ve been where you’re at. They know what it takes to get there.” While he may not be gifted with charismatic speaking qualities, Emmanuel is a good listener. One of the things Richard is most proud of is that Emmanuel listened to his words. “When you have a child, when he begins to grow up and live outside your home and you don’t hear any negative reports about him, it’s something to thank God for,” Richard said. In the Ogbah house, the OCOLLY.COM

curfew is midnight. The family likes to pray together and do a devotion before bed. He remembers once when Emmanuel came home from college and brought a friend to stay with the family. He explained to his friend the rules of the house, and his friend wasn’t happy about the curfew. But Emmanuel held his ground. “That’s the rules in our house, and that’s what everyone follows,” he said. “There are so many children who follow the rules, but when they grow up, they forget about it,” Richard said. “But Emmanuel didn’t forget.”

Game day

Richard attends all of Emmanuel’s games. He even went to Arizona for the Cactus Bowl last season, and will be in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, when OSU takes on Central Michigan on Sept. 3.

As Emmanuel prepares for kickoff, he’ll go through his usual pregame routine. He’ll put on his headphones and blast “My Moment” by DJ Drama. But before that, he’ll take a phone call. It will be his dad, calling to wish him luck and pray with him before the start of the game. In a couple of hours, Emmanuel will embrace the cry of thousands of screaming fans. But now, it is just the two of them and God. His father will remind him of one thing. “What he has achieved, it is not by his ability,” he said. “It’s only by the grace of God. It’s only God that gives ability. It’s not by his own personal efforts. God is our central focus in everything we do.” Emmanuel’s just fulfilling the prophecy. sports@ocolly.com

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OSU offensive coordinator Yurcich rooted in family

n at h a n Ruiz S P ORT S ED I TO R @ n at h a n s r u i z

Oklahoma State fans didn’t have a good first impression of offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. Neither did his wife. In 2007, Mike walked into a small bistro in Erie, Pennsylavia, late one evening. The Edinboro offensive coordinator thought he was on time. But Julie Nemergut had already been sitting there for almost 30 minutes when Mike strolled in. Not the best way to start a first date. Julie’s roommates had waited with her to meet Mike, but he took so long to arrive that the roommates left. “He has no concept of time,” Julie said. “He was probably watching film.” Julie was a track coach at Edinboro. Her office was across from Mike’s in the football offices. He would sometimes stop by and ask her random track questions. One day, Mike came in three times, when he finally stopped Julie in the hallway to ask her on a date. After all of Mike’s efforts, they didn’t have enough time for dinner. They grabbed an appetizer FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

and got dinner to go before said. “A for effort. heading to the Erie Play“… I’m sure he made me house to see Brigadoon, a laugh a lot.” musical about an American As terrible as Mike’s tourist who falls in love guitar playing proved to be, with a young woman from his energetic personality the mysterious Scottish viland sense of humor shined lage of Brigadoon. through. Despite tardiness and a Even though Mike gave lack of a meal, Mike did Julie many reasons to leave enough to convince Julie he throughout the early parts was worth of a second date. of their relationship, she Initially unsure, a push from continued to grow closer to one of her roommates conthe man she would marry vinced Julie to give Mike in 2009. another chance. “Mike’s a fun person to If the trip to Brigadoon be around,” Julie said. “He’s was Mike showing his artsy never dull. … He’s a very side, he and Julie’s second charismatic person.” date displayed his true pasMike proposed on a Cape sion. Cod beach, completely to Mike asked Julie on Julie’s surprise. The couple another date the next night. had dated for about a year He’d had fun on the first and a half at the time, and date, even though he missed they were living three hours the first 30 minutes of it. apart as Julie attended grad O’COlly File Photo “I’ll think about it,” Julie school at Ohio State. Mike Yurcich enters his third year with more talent on the field and plenty of love coming said. “Where are we going from home. STORY CONTINUES ON to go?” PAGE 12 “Arena football game,” Mike yurcich’s offense, with and without rudolph Mike said. “Are you kidding me? What else are we going 12 to do to do in the EPA?” OSU offense in 12 On his third date with 2013 and 2014 Julie, Mike determined another attempt to be artistic 10 10 would benefit him. OSU offense Rather than watching the 8 with Rudolph musical talents of others, he 8 decided to display his own. Mike grabbed his guitar. 6 “Just trying to be cool,” OSU offense Mike said, “and I ended up 6 without Rudolph looking like a total fool.” 4 in 2013 and It went terribly. Julie OSU offense in 2014 2013 and 2014 said Mike’s musical choice 4 OSU offense 2 didn’t match his talents — OSU offense with Rudolph without “If he’s not singing a Pearl Rudolph in Jam song, he’s done” — but 2 OSU offense without Rudolph in 2013 an 0 2014 she was kind enough to give Points per 10 plays Yards per play Pass yards per play Rush yards per play him some positive feedback. OSU offense without Rudolph in 2014 “I wasn’t impressed, but I 0 gave him a nice smile,” Julie When Mason became Yards the pCowboys’ quarterback, Mike Yurcich experienced Points per Rudolph 10 plays er play Pass yards OSU’s per play offense under Rush yards per play improvement in terms of points, yards and passing yards. OCOLLY.COM

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

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“I didn’t know what to say,” Julie said. “I was very surprised. The first thing I said was ‘Did you ask my dad?’” Mike became the offensive coordinator at Shippensburg in 2011, and soon after, Julie became a stay-at-home mom to look after the couple’s sons, Jack and Clay. Jack and Clay seem to have more musical talent than their father. They spend more time on the guitar than Mike, and last week, he returned home from practice to find Jack playing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on the piano. Julie and Mike gave him a standing ovation. Jack is named after Julie’s father. Mike was fine with the name choice because of his respect for Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert, although he’s a Browns fan. The name Clay comes from Browns Hall of Fame linebacker Clay Matthews II. Mike thought of the name while watching Matthews’ son, Clay Matthews III, play linebacker for the Packers. He figured naming his sons after defensive players would do them good. “The thing was, I was a quarterback, so they had a default wimpy quarterback gene in them, so we had to toughen them up,” Mike said. “… We like the one syllable with the two syllables. Like Mike Yurcich or Jack Yurcich. When you put two syllables, like Julie Yurcich … We have an agreement in my family that one syllable is the way to go. One syllable matches up with two-syllable last name.” Although Mike criticizes Julie for her multi-syllable name, he commends her for FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

sacrificing her career to take care of Jack and Clay. He realizes how fortunate his family is that they have the money to have one parent stay at home and how fortunate he is that his sons always have their loving mother nearby. “Not many families in America can have a parent stay at home, so we’re very blessed,” Mike said. “That’s more important to her, more so than anything in the world, is being a good mother, and that means everything in the world to me. It’s so valuable, those early years, you know, and for her to be there with them for the majority of the time, we’re very fortunate to have the opportunity to do that. “… She deserves all of the credit in the world. Everybody’s happy and healthy, and we’re very blessed.” For Julie, it’s nothing new. She was one of seven children growing up, the daughter of a teacher and stay-at-home mom. Six of the Nemerguts have graduated college, and the seventh is in school now. Julie was the women’s cross country and track and field coach at Edinboro, but gave it up to be with the boys. “There are definitely days where I miss it,” Julie said. “… But I appreciate where I am now in life. I enjoy my life. I don’t regret giving up coaching.” When the opportunity to join OSU’s staff opened up for Mike in 2013 when Todd Monken left to become the coach at Southern Miss, it was an easy decision. He left a couple of days later to interviewJulie said it was a no-brainer. Julie had been to Texas

yurcich versus monken 10 9 8 7 6

OSU offense under Yurcich in 2013 and 2014

5 4 3

OSU offense under Monken in 2011 and 2012

2 1 0

Points per 10 plays

Yards per play

Pass yards per play Rush yards per play

In Todd Monken’s two years as OSU’s offensive coordinator, the Cowboys’ offense was far more prolific than it has been in Mike Yurcich’s first two years.

and Kansas during her track career at Edinboro. Aside from moving away from their families, the only problem was the heat. “I had never lived in a house with air conditioning,” Julie said. “That’s how not used to heat I am.” The Yurciches find themselves in Stillwater, a family-friendly community with great football — and playgrounds. “It’s unbelievable here,” Mike said. “People love their football and they expect to win, big and that’s a great thing. Stillwater the town is wonderful. It’s a great place to live. The homes are nice, the schools are nice, the people are nice. My family

has really enjoyed their time here, and we’ve been very fortunate to gain some really nice people as friends. “They have really nice playgrounds here. They love the playground. My wife does a great job of getting (the kids) outside and being active, so she does a heckuva job.” Julie does her job so Mike can do his, but at times, it hasn’t come all that easily. Last season’s five-game losing streak put pressure on all those involved. Offensive struggled plagued the Cowboys during the streak, and Mike became the target of scorn from fans and media alike. Message board posts and

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tweets — even a “Not Mike Yurcich” Twitter account — sprung up denouncing him. But at the end of the day, he had Jack, Clay and Julie to come home to. “It was not easy, but he was still himself,” Julie said. “When you have two young children, he could come home and just be a dad and be a husband. They don’t know. They don’t care. They just want to play with their dad.” Even after a Bedlam victory, Yurcich remained the target of scorn. “I’m not going to go onto any message boards and try to hunt for that,” he said. “All my focus, all of my attention is on making this

offense go and doing our best job communicating and working hard, recruiting. There’s always going to be criticism in this position, and that’s the nature of the beast. People wanna have really good offenses around here, and so do we.” In 2015, Mike will look to revitalize an offense that has been stagnant at times during his tenure. He’ll have the players to do it, and his family behind him. “He is very passionate,” Julie said. “He’s a lot of fun. … You can tell when he enjoys doing something because he really gets into it.”

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2015 schedule breakdown BY Dekota Gr egory S p orts r epo rter

At Central Michigan, Sept. 3, 6 p.m.: Oklahoma State will open its season on the road in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Central Michigan should be an easy task to kick off the season. Central Arkansas, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m.: Central Arkansas should be even less of a challenge than Central Michigan for OSU in the Cowboys’ home opener. This game will also be quarterback Mason Rudolph’s first home start. UTSA, Sept. 19, 2:30 p.m.: The Roadrunners will be OSU’s final nonconference game. This will be the Cowboys’ final chance to tune up before they head to Texas and begin a tougher stretch of their schedule. At Texas, Sept. 26, TBA: The Longhorns will be OSU’s first real challenge of the season to begin conference play. This game will also set the tone for both teams for the rest of the year. Kansas State, Oct. 3, TBA: Kansas State is beginning the season unranked, but

expect Bill Snyder to have his squad in the Top 25 before it comes to Stillwater. The Cowboys will also be looking for revenge after the Wildcats handled them last year in Manhattan. At West Virginia, Oct. 10, TBA: West Virginia beat the Cowboys in front of the homecoming crowd at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Mountaineers may be rebuilding this year, but Dana Holgorsen always finds a way to beat his former team. Kansas, Oct. 24, TBA: Kansas nearly upset the Cowboys last year in Lawrence. OSU will know not to overlook the Jayhawks. Boone Pickens Stadium will also be filled for the Cowboys’ homecoming. At Texas Tech, Oct. 31, TBA: Lubbock will be another tough environment for OSU. If the Cowboys can avoid an upset at both West Virginia and Texas Tech, then they’ll be in good shape before their schedule gets brutal. TCU, Nov. 7, TBA: ESPN’s College Gameday could return to Stillwater for this match up. The Horned

Frogs will be OSU’s toughest obstacle this season. If both teams stay unbeaten to this point, then it will most likely be a contest between two highly ranked programs. At Iowa State, Nov. 14, TBA: This will be a well-needed match up for OSU. Of the Cowboys’ final four opponents, three will most likely be on top of the Big 12 standings. OSU can’t overlook ISU, but it’ll definitely be the Cowboys’ softest contest down the stretch.

Who wore it best? The O’Colly took a look at which helmet, jersey and pants the Cowboys have done best in since 2011 and Helmets ranked them Orange: 5-0 by win percentage.White: 13-4 Chrome: 2-1 Gray: 4-2 Black: 12-9

Baylor, Nov. 21, TBA: The Bears enter the season ranked in the top five of most preseason polls. Art Briles has built a dynamic program in Waco, but yet, he probably has nightmares about coming to Stillwater. Baylor has never defeated the Cowboys in Boone Pickens Stadium.

Jerseys Gray: 2-0 Black: 12-2 Orange: 9-4 White: 13-10

Oklahoma, Nov. 28, TBA: Bedlam will have plenty to live up to after last year’s nail biter, which the Cowboys won in overtime. Both teams have the talent to compete for a Big 12 title in this season, which means a playoff berth could also be on the line for either team.

Pants Gray: 8-1 White: 9-4 Orange: 7-4 Black: 12-7

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Position-by-Position Outlook

BY De kota G R eg ory an d Chan d ler Vessels

Cowboy Backs

Running Back

OSU will send a special position of its own onto the field this season. The “Cowboy Back” is a hybrid position that combines the abilities of a tight end and fullback. Cowboy Backs will typically be smaller linemen, weighing 240-to-270 pounds, and are versatile enough to also play in the backfield. Jeremy Seaton, Blake Jarwin and Zac Veatch will be this season’s starting Cowboy Backs. Each player will specialize more as a fullback or tight end depending on his ability, but all players will be required to block, run the ball and catch passes out of the backfield.

S p o rts Re p o rt e rs

Running back was the most intense offensive position battle heading into this season, but Chris Carson has come out on top. The transfer from Butler Community College in Kansas is listed at the top of Cowboys’ depth chart. He averaged 7 yards per carry at Butler. Rennie Childs will serve as the backup for a second straight season. Jeff Carr is also making a statement for more playing time. Just a freshman, Carr could have a breakout season with 4.4 speed and has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He’s also expected to play a big role for the Cowboys as kick returner.

Offensive Line

Wide Receiver

Receiver is possibly the most talented position for the Cowboys. Brandon Sheperd, David Glidden and Kameron Doolittle return for their senior seasons. Sheperd and Glidden were OSU’s leading receivers last year, along with sophomore James Washington. The position will also feature a few breakout players. Austin Hays started to raise some eyebrows towards the end of last season and also put together a solid performance in the spring game. Despite his size, freshman Jalen McCleskey will also see playing time thanks to his 4.37 speed.

The offensive line could make or break OSU’s season in 2015. With little experience in the Cowboy backfield, a solid line will be necessary for Rudolph to avoid a sophomore slump. The big guys up front struggled last season, but the hiring of new offensive line coach Greg Adkins could turn things around. Victor Salako will also be a new addition up front after transferring from UAB. Paul Lewis, Brad Lundblade, Zach Crabtree and Michael Wilson will also add experience to the position.

Quarterback

For the first time since Brandon Weeden led the Cowboys to a conference title in 2011, Oklahoma State will begin the year with a man taking the snaps. Mason Rudolph received the starting job in January after three solid starts as a freshman. Rudolph will enter the 2015 season with little experience, but a lot of hype surrounds the sophomore. Backup J.W. Walsh will bring a veteran presence to the position as a redshirt senior. Walsh has seen just about everything during his career at OSU, which will make him a solid asset on the sidelines. Walsh will also see the field in games with special packages designed around his running ability.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

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Defensive Line

The Cowboys will be strong at defensive end with Jimmy Bean and Emmanuel Ogbah, who combined for 16 sacks in 2014. On the inside, there is more uncertainty. Sophomore Vincent Taylor looks primed for a starting spot after playing in 10 games last season, and JUCO transfer Motekiai Maile looks like the most likely to join him. But don’t count out true freshman Darrion Daniels, a four-star recruit from Dallas.

Cornerback

This year’s group of corners will have one thing that was lacking last year: experience. Kevin Peterson and Ramon Richards return after playing in all 13 games last season. Richards received more playing time than expected because of injuries and looks to grow as he enters his sophomore season. Ashton Lampkin is back from injury for a second chance at his junior season after receiving a hardship waiver and after nabbing two interceptions in just four games last year. Michael Hunter and Miketavius Jones could make some noise, too.

Linebacker

OSU should have no trouble at linebacker. Both Ryan Simmons and Seth Jacobs return, giving the Cowboys a duo that combined for 18 tackles for loss last season. JUCO transfers Devante Averette, who joined the Cowboys in 2014 but missed most of the season with a knee injury, and Jordan Burton could also make an immediate impact. Sophomores Justin Phillips, Kirk Tucker and Gyasi Akem all received playing time last season. Then, there is former walk-on Chad Whitener, who came to the Cowboys by transfer from California. OSU has more capable linebackers than it could want, and playing time will be hard to come by.

Safety

Similar to the corners, safety should improve this season simply because of experience. Jordan Sterns returns after 103 tackles — 4 1/2 for loss — last season. Tre Flowers is also back after a solid freshman campaign. Jerel Morrow and Deric Robertson will be behind them.

Special Teams

Ben Grogan is back after kicking the field goal that gave the Cowboys a Bedlam victory last season. Three freshman — Zach Sinor, Matt Hockett and Lane Reazin — competed throughout the spring to replace Kip Smith as OSU’s punter, with Sinor coming out on top. The real question is who will replace Tyreek Hill as the Cowboys’ main kick and punt returner. Brandon Sheperd had return duties during the Cactus Bowl and is a candidate this season. Freshmen Jeff Carr and Jalen McClesky could emerge as special teams stars this year. Receivers James Washington and David Glidden are also options.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

kurt steiss/O’COLLY

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New talent could push Cowboys over edge

D e k o ta Gregory Sp ort s R ep o rt e r @ d e k o ta g r e g o r y

The upcoming Oklahoma State football season is filled with hype surrounding Mason Rudolph and Emmanuel Ogbah, but some unknown candidates will be the difference in the Cowboys achieving high expectations. Rudolph is the man in charge taking the snaps, but there are still questions about how the reps will be split in the backfield. Rennie Childs seemed to have had the starting running back role locked up before some new talent stepped on campus. Butler Community College (Kan.) transfer Chris Carson has made a statement with his playmaking ability. As the No. 4 junior college running back prospect in the nation according to 247Sports.com, Carson tallied 994 yards on the ground last season for Butler, while averaging more than 7 yards a carry. After finishing his career with Butler, Carson chose OSU after flipping his commitment from Georgia. Since arriving at OSU, Carson has turned some heads and was named Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

Year during the offseason. “He’s a very well-rounded back,” OSU offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich said. “He brings an attitude and a toughness. He brings a lot of talent. He definitely brings competition at that position, which is the most important thing that he could bring.” Competition has become the theme for the Cowboy backfield. At 6-foot-2, Carson brings power to the position with his size. Freshman Jeff Carr will bring a new asset to the running game. What Carr lacks in size at 5-foot-7 and 168 pounds, he makes up for with his speed. Carr clocked a 4.4 40-yarddash time, which helped put him on coach Mike Gundy’s radar just the day before National Signing Day in February. Carr rushed for 1,710 yards while leading Temple High School to a Texas state title his senior year. Carr also averaged nearly 10 yards a carry during his senior campaign. Carr will be used in a variety of ways for OSU, similar to last year’s Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year Tyreek Hill. Carr has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield or motion out as a receiver, and he could also receive an opportunity on special teams as a return man. “He brings a lot to the table,” said Rudolph, OSU’s quarterback. “At that size, to be able to do the things he does. We’re real excited about Jeff.

OKlahoma State Standout Newcomers

Data provided by Okstate.com Cowboy newcomers range in size, and all should add dynamic skills to a much-improved OSU roster.

“He’s really come in and gotten after it. He’s really soaked up all the teaching, and all the instructions from the coaches, coach (Marcus) Arroyo. He’s done an awesome job. He’s a really quick dude. He can change directions on a dime. He’s done well.” With the depth Carr and Carson have brought to the position, running back has become a rising position for the Cowboys. The trio will also be running behind an improved offensive line that added UAB transfer Victor Salako during the offseason. Childs will still likely be the starter day one at Central Michigan, but Carr and Carson will be riding his heels all season. The competition between the three has also made the position stronger, Yurcich said. “Competition will always do that,” Yurcich said. “It’s not just tailback. It’s quarterback; it’s (offensive) line; it’s receivers. You look anywhere — your position, your

job. Competition is gonna make you better. It pushes you to be the best you can be.” Carr won’t be the only freshman looking to make an immediate impact for the Cowboys. Gundy said several freshmen could see playing time on opening night, including Jalen McCleskey on offense, and Darrion Daniels and Kenneth Edison-McGruder on the defensive side of the ball. McCleskey is a rare breed in modern day Division-I, FBS football. The receiver showed up on campus weighing 147 pounds and stood at 5-foot-10-inches. Since then, McCleskey gained nearly 20 pounds during the offseason, but he is still undersized compared to most receivers on Power Five Conference rosters. McCleskey’s size was an early problem, and Gundy said he never expected McCleskey to see the field this early. “He competes,” Gundy said. “At the end of the

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day, as long as he makes plays, then you have to say, ‘You gotta give him a chance to make plays.’ When we recruit guys, we tell them, ‘If you come in and you compete, and you’re durable and mentally you’re able to handle the grind of this, then you’re gonna play.’ He’s been a pleasant surprise for us.” McCleskey’s ability may have surprised Gundy, but his high school coach, Ken Sears, never doubted his former standout at St. Paul’s School in Covington, Louisiana. “It wouldn’t surprise me (if McCleskey had a breakout season),” Sears said. “His grasp of the game and his ability to run precise routes would probably be a reason.” Son of a former NFL player, McCleskey was the Wolves’ leading receiver during his senior campaign. He pulled in 95 receptions to tally 1,446 yards and 17 touchdowns. Those numbers, along with a staggering 4.37 40-time, was good enough

for 247Sports.com to label McCluskey as a three-star. “He has tremendous speed and a great vertical,” Sears said. “That combined with his ability to run great routes made him a successful receiver in our program.” Daniels and McGruder will be fresh faces on the defensive side of the ball. Daniels was a four-star prospect out of Dallas as a defensive tackle. The 6-foot-3-inch lineman wreaked havoc during his senior year at Bishop Dunne High School. Daniels wrangled in 67 tackles and tallied eight sacks on his way to earning back-to-back Division 1 All-State First Team Honors as an offensive and defensive lineman in Texas. McGruder was also a four-star recruit as a safety from Taylor High School in Alief, Texas. McGruder earned all-district honors after posting 79 tackles during his senior season. sports@ocolly.com

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Oâ€™Colly sports staff season predictions N at h a n Ruiz

Cody S tav e n h a g e n

S PO RTS E D I TO R

S e ni o r S p o rts R e p o rte r

@ N at h a n S R u i z

@ C o d y S tav e n h a g e n

OSU Record: Big 12 finish: MVP: Breakout player:

10-2 2nd Mason Rudolph Chris Carson

9-3 3rd

Wins vs. TCU, Baylor and OU

2 TCU TCU Trevone Boykin

Big 12 Champ National Champ Heisman Winner

Chandler Vessels

D e k o ta Gregory

Sports R eporter

S ports Reporter

@ChandlerVessels

@ d e k o ta g r e g o r y

Jeff Carr

10-2 3rd Mason Rudolph Jeff Carr

9-3 3rd Mason Rudolph Jeff Carr

1 TCU Ohio State Dak Prescott

2 TCU Ohio State Trevone Boykin

1 TCU Auburn Trevone Boykin

Emmanuel Ogbah

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Society Squares

$5.00

(New Low Price!) For 7 lines. Each additional line 50¢. Each Line is approx. 14 characters wide. Graphics and logos available at an additional cost. Society squares are for campus organizations, departments and the greek community only.

3 Easy ways to place a classified ad Business Squares $8.00

For 7 lines. Each additional line $1.00. Each Line is approx. Email your ad and to logos Lori@ocolly.com 14 1. characters wide. Graphics available at an additional cost.

Horse Stables

2. Call 744-7355 and place your ad over the phone

Complete horse stabling facilitie: Indoor/Outdoor arena, round pen, pasture available. RV parking available also. 405‑332‑3158.

Per day for 25 words. No borders or graphics available at this 3. Enter your ad on our website at www. rate. Only for student groups and organizations. Activities must ocolly.com/classifieds be free and open to everyone.

OCOLLY.COM

Student Notices

$3.00

PAGE 18

Horoscope

Daily Horoscope

Reader Services 106 Paul Miller Building, Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078

Newsroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 744-6363 Display Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 744-7371 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 744-7355 Business Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 744-7355 Circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 744-8369 Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 744-7936 Professional staff

Level: 1 2 3 4

Barbara Allen, Director of Student Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 744-8369 Lori Radford, Business Office Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 744-7355 Shelby Rogers, Display Advertising Sales Manager. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .744-6681 Student Employees Jacob Harman, systems administrator, business office assistant

D i s P l ay a D v e r t i s i n g s t u D e n t s ta f f

Paige Albert, ad assistant Joshua Watkins, account exec. Jeron Rotert, account exec.

Jacob Rexwinkle, regional sales rep. Jordan Langan, account exec. Amanda Gerths, account exec. Anthony Garza, graphic designer

e D i t o r i a l s t u D e n t s ta f f Kassie McClung, Editor In Chief Kaelynn Knoernschild, Managing Editor Nathan Ruiz, Sports Editor Hayden Barber, Copy Editor Kurt Steiss, Photo Editor

Emily Farris, Digital Editor Sierra Winrow, Creative Director Savannah Evanoff, Social Media Editor Marcia Guevara, Multimedia Editor Luke Spencer, Audio Editor

CirCulation stuDent staff Flint Funkhouser, distributor Marissa Commey, distributor

SOLUTION TO THURSDAY’S PUZZLE

8/28/15

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

Bailey Powell, distributor Jimmy Ciolino, distributor

Oklahoma State University’s award-winning student newspaper has served Stillwater and the campus community since 1895. The O’Colly is a real newsroom that prepares students for a professional career in journalism. We publish newspapers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday, during the school year. We are online 24/7 with fresh content daily, breaking news, sports and more. The O’Colly is independent from the university and entirely student run, with more than 100 students on payroll. A staff of three professionals advise, guide, educate and provide support. The O’Colly is governed by the Student Media Board, which is made up of faculty, staff, students and Oklahoma media members. In 2015, the O’Colly was honored for the fourth year in a row as Oklahoma’s best college newspaper by the Oklahoma Press Association. Errors of fact reported to the editor-in-chief will be corrected promptly. Please direct all concerns to the editor-in-chief at 744-6365 or editorinchief@ocolly.com. Letters to the editor must include name, contact info and class/affiliation to OSU. Nonuniversity individuals must also include hometown. Letters are subject to editing for libel and clarity, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. Letters may be delivered to room 108 Paul Miller Bldg., or emailed to letters@ocolly.com The views offered by The O’Colly employees are not necessarily those of the university administration or Oklahoma State University Board of Regents. Columns are the opinion of the author. Columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board or The O’Colly. The newspaper derives its revenue from advertising sales, student subscriptions and from other sources. The O’Colly is a member of Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, College Business and Advertising Managers, Oklahoma Press Association, Society of Professional Journalists, Student Press Law Center and Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. Copyright 2015. The O’Colly. All rights reserved.

Local subscription

One copy ....... per year $175 One copy .... per semester $83 One copy ....... summer $9

Mail subscriptions

Fall or spring semester . . . . . .$57.50 Summer semester . . . . . . . . . . . .$10 Per year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125

Single copy newsrack price is 25 cents OCOLLY.COM

By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Today’s Birthday (08/28/15). Your light shines this year. Power and confidence energize you. Lead a charge (after 10/13). Careful stewardship of joint resources grows savings (after 10/27). Make a soulful connection after 3/8. Release worn-out attitudes after 3/23. Follow your heart. 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 -- Don’t take on more than you can do by the deadline. Notice where the cash flows, and reduce costs. Let a family member handle a problem at home. Authority gets questioned. Avoid jealousies. Discretion is advised. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Meetings could interfere with family time. Turn down a possibility to advance, if it means too much time away. Tempers could flare. Postpone an important decision until you’re sure. Share treats and process the situation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is an 8 -- You go further behind closed doors. Don’t discuss your private life. Monitor expenses, and keep enough cash on hand. Stay out of someone else’s fuss. Bring your social skills and graciousness to the fore. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Schedule carefully to stay the course. Find what you need nearby. Be patient with complainers. Save time by not engaging. Defer romantic gratification. It could get expensive. Get yourself a little treat and keep in action. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Favor slow and methodical over impulsive. Research avoids a wasted trip. Moderate a disagreement or scheduling conflict. Stay in communication, and follow updates closely. Keep someone in the loop who especially appreciates it. Practice random kindness. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Passion’s rising, and the temperature is hot. Achieve your desires with honey and a smile. Take things slowly, or risk mistakes. Think before impulsively spending. Provide comfort and good sense. Enjoy domestic pleasures and simple fare. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Don’t rush! Take your time and get it right. Choose the option that’s best for your family. Love, money and beauty tempt you. A separation is permanent, if you say so. Do more research before venturing forth. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Don’t start until you’re sure where you’re going. Energetic friends stir emotions. Tweak your route. Double-check provisions before heading out. Get local supplies. Weed out stuff you don’t need. Defer gratification a little longer. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Plan a family event. Consider hidden agendas and scheduling conflicts. Things may not go as planned. Remember someone who needs you. The odds of misunderstanding are high, so take extra care articulating communications and listening. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Domestic and professional responsibilities clash. Don’t buy unnecessary stuff. Use charm and humor to work out a solution. Appeal to the greater good. Avoid gossip and jealousies. Listen, and really hear what gets said. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Don’t worry about fault or blame. Tempers could heat up. What matters is what you’re committed to having as a result. You can work out conflicts. Keep your promises, or change them. Business and domestic issues blend. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 6 -- A walk in nature or peaceful meditation provides the answers you’ve been seeking. No one needs to know how you feel right now. You don’t always have to say yes. Call if you’re going to be late.

PAGE 19

FOR RELEASE AUGUST 28, 2015

All The Brands You Love...

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 “It came without ribbons. It came without __”: The Grinch 5 Glutton 8 Be at loggerheads 13 Layered snack 14 Sch. with residence halls named Acadian and Beauregard 15 Crystal __ 16 Formal dissent 19 Decimal system foundation 20 Educator LeShan 21 Fig. in TV’s “Suits” 22 Lead role in many a Western 28 Cheap sauce 31 Transports 32 Appreciative cry 33 Rocky prominence 35 Org. of former Soviet republics 36 Paired 37 Independence Day VIPs 41 It’s found in bars 42 “I see what’s going on!” 43 In the area 44 Obedience trials org. 45 __ steak 47 Dropped off 50 Vegan diet component 53 “Quadrophenia” group, with “The” 54 Med. recording 55 Four-time US Open winner 58 Metaphor for ballet ... or what this puzzle’s circles literally contain 63 Word on a menu 64 One rarely without a comb? 65 Klein of fashion 66 Stopovers 67 Ware lead-in 68 Long-term appeal DOWN 1 Burger go-with 2 Reign of Terror victims

8/28/15

By Jeffrey Wechsler

3 Biological determinant 4 Laundry woe at the Claus home? 5 Public monument support 6 Real ending? 7 Dude 8 Words to live by 9 Gently massage, wave-style 10 Big deal 11 Title for Edward Elgar 12 Popular 17 __ judicata: decided case 18 Catches 19 “What nonsense!” 23 All 24 Archaeological site 25 “What nonsense!” 26 Work out the details 27 Unadon fillets 29 Corn, for example 30 One may be passed 34 Rocky field? 36 Ivory alternative 37 Spots for Smokey: Abbr. 38 Mother of Sean

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

39 Shoot the breeze 40 These, to Thérèse 45 Monastère members 46 Late-night host since 2003 48 Obsolescent public conveniences 49 Word with dance or shoe

8/28/15

51 Small-minded 52 Sgt., e.g. 56 List substitute 57 Diamond complement 58 See 61-Down 59 Bit in a horse’s mouth? 60 Baseball stat 61 Longtime maker of 58-Down 62 Org. supporting exhibitions OCOLLY.COM

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