The O'Colly, May 1, 2026

Friday, May 1, 2026

The Oklahoma State University Student Union Parking Garage is started construction in February.

Caleson Coon, The O’Colly

OSU parking garage creates inconvenience Caleson Coon

Garage, where she tries to find parking before her 9:30 a.m. class. As time ticks down, she realizes she is going to be It’s 9:25 a.m., and Tamaiah Koonce late, and this is a common story for stresses to find parking — easier said Koonce and many others as the garage than done at Oklahoma State University. is undergoing construction amidst the Koonce is slowly driving her car, spring term. bumper to bumper in what she calls “If you’re in a rush to get to class, and the “death trap” at the Student Union in my case, your class is two steps away NEWS & LIFESTYLE ASSISTANT EDITOR

from the garage – you’re still late to class because you can’t find a parking spot,” Koonce said.

Construction repairs are expected to cost $2 million in February at OSU’s Student Union Garage, which welcomes an average of 1.7 million guests each year. Construction is in phase one of three, and 68 out of approximately 485

spaces are unavailable right now along with the first level ramp that leads to the lower levels being closed off. The construction is intended to improve the longevity and safety of the garage, and is expected to continue through the spring and summer terms.

See PARKING on page 7A

Robots, erosion fixes and a guitar-playing prosthetic OSU seniors show off capstone projects Marcus Mesis

STAFF REPORTER

On a sunny Friday at Oklahoma State, a BB-8 droid rolled across the ENDEAVOR lab floor, an “erosion eraser” promised to protect a Stillwater creek bank as a prosthetic hand strummed a guitar chord.

These were just a few of the projects on display at the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology’s senior design expo, where students from nearly every discipline showed off the work that has consumed their semester, and in

many cases, their lives.

The expo, held in the ENDEAVOR lab and on the Engineering South lawn, is a chance for seniors to cap off their capstone courses and years in CEAT with something tangible.

For many of them, that “something” felt a lot like a full-time job.

Mechanical engineering major Brian Pinto, a member of the Concrete Cowboys research team, said his group had to figure out time management on the fly.

“I would say it’s like a full-time job. Honestly, we probably worked around 40 hours a week working on this nozzle,” Pinto said. “So between four people 160 hours a week.”

See ROBOTS on page 2A

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Elevation Rhythm lead thousands of students in worship in GIA.

Faith movement stops in Stillwater Marcus Mesis

STAFF REPORTER

Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly

Rocketworks presented at the CEAT Senior Design Expo.

People rushed into GallagherIba Arena on Tuesday night for UniteOSU, a worship event that drew college students from across Stillwater.

UniteUS is a national movement of college students united “to lift the name of Jesus,” with past events at Auburn, Florida State and Tennessee. The gatherings focus on inviting students to Christianity and addressing issues like anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

The Stillwater event featured worship music from Elevation

Rhythm, a Christian music collective from Elevation Church, and three speakers: Jeanine Ward, Jennie Allen and Jonathan Pokluda. In an Instagram post, UniteUS founder Tonya Prewett said 5,500 people attended the Gallagher-Iba event.

UniteOSU partnered with multiple campus ministries to plan the night and get a sense of what OSU students needed spiritually and emotionally.

One of those ministries was The Narrative, where campus minister Gavin Greenwood said he was excited to see groups work together instead of in silos.

See FAITH on page 2A

Page 2A Friday, May 1, 2026

O’Colly

News/Lifestyle Robots

Continued from 1A The Concrete Cowboys set out to design a nozzle that could be used to 3D print concrete columns — the kind of technology engineers hope could speed up construction or make it more efficient. Their work earned them third place in the mechanical and aerospace engineering project group.

For other teams, the time commitment looked similar.

Mechanical engineering major Aydan Erwin, part of the Bio-Inspired Guitarist team, said his group spent many late nights in the lab perfecting a prosthetic hand that can play guitar.

“We would meet twice a week.

Sometimes we’d meet three times a week,” Erwin said. “And I’d say we’d probably spend anywhere from three to four hours a day just in the lab, discussing stuff, designing things, just whatever needed to be done.

“We probably spent, towards the end, a little bit longer. We had a couple eight-hour days where we just stayed here all day and just kept working until one day, one night, we’re out here till like eight. One of our guys was out here till 4 a.m., overnight, trying to get some of the software stuff done.”

Their persistence paid off. The Bio-Inspired Guitarist project won an electrical engineering interdisciplinary award and the Zink Center award for best video.

Not every project focused on machines or electronics. Some, like Erosion Eraser, tried to solve problems closer to Stillwater’s soil.

Biosystems engineering major Kami Blythe, and her team, identified a stretch of Stillwater Creek where severe bank erosion threatened more than just the landscape. If the bank keeps failing, she said it could undermine the Country Club Road bridge and create a dangerous situation for drivers headed to nearby churches, businesses and Tumbleweed Dancehall.

Her team’s design aimed to stabilize the bank and reduce the risk of flooding and structural damage.

The project took home an award in the biosystems and agricultural engineering category.

Some of the most eye-catching projects didn’t start this semester. They were legacy projects — designs passed down from one senior cohort to the next.

The BB-8 robot is one of those handme-downs. This spring’s team was the first to pick it up since 2023, said electrical and computer engineering major Sawyer Hutchison.

“We’re trying to upgrade it to more autonomous mode,” Hutchison said. “So our group is kind of semiautonomous because we wanted to

introduce a vision system, so kind of a head that actually sees, like what BB-8 would see, and then introduce movements based on that.”

Inheriting someone else’s halffinished robot, rather than starting with a blank Computer-aided Design file, came with its own challenges.

“The hardest part was probably trying to figure out where we’re at and solve some of the issues we had no idea were actually a part of it,” Hutchison said. “Since this was a project that’s been around for a few years, people thought it kind of hit a wall, but we’re trying to move past that wall into automation. It’s kind of figuring out, what does this actually look like, and how can we improve on something that we don’t even know if it functions yet?”

Despite those hurdles, the BB-8 project won an electrical and computer engineering award for best electricalonly project.

“I mean, obviously it’s really important overcoming challenges and that kind of thing,” Hutchison said.

“I know a lot of my peers put in some amazing work, and seeing them do great work in electrical and computer fields, that’s not necessarily exactly what ours is. I feel like the work could have gone to anyone, because everyone’s doing really cool work.”

Not all of the projects lived only inside a capstone course, either. Some came out of student clubs that treat the expo as one more chance to show what they’ve built.

The Oklahoma State chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers brought a robot they call Space Cowboys, designed for a competition that took place March 27.

That meant a compressed timeline and long hours before most teams had even started stressing about finals.

“It was pretty much a full-time job for us,” said Alexander Carter, an electrical engineering major and electrical lead for Space Cowboys.

“Like, the amount of work that we had to do on this robot and the limited timeframe we had, we were in here almost every day. I know spring break, I spent my entire spring break in the lab.”

By the time the expo rolled around, the lawn and lab filled with the payoff from all those sacrificed weekends and late nights: a guitar-playing prosthetic, a BB-8 rolling under its own guidance, an erosion solution for a busy Stillwater road and dozens of other projects that might never make headlines but could shape the way students see themselves as engineers.

For many of them, the grades and awards matter. But so does the proof that they can take an idea from a sketch to something that moves, strums or saves a bridge. news.ed@ocolly.com

Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly

(From left to right) Kami Blythe, Tatumn Kennedy and Eli Wood presenting their research at the CEAT Senior Design Expo at ENDEAVOR Lab.

Editorial board

Co-Editors-in-Chief Bryson Thadhani & Parker Gerl editorinchief@ocolly.com

Assistant social media editor Megan Gibson news.ed@ocolly.com

Design editor Katie Lehew design.ed@ocolly.com

Photo editor Chance Marick photo.ed@ocolly.com

Social media editor Jose Brito news.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant photo editor Andon Freitas photo.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant news & lifestyle editor Caleson Coon news.ed@ocolly.com

Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly

Elevation Rhythm leading students in worship singing “Praise.”

Faith

Continued from 1A “I think there’s been a shift to see different ministries and churches kind of unite on different levels,” Greenwood said. “I think we already see that with our ministries during Holy Week and stuff at OSU. And so I think this is just another great opportunity to maybe even bring in some people that aren’t involved in the ministry.”

The timing, students said, mattered.

Finals are around the corner, dorm move-outs and graduation are looming, and stress is high.

“I think it’s really great to have a space where all of us are coming together to worship the Lord and (have) a good reminder for all the distractions that are happening this week,” aviation major Tate Dodson said. “I think it’s very good to come together and worship the almighty Jesus Christ.”

With finals week starting Monday, some attendees described UniteOSU as a spiritual reset.

“I think it could be really relieving and something fun and uplifting right before finals,” said Lauren Day, a dental hygiene major at Rose State College.

For many in the crowd, Elevation Rhythm’s worship set was a highlight. The band, which tours nationally and records with Elevation Church, led students through more than an hour of music.

“Elevation Rhythm was insane,” UniteOSU team member Carter Reed said. “I mean, it was just so beautiful to hear them start off by portraying a message that they’re not trying to just hype people up, but they really are trying to focus on God.” The three speakers each took a

News & Lifestyle reporters: Brianna Bergin Rhema Coleman Caden James Marcus Mesis Avery Miller Richard Robertson Alli Themer Olivia Upton Aliyah Young Ashley Yarbrough

Newsroom 108 Paul Miller Stillwater, OK 74078 (405)744-6365

turn addressing the crowd on issues ranging from faith and doubt to mental health and identity.

“I really liked how (Jennie Allen) spoke, with the visuals and everything,” sociology major Reagan Cherry said. “And just like how she wasn’t afraid with controversial topics you don’t really talk about. She was good about addressing those.”

Near the end of the night, UniteOSU issued a specific invitation to students who have struggled with suicidal thoughts. Organizers asked those students to come down to the floor to be prayed for, and later invited anyone who wanted to be baptized to head to the north side of Gallagher-Iba. UniteUS reported that 54 students were baptized after the event.

Even for students who didn’t get baptized, the night prompted personal firsts.

“I mean, I never usually put my hand up in the sky when people are worshiping,” philosophy major AJ Parker said. “I did. Maybe that was them. Maybe it was the Holy Spirit.”

UniteOSU relied on campus ministries to staff and field its leadership team. Reed, who serves on the Greekwide leadership team, said watching the crowd file in was his favorite moment.

“My favorite part was just seeing the overwhelming number of people walk in the doors at the very beginning, and then really just feeling the Spirit move throughout the stadium tonight, during worship and stuff,” Reed said.

As students head into finals, organizers say they hope those moments — the worship, the prayers, the baptisms and even a raised hand for the first time — carry beyond one night in Gallagher-Iba.

The O’Colly Staff Sports reporters: Timothy Christensen Cayden Cox Gina Foster Pearson Gilliam Luke Mazza Sam Mitchell Tanner Revas Will Thorogood Weston Wertzberger

news.ed@ocolly.com

Photographers: Lennon Arrington Laken Chambers Trey Creel Catherine Dzanski Lilian Easter Connor Fuxa Daisy Gower Teaguen Harbour Davis Hicks Dominyk Jones Natalie Koepp Kristyn Lacki Kia Mace Kaitlyn Robertson Bailey Schmitz Karsten Levings Payton Little Brianna Martinez

O’Colly

Friday, May 1, 2026 Page 3A

Lifestyle Hope you’re OK. Inside college caffeine culture Ashley Yarborough

“I feel like energy drinks have especially been more popular than coffee recently,” Barista Sara Griffin knows Griffin said. “With college when exams are approaching. students specifically, there Not by the calendar, but the is kind of a culture between line wrapped around Dutch staying up really late to cram Bros drive-thru. and that encourages caffeine “Size definitely changes overconsumption.” during finals,” Griffin said.

Joyce believes that the shift “The night before someone from coffee to energy drinks is has an exam and they come due to how they are marketed through and get the largest to younger consumers. amount of a Rebel I’ve ever “It’s the placement of seen in my life and I’m like, them in the stores, and the ‘Oh my god, hope you’re packaging or the marketing okay.’” displays around them,” Joyce For Oklahoma State said. “I do feel like the drinks University students, a have a very hip look too. The caffeinated drink is no longer flavors are things like pink just a small pick-me-up; it’s Starburst. I mean, come on. part of a daily routine. A High school students should large Rebel from Dutch Bros not be drinking these, so contains 165 milligrams of that’s got to point to a college caffeine, nearly matching student.” the average daily intake for Freshman Bryce Smith said college students. According his caffeine intake increased to a study from the National over his first semester as Library of Medicine, the his schedule became more average amount of caffeine demanding. consumed by college students “I don’t think it affects my is 175.2 milligrams, roughly studying,” Smith said. “I think the equivalent of two cups of it’s just like an everyday thing. coffee.

I’m just like, ‘Okay, it’s time to Dietician and OSU professor have a drink.’”

Jill Joyce works with first Between studying at the responders, as well as her library and working out, own students, to practice safe Smith gradually increased the caffeine consumption. amount of caffeine he was “Medications and consuming daily. supplements, including “At the beginning of the last caffeine, hit all of us semester, I had about 500 to differently based on how we 600 milligrams a day,” Smith process it and how tolerant we said. “Nothing was stressing are to them,” Joyce said. me out. I just couldn’t wake Freshman Taylor Harlin up as easily.” believes students at OSU Dieticians such as Joyce Payton Little, The O’Colly know the potential risks, but warn that at high levels, Students consume energy drinks, such as Monster, at an alarming rate. it’s not enough to stop. caffeine can function similar “I feel like we know what students, as well as first to so much caffeine all the studying like that or staying to other substances. too much caffeine is, but we responders, Joyce has seen time, you just kind of start to up late, what I would do is “Technically caffeine is a just don’t care,” Harlin said. that caffeine dependence is a tolerate it,” Griffin said. “And I would just get a small,” drug,” Joyce said. “You do “As college students, we are Griffin said. “Like I wouldn’t become tolerant and addicted common struggle and nothing so if you really want it to just doing so much and I’m to be embarrassed about. work, and you care about your get the extra shot. I wouldn’t to it, and you are going to exhausted all the time.”

“As a practitioner, I never heart, I would try to slowly get the large Rebel, and I’d experience withdrawal. There While many students want people to feel ashamed,” cut back on caffeine.” just get a small one if I really is no way to stop that.” acknowledge the risk, Joyce Joyce said. “If you’re Freshman Kylie Blevins needed it.”

For Griffin, working at a has found that students are consuming upward of three, has experienced the negative Smith believes that place that provides her with secretive about how much effects of cutting back on her students’ habits contribute to caffeine they really drink. caffeine during the week. the caffeine culture at OSU. “Students don’t overly “I get headaches if I don’t “I think it’s just the fact that reveal their caffeine drink caffeine,” Blevins said. maybe we get too little sleep,” “With college students specifically, practices,” Joyce said. “Unless “If I drink any amount of Smith said. “Students just stay I see them regularly walking there is kind of a culture between caffeine two days in a row, up on their phone and then around with them, there’s a and I don’t the third day, I’ll they’re like, ‘Okay, I didn’t get staying up really late to cram few students who I know are always have a headache.” much sleep last night. I need and that encourages caffeine going to walk in with a certain Over spring break, Smith something to substitute.’” caffeinated beverage in their decided to go from 500 For students wanting to overconsumption.” hand.” milligrams of caffeine a day to change their caffeine habits, Harlin starts every morning zero, but the effects impacted Joyce says that the first step is SARA GRIFFON | DUTCH BROS BARISTA with her drink of choice, a his daily routine. creating a consistent routine.

Peach Vibe Celsius with 200 “The first week when I “If you can find a way to milligrams of caffeine, and didn’t have it, I was having structure your day, come up then decides what she needs pretty bad headaches, and with a sleep routine,” Joyce for the rest of the day. then week two and three, I said. “Cut the caffeine off six constant access to caffeine has 400 milligrams of caffeine a “I usually have my Celsius day or more, no shame in that. just could not wake up at all,” to eight hours before you go to impacted her own intake. and then sometimes another There are reasons we all need Smith said. “I was struggling bed. You’ll get better sleep and “I have free access to energy drink, like coffee or energy.” to wake up even after a good that will be massive.” caffeine at my job, so I’ve even something else,” Harlin kind of got a dependency on Although she supplies night’s rest.”

As finals week returns at said. students with caffeine, Griffin To avoid withdrawal OSU, so do the extra large it,” Griffin said. “If I really Working at Dutch Bros, recommends that if students symptoms, Griffin tries to drinks and late-night orders, needed to, I would be able Griffin has seen many want to break the habit, they intentionally limit the amount but at least your local barista to do my job without any students shift away from the have to stop the constant flow of caffeine she drinks. at Dutch Bros hopes that caffeine, but it definitely traditional cup of coffee in of energy.

“Whenever I knew it wasn’t you’re okay. helps.” favor of energy drinks.

“Whenever you are so used like, actually going to be From working with news.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER

TRUST THE LORD! (Part #1) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (Jn.14:1 NIV) Jesus had just told his disciples of his betrayal.

He also told to them of his leaving and they could not go with him. I am sure that it seemed to the disciples that everything was “caving in, falling apart.” The future seemed so uncertain. Then Jesus speaks these words; DON’T BE TROUBLED; TRUST ME!

Jesus tells them that he is going to the Father (God) and in his house there is plenty of room. He tells them that he is going to make a place for them all and he will return to take them there. As we look around us there is much uncertainty about this planet that we live on; safety is a premium, and what about when death comes? What is going to happen to you and me? Many are betting on losing consciousness and never

awakening. They live on that assumption. However, Jesus tells us all are going to experience a resurrection from the dead; some to everlasting life and others to be condemned . (Jn.5:28-29, Dan.12:2) Again, the Lord Jesus makes things clear to his followers: “I am going to my Father’s house to prepare a place for you. I

will return to get you and take you to be with me.” when asked about the way to this wonderful place, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6) No wonder he declares plainly; don’t be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.

Jesus has prepared a place and is the way to God’s wonderful place. Let’s trust and

follow him, and lay up treasure there. It is a sure place promised by the Lord Jesus himself. He will not fail us; so shall we ever be with the Lord! (1 Thess.4:17-18)

Page 4A Friday, May 1, 2026

O’Colly

news Cowboys join ‘Run to Remember’ to honor Oklahoma City bombing victims Ethan Coughran

held to honor the 168 lives lost. Participants represented all 50 states and 17 countries, With the 31st remembrance showing how people far beyond of the Oklahoma City bombing, Oklahoma continue to stand the “Run to Remember” with the city. brought thousands of people Among them was OSU to downtown Oklahoma City freshman Luke Baustert, a — including members of the music industry major and Oklahoma State Cowboy family. trumpet player in the Cowboy The bombing, a terror attack Marching Band. Baustert ran on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal the race for the first time.

Building on April 19, 1995, “I’ve always wanted to say I’ve killed 168 people, including run a marathon, and I wanted 19 children. Timothy McVeigh to support this event with it parked a Ryder truck with 5,000 being such an important part pounds of explosives outside of Oklahoma history,” Baustert the building; it detonated at said.

9:02 a.m. The tragedy later He hopes more Cowboys will inspired what is now known join him on the course in the as the Oklahoma Standard and future. the annual Oklahoma City “More Cowboys should run,” Memorial Marathon.

Baustert said. “It’s a super The marathon began in 2001 fun experience, and everyone and has grown into a major should experience it at least remembrance event. This year, once in their life.” about 30,000 runners and Freshman strategic walkers took part in the 26th communications major Layla annual race. The weekend Cochran also took part, but in a included a full marathon, half different way. She volunteered marathon, relay, kids marathon, with the kids marathon, serving senior marathon and 5K, all as a safety net for young runners STAFF REPORTER

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

On April 19, 1995 Timothy McVeigh bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Building killing 168 people. and walkers as they completed their shorter route and received medals at the finish.

The kids events give children a way to show their support and be part of the remembrance.

For Cochran, this was her second year helping with the marathon. She previously served on the OKC Memorial Teen Board, a group made up of high school students that focuses on leadership and learning from the lessons of April 19.

“I love the memorial and the impact it has on so many people, and what the marathon represents is so special,” Cochran said. “So, I will forever try to be a part of it in some way.”

For many Oklahomans, the marathon and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum are not only reminders of a terrible day, but symbols of how people came together afterward.

The Survivor Tree — a single

ACROSS

DOWN

1 Nears burning 2 Geek Squad offering 3 Charge for cash 4 Gilbert and Sullivan work 5 Abrade 6 Club record holder?

7 “The Kite Runner” boy 8 Part 9 Yemen neighbor 10 Deceptive layer 11 Amanda Gorman’s “An __ We Owe” 12 Latin law 13 Boom operator’s need?

21 Cybercommerce 22 Audit firm exec 25 Spellbound 26 “Dirt Cheap” country singer Johnson 27 Terminus 30 “From the top” 31 Kim Possible sidekick __ Stoppable 32 Cusack of the “Toy Story” franchise 34 Skyrocket 37 Lighting effect 38 Lunch hour, for some 39 Mop & __

1 Departing word 5 “Of course,” in Oviedo 10 Chevrolet model until 2019 14 Address letters 15 Bleachers shoutout 16 Biblical plot 17 Dramatic sigh 18 St. Teresa’s birthplace 19 Succeeding 20 Color commentator’s remark about a zebra on the field?

23 Created hazardous driving conditions, perhaps 24 Two-digit sign 28 Org. that promotes vegan leather 29 Pickling, canning, headspace, annealing, etc.?

33 Quaint affirmation 35 Sticky stuff 36 Abnormal 37 Like clockwork, e.g.?

40 “__ luck!”

41 How viral videos might be played 42 Short decline 46 With quick movements 47 Clinch 48 Rodeo cry 50 Half of a meditative refrain 51 Film compositions

american elm that withstood the blast and still stands at the memorial — has become a living emblem of that resilience.

As Oklahoma City continues to grow, the tree’s branches stretch over the memorial grounds, representing the hands that helped the city rebuild and the community that still gathers each year to remember, run and uphold the Oklahoma Standard. news.ed@ocolly.com

42 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, for one 43 Comedian Wong 44 Prefix with binary 45 Pressing the “permanent press” button?

49 Swim/bike/run races, briefly 52 Growing alarm 53 Lifeblood 56 “Words are but wind”?

60 Place to find one’s credit history?

63 Home of Creighton University 64 Net 65 Tarot figure carrying a bindle 66 Program broadcast from Rockefeller Plaza 67 Gastropub pours 68 Maker of Inzone gaming gear 69 Presents inaccurately, as data 70 Try out

54 Collar supports 55 Dada pioneer Max 57 Fries alternative 58 Out of control 59 Not natural 60 Hypotheticals 61 Ranch sound 62 Put on

Courtesy Tribune News Service

On This day

1985. 41 years ago.

Oklahoma State University police, Pistol Pete and the “Ernie” cartoon character joined forces Tuesday morning at the Bennett crosswalk to promote the Police Department’s crosswalk awareness campaign.

The crosswalk located south of Bennett Hall on Hall of Fame Avenue has drawn a lot of public attention to the problem lately because of two pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents that occured this semester, Jenkins said.

Officers and Pistol Pete handed filers to pedestrians and motorists that depict Ernie at several crosswalks, experiencing the problems caused by motorists and pedestrians who do not obey or are unaware of traffic laws.

Jenkins said Chief Everett Eaton, after viewing the Ernie cartoon in The Daily O’Collegian, “came up with the idea of using Ernie in a public service capacity.”

Officer Coy Jenkins said his groups have been taking a “hard look” at the crosswalk problem.

Jenkins said “The idea was to compose a cartoon to educate everyone of the problem in hopes of reducing further accidents in crosswalks.”

CINDY DEES | CONTRIBUTING WRITER, 1985

Ron Denton, The Daily O’Collegian, 1985

Pistol Pete escorts Sharrie Jerome across campus to promote traffic saftey awareness.

O’Colly

Friday, May 1, 2026 Page 5A

lifestyle Paws for mental health Review offers break for students Aliyah Young

you can see they get a smile, but I think a lot of it has to do with peer contact,” he said.

Pete’s Pet Posse invited students For him, the dogs are as much to take a “paws” from studying and about community as comfort. relax with some furry friends as finals “When you have 10 people sitting season ramps up. in a circle and all of them are from The Department of Wellness different cultures or classes or groups organized the event to bring on campus and they’re talking about positivity and mental health the same thing... they’ll talk about awareness to campus with Summer the dog for a little bit... and before Day, a graduate student at Oklahoma long the students are getting into State University, helping table at the conversations with each other,” event.

Eggers said. “This is a way for them Day said she joined the to sit down and interact with other organization to advocate for mental students as well as to get a little bit of health awareness. joy from having dogs.

“I did wellness because it helps “I think it really does a lot students that struggle,” Day said. emotionally for people to pet dogs,” “I feel like it was a hidden thing on he said. campus that not a lot of people knew Mia Lowe, a junior at OSU, would about.” likely agree. She stopped by to take a Cowboys Care helps bring mental break and see the dogs. health resources and awareness to the “The dog definitely brightened my forefront of campus consciousness. day,” Lowe said. “I really appreciate “I feel like when it comes to college seeing them, especially before finals.” students, they try and act like they The support at the event did not have it all figured out when they end with Pete’s Pet Posse. Nearby, really don’t, so it’s a good thing to Wings of Hope tabled in solidarity let people know, like, I’m here with with survivors. Macayla Smith you,” Day said. “The goal is to allow explained the significance of their students to just decompress for a presence. second.”

“We are out here for Denim Day, Pete’s Pet Posse offers a way for which is where we wear denim to students to do that, by providing stand in solidarity with survivors comfort and a low-stakes space to of sexual assault,” Smith said. “It unwind. comes from a court case where a “College students love the dogs, ruling against someone who raped a and we have tables which have young girl was taken back because resources for TimelyCare, Cowboys they stated her jeans were too tight Care and campus mental health for him to take off by himself, so she resources,” Day said. “Mental health must have had to help him.” is real and active in all people, even With Wings of Hope, Smith said if sometimes they may not know and support is available for anyone who it’s underlying.” needs it.

One of the most beloved dogs in “I feel it’s important because those Pete’s Pet Posse, Disco, made her who are maybe survivors of sexual appearance at the event. Her owner, assault or even domestic violence Rick Eggers, happily shared her need to know that we have resources history. out there,” Smith said. “We’re always “Disco was in the first class of here to help no matter the situation Pete’s Pet Posse dogs and joined the you’re going through, so please give us program in the fall of 2013,” Eggers a call.” said. “She just turned 13 a couple of The Department of Wellness, Pete’s months ago and comes to campus Pet Posse, Cowboys Care and Wings of about eight times a semester... the Hope all share the same goal: helping library is her favorite spot.” students. Whether it’s a break from Eggers said he appreciates the joy finals or support through life’s hardest Pete’s Pet Posse brings to people. moments, OSU has resources ready to “I’ll see people and they have a help. reaction to the dog right away, and news.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Biographical film, Michael released in movie theatres on April 24.

‘Michael’: A thrilling greatest-hits show that dodges the hard questions Delaney Waterman STAFF REPORTER

Cowboy Care is an on-campus mental health organization.

Pete’s Pet Posse was founded in 2013.

Jose Brito, The O’Colly

Jose Brito, The O’Colly

On April 24, the King of Pop moonwalked onto the big screen.

“Michael,” Antoine Fuqua’s longawaited Michael Jackson biopic, runs two hours and eight minutes and aims, in Fuqua’s words, to “remind people about the magic of him” and “the power of the music.” For fans, if not for critics, it largely does.

In his debut role, Jaafar Jackson plays his world-famous uncle, while Juliano Valdi portrays Jackson as a child. Colman Domingo takes on the infamous Joe Jackson with Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. Noticeably absent is younger sister Janet Jackson, whose omission makes the family portrait feel incomplete.

“Michael” balances on a slightly unsteady scale. On one side is Jackson’s childish, Peter Pan-esque persona; on the other are years of abuse and controversy. The film’s producers clearly had to choose a direction. They chose the whimsy.

Spanning 1966-88, “Michael” focuses on Jackson’s adolescence and rise to fame alongside his brothers. It lingers on the era of “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad,” staging studio sessions with Motown legend Berry Gordy, producer Quincy Jones and long negotiations with lawyer John Branca. Iconic tracks like “I’ll Be There,” “Thriller,” “Human Nature” and “Bad” turn much of the movie into a concert film, with Valdi’s and Jackson’s vocals blended into Jackson’s original recordings.

The film also gestures at Jackson’s isolation. Constant touring and recording leave him with little company beyond his mother and longtime security guard Bill Bray.

Those relationships may seem minor compared to the spectacle, but they are key to understanding the man behind the moonwalk — and the movie is at its best when it lets those quieter moments breathe.

Still, the narrative cuts off sharply

after the Bad World Tour. Just as Jackson becomes truly independent from the Jackson 5, recovers from the 1984 “Pepsi incident” and embarks on a 123-stop record-setting run, the film ends. The abrupt conclusion leaves major chapters — and controversies — untouched, though a planned sequel may eventually pick up those threads.

Like most modern music biopics, “Michael” arrives under a microscope.

Since 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” also produced by Graham King, the genre has been dogged by complaints of sanitized storylines and estateapproved mythology. Michael is no exception. As of late April, Rotten Tomatoes shows a critic score at 37% while the audience score is at 97%, making it one of the most divisive biopics in recent memory.

Fuqua, best known for “Training Day” and “The Equalizer” trilogy, faced several hurdles in production.

Jackson’s 1993 allegations are largely absent; Fuqua has said an original ending involving accuser Jordan Chandler had to be dropped because of prior legal agreements with the estate, which prohibited dramatization.

The film’s budget started around $155 million, but roughly 22 days of reshoots pushed costs closer to $200 million. Even so, “Michael” roared out of the gate, opening to about $97 million domestically and roughly $217 million globally — the biggest biopic debut ever, surpassing “Straight Outta Compton” and “Oppenheimer” in the genre record books.

All things considered, “Michael” works best as a lavish, greatest-hits jukebox for fans who want to relive the early musical highs with minimal focus on legal battles or trauma. It delivers slick recreations, strong performances and wall-to-wall hits in a way no real tour ever will again. For viewers seeking a deeper reckoning with Jackson’s misfortunes and darker legacy, though, a documentary — not this biopic — is still the better fit. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6A Friday, May 1, 2026

O’Colly

lieestyle

The plant that lets them function again Addy Blankenship

I was nauseous all the time because of the pills or the pain or both.”

Puff, puff, pass.

Sometimes, she said, it felt At 21, Alexis Steele was like the medication didn’t recovering from spine surgery even touch the pain. That’s and trying to stay off opioids. when she turned to medical What finally let her eat, marijuana. sleep and care for her kids “When I switched to again wasn’t a pill bottle, but cannabis and was using it cannabis. for the pain, it didn’t really Alexis feels pain every day, dull the pain,” Steele said. and medical marijuana is her “It almost took it away only form of relief. sometimes.”

“When I switched to Now, cannabis is part of cannabis and was using it her daily routine. She usually for the pain, it didn’t dull the uses once in the morning, pain,” Steele said. “It almost once at lunch and once in the took it away sometimes.” evening. She prefers hemp As a 21-year-old and a young wraps because she is allergic mom, Steele was searching to tobacco and tries to use for something that worked. only solventless concentrate For her, this was a way to find products. relief. Her pain is one of the Jennifer Toynton also leans Courtesy Unsplash hardest things she has to deal on cannabis but for different A pair of studies have found that older adults who use marijuana have more risk of heart attack or stroke with, and it isn’t always visible. reasons. She prefers a holistic when hospitalized than non-users and are more likely to develop heart failure if they are a daily user.

“You don’t have to see it for lifestyle, grows her own food them to have it,” Steele said. and avoids pills after being reduce her pain and blood had to hire someone because tachycardia syndrome and In 2018, Steele’s life changed diagnosed with alpha-gal. sugar, allowing her to come off the line was out the door,” chronic migraines. Her parents forever when she was in a “I just try to stay very some medications.

Isley said. “I was just like, ‘So first introduced her to THCcar wreck that led to spinal clean with my eating and my When Brandan Isley opened sorry guys, I am trying,’ two infused topicals when she was surgery and nerve damage. lifestyle,” Toynton said. “And Doc Green’s Dispensary in tablets going at the same time, 11. At 12, she became one of “I got T-boned in Oklahoma weed is the only thing that—I 2019, his goal was to build a running back and forth.” the first children in the state City by an older lady who know it’s not good for my vertically integrated dispensary He said there’s no typical with a medical card. failed to yield at a turn light,” lungs. So I’m down to where chain and manufacture most patient.

“When I very first got my Steele said.

I just smoke one time in the of the products he sells. The “You’ll get someone who card, Doc Green’s here in After basic emergency room evening.” reality quickly proved more comes in, who’s 80 years town, they closed down shop checks, doctors diagnosed her That nightly smoke is what complicated. old, and their grandson got a for a good little hour one night only with whiplash and sent lets her eat.

Isley said Oklahoma let card and convinced them to and let my parents bring me her home. Two months later, “I have lots of food anxiety, the industry explode, then get a card, and they’ve never in,” Skidgel said. “And he she knew something wasn’t and I don’t eat breakfast, I tightened rules in ways that seen weed,” Isley said. “And taught me a whole bunch of right. don’t eat lunch—in fact, I squeeze legitimate operators. you’ll get someone that has the basics of weed and what “My legs started to feel won’t eat at all unless I smoke “The state’s just been been in the weed industry I was putting in my body, and weird,” Steele said. “I would weed,” Toynton said. “So, I decimating the industry and in every legal state and has how the different forms of it get really weak. They would wait until I’m done working trying to bankrupt us all,” Isley jumped from state to state, and and all the different things.” tingle and feel like they were for the day, got everything said. “And doing a really good everything in between.”

Joint pain is her biggest falling asleep, but I could be struggle. standing up, sitting down, “I swell, I get really swollen,” walking, I could be doing Skidgel said. “It sounds weird, anything and that would but some days I feel like my happen.” body is 10 times heavier than A chiropractic visit showed what it actually is. So when I just how serious it was. smoke, it kind of makes my As of April 23, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has “She did an X-ray, and at body feel lighter.” the bottom of the X-ray there reclassified cannibis. This move recognizes legitimate Living as a young adult was a cloudy feature that she’d with chronic pain means medical uses, reduces federal tax burdens on businessmen never seen before on anyone,” dealing with other people’s Steele said. and facilitates research, but does not legalize recreational use. assumptions.

The chiropractor referred “In high school, I did Steele to a neurologist, and in experience it when people April 2019, she had surgery started finding out that I had at St. Anthony Hospital in done I need to do, then I job at it, by the way.”

From behind the counter, he my medical card and stuff, Oklahoma City. During the smoke and then wait for it He points to vague sees how medical marijuana they thought I was just using operation, doctors found a to kick in for my appetite, regulations, uneven reshapes people’s lives. it to be stoned,” Skidgel said. massive cyst wrapped around because my brain is just so enforcement and early lack Patients tell him about long “They don’t see me having her spinal cord. afraid of food.” of oversight as constant lists of prescriptions they’ve POTS episodes every day, or The cyst crushed the nerves Similar to Toynton, Kajesa challenges. Despite that, he cut down and fewer seizures they don’t see me in pain. of her sacral canal and put Best uses marijuana to fight said Stillwater embraced his and less pain.

They’re like, ‘Oh, it’s not really intense pressure on them, against a body that doesn’t shop.

“I mean, it’s wild, the impact as bad as you really think it causing the pain she still feels cooperate. She was diagnosed “It was a really exciting time medical cannabis has on a is.’ I wish more people had a day to day. with gastroparesis in 2019, to be part of the industry,” community,” Isley said. better understanding of that.”

“My surgeon was amazing, caused by uncontrolled blood Isley said. “Everything was Some patients linger 30–40 For Steele, Toynton, Best but everyone else for pain sugars from diabetes. fresh and new, and everyone minutes just to talk with and Skidgel, the story isn’t management, physical therapy “This is neuropathy of the really loved it.” budtenders. really about cannabis. It’s and everything else was very stomach, so I do not digest Born in Oklahoma and “I’ve developed relationships about being able to function crappy in my opinion,” Steele food,” Best said. “Flat out, my raised in Colorado, he moved with people that have come in after a life-changing injury or said. “They didn’t really listen stomach just does not work. I back in 2018 and found a the first month, seven years diagnosis. For many patients, to me when I was like, ‘Look, have a feeding tube.” community in cannabis. ago, and still come in,” Isley this plant is the difference this is severely painful and I’m She uses medical marijuana “Everyone I know in said. “We’ve really tried to care between getting through the still feeling extremely weak.’” to stimulate her appetite and Oklahoma, outside of my about the customer base more day and not.

Steele tried opioids for ease frequent nausea. immediate family members, I so than just making a sale.”

“I’m not 100%; I won’t the pain, but they left her “There’s so much pain that know from cannabis in some For 19-year-old Oklahoma ever be because of the nerve nauseated and unable to eat. comes along with this,” Best way,” Isley said. “My friends State University sophomore damage,” Steele said. “But I “I was 21, 22 years old, I said. “It’s eating your body, it’s here are vendors or patients.”

Heagen Skidgel, relief can at least function enough to have my 10-year-old, who eating your bones, it’s eating Within the first month, Doc came early. She lives with where I can eat. I can take care was 2, and I couldn’t pick her everything.”

Green’s outgrew its one-man Ehlers-Danlos hypermobile of my kids.” up anymore,” Steele said. “I Best said she has found model. syndrome, juvenile arthritis, couldn’t do anything anymore; multiple strains that help “Within the first month, I postural orthostatic news.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER

DOJ UPDATES CANNIBIS CLASSIFICATION

O’Colly

Friday, May 1, 2026 Page 7A

news Parking

Continued from 1A Tracie Brown, assistant vice president of OSU Student Union Business Affairs, said there is never a convenient time for construction, and she feels they chose the best time to wrap it all up before the fall semester begins.

Brown said the office chose to keep the garage open by working through phases and addressing priority items first, rather than shutting it down entirely.

“This is almost a designated parking garage for visitors, and our [customers] are mixed with everybody,” said Mounzer Al-Harake, assistant director of OSU Student Union Building Operations and Parking.

“Alumni, visitors, students, faculty, staff, everybody, so we’re the multi-purpose of the garage and the campus.”

Amidst the students remains Koonce who acknowledges the pros and cons regarding the construction.

“It’s positively affected me in the way that it has made me stop procrastinating,” Koonce said. “And I feel like the negative impact will just be the

stress, like it’ll just be stressful having to kind of adjust my schedule.”

Had construction begun in the summer, it would still be a minimum of five months of work, which brought on the concern of what the busy fall semester holds, including freshman orientation and football games that bring in many alumni.

“We have pain and suffering between now and then in order to make that happen, because there’s no good time to do it,” Brown said.

However, Koonce said that around this time of the semester, more people are taking attendance seriously due to finals and graduation just around the corner.

“I feel like it’s a worse versus worse situation,” she said.

Brown contacted major users in January 2026 to discuss the construction timeline.

Among the major users are potential students coming in for tours, which are hosted by the OSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Tours are hosted Monday through Thursday, twice on Friday and one Saturday a month throughout the year, excluding holidays.

As phase one is still ongoing, Koonce said she hopes it leaves parking feeling more efficient for everyone.

“I hope that they’re not just up there painting new lines on the parking spots,” she said. “Maybe they’re adding a couple extra, so that it’s just more available spots for everyone. That’s what I hope comes out of it.”

But aside from additional beams and structures, Brown said the majority of it will go unnoticeable seeing how the repairs are being done for the longevity of the garage.

“We just really solved a problem for (the university) that would’ve been in the master plan – we have now extended the life of that parking garage, at least seven to eight years,” Brown said.

But Al-Harake said it is all for the long run.

“We don’t do anything for today, we do it always ahead of time – for the future,” AlHarake said.

As for now, Koonce plans to put what she’s learned to good use.

“I’m just gonna focus on the time management part of it and just get up a bit earlier,” she said. news.ed@ocolly.com

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

The construction is expected to continue through the summer.

Late night pancakes bring students together Zoey Hughes

my honors thesis, so that was pretty stressful for me,” Goodman said. “I successfully Students gathered at the defended it, though, so I’m Oklahoma State University excited about it now.”

Student Union for a pre-finals Hargrove said giving pancake night. students a break is the main The event, hosted by the goal of the event.

Student Union Activities “I think it just gives them a Board, gave students free food, break,” Hargrove said. “When hosted bingo and provided a I was a student, all we thought break from studying before about was studying, and so finals week. Organizers said having the opportunity later at the goal was to create a space night when they’re more than where students could relax and likely awake anyway to come connect during a stressful time. and get some food and see Attendees filled both the some people they recognize.” first and second floors of the He said the event depends Student Union throughout on campus collaboration and the night. As seating ran out volunteers. downstairs, many moved “We have to book the space, upstairs while others gathered work with dining services, around tables to play bingo. and make sure everything’s Garrett Hargrove, set up,” Hangroove said. “We coordinator of the Student also have to purchase the Union Activities Board, said prizes and reach out to people Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly the event takes months of on campus to help because all SUAB handed out free pancakes on Tuesday and Wednesday. planning. the staff here are volunteers.

“I’m the coordinator of the They’re donating three hours For some students, pancake Attendees said being around finals too,” Caldwell said.

SUAB, and this is actually of their time until 11 p.m., night is a tradition they return friends helps them push Goodman added that the one of the only events we when we still have to go to to each year. through the week. event allows for students have per year that I get to work the next day.”

“We used to do this stuff “We all kind of bounce off to decompress amidst the host myself,” Hargrove said.

Hargrove said seeing freshman year,” said Holly of each other because we’re stressful studying.

“I do the planning, logistics, students return makes the Goodman, senior sociology friends,” Goodman said. “I “It’s nice because we’re all create marketing and gather effort worth it. major. “I guess we’re coming think it definitely makes me coming together to kind of volunteers to donate their time back for the memories again “I think honestly, I just re-energized and gives me a take a moment to slow down. for this event.” enjoy watching all the before we graduate.” lot of energy to go through the It gives us a place to relax and Hargrove said the turnout students come through year Others said the free food rest of the night, but also just open up,” Goodman said. and energy have been strong after year or semester after was just as important. to stay motivated for finals Others appreciated the this year.

“I mean, who would week.” simple benefit of a free meal. semester and seeing similar “Attitudes seem pretty great ones and watching them enjoy turn down free food?” said Many said events like “I haven’t gone grocery so far. I think people always it.”

Lena Biamonte, senior this remind them of their shopping in a while, so I’ll love this event, and of course, As finals week approaches, biochemistry and molecular community during finals. always get free food when it’s the free food always helps,” events like pancake night biology major. “The pancakes “I think these events are offered,” Biamonte said.

Hargrove said. “People come continue to give students a are always good too, so that’s really helpful to remind Those in attendance said in for finals and studying but chance to step away from their a plus.” people that they’re not alone the weeks leading up to finals recently they’ve been super into workload and recharge.

As finals approach, stress and that there’s all of these can be overwhelming. bingo.” levels increase across campus. other people who are taking “Today, I actually defended news.ed@ocolly.com O’COLLY CONTRIBUTOR

Page 8A Friday, May 1, 2026

O’Colly

Friday, May 1, 2026

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State pitcher Brennan Philips pitched a career high 8 1/3 innings against Texas Tech on Sunday, picking up a season-high six strikeouts in the process.

After slow start, Phillips emerging as key arm for Cowboys Weston Wertzberger

During the first two months of the season, the junior struggled to find consistency. He started as a middleFor Brennan Phillips, the early frame reliever, where his numbers part of the season didn’t look like the were not impressive and he was not version Oklahoma State expected on the considered a favorable choice. mound.

In his first 11 appearances, he pitched STAFF REPORTER

no more than two innings per game with 14 strikeouts, 22 hits, 22 earned runs and 10 walks for a 12.91 ERA. But over the past few weeks, Phillips has flipped that script, as his ERA has dropped drastically to 7.88. He has become a steady presence in the

Cowboys’ pitching staff and has slowly moved into the starting rotation.

Throughout April, pitching coach Blake Hawksworth helped Phillips rework his pitching style, and that has helped him build more confidence.

See PHILLIPS on page 3B

Holliday, OSU looking to use strong May for postseason boost Will Thorogood

Stadium. This marks the start of a very crucial part of the season for OSU. Under Josh Holliday, Oklahoma Holliday discussed what his team State has been known to finish the needs to do in this stretch to finish regular season strong with solid strong and qualify for a regional. performances in May. “Play it one pitch at a time on OSU has a record of 75-40 in Friday,” Holliday said. “Just playing regular season games in May, and one at a time, that’s the key, I think, has had a losing record only twice to being successful at this time of since 2013. Some of those strong year. Just stick with what got you stretches have led to big moments here, focus on those fundamentals, for the Cowboys — hosting slow down a little bit and just try Regionals and a Super Regional, Big to live in the moment. If you can 12 Tournament titles and a trip to do that over a period of time, you the 2016 College World Series. can give yourself the best chance to The Cowboys will begin May succeed.” with a three-game series against TCU, starting on Friday at O’Brate See HOLLIDAY on page 2B STAFF REPORTER

Courtesy OSU Athletics

Liv McGill was All-SEC First Team at Florida this past season.

Depth, transfers to be key for OSU next season Cayden Cox

available in the transfer portal, and the two will likely join Stailee Heard in the Cowgirls starting lineup, A clutch 3, a hustle steal and grit. but one of the six other players the Those are just a few examples Cowgirls brought in via the transfer of what role players can bring to a portal could be the spark plug for team.

OSU. While star players normally take With Crooks, McGill and Heard the spotlight, efforts from a role projected to be in OSU’s starting player could be the difference maker lineup, that leaves two spots to fill in a season. and Jacie Hoyt will have plenty of Oklahoma State made headlines options. during the offseason by grabbing its Hoyt’s options likely include Ellie stars Audi Crooks and Liv McGill in Brueggemann, Talexa Weeter, Nene the transfer portal.

Ndiaye and Yuting Deng.

Most outlets listed Crooks and McGill inside their top 10 for players See DEPTH on page 5B STAFF REPORTER

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

The Cowboys have reached the postseason 12 times under coach Josh Holliday.

Page 2B Friday, May 1, 2026

O’Colly

sports Cowboys looking ahead to season finale after 11-6 loss to ORU Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER

TULSA — Oklahoma State dug itself into a big hole midway through Tuesday’s matchup against Oral Roberts at ONEOK Field.

The Cowboys found life after falling behind 9-0, scoring five runs in the sixth inning. But just like in the first meeting between the two on April 7 in Stillwater, OSU could not complete the comeback.

The Golden Eagles’ relievers allowed just one run over the final innings to clinch the season series with an 11-6 victory, snapping OSU’s fourgame winning streak.

“We did not play well enough to win,” OSU coach Josh Holliday said. “Give ORU credit, they did. They did a nice job of capitalizing on some offensive situations they created for themselves and cut some hits. They were able to put up a big inning in the fifth.

Six spots are usually tough ones, so credit to them.”

The first inning was quiet for both teams, but Oral Roberts (26-17) struck first in the second when Cooper Kelly hit a solo home run to right field for a 1-0 lead.

The Cowboys (28-17) nearly responded in the third after back-to-back singles from Terrance Bowen and Alex Conover. But Bowen was tagged out at home while sliding headfirst after a wild pitch by pitcher Brenden Asher.

The Golden Eagles added to their lead in the fourth when Wailele Kane Yates was hit by a pitch, followed by a two-run home run to left field from Cooper Combs to make it 3-0.

ORU added more damage in the fifth inning, which proved decisive.

The Golden Eagles opened the inning with two singles and an RBI double, then added a one-out RBI single and a hit-by-pitch to extend the lead to 5-0 before OSU turned to its bullpen.

Freshman pitcher Zane Burns made his first career start and worked a career-high 4 1/3 innings. He was sharp early, retiring nine of the first

Holliday

Laken Chambers, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State baseball player Garrett Shull is one of the experienced players the Cowboys can lean on down the stretch.

10 batters he faced, but ORU the biggest swing of the broke through in the middle inning, launching a three-run innings. Burns finished with home run to right field to trim three strikeouts, allowing six the deficit to 9-5. The homer hits, eight runs and two hit-by- marked OSU’s 100th of the pitches. season, the third time in the “(His performance) was OK,” past four years the Cowboys Holliday said. “He’s a good have reached that mark. young pitcher. He did some The Cowboys added two good things. But in the end, more singles during the rally at this level, when you don’t before reliever Luke Williams get the ball exactly where you struck out pinch-hitter need to get it, strong kids can Deacon Pomeroy to end the hurt you. And their kids did inning. that. ... Tonight, he’ll probably Oral Roberts answered in learn some things, and that’s a the seventh with RBI singles part of this journey.” from Martell Davis and Although ORU did not Hudson Ellis to extend the record another hit in the lead to 11-5. fifth, it continued to build its OSU didn’t have much left lead against relievers Bryce offensively, managing only LeBlanc and Jake Kennedy one run in the eighth when with three walks, a hit-byShull scored on a wild pitch pitch and a wild pitch to make to make it 11-6. Over the final it 9-0 — its largest lead of the three innings, the Cowboys game. stranded five runners, With two outs in the sixth, including three in scoring it looked like the offensive position, as they suffered their struggles would continue. second loss to the Golden But OSU finally found some Eagles this season. momentum. “...We had a couple of Aidan Meola started the chances tonight and we didn’t rally with a solo home run quite finish the job tonight,” down the left-field line.

Holliday said. “I would’ve The Cowboys followed with liked to have seen 9-6 or 9-7 a double from Campbell in the seventh. We didn’t get Smithwick, an RBI single to contact. As a result, it was from Colin Brueggemann and 9-5. It’s the ability to lay off a single from Evan Saunders close pitches. It’s the ability, to cut the deficit to 9-2.

I think, to come off a full Then Garrett Shull provided swing and be able to swing at

a lesser effort level but still make contact to get the ball in play. We’ve done some of that better, but we have to continue to work at it in the moment.”

Now, the Cowboys head into May with 10 games remaining before the Big 12 Tournament.

This weekend presents a pivotal home series against TCU, which is riding a seven-game winning streak, highlighted by a series win over Baylor, a 10-inning midweek victory over Dallas Baptist and a series sweep of Houston.

OSU is also coming off a sweep in Big 12 play after taking down Texas Tech in Lubbock. The Cowboys currently sit tied for sixth in the conference standings with BYU at 11-10, while TCU sits just ahead in fifth at 13-8.

As for the national stage, the two teams are neck and neck in the RPI rankings. The Cowboys dropped two spots to No. 36 after the loss to Oral Roberts, while the Horned Frogs are at No. 40. Both teams are right above the bubble line for the NCAA Tournament, with a series win for either team helping build a case for an at-large bid.

Offensively, TCU holds a slight edge in batting average (.280) over OSU (.277), but the

Cowboys have produced more overall, leading in runs, hits, doubles and RBIs. The biggest difference comes in power, where OSU’s 100 home runs nearly double TCU’s 56.

Plate discipline presents another contrast. The Horned Frogs are tied for the conference lead with 253 walks, while the Cowboys are close behind with 247. However, TCU has done a better job limiting strikeouts, averaging 7.88 per game compared to OSU’s conference-high 10.98.

On the mound, TCU holds the edge with a 5.33 ERA compared to OSU’s 6.31, giving the Horned Frogs a slight advantage in overall pitching consistency.

Since 2021, TCU has controlled the series with a 10-5 record, though it is even at 3-3 in games played at O’Brate Stadium. OSU has played well at home this season with a 17-5 record, while TCU has gone 7-8 on the road.

With both teams battling for position in the Big 12 standings and on the NCAA Tournament bubble, this weekend’s series could carry major weight heading into the final stretch of the regular season. sports.ed@ocolly.com

it excelled after that. Series sweeps of Texas Tech and Houston brought the Cowboys Continued from 1B a 5-2 mark on the month.

As the No. 2 seed, In Holliday’s first year they cruised through the in 2013, OSU was on a roll tournament and won it in entering May, having won style by defeating OU. That eight out of its last nine games. momentum continued into The Cowboys began the month their third-straight regional in with a loss at Texas Tech, but Stillwater. recovered by winning seven OSU opened with dominant out of their last nine. wins against Niagara and Despite going winless at the Florida.

But the wheels fell conference tournament, the off, as the Gators won twice to Cowboys found themselves at eliminate the Cowboys. the Louisville Regional. They OSU was in a bad spot were eliminated by Louisville entering May last season, but in the regional final. that month turned the season The 2014 season saw a big around.

The Cowboys swept improvement, boosted by a UCF and ASU, and won the strong May, courtesy of sweeps series at BU to go 8-1 in that against Arizona State and stretch.

Kansas State to go 9-1.

After the conference The Cowboys battled to tournament, OSU was the final of the conference selected to play at the Athens tournament, but finished as Regional.

It opened with a loss the runner-up to TCU. Though to Duke and a big win over their excellent performance Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly Binghamton.

The Cowboys throughout the season resulted The OSU baseball team has three Big 12 series’ left in the regular season. rallied to eliminate Georgia, but in them hosting a regional at blew a 2-0 lead to Duke and got one run in both games, and selected to host another the final, where they lost to Allie P. Reynolds Stadium. eliminated. advanced to their first College regional.

TCU. OSU later advanced to the After OSU’s 11-6 loss to ORU, OSU opened with wins over The strong finish to the Stillwater Super Regional, but World Series since 1999, when Holliday spoke about what Holliday was a player.

Harvard and Nebraska, but ran month earned OSU a spot in its season ended with an 8-4 helped that team pick up the The Cowboys opened with into a loss against UConn. The the Tucson Regional. It could and 1-0 loss to UC Irvine. pace in May. Cowboys bounced back to take not continue that performance After a drop off in 2015, OSU wins over UC Santa Barbara “It was probably just overall bounced back in 2016. The 8-3 and Arizona, but the Wildcats down the Huskies and advance in the regional, as two losses really good team baseball,” battled out of the losers to the Lubbock Super Regional. to UC Santa Barbara ended its stretch in May began with a Holliday said. “... I think it bracket and ended OSU’s The Red Raiders won the season. win over Texas to sweep the requires all facets of the game opener, but the Cowboys forced Following 2022, the 2023 series. The Cowboys ended the season. in order to get on a run late; After down years in 2017 a game three. TTU was not season saw an improvement in regular season with a sweep of it can’t just be one dynamic. and 2018, the Cowboys rose in fazed, as it eliminated OSU to May for OSU, which hosted a Kansas.

Good quality starting pitching, 2019. go to Omaha. regional again. The Cowboys At the Clemson Regional, protecting leads when you OSU went 7-1 in May, with Series wins over KU, Baylor underperformed in the regional the Cowboys rolled past can create them and being its only loss coming against and New Orleans led the with a close loss to Oral Roberts Nebraska and Clemson to relentless enough on offense Oklahoma. The Cowboys Cowboys to another strong and a blowout against Dallas advance to the Columbia that you can go out there and battled their way to another May in 2021. The momentum Baptist.

Super Regional. win 3-2 or 7-6.” carried into the conference In 2024, OSU opened May They cleared the next hurdle conference tournament championship, and were tournament, and advanced to with two losses to Texas, but by holding South Carolina to sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, May 1, 2026 Page 3B

sports Phillips

Continued from 1B “When he pitches like that as a starter, he certainly gives the bullpen a chance to catch its breath, that’s for sure,” OSU coach Josh Holliday said. “If he comes out of the bullpen, which he has done this year as well, it’s been a long shot in the arm. It’s been longer outings and skilled outings.

“He’s done a great job in whatever role we’ve asked him. The start (to the season) was a little slow, but he found himself through hard work and adjustments.”

Coming out to start the season, Phillips struggled to limit damage, allowing multiple runs in short outings while working through command issues and trying to find a rhythm. Without a full preseason to prepare, he entered the year trying to catch up both physically and rhythmically.

“When he was struggling (earlier this season), he did not have the benefit of a full preseason, and he was late to the gate,” Holliday said. “When he came out, he wasn’t quite right, and then he was fighting it, and game success was elusive. But to his credit, he and coach Hawksworth got on the same page and made some adjustments. And, yeah, it’s been awfully helpful.”

Since mid-April, Phillips has looked like a different pitcher.

His command has sharpened, and he has been able to work deeper into games, giving the Cowboys more stability.

Phillips’ latest outing against Texas Tech on Sunday was a clear example, where he delivered a career-best performance, going 8 1/3 innings — the most for any OSU pitcher this season — while allowing just two runs and striking out a seasonhigh six batters.

Over the last three games with two starts, his outings have gotten longer with at least three innings of work each game. During that stretch, Phillips has retired batters 78% of the time, with 14 strikeouts while allowing 15 hits, six earned runs and five walks.

Those recent outings have reflected the adjustments that have taken shape behind the scenes, helping stabilize the pitching staff and giving the bullpen more flexibility late in games. “(He’s improved on) strike zone, more quality strikes, more speed and changes of speed in the strike zone,” Holliday said. “He’s done a really good job mixing his pitches. He hasn’t let the other team sit on a pitch, so they’re a constant mix of hard, soft and breaking pitches. It’s been a good neutralizer against some pretty aggressive teams.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

Braeden Phillips has improved his ERA to 7.88.

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

Madison Hoffman is hitting .438 with two home runs in her first season back from an ACL injury.

How Hoffman’s resilience is paying off in return from injury Ryan Ruston

with a clutch two-run homer to add on important insurance runs.

Hoffman also got a pinch-hit It was the first day of practice at-bat in every game this past back from winter break. weekend in Waco. She went 0-for-1 Freshman Madison Hoffman but drew two walks. was excited to compete in her first Gajewski rewarded her again season on the Oklahoma State with a start against Tulsa on softball team.

Wednesday. She made the most of “I remember driving down in her chance.

January to college,” Hoffman Hoffman went 2-for-3 with a said. “Thinking ‘I’m so excited to two-run homer and an RBI triple, play my first (season),’ and then I driving in three of the Cowgirls’ couldn’t.” five runs in a 5-0 win against Hoffman tore her ACL in the Tulsa. first practice back from winter Although it’s a small sample break. It was devastating, as she size, with only 16 at-bats this would miss the entire 2025 season season, Hoffman is now slashing and take a medical redshirt. .438/.591/1.000. Twenty-five So, Hoffman had to lean on percent of Hoffman’s hits are her teammates in those times of extra-base hits. struggle.

“I don’t think I can express how “That was pretty rough,” happy this whole program is for Hoffman said. “But I had the best that kid,” Gajewski said. “She’s teammates to support me. I got gonna do great things here … She to live in their house for a month cares about this program. She had because I couldn’t drive, and so a really tough start last year when they just loved me so much. And she tore the ACL, and I’m just so that made it a lot easier.” really, really proud of her. She’s OSU coach Kenny Gajewski gonna do some great things here, calls Hoffman one of the hardest and it’s gonna be hard to get her workers he has ever coached, if not out of the lineup.” the hardest.

Some of the biggest reactions “She lives, eats, sleeps this,” from the dugout are when Gajewski said. “She cares about Hoffman gets a big hit. On both of this program.” her home runs this season, she has After taking the medical redshirt sprinted around the bases toward and getting off to a bit of a slow a mob of her teammates at home start this season, Hoffman has plate. started to make the most of every “I think they enjoy it more than at-bat she gets.

I do,” Hoffman said. “And they Gajewski gave her a pinch-hit at- just love me so much and that’s bat in the seventh inning against so obvious and I just love them Texas on April 22. She answered so much, too, but I just am so STAFF REPORTER

overwhelmed with joy with their reactions.”

Freshman shortstop Aubrey Jones has been either on deck or on base for both of Hoffman’s homers. She has been part of both mobs at home plate.

“Obviously, she’s been through some hard things,” Jones said.

“So, to see her succeed after going through so much is really awesome. Her last home run was in Texas, and I was on base for her, and as soon as she hit it, I was so excited, yelling for her.”

And same thing today, I got to be right after her, so I got to be right next to her again, so, yeah. I’m super pumped when someone like that is able to do something good for the team.”

Hoffman is starting to find a groove and is making it hard on Gajewski to find as many opportunities to get her at-bats as he can.

“Yeah, it’s pretty rewarding,” Hoffman said. “I remember just last year, I was just telling myself, I got to trust God’s process, and like every day I was just there for my teammates, because all I could do was cheer them on, I couldn’t do anything on the field.”

And so, once I was cleared, I was like, ‘Okay, like now I can contribute on the field,’ so I just got to working all the time and to see it pay off right now is awesome. It was a lot of hard work to get here, and I’m just grateful that I’m able to help our team win.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4B Friday, May 1, 2026

O’Colly

sports Feature

Former OSU wrestler and assistant coach Coleman Scott built ‘The Farm’ to train and coach wrestlers near Stillwater.

Lilian Easter, The O’Colly

How Scott is using ‘The Farm’ to build wrestlers

C

hris Staehlin and his family fell for Stillwater’s wrestling scene enough to leave Las Vegas.

Staehlin bought land.

His son, Zane, bought into Coleman Scott’s program at The Farm.

“We signed up for a camp last year in the summer,” Staehlin said. “I met Coleman at Reno Worlds. I had an 8-year-old at the time. We came to a camp, and we wanted to do a couple. We liked Stillwater, and we liked the way the wrestling was here compared to Vegas, and we decided to buy land in the state.”

For the Staehlins, it wasn’t only a move. It was a commitment to a different way of life, one built around wrestling and discipline that starts young.

At 9, Zane keeps it simple.

“Grinding, sprinting, bear crawls, baby bears, pull-ups sometimes, push-ups,” Zane said. “That’s about it.”

The kind of routine Scott set out to build.

On 30 acres, 15 minutes south of Stillwater, Scott turned a piece of land into The Farm, a wrestling camp designed to develop young athletes on and off the mat.

A space more than double the size of two basketball courts came together in half the expected time. The same mindset that earned Scott a bronze medal in wrestling at the 2012 London Olympic Games and set the foundation of The Farm.

“I owned this 30 acres,” Scott said. “My buddy in Pennsylvania, Jody Strittmatter, with Young Guns [Wrestling Club], runs the same concept, similar setup.

He’s all in one building; I split it into two. It was right after everything happened up at [Oklahoma State University],

BY SEVE SANCHEZ and I didn’t think I’d be back in the college game, so we just built this.”

The wrestling room and housing weren’t built the traditional way; they came together through long days from anyone willing to help.

Scott said the timeline didn’t matter, only getting it done.

“We didn’t move dirt until January of last year, and then we had our first camp in May,” Scott said. “It should be an eight-month project that we shrunk to four, so we cut it in half. We were all hands on deck, the community, the club. We had the kids carrying

I

O ’ C O L LY C O N T R I B U T O R

the 2008 NCAA champion at 133 pounds. He achieved a 12024 record through his college career before joining the OSU staff as an assistant coach from 2012-14.

After an eight-year stint as coach of North Carolina, Scott returned to OSU as an associate coach with plans in line to take over as coach when legendary John Smith retired after his 33year career in 2024.

The plan didn’t unfold the way Scott expected.

“They kind of pulled the rug on me,” Scott said. “The plan was for John to retire, then I was gonna take over as head

For Nichole Noel and her son, Wyatt, the introduction to The Farm didn’t come with guarantees, only an opportunity to show up and see where it led.

That moment came for Noel with a phone call and a young son beginning to understand the sport.

“Wyatt was 5,” Noel said. “We called up here and talked with Coleman, and he was like, ‘Oh yeah, bring him up. I have a kid who is his exact weight.’ I was like, ‘That’s perfect,’” Much of that experience is how the coaching staff can shape it to the wrestler.

out how to get the most out of an individual,” Scott said.

“It’s never usually screaming, demeaning, yelling. Build them up, but be honest with them, and that’s what we do. As coaches, we don’t yell at kids, but we hold them accountable, per se. We have a high standard here; we work hard and everything, and that’s sort of all I brought over.”

After one year, Scott has laid the foundation for the future.

That includes housing for 150 overnight campers with Tempur-Pedic beds, as well as a waterproof shower room with 20 showers and 10 toilets.

The 60-by-160-foot training space stands out most, housing eight wrestling mats branded with The Farm and Scott’s name.

“You want to be a good person, you want to give back, be a Still, Scott has plans to christian, have that faith. That’s what we preach here and not expand beyond the mats. just preach, but live by here.”

“We have kids who come to school class currently,” Scott said. “We have a full-on COLEMAN SCOTT academy starting in the fall, so we did a little bit of a mock with a couple of homeschooled kids and a teacher. They house in the sheet rock. My fathercoach. I was the coach of a At 6, Wyatt’s answer is brief, out here four days a week in in-law hung all the [shower power-five school. I would’ve but certain. the mornings. They’re here stalls] up, which was a pain. never left [UNC] had I known “[The coaches] are pretty from about 8 [a.m.] to 12 My dad was here for two or that I wasn’t going to be the good,” Wyatt said. “The moves [p.m.] every day.” three months, just helping coach. I was pissed off.” they do and the pins they do, What started small has with whatever.”

The direction he expected they coach me well.” grown quickly, bringing kids After the inaugural camp was gone. A new one had to A piece of paper hangs over from across the country. The in May, Scott, 39, could only take shape. the two water fountains with 10 numbers continue to climb, hope for the investment to Even as the path shifted, things that require zero talent. with more kids filling the mats pay off. Becoming a strong Scott’s purpose didn’t. The 1. Being on Time each season. For Scott, growth wrestling club takes time, but impact he wanted to leave 2. Making an Effort was never meant to come at Scott focused on building a wasn’t tied to a title or a record. 3. Being High Energy the expense of connection. sustainable culture.

It never was.

4. Having a Positive Attitude “Let’s give back to the The demand didn’t take long “The biggest thing is that we 5. Being Passionate community, let’s figure out to follow. can teach kids how to live the 6. Using Good Body Language how to make great humans on “I had 750 [kids] roll right life,” Scott said. “Winning 7. Being Coachable and off the mat,” Scott said. through here last year,” Scott is cool and the trophies and 8. Doing a Little Extra “We got a lot of rules like no said. “We’re expecting 1,000stuff, but at the end of the 9. Being Prepared cussing, yes, sir, no, sir, yes, 1,200 kids throughout just the day, that’s very minimal in the 10. Having a Strong Work Ethic ma’am, no, ma’am, please summer. Every evening in the whole scheme of life and what The routine Scott prioritizes and thank you. You have to winter, there were 200-250 you want to do. You want to be reaches far beyond his words. go through the food line, you every day because the high a good person, you want to give For these young wrestlers, have to say all of that, all of school used it as well.” back, be a Christian, have that constant reinforcement helps those little things. Shaking As a Cowboy, Scott was a faith. That’s what we preach build both discipline and somebody’s hand, looking four-time All-American, an here and not just preach, but confidence. them in the eye.”

NCAA runner-up in 2007 and live by here.”

“The biggest thing is finding sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, May 1, 2026 Page 5B

sports Column

Gerl: Sorsby case puts Texas Tech and Big 12 title race in limbo Parker Gerl

CO-EDITORIN-CHIEF

Texas Tech put up a pretty penny.

It might have caught a bad beat.

The university announced on Monday that quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering rehab for a gambling addiction, almost four months after Tech signed him to a reported $5 million NIL deal.

Now, Sorsby’s wagers are at the center of an ongoing NCAA investigation that could shake up the landscape of college football. His playing career, and the Red Raiders’ season, are seemingly in doubt.

According to multiple reports, dating back to 2022, Sorsby placed more than 10,000 bets and, at one point, averaged more than 20 bets per day. These included wagers on Indiana football when Sorsby redshirted for the Hoosiers in 2022, along with bets on pitches at Cincinnati Reds games. Some bets were less than a dollar.

Most were less than $100.

But in the end, Sorsby’s future in Lubbock is now on the line, as the NCAA forbids athletes from betting on both college and pro sports.

“We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,” TTU coach Joey McGuire said in a release.

“Taking this step requires courage, and our primary focus is on him as a person. Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health.”

Sorsby’s transfer from Cincinnati put the Red Raiders as the favorites to repeat as Big 12 Conference champions. It also allowed him to become one of the faces of college football, as he was widely regarded as the No. 1 or No. 2 transfer quarterback in the country.

A player of his caliber choosing to seek treatment for a gambling addiction while on a roster is unprecedented in

Depth

Tribune News Service

Brendan Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech in January. His eligibility for 2026 is in doubt due to an ongoing sports betting investigation. college sports. It’s also raised several questions in the college football world.

How long did Texas Tech know about this?

How did the NCAA learn of this?

What’s Sorsby’s next move if he’s banned from competition?

Now, the Red Raiders no longer loom as a runway favorite to win the league with Sorsby’s status in limbo.

Teams in the conference with firepower, such as Oklahoma State, Utah, BYU and Houston, could climb up the ladder.

The Big 12 also was set to have two potential star quarterbacks as faces of the league and potential firstround NFL Draft prospects in Sorsby and OSU’s Drew Mestemaker. If Sorsby is deemed ineligible, it could pave the way for Mestemaker to become the league’s top face, should his success translate.

This is still ongoing, though. The NCAA still needs to conclude its investigation, which would mean it needs to speak with Sorsby. That may

not happen for a while as he’s away at a treatment facility.

But the NCAA’s strict gambling policy includes “permanent loss of eligibility” for those wagering on their own team. Sorsby’s bets on Indiana loom as the largest obstacle for him to return.

Once the NCAA closes its investigation, if it recommends Sorsby be deemed ineligible, the school would then rule him ineligible per normal protocol.

The next step, however, could be TTU filing for his

reinstatement. An NCAA denial could spark a legal case that gets a Lubbock judge involved — similar to what we’ve seen happen in other recent player eligibility cases.

There’s still a lot to unpack.

The Sorsby saga is nowhere near over.

But it does feel like the star quarterback’s future at Tech is in real doubt due to a gambling addiction, a potential major shakeup to college football and the Big 12. sports.ed@ocolly.com

her home state,” Hoyt said in a release.

As for Ndiaye and Deng, they Continued from 1B are both taller than 6-foot and share similar characteristics.

Brueggemann started every Both are exceptional 3-point game of her three-season career shooters. With the Scarlet at Lindenwood, Weeter started Knights, Ndiaye shot 41.6% every game at Fort Hays State from beyond the arc, whereas last season and Ndiaye was Deng shot 37% from 3. in the starting five in all but They were both close in one game for Rutgers. Deng win shares as well. Ndiaye is the only of the group that produced 1.8 win shares, and didn’t start last season, but she Deng had 1.5. made eight starts during her However, Ndiaye’s player freshman season at Auburn. efficiency rating was All four could rotate between significantly higher. She had the starting five. They will all an efficiency rating of 21.4, likely impact the Cowgirls this higher than Heard (19.4) and season. four of OSU’s starters from last In a 24-hour poll conducted season. on X, OSU fans were asked who “Nene is a huge piece to of the four they thought would our puzzle of assembling have the biggest impact. an elite roster. She is what Weeter received the majority I would describe as a Swiss of the votes at 45%, Ndiaye Army Knife. She brings a little followed with 22% of the votes bit of everything to the table and Brueggemann and Deng with her game,” Hoyt said in a each received 16.5% of the release. “She can shoot, drive, votes. post up, rebound, defend and Advanced metrics would is a tremendous athlete with agree with the Cowgirl fans great length.” that Weeter is the most Deng’s player efficacy rating Courtesy OSU Athletics valuable. was 15.7, but her biggest Ellie Brueggemann is one of the transfers expected to have a key impact for OSU next season.

During this past season, impact came on the offensive Weeter had a player efficiency end. She had an individual most efficient scorers last The metrics argue that creates per 100 possessions. rating of 37.6. For reference, offensive rating of 104.5. year,” Hoyt said in a release.

Brueggemann is comparable to Brueggemann’s rating was Crooks’ efficiency rating was “She can score with the ball “She can stretch the floor and McGill.

119.4 and McGill’s was 100.1.

41.8. in her hand and is exceptional shoot, but also loves physicality Their efficiency ratings are Brueggemann’s efficiency Based off win shares, an as a catch-and-shoot shooter around the rim. She will create nearly identical. Brueggemann field goal percentage was 63.2%, analytical stat that measures as well,” Hoyt said in a release. mismatches for opponents and had a rating of 26.2 and the ninth-highest in college the approximate number “Her ability to space the floor brings a competitiveness that McGill’s was 26.3. Their basketball. Offensively, she of wins a player produced, makes our team more lethal our fans will love!” win shares were even close, ranked inside the top-100 on Weeter was more valuable offensively.

She has something Although Weeter’s value Brueggemann’s was 3.8 eight different stats. than Crooks. Weeter produced very few players have, the compares to Crooks, she is whereas McGill’s was 4.

“She is one of the best 3-point 6.7 wins for her team, while clutch gene, with her ability to transitioning from the Division Brueggemann did outrank shooters in the country and has Crooks produced 5.8. make big shots in big moments II level to the Power Five level, McGill in individual offensive great size and versatility and “Talexa is a versatile player in big games.” so the level of competition rating, a metric that measures a hunger and gratitude for the that was one of the country’s could play an effect. how many points a player opportunity on this stage in sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6B Friday, May 1, 2026

O’Colly

sports

OSU Softball defeats tulsa 5-0

Cowgirls infielder Madison Hoffman slides into third base for a triple, her second hit in OSU’s 5-0 win.

Pitcher Ruby Meylan celebrates with designated hitter Madison Hoffman.

Laken Chambers, The O’Colly

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

Infielder Rosie Davis throws a ball to second base.

Outfielder Claire Timm swings the bat.

Laken Chambers, The O’Colly

Outfielder Jayelle Austin slides back to first base after a pop fly.

Laken Chambers, The O’Colly

O’Colly

Friday, May 1, 2026 Page 7B

sports Adamovic hired as Cowgirl tennis coach Gina Foster

STAFF REPORTER

File Photo, The O’Colly

John Smith won five national titles in 33 years as OSU’s head coach.

Cowboy wrestling facility to be named after John Smith Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER

The most dominant wrestler in American history will become a permanent part of Oklahoma State’s future.

Pending approval by the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, the university announced that the new Cowboy wrestling facility will be named after former wrestler and head coach John Smith. The facility will be built on the north side of Gallagher-Iba Arena.

“It is nearly impossible to overstate what John Smith has meant to Cowboy Wrestling and the sport of wrestling around the world,” OSU athletic director Chad Weiberg said in a release. “There is not a more appropriate way to celebrate all he has done for Oklahoma State than to have his name on the building that future generations of OSU wrestlers will walk into every day.”

During his wrestling career, Smith won six consecutive world championships from 1987 to 1992 and two gold medals at the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. His international record was 100-5, and his domestic freestyle record was 77-3.

In college, Smith became a threetime Big Eight champion and a

two-time NCAA champion, winning back-to-back in 1987 and 1988. He went 152-8-2 as a Cowboy.

He also won two Oklahoma state championships at Del City, holding a 105-5 record in high school.

Smith competed in 458 matches across high school, college and freestyle, winning 436 for a 95% win rate.

The former Cowboy wrestler then served as the program’s head coach for 33 years, leading OSU to five NCAA team championships, 23 conference championships and 490 dual wins (third-most in Division I history). Smith coached 33 individuals to national titles, 153 All-Americans, 132 individual conference champions and two Hodge Trophy winners.

When OSU unveiled the Athlete Vision Plan in 2023, the roughly 62,000-square-foot facility was projected to transform Lot 4 into a landscaped plaza. The more than $16 million project will feature a 16,000-square-foot practice gym with six mats, a dedicated training area and grandstand seating.

Construction is expected to take more than 18 months and will begin once funds are fully committed.

The naming further cements Smith’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in the sport’s history. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Cowgirl tennis alumna, Katarina Adamovic, is returning to Stillwater as the new women’s tennis head coach.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Adamovic, a former Cowgirl standout, will be the program’s seventh head coach after spending the past two seasons as the head coach at Houston.

As she returns home, Adamovic’s accolades have become reminders of her dominance during the 2014-17 seasons.

Her passion and energy on the court led her to earn All-American honors and MVP recognition at the NCAA Tournament in 2016, where she led OSU to a runner-up finish — a best for the Cowgirl program.

In Adamovic’s last two seasons, the team earned back-to-back Big 12 regular-season championships, a Big 12 tournament title, an NCAA runnerup finish and two trips to the NCAA Elite Eight. OSU had a combined 5411 record.

Individually, Adamovic’s collegiate honors are as follows: 2016 Singles All-American; 2016 NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player; 2016 NCAA Championship all-tournament team in both singles and doubles; 2015 All-Big 12 in both singles and doubles; 2016 All-Big 12 in both singles and doubles; 2017 AllBig 12 in both singles and doubles; 2014 Big 12 position champion at No. 4 singles; 2015 ITA Central Region singles champion and 2016 Academic All-Big 12 second team.

She holds a 75-42 singles record and a 91-23 doubles record for her four years as a Cowgirl. With doubles partner Vladica Babic, they went 32-3 in her junior year. Her singles record in her final two seasons consisted of 15 ranked wins.

Her athleticism and competitive on-court demeanor led to previous women’s basketball head coach Jim Littell offering Adamovic a scholarship to join the team for the

the t u o ck e Ch

2017-18 season. She appeared in three games and was a key contributor on a team that won an NCAA Tournament game and went 21-11 for the season.

“As a star athlete, Kat embodied what college tennis is all about and was instrumental in helping establish Oklahoma State as a championship level program,” OSU Athletic director Chad Weiberg said in a release. “We are thrilled to now be bringing her back home as the next coach of Cowgirl Tennis.”

Adamovic’s impressive collegiate resume led her to a coaching career that began in 2018 as assistant coach at Cincinnati. She then took the same role at Missouri for one season. She then went to Grand Canyon University where she was the head coach for two seasons before coaching at Houston prior to this new position.

In her previous coaching role at UH, she transformed a 4-16 team in the first season to a 17-6 team in her second year as head coach. Last season, the Cougars ranked as high as No. 29, marking the 11th ITA weekly ranking inside the top 30 for the program since 1990.

As the Cowgirls look forward to the next season with a new leader in position, there is promise for a fresh, healthy start after a year full of adversity.

“Coming back to Oklahoma State means everything to me,” Adamovic said in a release. “This program and this university helped shape who I am, and it’s an honor to return and lead the team that gave me so much.

Oklahoma State has a powerful legacy, and I have great respect for the standard that’s been built here.

It’s an honor to carry that forward and build on what so many have created before me. I’m excited to come back, raise the standard even further, and build a program that competes for championships at the highest level. I can’t wait to get to Stillwater and get to work.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

away! e d i H inal g i r O

SINCE 1957,

230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074

Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!

Page 8B Friday, May 1, 2026

O’Colly

sports

OSU softball sweeps baylor

Amanda Hasler celebrates at third base after hitting a triple.

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

Catcher Audrey Schneidmiller throws the ball back to the pitcher.

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

Outfielder Jayelle Austin throws a ball into the infield.

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

Infielder Aubrey Jones warms up before the Cowgirls’ game against Baylor.