The O'Colly, Friday, June 2, 2023

Friday, June 2, 2023

Celebrating love

Why is Pride Month important? academic reputation and diverse student population. Baker is passionate about others feeling safe on campus and making a difference for those in the community.

“As a historian, I am committed to making a positive difference in Jaycee Hampton the world and empowering people,” Assistant News & Baker said. “I want to use my degree Lifestyle Editor to work for a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing queer history in the United States. To me, June has been annually recogpride means being proud of who I am, nized in the United States as Pride Month, which is a time to show soli- regardless of what others think. It means being proud of my identity and darity, support and respect for each my community.” other no matter your identity.

The 1900s were not a welcomThe LGBTQ+ community coning time for members of the LGBTQ+ tinues to fight for equality, all while community, but times are changing simultaneously celebrating love and raising awareness about the issues and thanks to those who have continuchallenges members of the communi- ally persevered for equal rights. Pride ty still face today. The month is seen Month originated after the Stonewall as a time to be proud of the progress Uprising, a series of gay liberation protests in 1969, and has since spread the LGBTQ+ community has made. outside of the United States. Every First federally recognized June there are a plethora of events in 1999 by President Bill Clinton to attend such as pride parades, and as “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month,” there are many opportunities to learn former President Barack Obama about LGBTQ+ history. declared June LGBT Pride Month “I have been fortunate to in 2009. On June 1, 2021, current have an overall positive experience President Joe Biden declared June at OSU,” Baker said. “Although I LGBTQ+ Pride Month, showcasing the growing inclusiveness at a federal have experienced some unpleasant incidents and situations, like being level; However, there is still a lot of heckled while holding hands with work to be done. my boyfriend, overall I feel safe on As June arrives, students at Oklahoma State University have been campus. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, please get in touch with a reflecting on what Pride Month is trusted friend or family member or and why it is important for the comthe OSU LGBTQ+ Resource Center. munity.

Somebody cares about you and wants Andy Baker is a second-year to help.” graduate student majoring in public history. They stated they chose to See Pride on 8 attend OSU because of its excellent

Courtesy of Alexander Demyanenko Pride month is seen as a time to be proud of the progress the LGBTQ+ community has made.

Andy Crown Whether it was having scholarship offers pulled or rough patches at Long Beach State, Watts-Brown has always pushed onward.

The comeback kid

Watts-Brown always comes back better from adversity Throwing pitches instead of catching them.

Now, Watts-Brown is an ace pitcher at OSU and leads the Big 12 in strikeouts with elusive curveballs and wipeout Daniel Allen sliders. Setbacks have Staff Reporter been frequent for the redshirt sophomore. Still, Dalton Silva often he’s found a way around recounts the first time he each.

“You could just see watched Juaron Wattsit then,” Silva said. “The Brown compete on a arm slot he threw the ball baseball diamond. with, the athleticism, just Silva remembers the moment Watts-Brown everything about him. He had so much potential on threw a runner down the mound, and it was so at second base. WattsBrown was participating obvious.”

Silva understood in the Babe Ruth Instruchaving Watts-Brown -tional Baseball League. the most athletic guy on Silva, a graduate assisthe roster -- at catcher. tant at Lubbock Christian, was there scouting. Still, he felt it necessary to make his opinion But back then, known.

Watts-Brown’s duSo, he found the ties weren’t even on adolescent Watts-Brown the mound. They were postgame to give his behind the plate as a opinion. catcher.

“Buddy, you need The instant the ball to tell your coach you’re left Watts-Brown’s hand, not playing catcher Silva saw potential, but anymore, you need to at a different position. be pitching,” Silvia

instructed. “Stop catching, because you’re not gonna be a catcher in the future.”

To his surprise, Watts-Brown took his advice. He made his worth on the mound, impressing various scouts and coaches.

By Watts-Brown’s sophomore year of high school at Handford (California) High School, Silva had departed Lubbock Christian and became the pitching coach for Handford’s baseball team.

During their first bullpen session, WattsBrown displayed precisely what Silva had foreseen. Every pitch appeared better than the previous.

“I knew then the kid was gonna be elite,” Silva said. “His breaking pitches were on the level of elite. I remember being so surprised, and I knew how good he was.” *** See Watts-Brown on 4

Don’t let their tears fool you; the Cowgirls are ready to dominate the WCWS

Ashton Slaughter Assistant Sports Editor

Column Tears poured down Kenny Gajewski’s face with one out remaining in the Stillwater Super Regional.

These tears weren’t brought on by sadness but by joy and a lot of relief.

It’s been a difficult year for the OSU head coach, who in his eighth season at the helm of the program led the Cowgirls to a fourth-consecutive Women’s College World Series. He parted ways with friend and hitting coach Jeff Cottrill, who left for Missouri; an influx of players came in and exited the program via the portal; he even faced criticism for the first time in his career after a losing streak.

“That’s been a new experience,”

Gajewski said, with a laugh, about facing criticism. “I’m usually a guy that people like, so I’ve had to deal with that.”

The Cowgirls’ season seemingly hit a wall during their 2-11 streak to end the season. Fans and media — both local and national — were asking questions, intensifying the pressure on a team that was No. 2 in the country at one point.

And while the questions were ramping up, Gajewski admittedly didn’t have the answers for their slump.

“I wasn’t able to pinpoint what was going wrong,” he said. “I think I have a better feel of that now. I just wish I was 20 years in, and I could’ve said, ‘Hey, here’s what it is we got to get this fixed.’”

Entering the Stillwater Regional, four staff members of D1Softball picked Wichita State to upset OSU. Skepticism was at an all-time high.

They didn’t lose. Shocker.

The Cowgirls then rolled through Oregon the next weekend in the Super Regional, outscoring the Ducks 171. There were no questions swirling around the program then; the Cowgirls were “back” in the eyes of most.

Gajewski wasn’t the only one facing hardships this season.

See WCWS on 3

Chase Davis The Cowgirls have felt doubted down the stretch, such as Kiley Naomi, who was left off the All-Big 12 team after batting .372 and leading the conference in RBI. Now, they’re turning that into fuel.

Page 2 Friday, June 2, 2023

O’Colly

sports

Courtesy of OSU Athletics Colin Brueggemann adjusted to Division I this season while recovering from shoulder surgery and has made an immediate impact for the Cowboys.

Brueggemann taking nothing for granted this postseason age all season. He is in a much different spot this June as OSU heads into the NCAA Regionals. Last June, he underwent shoulder surgery – his first major surgery – and missed summer baseball for the first time since he started playing when he was 9.

Braden Bush “It was rough, to be honest,” Sports Editor Brueggemann said.

He was coming off a freshman season at Johnson County Community Josh Holliday predicted it.

College in Kansas, where he was sevColin Brueggemann showed signs enth in JUCO with 21 home runs. And early in the season of his offensive now, he was sidelined for the entire potential. For much of the season, his summer as he headed to his new home batting average led the team as a sopho- in Stillwater. more in his first year at OSU. Earlier in For the first few months of recovthe year, Holliday, OSU’s coach, said it ery, Brueggemann didn’t even pick up a was a matter of time before Brueggebat, and the only action he got in pracmann’s power and home run hitting tice was fielding the occasional ground came to fruition. ball. His father, Dean Brueggemann, Against OU on May 18, it flashed who played seven years in the Colorado its head. Brueggemann hit a grand slam Rockies organization, was there to help in the third inning of OSU’s win and hit him through it. another home run in the sixth, bringing “He knows a lot about the game in five of the Cowboys’ 13 runs. and helped me not just with baseball, Brueggemann has gradually but with the mental side of it, too,” worked more and more into the OSU Colin said. lineup, where he’s been toward the top The mental side of it can be in batting average and on-base percent- toughest. But Dean had advice.

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“Just got to keep it in perspective,” Dean said. “It wasn’t a career ender. It wasn’t anything that was gonna set him back long term or anything.

There’s a lot worse things going on in the world than having shoulder surgery.

You keep that in perspective.”

Colin slowly returned in the fall but said he couldn’t find his swing. The swing had always been there for Colin, even before his 6-foot-6, 231-pound frame filled out. Dean said Colin had a nice, short and simple swing throughout high school, but it wasn’t until his senior year, after time in the weight room, the power hitting came.

That same long frame made the shoulder recovery process tougher on Colin’s swing.

“Him being a tall kid with long arms, it takes a lot of work to keep it short and simple,” Dean said. “But he put in the work, and he realizes (he’s) in it for the long haul.”

Through his first 12 games at OSU, Colin was batting .484 and earning a spot in the lineup, mostly as designated hitter – all while coming back from shoulder surgery and adjusting to Division I.

“He came back in January, and he did, he looked like a new guy,” Holliday said. And then from the time he broke into the lineup and got some key looks, he has been really, really good.”

Dean credits it to Colin’s swing mechanics – short and simple – his work ethic and pitch adjustments.

“Every time I go to the ballpark, I try to stick to my routine,” Colin said.

“Even if I’m not in the lineup that day, I’m still asking guys what they’re seeing.”

And it has all paid off. Colin has made an impact in his first year, batting .336 with six home runs and a .450 OBP despite the injury. And he’s been a regular in the lineup, such as the Big 12 Tournament, where he started in five of OSU’s six games.

Colin kept perspective the entire process, and now he’s making the most of this season.

“Not being able to lift, swing, throw, nothing like that, it was rough,” Colin said. “But I knew I wasn’t taking anything for granted when I came back.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, June 2, 2023 Page 3

sports 4 Oklahoma State football kickoff times announced bama at 6 p.m. and can be The Cowboys have played watched on ESPN+. The in Tempe twice before, a Cowboys’ first Big 12 home 12-10 loss in 1993, and the game will be Friday, Oct. other a 45-3 win in ‘84.

6 at 6:30 p.m. vs Kansas South Alabama won State.

10 games last season and OSU played Central will be playing in StillwaGabriel Trevino Arkansas once, in 2015, ter for the second time in a 32-8 Cowboys win in history. The Jaguars and Staff Reporter Stillwater. Mason Rudolph Cowboys met in 2018, a 55threw for 401 yards and 13 OSU win, where Taylor David Glidden had the Cornelius threw for 428 Four of the first five best game of his career, yards. In 2017, OSU also 2023 Oklahoma State with four catches for 145 won a matchup with USA, a football games have kickoff yards and two touchdowns. 44-7 game. times set.

In 2022, Kansas State The opener vs Central Against teams from Arkansas, though, OSU is 16-29. defeated OSU in a historic Arkansas on Sept. 2 is set OSU has also opened the game — a 48-0 Wildcat win for 6 p.m. with the broadcast on ESPN+ and Big 12 season with a night game in vs the then No. 9 Cowboys, which started a downward Now. The Cowboys will ap- six of the last seven years.

After a Week 2 game spiral that season where pear on “Pac-12 after dark” between the Cowboys and OSU lost five of its last six on FS1 at Arizona State in Sun Devils in Stillwater last games. In the past 20 years, Tempe on Sept. 9 at 9:30 season, OSU will travel to the Cowboys are 7-1 vs p.m. CT. Tempe to face Arizona State Kansas State in games in OSU will be back in in a rematch. OSU won 34- Stillwater.

Boone Pickens Stadium 17 in 2022 in one of its best on Sept. 16 vs South Alasports.ed@ocolly.com overall games last season.

Branson Evans Kenny Gajewski hasn’t ever faced criticism like he did this season, but him and his team are silencing the critics now.

WCWS...

Courtesy of Cooper Price The 2023 OSU football schedule now has kickoff times set for the first four games, and all are at night.

completely snubbed in the Big 12 awards, and it’s just like, ‘OK, we’re about to show you. “’We’re gonna show you Continued from 1 guys what this is all about,’” Gajewski said.

Although Naomi may not Kelly Maxwell, the star All- have been recognized as having American pitcher for the Cowone of the best seasons in her girls, hasn’t lived up to expectaconference, she was recognized tions set by others following her as a Third-Team All-American on masterful fourth season last year. Wednesday.

Maxwell, who was just named a Her teammates took note of Second-Team All-American on her much-deserved recognition.

Wednesday, still had an impres“Finally!” one teammate sive season in the circle, but she shouted in the video. wasn’t as dominant as last season; “I’m thankful to all of you,” she knows that.

Gajewski told his team. “It’s really And Kiley Naomi has had a cool; it’s exciting for our program. career season at the plate, batting But Kiley, it’s especially cool.” .372 with a Big 12-leading 64 RBI Silence. Gajewski locks eyes (her next-best season was 34). Her on Naomi, who can’t help but cry. numbers are staggering and easily For the first time in her fiverecognizable as one of the best year career, she’s an All-Amerihitting seasons in not only the Big can. Forget the league awards.

12, but the country.

Whether it’s Gajewski or Yet Naomi was left off the Naomi, the Cowgirls have shed a All-Big 12 teams. fair amount of tears this season.

Gajewski and his star Cow- For one reason or another, it’s girls aren’t hanging their heads, been challenging. but instead they’re turning the But don’t let those tears fool obvious doubts and criticism into you; they’re coming to OKC lookfuel for this postseason. ing for blood and looking to do “I know what she’s (Kelly one simple thing.

Maxwell) been going through; I “We’re trying to win the last know what Kiley feels like after game; that’s it,” Gajewski said. she, (and) we, feel like she got sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4 Friday, June 2, 2023

O’Colly

sports Watts-Brown saw lose. I trusted my stuff and my Watts-Brown... the positives.

A coach- breaking pitches, I just needed ing staff with interest in him. A fresh start at Continued from 1 a school just four hours from home instead of halfway across the country.

Christy Balderama “I like to see the good always saw football as her son’s future -- only because he in things,” Watts-Brown said.

“It was something instilled in wanted it to be.

“For the longest time, he me at a young age. I had a new thought his ticket out of Han- opportunity ahead of me and at the time, I was just looking ford was through football,” to make the most of it.”

Balderama, Watts-Brown’s mother, said. “I supported him *** regardless of what it was.”

But by his sophomore Midway through fall season, he knew baseball was camp his redshirt freshman his future. Silva had a paramount role in convincing him. year, Watts-Brown became one of the most adept arms at Watts-Brown committed to Long Beach State.

Texas Tech before his junior He performed on such a season and kept in contact high level that he was slotted with the coaching staff. as the Game 3 starter for the “I was so excited to go Dirtbags’ Opening Weekend there,” Watts-Brown said. “I series at Mississippi State – remember when I took my the defending national chamofficial visit there, I was just pions. blown away.”

His inaugural outing was Still, he remained dedishaky, but he struck out seven cated to football. He exceled as a quarterback for Hanford, in an eventual 12-4 loss for the Dirtbags. earning honors as the West “I remember it being Yosemite Player of the Year. alright but not so good at the He threw for 39 touchdowns same time,” Watts-Brown said. and nearly 4000 yards as a “I mean, it was my first outing, senior. but I had such high expectaFor Watts-Brown, life tions for myself that it stung.” was good. Until tragedy But Watts-Brown’s first struck.

Late in his senior season, start previewed what was to come – a strikeout machine he was hit late out of bounds on a designed quarterback run. who struggled with walks.

He displayed prolific The moment he sprang outings, including a one-hit, to his feet, he felt something seven-strikeout performance wrong. He was diagnosed with an injury to his AC joint. against top 25-ranked Gonzaga. But in most instances, Shortly after, Texas Tech pulled his offer, leaving Watts- the negatives outweighed the Brown scrambling for replace- positives.

So, he was demoted to a ments. bullpen role toward the mid“It was almost like it was season. a way out for (Texas Tech),” During that time, he had Silva said. “It was a normal football injury. Stuff like that to self-reflect, and he spent countless hours talking with happens all the time. It was Silva on the phone. Then one total (nonsense).” day, it clicked.

Silva aided in finding “It’s like my whole his pupil a new school. Wattsmindset on pitching changed,” Brown eventually attained an Watts-Brown said. “I felt like I offer from Long Beach State, didn’t really have anything to where he committed.

to show it.”

After a slew of quality relief outings, he was put back into the starting rotation against UC-Santa Barbra. The following week he recorded a six-inning, 10-strikeout outing against UC-Irvine, surrendering just one hit.

“I was confident,” WattsBrown. “Any time I’m confident, I feel like nobody can touch me.” *** Balderama stood alongside her son as the hot, California sun glazed down on her.

May 8, 2022. Mother’s Day. Balderama and mothers of other teammates were honored. Then, it was game time.

Watts-Brown said he vividly remembers the California afternoon skyline adorning the view of his mother in the stands.

He remembers smiling as he threw his first warm-up pitch.

“My walk-out songs always pump me up, but that sent joy through my body,” Watts-Brown said. “My mom, knowing all she’s done for me to help me get through life and seeing her there, it fueled me.”

His first inning featured a 1-2-3 frame in just seven pitches. So far, so good.

Through three innings, Watts-Brown had six strikeouts and still hadn’t put a batter on base.

“It just felt like a regular outing,” Watts-Brown said.

“I didn’t know at that point I hadn’t given up a hit.”

In the top of the fourth, he surrendered his first walk.

The thought of a ruined perfect game clouded his head, but there was another glaring possibility: a no-hitter.

Through six, he threw 11 strikeouts with his lone blemish being the walk. As the game progressed, WattsBrown felt stronger. By the ninth inning, everyone knew

Chase Davis Juaron Watts-Brown started his baseball career as a catcher before he was moved to pitcher.

what was at stake. listed on D1Baseball’s midseaIn the midst of the noise, son All-American watchlist, he saw his mother, smiling donning 2.61 ERA. He was and clapping in sync with the also tabbed as a finalist for the crowd.

Golden Spikes Award – given “Let’s do this,” he said to the nation’s top amateur to himself. “One more inning. baseball player.

One more.”

Since, his ERA has Three at-bats later, he elevated to 4.50, his strikeout had done it. A complete-game rate has dwindled along with no-hitter, the first in Long his strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Beach State history. WattsThis Friday, OSU will Brown have his mom the ball face Oral Roberts in the from the final out.

Stillwater Regional at O’Brate “It was the perfect Moth- Stadium, with Watts-Brown er’s Day gift a baseball mom getting the start on the mound. could ask for,” Balderama If the Cowboys hope said. “It hit me that moment to make a run to the College and I just couldn’t believe it.” World Series for the first time Watts-Brown’s 3.68 ERA since 2016, they’ll need their and 110 strikeouts for that year early-season ace back – the garnered national attention one who dominated a top-25 and made him an All-Big West Texas team in an eight-inning, Conference honorable men12-strikeout performance. tion. Even then, he wanted to But he’s been through prove himself at a higher level. it before. And each time, he’s Two months later, he come back a better version of committed to OSU. himself. As a result, a prime opportunity awaits him. *** “I feel like everything that has happened to him, Watts-Brown’s lone sea- happened for a reason,” Balson as OSU’s ace pitcher has derama said. “It hasn’t been been up and down. straight. It hasn’t been easy, Prior to the Cowboys’ but I truly believe he’s ended series at TCU in April, he was up where he belongs.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

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O’Colly

Friday, June 2, 2023 Page 5

News

Honors Weekend

National Wrestling Hall of Fame celebrating Distinguished Members

Stephanie Landaverde News and Lifestyle Editor On Friday and Saturday the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will celebrate the Class of 2023.

The Distinguished Members include Rich Bender, Jimmy Jackson, Patricia Miranda and Joe Williams.

Also honored are Meritorious Official honoree Ed Kelly, Order of Merit recipient Frank Popolizio, Medal of Courage recipient Richard Perry and outstanding American honoree Bob Bowlsby.

The Hall of Fame Board of Governors approved the selections on October 26.

The Social & Presentation of Plaques will be Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. It is free and open to the public.

The Honoree Tribute Breakfast will be Saturday at 9 a.m. at the McKnight Center.

The cost is $40 for adults, $20 for children ages 6-15 and free for children under six.

The Induction Ceremony will be Saturday at 7 p.m. at the McKnight Center. The cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. and the cost to attend is $95.

To purchase Honors Weekend Tickets, visit https:// bit.ly/3w2CQOM. Distinguished members are wrestlers who have achieved extraordinary success in national and/or international competition; coaches who have demonstrated great leadership in the wrestling profession and have compiled an outstanding record; or contributors whose long-term activities have

greatly benefited the development and advancement of the sport.

Bender was named acting executive director of USA wrestling in November 2000 and permanent director in February 2001. He is the longestserving Executive Director in organization history. Under his leadership the United States has won 26 Olympic medals with nine gold, five silver and 12 bronze, and 100 World Championship medals with 27 gold, 26 silver and 47 bronze.

Jackson was a three-time NCAA champion and Big Eight Conference champion for Oklahoma State University. He died in 2008 at 51 years old after suffering from diabetes and congestive heart failure.

Miranda was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in wrestling at the first games to include women’s wrestling. She is the fifth woman to be inducted as a Distinguished Member. Miranda represented the U.S. in four Senior World Championships, earning silver medals in 2000 and 2003 and a bronze in 2006.

Williams was a threetime NCAA champion and four-time All-American for the University of Iowa. Williams finished fifth at the 2004 Olympics and competed in six World Championships, winning bronze medals in 2001 and 2005 while placing fourth in 1999 and fifth in 2007. He won gold medals at the Pan American Championships in 1999 and 2003 and was a four-time World Cup champion.

The Medal of Courage is awarded to a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome challenges that appear to be insurmountable, providing inspiration to others.

Perry suffered a head injury on August 27, 2018, during a USA Wrestling National Team racing camp at Marine

Courtesy of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Jimmy Jackson was a three-time NCAA champion and Big Eight Conference champion for Oklahoma State University.

Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

December of 2020.

Perry was participating in a The Order of Merit goes drill with foam-padded butto an individual who has made tons, and he took a shot to the a significant contribution to the face and the foam protection sport but is not an athlete or dislodged. The central rod coach. slipped, struck and shattered Frank Popolizio is the his eye orbit and the pieces founder of “Journeymen penetrated his brain tissue.

Wrestling”, which he created Initially doctors did not believe in 1999 after the excitement of he would recover and said if watching his brother Pat wreshe did survive, he would be tle in a home dual for OSU. bedridden or in a wheelchair The Meritorious Official for life. But Perry was deteraward recognizes a referee, mined to walk, and so he did. judge or pairing official for In November of 2018, Perry outstanding service. walked out of his hospital withEd Kelly officiated for 27 out any assistance. After count- years and then served 22 years less doctor visits, cognitive, as an evaluator for the NCAA speech and physical therapy Division I Championships. and specialized strength and The Outstanding Amerimobility sessions, Perry was can award is presented to those able to continue wrestling in individuals who have used

the disciplines of wrestling to launch notable careers in other walks of life, such as science and technology, business and industry, government and the military and the arts and humanities.

Bowlsby used his wrestling background, skill, expertise and leadership throughout his career to help the programs he has overseen achieve growth and financial success. Under his leadership, the Big 12 won 32 national team championships, including an all-time high eight national titles in 2021-22, and 175 NCAA individual event crowns.

Read the full biographies here. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6 Friday, June 2, 2023

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News

Courtesy of Stillwater Public Library

Kind Fest

The Stillwater Public Library will host the Summer Reading Kickoff: Kind Fest event this weekend. The festivities will take place at the Stillwater Public Library on June 3 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Attendance is free.

SPL Summer Reading Kickoff Emilee Norton Staff Reporter

bringing adoptable animals looking for a forever home. Four-legged friends from The Alliance for Therapy Dogs will also be attending and hanging out Celebrating another summer for some furry therapeutic time. of reading with a theme of kindness There will be lots of hands-on toward oneself, nature and peers. activities as well, such as making seed The Stillwater Public Library pots out of recycled newspapers, craftwill host the Summer Reading Kicking dog toys that will be donated to off: Kind Fest event this weekend. The local animal shelters, writing letters for festivities will take place at the Stillwa- nursing home residents and the option ter Public Library on Saturday from 10 to participate in some laughing yoga. a.m. until 2 p.m. Attendance is free.

Free healthy refreshments will be The kickoff is a part of the SPL’s provided by TSET (Tobacco Settlement summer reading program, “All ToEndowment Trust). gether Now.” To find more information While the summer reading on how to register, log reading times, program is geared toward kids, Emearn prizes and participate in different ily States, adult services librarian, and fundraisers, visit http://library.stillwa- Elizabeth Murray, children’s librarian, ter.org/summer_@_your_library.php. made sure to try and have something SPL will be hosting the Stillwater for all ages who plan on attending.

Animal Welfare and the Payne County “Whether you have been thinkHumane Society, where they will be ing about adopting a pet, want to do

something nice to help the community or even just see what laughter yoga is all about– there’s hopefully a little bit of something to appeal to everyone,” SPL faculty said.

The nationwide summer reading program has a shared theme that is different every year. This year’s theme available for viewing at the Summer Reading Kickoff is “All Together Now.” “This summer’s theme is meant to highlight kindness, friendship and unity,” States and Murray said. “For the kickoff event, we wanted to have a celebration spotlighting kindness in its various manifestations– kindness to oneself, kindness to nature and kindness to others. We hope that people will leave the event feeling a little bit more connected to the world around them, and excited for summer reading.”

Participants can sign up for the summer reading program at the event

this Saturday. A designated staff member will be in the North lobby to help people register. Registration is available online and can be done using any of the available catalog computers in the library.

“First, register using our new online summer reading platform and app, Beanstack,” SPL faculty said. “The sign-up link can be found on our website, library.stillwater.org. You’ll use the app to track your reading progress, find out when you earn prizes, complete reading challenges and more.”

Once that is completed, participants can come by the library to get a copy of the summer event calendar, and kids can get a coupon for a t-shirt printed at Chris’ University Spirit.

For more information about SPL’s Summer Reading Kickoff: Kind Fest this Saturday, visit http://stillwater.org/ event/view/id/3253/start/2023-6-3. news.ed@ocolly.com

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O’Colly

Friday, June 2, 2023 Page 7

News

The Cowboy family suffers a loss Stephanie Landaverde News and Lifestyle Editor On Monday morning, Allen Apblett, an Oklahoma State University professor of chemistry, died in a head-on collision in Falmouth, Maine, after a local resident drove south in northbound lanes.

His wife, Natalie Menzies, was in the car with him and survived. Police say she is in stable but critical condition.

No further updates have been provided on her condition.

Nancy Ezhaya was the driver of the vehicle that crashed into Apblett’s. Ezhaya was also a decades-long educator and died in the crash.

OSU issued this official statement following the tragedy.

“The Cowboy family mourns the loss of Dr. Allen Apblett. He served the university’s chemistry department for over 25 years, cementing a legacy of scholarship and inspiring countless students.

A distinguished fellow of the American Chemical Society, the National Academy of Inventors and the American Ceramic Society, Dr. Apblett was published over 100 times, holds multiple patents and awards and made lasting contributions to his field. The thoughts of the entire Cowboy family are with Dr. Apblett’s family at this time.”

Job McKee, a chemistry junior, was an informal worker in one of Apblett’s labs. Apblett wanted an undergraduate student to work in his lab, and McKee’s other professors connected him to Apblett.

“He had a project pretty much ready to go for me that I could start on even though I didn’t know anything, any

Party/Semi-formal Pageant/Performace Wedding

Courtesy of OSU Allen Apblett served OSU’s chemistry department for over 25 years and inspired countless students.

chemistry or I hadn’t worked in a lab before,” McKee said.

“Since then I’ve learned new techniques and methods and seen how a real lab works, and I’ve definitely improved my skills because of my involvement.”

Earlier this year, Apblett asked McKee to write him a letter of recommendation for the Distinguished Teaching Award.

“In my freshman seminar tour of the department, he encouraged us to pursue research opportunities and to seize on look for our opportunities in his inspiring word: serendipity,” McKee said in his letter.

McKee said Apblett made him feel welcome at OSU. “What hit me hardest based on the brief time

that I’ve known him is that I’ll not get to hear more of his thoughts on that subject, because I think it is a very interesting one,” McKee said.

Ciara Kelley, a graduate student majoring in chemistry, was a student of Apblett’s who conducted research under him.

For research, Apblett and Kelly would look at pond water, using water collected from her father’s farm. One day, Apblett went to collect pond water by himself, bringing apples and carrots for the horses and donkeys at the farm.

“The pond is probably half a mile from the gate, and he has a little Prius,” Kelley said. “He could not drive it, so he walks out there with all of our water-collecting gear and also this bag of apples and bag of carrots, trying to feed our horses just to pet them.”

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Unfortunately for Apblett, the horses were not interested in the apples and carrots he had to offer.

“He comes back up here that following week and is like ‘your horses would not even come up to me, all I got to do was take pictures and watch them poop in the water,’” Kelley said.

Kelley said she has never met someone as smart as Apblett. Apblett knew so much, and not just about chemistry, she said.

“He could be tough, but he had your back,” Kelley said.

Nick Materer, OSU professor of chemistry, has been friends with Apblett since he arrived at OSU over 20 years ago.

“He was an excellent mentor to his graduate students and his colleagues,” Materer

said. “He liked to take his science into real world applications and discuss that.”

Apblett received his B.S. from the University of New Brunswick in 1984 and his Ph.D. from the University of Calgary in 1989. His research interests included industrial, materials and environmental chemistry, nanotechnology and metallo-organic chemistry applied to development of new chemical processes.

Apblett’s research efforts were concerned with the utilization of metallo-organic and inorganic materials chemistry to the multitude of problems faced by industry today.

“He was just a great teacher, great mentor, colleague and scientist,”Materer said. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 8 Friday, June 2, 2023

O’Colly

Lifestyle Pride...

Continued from 1 OSU has a Safe Zone Allyship program, which is a free workshop designed to identify and educate allies of the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Many places all across campus showcase a logo for the allyship, making it easy to identify a safe place for LGBTQ+ students.

“You are loved and deserve to be happy, never forget you are never alone and that you are part of a community.

You are part of a people with a proud heritage, you belong with us. Be proud,” Baker said.

Wilson Lazo-Salmeron is a counseling psychology Ph.D. student at OSU. He has had the chance to help co-facilitate a LGBTQA+ Support Group on OSU’s campus, and he stated a huge reason he came to OSU to pursue his doctorate is to work with racial/ethnic minorities (especially the Latine community), sexual/gender minorities and people with body image dysphoria or disordered eating.

“My identities play a tremendous role in why I am here, I identify as El Salvadorian and gay,” Lazo-Salmeron said. “I want to increase the representation for marginalized individuals in the psychological and mental health fields.

There are numerous barriers and stigmas surrounding mental health care, which I hope to reduce while advancing my educational and career goals.

I recently earned the title Mr. Hispanic OSU, which is only the start of my journey in helping the Hispanic population and other marginalized communities.”

There are various programs that support students’ academic success through scholarships and educational opportunities and resources.

Despite OSU having these resources for students, LazoSalmeron also states there are other resources available outside the university.

“OSU needs more affir-

Courtesy of Wilson Lazo-Salmeron Wilson Lazo-Salmeron helped co-facilitate the LGBTQA+ Support Group on campus.

mative care, but they are slowly those who do not,” Wolfe said. on track with the Office of “Bringing awareness to it is Multicultural Affairs and men- important, especially to demtal health services that provide onstrate that it is a positive celaffirmative care, for example, ebration of love to those who the OSU Tulsa Campus Clinare opposed or prejudiced.” ic,” Lazo-Salmeron said. “The An understanding Wolfe Trevor Project is one online has about the community is space that offers resources and there is a great chance for information. With increasing hostility from those who are anti-LGBTQIA+ laws, building not accepting or fulling una safe community is difficult derstanding of the LGBTQ+ and more important than ever. community.

It’s hard to stand out or put “I’m from Seattle and yourself out there, but try your coming here [to Oklahoma] best to do what you can to get was quite jarring, I actually through.” witnessed transphobia and Paige Wolfe is a sophohomophobia for pretty much more psychology pre-law mathe first time,” Wolfe said. “Or jor, and she is a strong ally for at least I was old enough to the LGBTQ+ community. properly identify it. Recently, “Pride month is imporbanning drag has become a tant not just for people who topic of discussion in Oklahoidentify with LGBTQ+, but for ma politics. Alienating and vil-

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

lainizing the use of freedom of speech and freedom of expression is atrocious and something the government should not be doing.”

People in and out of the community see the precautions those in the community must face, despite changing times. Although Wolfe does not identify as LGBTQ+, she offers a supportive hand to her LGBTQ+ peers.

Pride Month is important for numerous reasons, but showing support for the community creates a safer place for everyone.

“Although I have never had to face the fear of coming out to my family, friends and the world in general, I have close friends who have struggled with this same battle,”

Wolfe said. “It’s extremely difficult to feel as though you may be unloved because of a choice you never made, but because you were born loving someone you can’t control. It’s frightening, isolating and frustrating, but the most important thing to realize is that there is always someone out there who will love you. No matter what, for who you are. The simple fact that you are capable of love is what is important; who it is aimed at is not.”

To learn more about OSU LGBTQ+ resources and programs, visit https://diversity.okstate.edu/departments/ multicultural-affairs/lgbtqresources.html entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

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Spacious 1100 sq. ft 2 bedroom home. Recently remodeled, CH/A, wood floors, nice yard. 2214 E. 6th Ave., Scarlett Bus Route.

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The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main “The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University.

Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store 815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6 Monday thru Saturday

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (06/02/23). Let your heart guide your plans this year. Raise your professional status with diligence, determination and steady practice. Navigate physical changes this summer, before autumn love inspires. Redirect plans next winter, before romantic obstacles reveal an exciting party phase next spring. Organize and prepare.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 6 — Pursue a dream with determination, step by step. Follow your heart to grow. Passion pulls you forward. Assess conditions.

Your investigation shifts; try new directions.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Collaboration gets lucrative. You can get what you need. Draw upon hidden resources. Use what you’ve previously stashed.

Replenish resources. Nurture seeds for growth.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Encourage your partner. Develop new possibilities together. Resolve challenges with love. Support each other around a transition. Listen generously. Share from your heart.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Envision a way to advance a dream.

Make healthy changes for fitness and work. Try another direction. Follow your heart.

Practice for ease. Monitor growth.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Relax for a moment, in luxury. Reconnect with someone you love. Share simple pleasures like good food, laughter and beauty.

Consider what’s most important.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Imagine the potential. Consider the domestic changes you’d love. Color works wonders. Clean and declutter. Restore harmony with delicious treats, music and flowers.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 6 — Consider and reflect. Articulate what you want to express. Imagination and creativity provide new directions around obstacles.

Review and edit later. Capture the story.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Ask for more and get it. Buy, sell and trade. Get something you’ve always wanted. Discover hidden treasure. Find new income sources. Count your blessings.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Prioritize self care and beautification rituals. A home spa moment could include bubbles and candles. Enjoy a haircut or style for a new personal phase.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 6 — Get lost in thought. Find a peaceful setting for planning. Creativity and imagination flower. Hope bursts through again, when least expected. Follow intuition.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — A friend inspires you. Shared dreams deepen bonds. Imagine beautiful results. Align forces for common gain and extra fun.

Fight the good fight.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Discover lucrative opportunities in potentially new directions. Polish public bios, resumes and portfolios. Update websites and materials. Keep an open mind and stay in action.

Friday, June 2, 2023 Page 9

FOR RELEASE JUNE 2, 2023

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Shea successor 5 Requirements for some new jobs, briefly 10 Bunch 14 Soba alternative 15 Facetious target of a series of guides 16 Film princess who says, “You came in that thing?

You’re braver than I thought” 17 Chap, in British slang 18 Middle, approximately?

20 Start of an old boast 22 “That’s amazing!”

23 South American barbecue 24 Slushy drinks 26 Cartoonist Chast 27 Sequence, approximately?

By Joe Deeney 6/2/23 30 Middle of a valley?

2 Voice of Thursday’s Puzzle Solved 31 Abbey area Chief Bogo in 32 Prefix with male “Zootopia” or female 3 Colorful cereal 35 Straight, mascot approximately?

4 Enter 40 French chum aggressively 41 Heart 5 Teeming (with) 42 Enthusiasm 6 End of an 44 Right, academic approximately? address 49 Oakland-to-Palo 7 Truss who was Alto dir. very briefly U.K. 52 Fantasy author prime minister in Canavan 2022 53 Goes to press?

8 Like molasses, 54 Place with crude vis-à-vis water buildings?

9 Straightened, say 56 Hockey Hall of 10 Pole, e.g.

Famer Cam 11 Fixture in some 57 Quarters, voting booths ©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC 6/2/23 approximately? 12 Singalong quintet 60 Whipped up 13 Ballroom dance 34 Barely get wet? 47 Official fuel of 62 Back talk, in 36 One of the NASCAR 19 Snout slang “Rugrats” twins 48 Quake aftershock 21 Upstanding 63 Land parcels 49 “Yes and no” 23 Spend time in a 37 U.N. head 64 “Inspiration between Boutros 50 Dakota Natives cellar, perhaps Information” and Ban 51 Get away from 24 “Casablanca” musician Shuggie 38 Planner abbr.

55 Neutrogena role 65 Salchow kin shampoo 25 Put the squeeze 39 Adjust an ascot 66 Hues 43 Booker T.’s band 56 Storied loch on 67 Set components 28 Google Play 45 Letters before a 58 Inspiration for fresh take Keats purchase DOWN 29 LG rival 46 Flip response to 59 Date 1 Little lion 33 Sacrosanct an ultimatum 61 Double curve

Level 1

2

3

4

6/2/23

Solution to Thursday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

© 2023 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Page 10 Friday, June 2, 2023

O’Colly

Lifestyle

Courtesy of Tribune News Service

“Barry” series finale HBO’s “Barry” released its final episode May 28, after four seasons and 32 episodes.

Michael Clark Staff Reporter

bly bold and nuanced. This season takes some of the biggest risks and twists I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, not every twist pays off. The narrative ultimately feels disjointed after episode four, due to an insane left turn in the story. There is so much content stuffed into these eight, short episodes. Because of this, while the ideas and plot lines are excellent To put it lightly, “Barry’s” fourth on paper, they feel rather sudden and and final season has been a rollercoast- unsatisfying in execution. The series er. While it has some amazing highs would’ve benefited greatly from longer and terrible lows, it’s all worth it for the episodes. Although the lighting fast ride it gives you in the end. Bill Hader’s pace of the show is electrifying, the endirectorial debut series has always been tire season feels incredibly rushed due a messy, yet worthwhile attraction in to the 30-minute runtime. that regard. “Barry” season 4 manages One thing “Barry” always shines to double down on every pro and con in is its incredible performances across the series has to offer. the board. Bill Hader himself manages On one hand, the story is incredi- to provide a visceral and compelling

Review

profile of the titular Barry Berkman.

Henry Winkler gives a late career best as Gene Cousineau. Sarah Goldberg excellently illustrates the deeply complex character of Sally Reed.

As inferred before, the series got really weird this season. The finale itself is one of the most creative yet unsatisfying series finales that television has to offer, that’s both a compliment and an insult. It gives the same feeling “The Sopranos’” infamous cut to black did, but for 35 whole minutes. Sure, the characters all reach devilishly ironic and fitting conclusions that will linger in the viewer’s mind, but the route in which we reach those locations feels like a frustrating attempt to subvert expectations rather than sending off the characters in a meaningful fashion. The

final minutes of the series finale are going to be remembered as one of the boldest and most bizarre endings of all time. It’s a hilarious, sudden and extremely fitting ending. It’s a shame that the path to this conclusion feels lackluster at times.

Despite all that, “Barry” manages to give a decent ending to all of its characters in an impressively short runtime. Season 3’s ending feels much more satisfying narratively and in terms of themes and pacing, yet this finale is just as important, as it shows what these characters truly deserve. Whatever Bill Hader does next, I’ll be the first person in line. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com