The O'Colly, Monday, July 10, 2023

Monday, July 10, 2023

Sidwell Enterprises hires OSU alumni, company stays true to its orange roots Taylor Dowell O’Colly Contributor

individuals available.”

Jaime Hays recently accepted the position of chief financial officer for Sidwell Sidwell Enterprise owner and Enterprises.

Oklahoma State University alumni, Hays studied accounting and fiBrady Sidwell, has recently hired four nance at OSU for over four years before fellow alumni and current students for eventually transferring to Northwestern various positions across the multi-enter- to complete her degree in accounting. prise company.

“I would recommend working Sidwell graduated from OSU in with or interning at this business to any 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in agriOSU student or alumni,” Hays said. cultural economics.

“There is a variety of different business “I love to hire from OSU, if posunder Sidwell Enterprises, so it allows sible,” Sidwell said. “Being an OSU for experience in multiple fields. It alumni myself, it has always been a gives a lot of exposure and is constantly priority of mine to support the college growing, changing and evolving. It is in any way I can. Beyond that, I know very active and exciting.” if I am hiring from OSU, I am getting See Sidwell on 5 the most well-rounded and ambitious

Courtesy of Taylor Dowell Jaime Hays, an OSU alumna, recently accepted the position of chief financial officer for Sidwell Enterprises.

OSU names new director of Greenwood School of Music

Mallory Pool Staff Reporter

Courtesy of Chase Davis A year after making the Big 12 championship game, the OSU football team tied for its worst record in 17 years -- just one of several OSU teams that met a disappointing end to its season in the 2022-23 school year.

Year-end review

said Thomas Lanners, a GSM piano professor and search committee member. “Her significant accomplishments as a musician and teacher will surely inform every important decision she will make as director of the Greenwood School, overseeing other likeminded musicians on the OSU faculty.”

Before her appointment at Stillwater, Unrau held the position of chair of the department of music at Murray State University in Kentucky. Her resume is stacked with several roles as an adjudicator, teacher, clinician, collaborator and performer. Unrau helped younger musicians as well while working for years in different college music programs. For example, from 2005 to 2018, Unrau was camp keyboard coordinator at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan, one of the nation’s preeminent pre-university summer programs.

The OSU Greenwood School of Music has new leadership.

Oklahoma State University’s Greenwood School of Music finally closed a nationwide hunt for its new director concluding with appointing Lucia Unrau.

Unrau brings years of experience and knowledge to OSU as an administrator and wellrespected piano teacher.

She also holds degrees in piano performance from Oberlin College of Conservatory Music, Indiana University and the University of Texas at Austin.

“During the interview process, Dr. Unrau projected a fair but no-nonsense management style, while still seeming affable and approachable,” See Greenwood on 7

Does 2022-23 rank as worst year for OSU sports in recent history?

The case can be made, despite OSU posting a third straight Top 25 finish in the Learfield Director’s Cup, which ranks the nation’s schools based on finish across all sports with championships.

Braden Bush A Football Flop Sports Editor Coming off a 12-2 season, OSU returned Spencer Sanders at quarterback, Dominic Richardson A chance to solidify a cam- at running back, a defensive line paign to a second straight Big 12 that led the Big 12 in sacks and championship game awaited the most of the receiving corps.

Cowboys football team.

The program owned momenA win against Texas a week tum. earlier eased the sting of a doubleThrough seven games, OSU overtime loss to eventual national averaged nearly 45 points, topping runner-up TCU. Beat Kansas State the 31-point average from 2021. and the Cowboys would still be Production, however, dipped to sitting pretty at 7-1.

14.1 points a game over the final Didn’t happen. six games, when the Cowboys The ninth-ranked Cowboys failed to score more than 20 in left Bill Snyder Family Stadium any. Prior to that stretch, OSU 48-0 losers – a historic loss that had scored more than 20 points in sent the Cowboys spiraling from 24 of its previous 25 games. The College Football Playoff contenseason average of 30.6 points was tion to a 7-6 finish, tying the pro- the lowest since 2014. gram’s worst record in 17 seasons.

The defense also regressed, Worse, that created a theme posting just 26 sacks in 13 games for many of OSU’s athletic proand allowing 178 rushing yards a grams during the 2022-23 school game. A 12-game winning streak year, especially among the highagainst Kansas dating back to est-profile sports. Bad finishes, 2007 was snapped, and it was the missed NCAA Tournaments and first loss in Lawrence since 1994 blurry futures kept repeating.

– the same year the TV sitcom Looking back, does 2022-23 Friends premiered. The 48-0 loss rank as the worst for OSU sports to KSU was the worst loss of the in recent history?

Gundy era and the first 40-point

shutout loss by a top-10 team since 1968.

The Cowboys were bound to take a step back after a historic 2021 season, but to fall that far that fast sounded alarms.

Injuries took a toll.

Week 5 against Texas Tech, Sanders hurt his shoulder, and he was never the same. He missed time on and off, and his production dwindled. Sanders’ completion rate went from 66.1% before Tech, to 53.2% after.

“I don’t know if Spencer really, honest to God, had practiced more than once or twice before the OU game,” offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn told The Athletic.

“His arm was hurting, and he was struggling, but he wanted to play.

He’s a competitor, he’s a gamer, he’s Spencer. But he hadn’t practiced in a long time.”

Defensive ends Trace Ford and Tyler Lacy missed the back half of the season, and defensive tackle Brendon Evers’ Cowboy career ended due to shoulder injuries. The offensive line missed starter Cole Birmingham with a torn ACL, and the unit suffered from leaves of absence from Hunter Woodard and Preston Wilson.

The revolving door on the line hampered the run game, which only had a running back reach 75 yards twice.

See OSU sports on 3

Courtesy of OSU “I have always been passionate about music and arts education for all,” Unrau said. “It needs to be a core subject in our schools, not an extra.”

Page 2 Monday, July 10, 2023

O’Colly

sports

Nas’ new home

Courtesy of Anastasiya Komar

Anastasiya Komar transferred to OSU after becoming an All-American at LSU.

Anastasiya Komar’s journey to OSU tennis Payton Little Staff Reporter Anastasiya Komar’s tennis journey was sort of like a Garth Brooks playlist. One minute, “Callin’ Baton Rouge” is the favorite, but eventually, it gets around to “Friends in Low Places.”

The transfer portal has revolutionized college athletics. With so many athletes looking for new destinations, coaches in all sports have had to reevaluate recruiting priorities. One man who has taken this change and ran with it is Oklahoma State women’s tennis coach Chris Young.

This offseason, Young did not recruit a single freshman, rather he took

the approach of gathering up veterans from the transfer portal. In doing so, he managed to score one of the most coveted players in the country in Anastasiya Komar, or simply “Nas,” labeled by her newfound teammates.

In her short time playing for LSU, Komar made herself known as a force in the collegiate tennis scene. Peaking as the 9th-ranked player in college tennis, Komar racked up an impressive 33-7 overall singles record in her time in Baton Rouge. She attained AllAmerican honors in both doubles and singles, as well.

LSU would not remain her home.

After the 2022-23 season concluded, Komar hopped into the transfer portal.

Given her high-caliber play, the messages and phone calls began almost instantaneously, each coach wanting to throw their hat into the ring for the Belarusian baller.

Her former LSU teammate and best friend, Safiya Carrington, com-

mitted to OSU before Komar’s decision was made. This was more than enough to give her interest in attending OSU. After a nice talk with Young and a look at the facilities in Stillwater, the Cowgirls found themselves a top-10 player for the squad.

Another major factor in her recruitment came in the form of connections to her home country of Belarus.

OSU women’s tennis has had much success with players from Belarus, adding an extra layer of reassurance to her decision. After talking with a few of her friends from back home that have come through the Cowgirl tennis program, she knew OSU was the right fit for her.

While tennis is far out in the distance, Komar has been playing a different game, adapting to life in Stillwater.

“I will say it is similar to Baton Rouge, but less dangerous,” Komar said. “I like it here more because it’s more peaceful for me. The people here

are so nice, too.”

Her coaches have also done everything they can to make her time in Oklahoma as enjoyable as possible, whether it be shooting trick shots in the front yard basketball hoop, or just inviting her over for dinner.

While her time in Stillwater has gotten off to a good start, Komar is itching to take the courts of the Greenwood Tennis Center in front of the Cowgirl faithful.

“I’m really excited, because at LSU we didn’t really have that many people,” Komar said. “Having a good crowd is really helpful for you to play when having that support. It’s really exciting.”

And she’s looking to put on a show once the time arises.

“I’ll try to be top five at least,” Komar said. “Just really going to do my best as a team player and show my best game to the fans and everybody.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Monday, July 10, 2023 Page 3

sports finish a year after landOSU sports... place ing at 14th.

“I know everything is judged on the national tournaContinued from 1 ment and that’s fine,” Smith said. “I know that we’ve had two poor tournaments in a row.

Then came the transfer That’s not fine. portal.

“I don’t accept the OSU had eight starters results, but what I do need and 10 others enter the portal. is I need to make sure that The impactful losses – like we don’t beat our program Sanders, Richardson, Ford, up. We’re to the point where captain receiver John Paul people become very unconRichardson and cornerback formable wrestling with it. We Jabbar Muhammad – added need to gather up our troops insult to a 1-5 finish. and kick ass as we’re going Coach Mike Gundy’s forward.” only season with a worse reHard Knocks on the cord was a 4-7 mark his maid- Hardwood en season in 2005. OSU has By the time the Cowfinished 7-6 two other times in boy basketball team took on the last 15 years (2014, 2018), Kansas on Valentine’s Day, it but both seasons ended with seemed secure as an NCAA optimism. In 2014, OSU beat Tournament team and projectWashington in a bowl game, ed as a single-digit seed. and freshman Mason Rudolph A month later, the Pokes emerged as the future quarwere left out of March Madterback. In 2018, the Cowboys ness, again. beat Missouri in the Liberty The Cowboys carried Bowl and had Sanders waitNCAA Tournament potential ing to take the reins. 2023 – showcased during a stretch ended with a bowl loss, a mass of seven wins in eight games exodus and questions at key leading up to the KU game positions.

– making the realization of OSU had a chance, after being the first team left out of more than a decade near the the tournament all the more top, to build on a historic sea- frustrating. A solid Cowboy son. Instead, just a year later, it team fell short of tournament fell into a state of uncertainty inclusion for the fourth time in just as the Big 12 will soon five years. seek a new prominent program “Some of it was outside with the departures of Oklaof control, but there were homa and Texas imminent. several things that we could Continuing Woes have done better to ensure our Other prestigious OSU position,” coach Mike Boynton programs dipped as well – said. “And ultimately, that’s on including its most historically me, and it’s my job to put our rich: wrestling. program in position where we The Cowboys have are not on that line or fighting wrestled at the NCAA Cham- in the last couple of weeks, but pionships 91 times, capturing that we have consistent success more national titles (34) than throughout the year.” finishes outside of the top

By February, the offense three (28). Only three times seemed to find its groove with had the Cowboys finished John-Michael Wright at point lower than seventh, and never guard and Kalib Boone in the worse than 16th. paint, and the defense was Until last season, when regarded as one of the best in the NCAA’s most successful the country. Then the end of program of all time finished conference play happened.

18th.

OSU lost five of six down “It wasn’t a lack of efthe stretch, crushing the mofort,” said Cowboys coach mentum built to begin conferJohn Smith. “It wasn’t a lack of ence play. The Cowboys went wanting. I think just more of a from nearly a lock to a bubble lack of skill a little bit.” team again, which hasn’t At 125, Reece Witcraft boded well for them. For the took over the final six duals third time in the last decade, for Trevor Mastrogiovanni, a OSU was left out with an 8-10 No. 7 seed in the 2022 NCAA conference record.

Championships who didn’t Five Cowboys who wrestle after Jan. 15. Witcraft’s combined for 94 starts – Kalib short-notice performance was Boone, Avery Anderson III, commendable – placing third Moussa Cisse, Tyreek Smith at the Big 12 Championships and Woody Newton – all hit – but he bowed out of nationthe portal after the season. als on Day 1 after entering The Cowboys have had concussion protocol. Followworse seasons in the last 15 ing an injury from the Big 12 years. They’ve only made the semifinals, 141-pounder Carter second round of the Big Dance Young also wasn’t 100% in an once since 2009. But this team 0-2 NCAA performance. was on the cusp of a tournaSix of OSU’s 10 qualiment appearance and instead fiers were eliminated within became another OSU team three matches, and only two with a disappointing finish.

Cowboys reached All-AmeriSpring Sprung Leaks can status. Daton Fix, a threeSpring sports took a hit, time runner-up at 133 and too.

OSU’s best shot at a champion, The OSU men’s golf had only lost four collegiate team is a staple at the NCAA matches in his career, but lost Tournament, entering the year two bouts at nationals and fin- having only missed the field ished a career-low fourth. once since 1947.

OSU finished 14-3 (8-1 Make that twice.

Big 12) with respectable dual The Cowboys finished wins against Missouri and seventh at the Las Vegas ReMichigan, but closed without gional, just outside the top-5 a Big 12 title for the second qualifying spots for the 2023 consecutive year and an 18th-

Party/Semi-formal Pageant/Performace Wedding

Courtesy of Chase Davis Kansas fans stormed the field and tore down the goal posts after the Jayhawks beat the Cowboys for the first time since 2007.

NCAA Tournament. A rare occurrence for the second-most successful program at OSU, which claims 11 national titles.

One big factor contributed to that.

First-team All-American Eugenio Chacarra announced after the 2021-22 season that he would return for another year, then signed with LIV Golf, leaving OSU without its top player. Then, in November, third-team All-American Brian Stark announced he was transferring midseason to Texas. Stark finished in the top 15 at the NCAAs the year before.

That’s a lot to overcome.

While men’s golf missed NCAA Tournament play, the OSU baseball team made it – but was bounced from its home regional for the secondstraight year.

OSU began playing baseball in O’Brate Stadium in 2021, and the state-of-the-art venue has attracted attention to the program and hosted two regionals. Still, the Cowboys haven’t made it past the regional round since 2019.

Meanwhile, ORU went 3-0 against the Cowboys this season and took part in the Cowboys’ elimination in the Stillwater Regional. OSU has just one College World Series appearance in the last 23 seasons, and this year’s campaign ended with a 14-run loss to Dallas Baptist at home.

Like the men’s basket-

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ball team, the baseball team instilled promise, going 14-3 down the stretch of the regular season, even making the Big 12 title game. Then, an abrupt and disappointing ending.

“We’re all disappointed in how it all ended, but I don’t think anyone will ever be satisfied until you go win the final game,” coach Josh Holliday said.

The Bright Spots So, how did OSU finish 25th in the Learfield Director’s Cup? Much credit belongs to the track & field and crosscountry teams.

Coach Dave Smith led his programs to great success.

Both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams claimed Big 12 titles, and the Cowboys finished second at the NCAA Championships – just a tiebreaker away from a national title. The women’s team finished fourth nationally.

And despite not having an indoor track facility like other Big 12 programs, the Cowgirls won their first Indoor Track & Field Big 12 Championship. Other lower-profile sports also pitched in to save the athletics year.

The Cowgirl softball team overcame a rough end to the regular season and made the Women’s College World Series for a fourth-consecutive year, cementing itself as one of the top programs in the sport.

First-year women’s bas-

ketball coach Jacie Hoyt led the program to a 20-12 record a year after finishing 9-20. The Cowgirls’ success included a win in the Big 12 Tournament and an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Still, when factoring in OSU’s most prominent programs, the 2022-23 athletics year was a dud.

In 2014-15, men’s basketball missed the tournament and football went 7-6, but baseball went to a Super Regional and men’s golf made the NCAA Tournament, too. Wrestling even finished seventh.

In 2011-12, men’s golf missed the tournament, but the football team won a Big 12 title.

There hadn’t been a year when each of the five struggled.

In 2022-23, wrestling and men’s golf, both dynasties, experienced their worst NCAA finishes. The Cowboy football team went from 12 wins to seven in one season, its biggest drop-off since going from 10 wins in 1988 to four in 1989.

Men’s basketball and baseball continued to struggle in the postseason.

It was an all-around struggle for the high-attendance sports in Stillwater.

Now we’re on the verge of a new school year of sports.

Will 2022-23 prove to be but a blip? Or a lingering slip? sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4 Monday, July 10, 2023

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sports Grace Yochum joins OSU soccer staff as player development coach our fantastic student-athletes and helping them develop in all areas of their college life. Special thanks to Chad Weiberg, Reid Sigmon, and Colin Carmichael for giving me this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started!”

Calif Poncy A day earlier, the Cowgirls Staff Reporter added Dustin Stein as an assistant coach. Stein comes to Stillwater after spending the past five seasons at the Oklahoma State soccer has made a slew of changes to its coach- University of Pittsburgh, where he helped the Panthers become a formiing staff.

On Friday, the team announced dable team in what most consider the best conference in college soccer. that program legend Grace Yochum “We are very excited to add is joining the staff as a player develDustin to our staff. I’ve known opment coach.

Dustin and his family for many Yochum returns to OSU after years; he grew up in Oklahoma, and becoming the program’s all-time leading goal scorer last season, solid- we are delighted he is heading back ifying her place as one of the greatest home,” said OSU coach Colin Carmichael. to ever suit up for the Cowgirls.

Stein and Yochum join Carmi“I am super excited to work chael’s staff as OSU aims to return to with the Oklahoma State soccer postseason play during the upcoming program in this new role,” Yochum season. said. “This university has given me so much, and I’m looking forward to giving back and working with sports.ed@ocolly.com Courtesy of OSU Athletics Maddison Hinson-Tolchard missed the cut at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open, which was her LPGA major championship debut.

Hinson-Tolchard misses cut at U.S. Women’s Open Gina Foster Staff Reporter

Courtesy of Jaiden Daughty Grace Yochum, the Cowgirls’ all-time leading goal scorer, joined the OSU staff as a player development coach on Friday.

wavered with a triple bogey on the fifth and a pair of bogeys at the end of the front nine.

Maddison Hinson- She finished solid on the back nine, shooting only Tolchard’s LPGA major championship debut was 1-over par.

This performance shortened after failing placed her on a decent to make the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open this track to potentially make the cut; however, Round weekend.

2 did not go as planned.

Her 14-over par performance landed her Hinson-Tolchard started off at even par until the outside of the 6-over score needed to make the fifth hole, again, gave her cut. Only four amateurs trouble, with a double bogey. made the cut.

She birdied the In Round 1, next hole and finished the Hinson-Tolchard began front nine only 2-over, steadily at even par through four holes, then but the back nine was a roller coaster.

With two double bogeys and three bogeys, her birdie on the 16th hole was not enough to help place her above the cut line. She finished the round 8-over par with a +14 total over 36 holes, eight strokes out of the +6 cut.

Although her LPGA major debut was cut short, HinsonTolchard will be heading back to Pebble Beach in September for the Carmel Cup, the Cowgirls’ first collegiate tournament of the 2023-24 season, with hopes of a different outcome. sports.ed@ocolly.com

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O’Colly

Monday, July 10, 2023 Page 5

News

Courtesy of Taylor Dowell Cade Jenlink, an OSU alumni, accepted the position of licensed commodity broker at Sidwell Strategies.

Sidwell...

Continued from 1 Hays will be overseeing financial operations for each entity as well as business reports and forecasting.

Cade Jenlink accepted the position of licensed commodity broker at Sidwell Strategies. He interned with them for approximately a year as a

broker assistant while completing his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from OSU Jenlink will be working with agricultural producers on risk management solutions and strategies.

Katie Whitfield interned with Sidwell Enterprises before accepting a full-time position upon completion of her bachelor’s degree in animal science with a concentration in business from OSU. She is now the business development coordinator for Sidwell Distribution.

“Going to OSU definitely pre-

pared me for a job in this setting,” Whitfield said. “The animal science program there is the best and it gave me a lot of background to be able to go into this job confidently.”

Whitfield will be handling the local supply chain and developing the Sidwell Distribution Top Shelf Beef Program.

Taylor Dowell recently accepted an intern position for Sidwell Enterprises. She is now the marketing and communications intern while studying agribusiness and agricultural communi-

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cations at OSU. Dowell will be focusing on website and social media development for each entity.

Sidwell Enterprises offers a wide variety of jobs and internships for students and alumni from OSU who are interested in broadening their horizons and immersing themselves in an agriculturally rich environment.

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Page 6 Monday, July 10, 2023

O’Colly

News Miracles in Motion gives those with disabilities a new sense of mobility Elijah Decious The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Jul. 8—SWISHER — “Up, over, up, over,” instructor Diana Harris said into her headset’s microphone Wednesday night as she moved participants through the motions, encouraging each one by name.

To the untrained ear, the instructions at the barn centering 77 bucolic acres sounded like a typical exercise class.

For those participating, it was.

But instead of exercising just their own bodies, participants with physical, development and intellectual disabilities are also commanding another one about 10 times their size. Along with a rigorously certified instructor and many volunteers, the horses at Miracles in Motion make this adaptive riding class a little more different from Jazzercise or Zumba.

Why they ride Keaton Wright, 32, has been attending the adaptive riding classes at the nonprofit for more than 20 years. With physical and intellectual disabilities, his doctor recommended it to help his balance and mobility.

But over time, the impacts have gone far beyond helping him walk and move.

In about 50 minutes of social time away from his family each week, Keaton is one of the centers of attention for the instructor and volunteers in the small class for three. Over time, Keaton has grown comfortable enough to leave his calming fidgets in the car.

Each week, the Alburnett resident relishes in the attention and the chance to improve skills at his own pace.

“When we turn off the interstate, he says ‘Hats on,’ “ said his mother, Betty Wright, referring to the safety helmets riders wear while on top of the horses. “Even if he doesn’t say it, he understands more than

we give him credit for.”

For someone who is nonverbal, that’s a big deal — and a testament in part to how the relatively simple exercises have helped him over decades.

The only thing they can’t get him to say each week is “whoa,” to stop the horses the way volunteers end the class each week.

That’s because “he doesn’t want to stop,” Betty said.

An unspoken bond For many parents watching, it’s easy to see how the power of the bond between horses and their riders transcends words.

“Horses are, in a certain sense, like people. It’s amazing to think of the unspoken language a rider shares with a horse — it’s striking,” said Ted Abel, whose son, Seamus, has been attending adaptive riding and hippotherapy for 10 years.

Ted and his wife, Noreen, got Seamus involved in riding horses when he was about 12.

Their son, now a junior studying German at the University of Iowa, is able to speak, but has different social preferences as someone on the autism spectrum.

When baseball didn’t pan out the way Ted hoped it would for his son, they hoped horse riding would be something he could enjoy at his own developmental pace. Today, it’s something Seamus finds comfort in.

“One thing important about people with developmental disabilities is they’re on their own unique trajectory throughout life,” said Ted, who is also the chair and executive officer of the Neuroscience and Pharmacology Department at the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine. “Seeing Seamus navigate developmental milestones in a different way, different time and different order ... this has helped him do that.”

Over time, Seamus has gotten comfortable with the pace of regulation that horse riding requires — with changes

File Photo Controlling thousand-pound animals offers a sense of control that many students have difficulty finding in other areas of life, which translates to a confidence they can apply anywhere.

in weekly volunteers walking to do things the way everybody person can communicate with alongside him, the speed of else does, but you’re able to sit a horse without talking — to exercises and the way it gently on a horse, get it to stop, lay non-verbal people, that’s obvihelps riders push their own down — it’s a lot of confidence ous,” Harris explained. “But to boundaries. building.” the rest of us who spend time Moving hands forward to For 35 years, the organi- with words in our heads and touch the horse’s ears, reaching zation has been helping those mouths, doing something that up, and stretching arms side with a wide range of disdoesn’t require words requires to side while in motion several abilities find their stride in life a different kind of attention.” feet off the ground bring a new through the rhythmic motion of It’s not just about being level of accessibility to exercise horseback riding — a powerful on horses, she said. It’s about for those who can’t take tradi- element not as often recognized fostering an environment where tional forms for granted. by those without disabilities. participants can feel better Maneuvering horses left With only a handful of similar about themselves, no matand right, or up and down, in- nonprofits around the state, ter how tepid their individual stills a sense of communication Miracles in Motion serves a progress may be. that speech can’t touch. large portion of Eastern Iowa.

Like many of her riders, A new sense of confiLike the riders, Harris the impact of watching that dence has adapted her style. She calls confidence come to life can be Controlling thousandeach rider in the small group hard for the instructor to put pound animals offers a sense by name, offering constructive into words. of control that many students feedback sandwiched by posi“So much of it is emohave difficulty finding in other tive praise to compel them. tional,” she said. “You go to a areas of life, which translates At this week’s session, situation and see what you’re to a confidence they can apply the horses tired from a hot day doing is effective.” anywhere. needed more encouragement Physically and emotion“Adaptive riding students than the riders. ally, the dividends from each are there because being on a The mature horses, clomp in the dirt arena is what horse makes them feel indepen- donated to the organization by keeps students coming back, dent, strong and in control in a former owners who used them and what motivates her and way that nothing else in their for other occupations, adapt to dozens of volunteers each week life does,” said Harris, who the preferences of each rider. to hold the lead each step of the became a certified instructor Most riders, including nonway. with the Professional Associa- verbal ones, are very observant Comments: (319) 398tion of Therapeutic Horseman- about their physical surround- 8340; elijah.decious@thegaship in 2020 after several years ings. zette.com of volunteering for Miracles in “I think it helps a great news.ed@ocolly.com Motion. “You may not be able deal that horses don’t talk. A

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Monday, July 10, 2023 Page 7

News

Courtesy of OSU Oklahoma State University’s Greenwood School of Music finally closed a nationwide hunt for its new director concluding with appointing Lucia Unrau.

Greenwood...

that can bring together diverse groups of people to create something beautiful and positive. It transcends spoken language.”

Continued from 1 Her commitment to her field accompanies OSU’s successful arts culture and reputation which was obvi“I have always been passionate ous to Unrau even before she and Peter about music and arts education for all,” Terry, her husband, came to Stillwater.

Unrau said. “It needs to be a core sub“I know many people who have ject in our schools, not an extra. The always spoken highly of OSU,” Unrau arts provide a means of communication

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

said. “When I interviewed, it became obvious that what I had heard was true.

There are many challenges in higher education right now and these challenges can lead to mental and emotional fatigue among the faculty. I did not find that to be true at OSU. In particular, the GSM faculty are engaged, energized and motivated.”

Unrau continued that there is additional energy in the department

attributed to the new GSM facility and the school’s recent re-accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Music.

“We are very clear on where we are and now, we get to choose where we want to go,” Unrau said. “This is a rare combination of elements that only comes along once in a great while. I feel privileged to be part of this exciting time at GSM.” news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 8 Monday, July 10, 2023

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Lifestyle Is Threads the Twitter alternative we’ve been waiting for?

Michael Clark Staff Reporter Although Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg’s UFC cage match may not have come to fruition, the two billionaires are currently engaged in a different kind of fight on the most prominent battlefield of the 21st century: social media.

As Musk alienates users by making controversial decisions on Twitter, such as limiting the amount of tweets a user can view per day, Mark Zuckerberg is pushing Meta’s new app, “Threads,” as an alternative to Twitter. With this newly launched site, many users are left wondering if it stands a fighting chance against the social media tyrant.

Here is what you need to know about how they compare and contrast.

The User Interface may not be the first thing you notice when using your favorite apps, but a poor Ui will make itself known almost immediately.

It’s a bad sign when you spend most of your time trying to navigate an app rather than enjoying it. While Threads does not have a bad User Interface per say, it sure is cluttered.

Threads has a lot of different icons and buttons on its homepage that feels overwhelming as a first impression, which is never good if you want to bring new users. Despite all its flaws, Twitter has an excellent User Interface. The app will guide your eyes from post to post in a way that feels natural and engaging.

With that in mind, Threads simply feels far too similar to Twitter without any notable improvements. Take a look at the transition from Vine to TikTok, a big driving factor of TikTok is its sleek interface, making it easy to enjoy for hours and hours. Undoubtedly, a massive improvement over Vine. On the other hand, Threads hardly brings any innovation or identity to this app outside of being “Not Twitter.”

Some may argue that

Courtesy of HO (Rafael Henrique/Dreamstime/ Mark Zuckerberg is pushing Meta’s new app, “Threads,” as an alternative to Twitter.

all Threads needs to be is a reskin of Twitter, but it’s not just a reskin, it’s a downgrade.

It’s much harder to find your community and curate your feed without hashtags, which is a massive driving force of Twitter. There hardly seems to be an algorithm to find content you like either, it’s just what the app suggests. Perhaps this

will change over time, but it’s not a great first impression, and Meta needs to strike while the iron is hot.

In terms of content, it is difficult to judge the merits of the app. It’s simply difficult to determine the quality of its community when it’s only been out for a few days. After using Threads for a few hours,

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the majority of posts seem to be more advertisements and vague, confused posts by people trying to make something stick. While algorithms can be abused, a basic one is important so you can be given content you enjoy and click with.

At the end of the day, Threads isn’t a terrible alterna-

tive as Musk runs Twitter into the ground. However, it sure feels like a cheap knockoff. As the app develops, you’ll surely find a better sense of community and engagement, but as of now, it’s only worth checking out as an amusing novelty, or perhaps an investment. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (07/10/23). Share, connect and collaborate this year. Faithful investigation reveals the full story. Family fun fills your home with laughter this autumn, before winter social transitions require adaptation. Tackle spring cleaning and domestic repair projects this spring, for professional flowering. Together with friends, you’re unbeatable.

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 an 8 — Your labors get results, with Mars entering Virgo for two months. Practice and exercise for growing strength, endurance and skills. Your work feels energized.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — For nearly eight weeks, with Mars in Virgo, creative pursuits flower. Put your actions where your heart is. Follow love, passion, beauty and romance.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Fix up your place over the next few months, with Mars in Virgo. Physically move stuff around. Action gets satisfying results. Clean, sort and organize.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Energized communications go viral, with Mars in Virgo for two months. Dig into a fascinating story. Study, research and gather data. Network and share.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Develop and grow new income sources. Lucrative ventures seem energized by Mars in Virgo over the next two months. Explore fascinating and profitable possibilities.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Passion projects take center stage, with Mars in Virgo. You’re spurred into action for two months. Develop an exciting possibility. Take charge and shine.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Begin a contemplative phase. Clean, sort and organize over two months, with Mars in Virgo. Process the past as you clear space for what’s ahead.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Jump into action. Share efforts for a common cause. Team efforts get supercharged, with Mars in Virgo for two months.

Together, anything’s possible.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Move forward boldly. Especially over nearly eight weeks, with Mars in Virgo, your career can advance toward your passions. Energize an exciting professional project.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Discover new frontiers. Educational exploration beckons for about two months, with Mars in Virgo. Expand your horizons. Widen your understanding. Investigate the possibilities.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Strategize to grow family financial strength. With Mars in Virgo, review and organize. Review and revise your budget.

Pull together for a lucrative prize.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate for a common objective.

Coordinate your actions for best impact. Over two months, with Mars in Virgo, partnership flourishes. Connect at a deeper level.

Monday, July 10, 2023 Page 9

FOR RELEASE JULY 10, 2023

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

ACROSS 1 Deep fissure 6 “Permission to Dance” K-pop band 9 Tiny bit of matter 13 Baffling question 14 Tear to bits 16 Gift wrapper’s adhesive 17 Physical therapy, informally 18 Opera solo 19 Hits the slopes 20 *Vegetable tops used in soups and stews 23 Promos 26 Skin care brand with a Retinol Correxion line 27 Chin beard 28 *Comedian who hosted “Full Frontal” 32 Strange 33 Door openers 34 Pop, as a bubble 36 Stuffing herb 37 Outstanding bills 39 “Pronto!” letters 43 Motif 45 Dried chili in mole sauces 46 Lively Irish dance 49 *“Quite the slump there, huh?”

52 Infuriate 54 Inn divs.

55 Got together 56 Happy cry on a fishing trip, and what can be said about the end of the answer to each starred clue?

60 News story intro, in journalism jargon 61 Hailed vehicle 62 “Swell!”

66 __ of expertise 67 Skidded 68 Typical film festival entry 69 Disinfectant target 70 Uber driver’s guess, for short 71 Folklore brutes DOWN 1 Lifeguard’s lifesaving skill: Abbr.

Level 1

7/10/23

By Karen Lurie

2 Long-handled Saturday’s Puzzle Solved garden tool 3 Marshmallow roast residue 4 Stock exchange membership 5 Owner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant on “The Simpsons” 6 Tree limb 7 Hatcher of “Desperate Housewives” 8 Scissors sound 9 Hopelessly lost 10 Develop a fondness for 11 Expressed a view 12 Fiddled (with) ©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC 7/10/23 15 Sharp knives 37 Takes down 48 Teacher, during 21 Decompose 38 “Unbelievable” exam week 22 Some reddish rock band 50 Tater Tots maker deer 40 Swindle 51 MLB official 23 Requests 41 World-weary sigh 53 Starting squad 24 “SNL” alum 42 Ada Limón, e.g. 57 Cabbagelike Carvey 44 Monopolizes vegetable 25 Air quality 45 Hall of “Coming 2 58 Offramp concern America” 59 Circle 29 Aid and __ 46 Fatigue after a 63 POTUS on a 30 Monastic long flight dime headquarters 47 Vague reply to 64 Attach (to) 31 “However ... ” “Where are you?” 65 “Count me in!”

35 Zest

2

3

4

7/10/23

Solution to Saturday’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

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