Friday, March 31, 2023

Friday, March 31, 2023

Stretched thin

Jaiden Daughty

The Stillwater Animal Welfare officer said the shelter tries to help as many animals as they can and said animals are in need for a home.

Stillwater Animal Welfare exceeds capacity for dogs Bella Casey Staff Reporter

Gaige Ellis, a Stillwater Animal Welfare officer, said Stillwater Animal Welfare is no stranger to this situation, as animals in need of homes arrive Thirty dogs currently call Stillat Stillwater Animal Welfare almost water Animal Welfare home. The every day. shelter has room for only 26.

“We stretch ourselves thin for The kennels that line the walls of sure, trying to make sure that we can the two dog rooms are full. In the cat help as many people as we can,” Ellis room, a cat kennel holds a quiet, shak- said. ing puppy instead of a kitten. Above The no-kill shelter rehomes nethe puppy is a small dog whose neigh- glected, surrendered or stray animals bor is a cat wearing a cone around its as an aid to the community of Stillwaneck. ter. Now, as the shelter is overflowing

with dogs, Stillwater Animal Welfare needs the community’s help. To make room for the weekly influx of new dogs, adoptable dogs must find homes.

Ellis adopted his dog from Stillwater Animal Welfare and encourages others to adopt.

“I mean, having a dog is the best thing ever,” Ellis said. “I went a long time without having a dog and I finally ended up getting one about a year and a half ago or so, and I mean, I do everything with my dog.”

After seeing thousands of dogs

go through the shelter and resisting adopting a few special dogs, Ellis brought home his dog, Moxie. Ellis said adopting a dog means you’re getting a good friend.

Although Moxie was surrendered for chewing up her previous owner’s valuables, Ellis said the only thing he’s ever seen Moxie chew up is a dog leash. Like Moxie, many of the dogs at Stillwater Animal Welfare are looking for a second chance at a happy life, if not a first one.

See Dogs on 4A

Students race for Garth tickets connect with them,” Schimmel said.

The O’Colly published an exclusive article announcing Brooks would return to When Zane his alma mater, OSU, Schimmel’s parents to perform a free conwere students at OSU, cert for students. they watched Garth To attend the conBrooks when he was cert, students had to fill only a student. out a registration form Now it’s Schimat the ConocoPhillips mel’s turn.

OSU Alumni Center, On Tuesday, bring their student I.D. OSU students raced to and donate a nonperishreserve a spot for Garth able food or hygiene Brooks’ concert and item.

Schimmel said he is exRegistration was cited to see Brooks for open on Tuesday and the first time and share Wednesday from 10 the experience with his a.m. until 3 p.m., but parents. some students arrived “It’ll be a way to earlier.

Stephanie Landaverde Staff Reporter

Olivia VanHootegem, a sophomore majoring in human development and family science, arrived at the center at 7:15 a.m. to ensure she got a ticket.

VanHootegem said she expected a high turnout and estimated 65-75 people were already in line when she arrived.

She said the line was wrapping almost all the way to the road at 9:45 a.m.

Carter Chase, the senior director of marketing at the OSU Alumni Association, said not all tickets were claimed Tuesday but the 900 tickets were gone on Wednesday.

See Tickets on 3A

Courtesy of Ashley Peterson Ashley Peterson, left, and Hilary Albrecht won the 2023 Student Government Association presidential election and will begin the transition into office and shadow current SGA President Riley Pritzlaff and Vice President Maddie Dunn.

Peterson, Albrecht win SGA presidential election Bella Casey Staff Reporter

Courtesy of OSU To attend the concert, students had to fill out a registration form at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, bring their student I.D. and donate a nonperishable food or hygiene item.

Body President.

Peterson said her first phone call was to one of the best leaders she’s ever met: her dad.

Amid proposed Peterson said she had alelection violations, the new voice of the student ready planned to call her dad this morning to wish body prevailed. him a happy birthday.

Ashley Peterson “It was like ‘Happy and Hilary Albrecht are birthday dad, we won,’” the new president and Peterson said. vice president of the After almost a Student Government Asmonth-long delay in sociation. election results, Peterson On Thursday said it was surreal to morning, Peterson checked her email to pre- receive the news of her pare for her day. She was win. After constantly meeting with other greeted with a message from SGA telling her she students and temporarily won the race for Student putting her social life on

hold, Peterson said it felt “weird” for the commotion to slow and for the election process to come to an end.

“It’s just so rewarding to have this moment where it’s like it was worth it,” Peterson said.

“Every meeting, and every hour I spent doing this instead of working on my homework, it was worth it. It showed that people saw my intentions, saw my heart and got excited based on what I was saying and what we can do for OSU.” See SGA on 5A

Page 2A Friday, March 31, 3023

O’Colly

Page 2 Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which marks important holidays and events for Muslims (people who practice Islam). During Ramadan people fast, or refrain from eating and drinking, while it’s light outside. Once the sun sets, families meet for big meals that may include stew, rice, dates, lentils, and more. People also have a morning meal before the sun rises. For the hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world who observe Ramadan, the month is a time to focus on their faith and also perform generous acts. People raise money and donate supplies to help others in need. And many fast to remind themselves about those in the world who don’t have enough to eat.

OSU’s Student Arts Alliance hosted a Canine Crafts Carnival on Wednesday

The O’Comic

All photos by Andy Crown Kendall McGhee

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Friday, March 31, 2023 Page 3A

News ‘Talk Saves Lives’ informs students on how to navigate mental health struggles Olivia Lane Staff Reporter

than 800,000 people commit suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization. Thousands of those people don’t have resources to find help.

Suicide Oklahoma State University kills one perhosts a weekly suicide prevention son worldwide every talk, Talk Saves Lives, that has a 40 seconds. goal to change that statistic. The More American Foundation for Suicide

able to have open discussions about “ Being what people are dealing with is really Meg Baker

Graphic by Sam Beebe

“

important for preventing future deaths

Prevention created the TSL training, Meg Baker, a Grief and outreach intern at University Counseling Services, hosts the training online every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

In the presentation, Baker describes suicide statistics, research done on suicide and how to prevent it.

“It is created by that foundation and, they use the latest data and research that they have on

suicide throughout the U.S.,” Baker said.

Baker’s training is meant to help people who have dealt with suicidal thoughts or know someone who has. Psychology student Luke Whatley said he knows what he wishes he received when he was struggling.

“All I was looking for was someone to acknowledge my pain and convince me I had a path forward,” Whatley said. “What got me out of it was my therapist encouraging me to push myself and not give up.”

Baker herself said that she learned a lot while working on TSL. Though she had been working with patients for years, there is a lot of research still being done around suicide prevention.

“I’ve learned a lot of things that I didn’t know,” Baker said.

“With the Talk Saves Lives talk specifically, there’s a lot of risk factors and warning signs that I didn’t know about.”

For psychology student Samia Aguilar, suicide is a topic that she

has seen her whole life.

“I feel that for myself as well as others, suicide is a consistent problem we face with our peers, media and the anxiety on the daily,” Aguilar said.

Baker believes that there is a way to make suicide prevention more effective, and that is to release the stigma around the topic.

She believes with talking about it more, people will feel comfortable seeking help when they are struggling.

“Being able to have open discussions about what people are dealing with is really important for preventing future deaths,” Baker said.

Along with TSL, there are several other mental health resources on campus for those who are struggling with suicidal ideation and/or grief. There is free grief counseling, a grief library and several more outreach presentations for people to learn more about how to take care of their mental health. news.ed@ocolly.com

Brooks multiple Tickets... see times and never been successful,

Continued from 1Auntil now.

Baylen Bayless, a marketing entrepreneurship senior, has never seen Brooks in concert and said he is most excited to see Brooks for free.

He said he will be going with friends if they manage to get a ticket.

Reece Sconyers, a political science sophomore, is excited to see Brooks and hopes he shares stories about his time at OSU and how it has impacted him as an alumni.

“I know that Garth Brooks has a song that brings the whole community together,” Abigail Weaver, an elementary education major, said. “I think this is a really good community event for everyone at the university.”

Isabel Inman, a music industry freshman, and her friend Mallory Forgione, a public health major, said they had never seen Brooks and were most excited to be in the concert environment. “ I love country music,” Kadence Gage, a biochemistry and molecular biology freshman, said. “It’s great because he’s a big name, but he’s an alumni here.”

There were 1,000 tickets available. The first 900 students to donate and register were guaranteed a ticket.

After that, students were encouraged to donate and entered into a lottery for the chance to win one of the remaining 100 tickets.

“Garth was very interested in promoting philanthropy among the student body, which is why his concert for students is free,” Chase said. “We had an exceptional turnout today, so we know he’ll be really pleased with that.”

Jaylin Strub, a junior in architectural engineering, said she is most excited for the concert because it lands on the same night she and her friends planned to celebrate her 21st birthday.

“We’re going to go see him and then hit the strip,” Strub said.

“I’m really excited.

He’s going to make my night, that’s for sure.”

Miranda Krebbs, said she didn’t expect Brooks to perform a concert at OSU. “I’m really excited to hear ‘Friends in Low Places’ and ‘Mama Loved Papa,’” Krebbs said. “And just to see Garth himself.”

Chloe Blood, said she has tried to news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of OSU Students can apply now for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing on the Stillwater campus. The program begins in fall 2023.

OSU announces four-year nursing degree program, expected to combat Oklahoma nurse shortage Adam Engel Editor-in-Chief

“As a physician, I learned firsthand the immense value nurses provide in patient care,” Shrum said.

“You cannot run a hospital or clinic A new degree program awaits. without their expertise. Increasing OSU will soon offer a fourthe number of graduates in critical year Bachelor of Science in Nursing areas is a key tenant of our landon the Stillwater campus during the grant mission, and I’m excited about 2023-24 school year. This is OSU’s the impact this new program will first non-online Nursing program in have, certainly for students, but also Stillwater. OSU’s RN to BSN comfor patients and health care entities pletion program is online. across the state.”

This program mirrors OSU’s This program will prepare land-grant mission and will assist nurses to meet the health care needs in meeting workforce demands and of families, individuals and commuimproved health care in Oklahoma, nities. The Commission on Colleaccording to a press release. The giate Nursing Education accredited state continues to deal with a nurse the program and it will be housed shortage. in the School of Community Health “The shortage of qualified Sciences, Counseling and Counselhealth care providers in Oklahoma ing Services, which is part of the is only going to intensify without a College of Education and Human focused effort to provide pathways Sciences. The program will offer stuof opportunity for aspiring nurses,” dents the chance to concentrate on OSU President Kayse Shrum said. rural and underserved populations Oklahoma ranks No. 46 among and to infuse prevention and total states for the number of registered wellness practices in Oklahoma’s nurses per capita, according to the health care systems.

Oklahoma Nurses Association. In Jon Pedersen, CEHS’ dean, 2021, Oklahoma was about 400 said about one-third of CEHS’ nurses below the average amount of students pursue degrees related to nurses per 100,000 people. There nutritional, physical, mental or relawere only about 700. In 2021, 35% tional health. of Oklahoma’s licensed nurses were “In adding this new BSN, nearing or at retirement age. we’re strengthening our work to

prepare graduates for high-demand jobs in the growing health care sector,” he said. “I’m excited about new opportunities to collaborate across degree programs and to expand on our existing partnerships with the health care partners.”

Students will have opportunities to participate in clinical experiences with health care partners in urban and rural settings. OSU is renovating campus space to create a fully equipped simulation lab for the program, aimed for completion in 2024.

Anna Cluck, the nursing program’s director, said students, parents and health care partners expressed significant interest in an OSU bachelor’s degree in nursing.

In the semester before finished the required 59 hours of prerequisite coursework, students will apply to continue coursework toward the degree. OSU expects to admit 50 students to continue with nursing labs, simulations and clinical experiences. The program will increase the students to 100 in the second year.

Applications for fall 2023 are open and students can learn more about admission requirements and how to apply on the OSU website. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4A Friday, March 31, 2023

O’Colly

News Mr./Miss Hispanic pageant promotes cultural representation Stephanie Landaverde Staff Reporter

Lazo-Salmeron works at the Counseling and Counseling Psychology clinic and said while he is already in a position to provide counseling, it needs to go beyond counseling an New platforms, new reigns and individual client. He plans to advocate new crowns. for accessibility and availability by On Saturday, Wilson Lazoorganizing workshops for the commuSalmeron and Michelle Salazar were nity and recruiting Latinx individuals crowned OSU’s 2023 Hispanic Latinx for research studies. royalty.

“In research the common populaThe pageant showcases the dition are usually white individuals, so it versity and culture of OSU’s students. doesn’t really capture all of our experiThis year there were four contestants: ences, especially with mental health,” three women and one man.

Lazo-Salmeron said. “Being able to “Of course it’s nice to win, but I recruit Latinx individuals in those would’ve loved to see more male con- studies can definitely help explain our testants,” Lazo-Salmeron said. “For experiences more accurately.” one, that representation of we’re here, Contestants competed in several we’re wanting to see differences.” categories, both off and on-stage. For One integral aspect of the pagtheir talents, Lazo-Salmeron pereant competition is the platform porformed an original poem about his tion. Contestants run on and present a former eating disorder and Salazar speech for a platform that, should they performed a jump roping and dance win, they will enact throughout their routine. reign.

“I knew a poem was going to Salazar’s platform is focused on be fitting for who I am as a person,” a topic she holds close to her heart: Lazo-Salmeron said. “This pageant criminal justice reform. reminded me of who I am as a person “My brother has been incarcerand what I’ve struggled with in the ated for over a decade,” Salazar said. past, so it felt natural to talk about “I think being a person of color and my eating disorder from when I was interacting with the police, a lot of younger.” people don’t realize how much crimiFor the cultural wear portion, nal justice affects everyone.” they each wore clothing representaSalazar wants to introduce the tive of their countries: Salazar’s being topic of her platform on campus and Mexico and Lazo-Salmeron’s being El host workshops. She said factors such Salvador. as literacy, finances and language barLazo-Salmeron wore a shirt riers impact people when it comes to with tecomates, pants with symbols of their knowledge of government. maize, a sombrero, a waistband that Lazo-Salmeron’s platform is also said “El Salvador” and a bag used to focused on mental health. store food. Tecomates are bowls used “Unfortunately there’s a lack of for storing water. He also carried the representation of mental health issues Salvadoran flag with him during his in the Latinx community,” Lazo-Salm- cultural wear walk. eron said. “It’s sometimes covered up Salazar dressed as an Aztec waror there’s just barriers in generals.” rior.

Latinos may struggle with find“I felt so empowered,” Salazar ing the appropriate therapist who will said. “I felt so connected to my family, be non-judgmental, non-discriminato my roots, to my ancestors.” tory and non-biased, Lazo-Salmeron Salazar won the People’s Choice said. for evening wear, cultural wear, en-

Courtesy of Michelle Salazar Wilson Lazo-Salmeron (left) and Michelle Salazar (right) were crowned OSU’s 2023 Hispanic Latinx royalty.

trepreneurship and interview awards.

Wilson won the academic excellence and talent awards.

“It is important for Latinos to make themselves be present, to have

their voices heard,” Salazar said.“We are such a small part of this community here at OSU, and it’s important that we represent ourselves, our culture and what we stand for.” news.ed@ocolly.com

Dogs...

Weir said owning Rico encourages her to get out of bed in the mornContinued from 1A ing, as she knows she must care for him.

“It gives me a Taylor Weier, a se- purpose,” Weier said. nior psychology major, Before adopting a gave her dog his first dog, Ellis recommended chance. She adopted her students consider the dog, Rico, from Stillwa- work that goes into ter Animal Welfare in owning a dog, as all February. dogs have quirks. For “As soon as I saw example, Weier said him and I took him for Rico is a slow learner a walk, I was just like, when it comes to ‘Okay, I can’t leave,’” practicing commands Weier said. “I’m gonna as simple as “sit or “lay take him.” down.”

Weier took Rico Ellis said students home and said he must also consider if quickly adjusted to their apartment comhis new environment. plex or home allows Weier said Rico loves to dogs or what they will cuddle and follows her do for dog care over everywhere she goes. school breaks. Many For a Pitbull animals are returned to mix such as Rico, first Stillwater Animal Welchances can be hard fare because of changes to come by. Because in one’s living situation. of the breed’s violent With the shelter being reputation, many refuse over maximum capacity Pitbulls when making for dogs, returns have an adoption decision. grown increasingly dif“People just have ficult to manage. this image in their mind For those who are like ‘Oh, they’re agunable to adopt a dog gressive, they’re gobut want to help, Ellis ing to hurt someone,’” said Stillwater Animal Weier said. “I’ve had Welfare relies heavily no issues with it. Like I on the work of volunsaid, the only thing he teers. Volunteers are would do is probably responsible for duties lick you to death.” such as taking dogs Owning a dog outside and spending offers many benefits to time with dogs in need college students outside of socialization. of a loyal friendship. news.ed@ocolly.com

Many dogs and their owners attended OSU’s Student Arts Alliance’s Canine Craft Carnival on Wednesday afternoon.

Andy Crown

Furry creatures converge at OSU’s Canine Crafts Carnival Madison Melton Staff Reporter

Kelley said. “It would be a good way to bring people together because everyone just loves dogs and who doesn’t love a good craft?”

SAA volunteers manned many of the activities and all were dog themed. The caricature stand proved A puppy party made its way on campus. to be extremely popular, as a caricature artist created OSU’s Student Arts Alliance hosted a Canine drawings of students with their pets. The T-shirt toy Crafts Carnival on Wednesday and partnered with making stand was also popular, though most dogs the Humane Society of Stillwater to help gather dogravitated to the stands with treats. nations for animals in need.

“I have six committee members, and we just Gathered on the Classroom Building Lawn, brainstormed ideas for this event,” Kelley said. “It there were many stations for students to bring their was a conjoined effort between all of us for this to furry friends to enjoy an afternoon of dog-themed happen.” activities. The activities included puppy polaroids, The Humane Society is always welcoming ruff-reshments, paw print paintings, T-shirt toys and donations to help the many animals in need that they caricatures. help care for. This event, one of many that the StuZoe Kelley, SAA’s vice president of outreach, dent Art Alliance puts on, is a thoughtful way to help was one of the event’s creator the Stillwater animals in need.

“I wanted to focus on community, and I immediately wanted to work with the Humane Society,” entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Jaiden Daughty The Stillwater Animal Welfare relies on the work of volunteers, who are responsible for taking the dogs outside and spending time with them.

O’Colly

Friday, March 31, 2023 Page 5A

News

Taylor Carroll The money CowboyThon raises goes to the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Oklahoma Foundation, which distributes it around the state, besides the $100,000 given to Stillwater Medical Pediatrics.

CowboyThon raises money for the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Foundation Taylor Carroll Staff Reporter

probably wouldn’t have had his surgeon here in Oklahoma,” Reagan said. “He probably would have had to go out of state and recover out of state and havReagan Decker grew up constant- ing him 30 minutes away, it kept my ly making visits to the hospital. family together, and that’s huge.”

On her fifth birthday, her brother, CowboyThon is an OSU organiBrandon, was diagnosed with Crohn’s zation that raises money for the OklaDisease at 9, which left them making homa Children’s Hospital Foundation, frequent trips to Oklahoma Children’s culminating in a dance marathon every Hospital. Brandon needed colectomy March. Each person learns parts of surgery, and the fundraising from an a long dance throughout the 10-hour organization CowboyThon made it more fundraising event. The dance marathon accessible. is not just about dancing, but also the Through CowboyThon, OSU’s children in the hospital, referred to as largest on-campus philanthropic orgamiracle children. The families share nization, Brandon underwent surgery their stories and explain how the money in-state at 13. Reagan, a sophomore at raised through the organization and OSU, who is now the vice president of event impact their families. operations at CowboyThon, said the orDayle Winslow shared the story ganization she’s now part of was crucial of her son, Graham, and his diagnosis to her family. with Congenital Diaphragmatic Her“All of the (CowboyThon) funnia, a birth defect. When he was in the draisers have been around for years, womb, his diaphragm had not formed, and without all those funds my brother and Graham’s internal organs went into

his chest cavity, with a 60% mortality rate if doctors could not stabilize and operate on him.

Graham was on a ventilator for 30 days and on oxygen for 45 days. Once his lungs deflated, his organs moved down, and he had several surgeries to make sure everything worked. Graham underwent five or six surgeries during his 109-day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Dayle said Graham was put on a lifesaving ECMO machine, had a feeding tube and hydrocephalus, which caused neurological damage.

CowboyThon has many activities for everyone to join. Bracelets are made with beads, with each color possessing a different meaning – for example, peach represents chemotherapy and light purple represents lumbar puncture.

The miracle children’s art paintings are auctioned at the event, and participants pay anywhere from $20 to $75 per painting.

Reagan participated in cutting her hair nine inches for the event – the needed length for donation – raising $2,000.

Nishi Gandhi, the director of individual fundraising and an OSU student, joined because her cousin does treatment at the Children’s Hospital in Indiana. She helps Reagan set up the event and find ways to raise money year-round.

The money raised at the event goes to the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Oklahoma Foundation, which distributes it around the state, besides the $100,000 given to Stillwater Medical Pediatrics. Most of the CHF funds are given to the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City and used to recruit premier medical personnel for new treatments and surgery options, purchase specialty equipment and begin new research projects. news.ed@ocolly.com

SGA...

Jaiden Daughty Shattering the Glass Ceiling held panelists Jawauna Harding, Emily Quinn, Dedra Ibañez and Imani McGill. The women talked about how they will always advocate for other women.

Shattering the glass ceiling Women in the workplace panel Jaycee Hampton Staff Reporter

On March 23, Career Services partnered with the Office of Multicultural Affairs to host a panel discussion with women who are thriving in male-dominated fields.

The panel consisted of four women who were happy to share their experiences in the workplace, their leadership styles and advice for those looking to expand their professional careers.

The panelists included Jawauna Harding, Emily Quinn, Dedra Ibañez and Imani McGill. All are connected to OSU and they are passionate about women feeling like they have a place and belong working in male-dominated fields.

“I need to be in these spaces [the workplace] because I have someone that is another generation, or next year, that’ll be here and needs to understand that they can be in these spaces

too,” Harding, the associate athletic director of OSU, said. “That’s what I have to tell myself as I’m doing this because there’s someone else who doesn’t think they belong here, who absolutely belongs here.”

Topics such as negotiating salaries when it comes to getting jobs, overcoming self-doubt and advocating for yourself were discussed.

Moderator Ramya Chandrashekar, career coordinator for diversity, equity and inclusion, asked the women crucial questions, leading a discussion where viewers were able to learn from them.

Meg Clowers, a sophomore secondary education major with a focus in history and geography, said she has aspirations to become a men’s basketball coach and she took the time to ask the panelists a question of her own during the Q&A at the end of the panel.

“I was very excited to see somebody who was in athletics on the panel because education itself is

a pretty female-dominated field so I feel like there are not a lot of barriers there,” Clowers said. “But when you add on coaching, especially a men’s sport and then also history, it’s mainly men. So it was really nice to see women in education and women in athletics, both here today.”

The tone of the panel was extremely uplifting and encouraging. All of the panelists reminded those who attended that they are capable of doing anything they set their mind to in the workplace.

“Advocate, advocate, advocate all the time,” Ibañez said. “I have had women that have advocated for me and I will continue to advocate for them through mentorship and organizations making sure that their voices are heard and that they know that they need to take that role. You need to go for it.”

“I just know I’m leaving here feeling better, my spirits are higher,” Clowers said. news.ed@ocolly.com

2023, in regard to alleged violations. In that hearing, the Court determined that the evidence Continued from 1A needed to support the claims made against the Dedmon/Kopang candidate pair, could not Peterson said she expected be provided and therefore have the chaos surrounding the elecdetermined that no action shall be tion to end the day the polls taken against said team.” closed. Instead, the process of Peterson said she expected selecting the new leaders lasted to receive election results the day almost another month because of voting closed over dinner with two proposed election violations. friends.

Peterson said the two violations Although Peterson wasn’t were anonymous student submisable to celebrate results with sions. friends over dinner the day the In an official press release, SGA stated “On March 21, 2023, polls closed, she said receiving results today was perfect timing. the SGA Supreme Court held a Peterson said her parents and hearing regarding alleged violagrandparents already planned to tions brought against one of the visit Stillwater and have dinner candidate pairs in the race for at Rancher’s Club for her dad’s Student Body President and Vice-President. In a split decision birthday.

Peterson and Albrecht will of the body, the Court finds the Peterson/Albrecht candidate pair officially take office at the beginto not have violated Title X of the ning of the fall 2023 semester.

The two will begin the transition SGA Bylaws.” into office by shadowing current “Additionally, there was another hearing held by the SGA SGA President Riley Pritzlaff and Vice President Maddie Dunn.

Supreme Court on March 28, news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Ashley Peterson Ashley will celebrate the election result with a dinner at Rancher’s Club with her family.

Page 6A Friday, March 31, 2023

O’Colly

Lifestyle It’s spring in Stillwater

Placing a paper fish on the back of someone who is gullible is an April Fools’ tradition.

Outdoor activities and upcoming events for April Emi Norton Staff Reporter

Prank war Graphic by Sam Beebe

OSU students share April Fools’ stories Emi Norton Staff Reporter

insist that a person is gullible which they would poke fun at another person. Paper fish, referred to as April fish, secretly placed on someone’s With April Fools’ Day, get back who had been labeled as gullready for a prank war and expect the ible. These paper fish symbolized unexpected. an easily caught fish and a gullible April Fools’ Day is an annual person. holiday where people scheme tricks Sofie Swink, human developand ideas to prank their peers in ment family science major, said she hopes of getting a laugh out of every- gets enthusiastic for April Fools’ Day, one involved. a date she used to orchestrate pranks Sure, embarrassing your friends as a child and perfected up to today. and family or poking fun at your “You take the saran wrap and peers on any normal day might be you put it over the toilet, and then seen as annoying or even a little whenever you go to the bathroom, cruel. However, on this underrated you know... yeah,” Swink said. day, anything and everything is fair According to History Channel, game. historians have found that there are Freshman biology, ecology and even links between April Fools’ Day conservation major Zashri Cocheran and ancient Rome. This has been said said she remembers when her teachto look like citizens dressing up in ers pranked her and her peers as a kid disguises to mock other citizens and and said she believes April Fools’ is even magistrates. an underrated holiday.

“And then you know, like the “Teachers would say, ‘OK, we other cliché ones of the toothpaste in have like a pop quiz’ and then hand the Oreo, and then you eat the Oreo you the paper and it just says, ‘April and there’s toothpaste in it,” Swink fools,’” Cocheran said. said.

Freshman zoology pre-vet major Modernized pranks today are Levi Radford is always looking forcharacterized in the media such as ward to the holiday. Its exact origin TV stations and websites that trick remains a mystery today, despite all people into believing out-of-thisthe rumors you will find online. world stories, whether it be about “I feel like most of the months mainstream celebrities or anything have a designated holiday, you know, else to trick their audiences. we have Easter but it’s not always in For more information on the April necessarily,” Radford said. history of April Fool’s Day, visit Labeled as an unofficial holihttps://www.history.com/topics/holiday dating back as far as 1582, April days/april-fools-day.

Fools’ Day pranks have been said to entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

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128 N Main St. Stillwater, OK 74075 Great selection, prices, & staff!

405.372.5080

case of inclement weather, the group will typically meet inside the lobby of the McKnight Center.

Certified yoga instructor Laurielle Prema welcomes Spring is coming, anyone and everyone to and Stillwater is ready. join her for a free vinyasaThroughout April, Oklahoma State University style yoga class under will host events where stu- the evening sun. No prior dents can enjoy the begin- experience is needed to take part in these sesning of spring.

Tradition Interrupted sions, although, bringing your own mat and block is is keeping the tradition recommended. alive with modern-day The Botanic Garden artistic inspiration. On and OSU Writing Center Saturday starting at 11 hold the annual Nature a.m., students can explore Walk at the OSU Botanic this international exhibiGarden from 10 a.m. to tion on its final day here 1 p.m. on April 8 in light in Stillwater at the OSU of celebrating National Museum of Art. Poetry Month. Snacks can Free of charge, be purchased at the bake students can view internationally inspired pieces sale hosted by the English Graduate Student Associamade with contemporary tion, and make sure to say ideas that are aimed towards utilizing traditional hello to the furry friends style art. Bedford Gallery from the Humane Society.

Admission is free and at the Lesher Center for open to the community. the Arts organized the The Doormats and event.

More Workshop event at Yoga in the Plaza AR Workshop Stillwater gets those creative juices provides the opportunity flowing for a busy week to get in touch with your of classes. Students can creative side and learn enjoy a stress-free atmosphere on Monday at 5:30 something new. On April 14, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This happens every p.m., AR Workshop is Monday outside of the offering a quality experiMcKnight Center for the ence and will provide the Performing Arts. In the

materials to make personal door mats and door hangers to decorate. There is an admission fee of $35.00+.

It’s time to put the gardening gloves on, spring is here.

The OSU Annual Spring Plant Sale will be held at the Greenhouse Learning Center on April 15. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., students can join the Horticulture Club students to take a look at a variety of plants they can purchase to be sure their living space is looking nice and ready for the season.

For some students, finding the time around a busy schedule or getting out of their comfort zones can be easier said than done. Finding inspiration to go outdoors and enjoy the warm weather in between tasks can be essential for a healthy mind and spirit during the stress of day-to-day life. Biking, running, hiking and even taking yourself on a nature walk are activities that get the blood pumping and can be done with easy access to Stillwater’s recreational parks and trails For more events and additional information go to visitstillwater.org entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Andy Crown Oklahoma State will host events throughout April where students can enjoy different activities outside.

O’Colly

Friday, March 31, 3023 Page 7A

Lifestyle

Courtesy of Tribune

Perfection in the chaos

Sam Claflin (center) and Riley Keough (right) in “Daisy Jones & The Six,” deliver fantastic performances and incredible on-and-off-stage chemistry. (Lacey Terrell/Prime Video/TNS)

‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ season finale review Jaden Besteda Staff Reporter

ferent in ways that shape these characters in the show’s unique way.

The Billy-Daisy-Camilla love triangle is at full center of the finale and After nine episodes of a close plays a driving force in why the band look inside the band that had far more ultimately breaks up. Still, every single layers than the “sex, drugs and rock & band member gets their own story roll label,” ‘Daisy Jones and The Six’ closed. Graham and Karen perhaps gave the world a satisfying conclusion receive the short end of the stick in to the series that deviates from the terms of stories that need more explorsource material in extremely intriguing ing on screen. That leaves the viewers ways. with more time to see the band in their Now, the first question that will last performance. It’s a wonderful sight be asking is whether Billy and Daisy because the finale shows their phenomfinally get together and leave sweet enal last performance.

Camilla in the dust. The answer may There’s something so sad to know be the same as it was in Taylor Jenkins’ that Warren can’t be seen drumming book. However, the how is slightly dif- anymore looking like the coolest guy

you’ll ever meet. Or that Daisy won’t have the dynamic energy on stage. The show definitely plays into that and so do the characters’ performances. We see each character’s emotions through this final Soldier Field performance and it leaves no doubt that it will be their last.

In a mini series, it’s hard to tie up character arcs because there is not enough time. This show has the pleasure of getting the account of our main characters to tell us exactly how their lives are going in the end because it’s partly a fictional documentary. I do think everyone except for Graham gets to say they had a satisfying arc. The love triangle is handled with decisions that are no doubt controversial

Party/Semi-formal Pageant/Performace Wedding

but much in line with every character involved.

In the end, “Daisy Jones and The Six” did a fantastic job of making me root for every character to get the happy ending or life they wanted. I wanted to see the band go on and perform years and years of new music on tour. Even though these were things we knew would not be a possibility. That’s good storytelling. Even though the show leaves hints of a season two if greenlit, the show should stand as is. The final frame is perfect. The show wasn’t necessarily the same but still an amazing time, I won’t forget. Just like the band. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

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Page 8A Friday, March 31, 2023

O’Colly

Lifestyle ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ review Michael Clark Staff Reporter

Courtesy of Blue Lock Wiki Blue Lock was released on Blu-ray and DVD in four volumes from January 27, 2023 to July 28, 2023 and it’s also available on Crunchyroll.

‘Blue Lock’ review: Season one sets a high bar for sports anime Baylor Bryant Staff Reporter

with one another, but at though, filled with their their core are enemies and own storylines and each seen as obstacles or step- match showcases new and ping stones. unique strikers with their “Blue Lock” takes own style and narrative Among all the place in Japan after they bring to the story. controversies in the anime The animation world, sports anime is the Japan’s soccer team loses in the 2018 World Cup. leaves room for improvehardest one to beat.

Without a striker capable ment. The animation has Anime has a wide of taking the team over its moments, but with variety of genres and the top, the Japan Football players moving around ways of portraying narUnion alongside Jinpachi the field playing a game ratives and with similar Ego, a young coach with a of soccer, it’s not always tropes to many of the series and not much room plan to turn around Japa- clean and crisp. When looking at the visuals it is to expand on the real-life nese soccer, constructed the “Blue Lock” plan. apparent that the manga equivalent sport to keep “Blue Lock” takes the excels better with “Blue the story semi-realistic, best young strikers in JaLock’s” highs. Though the sports anime can fall pan and pits them against animation has its limitainto a stale, lifeless and repetitive story that loses one another to find Japan’s tions, if you want a more next ace. comedic watch, and don’t viewers after a couple of The series produces tend to read manga, then seasons. some of the best characthe anime would be more “Blue Lock” does ters in recent anime and enjoyable. not have this problem. manga, and the dynamics Despite its flaws, “Blue Lock” is a between them are just as “Blue Lock” continues to sports anime done right, prove time and time again with animation from Eight strong and compelling. that it stands as one of Bit studios and illustration “Blue Lock’s” matches, unlike other sports anime, the top new anime alongfrom Yusuke Monura, the feel more high stakes and side “Jujutsu Kaisen,” anime was based on the manga of the same name have more variety within “My Hero Academia” and them because every player “Black Clover” written by Muneyuki on the field has the same Season one of “Blue Kaneshiro. goal while being a comLock” has concluded In “Blue Lock,” with 24 episodes with instead of the main char- pletely different style of striker. Unlike many season two and a movie acter trying to become a sports anime as well, now being confirmed better teammate and take “Blue Lock’s” matches for the series. The “Blue his team to victory like in Lock” movie will be titled typical sports anime, the are not like real soccer “Episode of Nagi” and main character, Isagi Yoi- because every player on the field is a forward and follow fan favorite charchi, is focused on becomfights against one another acter Seishiro Nagi before ing an egoist in order to he joins the “Blue Lock” become the world’s great- for goals.

“Blue Lock” comes program. The entirety of est striker. Every character in the series shares the with its flaws. The series the first season of “Blue is still a sports anime and Lock” is now available on same goal, which makes its climactic moments are Crunchyroll. for a cast of characters that at times are friendly still just soccer matches.

The games are interesting entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

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and choreography. Although the rest of the cast shines strongly as well.

Particularly Donnie Yen, who plays Caine, and Bill Skarsgard. It is a consistently well written and entertaining ride, even if the dialogue can get a bit redundant at times.

What truly makes “John Wick: Chapter 4” shine is just how grand and thrilling its action scenes are.

This film does not pull a single punch with its fight scenes, and several of the lesser fights in this movie could pass as a climax in a weaker film.

There is jaw dropping direction and cinematography at work here, making the entire movie feel like the spectacle to end all spectacles.

Director Chad Stahelski is pulling out all the stops here to deliver an action-packed, gruesome and elaborate experience.

There is a scene during the Paris segment that had me covering my mouth with delight over just how epic the events that were unfolding were.

By the end of the film, it feels just as satisfying as finishing a hearty meal or a long book, which is a feeling most films fail to capture these days. “John Wick Chapter 4” is undoubtedly the best movie of the year, and easily one of the best action films in recent memories.

Although there was hardly any doubt toward this being the case, “John Wick: Chapter 4” has finally solidified the franchise in the pantheon of the greatest action films of all time.

This movie has elevated everything that made its predecessors great, while adding a hearty dose of new characters, set pieces and locations that make for an instant classic.

“John Wick: Chapter 4” follows the titular John Wick (Keanu Reeves) as he travels to Paris in hopes of ending his excommunication. On his bloody path of redemption and vengeance, he meets several new and old faces. Introducing new characters this late into the game can be a risky move; almost every new character in this film is instantly memorable.

Across the nearly three hours of runtime, hardly a single second is wasted. Right when the film feels like it might be slowing down, it hits you in the face with another incredible action sequence or exciting plot development. The pacing is simply phenomenal, and the runtime flies by quicker than some films that are half of this length.

While Reeves delivers a typically stiff performance, he makes entertainment.ed@ocolly.com up for it with his excellent stunts

Courtesy of Tribune News Service Armed with an ancient pair of nunchaku, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) takes on hordes of attackers in a glass-shattering assault on the Osaka Continental in “John Wick: Chapter 4.” (Murray Close/ Lionsgate/TNS)

On Wednesday, OSU hosted its Pro Day for players to work out before NFL scouts. The O’Colly Sports caught up with three of OSU’s top prospects while they are on their journey to the NFL.

Morning Brew

How a Stillwater coffee crew supports Gajewski and OSU softball Jaiden Daughty Kenny Gajewski and seven other men meet for morning coffee Monday through Friday from 6:30-8. They sit in the same spots at the same table every day. All the members have one shared interest: supporting Cowgirl softball.

Same spot. Same table.

Accompanying the Cowgirl softball coach at the table are seven other men. Unlike Gajewski, they don’t preorder their drinks, but the baristas know their order by now.

Ashton Slaughter Two of the eight don’t even drink coffee, but still find themStaff Reporter selves pulling into Fountain Square Shopping Center every morning On a brisk Stillwater Tuesthey can. day, Kenny Gajewski enters Aspen One member, James “JaCoffee on Western Road at 7:05, mie” Murray, is a Stillwater-native continuing his morning routine. lawyer. Another is Ethan Collvins Gajewski, whose No. – the youngest at the table, who’s 2-ranked OSU softball team is affectionately called “puppy,” – a 30-2 and on track to becoming John Deere dealership sales manthe seventh-year head coach’s best ager. There’s also Kenneth “Kenny” regular season squad, sports a black Nolting, the Faculties Support ConOSU softball hoodie, black pants tributor for OSU’s athletic departand a pair of Air Jordan I Lows. ment, who has lived in Stillwater A chai latte is waiting for his for 44 years. He also drinks a chai arrival. He always preorders his latte, describing it as “Christmas in drink. Usually, he drinks an ameri- a cup.” cano with sugar-free vanilla and This only begins to describe no cream, straight up. But a friend the diversity within the crew. Some recently bought him a chai. Since played little league baseball tothen, he changed his order. gether, others met through mutual After acquiring the latte, friends and family.

Gajewski saunters toward the Despite their different backnortheast corner of the coffee shop, grounds, the men all have one where a spot at a wooden table shared interest. awaits him.

“Our common glue is Cowgirl

softball,” Kevin Ehlers, a retired USDA worker said. “We’re all in.”

Gajewski – a prominent coaching figure in collegiate softball, who could fill his morning in various other fashions – is with his community. This tight-knit group throughout Gajewski’s tenure has helped elevate his program to the elite level it’s at now, just over morning coffee.

***** Marlin Trissel stood in the lobby, waiting to be called into Gajewski’s office.

Trissel, who is now known around the program as a close friend of Gajewski’s and a paramount figure in the improvement of the fan experience at Cowgirl Stadium, wanted to talk to the firstyear head coach.

“Our director of ops said, ‘Hey, there’s a guy with a cowboy hat in here wanting to talk with you,’” Gajewski recalled. “And I said, ‘Well, let him in.’”

Jaiden Daughty

See Gajewski on 4B

How Johnson, a Division-III receiver, wound up in Stillwater Davis Cordova Staff Reporter

for Gundy’s 2023 squad.

Gundy said he’s intrigued because he has the measurements and stats to play at the Power Five level, he’s the tallest wideout on OSU’s roster, but he continues to ask why Johnson was at George Fox and will figure out what he has in Johnson through the spring.

“It’ll be interesting to watch Johnson,” Gundy said. “He’s 6-foot-5, he’s already gained 15 pounds and I think his vertical was 36 inches. He was a basketball and baseball player. So how is he at George Fox? And we will find out, that’s what’s intriguing about him.”

Johnson’s initial plan was to attend a local D-I pro day and see if there’s a chance for the NFL. If there wasn’t, then either a return to

Never heard of George Fox University?

OSU coach Gundy didn’t either. He even had to ask reporters last week because he forgot.

“What’s the name of that school?” Gundy said. “Did anyone know there was a George Fox? I’m good with schools, I honestly didn’t know there was a George Fox.” Wide receiver Leon Johnson III, a fifth-year senior who played his first four seasons at the Division-III university in Newberg, Oregon, is one of OSU’s newest assets.

Whether Gundy knew about the private university, Johnson showed up to spring practice as one of the biggest question marks See Johnson on 8B

Kenneth “Kenny” Nolting works for OSU’s Athletic Department and describes his chai latte as “Christmas in a cup.”

Brian Hendry’s road to recovery from Tommy John surgery

File Photo The Cowboys just missed the NCAA Tournament in 2023, instead earning the No. 1 overall seed in the NIT.

Boynton anticipates roster turnover in 2023 offseason Sam Hutchens Staff Reporter

capable of being back, or whether it’s in their best interest or the interest of the program to be back next After their season season,” Boynton said. “Not ended with a 65-59 loss to all of those decisions are North Texas in the NIT, necessarily mine or theirs.”

Cowboy basketball players The Cowboys finished met individually with coach 20-16, earning the No. 1 Mike Boynton. overall seed in the NIT after No conversation went being the first team out of exactly the same. the NCAA Tournament.

“Each situation is a The team will look different little different in regards next season.

See Boynton on 7B to whether they are even

Midway through a start, Hendry said he began to feel a pinsand-needles sensation in his throwing arm.

It didn’t minimize his ability to pick up a Daniel Allen baseball nor throw it.

Staff Reporter The unorthodox sensation dwindled his velocOSU pitcher Brian ity each throw, making Hendry said he knows it gradually intolerable the gut-wrenching feel- to pitch. ing of a doctor saying, “I remember it “no baseball for at least made my arm feel like 10 months.” jelly toward the end,” Hendry, a junior Hendry said. “It didn’t at Saint John’s in 2021, necessarily hurt to had occasional right throw a baseball, it just elbow pain – his throw- felt weird, too weird.” ing arm – since the He managed to preseason. It had been conclude the inning and noticeable for him, yet, voluntarily withdrew not enough to cause himself from the action. concern. Little did he Days later, he got know, it was the coman MRI at a nearby mencement of a season hospital. The moment and a career-altering the results came back, dilemma. the inevitable was conThe elbow pain firmed. gradually increased Hendry suffered a weekly. Still, he said torn UCL, and Tommy nothing to his team trainers. He hoped it was a minor tweak, one that would dwindle as time progressed.

See John on 4B

Page 2B Friday, March 31, 2023

sports

O’Colly

OSU’s Pro day

Hembrough navigating difficult, limited NFL draft process for special teams players Gabriel Trevino Sports Editor

The NFL draft experience is much different for special teamers.

There’s only one spot per specialist position on a team, and if a front office and coaching staff has players they are satisfied with, they won’t draft another one.

And for long snappers, such as Matt Hembrough — a finalist for the Patrick Mannelly award for the top long snapper in college football and who worked out at OSU’s pro day on Wednesday — the road to the league contains more bumps.

The NFL combine invites only one long snapper, compared to the seven kickers and punters who attend the event.

“Snappers get the short end of the stick,” Hembrough said. “They took Alex Ward this year, he did a good job, but it would be nice if we got that exposure as well. Maybe two or three snappers.”

Hembrough found a way to get his name out to teams, though. In February, he attended the East-West Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas, where he practiced with and played for the Arizona Cardinals’ and New England Patriots’ coaching staffs for a week, and interviewed with every team. Two weeks later, he went to Gary Zauner’s specialists combine in Arizona, another place he could train in front of scouts.

In interviews at the Shrine Bowl, Hembrough said teams told him he needed to add more weight so he could be a better blocker. In his senior season at OSU, he weighed 226 pounds. On Wednesday, he was 236.

He also jumped 36.5 inches in the vertical and hit 22 reps of a 225-pound bench press, both marks second among the 11 players who participated in

Vertical jump results WR C.J. Tate: 38.5 inches WR Braydon Johnson: 37.5 inches LS Matt Hembrough: 36.5 inches DT Brendon Evers: 32 inches LB Lamont Bishop: 31.5 inches DE/DT Tyler Lacy: 31 inches DE Brock Martin: 30.5 inches DT Sione Asi: 27.5 inches

Bench press reps (225 pounds) DT Sione Asi: 26 LS Matt Hembrough: 22 DE Brock Martin: 17 WR Braydon Johnson: 16 LB Lamont Bishop: 16 WR C.J. Tate: 13

OSU’s pro day.

Still, he said 235 pounds is the minimum teams look for in a long snapper, as average NFL linemen are much bigger, stronger and more athletic than typical college players. And each has a different preference for their long snappers.

“Some teams want someone who’s 240, some want someone who’s 265,” Hembrough said. “Some people want someone who doesn’t run downfield very well, but they’ll never miss a block because they’re heavy. Other people want someone smaller that will get the

File Photo Matt Hembrough jumped 36.5 inches and repped 22 times at 225 pounds on the bench press during Wednesday’s pro day.

block, they might get pushed back a little, but they can go make a tackle. So depending on what a team wants, you have to fit in that role.”

Training for the draft and getting on teams’ radars was one challenge, but making a roster is another.

Most teams have three, four or five players on their roster at each position. But with only one for specialists, long snappers like Hembrough must be prepared for the life that comes with playing a unique position.

“It’s really hard to get your foot in the door,” Hembrough said. “You have From 2015-21, at least one long to have really good timing and show snapper was drafted, including two in what you can do once you’re there. A lot the sixth round in 2021. But with the of people don’t get drafted as speciallimited spots, many specialists don’t get ists. You have to get into camps and drafted and have to go from team-toearn the job. Sometimes you get cut team until they have a shot. midseason, sometimes you get called sports.ed@ocolly.com midseason and you have to show up.

Lacy showcasing versatility at Pro Day after season-ending injury Braden Bush Assistant Sports Editor

File Photo Jason Taylor II can’t wait for late April to come, as he awaits a phone call from an NFL team. “I can’t even explain how it’s going to feel, I just can’t wait,” Taylor said.

Taylor II excited to fulfill lifelong dream after improving draft stock Ashton Slaughter Staff Reporter

Jason Taylor II wasn’t nearly as nervous on Wednesday; he’s been through it before.

While most participants in OSU’s Pro Day didn’t get an invite to the NFL Combine, Taylor did, and the former Cowboy safety showed out in Indianapolis. Now, almost a month later, he said he felt more comfortable in front of NFL scouts.

“It’s a little weird,” Taylor said. “Everybody quiet, everybody looking at you, but it’s a great experience. Been dreaming about the combine (since) I was a little kid.”

Taylor didn’t participate in all the OSU Pro Day testing and drills, only the pro agility test and three-cone drill. At the combine, he turned those nerves into results, turning heads and improving his draft stock.

Comparing his results to the rest of the safety position group, Taylor posted the sixth-best 40-

yard dash (4.50 seconds), given advice to not put second-best vertical jump too much stock into (43 inches) and third-best which teams talk to you broad jump (10-feeta lot and which teams 9-inches). don’t.

When deciding Because after all, what to skip and what to it only takes one call. participate in on Wednes- Much like the one Rodriday morning, Taylor guez got from the Detroit talked with his family Lions, whom he had only and his agent, figuring talked with one time out which times needed before. to improve, and which “(Rodriguez) talked ones will be good enough to so many other teams for late April come draft several times and boom, time. he gets the call. He’s goIn preparation for ing there,” Taylor said. the combine and OSU’s No matter what Pro Day, Taylor trained team gives Taylor that with Bommarito Perphone call, he knows it formance Systems in will be a dream come Florida, where other true. And the progress football stars such as Rob made over the last month Gronkowski, Von Miller or so, at both the NFL and Tyreek Hill have Combine and OSU’s Pro trained.

Day, puts him in a better Taylor showcased position to hear his name his talents in more places called. than Stillwater and “You always have Indianapolis, though. He aspirations and dreams... participated in the 2023 just going through the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, process I feel nothing but before accepting an invi- blessed,” Taylor said. “I tation to the Senior Bowl. can’t even explain how In conversation it’s going to feel, I just with former Cowboys can’t wait.” gone pro, Malcolm Rodriguez and Devin sports.ed@ocolly.com Harper, Taylor has been

Tyler Lacy looked to his left and right and saw something he hadn’t seen in almost five months.

Sione Asi, Brock Martin and Brendon Evers – fellow OSU defensive linemen – were lined up beside Lacy for drills at OSU’s Pro Day on Wednesday morning at the Sherman E. Smith Training Center.

“I was like, ‘Wait a minute, this kind of feels a little bit too normal,’” Lacy said. “That was the starting lineup.”

The four were staples on the defensive line during Lacy’s five seasons in Stillwater. Martin and Evers spent six seasons at OSU. Asi was there for four. But after a lower leg injury during the Kansas File Photo game on Nov. 5, Lacy’s After a season-ending lower leg injury in November, defensive end season and career at OSU Tyler Lacy showed NFL scouts his versatility at the OSU Pro Day on ended earlier than exWednesday. pected.

His focus shifted to the season and 283 at the has playing throughout rehab for the Senior Bowl combine, but slimmed to the line from the five to 279 on Wednesday, which the three and even nose and NFL Combine. he said helped in areas tackle. He said teams Lacy said he was like the vertical. have expressed interest in back to 100% at the Se“I felt like it helped playing various positions nior Bowl and NFL Comme with my agility, espealong the front, but he has bine, where he earned an cially getting in and out no preference. overall score that ranked of breaks,” Lacy said.

“I After missing the fourth among defensive felt like I was lighter on end of his final year in ends. Next was the OSU my feet.” college, Lacy just wants a Pro Day. Maybe even more chance to get back on the On Wednesday, than he expected. field.

Lacy recorded a 31-inch “That shocked me “To me, whervertical jump, which was today,” Lacy said of his ever they want to put me, almost three inches higher vertical.

“I guess I was wherever I’m able to win than his jump at the comjust motivated today.

I games at, that’s where I bine a month earlier. He was ready to jump.

So, want to play,” Lacy said. didn’t participate in the I guess that’s what hap“I just want to be on the bench press but took part pened.

I woke up on the field playing.” in other drills, such as the 40-yard dash and 3-cone right side of the bed this morning.” drill.

Lacy said he wanted Lacy played at to show his versatility around 290 pounds during sports.ed@ocolly.com with the experience he

O’Colly

Friday, March 31, 2023 Page 3B

sports

Through injuries, family’s past, David represents ‘the Cowgirl way’ Sam Hutchens Staff Reporter

Mia Ledbetter Brennan Presley’s younger brother, Braylin, transferred to Tulsa after one season at OSU.

Presley provides perspective of brother’s transfer about it, but whatever he thinks is best for him, I’m not gonna fight it. It’s what he wants to do. He’s been mature like that since he was He’s always wanted Gabriel Trevino 15. to mature early and do Sports Editor his own thing.”

In seven games, Braylin caught five The Presley passes for 26 yards. He brothers’ lockers were told the Tulsa World side-by-side at OSU for in December that he almost a year. But not wanted to be used in the anymore. backfield and said the In December, coaches did not tell him Braylin Presley anhe would not be used as nounced he would enter a running back. the transfer portal, The Presley’s then committed to weren’t the only brothTulsa 11 days later. His ers to split from OSU in older brother, Brennan, the offseason. Bryson OSU’s leading receiver Green — who led in 2022, said he never the team in receivthought about leaving touchdowns in ing and is entering his 2022 — transferred to senior season.

Wisconsin while his On Monday, the brother, Blaine, stayed start of the second week in Stillwater. of OSU’s spring footAlthough Brenball practices, Brennan nan won’t be seeing his offered his perspective brother on a constant of Braylin’s decision to basis anymore, his releave. lationship with Braylin When Braylin, a and wanting to see him former four-star from succeed prevail over his Bixby, joined OSU in own feelings.

2022, Brennan said he “You share a perwanted to allow his sonal connection, but younger brother to live you also share a conhis own life and make nection (on the field),” his own decisions.

Brennan said. “You Brennan said Braylin want to see them do evdidn’t tell him he was erything they do. I want going to transfer, but he to see him do as well respects his decision. as me. It hurts a lot, but “He didn’t have at the end of the day, I to talk to us,” Brenhave to move on.” nan said. “He probably sports.ed@ocolly.com talked to my parents

Scotland David sat back in the deep water, clung tight to a ski rope and resolved to wakeboard one more time before heading to shore.

What happened next on that 2020 summer day after her freshman season started an unrelenting wave of injuries that led Cowgirl softball coach Kenny Gajewski to offer David, whom he calls one of the most talented players he’s ever coached, agonizing advice.

“It’s crazy. I tried to talk her out of playing. I tried to talk her into retiring,” Gajewski said.

David tore her right meniscus while wakeboarding, shredding the ligaments in her right knee when it buckled while she picked up speed in the surf.

But after three meniscus tears, a broken thumb and some teary-eyed calls with her parents home in Florida, David is fully cleared and working her way into OSU’s lineup.

Those who thought David Carson Toulouse would quit don’t know the grit that After all Scotland David has been through, three meniscus tears couldn’t derail her softball defines her family. career.

Scotland’s father, Dallas, has had open heart surgery. Christie, Scotland’s mom, has battled cancer.

And on November 3, 2016, when -Broken thumb (Spring -Left meniscus tear (Spring Scotland was in 7th grade, her older 2021) 2022) sister Savannah died in her sleep.

Savannah’s death was unex-Right meniscus tear (Sum-Right meniscus tear (Fall pected. Though she was two years mer 2021) 2022) older than Scotland and old enough to take care of herself at home, Savannah chose to attend as many Cristie said Gajewski kept swing a bat. of Scotland’s softball games as she Scotland’s best interest paramount.

Scotland, who was used could.

“None of these surgeries ever primarily as a pinch runner her “I feel like that’s why (surhad to do with Kenny’s perspecfreshman year, had just four plate gery) wasn’t very hard for me,” tive,” Dallas said. “He was more appearances before.

Scotland said. “There’s been so concerned about her well-being On March 19 against UCF, much more. We’re still here. We than his softball team.” she popped a single to left field, the still have another day.”

Through it all, David never same turf patch where she tore her Her second and third menis- considered transferring. meniscus for the third time. It was cus tears were freak accidents.

“I feel like ever since I came her first career hit. Two days later, Just before the 2022 season here a whole new family adopted against the same team, she belted began, Scotland and her teammates me,” Scotland said. a ball over the right field fence that were doing backward hip skips, a Small gestures were impactshe hardly remembers. routine warm-up drill. Her left leg ful, like when Marlin Trissel, Scotland said tears welled in landed oddly and she immediately Gajewski’s friend and devoted OSU her eyes as she made her first colrecognized the familiar pain. The softball fan, called David’s parents lege home run trot. recovery, a six-month stint, robbed for permission and gave Scotland “(The home run) it was reher of the entire season. flowers on the 2021 anniversary of ally awesome to see,” said catcher David felt back in form in Savannah’s birthday.

Taylor Tuck. “I started crying in the the fall of 2022, feeling ready to Stacie Pestrak, the OSU dugout because I was so happy for compete for a starting role. She was softball director of operations, her…She’s never given up.” essentially starting softball from continually checked in with ScotScotland’s parents watched scratch, so Scotland was entirely on land and her parents. Assistant her home run live on their TV out board with new hitting coach Whit- coach Vanessa Shippy-Fletcher was back by their swimming pool. Dalney Cloer’s hitting program. among others who the David family las said he was so happy, he canA practice in Cowgirl Staleaned on. nonballed into the pool, soaking his dium stonewalled those goals.

Scotland even adopted a clothes.

“And then in the fall, we were therapy cat. She taught it to sit on Gajewski doesn’t expect Scotjust taking balls in left (field) and I command, and Kelly Maxwell, land’s impact to be a fluke. go to throw it throw it to third and David’s roommate, taught it how to “She’s one of the most talmy knee just pops,” Scotland said. fetch like a dog. ented kids that has ever walked “It’s stuck. And so it’s my right “I was never down because I through that door,” Gajewski said. one, like the first one. had so many people around here,” “She can run, she can throw, she “I think that was the most Scotland said. “Like, there’s so can hit for power. She’s probably heartbreaking one, just because I many people helping me and supthe fastest kid here, when healthy. was so close.” porting me through everything.”

It’s a freak show. To be able to see Scotland’s parents flew in Even when burdened with her persevere. The toughness she from Florida for each surgery. crutches that felt more natural shows. It’s crazy. It’s the Cowgirl All three times, Scotland and her every day, she remained a team way.” family opted for the six-month leader. Scotland is one of the playrepair, instead of a trim that would ers on OSU’s leadership team that be more detrimental to Scotland’s emerged in the fall. It took stoic long-term health but could get her endurance to remain invested and on the field in six weeks. sports.ed@ocolly.com encouraging when she couldn’t

David’s Injuries

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Page 4B Friday, March 31, 2023

O’Colly

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departures.

Gajewski... some Whether it’s a long commute or schedule

conflicts with a job, there are some friends of the group still come around occasionally but In walked Trisaren’t in the everyday sel, cowboy hat and all, who explained that swing of things like the eight members. his daughters played Some visitors are softball, and he was a brought in for coffee by fan of the game who the men, ranging from wanted to help in any Gajewski’s OU college way possible. He also baseball teammates to extended an invitation to the newly hired OSU recruits’ fathers and even star pitcher Kelly coach, telling him he Maxwell’s dad, Mark, was in a coffee group who Trissel is close that met every day at with. the Aspen on Western Jokes aside, and that he’d be more the members need to than welcome to join. see hopeful outsidGajewski wasn’t ers “sweat” for any quick to accept.

Regardless of his chance of joining the core group. That’s how hesitation to go, Trismuch pride they have in sel was recruited in a Cowgirl softball. similar fashion to the And they must Aspen Coffee group. It was his way of paying it refrain from dealing drugs. That’s important, forward. too.

Murray and Rod Brakhage started the ***** group over 10 years ago, sitting at the same It’s more than a table 25 steps from the front door of the build- morning coffee group, ing where the eight men it’s a community.

The guys can ask meet now. Next came for any kind of help Ehlers, expanding the or advice from each duo into a trio. other. Opinions on what Then, one mornelectrician or plumber ing, the three men to hire are always saw Trissel sitting at a nearby table and invited welcome, and if anyone him over. Trissel always needs help around the read the newspaper and house with a project, sat alone at Aspen until everyone’s a text in the group chat away. joining the group.

Well, maybe not Now, he was aimevery project. ing to grow the group “If I need some even further, and it help at the house, I didn’t pay off till six know any of these guys months later.

Gajewski drove on will help,” Collvins Western often, passing said. “Except if you the coffee shop multiple gotta paint a house, then we’re all out.” times throughout the The group has day. One morning, he decided to stop by and been through it all over grab a coffee, and as he the years. During the pulled into the parking COVID-19 pandemic, their mornings were lot he thought: spent outside, where “I wonder if that they continued to see coffee group is here.”

Sure enough, they each other despite the were; including the man unusual conditions.

These highs and lows that stood in his office with a wide cowboy hat over the last 10-plus years have molded the and an echoing counmen into becoming the try accent. Gajewski truest of friends. walked in, grabbed a “Over the years coffee and finally took Trissel up on his invita- we’ve been through so many things,” Brakhage tion. said. “Terrific things, Since then, he’s health problems, celbeen a cornerstone ebrations, heartbreak, member of the group. you name it.”

All thanks to the The clique may unexpected visitor in the cowboy hat several only expand, as none of its members are years ago. shy about inviting an ***** individual if they fit the criteria. Even if they’re There aren’t a stranger, if someone’s many boxes to check at their table when 6:30 when joining the Aspen on a weekday morning Coffee group, they’re a rolls around, they better rather inclusive bunch. get ready to make some They don’t tolerfriends. ate mediocre individuWhen you’re as als, won’t accept drug busy as Gajewski is, dealers and only look making it to Aspen evfor good, kind-hearted ery morning is impossipeople. ble. Due to away series, Most important, recruiting trips and though, is the passion other head coach duties, and unwavering support he may not make it to for Cowgirl softball. If that table 25 steps away it’s not there, chances of from the front door. making the cut are slim But it’s evident to none. that if it were up to him, “You got to be he’d be with his guys, willing to serve and drinking a chai latte support Cowgirl softor an americano, and talking about anything ball,” Trissel said. from softball to farm A ninth member has recently been voted animals.

This is where he into the group, but is still in a “probation pe- feels at peace.

“On the days I riod,” Gajewski joked. don’t come, my day The newest addition is still getting acclimated doesn’t get started like I’m used to. This is to the expectation of important to all of us,” serving the Cowgirls.

Gajewski said. “I’m Although a humorous moment for the like, ‘Man, I wish I could get some Aspen table, there’s an undeCoffee and hang out niable truth that goes along with all the jokes. with those guys.’”

You’re either all-in, or you’re out.

“He’s not a member yet,” Murray said, with a smile. “I really haven’t seen him sweat yet for us.”

While the group has added members, there have also been sports.ed@ocolly.com

Continued from 1B

Mia Ledbetter Brian Hendry went through Tommy John surgery and recovery from 2021-22, missing a year of baseball.

John...

Continued from 1B John surgery. Yet in retrospect, he said he believes the process is so unique from the standpoint of the sheer level of uncertainty that comes with it.

“It’s such a complicated process in determining if (the players) should even get it,” Williams said. “Then who’s to even say they’ll ever fully recover?”

For position players, the rehab process for Tommy John surgery tends to last anywhere from eight to 10 months.

For pitchers, it typically lasts closer to 12 months.

For eight of those months, a process known as ligamentization transpires, when the surgery takes place, doctors take a nerve from anywhere in the patient’s body and put it in-place of the defunct tendon, allowing it to adapt and gel into its new role within the body.

Once he feels the process has been mostly completed, Williams clears his patient to begin throwing drills – usually around nine to 12 months.

After that comes simulations of live-game action.

For Hendry, he was fortunate enough to have

Courtesy of Eli Williams A set of statistics OSU trainer Eli Williams uses to show players how frequent and where UCL injuries affect baseball players.

already been deep into his rehab. So, putting the finishing touches and clearing him to pitch in games was an easy decision for Williams.

For others, such as two-way piece Carson Benge, the intangibles for making a decision of whether to actually send a player through surgery and rehab is a far more complexed decision.

“Carson was throwing 95 to 98 miles per hour on his fastball when he came here and his spin rate on his breaking pitches were insane,” Williams said. “At time same time his power hitting was off the charts. So, Carson really checked off all the boxes on making it such a complicated decision to make.”

With players presenting such a level of uncertainty to the consequences of the surgery, as Benge did, Williams Carson Toulouse prefers the conservative Recovery for Tommy John surgery method – letting a player on pitchers typically lasts a year. sit out five weeks and then

come back rested. However, when Benge’s injury transpired, his UCL tear was so severe, his options were limited.

Benge since rehabbed enough to find a role as a midweek starting pitcher for the Cowboys.

“It’s been good being back,” Benge said.

“Missing all of last year was hard on me mentally, especially finding out about my UCL tear days before the (Vanderbilt) series last year.”

Through four starts, he has struck out 10 and posted a 5.11 ERA. His innings have been minimal, and his fastball velocity is still not back to what it was.

“Kudos to Carson for sticking with it,” Hendry said. “I know for me I was hesitant (to get surgery). I wanted to get better but the thought of being away so long, possibly not even being able to pick up a baseball and then obviously the thought of not being back to where

I was production wise, made it difficult.”

That’s nearly a full year of no baseball for kids who have been engrossed within the sport for almost their entire lives. It’s not even assured the surgery will even work accordingly nor is it certain players even be fully back in swing, as Hendry said. It’s one of the bevy of factors that make UCL tears and its rehab one of the medical anomalies in baseball.

“It’s hard to pinpoint how someone will be after surgery,” Williams said.

“It’s hard, even for (doctors), to determine whether or not it’s even worth it. Even then, there’s no guarantee it’ll work and that’s what makes the procedure so difficult.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Classifieds Business Squares Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater 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

Friday, March 31, 2023 Page 5B

FOR RELEASE MARCH 31, 2023

Help Wanted

Yost Lake (private lake located northeast of Stillwater) is hiring certified lifeguards to work Saturday-Sunday from May 25th – September 3rd and July 3rd-4th. $15/hr with bonus and paid uniform. Call/text Cathy at (405)788.6435 to apply.

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (03/31/23). Beat your personal best this year. Prioritize private reflection, imagination and planning to recharge. Develop new springtime talents and capacities. One summertime financial door closes and another opens, before autumn partnership and romance heats up. Winter collaboration generates shared financial gain. You’re a shining star.

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 — Find and follow a passionate connection. Invent enticing possibilities together. Let others know how much you appreciate them. Kindness goes a long way.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Nurture yourself and family with home comforts. Discover another’s brilliant idea. Align on solutions. Positive results energize your efforts. Share delicious flavors together.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Follow creative muses where they lead.

Dreams come true with disciplined efforts. Express your heart in words and images.

Sing out. Share your message.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Seeds you planted are beginning to fruit. Get support to pull in a fine harvest. Generate positive cash flow. Luck amplifies your own initiative.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Personal dreams come true with action and luck. Confidence comes in handy. Honor your word as yourself. Share encouragement with someone who could use it.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially sensitive, creative and inventive now. Clean and organize. Strategize and prepare for what’s ahead. Imagine perfection and put the pieces together.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Get together to develop team strategies.

Help propel a community effort for common gain. Actions now have long-term benefits. Have fun with friends.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Your work is getting attention. Imagine exciting career possibilities. Go for it. You have the wind at your back. Figure out the details.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — It’s adventure time. Explore and investigate. The time for experimentation is now. Study, listen, and learn. Make amazing discoveries. Organization lets you travel light.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Contribute energies to reduce debt and build wealth together. Surge ahead. Find clever ways to reuse and repurpose things.

Collaborate for shared gain.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Teamwork can accomplish the seemingly impossible. Listen to another’s view. Support each other. There’s freedom in commitment. Share the load and the rewards.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Practice your moves. Work for satisfying results. You’re growing steadily stronger. Exercise energizes you in a positive feedback loop. Physical labors reap rewards.

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

ACROSS 1 Lead characters in “Mike & Molly”?

4 Pockets for falafel 9 Hawkeye 14 “That’s Not All Folks” memoirist Blanc 15 Not quite right 16 Evade, as the truth 17 *Brunch station for custom orders 19 Gate part 20 Christ the __: Rio landmark 21 400 meters, on a standard track 22 Polite assent 23 *TV competition won by singer Noah Thompson in 2022 28 Write 30 “Most likely ... ” 31 Checked thoroughly?

34 Peak

By Rena Cohen 3/31/23 36 Irish actor Stephen 3 Bobrun runners Thursday’s Puzzle Solved 37 *Many a retired 4 Bánh mì spread pro athlete 5 Marvel hero 41 Drop off with super cool 42 Roman moon powers? goddess 6 Rutabaga, e.g.

43 Actress Spacek 7 Game company 44 Late __ featured in 47 Shining example “Ready Player 48 *Masquerade, e.g.

One” 51 Former home of 8 Spanish 101 verb the Mets 9 Christmas or 55 Asian festival Easter 56 Military shelter 10 Giraffe kin 58 Book that’s all 11 Quipster mapped out?

12 Part of a circle 61 Lifts for one’s 13 Ultimate power? self-esteem, 18 Disposition and what’s been 21 Encumbered given to the 24 Date component, answers to the often ©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC 3/31/23 starred clues 25 Board game?

62 Southern twang 26 Cookies that can 34 “Precision Crafted 49 Epic bash 63 Flower part Performance” 50 Familiar theme illustrate phases 64 “Happy now?” sloganeer 52 “Steppenwolf” of the moon 65 Burj Khalifa’s city 27 “The Sandlot” 35 Scam author 66 Barilla rival 38 Dropped off 53 Key in actor Denis 67 Hurler’s stat 29 D.C. clock setting 39 “Four Quartets” 54 Lost monogram 57 “Carpe diem” during baseball DOWN 40 Has as a goal acronym season 1 Georgia school 31 Rachel Maddow’s 45 Parliament site in 58 Do some sums whose unofficial North America 59 Capote channel mascot is Dooley 32 Speed skater 46 Cereal mix nickname the Skeleton 47 Backpack in a Ohno 60 CSI setting locker, maybe 61 Unproven ability 2 Wild brawl 33 Ruckuses

Level 1

2

3

4

3/31/23

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 6B Friday, March 31, 2023

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Blackmon and Fowler headline OSU Athletics 2023 Hall of Honor class

Courtesy OSU Athletics Maddison Hinson-Tolchard worked on her swing with a biomechanist in Australia this offseason.

Cowgirl duo making improvement Gina Foster Staff Reporter

Maddison HinsonTolchard and Thitaporn Saithip have both had memorable seasons for different reasons. Hinson-Tolchard has made substantial improvement in her game and is ready to fight for a postseason win, while Saithip has focused on small improvements during her freshman season.

“My expectations for the season were just to improve myself a little bit at a time,” Saithip said. “I think my game has improved a lot and I’ve mentally improved a lot.”

Hinson-Tolchard has played a substantial amount since she’s been on the Cowgirls, while Saithip is a freshman, who started dipping her toes in the water during the fall season, which is not always the case for freshmen. However, Saithip has been able to earn playing time due to the qualifying structure the team has.

“I feel like my game is definitely in a really good place at the moment, and I’ve been doing a lot of hard work on little things to sort of make the little improvements that make up the scores,” Hinson-Tolchard said. “I know I’m close to where I want to be. I definitely want to have a win by the end of the year. I feel like I’ve put myself in a good position to fight for a couple of wins.”

Looking ahead The Cowgirls are left with Big 12 match play, a Big 12 Championship and possibly NCAA matchups. As a whole, the team’s full potential has not been unlocked, and to make the rest of the season a success, consistency is the key.

“They are all showing glimpses of brilliance, but what we need is just that consistency,” OSU coach Greg Robertson said. “They all have provided it in the past, so it’s not something new we’re looking for, it’s something they’ve provided before so we know it’s there. They are

Notebook

showing bits and pieces of putting it together and playing some good golf, so hopefully we can get it all put together by the end of the year.”

The next few tournaments are going to show a different aspect of the team because they have not played against many Big 12 teams.

Making improvements and working on consistency is the main goal for the team as the season comes to a conclusion in a couple months.

“I feel like we haven’t played against too many of the Big 12 schools recently. We’ve sort of been playing against a pool of different schools, which is good to see where we’re at post season,” Hinson-Tolchard said. “I think we’re in a good place heading into match play and conference tournament, but its interesting it see where we go but I think were up for the challenge.”

earnings are more than $50 million.

Justin Blackmon (Football, 2009-11) Blackmon is considered to be one of, if not the best, wide receivDavis Cordova er in OSU history.

Staff Reporter Blackmon is a twotime Biletnikoff award Six more legends winner, which is given will be honored and im- nationally to the best mortalized in OSU’s Hall wide receiver, and was of Honor. chosen twice as a unaniOn Thursday, OSU mous All-American in announced the 2023 Hall 2010-11. of Honor class, which As a sophomore in includes Rickie Fowler, 2010, Blackmon racked Justin Blackmon, David up 1,782 receiving yards Arndt, Yolanda Odenyo, and earned Big 12 OfAnn Pitts and Shelby fensive Player of the Year Wilson. They will be honors. He holds the inducted with a formal seventh-best season mark ceremony on Sept. 15 in in NCAA history with his Stillwater.

20 receiving touchdowns Rickie Fowler that season.

(Men’s golf, 2008-09) In 2011, Blackmon Rickie Fowler had caught 122 passes, which one of the best freshman is the 13th-highest total golf seasons ever as he in a season and had 1,522 won the Phil Mickelson receiving yards with 18 award, which is given to touchdowns. the top freshman nationIn the 2012 NFL ally, and the Ben Hogan Draft, the Jacksonville award, given to the best Jaguars selected Blackgolfer nationally, in 2008. mon with the fifth overall Additionally, pick.

Fowler was named an David “Buddy” All-American in his two Arndt (Wrestling, 1941seasons as a Cowboy and 46) won two Big 12 Golfer of Arndt won three the Year awards. national titles, but one Fowler moved on followed his services in to the Korn Ferry Tour in World War II. 2009, then the PGA Tour Arndt won two later that year and has national titles in his first since won nine worldtwo seasons (1941-42) wide events. and was awarded the Fowler is thought 1942 Outstanding Wresof as one of the best tler award. Following that golfers to never win a season, Arndt entered major championship. In World War II. 2018, Fowler finished one From 1943-45 stroke behind the winArndt flew more than 100 ner in The Masters and missions as a P-38 fighter in 2014, had three toppilot over Italy with the three finishes in the other 15th Air Corps. majors.

As a pilot, he was Fowler’s career awarded with the Dis-

tinguished Flying Cross with four clusters and also collected six Bronze Battle Stars for action in major battles.

After his service, Arndt returned to the mat for then-Oklahoma A&M and won another national title.

Yolanda Odenyo (Soccer, 2005-08) Odenyo is the first All-American in OSU soccer history and she did it three times.

Odenyo from 2006-08 was selected as an All-American by SoccerBuzz. Odenyo was also a two-time finalist for the Hermann Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top college player.

Ann Pitts (Women’s Golf Coach, 19732000) Pitts coached the Cowgirls to 15 conference championships, five NCAA Championship and five AIAW Championship appearances.

Pitts was inducted into the 1995 National Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame in 2008. She also won a collection of conference and regional coach of the year honors. She coached 19 All-Americans during her tenure.

Shelby Wilson (Wrestling, 1957-59) Wilson claimed a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics and also earned two All-American honors as part of two national championship squads with OSU. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1982. sports.ed@ocolly.com

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Remaining Schedule:

Big 12 Match Play (Scottsdale, Arizona): April 7-9 Big 12 Championship (Dallas): April 21-23 NCAA Regionals: May 8-10 NCAA Championship (Scottsdale, Arizona): May 19-24 File Photo Justin Blackmon is among six people who’ve been selected for OSU’s 2023 Hall of Honor class.

O’Colly

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Friday, March 31, 2023 Page 7B

Transfer targets for OSU basketball and Boynton’s needs Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

this season and led the SEC in the category in 2021-22 with 6.9. He is also a previous All-SEC selection.

The season may be DJ Horne, Arizona over, but OSU coach Mike State guard Boynton is still working.

Horne told 247 With many players al- Sports’ Dushawn Lonready in the transfer portal, don that the Cowboys Boynton said he’s keeping have reached out since he an eye out. entered the portal. After “Constantly (watchbeginning his career at Iling film),” Boynton said. linois State, the soon-to-be “I went up to Wichita to fifth-year guard spent the watch my son play and took past two seasons at ASU my laptop with me and and shot 39% from 3-point between games I sat in the range in his time with the corner, put headphones on Sun Devils, an area in and watched some kids in which the Cowboys hope the portal.” to improve. OSU ranked So, who could the last in the Big 12 in that Cowboys snag? category at 29%.

Sahvir Wheeler, KenIn 34 starts, Horne tucky guard averaged 12.5 points and Spending the past grabbed 3.4 rebounds per two seasons at Kentucky, game. Horne also put forth Wheeler put his name into a couple of impressive the portal Monday, quickly performances in the NCAA becoming one of the highly Tournament, scoring 20 coveted available players. points in a win over Nevada Considering his pre- and 17 more against TCU vious ties to OSU, Boynton in a two-point loss. would likely do his due Quincy Olivari, Rice diligence on Wheeler. guard After playing his freshman An Atlanta, Georgia, and sophomore seasons native, Olivari spent the at Georgia, he entered the past four seasons at Rice portal and chose the Wild- and has become highly cats and John Calipari after sought-after since entering considering OSU, LSU and the portal.

Kansas.

He was Conference On Monday, Boynton USA’s leader in points per said, “we need more playgame, posting 18.7 per making” when discussing contest on 41% shooting. the current roster and what Olivari told The O’Colly he will look for. Well, the that OSU has contacted 5-foot-9 point guard averhim since announcing his aged 5.6 assists per game intentions to transfer.

Olivari is the Owl’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made and showcased a knack for scoring and self-creation. The 6-foot-3 guard did plenty of work on the boards, too, averaging 5.9 rebounds per game.

Javon Small, East Carolina guard Appearing in 18 games last season, Small was an all-around contributor for the Pirates. He averaged 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. Small has multiple years of eligibility left, having played two seasons of college ball.

Travis Branham of 247 Sports reported Monday that Small would have a virtual meeting with OSU. Denver Jones, Florida International guard Schools will look to Jones for an immediate scoring boost after a careeryear with the Panthers. He averaged 20.1 points per game (second in Conference USA), while shooting 37.1% from the 3-point line and 84.5% from the freethrow line.

On Sunday, Joe Tipton of On 3 Sports reported that Jones would have an in-home visit with the Cowboys this week.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Andy Crown OSU’s Caleb Asberry is one of two Cowboys who exhausted his eligibility and cannot return for another season.

that’s eligible made a lot of contacts.”

Boynton... everyone (to return) to be back, Still dealing in all candor,” Boynton with NCAA-imposed said.

scholarship reductions, It’s why BoynBonyton said he has ton took his laptop to more flexibility when “There’s going to Wichita when traveling assigning scholarships be a lot of fluidity in to watch his son play for next year. He may the roster, honestly,” basketball. Between use all 13 if the right Boynton said. games, he sat in the player mandates it, or Guard Caleb corner, put headphones he could stick to using Asberry and forward on and watched film just 12.

Bernard Kouma are the on players in the transIt is all about the only Cowboys who have fer portal. He had the fit, as his team evolves. exhausted their eligilaptop out when eating “What’s glarbility. And to be clear, dinner recently, evaluat- ing, from my perspecBoynton said none of ing potential Cowboys tive, we need more the players who can while a women’s game playmakers,” Boynton return to OSU said they played in the backsaid. “We’ve got to get did not want to in their ground. deeper. We’ve got to get meeting with Boynton.

“We’re going to probably more dynamic And yet, Boyncontinue to make sure in terms of playmaking ton and his staff aren’t we are aggressive in the front court, obviously, naive about college recruiting space,” Boyn- we got to get more basketball’s current ton said. “A lot of it will skilled there.” landscape. be through the transfer “I don’t expect portal. We’ve already sports.ed@ocolly.com

Continued from 1B

Mia Ledbetter OSU coach Mike Boynton said he constantly keeps an eye out for options in the transfer portal.

Page 8B Friday, March 31, 2023

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O’Colly

Andy Crown Leon Johnson III hauled in 14 touchdowns last season at George Fox.

Johnson...

In comes Kearsley, who scoured through the list of portal entries and recognized the name George Fox next to Johnson’s name.

Continued from 1B Kearsley is from Oregon, but knew more about the program because George Fox or a transfer portal his Aloha High School coach, Casey, is entry was likely. the head coach at GFU. The Los Angeles Chargers were From there, it was simple. eyeing Johnson as a possible undrafted “Brayden (Kearsley) said ‘If that’s free agent, but George Fox coach Chris George Fox in Oregon, I played for Casey said Johnson received word not their head coach and staff. And if he’s to play his last year at George Fox. from that school, then I can tell you, “He had many possibilities,” he’s a very good football player,’” Casey Casey said. “There were many variables said. “So Brayden contacted me, then like whether he was going to play base- they flew him in for a visit and that’s ball again, come back to George Fox how the whole thing went on.” for graduate school, pursue the NFL Last season, Johnson hauled in 14 or transfer. He’s a loyalty guy, he’s not touchdowns on 1,156 receiving yards, going to just leave to take the best deal, which earned him AFCA D-III Firstbut he talked with other people outside Team All-American honors. the George Fox circle, and got advice to Johnson adds size and length OSU go ahead and enter the portal.” doesn’t see from its receivers too often.

Johnson entered the portal early Johnson is the tallest receiver since Dee January and it didn’t take long for OSU Anderson in 2020. Casey said Johnson to make an offer. Johnson committed to provides leadership and dedication to OSU on Jan. 10, just four days after his the team, something that’s a driving official visit. force in OSU’s ‘Cowboy Culture’.

What some might ask is if Gundy “He led by example,” Casey said. didn’t know what or where George Fox “He’s a guy that took some brutal shots was, how did OSU discover Johnson? over the middle of the field catching Well, former OSU graduate assis- balls. He’s like rubber man. Most of tant Brayden Kearsley is the answer. the time he would jump right back up.

After three of OSU’s top wide He has toughness and had people’s receivers – John Paul Richardson, Ste- respect. He’s a total team guy, teamphon Johnson Jr. and Bryson Green – first mindset and was a huge part of our entered the transfer portal, OSU needed program.” to find experienced replacements. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Mia Ledbetter Leon Johnson III transferred to OSU from George Fox, a Division-III program in Oregon.