Friday, March 3, 2023

Friday, March 3, 2023

SGA presidential debate to highlight candidates’ campaign platforms Bella Casey Staff Reporter

The opportunity to represent OSU is within reach for two teams.

Student Government Association presidential candidates Ashley Peterson and Austin Dedmon are set to compare their intentions for the student body in a debate Friday at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre.

Vice-presidential candidates Hilary Albrecht and Olivia Kopang will also present their hopes for the student body.

Team PetersonAlbrecht said they are excited about the debate and the opportunities it offers.

“There’s only so much exposure we can get outside by ourselves, so having this opportunity to talk and discuss our platform points and what we’re about in front of a crowd is super beneficial for our campaign,” Courtesy of Ashley Peterson Albrecht said.

Jaiden Daughty Pi Kappa Alpha will not participate in OSU’s Homecoming as a result of its suspension from campus activities.

Pi Kappa Alpha faces investigation, out of Homecoming 2023

Kennedy Thomason Assistant News & Lifestyle Editor

Recent issues

Pi Kappa Alpha is not the only OSU fraternity to be removed from Homecoming.

Pi Kappa Alpha is out of Homecoming.

Here is a recent hisIn an email sent tory of fraternities Thursday evening, banned from HomeShelby Roberts, the coming activities.

Director of University Engagement anSigma Alpha Epsilon nounced the removal.

(2022) — A couple of “Based on [the] SAE members threw outcome from a recent firecrackers into Beta conduct investigation Theta Pi’s pomping hosted by the Office of room and it caused Student Support and minor damage.

Conduct, the men of Pi Kappa Alpha have Alpha Tau Omega been removed from (2021) — The fraHomecoming 2023 as ternity was removed a result of their susfrom Homecoming after a confirmed hazpension from campus ing incident in August activities,” the email 2021. As a result, no stated. events with alcohol Pi Kappa Alpha’s were allowed until president, Hayden December 2022 and Hurst, commented on the members could not the situation. participate in shows “We are curfor the spring 2022 rently in discussions semester, according with the university to ATO’s profile on about our participathe OSU Fraternity tion at Homecoming & Sorority Affairs 2023,” Hurst said. “As website. of today, nothing had formally been agreed upon. Until those discussions have been formally concluded, pair with any existing we have no further pairing. comment.”

In a message In a clarifying to the participating email, Roberts reiter- chapters, Thursday’s ated the removal is email also stated, “We a consequence of an encourage you to coninvestigation from sider forming a groupthe Office of Student ing of three chapters Support and Conduct with the women of the and/or Fraternity and chapter.”

Sorority Affairs.

This removal Pi Kappa Alpha marks the third year in was paired with Delta a row a fraternity has Delta Delta for this been removed from year’s Homecoming Homecoming. festivities. Because of Pi Kappa Alpha’s removal, Delta Delta news.ed@ocolly.com Delta is eligible to

SGA presidential candidate Ashley Peterson, left, and vice presidential candidate Hilary Albrecht plan to speak from the heart at Friday’s debate.

Toke Time?

See SGA on 4A

Oklahoma to vote on recreational marijuana the details of what they are voting for.

“I’m not necessarily against it, weed will eventually become recreational,” McKinnis said. “But the question Luisa Clausen News & Lifestyle is, ‘Are we OK with the current laws and taxes in Editor place?’ If not, we can try again some other time Oklahoma is faced when it’s suitable.” with a decision.

McKinnis said On Tuesday, Okla- making marijuana homa voters will decide recreational could posthe future of marijuana sibly take the credit in the state. away from its medicinal If passed, State purposes.

Question 820 will legal“For a lot of ize, regulate and tax people, it’s medicine just recreational marijuana like any other prescripfor adults 21 and older. tion,” McKinnis said.

In 2018, Oklahoma “It’s not just to get high.” voters approved State State Question Question 788, which 820 will allow individuallows residents with a als to possess up to 8 doctor’s recommendation ounces of marijuana, six to purchase and possess mature marijuana plants cannabis. and six seedling plants, Ethan McKinnis, in addition to making an OSU graduate, works recreational purchases in at Likewise, a cannabis certain dispensaries. dispensary in Stillwater, and said he believes See Vote on 3A people should know all

Graphic by Rebekah Cleary

Page 2A Friday, March 3, 2023

O’Colly

Page 2

Letter to the editor: Remember the Ten for just $10 this year Chris Halligan

part of his world.

On Saturday, April 15th, Oklahoma State will continue the longstanding tradition of On Jan. 27, 2001, Oklacelebrating the lives of the Ten homa State suffered a terrible with the 17th annual “Remember tragedy when a plane carrying the Ten” Run. 10 members of the Cowboy comMy dad loved the “Remunity crashed near Strasburg, member the Ten” Run. Not only Colorado. Shortly thereafter, is it a great event for the campus more than 10,000 people came and the community, it helps us together to mourn the loss in all continue to be mindful of the Gallagher-Iba Arena. people OSU lost on that terrible On that day, Dr. James day.

Halligan, the President of the This year, our family University, said this: decided to make it easier than “Let us resolve that we ever to run and remember by shall never forget them.” sponsoring a simple discount James Halligan was my code you can use when you’re father. registering.

Last October, my dad In the month of March, passed away after a long and if you use the discount code happy life. While I’m sad to have “TEN” when registering, your lost him, I’m grateful I got to be cost to enter either the 5K or

10K Run will be reduced to only $10 total (including taxes and processing fees). What an amazing opportunity! You get to save money, run or walk in honor of our ten fallen cowboys, receive a really cool t-shirt, and a commemorative medallion.

You need to be one of the first 100 people to use the code, so visit the website today.

I hope you’ll use the code, enter the race, do your best, have fun, and always Remember the Ten. “Let us resolve that we shall never forget them.”

James Halligan was President of OSU from 1994 to 2003. His wife, Ann, still lives in Stillwater. His sons Mike, Pat, and Chris pull for the Cowboys most of the time.

The O’Comic

Events happening this weekend at OSU Saturday Wrestling @ Big 12 Championships Horse Owner’s Workshop, 9 a.m. — Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center Baseball vs Austin Peay, 1 p.m.

Graphic design capstone exhibition reception, 5 p.m. — Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts Flights of Whimsy, 7 p.m.

— Endeavor Sunday Cowboy golf @ Cabo Collegiate Softball vs South Dakota State, 12:30 p.m.

Equestrian @ Fresno State, 1 p.m.

Baseball vs Austin Peay, 1 p.m.

Cowgirl basketball vs Oklahoma, 2 p.m.

Cowboy tennis vs SMU, 1 p.m.

Softball vs South Dakota State, 2:30 p.m.

Cowgirl tennis @ Pepperdine, 3 p.m.

Cowboy basketball at Texas Tech, 5 p.m.

Boots and Boogie, 5 p.m.

— Colvin Recreation Center

Softball vs Tarleton State, 5 p.m.

Editor's note: Last weeks front page misspelled the name of the vice presidential candidate Hilary Albrecht and incorrectly stated Albrecht and Peterson met at a TLX conference.

Peterson also paged at the Oklahoma State Capitol. She did not protest. The O'Colly regrets these errors.

Editorial board Editor-in-Chief Adam Engel editorinchief@ocolly.com Sports editor Gabriel Trevino sports.ed@ocolly.com Assistant sports editor Braden Bush sports.ed@ocolly.com Design editor Sam Beebe design.ed@ocolly.com

Kendall McGhee

The O’Colly Staff News & Life editor Luisa Clausen news.ed@ocolly.com entertainment.ed@ocolly.com Assistant News & Life editor Kennedy Thomason news.ed@ocolly.com entertainment.ed@ocolly.com Photo editor Mackenzie Janish photo.ed@ocolly.com Adviser John Helsley john.helsley@okstate.edu

News & Lifestyle reporters: Jaden Besteda Payton Little Baylor Bryant Michael Clark Rebekah Cleary Micah McKamie Jaycee Hampton Isaac Terry Bella Casey JR Churchill James Jones Stephanie Landaverde

Newsroom

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

Sports reporters: Sam Hutchens Braden Bush Davis Cordova Ashton Slaughter Daniel Allen Rowdy Baribeau Payton Little PJ Tikalsky Parker Gerl Gina Foster Calif Poncy Bradley Cook Ben Hutchens Tessa Dorrell

Photographers & Designers: Rebekah Cleary Kendall McGhee Jaiden Daughty Molly Jolliff Chase Davis Michael Clark Karlie Boothe Ethan Hilbert Paul Houston Carson Toulouse Cassius Davis Ava Whistler Brittney Purcell Andy Crown Mia Ledbetter Ben Holieway

O’Colly

Friday, March 3, 2023 Page 3A

News

Courtesy of Aaron Hammer Aaron and Lindsay Hammer (middle) started their business as a way to try to help their youngest daughter Zoe (left) who was diagnosed with FGS.

Vote...

Continued from 1A If passed, the new law would be costly for consumers as a 15% excise tax for recreational marijuana would be more than double the tax medical users currently pay (7%).

Tax revenue from marijuana sales would be used to finance the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority’s initiative to implement the funds as follows: Thirty percent to the state general fund; 30% to grants for public school programs to support student retention and performance, after-school and enrichment programs and substance abuse prevention programs; 20% to grants for government agencies and nonprofit organizations to fund drug addiction treatment and overdose prevention programs; 10% to the state judicial revolving fund and 10% to the municipalities or counties where the marijuana is sold.

Corbin Wyatt, owner of Likewise, opened his first dispensary in November 2018 and said the industry was like the wild west when State Question 788 was approved.

“It was like being the good guy and the villain and everything in between,” Wyatt said. “Everyone knew

Comic by Annemarie Chaney

eventually we would have a recreational market in Oklahoma.”

Wyatt said Oklahoma has the easiest process for getting a medical license and several people use it as a recreational resource. He expects a change in the business depending on how legislators deal with the transition.

“If State Question 820 passes, we will get more customers who are interested in giving legal dispensaries a try instead of the black market,” Wyatt said.

Gov. Kevin Stitt addressed the election on his first weekly press briefing of the 2023 legislative session and said he was against recreational marijuana.

“The big reason for me is it’s illegal federally,” Stitt said. “There shouldn’t be a patchwork of states doing different things. We need to let the feds tell us if it’s legal or illegal, we shouldn’t let the states tell us that. And then secondly, we already have medical to meet the medical needs of Oklahomans that need this as a drug.”

Stitt said the industry grew undoubtedly fast when it was legalized for medical use and the legislature had to play catch up to try to control the industry.

“We’ve had to adjust, we’re just now getting our arms around medical marijuana. Recreational marijuana is a

whole different story,” Stitt said.

State Question 820 would go into effect June 5, giving legislators three months to adapt to the changes. Possession of paraphernalia would not be illegal for people 21 or older and having cannabis in multiple containers within the possession limit will no longer be considered evidence of drug trafficking. Police officers can cite drivers for intoxication, but SQ 820 includes some protections, such as the basis for a search cannot be the smell of marijuana. Drug testing would remain in place for employment screening and landlords could restrict tenants from cannabis use inside their property.

Aaron and Lindsay Hammer had a purpose when they decided to join the industry. The Hammer’s daughter, Zoe, was born with FGS, a rare genetic syndrome that causes physical anomalies and developmental delays. Zoe’s journey was challenging from the beginning. At 5, Zoe, who is non-verbal, was put on strong anti-psychotics to prevent her from hurting herself during moments she felt frustrated.

“We tried it all,” Aaron said.

“Nothing worked. Pharmaceuticals did not work. The more medication we added, the more she looked like a zombie. Never smiled, never laughed.”

When marijuana was made legal for medicinal purposes, the Hammers,

who are OSU alumni, started to consider it as an option for their daughter.

Zoe is allergic to anything that is not organic or fairly natural, so the couple decided, with the help of a friend, to look into starting their business, Zoe Bud’s, and growing an organic product that could improve Zoe’s health.

“When we gave her an organic gummy it was an almost instant overnight success,” Aaron said. “She was happy and commuting with us. She actually said ‘no’ six months into the treatment.”

With their goal to help special needs kids through organic marijuana, the Hammers grew their business into a 12,000-square-foot indoor grow, 3,000 square foot greenhouse and multiple dispensaries spread around Oklahoma.

If Question 820 is approved, the Hammers will file for a recreational license. Hammer said the state is better prepared now to switch from medical to recreational marijuana than it was in 2018 when it became recreational.

“People who are anti-marijuana need to know 99% of people don’t need marijuana,” Aaron said. “But the ones who do should have access to it. It should not be a stigma.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4A Friday, March 3, 2023

O’Colly

News SGA...

Cassius Davis Pete’s Pet Posse represents the bond that the teams of dogs and owners have with OSU students.

Pete’s Pet Posse standing proud

handler with Pete’s Pet Posse. There is a bronze miniature schnauzer therapy dog jumping up into the smiling student’s Statue series arms.

The figures are Pete’s Pet Posse has accompanied by a small a statue outside Edmon garden and two curved Low Library that you may paths with benches, which have never noticed. serves as a small and The statue that is quiet spot to sit and relax relatively new was unor work on studies. Above veiled on National Dog them, many oak trees give Day on Aug. 28, 2018. heavy shade for people to Construction of the piece sit under. took two years.

“The pet therapy The statue features garden is a celebration of a bronze bench and two the special bond that the women, a student with her teams of dogs and ownbackpack on the ground ers have with our OSU and Kendria Cost, a dog students, faculty, staff and

Isaac Terry Staff Reporter

visitors,” according to museum.okstate.edu.

Jim Franklin made the piece of art using a lost-wax bronze process. It also hosted many people at its unveiling.

One of the most notable was Ann Hargis, the former first Cowgirl and the founder of Pete’s Pet Posse. While she witnessed the unveiling, she cried slightly and said it embodied what Pete’s Pet Posse strived to do for people.

Hargis’ husband, former President Burns Hargis, was also present and spoke. The former president recently had the

newest statue on campus revealed based off of him, standing at 10 feet tall and looking out across the grass beside the Classroom Building.

Today you can sit and enjoy the weather, walk your dog or work on assignments whenever you like on one of the benches and celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Pete’s Pet Posse.

You can also check out one of the many Pete’s Pet Posse events and dog sightings by checking out their social media. The accounts are @pets4pete on Instagram and Twitter. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Peterson’s priorities and plans for OSU intrigues him, and Kopang is interested in Albrecht’s plans Continued from 1A for her passion project.

Although neither Although the Dedmon nor Kopang has presidential and viceparticipated in a debate presidential candidates before, the team feels will rival one another prepared. on stage, Peterson comKopang said she pared the debate to a considers her ability to presentation. Candidates think quickly and answer are given the platform thoughtfully as a strength to answer questions and that allows her to build elaborate on their plans a connection with her for OSU in front of the audience. Dedmon said students they hope to his history with SGA represent, and there will has provided him with not be rebuttals between an understanding of the candidates. debate process that sets Albrecht said their him apart from the other preparation for the debate debaters. was based on one goal: The pair reviewed speak from the heart. past debate questions to Peterson and prepare for the debate Albrecht described their and spent time asking biggest strength entereach other questions they ing the debate as their predict will be used at genuine passion for OSU. the debate and discussing The two candidates have their answers. spent time reviewing “It’s been so easy their platform points with for us to formulate anthe debate and OSU’s swers that we genuinely future in mind. mean, and I think that’s “We’re excited to where we’ll show our not only be able to talk strength in the debate, is in front of students and that we truly mean every whoever else comes to word that we say, and we watch the debate, but truly are just here to help we are able to express the students,” Dedmon points that not only we said. think will be beneficial Voting begins Tuesfor Oklahoma State day at 8 a.m. and ends University, but also we Wednesday at 5 p.m. as students are really, Students can vote at onreally passionate about,” campus polling stations Albrecht said. located on Greek Row, in The opportunity to front of Ag Hall, under develop a deeper underChi O’ Clock, on Library standing of their opLawn or online at https:// ponents’ hopes for OSU campuslink.okstate.edu/ intrigues team Dedmon/ news.ed@ocolly.com Kopang. Dedmon said

Courtesy of Austin Dedmon SGA presidential candidate Austin Dedmon, left, and vice presidential candidate Olivia Kopang said their goal is to help students.

Greek life performers compete in skits and song Brittney Purcell Staff Reporter

means they have a long list of challenging responsibilities.

Peyt Sosnowski, a member of Delta Tau Delta and a senior sports management major, directed alongside Zoe May and eight others for the “Seventeen Seventy Switch” show.

“As directors, we have to make sure everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing,” Sosnowski said. “We are in charge of putting the script together, coming up with the theme of the show and writing song lyrics.”

The directors are also in charge of choreography and making the vocal notes for their opener. May said they had a two-hour meeting at least once a week to pick out costumes, order them, figure out budgets and make the idea come to life on stage.

The students play a big role in bringing Varsity Revue to life. Even though it was the first time singing and dancing for many of the participants the long practice hours led to a professional show. Sosnowski said it’s a great way for students in Greek organizations to get out of their comfort zone and try something new.

“Students build lasting relationships with others from their House pairings,” Sosnowski said.

All 12 groups put on quality shows for Varsity Revue.

May and Sosnowsk said they agree that in the end, getting to perform their show makes it worth all the hours put in and the long nights rehearsing.

Varsity Revue opened for four nights of performances, marking 94 years since the first show.

This year, 25 fraternities and sororities partnered with each other, creating 12 groups.

Each group performed a satirical, comedic and drama-filled skit while singing and dancing from Feb. 22 to Feb. 25.

Phi Mu and Delta Tau Delta were partnered this year, performing their show titled “Seventeen Seventy Switch” where Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Alexander Hamilton time travel 300 years into the future to Panama City Beach, Florida. Phi Mu and Delta Tau Delta put together a crowd pleaser that had the audience engaged in laughter and won the Most Comedic Award. However, it doesn’t take just comedy to put on a successful show.

Zoe May, a junior marketing major and member of Phi Mu, served as a choreography director for their show. She explained the groups began rehearsals in November and practiced about 20 hours a week from Sunday through Thursday.

“I feel like people don’t realize how much of a time commitment it is,” May said.

“It takes a lot to make a show and for cast members to learn it and the directors to come up with it.”

Show directors are in charge of creating entire performances from scratch, which entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Chandler Trantham and Alyssa Williams This year, 25 fraternities and sororities partnered with each other as for Varsity Revue.

O’Colly

Friday, March 3, 2023 Page 5A

Lifestyle Sabor: A Taste of Venezuela

Stephanie Landaverde Staff Reporter

Molly Jolliff Open since 1981, Tumbleweed has turned into a well-known venue for all kinds of musical artists.

Ian Munsick to perform at Tumbleweed Jaycee Hampton Staff Reporter

said. “They seemed on top with checking IDs and valuing their customers safety. The drink menu was good and service was even better, they were quick and friendly.”

When debating on where to spend time on the weekends, there are different options in town.

Popular bars on the Strip such as J.R. Murphys, Willies Saloon and Outlaws are close enough together it makes a night on the strip easy, but a night at Tumbleweed can a memorable experience. “[Tumbleweed] It’s set up pretty open, so no matter where you are standing you have view of the stage,” Watson said. “You can either stand in front or sit in the stools along the railing, which is a good option for people who might not be able to stand for long periods of time. It’s also wheelchair accessible, which many bars aren’t. This is the type of place anyone can enjoy, but add a concert and it’s an even bigger hit.”

The show will be open to all ages, alcohol can be purchased at the bar and admission is $20. To hear popular songs such as “Long Haul” and “More Than Me” live, tickets are on sale at www.calffry.com.

“I have attended Tumbleweed one time casually with a couple friends,” Watson said. “It had a good atmosphere, the lighting was good and they were playing ‘in’ music. I enjoyed how open the place felt and there was multiple things to do and have a good time, like dancing and playing pool or just sitting around having a drink with friends. I would definitely recommend this bar over others in Stillwater as I feel it gives the best representation of the area and what it has to offer.”

Tumbleweed Dance Hall will be the venue for Ian Munsick and Ashland Craft on their Love Live Cowgirls Tour. Performing live on Friday, the doors will open at 8 p.m. and the show will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Since opening in 1981, Tumbleweed has turned into a well-known venue for all kinds of musical artists, no matter the popularity or status of the performer.

Events such as Battle of the Bands and Calf Fry are held at the venue as well.

Jasmin Watson is a junior animal science major from LaCrosse, Washington. Watson has always been a fan of live music, and when she heard about Munsick coming to Stillwater, Watson said she was ecstatic.

“I do love their music and I’m happy to hear they will be playing locally,” Watson said. “Not only will that bring positive attention to Stillwater and Tumbleweed, but it also gives us students something to look forward to attending. Considering they are rather popular, this will give others an opportunity to meet more friends to share memories. I’m going with friends and I’m most excited to be able to spend carefree time with them enjoying good music.”

Tumbleweed is one of Stillwater’s most popular spots in town.

Online reviews say it is a great atmosphere and the staff is always aiding to the community, making sure those who attend are certain to have a positive and safe experience.

“The first thing I noticed about Tumbleweed was the good security and entrance getting entertainment.ed@ into the place,” Watson ocolly.com

Sabor is the Spanish word for flavor or taste, and the Venezuelan business certainly lives up to its name.

Sabor is a family enterprise committed to sharing Venezuelan food and culture with the Stillwater community.

The origin of Sabor is as interesting as its food is delicious. Gabriela Torres, the community manager of Sabor, came to Stillwater in 1981 with her family. Her first English teacher in the U.S., Debra Shores, is the owner of Linking Horizons, an initiative to help the Hispanic community nagivate the American system.

After Torres’ father completed his bachelor’s degree at OSU, the family returned to Venezuela.

Torres finished her education, married and raised a family. She said her family had an economically healthy life until the regime change a few years ago.

“Our country is run by delinquents who only do whatever they have to do to get power,” Torres said.

Their quality of life deteriorated. Torres said everything in Venezuela got worse each day day so she decided she needed to bring her family to the U.S. After two rejected visas, Shores reached out to Torres about working with Linking Horizons.

With the help of immigration lawyers and the business in mind, the family has now been in Stillwater since July.

Sabor does not have

Stephanie Landaverde Cachapa, a dish made with a Venezuelan cheese called “queso de mano” and corn flour.

its own location or food as a meal or snack. truck and all its services Tequeños are made are offered on the back of flour dough and filled patio of Stonecloud Brew- with cheese. They are ery Co. On Mondays and not quite like mozzarella Tuesdays it serves from sticks, but if you enjoy 5:30 p.m. until sold out those, chances are you and on Tuesdays from 7:30 will enjoy tequeños. p.m. until 9 p.m. Sabor I tried a ​cachapa hosts Latin dance. There next. The outside was are 30 minutes of instruc- made of corn flour and tion followed with an open was sweet, while the indance floor. On weekends, side had “queso de mano,” Sabor distributes orders a Venezuelan cheese that for customers who have will not melt. The design pre-ordered. was similar to that of a I visited Stonecloud quesadilla. The cheese on Monday and Tuesday. was excellent, I wish I Sabor offers a rotating could buy it for my own menu, serving different cooking. dishes each day.

When I returned on On Monday, I tried Tuesday, I ordered bollitos tequeños, a traditional and a cachito. I thoroughVenezuelan food. Torres ly enjoyed the bollitos. said tequeños are essential If you’ve tried Mexican at any Venezuelan social tamales, the texture is gathering. They can be similar. They are topped eaten at any time of day, with sauces and filled with

chicken.

A cachito looks like pigs in a blanket. It was filled with diced ham and perfectly warm. I don’t like ham much, but if you do, this would be a great dish to try.

The cachito was served with tequeños and tostones. Tostones is a dish of crispy fried plantains and the only reason I did not order them was because I have eaten fried plantains my entire life and wanted to try new foods. Plantains are a variety of bananas and Latinos often cook them as a sweet treat.

Sabor can be found on Instagram @Sabordaflores and on Facebook as Sabor Daflores. To place an order for weekends, call (405) 894-3806. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Netflix

Going for gold: ‘Outer Banks’ season 3 review Treasure hunting continues in season 3 of “Outer Banks,” which can be streamed on Netflix.

Taylor Carroll Staff Reporter

“Outer Banks” season three keeps you on your toes.

Netflix released the season on Feb. 23, and it doesn’t have a recap of the previous seasons. Instead, it put the recap in the first episode and doesn’t go into what happened like other recaps have done. It hardly describes the previous seasons.

There are four directors who contribute to the new season: Jonas Pate, Valerie Weiss, Darnell Martin and Gonzalo Amat. The directors did a good job of keeping the intensity and using the camera angles to draw people in. This season makes it clear that more death and destruction will occur around the Pogues when looking for the new treasure.

The directors made a good choice to have different lighting in certain places such as the Outer Banks and the Caribbean.

The hometown was shown as a dark and gloomy area with a harsher white light, and the Caribbean has golden lighting with more colors surrounding it.

The original treasure of the first season was gold that Denmark Tanny owned and was lost on the Royal Merchant shipwreck. It was later found in a well in the Outer Banks. The second season’s treasure was a golden cross that was hidden in the ceiling of an abandoned church. The third season treasure is a place called El Dorado that is rumored to be the lost City of Gold.

The treasure keeps evolving over the seasons to be bigger and more valuable. The only bad thing about this was the

original treasure seems unimportant next to the new treasure. It would be good, but they risked their lives for one treasure that has hardly any worth next to the new treasure.

A new villain, Carlos Singh, played by Andy McQueen, was cast and happened to be worse than the previous one, Ward Cameron. Singh has more resources than Cameron and has a country at his fingertips.

It is refreshing to see a new bad guy since Ward Cameron and his son, Rafe Cameron, have been villains in season one and two. Singh is on the hunt for the City of Gold and is willing to kill or harm anyone who gets in his path.

McQueen is known as “Kingfish” and has connections with people who are willing to go across the country for a paycheck. His nickname

ties into the society of the Outer Banks, represented by fish the series has already established.

Drew Starkey, the actor who plays Rafe, does a good job of showing how his character believes he’s a victim. Starkey makes Rafe a compelling bad guy who doesn’t know he is one and constantly blames everyone for his choices.

The season has also provided more love interests instead of only Sarah Cameron and John B., played by Madelyn Cline and Chase Stokes.

The previous seasons had their love story as a focus, with the treasure, and now there is more room for other romances to blossom.

The show’s last three episodes have characters acting in ways they would not normally do. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6A Friday, March 3, 2023

O’Colly

News

Cartoon Callbacks: ‘China, IL’ James Jones Staff Reporter

Courtesy of Ryan Austin OSU’s Flying Aggies celebrates 75 years of dedication and partnership.

‘Dedication and excitement’

OSU Flying Aggies celebrate its 75th anniversary with the group. He conformer teammates and nected with the Flying fellow Aggies is a unique Aggies during an organi- aspect of the group, zation fair freshman year Gladden said. They and never looked back. still ask about his chilThis experience dren, who he frequently is similar to Rick Gladbrought to events.

Kennedy Thomason den’s, who joined the The sense of dediAssistant News & Flying Aggies in 1967. cation and excitement Gladden joined the group have historically set the Lifestyle Editor because of his interest Flying Aggies apart from in aviation but found an their competitors. The This year marks the organization he would group was known for its 75th anniversary of the forever be part of. awards and spirit, GladFlying Aggies.

After graduation, den recalled.

A historical group Gladden returned to “When we would on campus, the Flying Stillwater to coach the go to regional air meets Aggies made a name for Flight Team from 1972- or national air meets, themselves nationally, 78. In 1974, Gladden was other clubs would try to winning multiple nation- named the Head of Avia- find out where the Flying al championships. tion Education at OSU Aggies were because However, the and served as the Flying they knew that’s where awards aren’t the only Aggie’s faculty adviser. they would have a good special part of the AgGladden returned again time,” Gladden said. gies. in 2012 to volunteer as a His dedication The involved coach for the Flight Team to the group reflects alumni network makes for four years. the sentiments of other the organization unique.

He has seen the alumni. At the annual “Obviously, plenty Flying Aggies through banquet, alumni travel of other organizations its ups and downs. As a to celebrate that year’s will help you get far in coach, winning multiple accomplishments. your career, but I don’t national championships, Throughout genthink that many other to building the dwindling erations, the organizaclubs or organizations at club back up upon his tion binds individuals OSU have so many alum- return. together, evident through ni come back and really “I consider myself the active alumni. The help them out,” alumni to be an active Flying Flying Aggies is a comPreston Shoemaker said. Aggie to this day,” Glad- munity that stretches past “ It’s kinda special. No den said.

OSU’s four years. one comes back to help The comradery he To learn more you out as much as the experienced on the team about the Flying Aggies, Flying Aggies.” encouraged Gladden to visit https://www.flyinShoemaker served pursue his aviation teach- gaggies.com/. as the president and vice ing career. The commupresident during his time nity formed between his news.ed@ocolly.com

For all the 2000s babies out there, remember those times watching classic Cartoon Network shows such as “The Misadventure of Flapjack”or “Samurai Jack” with all sorts of childish glee, until one fateful night in a groggy state you awaken to the beautiful nightmares and fever dreams of the Adult Swim broadcast?

Some viewers have heard the constant re-runs of “King of the Hill” and watched the uncanny stop-motion animation of “Robot Chicken” out of morbid curiosity, don’t lie. One such show that people might remember is Brad Neely’s “China, IL.” “China, IL” is one of those Adult Swim shows that viewers can vaguely recall, but just can’t fully grasp the idea whether it even existed or not. Well, it definitely did exist, and I took the initiative to re-visit it out of nostalgia and curiosity of what the show was about.

Let me tell you I was both shocked and amused with what I witnessed.

The overall setting of the show is based within a fictional college campus. Because the majority of the plots take place within the campus, the usual shenanigans that occur usually involve some pretty relatable issues college students and professors deal with.

These range from making tuition payments for an upcoming semester to even the fear of failing a class. With this being an Adult Swim show there’s going to be some outlandish scenarios. Some

Courtesy of IMDB “China, IL” was televised on Adult Swim and the defunct show can be viewed on HBO Max.

dealing with a time traveling Ronald Reagan and others being a parody on biblical texts.

The characters are the main focal point as each one, newly introduced and reoccurring, are uniquely psychotic and sociopathic. These characters either cause or are involved in the most messed up scenarios possible because of their dangerously overinflated hubris. The main brothers and teachers, Frank and Steve Smith, are constantly at odds for brother superiority.

Whether that’s through bets of who can get their classmates laid first or who can give the best lecture than the other.

Although they are always at each other’s necks, they have that brotherly respect and love if either were to be

in a difficult situation.

Another character Pony, who is the teacher’s assistant for Steve, is just the pinnacle of a psychopathic sociopath. Finally, Baby Cakes is my alltime favorite character as he is generally just the more light-hearted out of the characters, but still demented in a hilarious way. There are more characters to talk about such as the Mayor, the Dean and more, but that will be a long discussion.

Overall, I recommend “China, IL” for those that are interested in a somewhat relatable college-based show with a good blend of absurdity and vulgar humor. You can check it out on HBO Max.

news.ed@ocolly.com

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

TO THE

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News

Friday, March 3, 3023 Page 7A

Dean of Libraries impact on Edmond Low far-reaching Jaycee Hampton Staff Reporter

Women’s History Month is a time to remember and honor impactful women and their contributions to history, working toward gender equality.

Sheila Grant Johnson never had original intentions of becoming a librarian. But to OSU’s luck, she took the job to be the Dean of Libraries in 2004.

Since 1978, she has been a proud member of the Cowboy family and has served the Stillwater community in various ways. Johnson has overseen the transformation of Edmon Low Library and is looking for ways to aid students’ needs on campus as it adapts to the future of technology, while still respecting tradition and services.

“Edmon Low Library is a research library,” Johnson said. “All Courtesy of OSU research libraries are changing and Members of the Cimarron Chapter of the DAR, Connie Tate, Mary Woods and Sheila Grant Johnson, joined granddaughter of Jessie Thatcher Bost, Beverly adapting, and they have been since the Golden, to recognize the legacy of OSU’s first female graduate.

Courtesy of OSU Sheila Johnson has served as the Dean of Libraries since 2004.

mid-1990s.” and is thankful for opportunities that Johnson said to remain relevant to have been presented to her over the the university, the library had to rethink years. how it was doing things. Edmond Low “My mother was a strong womLibrary adapted to the technology for an,” Johnson said. “She had a hard the online catalog and circulation. youth growing up but she loved educa“Changing our attitude toward tion, she loved learning things.” our service to faculty and students Johnson said her mother wanted was a little slower,” Johnson said. “My her children to have a college educapredecessor began moving in those tion. She worked her whole life and directions and thinking a little bit more when the family lived in Syracuse, New broadly about what services our stuYork, she was executive secretary for dents want. As opposed to what kind of Carrier Corporation. services we can traditionally provide.”

“I know for a fact that new men With technology evolving and would come in and she would show with COVID-19, the library adapted them the ropes and train them how to to a different way of studying. Johnson do different things,” Johnson said. “So, said group projects have become more she never had an opportunity to do anypopular, and having areas to group thing other than secretary work, which study at the library has made it more I’m not demeaning in any way. She’s inclusive for any study environment. great at it. But as an example, I thought Johnson graduated from Amarillo about that a lot. That was in retrospect, Junior College with an associates and even more so such a limited opporfrom Baylor University with a bachtunity that she had, and she made it elor’s in history. She values education possible that what I did was not limited

in that way.”

There are multiple floors with a variety of studying tools and available resources. Laptops, tablets and different kinds of AV equipment are available to every student to check out, including access to a 3D printer. With the spring semester almost halfway done, Johnson encourages students to use the resources the library has to offer and to finish strong.

“Push through,” Johnson said.

“That’s easy to say to me, I’m not facing deadlines and papers and things of that nature. But it’s worth it. Push through and see this semester to an end.

Just go one month, one week at a time.

Lean on whatever friends you have for support, commiseration and encouragement. If you can, find a good study group that you could gather about you. I think that would help as you go through the rest of your undergraduate program.

Come to the library and study.” news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 8A Friday, March 3, 2023

O’Colly

News Crowned Miss Black OSU plans to start Black Student Government Association Stephanie Landaverde Staff Reporter

Two contestants, one crown.

On Saturday, Kerri Benard was crowned OSU’s 2023 Miss Black.

The annual OSU Miss Black pageant was held in the Student Union Theatre. Benard, a psychology pre-med sophomore, and Daisha Blation, a biology freshman, competed for the crown in seven categories.

Contestant No. 1, Benard, presented her platform titled “the melanin movement.” She explained her platform aims to represent and preserve Black culture and identity on campus. Benard said Black culture makes up less than 5% of OSU’s student body and that she would like to start a Black Student Government Association as well as work with the current SGA to ensure Black students’ thoughts and opinions are heard.

Contestant No. 2, Blation, ran on a platform focused on substance abuse.

Blation said 37% of college students abuse illegal drugs and alcohol. She planned to work with OSU’s mental health services and substance abuse center to combat the issue.

After their platform statements, the contestants competed in the cultural wear portion. Both portrayed Black icons; Benard chose Whitney Houston and Blation represented Serena Williams.

Prior to the pageant starting, Azariah Lang, a junior majoring in psychology and political science with a concentration in pre-law, said she did not know the contestants, but was excited to see and learn about them and what they could bring to OSU’s campus.

The two women performed an opening dance number. Afterward, the masters of ceremony, cousins Micheala Purnell, a pre-med biology senior, and Toni Purnell, a screen studies freshman, quizzed the audience on Black history trivia.

When the contestants returned, they each presented a speech over their platforms. They were judged on their speaking ability rather than the content

of their speech.

Privately, they were scored on their professionalism during the months of pageant preparation and an interview with the judges that morning.

The Langston University Essence Dance Ensemble performed a dance while the contestants prepared for their talents. Afterward, Langston University’s Legendary Models Modeling Agency had its own performance.

Maryah Brookins, a sophomore majoring in business management at Langston, said this was the first time the groups had worked with OSU’s Miss Black pageant.

Next the contestants presented their talents. Benard performed a science experiment: the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

More commonly known as elephant toothpaste. Blation’s talent was speedpainting. She created the silhouette of a woman with curly hair on a blacked-out canvas.During intermission the audience had the opportunity to vote for people’s choice.

Post intermission, the two women donned evening wear and walked the stage. The extemporaneous question portion of the competition started right after that. Bobbi Jarmon, OSU’s 2022 Miss Black, presented the contestants with sealed envelopes, of which they chose one. She opened the envelopes and read their chosen question aloud.

Benard was asked whether skills or education were more important.

“Skills,” she said, because neither of her parents have a collegiate education and they provided her and her siblings a beautiful life.

Blation was asked what steps or measures need to be taken to eradicate poverty. Blation said education and helping others were the steps needed to help this issue. Jarmon did one final walk on the stage and gave a speech before awards were presented. Benard won the people’s choice, entrepreneurship, interview and talent awards.

Blation won the academic excellence, evening wear and cultural wear awards. Blation was named the first runner up in the competition. Benard was crowned.

Summer-Rose Allensworth, a

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Remote work hours possible. Hours are flexible, we will work around your class schedule. For more information contact Lori@ocolly.com or call 405-744-7355.

Jaiden Daughty Kerri Benard was crowned OSU’s 2023 Miss Black.

freshman majoring in agriculture eduthe Center to share her experience with cation, attended the pageant because other students who may be curious her agriculture leadership class wanted about participating next year.” them to explore OSU’s diversity.

Neither Wilson nor Sylvester had “I thought this pageant would be experience competing in OSU’s Miss perfect,” Allensworth said.

Black pageant or judging previous Faculty members Karen Wilson, pageants. Sylvester said the collaboraKirstin Sylvester and Devan Moore tion and support the contestants and were the pageant’s judges. Sylvester is a pageant committee had for one another third year Ph.D. candidate in counseling impressed her. psychology and serves as the president “I am excited about how Miss of the Graduate Black Student Associa- Black OSU will play an intentional role tion. Wilson is the program coordinator in bolstering unity among the Black at the Center for Africana studies. community at OSU and continue criti“I am most excited to have her cal conversations of diversity, equity (Benard) visit the Center for Africana and inclusion with university adminisstudies to meet students and collabotrators,” Sylvester said. rate on events,” Wilson said. “As you know, only two contestants were able to compete this year. It is my hope that news.ed@ocolly.com the new Miss Black OSU will drop by

O’Colly Sports previews OSU in the Big 12 wrestling championships in Tulsa on Saturday and Sunday.

SEE MORE ON PAGE 2B

OSU’s Athletic Vision Plan can fulfill its purpose and potential for all with spending

Gabriel Trevino Sports Editor

Column

this is the beginning of the process.

And it showed with the first question the media asked, as Weiberg revealed there is no timeline for the plan’s execution, nor is there any priority for addressing which of the nine projects comes first. That’s for donors to decide with the athletic department committed to achieving its $325 million goal through donations, rather than incurring debt.

That’s fair. But without much internal spending, nobody knows how long the plan may take.

Chad Weiberg made it clear when he formally announced OSU’s Athletic Vision Plan on Monday that See Plan on 6B

OSU Athletic Director Chad Weiberg unveiled plans of multiple facility upgrades on Monday.

Carson Toulouse

Young’s, Smith’s personalities contrast throughout strenuous season sophomore Rowdy Baribeau Staff Reporter

over Missouri’s Allan Hart, Oklahoma’s Mosha Schwartz and Minnesota’s Jake Bergeland.

Young has shown he can win against elite competition. He has also shown he can have lapses on the mat.

OSU needs him to be consistent during this weekend’s Big 12 Championships.

For the first time in a long time, the Cowboys are not considered favorites in the Big 12 title race. Young could elevate their chances with a strong run in the bracket.

Young started the season at No. 10 in the 141-pound rankings.

Because of his inconsistencies, he fell as far as No. 33. Now, he’s worked his way back to No. 15.

Since Smith’s “78” nickname, Young is 6-2. Young seemed to have taken it personally, enhanced

In late January, OSU coach John Smith became the reporter during his weekly meeting with the media. He asked a single question.

“Have you met 7-8?”

Um, who?

Carter Young.

“Call him 7-8,” Smith said. “You were 6-8 before that last match.”

As Smith jokingly yelled Young’s dual record at him, Young walked back into the locker room. It was just before his match with Northern Iowa’s Cael Happel, ranked No. 8 at the time.

Young upset Happel, 15-7, for a majordecision win. He then toppled Iowa State’s No. 19 Casey Swiderski two days later.

Now, Young’s record stands 13-10. He also owns top-10 upsets See Young on 3B

File Photo

Looking at the layers OSU basketball watched the Cowboys go on a five-game winning streak and five-game losing streak this year. It is the latest chapter in the Mike Boynton era of Cowboy basketball.

Where are OSU fans with Cowboy Basketball? brate a 64-56 win over No. 11 Iowa State, a high point in a streaking Cowboys surge.

Fast forward to Monday night, Boynton and his Cowboys sat Ben Hutchens solemnly answering quesStaff Reporter tions about the funk of a five-game losing streak.

On a night not long For Cowboys fans, ago, OSU basketball coach it’s become an all-tooMike Boynton hurled familiar narrative for the himself into a swarming team, leading to a range of student section to celeemotions when checking

their pulse on the program.

Is it fair to judge the Cowboy basketball program on its play in the recent weeks? The last year? The past decade?

Truth is, it’s complicated, and layered.

Before Mike Gundy, OSU was viewed as a basketball school. Two national championships, four Final Fours and 29 NCAA Tournament appearances

built that reputation.

OSU’s two national championships in the 1940s, courtesy of Henry Iba, are all but faded from living memory and two other Final Four appearances under Eddie Sutton came before today’s college freshmen were born.

And outside of the Iba and Eddie years, measurable success is limited, including recently.

See Layers on 4B

File Photo Coach John Smith and Carter Young have opposite personalities on the mat, which makes the two a unique pair.

OSU’s postseason hopes start with unheralded leader

Mia Ledbetter John-Michael Wright has started all 29 games for OSU and is second behind Bryce Thompson in minutes.

terest from the watchful cohort of coaches with Power Five logos emblazoned on their polos.

While Wright warmed up, a coach Sam Hutchens from Memphis apStaff Reporter proached, saying he heard about Wright On a 2018 sum- and would be paying mer day in Indiana, close attention. a 100-strong legion But Wright of college basketball didn’t leave the court coaches surrounded with a scholarship John-Michael Wright’s after the game.

EYBL team at a showHe left with an case tournament. urge to give everyIt was a chance thing up. for Wright, 17, to “We’re playing generate a desperately the game and I get needed offer. Go in, in for 30 seconds,” ball out and pique in- Wright said. “I don’t

play the rest of the giving up. But I gutted game and I don’t play it up. Said something the rest of the session. good has to come out I was ready to quit.” of it. I’m going to put Wright’s parents, in the work no matEddie Lee and April ter what opportunity Hightower, convinced I get.” him to keep playing.

Wright led High Five years after that Point, a Big South game, the most disConference school couraging moment of in his home state of his career, Wright has North Carolina, in completed a roundscoring each of his about route to the na- three years as a Pantion’s best conference ther. Now he initiates and has started every the offense for a Big game for OSU. 12 team fighting for “I pride myself an NCAA Tournament on not quitting anybid. thing,” Wright said.

With an injury to “That’s why it was Avery Anderson, really tough, because See Wright on 4B I was really close to

Page 2B Friday, March 3, 2023

O’Colly

sports

Elevated Big 12 challenges Cowboys historical dominance same phrase repeated through the season. Peak in March. A time where everyone wrestles for the leaderboard.

“It’s the part that most people judge you by Adam Engel and rightfully so,” OSU Editor-in-Chief coach John Smith said.

OSU’s streak of Times are changing nine straight Big 12 in the Big 12. championships ended in OSU’s margin of 2022. Missouri dominatdominance dwindled, and ed the MAC in that time. the Big 12 Championships Missouri, who left for the are no longer an OSU vs SEC, joined the MAC as a everybody fest. wrestling affiliate in 2013.

Welcome to Big For years, OSU needed to 12 wrestling in 2023. A beat out only three teams mighty No. 9 Missouri in the conference tournasquad seeks a title repeat ment. Not anymore. with its national chamOSU defeated Mispion and other All-Amer- souri, 17-16, in Februicans. No. 5 Iowa State ary. A time that showed powered through injuries the importance of team and everyone else boasts wrestling. some major achievement.

“I know for me, The Cowboys don’t and I know for a lot of cling to a favorite label at other guys especially like the Big 12 Championships Daton (Fix), he had to go in Tulsa on Saturday and out and score 10 points Sunday. Missouri would in order for us to win the win, based on placement dual,” OSU’s 184-pounder points for the top-eight Travis Wittlake said. seeds. A healthy 24-point “There is a time like that margin over projected where he can’t be selfish. runner-up OSU. He can’t go out and just That’s all probwin for himself. He has ability. A word that, in got to go out and perform March, can be replaced us.” with chaos. It’s tournaIn 2015, the Western ment time and everyone Wrestling Conference attempts to perform the folded and its members

joined the Big 12. Now Northern Colorado boasts the nation’s top ranked 141-pounder, Andrew Alirez.

“Could that have happened if they weren’t in the Big 12?” Smith said. “They got a great coach. I don’t know but it hasn’t hurt. It definitely hadn’t hurt us by bringing them in.”

Other teams elevated, too. In 2022, Air Force heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson won his program’s first Big 12 title.

Teams are developing.

Sixty-five Big 12 wrestlers will automatically qualify for the NCAA Championships — second most of any conference. Smith said he remembers the years where some weights qualified only two or three.

Now the conference takes eight in some weights.

Nine Cowboys would automatically qualify if they wrestled to their seeds.

“The more competitive you are, the tougher the schedule is during the season and it’s always preparing you for NCAA Championship,” Smith said.

What: Big 12 Championships When: Saturday and Sunday Where: BOK Center, Tulsa TV/Stream: Finals on ESPNU, all other rounds on ESPN+

Jesse Myers Staff Reporter

Reece Witcraft

Schedule Saturday 10 a.m. (CT) Session I (Preliminary matches) 12:30 p.m. (CT) Session I (Quarterfinals) 5 p.m. (CT) Session II (First round consolations) 7:30 p.m. (CT) Session II (Second round consolations) 8:30 p.m. (CT) Session II (Semifinals) Sunday 12 p.m. (CT) Session III (Consolation semifinals and 7th place matches) 1:30 p.m. (CT) Session III (3rd and 5th place matches) 8 p.m. (CT) Session IV (Championship matches)

Molly Jolliff

Witcraft is the seventh-highest ranked wrestler in the Big 12 at 125 lbs. Witcraft looks for throws and will go upper body into 50/50 positions with anyone who is willing. The Big 12 only has one wrestler ranked inside the top 10 at 125, and for this reason, the weight is relatively wide open.

Wyatt Sheets

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Previewing OSU wrestlers in the Big 12 tournament Rowdy Baribeau Staff Reporter

earned the No. 8 seed.

Doucet will have Chris Island from California Baptist in the first round.

It won’t get easier Gfeller will have for Wyatt Sheets in the won the Big 12 title at 165-pound bracket. three different weights if There may not be he wins it this weekend. a deeper conference at He has won at 141 pounds 165 pounds than the Big and at 149 pounds. This 12. Sheets likely has the year, he’ll vie for the most daunting task in the 157-pound championship, tournament, with potenbut it isn’t an easy road tial rematches against ahead for the “old goat” Iowa State’s David Carr of OSU wrestling. and Missouri’s Keegan Plott has the poO’Toole, ranked No. 1 tential to rematch Peyton and No. 2. However, he’s Mocco from Missouri, one of five Cowboys with who defeated Plott earlier a bye. Travis Wittlake, in the season. Plott didn’t Carter Young, Dustin have the brightest finish Plott and Victor Voinov- to the season, and a Big ich are the others.

12 Tournament victory Daton Fix is the would provide a solid only Cowboy favored to confidence boost heading win the tournament, as he into the NCAA Champireceived the No. 1 seed at onships.

133 pounds. Dustin Plott If Travis Wittlake (174) and Kaden Gfeller wins a Big 12 title at his (157) have No. 2 seeds, new weight, 184 pounds, and Gfeller will wrestle it would be significant for in the first round against the Cowboys in the team Tyson Humphreys from race, which is expected to Utah Valley. Plott has a be headed by Iowa State bye. and Missouri. Wittlake Konner Doucet ex- didn’t wrestle during the ceeded expectations this trip to Iowa, so matches year at heavyweight and with Marcus Coleman and

3 wrestlers to watch for OSU’s postseason

Molly Jolliff

Sheets is No. 23 nationally and seventh in the Big 12 at 165, one of the deepest weights in the Big 12, with David Carr and Keegan O’Toole. The reason Sheets can make a run is he is a good leg rider. Leg riding is a difficult skill to learn and implement, especially in college wrestling, but if used correctly it can trap opponents in the bottom position and leave them in a lot of pain for the next two minutes.

Victor Voinovich

Andy Crown Wyatt Sheets will face a deep 165-pound bracket in Big 12 tournament.

Parker Keckeisen will be his first.

OSU coach John Smith talked about stealing a national seed at 125 pounds. Reece Witcraft will likely need to win two championship-bracket matches to get into the NCAA Tournament.

However, that will be no easy task, as the weight is headlined by 2022 Big 12 Champion Killian Cardinale from West Virginia.

Smith also talked about Luke Surber not just defeating the No. 1 wrestler in the nation but going out and winning the 197-pound Big 12 title. Surber could have

rematches with Tanner Sloan and Yonger Bastida, both of whom he wrestled while dinged up.

OSU isn’t expected to make a splash in the Big 12 title race because of heavy favorites Iowa State and Missouri.

Carter Young will help OSU’s chances if he wins the 141-pound bracket… which is unlikely. Young has defeated many of the opponents in the Big 12 bracket, but he will likely have to rematch Andrew Alirez in the final.

Andy Crown

Voinovich can make a run at the Big 12 in a similar way to Sheets; he can leg ride, which he did against Oklahoma’s Mitch Moore. If Voinovich can find a way to generate points from leg riding, he can neutralize someone who may be better than him on paper. The Big 12 automatically qualifies the top seven placers from the Big 12s, so Voinovich’s chance to qualify for the NCAA tournament is high.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

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Young...

where in the world wrestling, which is more than most people at his age, so he’s not worried about Continued from 1A wrestling.”

Contrasted to performance on Carter’s mindset, Smith the mat. Instead, it didn’t wants his athletes to feel have as personal of an ef- something when they fect on him as one might lose, especially Young. think.

Smith said he would like Young’s mother, some aggression from his Christina Young, said second-year wrestler.

Carter’s performance the “He’s just kind of past eight duals has been la-la,” Smith joked. “I’d attributed to something like for him sometimes to else Smith said to him. just cuss at me. Not cuss “Coach Smith at me, he doesn’t need to pushes him and pushes cuss at me. But just get him to teach him, ‘You’re angry with me. Maybe gonna be just fine,’” even push me. He’s a good Christina said. “‘You can kid. I just think to get get through this.’ And your best out of yourself, by working him so hard, I want him to feel pain [Carter] is like, ‘Oh, I when he loses. guess I can do this, I can “I want him to feel work through this.’ It’s disappointed. I want him more about persevering to be driven off those whatever strife comes up.” losses. I think he does Smith and Young it in a quiet way a little are a compelling coachbit, but not as much as I athlete duo. Their person- want.” alities clash, which makes Christina said their relationship unique. Smith hasn’t pushed Smith was a vengeful Carter to the point of wrestler who held onto his anger. Instead, Carter has losses. been driven to a point of Carter doesn’t let getting back at his coach negativity get to his head, with jokes, much like he Christina said. Carter has did to Carter. learned to let things roll “I know (Smith) was off his back, unlike his doing what he thought coach. He doesn’t take to make him get a little things too personally. He angry,” Christina said. “I is a nonchalant person, don’t think he ever necesand Christina said it is sarily reached the anger how he was raised. Young point, but I do know he doesn’t need to walk onto has made a few jokes a mat angry to be victori- with him in the room ous. His stoic demeanor now. (Carter) listened to after wins and losses coach’s interview, so he makes him hard to read. said he went into practice “He’s the most even and said, ‘You want me to person and wrestler, he push ya coach? I can push always has been,” Christi- ya.’” na said. “He is confident, Daton Fix, a threebut it’s a quiet confidence time All-American at because he knows he’s OSU, has known Carter worked so hard, not just since Fix was in seventh in college, but his whole grade in Sand Springs. life. He’s been everyTheir relationship goes

sports beyond wrestling, but wrestling brought the pair together. Growing up, Christina said Carter would annoy Fix with how much he wanted to learn from Fix. Fix said it might have gotten annoying at times, but he saw the drive inside a young Carter, which brought them together. Eventually, Fix taught him everything he knew.

“He was a little kid who wanted to get better,” Fix said. “I’m sure there’s times when it would get a little annoying. But you don’t see that very often in young kids, that they just want to get better.

There was a point where I showed him pretty much everything I do, that’s how much I worked with him. I would learn something; I’d be wrestling with Carter a couple of days later.”

Fix has been with OSU since 2017 and has known Smith for even longer. Fix is aware of what Smith tried to do with Carter and said it’s for a reason.

“He’s the type of coach that if he’s on you all the time and he’s messing with you, he’s just trying to get more out of you,” Fix said. “Really, that’s all he’s doing. He knows that Carter has a lot of potential and he’s just trying to get that out of him.

“There was a point in the year where Carter had to make the choice, right around that time when he was 7-8, he needed to pick it up. I think he made that choice on his own and started to wrestle a lot better.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Molly Jolliff John Smith (left) said he wants to see more emotion and fire in Carter Young during duals.

Friday, March 3, 2023 Page 3B

Jaiden Daughty

‘Mama Claire’

Claire Chastain has become a vocal leader as a fifth-year senior for an OSU team looking to make the NCAA Tournament.

How Chastain became a vocal leader for a hungry Cowgirl team

practice, or maybe just our team, she rebounds outside the lines, but it, she facilitates, she she just does it all the sets screens, she is time.” really that blue-collar While at UTA, player for us that does Chastain established a lot on the floor,” Hoyt herself as a solid consaid.

Calif Poncy tributor on a good team, While Chastain Staff Reporter averaging at least nine has proved to be an impoints in each of her portant piece of Hoyt’s Claire Chastain’s three healthy seasons rotation, her leadership teammates give her a for the Mavericks, ability is what stands number of nicknames. including last season out from her teamSome call her when she helped UTA mates’ perspective. She “Mom” others call her reach the NCAA Tour- is always the first one “Mama Claire,” but no nament for just the third up to greet a teammate matter what she’s called, time. when they are subbed the reason behind the While developout, slapping their hands name is the same. ing her game, Chastain each time.

Chastain, a fifthblossomed into the “She has a sense year transfer from UT- impactful leader she has of urgency right now as Arlington, has become become. a fifth-year senior that the vocal leader for “I would say it’s I’ve never seen, ever, OSU this season, and always been an innate so she’s playing really her impact is felt up and thing within myself, hungry and urgent and down the roster. but really, it came to it’s showing up in ev“We call her light my senior year erything that she does,” ‘mom’ for a reason,” at UT-Arlington, just Hoyt said.

OSU guard Naomie because I was a senior The impact that Alnatas said. “When and I kind of needed to Chastain has on her you think about Claire, take on that role, and teammates has been she’s really helpful, and now I’ve taken on that second to none this on top of that she’s the role and I’ve really been season, and with the woman that will calm able to lead our team,” Cowgirls’ regular seayou down, but she also Chastain said. son coming to an end, is the one who brings Chastain’s fiery Chastain’s leadership the fire.” leadership style mirrors will be as important as Teammates and the way she approaches ever going forward. coaches gush about the court. As a guard, “Once you get a Chastain’s ability to Chastain leads the Cow- taste of it, you just want rally the team, in the girls in blocks per game more and there’s nothlocker room and on the and isn’t afraid to take ing I want more than court. a defender into the post, to finish out my career, “I think that first as about 75% of her field finish out this chapter of all, she just has a goal attempts have come of my life, than making really special ability to inside the 3-point line. it to the NCAA Tournabring people together Her willingness ment and making some and connect the dots,” to go low is reflected in noise,” Chastain said.

OSU coach Jacie Hoyt her free throw attempts, said. “I think the fact where she ranks second she never stops, it’s not on the team despite like some players where missing two games. they might just lead in “She’s crucial to sports.ed@ocolly.com

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sports

Wright...

Continued from 1A

Chase Davis OSU is on the bubble of making the NCAA tournament after five straight losses.

Layers...

Continued from 1A From 2007-17, Sean Sutton, Travis Ford and Brad Underwood combined for six NCAA Tournament appearances, managing but one Big Dance win.

In his five seasons before this one, Boynton directed one NCAA trip, managing a first-round win. His overall record: 103-87.

But again, Boynton’s tenure is complicated, maybe more so than any in the program’s history.

Fran Fraschilla, a former coach and current ESPN analyst, said Boynton’s peers view him as a good coach. He added that at times Boynton has been out-talented, but never out-coached.

Boynton’s debut offered promise, with a 21-15 record and a trip to the NIT quarterfinals.

But in his second season, Boynton dismissed three players after an off-the-court incident, leaving just eight scholarship players remaining.

Those Cowboys finished 12-20.

The next season started better, but the Cowboys couldn’t maintain momentum, partially due to a long-term illness that hampered point guard Isaac Likekele.

Still, OSU may have made the NCAA Tournament, except COVID struck, ending the season abruptly.

In June 2020, the NCAA delivered a oneyear postseason ban and scholarship reductions associated with a former assistant’s part in an FBI investigation into the college game. OSU appealed, then waited for the NCAA to rule, essentially extending a cloud hovering over the program; a period marked by negative recruiting against the Cowboys.

“It absolutely affects your recruiting because the way this business is,” Fraschilla said. “It’s just a cutthroat business.

“So, if you can use something negative against your opponent in recruiting, you’ll absolutely do it.”

Somehow, Boynton, known as a strong recruiter, landing the nation’s No. 1 recruit, Cade Cunningham, in the 2020-21 class. And Cunningham led the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament in his lone season. OSU won 11 conference games, marking its only time above .500 in the Big 12 since 2012-13.

Two days before an exhibition matchup to begin the 2021-22 season, Boynton wept in the Gallagher-Iba Arena media room, after the NCAA rebuked OSU’s

appeal and declared OSU ineligible for the 2022 postseason, enforcing a three-year probationary period and cutting three scholarships.

“We’re looking at two or three more years of dealing with the repercussions of this decision,” Boynton said through tears.

Are those repercussions at play in the current struggle?

Entering Saturday’s game at Texas Tech, OSU, once 7-5 in the league, finds itself 7-10 and seventh in the Big 12 standings, needing some sign of life to rekindle any NCAA Tournament hopes.

The pulse of the program?

For fans, too, it’s complicated.

The frustrated: OSU fans remember the Final Four trips in ‘95 and ‘04 and yearn for those days to return. They are disappointed with the lack of success and seem weary of seeing similar mistakes cost the team games.

Fraschilla said there are three ways to count success in the Big 12: Competing for regular season titles.

Competing for conference tournament titles. Making noise in the NCAA Tournament.

The frustrated fans point out that OSU isn’t hitting those benchmarks.

Expectations from those fans suggest the Cowboys should perennially be in the top-half of the league.

Fraschilla said a reasonable expectation is to be in the top-half of the Big 12 more often than not, make an NCAA Tournament three out of every four years and settle for an NIT spot the fourth year.

The Loyal and True: Faithful OSU fans are more understanding.

They look at the layers and recognize the obstacles thrown in Boynton’s and the Cowboys’ path.

“I do think that Mike (Boynton), at least for the time being, is the guy to get us to where we need to be,” OSU fan Layne Turner said. “And I say that in recognition of all of the roadblocks he’s had to get over to where we are now.”

The Boynton Bunch: Fans enjoy connecting with Boynton on a personal level.

Cowboys fan Logan Martinson said he “honestly, couldn’t give a crap” about basketball until Boynton flipped pancakes in the Student Union for him during his freshman year on campus.

Another fan, Art Anderson, said he’ll run into Boynton at Sprouts and he’ll have to break off the conversation because Boynton is so gracious

OSU’s 2023 recruiting class -Brandon Garrison, four-star, center, from Oklahoma City -Eric Dailey, four star, power forward, from Bradenton, Florida -Justin McBride, three star, power forward from Plano, Texas -Jamyron Keller, three star, combo guard, from Killeen, Texas -Connor Dow, three star, small forward, from Broken Arrow

with his time.

These fans believe in Boynton, the person.

The cynical: Some fans are ready to move on from Boynton.

“Waiting until we can buy out Boynton’s contract,” a fan on Twitter said. “We’re going nowhere with the dude.”

Some aren’t so extreme, but are growing restless.

“Love Boynton as a person and face of the program,” John Rowland said. “Still hopeful he can get it done, but year six and so far, no better off than the Ford years.

NCAA punishment hasn’t helped, but need consistency.”

Twitter user Big Hoss said, “The program has done nothing in almost 20 years. No expectations, no results.”

The Optimistic: Optimistic Cowboy fans believe OSU’s upcoming recruiting class, ranked No. 9 nationally, will bring impact.

Boynton’s 2023 class is the second best in the Big 12, behind Iowa State, and features two four-star and three threestar prospects, according to 247 Sports.

“I think the program is this close to taking off,” Anderson said. “You add the recruiting class, the talent that’s there…”

Fraschilla said a best-case scenario for next season begins with OSU players with eligibility returning and aggressive additions through the transfer portal, joined by the incoming freshmen.

Then, Fraschilla said, the Cowboys “have a chance to be very good next year.”

Is a breakthrough on the brink? Can Cowboys fans find hope?

Depends, it seems, on the fan.

Wright’s backcourt mate, expectations are mounting. Playing in environments such as Allen Fieldhouse is a substantial change from the Millis Center, High Point’s now-replaced 1,750-seat arena where an indoor swimming pool sits to one side.

“We need more of the High Point JohnMichael as far as looking for his shot as opposed to the facilitator-minded guy when you have Avery out there,” OSU coach Mike Boynton said.

For OSU to reach March Madness, it needs Wright at his best. He’s aiming to exceed expectations again.

“When there is doubt, there’s room to prove,” Wright said.

“You hear the things that people say. You don’t want it to be true, so you work on it.”

Wright’s size always drew concern. He is self-described 6-foot-tall on a good day. Coaches would tell Eddie Lee, who coached and trained Wright, his son was too small.

It was frustrating.

Coaches saw a number, and not the latenight gym sessions where Eddie Lee held up tennis rackets for his son to shoot over.

Coach James Strong fully grasped Wright’s potential shortly after a whistle.

It was 2017, and the six-point lead Strong’s 2A Fayetteville Academy Eagle team built seemed doomed. With six minutes left in the conference championship game against Harrells Christian, his team’s leading scorer committed his fifth foul while defending a drive.

The Eagles, who had only six players and

O’Colly

was only 6-foot-1,” Smith were already crippled with foul trouble, had no said. “You don’t have to be big. You just have to sub.

Strong said Wright, have a big heart. (Wright) a sophomore, calmed him is as tough and hardnosed as any kid I’ve down in the huddle. It coached.” was a rivalry game and Smith coached Wright was determined Harrells Christian would Wright at High Point for three years. Wright not beat him for a third said he loved his time as time that season. a Panther and benefit“(Wright) was so ted greatly from Smith’s phenomenal that night,” Strong said. “They were coaching. When Wright triple and double teaming decided to transfer, some him from getting the ball. 100 coaches called to express interest — ironiBut when he got it, they cally, about the same couldn’t stop him.” number of coaches that Wright, who watched Wright play for scored 32, threw down 30 seconds in 2018. a ferocious slam in the “If anyone called final minutes to help the me about him, I knew Eagles win by two. that I had nothing but “I looked up in the sky and I said, ‘He’s great things to say about him,” Smith said. “Oklahere,’” Strong said. “In all my years of coaching homa State wasn’t necessarily taking a chance.

I’ve never seen a kid do You could see what he that.” was capable of. He could It was that type play anywhere in the of scoring ability that country, I felt that all attracted college interest. Wichita State and along.”

University of Maryland Maybe it was the Baltimore County had many hours spent watchWright and his family out ing cowboy TV shows for a visit and quite a few such as Bonanza with his coaches promised to stay stepdad, or his proclivin touch. ity for playing as OSU in “They would video games as a child, always say ‘we like but Wright always had you,’ but they would liked OSU and it made never throw me an offer,” his transfer destination Wright said. “That hurt easy. me at the moment be“When (Wright) cause I knew I could play was little, we would at that level.” always say, ‘John, we For most of high don’t know anybody in school, Wright’s only Oklahoma. We’re not offer was from Marshall. from Oklahoma.’ But But even then, coaches he said, ‘No. This is my there rarely communiteam. You know, one day cated, and Wright started I’m gonna go for that questioning his ability. school,’” Hightower said.

“It was kind of disWright’s post-colcouraging,” Wright said. lege goal is making the “Asking myself, ‘Am I NBA, but he hasn’t ruled actually good enough to out staying at OSU for play?’ That’s when the his super-senior season. doubts started to creep It took a few extra years in.” and a torturous 30 secCoach Tubby onds to reach OSU, but Smith, who directed a Wright appreciates the national championship at journey.

Kentucky, was not scared “I didn’t let it bring away. He coached simime down,” Wright said. lar players and recruited “I just let it fuel my fire.”

Wright to come to High Point.

“Even Rajon Rondo sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy: Coach Greg Bonds

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Wright won the Fayetteville Elite alumni dunk contest in high school, but joked he’s too old to throw down like he once could.

O’Colly

Friday, March 3, 2023 Page 5B

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

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Check out “Cowboy Cabin” 550 steps east of Boone Pickens Stadium Airbnb.com/h/cowboy-cabin APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR BOTH SUMMER SEMESTER 2023 and FALL SEMESTER 2023 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THE O’COLLY Applications for both Summer Semester 2023 and Fall Semester 2023 Editor-in-Chief of The O’Colly will be accepted from now thru Friday, March 3, 2023.

Applications are now available in the Paul Miller Journalism and Broadcasting Building, room 106.

Applicants must return their completed applications to room 106 no later than 4:30 p.m.

Friday, March 3, 2023.

This application process involves two separate positions, EIC for Summer and EIC for Fall.

Applicants can apply for one or the other, or both positions. Be sure to indicate which position(s) you wish to be considered for on the application form.

To be eligible for Editor-In-Chief, the applicant must be a student on the Stillwater campus of Oklahoma State University, be in good academic standing (i.e., not on academic probation), have a grade point average of not less than 2.5, and have completed at least 60 hours toward a degree. Applicant must show evidence of having worked one semester in an editor position on The O’Colly. Students serving as an Editor-in-Chief may take up to 6 credit hours of independent study in consultation and approval of their major advisor.

An internship on a newspaper in a newsroom capacity may be substituted for one semester of service on The O’Colly. The internship must meet the requirements of the School of Media and Strategic Communications’ current internship course.

Daily Horoscope

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

ACROSS 1 PC shortcut key 5 __ Jansen: kid-lit detective with a photographic memory 8 More than a few 12 Seehorn of “Better Call Saul” 13 Repaired, maybe 15 Facial tissue additive 16 God of war 17 Market directives that have yet to be executed 19 *Relocation specialist?

21 Study closely 22 Intended 26 *Chiropractor who treats mollusks?

31 Cattle breed 34 Land divisions 35 Maker of Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around nail polish By Amie Walker 36 Light air 37 Tennessee 4 Use an athlete engraving 38 “Kapow!” machine, say 39 Skater Midori 5 Guitar 40 Cutoffs fabric accessory 41 Walk quartet 6 Mimicked 42 *Lift for Mom’s 7 Set of dishes? mom?

8 Some ladies of 45 Tag line?

Spain 46 Spectators on 9 Yard sale?

“Ted Lasso,” e.g. 10 “That’s neither 50 “Stay alert!,” or a here __ there” phonetic hint to 11 “Bingo!” the answers to 13 Sandwich that the starred clues might have 55 Evasive reply queso fresco and to “Why do you crema ask?”

14 OB-GYN, e.g.

58 Ancient letter 18 Brother in 59 Lug Roman lore 60 Makes a baby 20 Buddies blanket, say 23 Lagoon border 61 Jazz legend 24 Landlocked James country in South 62 Bird in the starling Asia family 25 Abridges 63 Carry-on 27 Location of the inspectors: Abbr. fictional town 64 Cubicle surface Horseshoe Bay on The CW’s DOWN “Nancy Drew” 28 Play ender, 1 Muscle woe often 2 Pang 3 Superman player 29 Pulitzer category

3/3/23

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

30 Fox Sports NFL sideline reporter Hale 31 Square up 32 TNT component 33 Rub it in 37 __ Aviv 38 Exchanged 40 Dissuade 41 Like classic Volvos 43 Inventor Tesla 44 Chilly temps

3/3/23

47 Path 48 Reunion attendees 49 Cookout choice 51 Startled cry 52 Huff and puff 53 Craigslist caveat 54 __ bene 55 Resistance eponym 56 Pile near a pitchfork 57 Convent figure

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (03/03/23). Prepare for a fruitful harvest this year. Grow through regular private meditation, planning and contemplation. Winter changes require a rewrite, before a profitable springtime develops. Rerouting summer itineraries for new conditions leads to a lucrative autumn with shared gains. Conserve resources for later.

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 — Follow your heart. Advance a passion project. Take advantage of favorable conditions. Creativity, laughter and romance spark with relaxation. Have fun with someone interesting.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Energize a domestic project for satisfying results. Organize, sort and put things away. Give away what you no longer need.

Clear space for new possibilities.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Words come easily. Shape your story.

Make a persuasive point. You’re especially witty and clever. Use diplomacy to avoid an upset. Share, chat and banter.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Go for the gold. There’s money to be made and conditions look good. Focus for high performance and excellence. Wait for the best timing to jump.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Love gives you strength and stamina.

Keep cool and stay flexible to adapt with surprises. Pursue personal objectives and get farther than expected.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — You can get especially productive by reducing distractions to a minimum. Privacy and peacefulness let you think clearly.

Organize plans to realize a long-held dream.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Teamwork can accomplish miracles.

Community involvement wins more than the prize you’re all after. Pull together and a difficult job becomes easy. Connect and collaborate.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Take charge for the results you want.

Listen to intuition and discover interesting opportunities. Your work is gaining recognition. Infuse it with love.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 5 — Enjoy the journey. Investigate possibilities. Expand your exploration. Take a big picture view. Context is decisive. Clarify objectives and routes. Follow a passion.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Leave nothing to chance. Negotiate and bargain for the best deal. Manage paperwork and administrative details with shared accounts. It could get lucrative.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Share support, fun and romance with your partner. Together, you’re a powerful force for good. Collaborate to advance your common objectives. Love is the answer.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Physical action gets satisfying results.

Nurture your health and strength with good food, rest and exercise. Put love into your work. Nature and beauty inspire.

Level 1

2

3

4

3/3/23

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 3, 2023

O’Colly

Announced Athletic Plans: Human Performance Innovation Complex Student-Athlete Success Center Softball Stadium Indoor Track and Field Wrestling Practice Facility Basketball Practice Facility Pedigo-Hull Equestrian Center Karsten Creek Golf Course Gallagher-Iba Welcome Plaza

OSU Athletics In April 2021, Kenny Gajewski first said a new Cowgirl softball stadium was on the way.

What are OSU’s plans for Plans... the new softball stadium?

A new stadium was first talked about two years ago, with Gajewski saying he and then-athletic director Mike Holder wanted “a O’Brate” — OSU Gabriel Trevino mini baseball’s stadium that Sports Editor opened in 2021 — and said it could happen in The lack of a new 2-3 years. softball stadium isn’t The conversaeating Kenny Gajewtions continued with ski’s thoughts, but he’s current Athletic Diwaiting. rector Chad Weiberg The Cowgirl but there is not yet a Stadium is 23 years timeline. The project old. And it shows. For would cost an estia team that’s been to mated $25-30 million, the Women’s College and OSU hopes most of World Series in three- the funding will come straight seasons, there’s from donations. It is only 300 chairback no longer a matter of seats and one conceswhen the project will sion stand for fans, and begin, rather, when the lacks quality for all donation will come in. players.

On Monday, OSU The visiting unveiled its Athletics bullpen is a strip of Vision Plan, which dirt behind an old gate, included renderings of and the away team a new stadium. While must walk through the not much was revealed concourse to get to other than the look of their locker room out- the field and seating, side the stadium. And Gajewski expects more while renovations have to be built; primarily helped, a new stadium focusing on player decan only be beneficial. velopment that will aid “It’s not consum- the team in the future. ing me, we’re winning “I’ve seen some without it,” Gajewski things that are pretty said. “Do you have to cool,” Gajewski said. have this state-of-the- “Some things that are art stadium to win? No. like, ‘Woah, this is Does it help? It really big time.’ We seem to helps.” built things to last. The

the t u o ck e Ch

way! a e d i al H n i g i Or

development piece will be second to nobody. I want that more than I want more seats. That’s how I recruit. It should help attract younger elite athletes.”

Eighty miles south, a $42 million stadium will be constructed at Oklahoma.

The title sponsor, Love’s Travel Stop, and other donors raised $30 million for the project.

But with OSU’s reliance on donors, how long will it take for the Cowgirls to match the Sooners?

“The first thing people ask is, ‘What’s the timeline?’” Gajewski said. “Well, I don’t know. That’s not the answer they want to hear, but the more people we get [the plans] in front of, the more people who get to watch us play, that’s when they get excited and things happen. We have people out there that if they want to be a part of this, they have a dream, and they can dream along with us.

But my focus is solely on our team and this journey. I’m not losing any sleep.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU wants, right?

The current stadium only has 300 seats for its ever-growing fanbase. The Continued from 1B visiting bullpen is a strip of The athletic departdirt behind an old gate. The ment paid for the $55 milvisiting team’s locker room lion renovation to Boone isn’t even connected to the Pickens Stadium that began stadium. And Gajewski said in the offseason — a project he has been waiting for a it was able to support with modern space that can aid the revenue it could generin the development of his ate in return. As for the players and attract highnine upgrades announced, level recruits.

OSU is reliant on donors Dave Smith, OSU’s since it won’t be able to director of track & field earn money back on the and cross country, has been projects, despite the want with the school for 21 years. for world-class amenities.

And for most of these years, “We set out to build he’s waited for an indoor some of the best collegiate practice facility. OSU is athletic facilities in the the only program in the Big country,” Weiberg said.

12 without a domed, temIf OSU wants the best, perature controlled space, and wants its plan to be ac- which affects how often his complished in an appropri- more than 120 athletes can ate time, it should open its practice and compete for own checkbook a bit. national championships.

In 2018, the OU’s “I think two-thirds of athletic department anour program is explosive nounced plans for Love’s runs and throws, and those Field, a $27 million softball athletes have nowhere to go complex. The stadium then right now,” Smith said. “We became $42 million and in have to tell them, ‘Hey, you 2021, the OU board of rejust don’t get to practice.’ gents approved the budget. And our competitors are in Although $30 million of it some nice warm facilities. was raised through dona“I feel like we’re a tions as of September, OU cycle or two behind. And was ready to spend for its that’s always been a chalsuccessful programs. lenge in recruiting.”

In April 2021, OSU When relying on softball coach Kenny Gaonly donor support, and jewski said a new stadium not beginning construction was on its way. Now, two until all of the resources are years later, there’s still no available, it could be years timeline nor known donor until any of the key perforto make it happen. So when mance areas are ready. will the Cowgirls see an Yeah, OSU doesn’t improvement? That’s what have the athletic budget

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larger schools possess, and it’s unrealistic to say OSU should financially trip itself, but announcing nine blueprints totaling a third of a billion dollars that will be mostly fundraised immediately sets expectations.

Donors are free to support any of the projects, and the ones with backing first will be the first to start.

Some will have to wait.

Most may not be ready for a decade or longer.

The announcement is the beginning of the plan, yes. But the economy can change, plans can alter, and sometimes, projects are scrapped. OSU’s done it before.

But it’s also succeeded before. If it wants the vision to be seen to its fullest one day, it should think about paying up so its teams may further compete for championships.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, March 3, 2023 Page 7B

Holliday irritated with new pitch clock rules Daniel Allen Staff Reporter Bewildered and slightly disgruntled, Bayden Root looked around for answers but was met with the nearside umpire directing the Arkansas runner toward home plate.

Pitch clock violation. This time, with the bases loaded and the count full.

OSU coach Josh Holliday exited the visitor’s dugout of Globe Life Field, baffled, yet understanding of the new rules.

Pitchers have 15 seconds to pitch with the bases empty, and 20 with runners on. A ball will be added to the count after the initial infraction.

In 2022, 13 of OSU’s 64 games were less than three hours. Through eight games this season, six have been less than that.

Holliday, a self-proclaimed baseball traditionalist, believes the urge to dissect and change a long-standing set of rules is foolish and unconventional.

“It’s not so much drastically different but at times, there’s moments where the minutia of the rules looks silly,” he said. “I think it actually creates a longer game by enforcing the penalties or violations than if the game were allowed to be played within a range than stopping it at various times and having to minister play.”

Holliday compared the recent rule changes to that of tweaking the traditional rules of basketball.

“I think that would be like raising the basket in basketball an inch or two,” Holliday said. “How would that change the game? What purpose would that serve? How would it change the rebounds, blocked shots or free throw and 3-point percentage?”

For OSU pitchers, it’s changed preparation. Sophomore Janzen Keisel notes the enhanced pace he and his teammates practice under is noticeable.

“We’ve worked on it a lot through practice, so I think we’re used to it now,” Keisel said. “But initially I could feel the change in pace. It hasn’t impacted us or any of our guys too badly yet, but we’ll see.”

Baseball is modernizing, and to sustain success in the modern era is to play within the rules. Holliday knows this, yet still disagrees.

“Regardless of the rule changes and whether or not we agree with them we have to play with them,” Holliday said. “I think the point of it is to move efficiently. But to stop and create outcomes on the brink of a second is a bit counterintuitive for me. So, we’ll see how it goes. But I hold a lot of uncertainty myself.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Carson Toulouse OSU coach Josh Holliday compared the effects of a pitch clock in baseball to that of basketball changing the height of the rim.

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