Friday, April 23, 2021
Drama king For OSU’s Kersnar, theater, education is in the blood By Anna Pope Staff Reporter Six universities lined 150,000 cardboard cows from San Francisco to the Sierra Mountains near the Nevada border, inspiring young David Kersnar to leave a legacy of collaboration and inclusion in the arts industry. Kersnar is the Head of the Theatre Department at Oklahoma State University and a writer, director, adapter, singer, designer, technician, actor and producer. In addition to his abilities, he is one of the founding members of the Tony Award Winning Lookingglass Theatre, he co-founded and directed over 40 films and plays, founded The Tree Interactive Productions, and worked with multiple theaters in directing, writing, acting in and producing art. While the pandemic continues to present challenges, OSU’s theatre department is still producing art and showing it in innovative ways. From April 22-25, See Drama on pg. 4A
File Photo In the recent trial, Derick Chauvin was found guilty two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter.
Final verdict Chauvin found guilty By Anna Pope Staff Reporter
Tee’s was originally owned by Wilburt Howard Tecumseh, but after his death on April 1, 2003, the barbershop was handed down to Tecumseh’s daughters. In 2015, they sold Tee’s to Sells. And he’s cherished it ever since. “Tee’s is a means of providing for myself and my family,” Sells said. “Haircuts, shaves and other services. Look better, feel better and get better. It’s a place for young barbers to get employed so they can better take care of themselves and their
On Tuesday, America heard the verdict on the trial of Derek Chauvin, over 300 days after George Floyd’s death. Chauvin, a former officer of the Minneapolis Police Department, was convicted of unintentional seconddegree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter over the death of Floyd by kneeling on his neck for over nine minutes. This event caused reactions to erupt from people everywhere. While some of these organizations who have released statements are on a national level, others are local. Showing that this trial not only had an impact on those in Minneapolis but on people far and wide. Oklahoma State University’s NAACP President Brenden Determann said while he has a sense of relief on this overdue result, when watching the trial he was somewhat scared of the outcome. “I had a rush of anxiety the entire way through,” Determann said. For Determan, the trial was important because it’s eye-opening when it comes to the law enforcement policies in place, and can serve as a steppingstone in holding law enforcement accountable. Even though Determann would like to see change, he feels this is more of a step in the right direction. “Change is inevitable but never imminent,” Determann said. “This will take a collective effort from all parties from both sides as these are lives that are being taken away from us right in front of our eyes. I am hopeful for the future that we as leaders will continue to set the pace and never let it dwindle prior to what it has become. OSU President Burns Hargis released a statement on the historic verdict saying this event calls for a time of “introspection and recognition” of the pain marginalized members of the community and nation. Saying OSU values diversity, inclusion and equity. “I urge the entire Cowboy community to embrace each other in unity and join our nation in its journey of healing – recognizing that much work remains to be done,” Hargis said.
See Balancing on pg. 3A
See Final on pg. 3A
Joshua Cleary David Kersnar puts his mind to anything and everything, and now he’s helped provide his program with a brand new, state of the art facility.
Greenwood’s barber Willie Sells is grateful for Tee’s barbershop
sixth in a series “Greenwood Here and Now’ is a project by The O’Colly Media Group that highlights the tragedy and triumph of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, 100 years after the Tulsa race massacre.” Kelly Kerr Willie Sells has spent many years of his life in Greenwood and still cuts hair at Tee’s barbershop.
Sudeep Tumma Sports Editor When Willie Sells was a 20-year-old kid, he would sneak down to the Bonneville Club on 120 N. Greenwood Ave. Now, almost 60 years later, that same building he used to slither into is home to his own business: Tee’s Barber shop.
“I remember coming in here, and they danced up in this area,” Sells said. “In the back — and I wasn’t supposed to go in the back because I was 20, 21 — they’d gamble in the back. The old men told me, ‘Don’t go to deep Greenwood. Somebody will kill you. I was told you were down there the other night.’ “They said, ‘What you doing?’ I said, ‘I’m dancing, looking around.’ They said, ‘You dance somewhere else.’” Sells was warned to stay away all those years ago, but that never wavered his spirit. He remains on Greenwood to this day.
Page 2A Friday, April 23, 2021
page 2
Annemarie Chaney
Editorial board
Reporters/photographers
Editor-in-chief Ryan Novozinsky editorinchief@ocolly.com
Photo editor Joshua Cleary photo.ed@ocolly.com
News editor Maddison Farris news.ed@ocolly.com
Digital editor Adam Engel digital@ocolly.com
Lifestyle editor Sheyenne Mitchell-Brown entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
Sports editor Sudeep Tumma sports.ed@ocolly.com
Design editor Anna Tucker design.ed@ocolly.com
Adviser John Helsley john.helsley@okstate.edu
Newsroom 108 Paul Miller Stillwater, OK 74078 (405)-744-6365
Sports reporters: Chris Becker Jared A‘Latorre Kylie Austin Ryan Breeden Alex Callaway Adam Engel Jospeh Fazio Ben Hutchens Sam Hutchens Gavin Pendergraff Dean Ruhl Molly Smith Jacob Sturm Marcus Trevino
Lifestyle writers: Maleeha Hameed Jonathan Harrington Amelia Jáuregui Ellen Slater Christopher Sneed
Photographers: Joshua Cleary Zachary Hunter Bryan Pizana Alicia Young
Designers: Annemarie Chaney Kayla Ballero Christian Van Curen Emily Weed
News reporters: Addie Duling Claire Hosterman Amelia Jáuregui Anna Pope Jared A‘Latorre Ellen Slater Robert Owens
News Final... Continued from pg. 1A
Willie Sells relishes in his work after cutting a young man’s hair.
Kelly Kerr
Balancing... Continued from pg. 1A family. In the future, we’ll open up this barbershop and expand.” After graduating from Tyler Barber College in 1963, Sells moved to Tulsa. And in 1985, he got a job at Tee’s, formerly known as Mim’s Barbershop. Although the name and location have flip-flopped a few times, Sells has been in Greenwood for 36 years. But he actually didn’t grow up in Tulsa. Sells is from Tullahassee, Oklahoma, which is considered one of the oldest all-Black towns in the state. When Sells arrived in Tulsa, he had to take care of four kids, so he picked up two jobs: aircraft worker/inspector and barber. A wife of 49 years, four kids, 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and 57 years later, he still continues to keep snipping hair. “This barbershop means the world to me,” Sells said. news.ed@ocolly.com
“The Cowboy family must remain committed to pursuing positive change and standing against racism in our society.” While the trial has made an impact in Stillwater, it also has prompted national organizations to respond. The Fraternal Order of Police, an organization consisting of 356,000 sworn officers in more 2,100 lodges,released a statement saying the justice system proceeded as it should. Saying the trial was “fair and due process was served.” In the statement it also says the First Amendment freedoms are sacred and urges people to see law enforcement officers as people who are there to protect. Finishing up the statements the organization said for people to be safe and make good decisions when exercising their rights. news.ed@ocolly.com
Willie Sells lounges back to reflect on his time in Greenwood.
Kelly Kerr
File photo A Stillwater resident is wearing a ‘Justice for George Floyd’ shirt.
Page 4A Friday, April 23, 2021
News Drama... Continued from pg. 1A “The Theory of Relativity,” directed by Devon Hunt, is showing live outside on the McKnight Center Plaza. Featuring non-linear stories of college age people, this musical focuses on the mystery of human connection. Kersnar grew up in San Francisco in a family of artists and educators. His family’s passion for the arts and education fostered his interest in theater during his childhood. A selfproclaimed “opera boy,” young Kersnar joined the San Francisco Boys Chorus, where his love of shows displaying great spectacles began. However, he moved into theater and stopped performing opera because his voice changed, yet, he still has a love for it. Kersnar attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., where his ambition and passion for performance art grew from other inspiring students. “I went to school with really crazy, driven, talented, inspiring folks,” Kersnar said. “I had to achieve just to stay at zero with everybody else.” By being around such talented people, Kersnar said this created a healthy sense of competition and high expectations. Later on, Kersnar and a handful of these inspiring students, including David Schwimmer and Mary Zimmerman, started what would become a legacy in the theater community. The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago was founded on the ideas of creating the most physical, visual visceral artistic events through collaborative process instead of focusing on an individual. At the time, none of the founding members knew what they created in the Lookingglass Theatre. However, Kersnar said he knew they hit on something when after a long day of work, some people in the ensemble were complaining because they were exhausted. Then Bruce Norris, who would go on to win a Pulitzer Prize, pointed out what the company achieved and how they have done what they went to school to do. “I remember that moment like, ‘Yeah, like we are doing it,’” Kersnar said. “You just never know when that moment will happen. I kind-of feel like I peaked too soon.” Kersnar said the Lookingglass Theatre helped him solidify what he wanted his life in the arts industry to resemble. He said the theater is grounded in integrity, loyalty and realness to reach excellence, which is what he tries to impart in his work. Through the collaborative experience at the theater, Kersnar said he instilled a sense of inclusivity and consideration in himself, intentionally transferring that mindset over to his work, fulfilling the needs of the play without causing harm in the actor. Kersnar said some artists before and after him were trained from a negative perspective. Where there is only one way to create art, requiring everyone to fit into a mold, usually held by an outstanding figure. This, in addition to harsh criticism and brutal hours, can result in abuse in the name of art. “It’s really shocking what all we put up with and revered,” Kersnar said. “We are moving from this idea of programs based off of elitism to excellence.” Personal experiences combined with the experiences at the Lookingglass Theatre, Kersnar said he creates and directs using a positive approach. This requires him to be prepared before approaching a new project, understanding what he wants his art to say and listening to the people he is directing. The theater continues to experience a shift into what the new theater is. Kersnar said this is not only about allowing more voices to be heard, but also practicing new considerate
teaching styles. Kersnar said the new theater reflects the change in theater culture, addressing and removing cultural appropriation and ushering more stories to be told. That is a commonality in his work and an interest. Kersnar said this conscious inclusion is fascinated by uncommon or untold stories and
“My goal is to become obsolete,” Kersnar said. Even though Kersnar is the head of the department he tries to instill an upbeat environment. Oklahoma State’s director of acting, Jenny Lamb, sees his efforts to accomplish this and said she is grateful for his leadership. Lamb said having to adapt to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Joshua Cleary David Kersnar readily anticipates his theatre department’s upcoming transition into the McKnight Center.
empowering those to tell their stories. “It gets more people to the table so the theater could do what it’s supposed to do which is mirror the world,” Kersnar said. “Or at least, that’s what Aristotle said.” To have accurate representation resulting in astounding, inclusive and inventive art, Kersnar said it begins in education. Creating a lab for testing the boundaries in theater, in an actor’s personal performance or the theater as a whole’s relationship with technology, is why he is in education. Also, because of his family’s background, it is in his blood. While Kersnar is the head of the department, he is still learning and holds ambition because his job requires him to reach his goals. Which is growing the theatre department, because it is what he was hired to do even when he is no longer useful.
was difficult. However, Kersnar came up with ideas to lead the department and the performances produced to meet health guidelines. “He has a great creative mind and always possibilities, never sees the positive, never the negative,” Lamb said. “He just sees opportunities.” Lamb is a witness to this in and out of the classroom because not only is she a colleague and a collaborator, she is also Kersnar’s wife. Lamb said working with Kersnar, even when the situation is not ideal, is a unique journey where she learns and grows from him as a person and an artist. She also said working together is a great experience because his aspects of listening to the best idea in the room, making space for different points of view and being a selfless person are characteristics he brings to their relationship as well. Working together can be difficult because they are both passionate about work and are
David Kersnar has played a key role in the development of the OSU theatre program.
tempted to bring their work home. However, Lamb said they end up benefiting from one another’s viewpoints on different topics and both encourage each other, which has been essential while teaching virtually. “He has taught me to believe in myself,” Lamb said. “He gets to see the outside of everything that I do and he reflects that back to me.” Kersnar’s encouraging personality impacts students as well. Nicholas Sumpter is a junior theater major at Oklahoma State who worked with Kersnar during the theater department’s radio play “War of the Worlds.” Despite Kersnar’s welcoming and comforting manner, Sumpter was a little nervous. This year is the first year since Sumpter changed his major to theater and the first time he worked with the department head on a production. While he was uneasy in the beginning Sumpter said Kersnar expanded his acting ability and brought out emotion he could not tap into himself. Sumpter said in rehearsal he had a moment of anxiety and Kersnar comforted him but told him to remember this moment. When it came time to record “War of the Worlds,” Kersnar told Sumpter to recall his anxiety and then deliver the monologue. “This was probably one of the most amazing moments I have ever had as an actor,” Sumpter said. “The amount of growth just in that one little scene, I think what he was able to help me achieve was incredible.” Kersnar’s impact on students is not just evident in productions or as a director, but in everyday life as well. Annie Armstrong, a senior theater major at Oklahoma State, says working with Kersnar and Lamb have brought a breath of fresh air to the department. Armstrong said his attitude and actions of support, inclusion and acceptance is inspiring. She said he continues to leave an impression by equipping her to go and seize every opportunity. “He has taught me to not be afraid to go out there and go do something,” Armstrong said. “They prepare for what happens out there.” In addition to Kersnar’s guidance, Armstrong said she particularly likes how he makes himself available and approachable to all students while being the department head. She also enjoys how he lightens the mood with jokes, surprising his wife, or even his sense of style. “He has brought in a lot of spunk to the department,” Armstrong said. “In general, he’s a funny person and is a big 69er’s fan. He’ll show up with a full 49er’s outfit from head to toe, like a beanie and everything. He has very sick style choices.” news.ed@ocolly.com
Joshua Cleary
Lifestyle
Discovering something greater The impact of Greek Discovery Day By Amelia Jauregui Staff Reporter Oklahoma State University prides itself on being one of the largest and most involved Greek systems in the U.S. That pride has been extended to high school students for two weekends of Greek Discovery. Greek Discovery Day allows juniors and seniors in high school to learn about the fraternities and sororities offered at OSU, and share their reasons why students should look into Greek life and how it’s been beneficial to them. With over 5,000 students involved in Greek life- making that over a fourth of all undergraduates- fraternities and sororities are a popular place to find community and make life-long friendships. Harrison Themer, a member of Farmhouse Fraternity, GDD is an opportunity to experience firsthand what the Greek community has to offer and what the people involved are truly like. “Getting a chance to witness that first hand and see what houses are a good fit for you is something I would absolutely recommend to high school students,” Themer said. Themer has seen the impact Greek life has had on the lives of himself, his family and friends, so being an active part of why a student may go Greek is something that he just had to be a part of. “I am an assistant recruit-
Greek Discovery Day is a great time for high schoolers to discover Greek life.
ment chair for Farmhouse, so this weekend I went and ran the table for my fraternity,” Themer said. “The tabling event allowed groups of about a hundred high
File Photo
school students to rotate between the different fraternities and see what each house valued and stood for, what their philanthropies were, and really just getting to know the different houses.”
Sammie Smith, a freshman member of Chi Omega Sorority, is most excited about getting to be a part of the representation of her house and helping interested high school students get specific questions answered. “My role is to talk to potential new members and just answer any questions they may have about anything related to Greek life in general,” Smith said. “I get to help out with this second weekend of Greek Discovery Day and I couldn’t be more excited to be helping, especially after hearing how well the first weekend went.” Makinley Kennedy, a freshman in Chi Omega Sorority, wants everyone to feel welcomed and excited to be a part of the cowboy family. “The biggest takeaway I want everyone to have is that the Greek community is one that really wants people to succeed in whatever they do,” Kennedy said. “We want to show love to them, however, we don’t want to force them into a Greek house either.” OSU has something for everyone, and Greek life is just a part of all the options on campus. However, Greek Discovery Day is a great place to look into if involvement is important to you. “Oklahoma State as a whole, whether you are in the Greek community or not, is a great place to grow and thrive,” Kennedy said. “But at the end of the day, I just want everyone to really, really love this university.” entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
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The Daily O’Collegian
STILLWATER’S FASHION AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
BLACK CULTURE’S iNFLUENCE ON POP CULTURE
by: Journei Green
It is well past time to give credit where credit is due.
When approaching this discussion, we have to acknowledge the violence perpetrated by pop culture against Black Americans. Aspects of Black culture have influenced pop culture for the past 100 years, ranging from vernacular, to fashion, beauty, music, art, and beyond, however credit for this influence is rarely given to the African American community. This is a result of the historical disregard and the notion of cultural inferiority that society has bestowed onto Black Americans and their culture. This is largely seen in music. From their beginnings, the hip hop and R&B genres have had a large influence on society by determining what is “in” and what is “out”. But despite this, society often villainizes artists that make up these genres. This is evident in how non-Black Americans view Black culture as purely entertainment but not deserving of respect.
All minority cultures are thought of as sacred, except African American culture. Why is this? Black culture has always been accessible to people, so nonBlack people have never felt the need to make an effort in amplifying their voices or respecting their culture. For nearly 400 years, Black culture has been available without the proper consent and now that there is sudden backlash, Black people are being racially gaslighted into submission. In fashion, many aspects of Black fashion are viewed as ghetto or ratchet when seen worn or created by Black Americans. However on the other end of the spectrum, when appropriated by non-Black individuals, it is seen as revolutionary and couture. An example of this is Marc Jacobs SS17 fashion show. In this show, the majority of his models were styled in dreadlocks. Instead of taking accountability for his action s when called out for this, he responded with pictures of Beyonce’s blonde hair and accused her of cultural appropriation as well. In reality, this statement is rooted in ignorance and couldn’t be further from the truth. Blonde hair is a genetic trait, while dreadlocks are a protective hair style used to maintain natural hair. This situation can also be compared to Andrew Johnson, a Black Philadelphia teen who was forced to cut his locs on the spot in order to compete in a wrestling match. These examples illustrate the stark differences in society. Black Americans cannot partake in their own culture without systemic scrutiny.
Another example is language. Over the past couple of years, African American vernacular, also known as AAVE or Ebonics, has been at the forefront of many pop culture jokes perpetrated by non-Black individuals. AAVE is a form of communication created by enslaved Black Americans as a result of not being allowed to read or write at the time. This is now bastardized by non-Black people, thus inciting minstrel undertones. When thinking about said jokes, we have to understand on pop culture
deserves to be
respected and seen as sacred just as every other culture. It seems as though society has a hard time accepting this because Black people and their culture are often treated as primitive and undeserving of celebration. They are constantly being creatively exploited by nonblack people. This illustrates just how much Black America has impacted society as a whole, yet is still shamelessly disrespected. I do not have all the answers, but I do believe that to be taken seriously by society, Black Americans as a collective should turn to gatekeeping to preserve their culture. This will create a foundation that allows Black people to protect their culture and keep it sacred. The long and short of it is that African American creativity has been the backbone of pop culture for a long time now and has yet to receive its celebration and recognition. Instead, nonBlack people are praised for their appropriation of art, music, fashion, and other cultural aspects. It is well past time to grant the Black community with the respect, celebration, and gratitude that it deserves.
mod muze mag.com
that the root of the joke is in the actual vernacular, therefore mocking the accents and language of Black Americans.
Page 2 Friday, April 23, 2021
The Daily O’Collegian
by: Calli Cooper
Eat Fruit
is not
everything
Let Them Eat Fruit was inspired by the famous quote “Let them eat cake,” attributed to Marie Antoinette. I wanted to take the extravagance and opulence of this statement and period and turn it into a more raw form of the same concept. Fruit is beauty in its most natural form, created since the very beginning of time. Contradicting the original inspiration, this editorial showcases a sense of pureness and natural beauty. This allows us to truly appreciate and take in the colors, textures, and expression of the environment.
as it seems
“Everything is Not What it Seems” looks to surrealism for inspiration and challenges the ordinary. Playing with unconventional elements, this concept brings a sense of fun with its cheeky, ironic, and somewhat kitschy aesthetic that serves as a reminder not to take life too seriously.
mod
mag.com
Stylist: Kendall Minaldi
Page 8A Friday, April 23, 2021
News Community strength, business growth Mayor sees improvement in local economy By Dru Norton Staff Reporter One year ago, when COVID-19 held the United States in a death grip, OSU students retreated to their families and isolated at home, fearing what might come next. But now, with the pandemic seemingly on the wane, Joyce is eyeing a brighter outlook for the city’s residents and OSU students. “I’m hopeful we will come out of the pandemic stronger as a community and ready for some growth to happen,” Joyce told the O’Colly when talking about his past year on the job. Last year, Oklahoma unemployment rose to a record 13.7%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. OSU had closed its campus and some businesses across the country and in Stillwater were ordered closed. Few students could get summer jobs or internships, and no one knew if classes would resume in the fall. Since then, a combination of federal stimulus spending, OSU staying open, businesses figuring out ways to survive, and a slow comeback for service industries like restaurants has led to unemployment of 4.2% in Oklahoma, the Bureau of Labor reported earlier this month. But getting those numbers down hasn’t been easy. “It’s been a really tough balancing act to try to figure out how we not only protect the life and health of our community, but also the liability of our hospitals and the need for economic activity,” Joyce said. Joyce, an attorney, was quick to point out that being the Stillwater mayor is a voluntary position with little involvement in the dayto-day running of the city, which is left to people such as City Manager Norman McNickle or Assistant City Manager Paula Dennison.
File Photo
Will Joyce has seen a growth in business after some setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One year before the pandemic began, Joyce said he came across a book about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, “The Great Influenza” by John Barry. Out of his own curiosity, he read it and thought that something like that could happen in Stillwater but he pushed it to the back of his mind. “I didn’t really believe that was going to be the case here until we got much farther into the pandemic,” Joyce said. “My initial reaction was I hoped it would be minor and short-lived here. Maybe we would be able to sort of escape the bigger consequences of the pandemic. I was wrong.” Under the mayor’s leadership, Stillwater was one of the first cities in Oklahoma to impose a mask mandate requiring all people age 11 and over to wear a face-covering in indoor public spaces. The Stillwater mask mandate went into effect on July 11, 2020, and remains in place today. Along with the risk of increasing COVID-19 cases, maintaining access to education played a big role into the decision to maintain the mask mandate, Joyce said. “We are also concerned about
making sure OSU and Stillwater public schools are able to get their year closed out. We don’t want to see a spike of cases here at the end, and cause anything to disrupt the semester from finishing strong,” Joyce said. Positive COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma are declining, showing no new cases in Payne county in the past week, according to a running tally tabulated by The New York Times. One key way to do so is to ensure everyone in the Stillwater community has the opportunity to get vaccinated. “The vaccine is the best, most helpful tool to shorten the pandemic and mitigate its effects, and to be able to keep our hospitals able to function to save people’s lives. It’s a triumph of modern medical science that is available to us,” Joyce said, who has been fully vaccinated. “I’m hoping everyone in our community takes a hard look at whether they feel that they should get it, and I hope that they will.” In Payne county, 22.37% of the population has been fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. OSU students, faculty and staff
are able to get the vaccine through University Health Services and can schedule online at www.uhs. okstate.edu.Any Stillwater resident 16 or older can receive the vaccine by scheduling an appointment with the Oklahoma State Department of Health at www.vaccinate.oklahoma. gov. As the end of Stillwater’s mask mandate on May 25 approaches, many residents will start to take their masks off, and more restaurants and businesses will come back to life. However, OSU has not yet announced whether it will require masks on campus in the fall. And as the pandemic seems to be on the decline, Joyce is turning his attention to issues such as economic development and job creation that are returning to the top of the list of city priorities. “Before the pandemic hit, we had some really exciting plans for more restaurants and entertainment venues. From a quality-of-life perspective, there will be more opportunities for people to enjoy their time here in Stillwater,” Joyce said. news.ed@ocolly.com
Friday, April 23, 2021
Big, bad beard
‘It’s going to be fun’ Brown excited for running back core
Standlee’s beard dominating mound in 2021
Chris Becker, Sports Editor When it’s on the baseball field, it’s a scary attribute to a pitcher’s face, but like most things, that changes in front of family members. Brett Standlee’s long red beard is no different. When he stands on the mound, it adds to his big physique, but during the Christmas season when he goes back home, it acts as a Christmas tree. Standlee’s aunt, Debbie, decorates his beard with green, red and gold ornaments, some of which even light up. “That was actually a surprise,” Standlee said. “It’s became an every year thing, where I show up to family holidays and they have something I have to put in my beard and kind of decorate it. It’s definitely something that puts a smile on everybody’s face, so it’s a good time.” Coach Josh Holliday said Standlee, an Oklahoma State closer, is always the
first to cheer on his teammates, and his personality brightens up the room — quite literally during Christmas. “(The beard) is fun, it’s part of his personality. He’s creative, and he’s a pretty joyful guy, he always brightens up the room,” Holliday said. “He’s totally invested in his team, and as a result, he competes at a level that is very hard to describe. He’s competing like a champion now.” Standlee’s game speaks for itself, as he has placed himself in the conversation of the top closers in baseball. In his 18 innings this season, Standlee has allowed just four earned runs on 15 hits and recorded 30 strikeouts. His 2.00 ERA ranks second on the team. In his 17 appearances, he has a 3-1 record and has recorded three saves. Opposing batters are hitting .221 against him. All of that has led to Standlee being ranked as the No. 28 pitcher in the top 100 2021 MLB draft eligible pitchers. “He’s one of our best guys out of the bullpen, and definitely one of the best closers in college baseball right now,” starting pitcher Justin Campbell said. See beard on pg. 5b
Dean Ruhl, Staff Reporter
Bruce Waterfield Brett Standlee is known for his overpowering pitches, but his beard makes him a fan favorite.
Shake and sugar. Offensive lineman Josh Sills said the Oklahoma State backfield has depth to it, and each running back has their own uniqueness. Or as he calls it, shake and sugar. “That is just, in my opinion, the most impressive running back room in the country,” Sills said. “They’re all really quick.” Chuba Hubbard departed for the NFL Draft this offseason, but LD Brown returned for his sixth season. Late season standouts Dezmon Jackson, who rushed for 235 yards and three touchdowns against Texas Tech, and Dominic Richardson, who rushed for 169 yards and three touchdowns against Baylor, also returned. See fun on pg. 3b
Balancing act Wolfberg juggling tennis with aspirations of being a doctor
Adam Engel, Digital Editor
Bruce Waterfield Alana Wolfberg has climbed the ranks of junior tennis to succeed at Oklahoma State.
Alana Wolfberg bounces the ball three times and serves. It’s 7 a.m. and the only sound audible at the Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center in Stillwater is the screeching of shoes and a racket smashing a tennis ball. Most Oklahoma State University students are likely
asleep at this time. But not Wolfberg, the No. 3 singles player for the Cowgirls. To fit her busy schedule of 14 credit hours — all science courses and a Division I athlete this is her routine. After practice, she’ll go to five hours worth of lab — physiology and ecology. Then, she’ll spend the rest of the day studying. The Cowgirls ended the regular season with four straight wins in a season that started with high expectations and excitement. But with a young roster that features no more than two years of individual college tennis experience, they felt the effects of a tough conference.
Wolfberg and the Cowgirls, however, are hot at the right time.With four straight wins, OSU battles Oklahoma at 3 p.m. Friday in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals in Waco. Wolfberg’s introduction to tennis didn’t involve a racket. Instead, plenty of screaming and laughing. Alana’s father, Jeff Wolfberg, would take his young daughter to the courts for playtime. The two would paint funny pictures on tennis balls and chuck them over the fence. Simple father, daughter bonding. For Alana, it was playtime. The fact that she found herself on the court wasn’t a coincidence. See Act on pg. 2b
Page 2B Friday, April 23, 2021
sports Act... “As a player, I always hoped that my kids would gravitate to a sport that I enjoyed,” Jeff said. “I’m certainly responsible for introducing her to the game.” Jeff pursued his tennis dreams in college and beyond. He played collegiately at Wilkes University, a small private school in WilkesBarre, Pennsylvania, before moving to Florida where he competed in many qualifier-type tournaments. After spending two decades as vice president of Tooter’s Promotions, a promotional drinkware and liquor company. In 2006, he opened East Orange Tennis Academy in the Wolfbergs’ hometown of Orlando. As years passed, Alana’s tennis abilities accumulated. She quickly became one of the top junior players in the country. In Orlando, she was able to play against world class competition without having to travel much. She was the No. 1 junior player in the country. Her four state titles in high school beat tennis great Chris Evert’s three titles. “I have no doubt in my daughter’s ability,” Jeff said. “She was No. 1 in the nation in United States Tennis Association having beaten everyone from Coco Gauff to Caty McNally and Hailey Baptiste.” College coaches quickly flocked to Orlando. Schools such as North Carolina, UCLA and Florida wanted to make Wolfberg their next star. Each coach exchanged pleasantries with Jeff and Alana. But there was one genuine constant. OSU coach Chris Young. Young took three separate visits to Orlando to watch Alana compete in her high school matches. That dedication didn’t go unnoticed. “Chris is just a good guy that recognizes good talent,” Jeff said. “So, when Alana said to me, ‘I think I owe him a visit,’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, I think I you do.’” Even then, Alana didn’t have to visit Stillwater. She didn’t have to attend college. She could have gone pro. Alana, however, had a different plan. She recalled writing a paper in elementary school on her future career. She didn’t want to be a pro tennis player. Instead, an oncologist. “I lost both of my grandparents
OSU Athletics Alana Wolfberg has climbed the ranks of junior tennis to succeed at Oklahoma State. the Greenwood Tennis Center. on my dad’s side before I could meet them,” Alana said. “Ever since I was little, I wanted to find the cure for cancer.” A high school valedictorian, Alana values academics and leadership as much as tennis. With the intention of using tennis as a launch pad for oncology, Alana signed on the dotted line in 2018 and was Stillwater bound. Jeff’s time as Alana’s coach was finished. In 2020, Young and assistant coach Jaime SanchezCańamares took over. A few parents may be upset if their child with pro talent moves across the country to take a different route. But not Jeff. He’s in awe of his daughter’s academic skill. During the recruiting process and even now during her sophomore year, Alana never lost sight of her long-term plan. She plans on attending medical school. For anyone, majoring in biology can be a rigorous endeavor. Add that to the physically taxing toll of a Division I athlete and the task multiplies in difficulty. Young and Alana made it work. The individual nature of tennis and Young’s flexibility made it work. Each player on
Young’s roster has varying individual practice times. Young said he only holds team practice a few times a week. “It’s a balancing act,” Young said. “Routine is really important. It’s a little different from a team sport like football where you’re focusing on 100 guys. You can’t individualize anything. We have a little bit more flexibility.” During an OSU match, the “Cowgirl family” is evident. Nine girls from all over the world are bonding as best friends in Stillwater. Alana is the only scholarship American on the roster. She never met a person from Kazakhstan until she moved to Stillwater and met teammate Dariya Detkovskaya. Naturally, Alana is a leader. Whenever the girls need help with English, the sophomore is there to help. That’s what makes Alana different. There are some girls as talented as Alana but perhaps, not as bold. “There are so many different cultures and traditions that I’m learning every single day,” she said. “At first, a bunch of the schools I was looking at were all Americans, and I thought that would be the way I
would go. It was boring. It’s so fun here.” Despite close friendship, the language barrier within the roster can cause difficulty and a lot of laughs. Alana remembers the first time Detkovskaya made dinner for the team. Detkovskaya was excited to share her favorite dish from home — Almaty, Kazakhstan, the country’s capital. “She was going to make chicken p,” Alana said. “I was like, ‘What the heck is chicken p? What is she talking about?’” Turns out, when Detkovskaya served up the dish, chicken pie was on the girls’ plates. “She didn’t know the word was ‘pie,’” Alana said. “We were trying to figure out ,and she finally used Google Translate and I told her it was ‘pie’ and how stupid the English language is. That was a great memory.” No matter where Alana may end up 10 years from now, she’ll always have her OSU family. “I knew it (OSU) wouldn’t be easy,” she said. “Nothing worthwhile is ever easy.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
sports Fun... Continued from pg. 1A Jaylen Warren, a senior transfer from Utah State this offseason. Brown said Warren has fit well with OSU’s team chemistry. “It was just like he had been here (since) day one,” Brown said. “He’s Samoan, and those guys are pretty easy guys to get along with. It’s easy to get along with him.” Brown said the four running backs are experienced and confident in making plays. “We’ve all got each other’s back so it’s fun,” Brown said. “We’ve got depth and we know we can count on each other so we’re looking forward to it.” With the crowded backfield, OSU has been creative. Brown said he has been working out of the slot this spring and enjoys it. He said wide receivers Brennan Presley and Braydon Johnson have helped him with his footwork. The Cowboys have developed a personnel group with two running backs on the field. One is in the backfield, the other in the slot. Brown said he wants his durability to get better. He said having four running backs makes that easy. “That takes a lot of pressure off,” Brown said. “Knowing you don’t have to be a workhorse, 25 to 30
carries. Just knowing that a guy that’s coming back in, that you’re not really losing too much when you come off the field.” Brown missed three games last season with an undisclosed injury. Because of this, he said staying healthy is his No. 1 priority. He said he wants to show what he is capable of doing. “That’s the most violent position to play at our level in my opinion,” coach Mike Gundy said. “So this gives a little depth and it should allow them to stay healthier longer throughout the season.” Gundy said LD Brown has leadership needed on the team. He said Brown has played in big games and national TV and understands what it takes to be successful. “There’s no substitute for experience, there’s no substitute for toughness and there’s no substitute for leadership,” Gundy said. “We can’t coach that. In order for us to instill discipline, toughness and leadership it takes time. It takes years.” Brown said this season, he just wants to stay healthy. “Showing I can do that all year that’s the goal, that’s the next step. Staying healthy and making plays and helping my team win. sports.ed@ocolly.com
LD Brown is part of a loaded 2021 running back room at OSU.
OSU Athletics
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Spring game roster
OSU Athletics Spencer Sanders is looking to break out after a good spring.
0 2 3 4 4 5 6 11 12 12 14 14 15 18 18 20 20 25 26 27 29 29 30 31 32 36 40 44 46 47 48 49 51 51 53 54 56 56 59 60 68 69 70 75 77 80 81 87 89 90 92 93 98 99
LD RB 0 Brown LD Brown Tanner McCalister 2 Tanner McCalister S Spencer Sanders QB 3 Spencer Sanders Korie BlackKorie Black CB 4 Tay 4 Martin Tay MartinWR WR Zach Middleton RB 5 Zach Middleton Jabbar Muhammad 6 Jabbar Muhammad CB Lamont Bishop LB 11 Lamont Bishop Kanion Williams S 12 Kanion Williams Gannon Gundy QB 12 Gannon Gundy Nick Session S 14 Nick Session Peyton Thompson 14 Peyton Thompson QB Jonathan Shepherd 15 Jonathan Shepherd WR Sean Michael Flanagan S 18 Sean Michael Flanagan Blaine Green WR 18 Blaine Green Dominic Richardson RB 20 Dominic Richardson RB Malcom Rodrigues 20 Malcom Rodrigues LB Jason II Taylor II S 25 TaylorJason Jordan Reagem CB 26 Jordan Reagem Anthony Jimmerson 27 Anthony Jimmerson CB Tom (on both teams) 29 HuttonTom Hutton (on both P teams) Cole Stanley CB 29 Cole Stanley Gabe Simpson WR 30 Gabe Simpson Kolby-Harvell-Peel S 31 Kolby-Harvell-Peel Clayton Barbour WR 32 Clayton Barbour Vance Hooper WR 36 Vance Hooper Colby Blatnik CW 40 Colby Blatnik Kamyrn Farrar LB 44 Kamyrn Farrar Nikolas Martin LB 46 Nikolas Martin Jake Schultz DE 47 Jake Schultz Adam Martin LB 48 Adam Martin Aeneas Favors LB 49 Aeneas Favors Danny Godlevske OL 51 Danny Godlevske Bo Hardy LB 51 Bo Hardy Matt Hembrough LS 53 Matt Hembrough Silas Barr OL 54 Silas Barr Jake Henry OL 56 Jake Henry Xavier Ross DT 56 Xavier Ross Brady Pohl K 59 Brady Pohl Tyrese Williams OL 60 Tyrese Williams Taylor Miterko OL 68 Taylor Miterko Ian Marshall DT 69 Ian Marshall Hunter Woodward OL 70 Hunter Woodward Eli Russ OL 75 Eli Russ Hunter Anthony Ol 77 Hunter Anthony WR Brennan Presley 80 Brennan Presley CJ Tate WR 81 CJ Tate Logan Carter CW 87 Logan Carter Tyler Lacy DE 89 Tyler Lacy Braden Cassity CW 90 Braden Cassity Nathan Latu DE 92 Nathan Latu Collin Clay DT 93 Collin Clay Brendon Evers DT 98 Brendon Evers Sione Asi DT 99 Sione Asi
RB S QB CB RB CB LB S QB S QB WR S WR LB S CB CB P CB WR S WR WR CW LB LB DE LB LB OL LB LS OL OL DT K OL OL DT OL OL Ol WR WR CW DE CW DE DT DT DT
OSU Athletics Shane Illingworth is looking to take another step forward in his sophomore season.
0 3 6 8 9 10 13 15 16 16 17 17 19 19 22 22 23 24 25 27 29 32 35 36 37 37 38 39 40 41 42 45 48 49 52 53 54 57 61 62 66 67 71 71 72 74 82 83 85 86 88 91 94 95 96
Christian Holmes 0 Christian Holmes CB Tre S 3 Sterling Tre Sterling Ethan QB 6 Bullock Ethan Bullock Braydon Johnson 8 Braydon Johnson WR Matt WR 9 Polk Matt Polk Rashod Owens WR 10 Rashod Owens Thomas Harper S 13 Thomas Harper Ty S 15Williams Ty Williams Devin LB 16 HarperDevin Harper Shane 16 Illingworth Shane Illingworth QB Lyrik S 17 Rawls Lyrik Rawls John 17 Paul Richardson John PaulWR Richardson WR Bryson Green WR 19 Bryson Green Alex K 19 Hale Alex Hale Demarco Jones CB 22 Demarco Jones Jaylen RB 22 Warren Jaylen Warren Gabe S 23 Lemons Gabe Lemons Jarrick CB 24 Bernard-Converse Jarrick Bernard-Converse Andre 25 Washington Andre Washington RB Dezmon Jackson RB 27 Dezmon Jackson Tom (on both team) 29 Hutton Tom Hutton (on both Pteam) DeSean Buckner CB 32 DeSean Buckner Samuela Tuihalamaka DT 35 Samuela Tuihalamaka Na'Drian Dizadare LB 36 Na'Drian Dizadare Cale Cabbiness WR 37 Cale Cabbiness Isreal Isuman-Hundley DE 37 Isreal Isuman-Hundley Mason Cobb LB 38 Mason Cobb Trey Rucker S 39 Trey Rucker Brock Martin DE 40 Brock Martin Constantino Borrelli LB 41 Constantino Borrelli Jayden Jernigan LB 42 Jayden Jernigan Je Roberson LB 45 Je Roberson Price Daube cw 48 Price Daube Mason Shipley K 49 Mason Shipley Ben Kopenski DE 52 Ben Kopenski Tyler Berryhill LB 53 Tyler Berryhill Marcus Duckworth DT 54 Marcus Duckworth Ryan Baker DE 57 Ryan Baker Jake Spring eld OL 61 Jake Spring eld Cade Bennett OL 62 Cade Bennett Joe Michalski OL 66 Joe Michalski Cole Birmingham OL 67 Cole Birmingham Monroe Mills OL 71 Monroe Mills Zeke Zaragoza LS 71 Zeke Zaragoza OL Josh Sills 72 Josh Sills Preston Wilson OL 74 Preston Wilson Quinton Stewart cw 82 Quinton Stewart Gordie Geymuller LB 83 Bray Gordie Geymuller Jaden WR 85 Jaden Bray WR Cale Fulsom WR 86 Cale Fulsom Langston Anderson WR 88 Irby Langston Anderson DE Tyren 91 Ford Tyren IrbyDE Trace 94 Antwine Trace Ford DE Israel DT 95 Israel Antwine Kody Walterscheid DE 96 Kody Walterscheid
CB S QB WR WR WR S S LB QB S WR K CB RB S CB RB RB P CB DT LB WR DE LB S DE LB LB LB cw K DE LB DT DE OL OL OL OL OL LS OL OL cw LB WR WR DE DT DE
Page 4B Friday, April 23, 2021
sports Offensive linemen in the NFL during the Mike Gundy era 2018 Brad Lundblade – Undrafted – Seattle Seahawks 2017 Victor Salako – Undrafted – Signed Agent
Teven Jenkins is projected to be a first round pick in the 2021 NFL draft next week.
OSU Athletics
‘Tough, physical and nasty’
Dean Ruhl Staff Reporter Offensive tackle Teven Jenkins, offensive line coach Joe Bob Clements and strength coach Rob Glass sat down. In August 2020, the three had a conversation before the season started. Clements and Glass told Jenkins if he was going to be the guy on the offensive line this year, he’d have to be nasty. He did it. “I took that personally,” Jenkins said. “Coming into the year, it paid off for myself, because of what I’ve done on the field and put on film. I do believe I’m the best finisher in this draft and that sets me apart from other O-linemen.” Jenkins, a 6-foot-6, 317-pound tackle prospect elevated his draft stock in the 2020 season. He was physical. In the Texas game, OSU ran a sweep, and Jenkins pushed Joseph Ossai from the middle of the field to the Texas sideline, pancaking him. He grabbed West Virginia’s Akheem Mesidor by the shoulders and forced him to the ground on a rush play not on his side of the field. Jenkins did what his coaches had asked. Be physical. Be tough. “Teven is an athlete,” running back LD Brown said. “The thing with Teven was always his mentality. Teven just had to get that dog in him and you see where it gets him. He’s going to make millions some day coming soon. I’m really excited for him.” Jenkins opted out of the 2020 season on Nov.
30, 2020. He said he wanted to focus on preparing himself for the upcoming NFL Draft. Jenkins rose on draft boards during his 2020 campaign, and rose higher after his Pro Day. Jenkins ran a 5.01 40-yard rush and bench pressed 225 pounds for 36 reps. The 36 reps were two more than his personal record. Coach Mike Gundy said in August he’d seen Jenkins hit over 30 on bench press the previous offseason. He ranked in the 84th percentile with a 1.77 second 10-yard split. He had 32.5-inch vertical jump. “I’d be shocked if he is there in the second round after what he did (on his Pro Day),” Gundy said. Scouts pinned him as a first round draft selection afterward. It was an impressive rise for a three-star recruit out of Topeka High School in Topeka, Kansas. Jenkins redshirted his first year at OSU. He made three starts the following season, becoming a starter his redshirt sophomore season. As a redshirt junior, Jenkins allowed seven hurries in 12 games. An edge rusher was lucky to reach the quarterback once a game if Jenkins was blocking him. What are scouts saying about Jenkins? Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline said Jenkins is athletic, agile and has proper blocking fundamentals. He’s versatile at left and right tackle and has great shoulder discipline. “I have the ability to bend around anything,” Jenkins said. “I’m actually able to bend down and stop bull rushes, I’m able to get out and run in space if I have to. Being able to do that has been a game-changer for me.” He has a good angle on his targets and move well into the second level. He’s explosive and has a good grip on opposing defensive linemen in run-
2013 Lane Taylor – Undrafted – Signed ton Texans 2010 Russell Okung –Rd 1 – Pick 6 –
2007 Corey Hilliard –Rd 6 – Pick 35 –
2006 Charlie Johnson –Rd 6 – Pick 30 –
blocking situations. His legs move well. His biggest positive is his mentality. Being aggressive. When asked about what kind of player the team drafting him is getting he said: “Tough, physical, nasty mother(expletive),” Jenkins said. “A dude who does not shy away from hits. A dude who is going to bust his ass.” Jenkin’s big drawback is his wingspan, 81 inches, several inches smaller than the average NFL offensive lineman. He makes up for it with his quick hands. Jenkins is inconsistent with his footwork, sometimes taking too big of a first step. He struggles with his pass-blocking on the edge too. Jenkin’s has been labeled as injury prone too. He suffered an undisclosed injury against Oklahoma in 2020. A week later he announced he would forgo the remainder of the season. Scouts expect Jenkins to be drafted in the middle of the first round. The Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets and Los Angeles Rams are expected to be suitable destinations for Jenkins. “He’s just scratched the surface for what he can do,” Gundy said. “He didn’t, in my opinion, get serious about football until about a year and a half ago. The future is bright for Teven if he makes that decision, which I’m sure he will do.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
5 things to watch in OSU’s spring game men who could be seen making plays on Saturday.
Who will fill in for Tylan Wallace? Chris Becker Staff Reporter File photo Jim Knowles has extra help thanks to his star players stepping up as leaders for the younger players.
Player-coaches Ryan Novozinsky Editor-in-Chief The hire is official. On Thursday, Oklahoma State hired Terrence Rencher as an assistant coach, replacing Cannen Cunningham. Rencher spent the past two seasons at Creighton in the same role. He helped guide the Blue Jays to a 46-16 season. Coach Mike Boynton said Rencher is an excellent teacher, developer, evaluator and recruiter. “Terrence has worked at all levels of college basketball and has found success in many different roles, Boynton said. “His ability to connect with our players will be invaluable.” Rencher said he is grateful and
excited to join the OSU staff. “The way coach Boynton is moving the program forward, as well as his core values, align perfectly with my perspective,” Rencher said. “OSU has a rich history of success on the basketball court and the possibilities are limitless.” Rencher said he is looking forward to connecting with the Stillwater community. Rencher played basketball at Texas from 1992-95. He is the all-time leader in points (2,306) and steals (255). He played in the NBA during the 1995-96 season, and nine seasons in Europe. Before Creighton, he coached San Diego, New Mexico, Texas State, Sam Houston State, Tulsa and Saint Louis. “His experience as a player will serve as a great benefit to our program,” Boynton said. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Oklahoma State will hold its annual spring game Saturday at noon at of Boone Pickens Stadium. Two teams, orange and black, will compete head-to-head in a two half shortened game. Here are some storylines to watch for during the game.
How much has Spencer Sanders improved? This is the make-or-break year for the Cowboys quarterback. With pressure mounting from Shane Illingworth, Sanders will have the opportunity in the spring game to show his improvements from his performance in the Cheez-It Bowl.
The new kids on the roster The spring game gives OSU fans an opportunity to see some newer faces who have just arrived. The Cowboys have a large amount of early enrolled fresh-
OSU has a long line of talented receivers, and the latest one has left a big hole in the Cowboys offense. OSU has a cast of potential replacements, but the spring game could give more insight of who could be the next one in line.
The effects of last season on the offensive line experience. The Cowboys were able to see a lot of bodies on the offensive line last season, and that could pay dividends for the offense this season. A lot of younger players getting valuable time, so filling the hole of Tevin Jenkins should be easier.
The linebackers and their youth The Cowboys return Malcolm Rodriguez and Devin Harper, two key linebackers from last season. Harper is dealing with an undisclosed shoulder injury in spring practice, which will open up more opportunities for younger linebackers to show out at the spring game. sports.ed@ocolly.com
sports Beard... “There’s no better feeling than having Brett go out there and you know you’re going to win the game.” Standlee has done a little bit of everything in his time at OSU. He’s been a starter, a long reliever, a setup man and now a closer all in the span of two and a half seasons. It comes down to comfortability, which is something Standlee has been working on his whole baseball career. “Some of his past coaches as well as this coaching staff have really taught him to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, and it really shows,” said David Standlee, Brett’s father. “He’s been preparing for that all of his life in the game of baseball. He seems to pitch better the more difficult the situation is and more uncomfortable the situation is.” Brett admits being a starting pitcher is the most comfortable of pitching positions because of the
set schedule, but he enjoys the high pressure of being a closing pitcher. That is what makes him best for his current role, and he gets to pitch more often. “When you start you don’t really get those adrenaline packed innings. When you close and come in with bases loaded and no outs, it gives you a different feel. I’d have to say probably closing is my favorite,” Brett said.
OSU Athletics Terrence Rencher has replaced Cannen Cunningham on Mike Boynton’s coaching staff
Dean Ruhl, Staff Reporter
The hire is official. On Thursday, Oklahoma State hired Terrence Rencher as an assistant coach, replacing Cannen Cunningham. Rencher spent the past two seasons at Creighton in the same role. He helped guide the Blue Jays to a 46-16 season. Coach Mike Boynton said Rencher is an excellent teacher, developer, evaluator and recruiter. “Terrence has worked at all levels of college basketball and has found success in many different roles, Boynton said. “His ability to connect with our players will be
invaluable.” Rencher said he is grateful and excited to join the OSU staff. “The way coach Boynton is moving the program forward, as well as his core values, align perfectly with my perspective,” Rencher said. “OSU has a rich history of success on the basketball court and the possibilities are limitless.” Rencher said he is looking forward to connecting with the Stillwater community. Rencher played basketball at Texas from 1992-95. He is the alltime leader in points (2,306) and steals (255). He played in the NBA during the 1995-96 season, and nine seasons in Europe. Before Creighton, he coached San Diego, New Mexico, Texas State, Sam Houston State, Tulsa and Saint Louis. “His experience as a player will serve as a great benefit to our program,” Boynton said. sports.ed@ocolly.com
“He’s a country boy at heart, he would wear Wranglers and boots every day if he could,” David said. “I think it fits him in that regard.” Since beginning the beard growth in 2018, Brett has had the goal of dawning the “biggest, baddest beard in the Big 12,” a goal he believes sounds like a good title to have. “It came in pretty full, and I said, ‘Wow, I kind of like this,’ Brett said. “The goal of having the biggest, baddest beard in the Big 12 had a nice ring to it, so I went after that.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
UP NEXT
Courtesy of David Standlee Brett Standlee has decorated his beard each Christmas to the enjoyment of his family.
But his personality is what makes him special to the Cowboys. It starts with the walk out song. “You hear that song come on for Brett to roll out there, and you’re like, ‘Alright this guy’s about to do it,’” left fielder Cade Cabbiness said. “Everytime he goes out there, I have all of the trust in the world in him because he’ll give it his all. You know if a guy’s got that you don’t have anything to worry about. He’s been nails this year.” Then as “Thunderstruck” rings throughout O’Brate stadium, he trots through the new bullpen door and all attention gets drawn toward his long red beard. But Standlee hasn’t always had the scruffy beard on his chin. Holliday remembers when Standlee committed to OSU as a clean shaven ninth grader, but his facial hair has drastically changed. “The first time Brett and I ever bonded, he looked like a little boy,” Holliday said. “The beard makes him look like a tough, old fellow. I kind of like the youthful side of Brett underneath that beard.” David agreed with Holliday. He said he enjoys the beard, but also remembers the youthfulness Brett has under the scruff. “I love the beard, except it makes him look like he’s 40,” David said. “He shaved it off over last summer for a month, or so, and he got that young demeanor, and he looked like he was 17 again.” Standlee started growing the beard in late 2018, and despite shaving it now and again, it remains his signature on the mound. “I had long hair, and cut it into a mullet my freshman year, and I got tired of the hair,” Brett said. “Then I got tired of shaving, so I thought, ‘Never had a beard before, might as well grow it out.’” Maintaining the beard, however, isn’t as easy as it may sound. Standlee has a whole arsenal of special products just for his beard because normal products such as everyday shampoo doesn’t work for beards. “There’s a healthy amount of work that goes into it,” Brett said. “You have to go out and get beard butter, beard oil and you got your beard brushes, there’s a lot that goes into it. You also have to find a per-
Cowboys hire Rencher as assistant coach
Kayla Ballero
Page 6B Friday, April 23, 2021
sports
Orange sharpies OSU’s newfound offensive success
Dean Ruhl Staff Reporter
Joel Devick
Coach Kenny Gajewski’s new approach to hitting is paying off.
quit trying to chase pitches,” Gajewski said. “Quit trying to hit balls into the orbit. Just have a quality at-bat and everything will kind of really go.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
Kayla Ballero
out and batter on-deck multiple opportunities to observe the pitcher. Catcher Reagan Wright agreed. She said quality at-bats aren’t only about base hits and RBIs. “I think that just going up there and seeing a lot of pitches and making the other team throw a lot of pitches, I think is a lot of people’s books is a quality at-bat,” Wright said. “If you’re getting a lot of pitches and allowing your teammates to see a lot of what (the pitcher) has, I think that’s a pretty quality at-bat.” Gajewski said the team simplified its approach to batting, leading to quality atbats. The emphasis on quality at-bats has shown in recent Big 12 play. OSU had 41 combined hits the first two series against Kansas and Iowa State. In series against Texas Tech and Baylor, the Cowgirls had 56. It is not a matter of poor pitching. Gajewski said Baylor and Texas Tech each have great pitching staffs. “We just started talking to them about
Up next
Coach Kenny Gajewski pulled out an orange sharpie. He drew a star next to designated player Hayley Busby’s name on the lineup card after she hit a two-run home run in Oklahoma State’s 11-3 win against Baylor on Sunday. If an orange star is drawn by a player’s name, it represents a quality at-bat. Gajewski’s system has the Cowgirls averaging six runs a game in Big 12 play. Gajewski said he kept track of quality at-bats on his lineup sheet. Assistant coach John Bargfeldt recommended writing it on the lineup card in the dugout for players to see. Gajewski said he does this every game. What is a Gajewski quality at-bat? “There’s multiple things,” Gajewski said. “The most obvious one is getting a hit or getting a walk. There is getting hit by a pitch or having what we can an important play.” Gajewski said an example of an important play is when a runner is on second base with no outs, and the batter advances the runner to third base or farther. He said it could be a bunt, hit or sacrifice fly. Gajewski said at-bats longer than seven pitches are quality. “Alysen (Febrey) had a 10 pitch at-bat (against Texas Tech),” Gajewski said. “She struck out and I gave her one. 10 pitches, that’s a great at-bat, fouling them off, making a pitcher work.” Gajewski said long at-bats give the dug-
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Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis ACROSS 1 Opening for recorded music 7 Pass 13 Placid 14 Cheese-making sites 15 Judicious use of an Egyptian goddess? 17 In concert 18 Scott who played Danno on “Hawaii Five-0” 20 Source of some cruise ship beer? 26 Most exposed 27 Like microbes, before microscopes 29 Lover of Aphrodite 30 39.37 inches, in Ipswich 33 Really enjoy 35 With 40-Across, good advice for correcting a manuscript? 40 See 35-Across 42 Some brass 43 Frisbees, e.g. 44 Salon supply 45 One on a regimen, perhaps 49 Mountain guide 51 Cornerstone word 52 What a theater hopes its “Bus Stop” revival will be? 56 Evidence of surgery 57 Soffits are under them
By Jeffrey Wechsler
3 Indian honorific 4 Guitarist Paul 5 Where Mark Watney was stranded for about 560 sols, in a 2015 film 6 Wonderland service 7 Raring to go 8 Rest 9 Tentacle analog 10 Fragments 11 Law group 12 Passed-down property 14 Kierkegaard, e.g. 16 “Get on it!” say? 19 Field role of early 65 Big 12 rival of the TV Longhorns 20 Demean 66 Knowledgeable 21 Capacitance (in) unit 67 Indications of 22 Roman fountain humanity? 23 Stupefy 68 Upper crust 24 Nomadic shelter groups 28 Mature eft 30 Just what the DOWN doctor ordered 1 Franchise whose 31 U.S. Cabinetopening themes level dept. are songs by The Who 34 Theme park 2 offering Martyrs 36 More vast
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Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes (TNS) -
winter before your joint assets jump in value. You’re a rising star. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Make domestic repairs and renovations. Over seven weeks, with Mars in Cancer, physical effort gets satisfying results. Put energy into home and family. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — You’re intent on getting the whole story, over the next seven weeks, with Mars in Cancer. Study, research, and write
seven weeks, with Mars in Cancer. Avoid reckless spending. Self-esteem grows Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Energize personal projects, with Mars in your sign. You’re motivated to action for about seven weeks. Develop skills, dreams and ambitions. Present yourself well. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 6 — One phase ends and another begins. Dedicate energy to clean closets, garages and attics. Finish old business and prepare for new, with Mars in Cancer. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — For bigger results, participate with groups, teams and community efforts. Together, anything’s possible. Collaborative efforts thrive, with Mars in Cancer for about seven weeks. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Pour energy into your career. Move forward boldly, with Mars in Cancer. Advance professionally over the next seven weeks. Launch bold initiatives. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Advance educationally over the next seven weeks, with Mars in Cancer. Explore and learn about a fascinating subject. Gain valuable skills and tools. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Collaborate to implement shared family savings. Stash nuts for winter. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Your partnership seemed energized
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Focus energy on physical health, vitality and work, with Mars in Cancer for seven weeks. This can be an especially productive period. Race for a prize. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Practice your game. Kindle a creand connect you at a deeper level.
4/23/21 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk
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