Friday, August 21, 2020

Friday, August 21, 2020

(masked) faces of osu

Page 2A Friday, August 21, 2020

O’Colly

NEWS

@OCOLLY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020

PanDemic! at the disco professor Isabel Álvarez Sancho “It’s very disappointing (OSU President Burns) Hargis announced his reopening plan before consulting with faculty.”

These videos surfaced the day after OSU’s Pi Beta Phi sorority had 23 members test positive for COVID-19.

While some students and faculty members expressed doubts over the semester’s beginning, there’s also a large number of students who expressed confidence in going to the bars and resuming normal life.

“Everyone needs to get over this its communism by tellin us what to do and not to do LIVE YOUR LIFE everyone will be immune to it by the end of the year whether you have it or the antibody STILL LESS DEATHS THEN THE COMMON FLU,” OSU student Ethan Jones said in a tweet.

According to reporting

by The New York Times, the coronavirus is both more deadly and more contagious than the flu so far.

Following the release of the videos of long lines outside of bars, both university and city officials moved to respond, and take action.

“Oklahoma State University is disappointed in the behaviors exhibited by some of our students off campus over the weekend,” Hargis said in a statement sent to students. “Attending large dance parties where neither mask wearing nor social distancing occurred showed a clear disregard for the protocols set forth by both the university and the city of Stillwater. OSU and city officials have communicated behavior expectations to limit the spread of

COVID-19, and a successful, in-person instructional experience requires everyone to take personal responsibility.

“We ask that our students follow university and city protocols, avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and wear masks, and appreciate the vast majority of those who are taking our guidelines seriously as evidenced by a .7% positive rate on move-in day. The in-person campus experience we all love here at OSU depends on it this semester.”

As for the city’s response, Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce implemented several new restrictions to bars. A city emergency order, issued on Wednesday, will require bars to operate with limited capacity. The order also included a ban on standing next to occupied tables, required the closure of dance floors and other standing areas, and implemented a face covering mandate for those not sitting and consuming food or drink at tables.

“Several local bar owners reached out to me in July to discuss the measures they’ve adopted to keep their patrons safe,” Joyce said in a tweet. “Many of them are already taking precautions similar to what’s in this new declaration, and I appreciate the responsible steps they have taken.

“But it’s also clear that not everyone is choosing to be safe, so these rules seek to level the playing field.

The rules are also designed to reinforce to bar patrons how important it is to wear masks and maintain physical distance.”

Another relevant issue is how these crowds could relate the status of college

By Ryan Novozinsky Editor-in-chief editorinchief@ocolly.com Just before classes started at Oklahoma State University last Monday, many students decided to crowd Washington Street’s bars last weekend without regard to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.

The crowds of students appeared in a viral video posted by The O’Colly, leading many to take to twitter to express concerns about attending class this semester “No way this goes well,” said OSU student Preston Moore. “There’s just no way.”

“Quit being stupid and stop congregating in such large crowds during a pandemic,” OSU student Layne Turner said in a tweet. “If you are one of these people, you are part of the problem.

Life will not return to normal so long as people like this keep contributing to the status quo.”

In addition to students, some faculty members are also pessimistic about the future effects of these crowds.

“This is very disappointing, frightening and 100% predictable,” said OSU professor Dr. Thad Leffingwell.

Other faculty members pointed out there is an inherently a different level of risks associated with COVID-19 infection for college age students, and their professors.

“Going to class will be the safest thing many students do, while it’s one of the riskiest things for faculty, and can have worse outcomes,” tweeted OSU

football. Some members of the OSU football team, who may have to go to class with some of the bargoers during the week, shared their initial thoughts on these crowds via Twitter.

“Yup.. I’ve decided.. I’m not going to class Monday,” said OSU safety Tre Sterling. “’We want a season,’ yeah ight.....” said OSU defensive lineman Collin Clay.

In response, coach Mike Gundy confirmed that 75% of his athletes are taking mostly online classes this semester.

While some athletes look at these videos and think about the implications of the upcoming season, OSU quarterback Spencer Sanders sees it as an overall human issue.

“If that’s what you do, that’s what you do. But you know, you’ve got to think about it,” Sanders said. “Say one of these kids goes to The Strip (Washington Street) and he’s got a grandpa, and he gets COVID. And he goes home to his grandpa he lives with, and (the grandpa) dies because he gets COVID...

How is that person going to feel knowing that maybe he transmitted his COVID to somebody? Or what if that was his mother, his father, just anybody?

“I think once people put it in a certain perspective of ‘Is it going to be your mother you’re passing it to, or is it going to be somebody else’s mother?’

I think that will give them a great viewpoint on how they would view it. I mean, nobody wants to lose their mother or father.” editorinchief@ocolly.com

GRAPHIC by CHRISTIAN VAN CRUEN

FOLLOW O’COLLY ON TWITTER @ OCOLLY Photo by Claire Boomer, Photography Editor

Page 3A Friday, August 21, 2020

@OCOLLY

NEWS

O’Colly

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020

Stillwater City Council: COVID-19 precautions Chase Weems O’Colly Contributor @Ocolly

STILLWATER’S New Bar RESTRICTIONS Photo by Claire Boomer, Photography Editor

Jennifer Maupin Staff Reporter @JenniferMaupin8

On Wednesday, Mayor William Joyce declared a state of emergency for Stillwater requiring bars to only serve patrons that are seated and to maintain a maximum occupancy of 50% capacity.

Stillwater has been under a state of emergency since March 15th, but this declaration is unique because it is the first to label a violation of the order as a Class “A” offense.

According to the city’s Code of Ordinances, a Class “A” offense “shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $750.00 and costs, and/or by imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.”

Despite this, Oklahoma State Senior Shonni Grady worries how the mandate will be enforced.

“I’m not really sure how they’re going to enforce this once people get into the bars,” Grady said on Twitter. “Are the bartenders going to be babysitters or will they hire more security?”

In addition to mandatory seating and lowered capac-

ity, the declaration requires all dance floors and standing areas be closed but the areas may be used for more seating. All outdoor seating must meet the same requirements as indoor seating.

Senior engineering major Greyson Wolf said he believes the new restrictions will be ineffective

at best in response to a twitter poll by The O’Colly.

“I think there will be a huge increase in house parties in response to this,” Wolf said.

Councilor Alane Zannotti argues that these restrictions are the only way to keep bars open and that closing the bars would be worse.

“It would be more harm-

ful to shut the bars down because it is a little bit harder on private property to police parties that happen,” Zannotti said. “In a public area obviously the city has jurisdiction. You run into more of a privacy issue when it is on private property.”

While the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 at bars is still being

debated, the declaration made it clear that there has been an increase in cases because of the lack of safety measures at these establishments.

“The Payne County Health Department reports that contact tracing has linked much of this exposure to congregation of persons within this demographic [persons between 18-25 years of age] in bars

and large unorganized gatherings where those attending did not exercise social and physical distancing or wear face coverings,” according to the emergency declaration.

Wednesday evening, OSU President Burns Hargis sent out an email telling students if they attend a large social gathering where safety measures are not present, they must quarantine for 14 days and get a COVID-19 test.

“According to the World Health Organization, most of the spread of COVID-19 is by asymptomatic young adults, so I ask each of you to do your part to protect our campus and the local community,” Hargis said.

According to the newest declaration, the city allowed previous emergency orders to expire and the relaxation of restrictions has resulted in an increase of positive cases. On June 8th, there were 22 reported cases. As of Monday, there are 632 cases, 81 of those being active.

The emergency declaration will expire on Nov. 30 unless otherwise extended, rescinded, or amended. news.ed@ocolly.com

During Monday evening’s meeting, The Stillwater City Council discussed potential actions to combat the spread of COVID-19 following videos of large crowds gathering in local bars over the weekend.

Although some have called for bars to be closed down, or for a return to shelter-inplace regulations, the councilors preferred an approach that would be less restrictive of local businesses.

Mayor William Joyce was among the supporters of this less restrictive approach, while also acknowledging his disappointment in those who decided to attend a crowded party.

“I think we all would prefer that businesses and individuals are able to make decisions without having to be told what to do,” Joyce said.

City Manager Norman McNickle took time to give his reasoning for opposing bar closures. McNickle argued that shutting down the bars could be one of the worst things that the city could do.

He said it would drive those parties to private property, where the city has less authority.

Joyce said there is nothing more important to Stillwater’s economic health than for students to be on campus.

Weighing both health and economic concerns,

the councilors considered additional limited occupancy regulations at bars in town, and requiring table service to keep customers socially distanced.

Joyce said both would be passed through emergency orders and are likely to go into place before this weekend.

Also discussed was the possibility

“At the end of the day, people have to make good decisions.”

Will Joyce MAYOR

of allowing bars and restaurants to expand outdoors.

This would likely be done through emergency order on a temporary basis to gauge its effectiveness before deciding if a long term ordinance is necessary.

The specifications and timeline of this action will be discussed further in the next council meeting.

Joyce vowed to take more stringent action if people do not follow city guidelines.

“At the end of the day, people have to make good decisions,” Joyce said. news.ed@ocolly. com

New Restrictions:

Page 4A Friday, August 21, 2020

NEWS

@OCOLLY

O’Colly

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020

TIME TO VOTE

photo courtesy of unsplash.com

Alex Sloan News Editor @sloan_alex Just before classes started at Oklahoma State University last Monday, many students decided to crowd Washington Street’s bars last weekend without regard to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.

The crowds of students appeared in a viral video posted by The O’Colly, leading many to take to twitter to express concerns about attending class this semester “No way this goes well,” said OSU student Preston Moore.

“There’s just no way.”

“Quit being stupid and stop congregating in such large crowds during a pandemic,” OSU student Layne Turner said in a tweet. “If you are one of these people, you are part of the problem. Life will not return to normal so long as people like this keep contributing to the status quo.”

In addition to students, some faculty members are also pessimistic about the future effects of these crowds.

“This is very disappointing, frightening and 100% predictable,” said OSU professor

Dr. Thad Leffingwell.

Other faculty members pointed out there is an inherently a different level of risks associated with COVID-19 infection for college age students, and their professors.

“Going to class will be the safest thing many students do, while it’s one of the riskiest things for faculty, and can have worse outcomes,” tweeted OSU professor Isabel Álvarez Sancho “It’s very disappointing (OSU President Burns) Hargis announced his reopening plan before consulting with faculty.”

These videos surfaced the day after OSU’s Pi Beta Phi sorority had 23 members test positive for COVID-19. While some students and faculty members expressed doubts over the semester’s beginning, there’s also a large number of students who expressed confidence in going to the bars and resuming normal life.

“Everyone needs to get over this its communism by tellin us what to do and not to do LIVE YOUR LIFE everyone will be immune to it by the end of the year whether you have it or the antibody STILL LESS DEATHS THEN THE COMMON

FLU,” OSU student Ethan Jones said in a tweet.

According to reporting by The New York Times, the coronavirus is both more deadly and more contagious than the flu so far.

Following the release of the videos of long lines outside of bars, both university and city officials moved to respond, and take action.

“Oklahoma State University is disappointed in the behav-

iors exhibited by some of our students off campus over the weekend,” Hargis said in a statement sent to students. “Attending large dance parties where neither mask wearing nor social distancing occurred showed a clear disregard for the protocols set forth by both the university and the city of Stillwater.

OSU and city officials have communicated behavior expectations to limit the spread of COVID-19, and a successful, in-person instructional experience requires everyone to take personal responsi-

bility.

“We ask that our students follow university and city protocols, avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and wear masks, and appreciate the vast majority of those who are taking our guidelines seriously as evidenced by a .7% positive rate on move-in day. The in-person campus experience we all love here at OSU depends on it this semester.”

As

for the city’s response, Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce implemented several new restrictions to bars. A city emergency order, issued on Wednesday, will require bars to operate with limited capacity. The order also included a ban on standing next to occupied tables, required the closure of dance floors and other standing areas, and implemented a face covering mandate for those not sitting and consuming food or drink at tables.

“Several local bar owners reached out to me in July to discuss the measures they’ve adopted to keep

their patrons safe,” Joyce said in a tweet. “Many of them are already taking precautions similar to what’s in this new declaration, and I appreciate the responsible steps they have taken.

“But it’s also clear that not everyone is choosing to be safe, so these rules seek to level the playing field. The rules are also designed to reinforce to bar patrons how important it is to wear masks and maintain physical distance.”

Another relevant issue is how these crowds could relate the status of college football.

Some members of the OSU football team, who may have to go to class with some of the bargoers during the week, shared their initial thoughts on these crowds via Twitter.

“Yup.. I’ve decided.. I’m not going to class Monday,” said OSU safety Tre Sterling. “’We want a season,’ yeah ight.....” said OSU defensive lineman Collin Clay.

In response, coach Mike Gundy confirmed that 75% of his athletes are taking

mostly online classes this semester.

While some athletes look at these videos and think about the implications of the upcoming season, OSU quarterback Spencer Sanders sees it as an overall human issue.

“If that’s what you do, that’s what you do. But you know, you’ve got to think about it,” Sanders said.

“Say one of these kids goes to The Strip (Washington Street) and he’s got a grandpa, and he gets COVID. And he goes home to his grandpa he lives with, and (the grandpa) dies because he gets COVID... How is that person going to feel knowing that maybe he transmitted his COVID to somebody? Or what if that was his mother, his father, just anybody?

“I think once people put it in a certain perspective of ‘Is it going to be your mother you’re passing it to, or is it going to be somebody else’s mother?’ I think that will give them a great viewpoint on how they would view it. I mean, nobody wants to lose their mother or father.” editorinchief@ ocolly.com

Page 5A Friday, August 21, 2020

@OCOLLY

LIFESTYLE Victoria Monét unleashes her prowess on new musical project “Jaguar” career trajectory. Her single with Grande, “Monopoly,” later became Monét’s first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

While most artists stray from dividing their debut album into multiple releases, the unconventional release style is not new to Monét. Her previous extended plays “Nightmares & Lullabies” and “Life After Love” were both released in separate parts.

At 25 minutes and nine songs, the project’s brevity can potentially become a weak point.

Any errors in an album so short would only be magnified further and, thus, bring

Chase Congleton Entertainment Editor @ChaseCongleton

photo courtesy of flickr.com

O’Colly

Singer-songwriter Victoria Monét released part one of her debut studio album “Jaguar,” and she’s ready for her turn in the spotlight.

Few may recognize Monét’s name, but many will know her sound if they have listened to R&B and pop acts from the past five years. Her list of writing credits includes Nas, Fifth Harmony, Chloe x Halle and Ariana Grande.

However, it was Monét’s writing credits for Ariana Grande’s “Thank U Next” and “7 Rings” that ignited Monét’s

the work of art down with it.

Luckily, Monét makes no mistakes here. “Jaguar” is a successful blend of R&B and funk with neo-soul and disco elements thrown in between the tracks.

It is worth noting that the album’s title relates to Monét’s experience. Like a jaguar, she relates to her instincts as a modern woman.

Her delivery on sexual tracks such as Moment” showcases an artist who is confident in her sexuality and isn’t afraid to express what she wants.

The song “Experience” is akin to other

See CONGLETON, PAGE 6A

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020 Photo by Claire Boomer, Photography Editor

RANKED FRIED CHICKEN IN STILLWATER: TOP 6

By Ryan Novozinsky Editor-in-chief editorinchief@ocolly.com If there’s three things that Stillwater has an abundance of, it’s the color orange, poorly-paved roads and fried chicken restaurants.

Over the past few months, I’ve fallen in love with some of these places thanks to their drive-thru convenience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s

my definitive fast-food fried chicken ranking in Stillwater.

6. Slim Chickens: I have no idea who actually eats at Slim Chickens.

Do you think anyone has ever woken up in the morning and said, “Today’s gonna be a good day. I get to eat at Slim Chickens?” No, they haven’t. The chicken is dry

and not marinated well at all. The sauce falls short in those rankings. With these critiques aside, I will say that Slim Chickens has milkshakes, which many of the other restaurants do not, and they make a mean potato salad. However, milkshakes and potato salad are not bringing me to this drive-thru 5. Chick Fil A (Student Union): This might be controversial: the Student Union

The Beet Box plants vegan roots in Stillwater Destinee Adams Design Editor @DestineeAdams16

The Beet Box is a freshly-opened food truck that will leave its customers saying, “I can’t Photo by Claire Boomer, Photography Editor

ST. JAMES OTHODOX CHURCH 826 S. Hall St. Stillwater, OK 74074 405-896-7219

Live-Streaming Here Every Sunday Matins @ 8:50 AM/ Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 AM

believe this is vegan!”

Known for its Chick’less sandwich, the vegan truck has more to

offer such as a BBQ Pulled sandwich, and Bang Bang Fish’less Tacos. All sandwiches are served with a side of garlic and herb fries.

The food truck is

located at 421 N Main St, in the Homeland parking lot. To remind their customers of the importance of supporting Oklahoma vendors, The Beet Box serves locally

crafted soda the food truck from the OKC offers two deliSoda Comcious desserts pany, which to accompany includes root anyone’s sweet beer, cherry tooth: vegan limeade, and carrot cake blueberry acai and layered flavors. lemon cake.

Last, but The desserts certainly See ADAMS, PAGE 6A not least,

Page 6A Friday, August 21, 2020

O’Colly

LIFESTYLE

@OCOLLY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020

NOVOZINSKY continued Chick Fil-A is not made with love. There’s a stark difference between the quality in this one and the quality in the one on Perkins Road. I’ve had chicken be rushed, raw and gross at this particular location, which is something I’ve never gotten at off-campus locations. Add the fact that the menu here is super limited and you get a fried chicken nightmare. Not a fan.

4. KFC: Lots of people hate on the colonel, but I don’t get it. Sure, the “bone-in chicken” is pretty nasty, I won’t argue that.

However, my life changed when I started getting the tenders here. If you get a five-buck box with tenders, mashed potatoes and their

delicious biscuits, you’re going to have a great time at this place.

3. Raising Canes: What Canes lacks in chicken flavor they make up for in their sides.

I love their crinkle fries, amazing Cane’s sauce and the Texas toast. The only problem that I have with Canes, other than the flavorless chicken, is their menu variety. You can only get a combination of the same couple items. I think if they add more, specifically some spicy tenders,

this place would skyrocket in my rankings. Side note: next time you’re there, ask for their honey mustard.

It’s the best tasting honey mustard I’ve ever had.

2. Chick-Fil-A (Perkins Road): Now, this is what I’m talking about. We

all know the greatness of Chick-Fil-A, so I won’t have to go too in-depth here. But the menu variety, delicious flavor, home-like atmosphere and excellent service make this a top-notch chicken place. I’m a huge spicy chicken guy, and the spicy

Photo by Claire Boomer, Photography Editor

sandwich from Chick-Fil-A hits the spot. However, it still doesn’t beat Popeyes.

1. Golden Chick: Golden Chick’s commitment to great food inspires me every day. When I first had Golden Chick, I was

severely disappointed and it was extremely forgettable. The next time I saw it was when my friend Jared A’Latorre kept insisting we go get Golden Chick.I figured I’ll give it another go. This time I finally asked for the spicy tenders meal with their outstanding mashed potatoes, mouth watering yeast rolls and the tenders. The tenders unlike any other thing I’ve ever tasted. Their “Lotta Zing” seasoning brings their regular tenders from 3/10 to 11/10. Add that to their awesome environment and sweet logo and you’ve got the best chicken place in town. Some may see this as an all-out endorsement for Golden Chick, but that’s simply not true. I’m just trying to be like Jared and bring Golden Chick to your

Photo by Claire Boomer, Photography Editor

ADAMS continued come in a cute reusable mason jar.

As a pescatarian, it’s difficult to find places to eat in Stillwater outside of my kitchen, so I had to try The Beet Box. When I arrived, I was greeted immediately with excitement. I ordered the Spicy Chick’less sandwich served with garlic and herb fries, a blueberry acai soda and vegan carrot cake, which totaled to $25, and was worth every

penny.

The Spicy Chick’less sandwich had a great texture, which is always my biggest issue when it comes to eating meat alternatives.

I am not a fan of mushy consistency when it comes to Beyond Meat, and this sandwich surprised me with it’s tightly-packed and well-constructed patty base. It was also very well-seasoned and had just the right amount of

spicy to enjoy the rest of my meal.

The garlic and herb fries were delicious, as they were both crispy and well-seasoned, too. I enjoyed the crumbly vegan carrot cake, which I would’ve never known was vegan if I wasn’t informed before.

I would have to say that the locally-crafted blueberry acai soda was my favorite part of the meal, because it was sweet and cool, bringing

all of the flavors of the meal together.

The Beet Box is a five-star healthy and mobile restaurant that I’m happy Stillwater has. I would encourage anyone to try the Chick’less sandwich even if you aren’t on a vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian diet.

The food truck, which was originally named “Face Down, Forks Up,” was cofounded by two local residents Gwyneth Yvonne and Randon

photo courtesy of flickr.com

Moore. Face Down, Forks Up’s grand opening was June 25.

After being in business for a few months, Moore and Yvonne decided to rename and remodel the food truck from black and green graffiti to a vibrant teal blue truck now known as The Beet Box. “This is truly a blessing and I’ve cried many tears, prayed many prayers for this day,” Moore

congleton continued pop songs fused with funk, such as Dua Lipa’s “Electricity” with Mark Ronson and Diplo.

Khalid’s appearance on this track doesn’t detract attention away from Monét, but rather their two voices blend together perfectly.

Monét’s work is serious, but there is plenty of room for fun in her art.

“Ass Like That,” the album’s lead single, is focused on her butt and the gym routines she follows to gain it.

The lyrics “Met him about two months ago/Said his name was gym/And that he’d make me better than before” are charming, and

said. “I’m a walking testimony that if you work hard and bet on yourself that you’ll win in the long run.”

Moore and Yvonne are vegans. They said it is important to share their love for plant-based eating with the others.

“Being able to share my love of food, cooking and veganism with the Stillwater community has been a dream come true,” Yvonne said.

the chorus is instantly catchy.

Other tracks such as “Dive” and “Jaguar” are well-constructed and feature smooth instrumentation that is made for both large clubs and intimate car rides with friends.

While Monét is experienced in working with artists behind the scene, it is clear she can hold her own. If the next part of “Jaguar” can maintain the dazzling production and confident lyrical delivery the first part produced, Monét will have a clear path to superstardom.

O’Colly

Friday, August 21, 2020 Page 7

RIP KEIFER LEMUeL TULL 1998-2020

O’Colly

Friday, August 21, 2020 Page 8

SPORTS

QB Connection OSU QB coach Tim Rattay will try and bring his adaptability and skill to spencer sanders

Ryan Novozinsky, Editor-in-chief, @ryannovo62

Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders is in good hands this season.

In January 2020, OSU hired former

NFL quarterback Tim Rattay to be its quarterbacks coach and eight months later, the hire has proven to work wonders for Sanders.

“He’s taught me a lot of things, and I’ve obviously learned a

lot of things,” Sanders said. “He’s slowing the game down for me quite a bit, and he’s getting me to my reads maybe just a half second faster than I was last year. The important thing is getting

Practicing in a pandemic Ben Hutchens, Staff reporter, @ocolly Never has Colin Carmichael been more thankful to practice in 95-degree heat.

“We’re fortunate that we’re an outdoor sport so that it gives a little more leeway I think with the virus,” said Carmichael, the Oklahoma State University soccer coach.

Carmichael did not dismiss the reality of COVID-19, but it is his job, pandemic or not, to have his team start practicing in preparation for its first match on September 10.

Practice this year looks much different than it has in years past. Players are wearing masks when they go to the field, warming up and when they gather up to talk. They only take them off when they

begin training on the field. Instead of using the locker room, each player has a cube out by the field to store any items they might need.

The players are also tasked with bringing their own water, towel, practice shirt and even sunscreen.

“Anything that could be shared we’re not sharing,” said Carmichael.

Carmichael feels great about the environment his staff has helped create to keep his team safe saying: “I personally feel the safest when I’m asleep in bed or at Neil Patterson Stadium.”

With so many safety guidelines restricting players from doing things they are so

accustomed to doing, it was a question to see if soccer practice even felt like a soccer practice.

See PRACTICE on page 12

depth in the pocket so I can have time to throw the ball too.

I would say honestly and truly, he’s taught me a lot. I’ve showed it.”

In both his college and NFL career, Rattay managed

to outperform expectations on almost every team he played for. He beat out five other QBs on the depth chart in college and became the starting QB for the San Francisco 49ers despite being a

seventh round draft pick.

But now at OSU, Rattay just wants to bring this experience to Sanders.

See RATTAY on page 9

Dillon Stoner: The hidden gem Jared A’latorre, Staff reporter, @ocolly Oklahoma State fans were in shock as they pondered what would come next after star wide receiver Tylan Wallace went down with an ACL tear last season..

Enter No. 17 — Dillon Stoner, taking over as the No. 1 wide receiver with all eyes on

him.

After operating as the clear-cut second receiver all season long, the ball immediately got rolling for Stoner when his name was called.

In his first game replacing Wallace, Stoner went for three receptions and 93 yards — two of those receptions resulting in touchdowns, including a remarkable effort to make a diving catch in the endzone.

OSU won that game against TCU, 34-27.

The next week against Kansas, he would shine again with 5 receptions, 150 yards and 2 touchdowns.

More than half of his season’s receptions and yards came in the last five games of the regular season.

Stoner’s speed and athleticism started to become noticed.

See STONER on page 12

Point/counterpoint: Should there be a college football playoff?

The truth is, playoffs are of the utmost importance in sports. It’s where stars become superstars, greats become GOATs and dynasties are born.

But what good is competition if it isn’t fair?

Four conferences have canceled/postponed their seasons, but the two big ones are the Big Ten and Pac-12.

Simply put, there are a lot of playoffcontending

teams from both conferences.

Without those 26 teams, how do you get an accurate scope of who the best four teams in the nation are?

How do we match up resumes properly? Would there be a playoff bracket with only three of the Power Five conferences?

Would there be playoffs in the spring?

How would that

even work?

There are just so many questions and uncertainties. When you try to solve one conundrum, another pops up.

Just doing things safely in the pandemic is difficult enough, but it’s going to be so difficult to quantify a “champion” in these adverse conditions.

With the way 2020 has gone, I’m just happy we’ll have some college football back on TV.

Sudeep Tumma

Assuming we go through the college football season, I believe there should definitely be a College Football Playoff.

This is the time to experiment with new procedures in college football, such as maybe going with an eightteam playoff format.

If the Pac-12 and Big Ten conferences are going to postpone in the

Jared A’latorre

fall but play in the Spring, heck, let’s have another College Football Playoff in the spring.

From a fan’s perspective, this could be an extraordinary year with separate seasons all across the school year.

Players can still opt out personally if

so, but it would be great to see the players we know and love.

Assuming we do have a season, it would be beneficial to keep up with safety measures and tests to continue competing.

No matter what, it seems like it would be a historic season during unprecedented times, and a playoff system would bring joy to the players and fans.

O’Colly

Friday, August 21, 2020 Page 9

SPORTS Players voice concerns, Gundy dismisses question Joseph Fazio, Sports reporter, @JosephDFazio If a poll went around Stillwater asking citizens if they want the Oklahoma State football team to play this season, the majority would likely say yes.

Give the same question to Cowboy football players and personnel, and the majority would undoubtedly say yes.

However, if you give the same question to OSU students, they’d probably say yes, but actions speak louder than words.

Many videos depicting students waiting in lines at bars on Stillwater’s famous Washington Street, also known as The Strip, surfaced last Saturday. Seems harmless enough, right? Students want to have a little fun before they start their last or second-to-last year as a college student. But we don’t live in a time where people should stand shoulder to shoulder just so they can get a two-dollar beer at a bar or the last jello shot at a house party.

No, we live in a pandemic.

Last week’s events were a prime example of student’s actions being significantly louder than what they say.

And Cowboy football players have taken notice and they’re not happy.

“I know out there is gonna be a lot of people that don’t want to listen

Continued from page 8 “I’m excited to get Spencer at a young age and really try to help him grow and help him learn and just really work on the fundamentals of the position and his overall knowledge of the offense and the position combined,” Rattay told the O’Colly.

“So I’m excited to work with him.”

While Rattay never found a consistent starting job during his 10-year professional football career, he was still known for his work ethic and leadership across the league.

“I just remember how hard he worked and what a great guy he was and he’s fun to be around,” Rattay’s former coach Jay Gruden told the O’Colly.

“That carried over. He was a great leader, the players all respected him, all liked him..

He’s gonna do a great job at Oklahoma State.”

These leadership qualities brought Rattay to the position he’s in now. Before hiring him in January, OSU coach Mike Gundy made sure to call around and ask about him.

The reviews were positive then and are translating onto the practice field.

“It’s still really early,

Players voiced concerns over crowded bars last week. to stuff like that,” quarterback Spencer Sanders said. “But at the end of the day, they want to come to the game and cheer. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not discrediting anything they do or downing anybody like if that’s what you do, that’s what you do, but you know you got to think about it.”

While Sanders has been vocal about wanting to play this season, his concerns with COVID-19 went above playing football.

“Say one of these kids goes to The Strip and he’s got a grandpa and he gets COVID and he goes home to his grandfather that he lives with and (the grandpa) dies because he gets COVID,” Sanders said.

“How is that person going to feel knowing that maybe he transmitted this COVID to someone?

“Or maybe what if that

was his grandfather or his mother, his father, just somebody? I think once people put it in a certain perspective of, ‘Is it going to be your mother you’re passing it to or is it going to be somebody else’s moth“Say one of these kids goes to The Strip and he’s got a grandpa and he gets COVID and he goes home to his grandfather that he lives with and (the grandpa) dies because he gets COVID”

Spencer sanders on bar goers

er?; I think that’ll give them a great viewpoint on how they would view it.”

Sanders certainly wanted his grandfather,

mother and father to stay safe and healthy just like everyone else.

It’s why he’s followed what the team’s medical staff has said.

Senior wide receiver Dillon Stoner said he wants to protect everyone around him, and that’s why he wears a mask.

“I mean we can only control what we can control, which is, you know, following safety precautions the best we can, wearing our masks and I think that’s the biggest thing for oncampus guys actually in class,” Stoner said.

Sanders and Stoner were just a couple of the players that had a chance to voice their concerns to the media.

Other players took to social media to have their voices heard.

Redshirt junior safety Tre Sterling said on Twitter he wasn’t going to the first day of

RATTAY

but I like Tim Rattay,” said OSU coach Mike Gundy. “I like his approach, I like his style, he’s very low key, he’s a good teacher. He’s had tremendous success playing, coaching.

Kayla Ballero

Very mature, I think he’s a quarterback guy from the standpoint of he relates to the players. We’ll see as the season moves on.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Kayla Ballero

classes after watching the video.

That’s three Cowboy leaders who have voiced concerns about protecting themselves and others from COVID-19.

However, the Cowboy’s top leader, head coach Mike Gundy, stayed silent.

Gundy answered questions about his defense and having an ESPN crew following him around for the docuseries “Our Time: Oklahoma State” during his press conference on Monday, but he stayed clear from talking about COVID-19.

“I don’t have any comment on the virus,” Gundy said. “I just want to talk about football.”

Gundy has been the center of controversy more times than the higher-ups at OSU would like in the past five months. In April, Gundy made national news when he said he

wanted to bring players back May 1 and how players and personnel who tested positive for COVID-19 would be “quarantined just like we do (with) people that get the flu.”

Two months later, Gundy was once again in the spotlight when Pistols Firing Blog’s Kyle Boone tweeted a photo of him wearing a shirt with the logo of One American News Network.

Gundy apologized both times and took a $1 million pay cut.

Gundy’s decision to dismiss a question about COVID-19 may have been his way of trying to stay out of more controversy.

That’s fine, however, after the controversy, Gundy has caused, at least people know his players aren’t afraid to speak up and hold people accountable.

And that’s exactly what senior defensive lineman Cameron Murray and the other leaders on the Cowboys are doing with their teammates.

Maybe it’s time to hold the people who stand in line for the two-dollar beer or last jello shot accountable as well.

“I think everybody (on the football team) is just on the same page,” Murray said. “I just think a lot of people are trying to play ball so going to The Strip or going to somewhere in Stillwater might not be the best right now.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Column: Did Mike Gundy miss a vital PR opportunity?

Sudeep Tumma, Sports editor, @asktumma

After a turbulent offseason full of polarizing emotions, Mike Gundy had the opportunity to set the record straight.

Instead, the OSU coach’s mood appeared sour, he gave a lot of coachspeak answers, he even declined to comment on certain issues, including his $1 million pay cut.

But there’s one question he evaded that could have paid major dividends.

After a video of students packed in the bars in Stillwater without masks and no social distancing went viral, Gundy was asked to give his thoughts on the horde of people congregated at the bars. And his answer was less than satisfactory.

“I don’t have any comment on the virus, I just want to talk about football,” Gundy said.

Don’t you?

Let’s remember, this is the same coach that took a lot of flak for his comments dismissing the coronavirus back in April. He took so much heat that both OSU and Gundy issued apologies after a few days.

And since then, the notorious OAN T-Shirt episode that had Mike Gundy’s job security in question arose as a scorching national headline.

In laymen’s terms, Gun-

dy’s image isn’t the greatest right now.

So I get why he found the need to present himself as an altered version of himself who was trying to avoid controversial headlines and just focus on football.

But man, this was the opportunity. This was his chance to grab the public and tell them that “this behavior is wrong and we need to be better.”

It was lined up perfectly for Gundy to not just tell the public he’s changed, but to show them. It was the chance to show them his priorities are straight — safety over money.

This city adores Gundy, the people are enamored with OSU’s winningest coach. They would listen to his words.

Except there weren’t any.

Page 10 Friday, August 21, 2020

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O’Colly Online at www.ocolly. com

O’Colly

News

FOR RELEASE AUGUST 21, 2020

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 For that reason 5 Mekong River land 9 “Settle down!”

15 “Banjo on my knee” song of 1848 17 Weapon for Spain’s Philip II 18 Byrd 20 Frivolous 21 Female beast that sounds like a river 22 Strengthen 25 __ chi 26 The Byrds 35 Top often with an image 36 Showing presently 37 Power source 38 Gp. with related interests 40 Provides a buffet, say 43 Disease namesake 44 Staff figures 46 Object of a detective’s quest 48 D.C. VIP 49 “The Birds” 53 Organ with a hammer 54 Unwilling 55 Root that’s a source of tapioca 59 Hip-hop star Green 62 Bird 67 Butcher’s offering 68 Many in Caltech’s faculty 69 Like troublesome mascara 70 Forest grazers 71 Indian music DOWN 1 Aurora’s Greek counterpart 2 P-like letter 3 Atlanta sch. fielding the Panthers 4 Defeat 5 “Major Crimes” force, briefly 6 “And giving __, up the chimney ... ”

8/21/20

By Jeffrey Wechsler

7 Without siblings 8 Encl. to an editor 9 Eggs on crackers, perhaps 10 Starting places 11 Little on “The Wire” 12 Running behind 13 Loving exchanges 14 Works on a route 16 Mailing label words 19 Westernmost Aleutian Island 22 Join 23 Granola relative 24 Like some hotel thermostats 27 Sch. with an Asheville campus 28 Genetic molecule 29 Insensitive, in a way 30 Gyrate like Cyrus 31 Neighbor of Arg. 32 Actress Milano 33 “Whatever you want” 34 Spray with a hose 39 It has Giants but not Titans: Abbr.

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

41 Mythical aerial menace 42 Roman sun god 45 Woolgatherer?

47 Order to soldiers 50 Hollowed-out area 51 Algerian port 52 With less delay 55 Ozone-depleting chemicals, briefly 56 Donor drive target

8/21/20

57 Browser’s find 58 Ward of “House” 59 Candy __ 60 Periphery 61 Burnoosewearing leader 63 Word with sea or seed 64 Leaves for a spot 65 38-Across relative 66 CIA relative

Daily Horoscope

By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Todays Birthday (08/21/20). Health and work flower this year. Consistent practice builds strength, endurance and vitality. Shift professional objectives for new markets. Intuition, plans and visions percolate this summer, motivating an excellent performance. Social limitations this winter motivate creativity, artistry, games and romance. Express your love by your actions.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Accept and offer assistance through challenges. Harmony requires effort. Practice patience, especially with those closest to you. Try a philosophical outlook. Relax.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Focus on work and health.

Adapt to changes and revise routines. Avoid controversy or arguments.

Modify your practices. Energize with good food, rest and exercise.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Relax and rest. Have fun without taking unnecessary risks. Savor comforting activities. Walk near trees. Breathe deeply. Take things one day at a time.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Organize and reduce clutter.

Make modifications to upgrade the functionality of your space. Avoid stirring up jealousies at home. Iron out household wrinkles.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Dig deep into a favorite subject. Catch up on reading. Balance news with poetry and music. Avoid stepping on any toes. Take a creative tack.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Review budgets to adapt to changes. Lock up credit cards to avoid unnecessary expense. Choose ease over toys. Take time out for fun and rest.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Carve out time for yourself.

You’re growing stronger. Don’t try to force anything. Avoid controversy or hassle and indulge in some private pampering.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 6 — Hide into your cocoon.

Don’t spend if you don’t need to. Resist impulsive moves and wait for developments. Sort and organize. Plot upcoming steps.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Restraint serves you well with a team challenge. Social limitations and obstacles abound. Write letters and share stories. Find new ways to connect for solutions.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Career matters occupy your time. Focus to manage a professional challenge. Keep your tone respectful. Not everyone agrees with the plan. Optimism wins.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Have patience with technical difficulties, traffic or barriers to your investigation. Adapt to unexpected changes. Revise or postpone advancement. Learn new clues by studying.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Handle administrative tasks with shared accounts. Keep your deadlines and budget. Maintain an advantage by monitoring and adjusting carefully. Guard positive cash flow.

Level 1

2

3

4

8/21/20

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

© 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

O’Colly

Friday, August 21, 2020 Page 11

SPORTS

“OUR KIDS JUST WANT TO PLAY” Sam Hutchens, Sports reporter, @ocolly

In an uncertain season, one thing that remains steady for the Oklahoma State soccer team is a desire to do what they love — play the game.

“Our kids just want to play,” said OSU coach Collin Carmichael. “I just want to coach.”

Carmichael is thankful for the Big 12 leaders’ decision to move forward with a 2020 season and is happy that the

Cowgirls will get a chance to defend their Big 12 title.

While having a season is a blessing for his team that has been working hard to stay ready, the Cowgirls may not have a shot at the ultimate goal of winning a national title.

On Aug. 13, the NCAA announced that due to COVID-19, there will not be any fall championships. Though the NCAA is hopeful to put on modified spring championships, there is a possibility that the

championships will have to be passed on altogether for the 2020 season due to logistical challenges.

The potential of not having an NCAA championship is a hard pill to swallow for players who have put so much effort into achieving that goal.

“Obviously that is something you work for,” said sophomore midfielder Olyvia Dowell. “As a D1 team, and playing soccer in general in D1, D2, and D3, you play your season to possibly be selected into that fall cham-

pionship. It’s obviously disappointing.”

Even if there is a modified NCAA championship able to take place in the spring, there may be considerable alterations made to the regular format.

Carmichael doesn’t rule out any changes, including the number of teams that could be invited.

“We normally have 64,” Carmichael said. “Is it 32? Is it 16? Is it 8? Is it 4?

Nobody knows.”

The element of unknown looming over the season is

an obstacle that the Cowgirls are trying to overcome, but regardless of the future, OSU is staying ready to compete.

“It is tough…the uncertainty of everything and not knowing even if we’ll be able to play but as of right now we’re all pretty much on the same page,” junior midfielder Grace Yochum said. “We get to practice right now, we get to train, we get to do what we love and that’s all we are thinking about right now.”

Though he is not sure what the future

holds, Carmichael’s focus of “getting these kids ready to play” remains unchanged.

The Cowgirls are not sure where their season will stop, but they are sure it will end with their best effort being displayed.

“If we get to have a Big 12 (season) and play our conference games and possibly win a Big 12 championship, then that is what we are going to go out and do,” said Dowell. sports.ed@ocolly. com

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Page 12 Friday, August 21, 2020

O’Colly

SPORTS OSU football coaches and players react to ESPN docuseries Chris Becker, Digital Editor, @Bhris_Cecker316

The offseason has been turbulent for every college football program, but fans are able to get an inside look at how Oklahoma State football has handled the hectic offseason during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ESPN film crews will follow OSU football players and coaches throughout the 2020 season, and coaches and players are excited for fans to dive deep into the Cowboy program.

“I think it’s really good for our players, it’s good for our staff and it’s good for people to see the inside of Cowboy football and the culture here,” coach Mike Gundy said. “They have an inside look and they’re involved in everything.”

Coaches are normally set in a routine when it comes to handling practice, and the outside world is rarely let in, but this season is different.

Gundy has had to make changes in order to help the ESPN crew and allow them full access to the team.

Continued from page 8 Still, coach Mike Gundy said Stoner’s skill set has been undermined by some.

“Stoner is Mr. Reliable, he can play multiple positions, he’s deceivingly fast, he’s faster than what most people think he is,” Gundy said. “(He’s) very trustworthy and (is) going to do exactly what he’s been coached to do.

Gundy said that individuals like Stoner are rarities who can bring many things to the table.

“I think that he’ll play this game for six or eight more

Camera crews have followed around Mike Gundy and company throughout the offseason.

“It’s not the easiest thing for coaches because we try to stay the course when it comes to working on football and you have to make special exceptions when you have a crew following you around, like ESPN is doing us this year,” Gundy said.

Offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn has forgotten that they are following the team – they

just blend in with the Cowboys.

“It’s weird, they tell us that in the beginning, ‘At first you’re going to see us everywhere, you’re going to feel us, and we’re going to be right behind you all of the time,’” Dunn said.

“It’s true, you’re always looking around and kind

of second guessing what you’re saying.”

Some docuseries bring out a fake side of people or teams represented in the series, but Dunn said what’s presented in the series, is how it is.

“So what you see, I’m sure as the show goes, it’s what you get,” Dunn said. “It’s not dressed up. We’re not sugarcoating anything.”

The OSU football team is set to have

one of its most talented rosters on paper in recent history.

Starting quarterback Spencer Sanders wants to use the series to bring attention to the work ethic and to show off OSU. “I like it. I think it’ll bring some attention to Oklahoma State and show how we work, what we do and how hard we work,” Sanders said.

“I think this year’s gonna prove how hard we work on the

Adam Luther

field, so we’ll just wait and see.”

Even though the Cowboys return 11 of 12 starters on a stout defense led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, they do not get a lot of attention from the crew.

“When you coach defense in the Big 12, you’re like the mushroom society, they keep you in the dark, throw fertilizer and hope you grow,” Knowles said. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Stoner years, I think he’ll play in the pros because he can do so many things,” Gundy said. “He does things right all the time, and he’s just valuable, and you can’t have enough guys like him.”

Despite quarterback Spencer Sanders leaving the season early due to a torn ligament in his throwing hand, he was a newcomer who didn’t get to share much of Stoner’s breakout.

“I feel like Dillon Stoner is just as good as Tylan and any other receiver out there,” Sanders said.

“People really overlook Dillon Stoner, and he works his

Practice

Continued from page competitive practice, 8 OSU midfield Olyvia Dowell said.

“You have to adapt Dowell also mento what the coaches tioned that it was want us to do: stay 6 difficult to wipe away feet apart whenever sweat and sometimes we’re around each other and when we’re even hear properly when wearing her warming up, but at mask. the end of the day, Following the safety it still feels like a

tail off more than everybody I’ve ever seen.”

Sanders even took it another step.

“I feel like he’s got the potential to be the best receiver in the nation, he’s got the potential to win the Biletnikoff just as well as Tylan does,” Sanders said.

“Everybody knows how great Tylan is and so if you put that in perspective of Dillon, you know how good he is, he just never got a chance to show it.”

Stoner, who’s been the main return man for the Cowboys, has been listed in some all-conference

guidelines is not normal and certainly not always comfortable, but Dowell gave a reason for why she feels safe inside the stadium and why she and her teammates follow protocol.

“I come (to the stadium) because I

preseason lists as a punt returner.

“Obviously that’s a great award going into the season, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t back it up,” Stoner said.

Keith Riggs, head coach at Jenks High School has been part of the football program since 2003 and took over the reins at head coach from the late Allan Trimble in 2018.

He remembers Stoner’s game as a member of both an offensive and defensive player.

On Stoner’s freshman football team, he was some-

times used as a quarterback for wildcat plays.

“He was just so versatile of an athlete,” Riggs said. “He did everything for us.”

Yes, maybe literally almost everything.

Stoner used that speed as a track and field member at Jenks and showed his competitive spirit just like he does today. Stoner was a part of the 6A class state title in the 400-meter competition as a high school junior.

When Stoner had the opportunity to step up as that No. 1 receiver, Riggs wanted nothing more than to see

his former star athlete succeed. He offered his insight on what the 2020 season could look like for OSU. “I was so excited for Dillon and the year he had last year and just look for some great things from him this year as he’s used more and more as part of the offense,” Riggs said. “He’s a great blocker in the run game, he can get open over the middle or downfield And with all those weapons on offense for this next year, that’s just going to open things up for all of their playmakers. sports.ed@ocolly.com

know everybody is doing their best to social distance because we all have the same goal, the same mindset: we all want to play,” Dowell said. sports.ed@ ocolly.com

Anna Tucker