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Friday, March 5, 2021

Director’s cut OSU transitioning from Holder to Weiberg as AD By Grant Ramirez Oklahoma State had a completely different feel before Mike Holder. There wasn’t a proper football stadium. Lewis Field was the home of OSU football. It had a battered set of stands on both sides of the turf and was a glorified high school stadium with bigger capacity. Cowgirl soccer played in front of one standard set of metal bleachers. The men’s and women’s tennis teams played at the Colvin Recreation Center, just like any other student. Over the last 16 years, the entire landscape of OSU athletics has changed. With t See Director’s on pg. 3A

Joshua Cleary OSU athletic director Mike Holder will become athletic director emeritus, pending approval from the board of regents.

Power in her movement Newly crowned Miss Black OSU looks forward to persuing platform

Sheyenne Mitchell-Brown

After months of work, she did it. Becka Cammon was crowned Miss Black Oklahoma State University of 2021 last Saturday. This was her first pageant and not something she had in mind until her roommate, Miss Black OSU 2020 Keona Tidwell, told her she should give it a shot. “I actually didn’t understand the point of [pageants],” Cammon said. “It was hard work, but it was fun in the end.” Winning was not a surprise for her, but surreal nonetheless, she said. As the pageant went on Cammon and second-place winner, Cayden Ward, were neck and neck, the first place position could go to either one of them. When the winners were announced, Cammon’s name was called first. Cammon was “trying not to pass out”-- her mind lost in the moment-- and she assumed she had lost since her name was called first. But she soon realized that was not the case. She had won the title of Miss

Becka Cammon is the 2021 winner of Miss Black OSU.

Black OSU. There to celebrate with her was her dad, stepmom, childhood best friend, and grade school counselor who

had been a mentor to Cammon. Her dad is the main inspiration for the platform she seeks to promote with her new title.

Alicia Young

Her platform: single parenthood in the Black community. Cammon is one of four children all raised by their father in Gar-

dena, California. The hardest part of being raised by a single parent, Cammon said, is the financial burden it can cause. Her dad did his best to give them the best childhood possible, and Cammon and her brothers got to participate in many extracurricular activities growing up. Those fond memories were not without a price tag, of course. Single-parent families are all too common in the Black community, Cammon said. And she wants to do her best to make a difference in people’s lives while also raising awareness. By Fall 2021, Cammon plans to have a series of events in motion to spread awareness and support for single-parent homes. To do this, Cammon wants to organize a panel full of members of single-parent families to have them explain what it’s like and to give advice. She also wants to put together a drive where people can donate common items that single-parent households need. Her goal is to shed new light on how people view single parenthood. “People make it See Power on pg. 4A

Page 2A Friday, March 5, 2021

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Feature Photos

Joshua Cleary

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

Joshua Cleary

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

GOOD MONEY

New Donors Earn Up to

A LITTLE TIME

s $10 BToHnu WI D THIS A

A GREAT CAUSE

News

OSU Athletics Mike Holder spent 16 years at OSU and brought the university many success stories throughout his tenure.

Director’s Continued from pg. 1A The opening of O’Brate Stadium last week, nearly every program has a top-tier facility to call home. Holder, who has served as athletic director since 2005, played a key role in the transformation. Despite his accomplishments, Holder suggested he was far from finished in a recent interview with The O’Colly. Next on his list of upgrades to make, an indoor track and field facility. “You’re never done,” Holder said. OSU isn’t done, but Holder’s era, however, is coming to an end. Thursday, the university announced there will be a change in leadership atop the athletic department. Effective July 1, Holder will hold the title of athletic director emeritus. By definition, it means he has retired but will still hold his title as an honor. He will stay in the athletic department as a special advisor. Chad Weiberg, will take his place. An OSU alumnus, Weiberg has held the position of athletics deputy director, where he served as chief operating officer. “Today is about the future of Oklahoma State University athletics,” Holder said in a press release. “Chad Weiberg is the new sheriff in town and he needs all of us to saddle up and ride for the brand. Get ready Cowboys and Cowgirls. If you do your part, then the best is yet to come.” Holder took over the athletic director position after 32 years as coach of the OSU men’s golf team,

winning eight NCAA titles and coaching five individual NCAA champions. Since taking charge of OSU athletics, the school has won five national championships and 46 Big 12 titles. The accomplishments he oversaw will set OSU up for success in the years to come. Without question, OSU athletics is in a better place than when Holder took office. He was key in securing the single largest gift in OSU history, a $70 million dollar donation from Boone Pickens to upgrade the football facilities. In 2005, Pickens would top that with a $165 million donation to benefit OSU football and aid the development of the planned athletic village. Working with Holder, Pickens sparked a roll of donations that have kept coming. $20 million for the construction of Sherman E. Smith Training Center. $35 million for O’Brate. Huge contributions for Neil Patterson Stadium and Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center. Funds for a track and field complex and cross country course. OSU’s shiny new look across campus will look good to prospective students and recruits and set up athletes to be as successful as possible once they’re here. “It is hard to describe the magnitude of the impact Mike Holder has had on Oklahoma State Athletics during his 16-year tenure,” said Rick Davis, Chair of the OSU/A&M Regents. “He has elevated our athletic program to a level once unimaginable in national prominence and prestige by developing and building athletic facilities on par with any in the nation.”

Mike Holder’s impact at OSU is far reaching, dating back to his time as a studentathlete more than five decades ago. He has played, coached and served as athletic director at his alma mater, leaving a mark with every step. His Cowboys golf teams dominated nationally. And during Holder’s time as AD, OSU teams have won five national championships and 46 Big 12 crowns, and he’s spurred massive overall facility upgrades through successful fundraising. At Holder’s urging, OSU athletics placed an emphasis on scholarship endowments, and the “Leave A Legacy” endowment drive has seen OSU climb from last in the Big 12 to the top with gifts and commitments of approximately $61 million. As recently as 2009, OSU’s endowment stood at just $2.1 million.

More on Holder: Student-Athlete -Graduated Oklahoma State in 1970. -MBA in 1973. -Three-time All-American golfer (1968, 1969, 1970) OSU Golf Coach, 19732005 -Holder led the Cowboys to eight NCAA team titles -Coached five individual NCAA champions -Directed 21 Big Eight championship teams, the league’s second-most in any sport to Kansas’ famed basketball coach Phog Allen.

Facility Upgrades

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Boone Pickens Stadium -Behind record donations

from T. Boone Pickens, Holder oversaw the renovation from a dilapidated Lewis Field to Boone Pickens Stadium. Sherman E. Smith Training Center -94,000-foot facility opened in June 2013 following a $20 million donation from the Sherman. E. Smith family. Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center -Indoor-outdoor, 50,000-square-foot facility opened in 2014 with 18 courts, on the strength of a lead gift from the Greenwoods. Neal Patterson Stadium -Another $20 million project, the soccer stadium was dedicated on Aug. 19, 2018. O’Brate Stadium -The new $60 million baseball stadium opened Feb. 24 with 3,500 permanent seats, kick-started with a $35 million donation from Cecil O’Brate. OSU Track & Field Complex - Opened Aug. 17, 2013, with an investment of approximately $9 million. Karsten Creek Golf Club -Opened in May 1994 and quickly was named the Best New Public Course in 1994 by Golf Digest. Made possible by Holder’s major fundraising efforts, including a major gift from Ping’s Karsten Solheim. OSU Cross Country Course -Opened in 2019; set to host the 2021 NCAA Cross Country Championships on March 15.

Get to know Chad Weiberg Education:

ing and sustaining beneficial corporate partners. From 200507, he was director of major gifts at Kansas State University, then assistant athletic director (2007-08), associate athletic director (2008-09) and senior associate athletic director (200915) at the school.

former OSU basketball player Jared Weiberg, one of the 10 lost in the plane crash on the way back from a road game at the University of Colorado.

* While earning his master’s degree at OSU, Weiberg served as director of corporate sales and donor relations from 199599, and senior director of field operations for the OSU Alumni Association from 1999-2002.

* Deputy director of athletics at Texas Tech University from 2015-17.

* Weiberg served as director of corporate relations at the Kansas State University Foundation from 2004-05, initiating, build-

Personal:

“Today is about the future of Oklahoma State University athletics. Chad Weiberg is the new sheriff in town and he needs all of us to saddle up and ride for the brand. Get ready Cowboys and Cowgirls. OSU Athletics If you do your part, then The Oklahoma State Faculty Council will hear a spethe best is yet to come.” cial report from deputy athletic director Chad Weiberg on Tuesday. -Mike Holder

Bachelor’s in business administration, OSU (1994) Masters in business administration, OSU (2002) Previously...

* Deputy director of athletics at Oklahoma State University 2017-21.

Wife Jodi; children Ella and Grant. Weiberg is the brother of

Quotable:

Page 4A Friday, March 5, 2021

news/Lifestyle

Alicia Young Miss Black OSU 2021, Becka Cammon, during the Miss Black OSU pageant on Feb. 27.

Power Continued from pg. 1A

Kayla Ballero

Administering relief Local pharmacies discuss vaccine distribution By Anna Pope Independent pharmacies are serving the community by distributing the COVID-19 vaccine, all while overcoming dosage delays and online system shortages. Charlie’s Discount Drug joined the Stillwater community in 1979 and for the

last month has been administering the Moderna vaccine to eligible individuals. When its online vaccine scheduler opened, the website crashed three times within the first week because of high demand. Then a historic winter storm slammed Stillwater causing record-breaking temperatures and unsafe transportation

conditions to slow vaccine shipments. The pharmacy is continuing to give the vaccine to its patrons as they are supplied. Dr. Lance Reese is a pharmacist at the drug store and he said shipments are the only thing slowing vaccine administration down. He said if the store can get the vaccines, it can find an arm to put it in.

Unspalsh An estimated 15% of people in the Unites States have received the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine.

OPEN YOUR HEART! Open your heart and let him in. God will remove all your sorrow and sin. He may not pass this way again, so open your heart and let Him come in. Take His hand. Take His nail scared hand. Let Him show you the way. Jesus will be your dearest friend, so open your heart and let Him come in. This song is especially for those who have never come to Christ; to receive His forgiveness and a new life of reality with God. This invitation is open to all. No matter what your background. No matter the magnitude of you sin. Jesus can save, forgive and change any or all that come to Him. To die without Christ, is to face God’s judgement without a Saviour, and to face eternal existence without the blessing and presence of a loving God; who sent His son, Jesus

Christ, into the world to die and take the penalty for my and your sins. Everyone who is without Christ in their lives, ought to be running to Him; not delaying a moment longer. The Bible tells us that “whosoever calls on the name of the Lord (Jesus) will be saved. You don’t have to be in a church building. You can pull your car over to the roadside; you can stop a moment at work or home. You can pray with a friend. You can sincerely call on the Lord wherever you are. He turns no one away. I did this very thing in November, 1956 and started an adventure with God that continues today. Go for life’s best. It counts for now and for eternity. “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Sweetest name I know. Fills my every longing. Keeps me singing as I go!”

seem like it’s a bad thing,” Cammon said. Cammon points to her own family as proof that single-parent homes are not always doomed to fail like they’re often thought of. Cammon and her three brothers all have sought higher education and are doing well for themselves in their careers.

Reese said the virus itself is scary and there is misinformation that is intimidating. But he said his work is providing relief to people who anticipated the vaccine while alleviating some worry about the virus or information patrons come across. Big pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens can administer the COVID-19 vaccine, Reese said being a local pharmacy is helpful because it has a long-standing history with customers. “We’re filling prescriptions for the grandkids of the people that were here before,” Reese said. “It’s just a really closeknit family atmosphere and everybody knows everybody.” Walgreens denied commenting at this time. Pharmacists knowing clientele can be beneficial, especially when administering medication. While some doctor’s offices are administering the vaccine, Brandy Moore, pharmacist and co-owner of Tiger

Single-parenthood and its stigma has always been a topic Cammon wanted to address, she said. Now with this new title of Miss Black OSU, she can address it sooner than she planned. “It’s a big deal because of the platform that I have,” Cammon said. “I can implement change for something that’s important to me.” entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Drug, said people are looking to pharmacies to get vaccines because pharmacies are more accessible. Serving the Stillwater community for over 100 years, Tiger Drug, like Charlie’s Discount Drug, has been able to administer the vaccine within the past month. Moore said Tiger Drug has administered close to 1000 vaccines and to giving back to the community in this capacity as part of her job means everything to her. “People are just so grateful and it’s crazy to have so many people to be so happy to get a vaccine you know?” Moore said. “That’s what we live for. That’s what we work for. So, it’s been wonderful and I’m so happy we get to continue to do it.” Helping people is a privilege but Moore said it is also part of the job. She said even there is an end in sight, but in the meantime and the future, she wishes people ask for her services for anything health-related. news.ed@ocolly.com

News

New places, new faces Pedersen announced as dean of Human Sciences and Education By Addie Duling A season of change has settled over the Oklahoma State campus. Changes in class settings, education delivery and even staff. Enter: Jon E Pedersen. Pedersen was recently announced to be the new dean for the College of Human Sciences and Education. Pedersen earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-Science Education, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and B.S. in Agriculture-Biochemistry and Nutrition all at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is currently working as the Dean of the College of Education at the University of South Carolina. Originally from Nebraska, Pedersen is excited to get back to his Midwest roots. He and his family plan to transition to OSU in early July 2021. “My philosophy when applying for jobs is that you never leave somewhere, you always go somewhere,” Pedersen said. “OSU is a very prestigious institution, and the recently combined College of Education and Human Sciences offers such a unique perspective with all of the different departments coming together.” Pedersen’s perspective on higher education is that the focus should be on the whole child and the whole human that is learning. He feels that OSU’s recent combination of College of Education, Health and Aviation, and the College of Human Sciences into the College of

Human Sciences and Education matches this purpose that he is so passionate about. The process for hiring a new dean of a college is lengthy. Thomas Coon, who serves as Dean of the Ferguson College of Agriculture, was head of the Search and Screening Committee who worked and helped in the process of narrowing down candidates. The Search and Screening Committee was involved in narrowing down candidates at every step of the hiring process until it reaches the final three candidates. However, this committee does not actually have any say in who is hired in the end. “I don’t think there was anything about the college that was a mystery to (Pedersen),” Coon said. “First, he knows what it is like to be a dean because he has already been one. Second, he is very familiar with the education profession and disciplines from his expertise in science education but also having been an administrator for quite a while. Third, he was really excited about the breadth of the college and the merging of the two colleges. I think that really attracted him to this position.” Pedersen is excited about joining the Cowboy Family. He most looks forward to the people he will be working alongside in the college and in the Stillwater community. “It really impressed me not only during the interviewing process but subsequently when it was

Courtesy of John E. Pedersen John Pedersen was recently announced as the new dean of the College of Human Sciences and Education, and is excited to get back to his midwest roots.

announced that I was the inaugural dean, the outpouring from people within the college and the university and even retired faculty emailed to congratulate me and tell me how excited they were for me. That is so exciting to me that the culture of the college and university is so open and welcoming,” Pedersen said. Pedersen plans to spend his first couple of months at OSU intentionally listening and gaining an understanding of the culture that is in

place here. He feels it is a collective effort between faculty, staff and students to look for innovation and strengths within the college. “This position at OSU looked like an extremely valuable opportunity for me. I applied, and the rest is history. I am very honored and humbled to be the inaugural dean,” Pedersen said. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6A Friday, March 5, 2021

Friday, March 5, 2021

Wing stop Mack’s interesting journey propelled her to the spotlight

Jacob Sturm Monday through Sunday from 7:45 a.m. until 5 p.m., Natasha Mack grinded. Far from any basketball floor. Mack’s daily work schedule at a poultry plant in Lufkin, Texas, seemed to never stop. For about nine months after committing to Houston as a part of its 2016 recruiting class, the former ESPN four-star recruit made a living shearing the wings off chickens inside a Pilgrim’s Pride warehouse in her hometown. The day after getting hired, Mack started a two-week training process before going straight to work, estimating she dealt with 90 chickens per minute during her usual shifts. “I remember everything like the back of my hand,” said Mack, now the star of Oklahoma State’s surprising season. “The smell was disgusting. Just chicken stuff everywhere. You would have to be dressed in layers of clothes because it’s so cold. “It would be moist.”

Career to remember A Cowgirl basketball career full of history and consistency can be a burdensome expectation for any athlete, but judging by Mack’s senior year, that expectation is achieved. Oklahoma State lost 201920 leading scorer Vivian Gray to Big 12 foe Texas Tech during the offseason, when Gray abruptly transferred out of the program. OSU started this sea-

son projected as the eighth-place team in the conference. It didn’t matter. Mack lit up women’s basketball with dominant performances, wreaking havoc on opposing teams on a nightly basis, leading the Cowgirls to a 17-7 record. The dominance is shown on defense, where she’s developed into one of the country’s top rim protectors. The Cowgirls record for blocked shots used to belong to Kaylee Jensen. Mack surpassed the total in just 46 games. Brittney Martin possessed the Cowgirl basketball program’s only triple double. Mack produced the second on Jan. 6, blocking 10 shots in her performance at TCU, to go along with 28 points and 17 rebounds. Entering the Big 12 Tournament, Mack is averaging 19.8 points, 12.3 rebounds and a nation-leading 4.04 blocked shots per game. Her 97 blocks are more than all but 20 of the nation’s team totals. Her accomplishments have made her a noteworthy name ahead of the 2021 WNBA draft, where Mack is a highly projected pick. She’s one of 10 finalists for the 2021 Katrina McClain Award, announced by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. ESPN women’s college basketball writer Mechelle Voepel said she thinks this season’s success is helping Mack gain national attention. “I think people really did notice last year, but this year was probably more widespread that people noticed,” Voepel said. “And her numbers make it really hard not to notice. The success of the team brought also some more recognition for her.” Although more opponent attention usually makes basketball more challenging, it is only helping Mack further blossom into a superstar.

Mack’s success displays an OSU career to remember.

OSU Athletics

with the Cougars, ultimately returning home and taking the job at Pilgrim’s Pride while making The challenge of deciding basketball an afterthought. on a college intensified near “It comes a point in time the end of Mack’s high school where you just get burnt out,” career, as she realized her poMack said. “You don’t think you tential as a Division I college love the game as much as you athlete. In the end, she chose do, and I hit that. I was like, Houston, a mere two-hour drive ‘Ugh, I can’t do it,’ because I from home. would play so much AAU, turn “That was a tough recruit- around, play in school and do it ment,” Mack said. “So much all over again.” happened between my junior Basketball didn’t completeand senior year. At one point, I ly vanish from her life, despite really thought I was just done Mack not playing the game. She with basketball.” watched the Lufkin-based After signing her letter of intent, Mack’s place with Houston didn’t last long. She didn’t fit See Wing on pg. 2B

Decisions, decisions

Cowboys late-game push falls short against Baylor By Grant Ramirez Kalib Boone elevated and posterized a Baylor defender, giving Oklahoma State life. But a late game OSU surge wasn’t enough to upset the Big 12’s best as the Cowboys fell to the Bears 81-70 on Thursday night in Waco, Texas. After trailing by as many as 13 points in the second half, Boone’s poster dunk brought the Cowboys within four with two minutes left. From there, No. 3 Baylor’s aggressive defense took over. It forced two consecutive turnovers that led to fourstraight points to keep the game out of the reach of No. 17 OSU. “I thought we did some really good things, but we made way too many mistakes, turnovers in the second half and giving up the extra possessions,” coach Mike Boynton said. “Can’t dwell on it, can’t look in the rear view mirror here.” The Cowboys played from behind for most of the game, and Cade Cunning-

OSU Athletics OSU lost to a highly-ranked Baylor squad on Thursday.

ham’s excellence kept it from becoming a blowout. He started slow, but turned it on in the second half

to carry the offensive load. Cunningham scored 20 points in the period, more than half of OSU’s total. He finished

with 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Cunningham did finish with five turnovers as well, a See Baylor on 3B

Page 2B Friday, March 5, 2021

sports Wing... Continued from pg. 1B Angelina College Lady Runners compete, critiquing the games from the stands as a spectator. That caught the attention of Angelina College assistant coach Randy McKelvey, who spotted Mack at a game. Mack remained in contact with McKelvey while she worked. Eventually, McKelvey reached out to Mack, opening the door to a way back to basketball. She walked through the door to the Angelina College office and talked to McKelvey and AC coach Byron Coleman about her future. Mack didn’t commit right away, continuing her work at the chicken plant, until she reached a tipping point in her decision. “I thought about the pros and the cons, and the pros definitely outweighed the cons,” Mack said. “I’d rather sweat all day than smell like chicken 24/7.” When she decided to return, McKelvey made the trip to Pilgrim’s Pride for a chat during Mack’s 30-minute lunch break.

Natasha Mack’s Natasha Mack has taken a leap forward as a senior and became a prominent national name. She’s skyrocketed up draft boards, projecting as a top draft pick, according to ESPN.com Projection: No. 5 overall — Dallas Wings The take: A former junior college standout, Mack has quickly made a Division I impact. She’s already Oklahoma State’s career leader in blocked shots and is tops in Division I in that category (4.2 BPG). At 6-4, Mack has a 6-11 wingspan she uses to her advantage defensively beyond just blocking shots. Mack is averaging 19.9 PPG and 12.1 RPG, and perhaps she can add even more strength to the Wings’ inside game. -Mechelle Voepel

Motivation to JUCO success Once on campus, Mack only improved, quickly gaining the attention of Coleman. “I turned to my assistant coach one day in practice, we were watching her play and was like, ‘Coach, is she that good?’” Coleman said. “The kid came to work every day in practice,” McKelvey said. “It’s the only kid I ever coached in my life who never had a bad practice.” McKelvey makes his players write down their motivation for playing basketball once they arrive on campus. The players are expected to answer the question and use it as a goal to strive toward. The idea stems from motivational speaker Eric Thomas, who emphasized finding your purpose in a video titled “What’s Your Why?” For Mack, her motivation is family. “My why was my parents,” Mack said. “They just sacrificed so much beyond the limits I could imagine. So, my why is just (to) pay them back as much as I can and make them happy.” “She said that she wanted to take care of family and be a pro basketball player,” McKelvey said. “So, she has been literally working on that since the first day that she put that down. “I’m happy for her. The mission is still not complete, but she’s still working toward the goal. The main thing I always tell her is to stay humble and just keep working hard.” Mack’s sophomore year at Angelina College exemplified her talent well. She posted averages of 24 points, 11.6 rebounds and blocked 180 shots in 33 games. The stellar numbers helped the Lady Roadrunners reach their first NJCAA tournament.

All-Star summer, All-Star decision In the summer of 2018, Mack appeared in the JUCO All-Star Game in Atlanta. Although she didn’t earn player of the tournament honors, her performance impressed OSU coach Jim Littell. After the game, Littell

OSU Athletics Natasha Mack’s passion continues being exhibited on and off the court.

offered Mack words of encouragement in their first conversation. “You’re going to have an opportunity to play at the next level,” Littell said. “If you come here, you’re going to get enough touches. Enough of it is going to be built around you that you’re going to have a chance to play for money after you’re through with your degree.” Mack assessed her performance differently. “I was so fat and out of shape,” Mack said. “I didn’t think anybody noticed me. So, it was crazy. I thought I did terrible, I’m not gonna lie. I thought I did a few good things, but I was just so tired and out of shape.” Then the recruiting calls started gaining traction. Mack informed Coleman and McKelvey about her desire to play Division I basketball, setting deadlines where she shortened her list of options and didn’t waver from her timeline. “Her goal was she wanted to make a mark on a program,” Coleman said. “Wherever she went, she wanted to make a mark again.” The Cowgirls made the cut of potential programs and the OSU coaching staff

maximized their opportunities. As her list of schools narrowed, Mack made the trip to Stillwater. Going into her Oklahoma State visit, Mack said she didn’t think she would commit to the Cowgirls, but left impressed afterward. “I was blown away,” Mack said. “I was impressed. When I got here I was like, ‘Oh my God, this campus is so beautiful.’” Kassidy De Lapp played well when Mack attended during her official visit. On the sideline, Mack’s energy resonated. “I had a pretty good game and she was so just ecstatic,” De Lapp said. “She hadn’t even committed yet, and she’s rooting for us. She’s the loudest person in the gym. I’m like, ‘Who is this girl?’ “And then we find out that she’s the girl we’re recruiting and from the first get-go, I knew that she was so excited to play here and be a part of the team.” Two years later, that liveliness remains common to see. Mack is usually up, supporting her teammates whenever possible on the sideline. Littell noticed that passion during her visit, too. “Mack came for a

visit in December and just fell in love with the place,” Littell said. “She was sitting down on the baseline and up and screaming and yelling and supporting people that she didn’t even know yet, but I knew what type of kid she was after that night.” Now, the Cowgirls get to celebrate their most successful conference season since the formation of the Big 12, with Mack supplementing the Cowgirls’ success through myriad statistical categories. Mack’s next goal is just as big as her previous ones: making a career out of her craft. If her past provides a glimpse into the future, those expectations should be lofty. Once Mack is drafted, her goal becomes a reality. Much more than a promotion from her poultry plant position in the past. “My goal is to compete with the big dawgs,” Mack said. “To hang in there and compete with them and be one of the best. Hopefully gain a lot of respect because I heard rookies that go in don’t really get their respect.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

sports

Lost and found The Cowboys lost season at 141 Marcus Trevino

The Cowboy rides away Kaid Brock entered Gallagher-Iba Arena on Senior Night to a zealous applause with tears trickling down his face. For the better part of seven years, he stood at the center of the mat with a referee who held his arm high above Brock’s head in victory. This time, he OSU Athletics slowly hobbled his way Kaid Brock is stepping away from the wrestling mat after six seasons with OSU. over to the center on crutches to meet coach John Smith for a hug. redshirt senior. three consecutive state come, and it’s good for The last goodbye Four days after Setitles at Stillwater High him to move forward. is the hardest one to nior Night, Brock conSchool. He pinned It’s the message we all say. firmed what every fan Oklahoma’s defendneeded to hear.” Moments earlier, in attendance expected ing national champion Next, Smith needBrock appeared on the to hear. His wrestling Cody Brewer as a true ed to find Brock’s rejumbotron to deliver a career is over. freshman. He is a twoplacement in the lineup. sendoff message to a “A Cowboy always time All-American Stillwater crowd that climbs back on for the with a 104-19 overall has been watching him Nuthin’ but next ride. However, record. wrestle since he was in this time it’s time to Smith was cona g thang high school. hang up my hat and my cerned about Brock’s “Wrestling here spurs,” Brock said on transition away from All but one OSU has been a wild, tough Instagram. “My body is a sport that had been starter has received ride for me, but we cretelling me it’s time.” a huge part of his life, preferred seeding for ate Cowboys,” Brock When his career but Brock helped him the Big 12 championsaid. “You get knocked was lost, his teammates cope. ship tournament this off, you get back on. and coaches were dev“It was fun to be weekend. That’s just how it is astated. Smith took it around him, fun to The sole weight here at OSU.” especially hard. watch him train, fun class that hasn’t, of Brock has been “I had a really to watch him chase his course, is 141 — knocked off three tough time seeing Kaid dream and it’s just gut Brock’s weight. times during his colget hurt again,” Smith wrenching,” Smith said. Dusty Hone was lege wrestling career. said. “My gut was just “He said he’s gonna the obvious replaceHe suffered seasonbe OK with this. It’s ment. ending knee injuries as turning.” Wrestling was not going to be a hangAfter Brock’s a true freshman and in over for many years to second season-ending back-to-back years as a Brock’s life. He won

injury, Hone filled in and performed well as he placed third in last year’s Big 12 tournament. But Hone was lost to an apparent seasonending knee injury, as well during this year’s Cowboy Challenge Tournament. The options at 141 were slim and dire, but Smith was forward thinking. He knew the depth at 141 was nonexistent when Brock was lost, and he needed a backup should anything happen to Hone. So at the end of January, Smith had Kaden Gfeller drop weight. The redshirt junior spent the season wrestling in extra matches at 157 pounds. Gfeller has a good history at 141 though, as he placed second at the 2020 Southern Scuffle at the weight. Now, at the perfect time, Gfeller is ready to wrestle at 141 again. “He’s done a nice job over the last three weeks managing his weight and getting it down,” Smith said. “If he has his mojo with him, he could be really dangerous. We know that because we’ve seen him wrestle.” Gfeller’s first round match will be against Clay Carlson — the No. 3 seed. Smith said he doesn’t know what to expect, but if Gfeller finishes in the top four, he’ll be an automatic qualifier for nationals. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Baylor... number of which were careless. Baylor was jumping passing lanes and had active hands all night resulting in 11 steals, which significantly hurt OSU’s chance at an upset. In the final minute, Cunningham stepped on a defender’s foot and tweaked his left ankle. He didn’t finish the game. “It happened right in front of me there,” Boynton said. “I didn’t see anything unusual other than he stepped on a guy’s foot and rolled (his ankle). We’ll get an evaluation.” The Cowboys began the game getting outrebounded 7-0 on the offensive glass, which allowed the Bears to build their initial lead. “They’re good, it’s part of their identity, and they have guys who understand (rebounding) is an important part of them having success,” Boynton said. Matthew Mayer was an instant spark for Baylor as soon as he entered the game, scoring in multiple ways and finishing with 19 points. Star guard Jared Butler was an offensive force throughout the game, leading the Bears with 22 points including 4-of-7 from distance. The loss is OSU’s first since its loss at Kansas and ends its five-game winning streak. “I’m proud of what we’ve done, but tonight was a step back,” Boynton said. “I look forward to getting back to practice and trying to get back on the right track on Saturday.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU Athletics Kalib Boone was the second-leading scorer against Baylor on Thursday

Page 4B Friday, March 5, 2021

sports

OSU Athletics

A year in Stillwater has changed Cade Cunningham’s view of home games.

Home court advantage A year at OSU has changed Cunningham’s view of home games

Chris Becker To no one’s surprise, Cade Cunningham thrives under pressure, which is why he prefers away games over home games. At least he used to, before he got to

Oklahoma State. “I’ve never really been a fan of home games, my whole career, until I got here,” Cunningham said. “It’s just a different feeling in (Gallagher Iba Arena). You can ask my dad, I used to always say, ‘I like playing on the road more.’ Just because I like when there’s people against me.” Cunningham still enjoys road games

because of the added pressure and heckling that comes with it. Especially when it comes to ‘overrated’ chants that he’s heard in a few games down the stretch of this season. “I like playing when the lights are a little bit brighter,” Cunningham said. “Basketball is almost a form of entertainment, and I almost think of myself as an entertainer. It’s something that I

really love to do. “When there’s more people there watching, when there’s something else on the line, it only makes it more fun.” Even during COVID-19, the atmosphere at OSU was able to change his view of home games because of the fans in Stillwater. It all came to the end on Monday when Cunningham played his final game

31st Annual

inside of Gallagher Iba Arena in a Bedlam win. In the game, Cunningham scored 15 points after scoring 40 points in Norman 48 hours prior. “GIA just had a different feel, I always had fun playing in there,” Cunningham said. “You can tell the fans appreciate good basketball, and they cheer hard.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

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