Pass failure Friday, October 16, 2020
University says no to pass/fail option amid COVID-19 semester
Ryan Novozinsky Oklahoma State sophomore Ashton Caufield didn’t sign up for this. Daily Zoom classes, masks around campus, and the constant worry of potentially catching the novel coronavirus can easily drive up stress levels and impact grades. Despite this, she –– and thousands of other OSU students –– are expected to carry on as if nothing changed. “Most students are struggling with online classes and professors aren’t doing anything to alleviate the stress,” sophomore Ashton Caufield said. “They’re teaching their classes like everything is normal.” University officials, however, don’t share this line of thinking. In a statement obtained by The O’Colly, OSU Provost Gary Sandefur announced that the university will not switch to a pass/no pass option this semester despite doing so in spring 2020. “We do not have plans
to switch to this option at this time,” Sandefur said. “Last spring during an unprecedented health crisis, we made an emergency decision to move classes fully online and to grant a pass/no pass grading policy for the spring semester. We have approached the fall semester quite differently, with a planned approach to academic delivery and other protocols to support student success.” This decision came in response to a student-created petition that garnered over 3,800 signatures in just three weeks. OSU student and petition creator Lacey Hickey started the movement because of the mental health impacts of a pandemic-filled semester. “I’m saddened by the outcome but certainly not surprised,” Hickey said. “This semester (OSU) has shown their students that they’re just a monetary value to them. Our campus is hurting and it doesn’t seem like the administration cares. OSU dropped the ball on academic accommodations, physical and mental health support and the basic compassion that we as students once knew.” Some experts on this topic side with students like Hickey and Caufield.
Graphic by Christian Van Curen
See Failure on page 3
OSU student looks to educate others about Armenia-Azerbaijian conflict
Courtesy of Raffi Demirjian
OSU student Raffi Demirjian is actively working to make sure the Armenian conflicts are known.
The biggest battle for most students this semester is navigating the pandemic, but Oklahoma State University student Raffi Demirjian is fighting another battle few of his peers know. That battle began long before Raffi was born and is rife with human rights violations, foreign intervention and press restrictions. Raffi, a marketing and sports management senior, is Armenian,
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Jenny Maupin
‘a small but proud The Nagogroup of people.’ rno-Karabakh Between recoverregion is 90% ing from COVID, Armenian and passing his has been classes for hunand pardreds of ticipatWe all years. ing in his The fraternity, obviously TurkishRaffi said backed he ‘has a can’t fly back Azerbaiduty to his jan govand fight for ernment people’ to spread called awareness our country for a of the complete but we do withArmeniaAzerbaidrawal what we can of Arjan conflict in the menians Nagorno- as American from the Karabakh region. citizens region. With The Turkey - Raffi Demirjian conflict is supportreaching ing the a tipping conflict, point, Armewith tensions rising nians are to levels not seen reminded of the since the ‘90s. genocide, which
killed 1.5 million of their people, at the end of World War I. “After the Armenian genocide of 1915 by the Ottoman empire in Turkey, it has just always been a sense of togetherness and survival among the Armenian community,” Raffi said. Never having visited his home country, Raffi said he was planning to visit next summer. With the unrest in the region and the pandemic, he said he doesn’t think it will happen anytime soon... See Conflict on page 5
page 2
Page 2A Friday, October 16, 2020
Today is
National Liqueur Day
The O’Colly
Friday, October 16, 2020
Today we celebrate and imbibe liqueur, a distilled alcoholic beverage that is sweetened or blended with herbs, spices, flowers, nuts, cream, or fruits. The alcohol content of liqueur generally ranges from between 24 percent and 60 percent (48-120 U.S. proof). Source: checkiday.com Graphic: Staff, TNS
Winchester’s wants OSU Cowgirl basketball player Abbie Winchester told the O’Colly three restaurants she wants in Stillwater
Best/Worst Halloween Candy
2020 top 10 2020 Worst Halloween candies Halloween candies It’s almost time for Halloween, and not just any old treat will do for those of you with a serious sweet tooth. Check out the Top 10 Halloween candy list from a survey by candystore.com.
When you’re rummaging through shelves in the store, you probably won’t be buying these duds. Check out the worst Halloween candy list from a survey by candystore.com.
1. Candy Corn
1. Reese’s
2. M&Ms 2. Peanut Butter Kisses 3. Snickers 3. Circus Peanuts
4. Wax Coke Bottles
4. Skittles 5. Sour Patch Kids
5. Smarties
6. Twix
6. Necco Wafers 7. Kit Kat
7. Tootsie Rolls
8. Butterfinger
8. Mary Janes
9. Nerds 9. Good & Plenty
10. Licorice
10. Hershey Bar Source: candystore.com Graphic: Staff, TNS
Source: candystore.com Graphic: Staff, TNS
Theta Gator In the 1950s, an alligator named “sam” lived in theta pond at OSU. Once described as a “veritable guardian,” Sam had many infamous moments. One of these came when he ate every single duck at the small murky pond. Sam died in may 1951 of malnutrition.
Editorial board
Reporters/photographers
Editor-in-chief Ryan Novozinsky editorinchief@ocolly.com
Photo editor Claire Boomer photo.ed@ocolly.com
News editor Jennifer Maupin news.ed@ocolly.com
Digital editor Chris Becker digital@ocolly.com
Lifestyle editor Sheyenne Mitchell-Brown entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
Sports editor Sudeep Tumma sports.ed@ocolly.com
Design editor Maddison Farris design.ed@ocolly.com
Adviser John Helsley john.helsley@okstate.edu
Newsroom 108 Paul Miller Stillwater, OK 74078 (405)-744-6365
The O’Colly headline for Sam’s duck killing incident.
Sports reporters: 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 Photographers: Joshua Cleary Zachary Hunter Bryan Pizana Alicia Young
News reporters: Ryan Boyce Claire Hosterman Chloe Morrissey Colin Miller Harmony Nelson Dru Norton Robert Owens Chase Weems Lifestyle writers: Maleeha Hameed Jonathan Harrington Amelia Jáuregui Ellen Slater Christopher Sneed Designers: Annemarie Chaney Christian Van Curen
The O’Colly
Friday, October 16, 2020 Page 3A
News
Failure... Continued from page 1
news.ed@ocolly.com
Graphic by Christian Van Curen
With a United States presidential election coming up, the issue of which candidate is better suited to run the economy is prevalent. The O’Colly received statements from members in College Republicans and College Democrats who shared their opinions on this:
Republican, Michael Baughman President Trump has the best economic plan. Trump has the experience of creating a roaring economy through tax cuts, tax incentives for investing in opportunity zones which stimulates growth in low income communities, and bringing back manufacturing jobs by ending NAFTA and replacing it with the USMCA. These jobs that President Trump brought back opened up more apprenticeships, trade schools and internships for the average high school student who won’t attend college. Before repealing NAFTA, that kid felt pressured to attend college and get engulfed in debt; but now with the mass number of manufacturing jobs coming back that high school graduate could earn $45,000 a year with no debt. Biden says that he will raise taxes if he is elected and get rid of the Trump tax code that a majority of Americans say they are better off under. 56% of Americans feel better under the Trump-Pence administration than the ObamaBiden administration.
Point
Democrat, Anna Pope
Biden’s economic plan first and foremost is based on math. It rewards work not excessive wealth. Trump’s corporate tax cut for the extremely wealthy increased the budget deficit. Biden’s plan would roll this back, closing $1.6 trillion dollars in loopholes in the current tax law, reducing our dependence on money borrowed from hostile foreign nations. Through mobilizing American manufacturing, innovation, ingenuity and advancing racial equity. His plan frames a more modern and equitable future. Biden will restart international trade to the benefit of all American industries, including agriculture. Biden will raise the minimum wage helping to provide millions of hard-working Americans with more disposable income to help stimulate consumer spending. Green energy, infrastructure and family assistance are all part of the plan. According to nonpartisan analysts like Moody’s Analytics and economists at Goldman Sachs, his plan is projected to create millions of good-paying jobs and raise the overall gross domestic product.
Why does your candidate present the best plan for the economy going forward?
Counterpoint
OSU students adapt to mental health struggles amid COVID-19 By Claire Hosterman With her head afraid of my mask hanging low and an slipping down or that anxious hesitation in I’m getting too close her voice, Oklahoma State junior Sydney Moore described her mental health during the COVID-19 semester. “It’s like walking on broken glass,” Moore said staring out her dining room window, trying to collect her thoughts. The COVID-19 pandemic has some students feeling more stressed and anxious than ever. Taking classes online, wearing a mask on campus, and being socially-distanced are all changes that are having to be adjusted to. Already this semester, the OSU campus has felt direct impacts due to anxi- -Dr. Leffingwell eties and depression. “I’m always on the edge thinking I’m going to do someto someone. And thing wrong,” Moore now since so much said. “Constantly time is being spent at
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The pandemic is really interfering with people’s abilitys to connect, to create new networks of friends and to create support.
home I’m constantly in my head because I can’t just go like normal. So the longer I’m in my head and the longer I’m sitting there, it just builds up.” Moore is not alone in feeling like this, many students do. According to a study from the University of Arkansas, researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to higher levels of depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and psychological trauma among adults in America. The pandemic has threatened how college students normally live. Drastic changes in social dynamics have changed the college experience, which is a daunting task of adjustment for some students. “The pandemic is really interfering
with people’s abilities to connect, to create networks of new friends and to create support,” said OSU psychology professor Dr. Leffingwell. “I think that’s probably a big part. I think the main focus of college students is their academic work. And that’s a challenge with whether they’re in classrooms or have masks on, they’re apart from each other or they’re struggling with Zoom or online classes.” OSU offers a variety of services on campus to help students improve their quality of life and try to mold healthier minds...
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In a recent study from the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment, researchers encouraged universities to continue the pass/fail option and other accommodations during COVID-19. But sentiments like this aren’t unanimous across the student body. Some OSU students view pass/no pass as an “easy way out” and something that may negatively impact their future. “I think the pass/ fail option is negative, because it gives people an out for not having to go to class as much. It doesn’t look good on transcripts when getting into a masters program if they decide to choose a pass/fail option in their classes,” said OSU senior Aaron DeVries. While masters programs and graduate school could be impacted, some argue that many professional job recruiters will be lenient when looking at the COVID-19 semester. “I think grades are very important,” OSU marketing professor Jerry Rackley said. “In industry, in the hiring I’ve done, I’ve never looked at a transcript. I see a resume, I see an application and I certainly pay attention to their GPA. The other truth to this is that the GPA is kind of like a pass/fail itself. You see a number and you’re like ‘oh, I have no problem with that.’ Or you look at one and you’re like ‘oh, I have a problem with that’ and you’re either going to dismiss a candidate without an evaluation or you’re going to ask a candidate about it. “I think there is lots of understanding in both academia and the business world where they understand that the entire world is dealing with the circumstances with COVID.”
See Mental Health on page 5
Page 4A Friday, October 16, 2020
The O’Colly
Office Trivia Night Lifestyle
By Amelia Jauregui Maddie opened her laptop at 6 o’clock sharp to finally make use of her Netflix binge-watching abilities. She ended up finding something a little different. The Student Union Activity Board held a virtual The Office trivia night via zoom, for anyone who wanted to put their knowledge of hit tv-show to the test. Questions ranged from simple ones of “what character said “that’s what she said,” or “what food is produced on Dwight Schrute’s farm,” to more challenging ones like “what was the name of Angela’s cat that Dwight accidentally killed.” “I had a lot of fun being able to forget about school work for half an hour and just test my knowledge of one of my favorite tv shows,” said freshman Maddie Meiner. “I definitely didn’t do the best, but it was still just neat to be able to participate in a campus event, regardless of it being virtual.” Meiner was one of over 120 students participating in this Kahoot game night. All you had to do was enter the game pin, put your first name and last initial, and then you were in the running for what would be considered pretty extravagant prizes. First place won new Airpods and an Eno hammock. Second place won a printer, printer ink, a new Hydro Flask and a $25 student union gift card. And third place won a The Office themed
gift basket. Even better, the remainder of participants were entered into a raffle at the end of the game to win a fourth random and miscellaneous prize. While this trivia night attendance-wise, was a successful event, the atmosphere was lacking compared to the previous trivia night that SUAB hosted just weeks prior. “I actually participated in the random movie trivia night a
few weeks ago with a couple of my friends and had a lot of fun, so I came back hoping for a similar experience,” said Meiner. “While I still had fun this time, the last time I did this there was the really funny host from the HQ app who made the experience more memorable.” Scott Rogowsky was a fan favorite from the previous trivia night, as his humorous, play-by-play commentary kept
participants engaged and even laughing out loud. “I was constantly laughing at his jokes, and even at the roasts he was making to everyone playing,” Meiner said. “Regardless, I still had a good time, and I was happy to have something to look forward to throughout the day. It still would’ve been nice to win though.” news.ed@ocolly.com
Q & A: Head Chef of Rancher's Club, Russell Carter By Ryan Novozinsky and Sheyenne Mitchell-Brown Q: How did you end up in Stillwater? And how did you become the head chef at Rancher’s Club? A: I kind of made a full circle. I actually started out at Rancher’s Club in 2005 before I had even been to culinary school. I worked here for almost a year, and I had to go to culinary school after that. I went to culinary school, I made my way around Oklahoma, and I kind of just ended back up here in Stillwater working at Rancher’s Club. Q: Were you a student here at Oklahoma State? A: No, never went to school here. Q: What are your thoughts on serving the campus of OSU? Especially since students can use their meal plans here. A: It gets a little hectic, but it’s well worth it, and I’m glad that we can provide a product that people want to come out and eat. I think we’ve had a pretty good year so far. Q: A good year despite the pandemic? A: Yeah, to-go orders have really picked up, and we’re moving a lot of food. Q: Does the end-of-thesemester meal plan spending increase traffic dramatically? A: It’s chaos, is what it is. Craziness. Any given day you
can walk in and there will be 60 or 70 to-go orders already ready that we haven’t had the chance to start yet, you know? We just have to keep stacking tickets that were already in the weeds. It gets interesting. Q: What is it like working with a staff of students of OSU? A: It’s been great. I enjoy getting the kids in here. Especially the new ones, I like working with them and teaching them something a little bit extra that they may not know or get in their classes. A lot of them are a really good help, so it’s been great. Q: Who is the most famous person you’ve served at Rancher’s Club? A: Recently, we had Thurman Thomas here, which was a big deal for me. We also had Gary Busey here not too long ago. Q: Does it give you a special pride to serve people like Thurman Thomas here? A: I get pride from serving everyone who comes in here. Just walking through and seeing the couples out here on the patio and how good it looks out there and knowing we’re putting out a good product, that makes me proud. It’s cool serving people like Thurman Thomas, but I enjoy serving everybody.
LIVING FOR OTHERS! "...I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain thesalvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2Tim.2:10 NIV) “For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1Co.10:33-11:1 NIV) The words of the Apostle Paul. The apostle is telling us to follow his example as he follows Christ himself. Jesus went about helping, healing, encouraging, and challenging others. His final act on earth was to “die for others; you and me.” In the end, Christ has been exalted eternally to the highest place. Especially in I Co. 9 &10, Paul speaks of his rights as a man and minister of Christ. Yet, he did not take advantage of these rights so there would be no hinderance to his
message of Christ and his salvation. He did not want to place a stumbling block in anyone’s way. He wanted to do everything possible to bring people to Christ. He speaks of running a race to win a prize. In this life, men control their eating and activities to win temporary crowns, but in the Christian’s life we are to discipline ourselves to win a crown that lasts forever. (Co.9:24-27) The Lord Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me. he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Lu.9:23 NIV) However. it is not a call to strict religious rules and ceremonies, but a call to live a life in helping and serving others. Christ said, “...whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt.25:40 NIV) Living a lifestyle like this, has an eternal reward
Claire Boomer
Russell Carter, Head Chef of the Rancher's Club in The Atherton on Oct. 14, 2020 in Stillwater.
The O’Colly
Conflict... Continued from page 1 “We all obviously can’t fly back and fight for our country but we do what we can as American citizens,” Raffi said. “We do what we can to urge our lawmakers, our congressmen, our senators and our president to, one, condemn the attacks by both Azerbaijan and Turkey, two, stop military funding to both of those countries.” Depending on which government explains it, the origin of the conflict might sound drastically different. Raffi said he fears American politicians won’t condemn the attacks because they don’t want to lose political ties with Turkey. “We feel like we aren’t being heard and because of these political ties we have with oppressive countries, they are just going to keep going and killing our homeland,” Raffi said. Oklahoma has a much smaller population of Armenian people than Raffi’s home state, California. Raffi’s only met one other Armenian student at OSU, which he said is making his experience more difficult. “I’ve thought about, especially as of late, trying to start an Armenian Student Association chapter of OSU,” Raffi said. “My two concerns would be, one, I don’t know any other Armenians here except for one student and, two, I graduate in May.” This semester has been rough for Raffi and he said he often gets stressed keeping up with everything, but he has ‘nothing to lose from being an advocate’ for his country and his people. “Because when a bigger group of people than just Armenians start speaking about it, that’s when voices are truly heard,” Raffi said. news.ed@ocolly.com
Friday, October 16, 2020 Page 5A
News
mental health... Continued from page 3
University Counseling Services is composed of the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center, Reboot Center, Student Counseling Center and Student Disability Services. The psychology department has the Psychological Services Center, which provides services such as individual therapy, couples and family therapy, assessments for developmental disabilities, and group therapy. While some students may question OSU’s effectiveness of mental health awareness, Leffingwell argues that the university takes the proper steps. “There’s lots of different places on
campus,” Leffingwell said. “One thing I have seen the student counseling services doing is trying to create a lot of different ways to access services. So they’ve got ways you can chat, they’ve got ways you can call, they try to create ways where people can see a person more quickly. I think that they’re trying a lot of different ways to meet the demands of college students. I don’t know if all of those ways are going to hold and work out, but I’m impressed by their trying a variety of flexible, different things.” A good way to help spread awareness about mental health is by getting educated
and having open conversations to help reduce the stigma that has long surrounded mental illness. “Several studies have shown that participation in education programs on mental illness led to improved attitudes about persons with these problems. Education programs are effective for a wide variety of participants, including college undergraduates, graduate students, adolescents, community residents, and persons with mental illness,” stated in an essay done by World Psychiatry. But to Moore, sitting and listening to someone is the best way to offer help. “It’s just so im-
portant for people to be willing to listen to what other people have to say and speak less and listen more,” said Moore. “When you’re struggling you don’t want to talk about it. You’re in this kind of hole and you don’t want to get out of bed, you don’t want to shower, and you don’t want to be a burden to anyone or have to explain it. But I think that more aware people are of how common these things are, the more people can understand you are not alone whatsoever in any way, shape or form with anything.” news.ed@ocolly.com
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Page 1B Friday, October 16, 2020
The O’Colly
The video that started it all The day Cade Cunnigham committed to OSU Ryan Breeden Cade Cunningham walked into Jim Seaney’s classroom last November to ask for help. He asked Seaney, a media arts teacher at Montverde Academy, to quickly film a video. But not just any video, It was Cunningham’s commitment video. Cunningham knew he was going to commit sooner rather than later, and he decided he wanted to go public with his decision so he could focus on playing the sport he loves. On the day he asked for help, Seaney went into the gym with Cunningham and they filmed the video of him announcing he was going to Oklahoma State. “It was like a thousand pounds off my back,” Cunningham said. “Ever since then, it was so much easier to play basketball knowing I wasn’t playing for anybody, I was just hoopin’ for myself after that.” Cade Cunningham’s commitment video garnered a lot of popularity thanks to his talented producer. Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton had closely followed Cunningham possible.. “I remember getting Since he knew Cunningham for years, being with him “The last time I went with him, and him sayevery step of the way dur- wanted to commit early, he down there, I went by ing, ‘Hey coach, I think ing his recruiting process. used all his visits as early as myself,” Boynton said. I know what I wanna do
Courtney Bay
and I’m ready to go public with it.’”
‘We want to play’ See Video on page 2
OSU football eager to get back onto the field after postponement
week. If OSU had a Big 12 game moved up, both teams involved would get an open week later in the season, in case an outbreak occurs. “Coach Holder and Chris Becker I had discussed trying to find an opponent The Oklahoma State for this week and we football team has had were unsuccessful,” good luck when it comes coach Mike Gundy to COVID-19 — it has said. “I’m not sure how not had major outbreaks many people, coaches or issues with contact or organizations that tracing since the season we were actually able started. to pursue, but we had The same cannot be those discussions based said for its “should be” on trying to play as opponent for Saturday, many games as possible Baylor, which is in the while we are healthy midst of its second outand take advantage of break since the season Saturdays.” began. Baylor and OSU OSU Athletics Depostponed their matchup partment reports only until Dec. 12 because three active football Baylor has shut down COVID-19 cases, which football practices. has been the story for “It’s frustrating for the majority of the sure and a lot of people Cowboys’ season. With are like, ‘We want to that, Gundy doesn’t play, we want to play want to waste a Satbad,’” linebacker Devin urday that the team is Harper said. “Everyhealthy, when that could body’s in the locker room change any day. like, ‘Dang, why can’t we “You hope that you just play and they figure don’t have an outbreak out what they got to do, and it could happen at and just find a way to any time,” Gundy said. play.’” “If it happens, there’s a After the news broke chance that you might that the game against miss two games, if not Baylor would not be significant players for played, OSU Athletic Di- at least one. When you rector Mike Holder got on have a group that is the phone trying to find ready and healthy based a possible opponent for on our testing, we just Saturday. hate to let a weekend Gundy told reports get by without playing a the first choice would game.” have been a Big 12 team as there is only one Big Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire 12 game being played this sports.ed@ocolly.com Just weeks after OSU’s game against Tulsa was postponed, the Baylor game is now postponed too.
Page 2B Friday, October 16, 2020
Video...
The O’Colly
sports
Continued from page 1
Cunningham’s older brother, Cannen Cunningham, is an assistant coach for OSU. So immediately after Cade’s talk with Boynton, he decided to call Cannen. Cunningham told his brother he wanted to commit right then and there, but he was advised to wait until the next day. So that’s what he did. “I dropped the video the next day,” Cunningham said. “I dropped it, and then I got off Instagram. I turned my Instagram notifications off for a while, turned the Twitter ones off and then I was just on the phone [with my family].” Going into the day of Cunningham’s eventual announcement, Boynton knew Cunningham was going to commit at some point that day, but not the exact time. Once he found out the time Cunningham was dropping the video, Boynton went home to enjoy the moment with his family, especially his son. “I made sure that I left the gym and campus to go home, so I was home with my son,” Boynton said. “I told him, ‘Hey, Cade’s coming, he’s gonna announce today,’ and I’ve never seen my son more excited. It was a pretty awesome moment to share with him.” It was a crazy couple of days for Cunningham, his family and OSU basketball. Cunningham was the No. 2 ranked player in the 2020 class with offers from all of the blue bloods. So, he acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, but he doesn’t question the one he made. “It was a tough decision for sure, but at the end of the day I kinda had deep in my heart that Okstate is where I wanted to be,” Cunningham said.
Cade Cunningham comes into OSU with high expectations as the No. 1 player in the 2020 class.
Courtney Bay
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Friday, October 16, 2020 Page 3B
sports
Operation overtime How the Cowgirls game plan when they're in overtime By Adam Engel Overtime is like ordering eight chicken wings and getting ten — pay the regular price with an added benefit. For the Oklahoma State women’s soccer team, overtime periods have been a part in the latest three consecutive games. Only one of the last three overtime matches have resulted in victory for the Cowgirls. After leading for more than 63 minutes on Friday, TCU was able to exploit the stout OSU defense and equalize with less than five minutes remaining in regulation. “On Friday, we just tried to regroup heading into overtime because we had conceded such a late equalizer and it’s mentally tough to come back from that,” head coach Colin Carmichael said. “We were just trying to get our kids to regroup, refocus and let them know everything is OK.” Overtime can be a blessing and a curse for some teams. Approaches executed in overtime have critical consequences given the fragile nature of overtime, and one shot can decide the outcome of any given match. TCU rode the waves of its momentum leftover in regulation and opted to immediately attack OSU on the opening possession of overtime when senior Brandi Peterson notched the winner just 30 seconds into extra time. “Well, we were up for the entirety of the match, except for the last three minutes, and then we get scored on,” sophomore Olyvia Dowell said. “I think in that specific situation we were all like, ‘Oh crap.’ TCU had the momentum at that point, and we hadn’t scored since the first half. “Obviously, overtime is exhausting. You go play 90 minutes and then you have to play a maximum of 20 extra minutes. At the end of the day, you really just focus on winning.” In the high stakes environment presented with overtime, decisions can be difficult to make. Both teams are faced with a tough decision. Squads can choose to be aggressive or play with a conservative edge. “Overtime is a mixture of patience and urgency,” senior Charmé Morgan said. “When the game is tied, we obviously want to score a goal and not concede. We just have to be smart. We have to be making the right decisions.” After a stretch of four straight games decided by a goal or less, OSU returns helpful depth this week, after a few Cowgirls were caught up in COVID-19 issues. “It’s one thing to be back and it is another thing to be ready to play a Big 12 soccer match,” Carmichael said. “What you might see is a few more faces getting some more time.” Broken Arrow native Mollie Brenier is a young freshman that has recently seen quality minutes off the bench in the right back position. Redshirt Sophomore Kionna Simon and Peyton Vincze mainly occupied that portion of the pitch but Vincze’s season-ending injury three weeks ago has allowed Brenier to step up. “We have to get creative within our shape and be better in certain situations,” Carmichael said. “That is something I told the team, I said, ‘We didn’t do a good enough job adjusting TCU within that game’. sports@ocolly.com
Joel Devick
Doubling back
The OSU women’s soccer team’s preparation in practice helps it succeed in any overtime period.
Austin Eckroat didn’t anticipate being back in Stillwater
Austin Eckroat has been living his dream as a member of the Oklahoma State men’s golf team.
Chris Becker Some kids want to be a doctor or a lawyer, but Oklahoma State men’s golfer Austin Eckroat always knew he wanted to be a professional golfer. And now that goal although delayed is just a few months away. “I wasn’t one of those kids that dreamt of being an astronaut or something like that,” Eckroat said. “I was always dreaming of being a professional golfer. To think that it’s only a few months away is pretty crazy and cool. I remember hitting putts when I was five years old hitting putts and act-
ing like I was winning the Masters and stuff like that.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck collegiate sports, Eckroat was already preparing to turn his attention toward the PGA Tour and not return to Stillwater. But after the season was cut short, he decided to make his return to college golf. In March, Eckroat was already getting ready to leave behind Karsten Creek for Augusta National and try to become a PGA Tour member, but the world had different plans. “It was pretty crazy how it all worked out,” Eckroat said. “I was planning on leaving. I already had everything moving and was already heading out the door just to finish out the year. I was hoping to get some exemptions. I
made the decision to come back right around when they canceled the season. “After talking with coaches and with the uncertainty of the PGA Tour non PGA Tour members weren’t going to get any starts. It was just one of those things, especially with (Qualifying School) being put on hold for a year, it wasn’t much of an option for when you turn pro.” The Cowboys started its fall season, but it is also about to come to an end with the final scheduled event taking place Sunday and Monday in Carrollton, Texas. The Cowboys had a rough first outing of the season, but bounced back in the Big 12 Match Play tournament where they finished second to Baylor. OSU posted a 2-0-2 record in the event.
OSU athletics
With the attention now almost turned to the spring season, Eckroat has some clear cut lofty goals for his team and himself. “The main goal for me, individually, the overall priority is being top-5 in the PGA Tour University, that’s the biggest goal,” Eckroat said. “Then comes Player of the Year, First Team All-American and I want to get a couple of wins. Those are the main goals. For team goals, I want to see us get to match play. If we can just get to match play, anything could happen. If we can get five of us going and make a run at nationals that would be a big goal.”
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Page 4B Friday, October 16, 2020
The O’Colly
Being authentic sports
Mike Boynton's high-character valued by his players By Dean Ruhl Mike Boynton tries to authentically be himself every day, he’s always stuck to his morals. With that approach, he landed Oklahoma State its best recruiting class in over a decade. Boynton is now entering his fourth season as the OSU men’s basketball team head coach. Since taking over the program in 2017, he has seen his recruiting rankings improve every season, and the current recruiting class is ranked No. 13 in the nation, the highest-rated OSU recruiting class since 2005. “I think with what he’s been doing with us, it’s helped us out a whole lot,” freshman Cade Cunningham said. “You know the expectations are high for our freshman class and we’re trying to live up to it, so coming in and being able to produce right away is really important for us.” Cunningham is the face of the freshman class, coming off a senior season in which he won multiple player of the year awards, including the 2020 Naismith High School Player of the Year Award, making him the first Cowboy to ever win the honor.
Courtney Bay Mike Boynton and company had their first live stream practice to showcase the talent of the team.
Alongside the highly-touted freshman class, Boynton has also brought in 22-year old graduate transfer Ferron Flavors Jr. from California Baptist University. While they have had different paths to get to the Cowboys’ organization, Flavors still holds Boynton in high regard. “What drew me to him is his honesty and the type of man that he is,” Flavors said. “ I wanted to make sure
that whoever I went and played for was a genuine person first and foremost, and also somebody that I could trust off the court also. I wanted it to be a situation where I was able to build a relationship and I could call on this person 5-10 years down the road, and I know that person will have my back the same way as when I have a jersey on with them.” Cunningham had similar things to say about Boynton being
more than just a head coach, but someone that he can rely on. “He’s available to us, and you don’t get that everywhere, trust me, you do not get that everywhere,” Cunningham said. “I can go to coach Boynton’s house 24/7, I can call him anytime, I can text him at any time, I have called and texted him at wild times, it’s not like I’m just saying it assuming that it’s possible for me, I know I can. Being able to have that as
your head coach, you can’t really ask for anything more.” Cunningham also cites his enjoyment of Boynton’s family being around the team regularly. “He brings his kids around all the time, they’re like our little best friends, his wife is always around, so just having that it really brings a family atmosphere to us, and I can’t be more appreciative of it,” Cunningham said. Boynton’s ability to create a one of a kind environment around his basketball program has been successful in bringing in recruits and has set a unique feeling around the organization. “Coming here has definitely been, in my opinion, one of the best decisions that I have made in my life, and that’s also off the court, having the coaching staff and people around us that we have here, is something that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” Flavors said. “He’s just such a genuine guy”
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Jocelyn Harper Licensed Professional Counselor
Has life thrown you a curve ball? Do you feel like you have lost your direction a little, or life's problems seem overwhelming? I can help. While I may not be an expert on your life, I can give you a listening ear and the guidance needed to get you back on the right path. I accept most insurances, credit card, and cash 116 W 7th, Ste 221 Stillwater, OK 74074 | (405) 762-6016
O’Colly
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Business Squares
Join us every Sunday for our live streaming services! Matins @ 8:50am and Divine Liturgy @ 10:00am.”
Every Monday from 4pm-9pm you can get steak, a side of your choice, and a salad bar, all for only $10 at Freddie Paul’s Steakhouse! Visit us for more information at http:// freddiepauls.com or give us a call at 405-377-8777. See ya there!
Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy! Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater
Join the New Covenant Fellowship for service every Sunday at 10am and share in our passion for Jesus Christ!” UKirk university group at First Presbyterian Church meets every week! Join us for Bible study every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.! For more information or for Zoom access, visit us at stillwaterfpc.com
Business Squares “We are seeking sponsors for the new Little Free Library Stillwater Program! #LFLStillwater For more details E-mail: allied.arts@ okstate.edu
Join indie author and visual artist Otto Blaast for his virtual book release party Halloween Night at 8 pm. Check it out at ottoblaast.com
Free Wi-Fi, great place to study, free bottled water and keurig coffee! Fun board games and card games only walking distance from campus! The Coffee House at 519 W. 3rd Ave is open Sun-Thurs 2-10 pm. Come see us on campus corner and bring a friend or 2! Furniture Showcase is Stillwater’s BEST Furniture & Mattress Store! Located in Downtown Stillwater, we can help you design any room. Visit http://Stillwater FurnitureShowcase.com to see more!
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Friday, October 16, 2020 Page 5B
News
The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main Need some extra cash? Visit BPL Plasma and become a donor today! Located on Washington Street and open everydayeven weekends!”
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Complete horse stabling facility: Indoor/Outdoor arena, round pen, pasture available. RV parking available also. Also have nice 3-bedroom mobile home for rent. Jack 405-372-2291 April Henry 260-242-6886
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 Band letters 5 Lennon comrade 10 Hitchcock’s “The 39 __” 15 London flat? 16 Skating rink drink 17 Unleash 18 Miracle Mets outfielder Tommie 19 “Thy word is __ unto my feet”: Psalms 20 Garlicky mayo 21 Text from one who can’t get out of Buy Buy Baby? 24 Letter before Papa 25 Adorkable style 29 Comment after submitting yet another updated tax return? 33 Man, in Milan 34 Spelling of “BH90210” 35 Silly 36 Attendees of Biting Fly High School? 41 Easy to follow 43 Rested 44 Mendel subjects 45 Zombie field mouse? 52 Bar owner, vis-àvis selling drinks 54 Motes 55 Mental conflict ... or what may be found in four long puzzle answers? 59 Brother of Willow Smith 62 Really enjoyed something 63 Boxcars in un casino 64 Online periodical 65 Food safety concern 66 Pulitzer winner Robert __ Butler 67 Some etiquette tips 68 Cubicle furniture 69 Lavish bash DOWN 1 Worse than ever 2 “Holy moly!” 3 Coca-Cola brand
10/16/20
By Steve Faiella
4 Use for a tryst 5 Checkout action 6 Narrated 7 Berry with three vowels and three syllables 8 Itinerant Europeans 9 Rock climber’s descent 10 Grassy expanse 11 Shredded-wheat cracker 12 Job listing abbr. 13 Chum 14 Enjoy trails 22 More riled up 23 Afore 26 Brewer’s flowers 27 Small demon 28 Flirtatiously shy 30 “This Is Us” Emmy winner __ Cephas Jones 31 Diamond stat. 32 Source of Adam and Eve’s leaves 35 “Drat!” 36 Audio equipment brand 37 Legal right of way 38 Bridge expert Culbertson 39 Moo goo __ pan 40 Diarist Anaïs
Thursday’s Puzzle Solved
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41 Double-chevron wearer: Abbr. 42 Aloha State souvenir 45 Steel giant, from 1986 to 2001 46 “Just What I __”: 1978 Cars hit 47 Emulate Ellery Queen 48 Without 49 “My Favorite Year” star
10/16/20
50 Surgical knife 51 Ancient ascetic 53 Lowest pinochle cards 56 Self-images 57 Do a farm chore 58 Publisher Chandler 59 Martin’s “The West Wing” role 60 Nitrogenous dye 61 Ruckus
Daily Horoscope By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Today’s Birthday (10/16/20). Expand through strengthening your roots this year. Family bonds and domestic comforts grow with steady, focused attention. Consider your investigation from another angle this winter, revealing an exciting creative opportunity. Untangle a miscommunication next summer, before your next adventure opens new frontiers. Carefully nurture your garden. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Partnership blossoms under this Libra New Moon. Begin a new chapter together. Support each other through changes or transformations. Strengthen bonds and deepen roots. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Your physical moves seem energized. This New Moon sparks growing health and strength. Put your heart into your actions. Practice for strong performance. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — This New Moon in Libra initiates a family, fun and passion phase. A romantic relationship transforms. It’s all for love and love for all. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Wrap your love around home and family. A blissful domestic phase arises with this Libra New Moon. Seeds planted long ago flower. Share the harvest. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Profit through communications. Breakthroughs arise in conversation under this New Moon. Make powerful connections. Invite participation. Align words and actions for satisfying results. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Step into new levels of prosperity. Get creative with promotional materials under this Libra New Moon. Begin a lucrative growth phase. Find new markets. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Take charge. Raise your talents, capacities and skills to new levels with this New Moon in your sign. Begin a period of personal growth. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Insights, breakthroughs and revelations sparkle under this New Moon. Dreams seem within reach. Practice benefits a philosophical, spiritual and mindful phase. Make long-term plans. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Breakthroughs in friendship, social networks and community provide cause for celebration under the New Moon. Express your love and appreciation. Share gratitude and acknowledgment. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Professional opportunities shine over the next two weeks inspired by this Libra New Moon. Develop projects from idea to reality. Innovate and create new possibilities. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Study with a master. Education, travels and exploration sprout under this New Moon. Consider new views and perspectives. Make long-distance connections. Bold discoveries await. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Find creative ways to grow your family nest egg. A lucrative phase dawns with this New Moon. Launch a profitable initiative together. Support each other.
Level 1
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Solution to Thursday’s puzzle
10/16/20 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk
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Page 6B Friday, October 16, 2020
The O’Colly
sports
Playing cards with coach Carmichael Ben Hutchens OSU soccer coach Colin Carmichael has done something in backto-back games he had not done since 2016. “Coming into this year, I hadn’t had a yellow card in four years,” Carmichael said. “To get them in back to back games, I was really disappointed in myself first of all.” Last Friday, in a game against TCU, Carmichael thought one of his players had been kicked late by an opposing player. Carmichael pleaded his case to the onlooking official in an effort to protect his player. “I got a little emotional,” Carmichael said. My hands were moving, and I was excitable, so I guess the official wanted me to calm down. I was told my hand gestures were what did it.” Carmichael was also shown a yellow card for a similar moment two weeks ago in Waco. He said that for both yellow cards he was a bit surprised and that players on his team and the opposing coaches wondered why exactly Carmichael was shown a yellow. Ever since his yellow card in one of the final matches of the 2016 season, Carmichael
made a commitment to do a better job of communicating with the officials. “I think I’ve been doing a lot better on the sideline with interacting with the officials, and in the last two weeks, I didn’t really feel like I’d been any extra emotional or upset, but for some reason, I got dinged,” Carmichael said. The yellow cards are in the past, and the only thing Carmichael can do about them now is make another commitment. “I’ll take it and I’ll do better in the next few,” Carmichael said. “Mark my words, I’ll probably regret saying this, but I won’t get another one the rest of the way.” The yellow cards aren’t limited to just coaches. OSU defender Charmé Morgan thinks that the last time she got a yellow card was the final game of last season. Although she couldn’t remember the exact play, she thinks it was probably because she got too physical with an opponent. Carmichael did not criticize Morgan for getting carded in the match. “He (Carmichael) understands that sometimes you just get a little too physical it happens,” Morgan said. “He definitely understands
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Joel Devick
OSU coach Colin Carmichael hasn’t seen many yellow cards throughout his time at OSU.
the game and sometimes it’s just out of your control and you might just get a little too physical.” Getting carded is less common for other players. It took OSU forward Olyvia Dowell a second to think back to the last time she was shown a card. “I do remember one of them, but it was like fifth grade and that was just in a game where I said something about a handball,” Dowell said. “I haven’t gotten one in a long time.”
Dowell said that she has never gotten a red card and the only thing she would ever do to warrant a card would be talking back to the referee. “I’ve never actually gotten a yellow card for any sort of crazy play or sliding into anyone,” Dowell said. “I’m not a super aggressive player when it comes to initiating things, normally I’m the one getting beat up or initiated at.” Players getting penalized for over-aggressive play
or coaches getting penalized for verbal banter with an official is obviously not desirable. Carmichael said he certainly doesn’t encourage the activity, but he knows it’s not something that will likely be cut out completely. “(It’s) not unique to me or to soccer,” Carmichael said. “It’s just a part of sports I think when coaches feel like they can maybe help protect their players a little bit.” sports.ed@ocolly.com