Friday, March 10, 2023

Friday, March 10, 2023

Log in or walk in

Online classes are growing more popular at OSU among student-athletes, but is it convenient or detrimental?

Davis Cordova

Rise in online classes for OSU athletes comes with convenience, drawbacks

Sam Hutchens Staff Reporter Mike Boynton got more than grades from one of his college professors.

He received an invitation to kiss the bride.

“My best friend, still to this day, is one of my first college professors,” Boynton said. “He ended up being the guy who married my wife and I.” Today’s athletes aren’t as likely to make such a connection.

At colleges across the country, including OSU, many athletes are now taking more online classes, sitting behind a screen instead of a potential best friend turned wedding official.

And while it might make evening

lifts and bus rides easier to cram into a tight schedule, experts suggest the still-developing athletes are missing out on more than ever, too.

Is virtual learning, never more popular, preparing athletes for life after school when they will enter society and workplaces?

Ashley Railey, a sociologist at OSU, said there are still debates about what online platforms have done for students’ relationships.

“From my perspective, and a lot of the research I’ve looked into and

been part of, it’s still not replacing that one-on-one interaction,” Railey said.

“To build those social networks that you can use in the long term for job opportunities or even just building diverse relationships which we know are beneficial for health more broadly.

“Yes, you need to have those inperson interactions.”

Boynton, OSU’s men’s basketball coach, was thankful for the in-person college classes he took as a studentathlete at South Carolina from 200004.

See Online Classes on 4B

Anecia Coleman Panelists share their challenges as women in the workplace.

‘Head down and hustle’: Female leaders run OSU

Color Rush

Ethan Hilbert

OSU’s Student Arts Alliance hosted a Holi Festival on Wednesday afternoon. Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is one of the most popular Hindu festivals.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Alumni Association hosted a panel with the four women on Tuesday evening.

Kennedy Thomason Each discussed their careers and expeAssistant News & riences in response to Lifestyle Editor moderated questions.

The panel focused on their accomplishments A female future and challenges they is a reality at OSU. have faced as women in For the first time, a team of women the workplace.

Shrum, a pedialead OSU. Dr. Kayse Shrum, OSU president; trician via trade, deJeanette Mendez, OSU scribed the “imposter syndrome” she experiprovost, Anne Caine, enced after residency.

OSU Alumni Asso“I think, for me, ciation president; and Blaire Atkinson, OSU it was, OK, you have to stop and think, ‘I have Foundation president.

all these skills, I know what I’m doing and I have to be confident in this moment to do what I need to do, but also [be] open to learn in every situation and seek help when I need it,” she said.

The panelists echoed this sentiment, saying they had moments of apprehension when stepping into leadership roles.

Mendez described her adjustment to set boundaries, during her time as a department head, with colleagues that had previously been peers.

See Leaders on 3A

Page 2A Friday, March 10, 2023

O’Colly

Page 2 The O’Comic

Kendall McGhee

Editor’s Note: In last week’s edition, OSU’s library was identified as Edmond Low in a headline and in a story. The library is known as Edmon Low. The O’Colly regrets this error.

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

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

News & Lifestyle reporters: Jaden Besteda Payton Little Baylor Bryant Michael Clark Rebekah Cleary Jaycee Hampton Isaac Terry Bella Casey Hayden Alexander Taylor Carroll

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

Photographers & Designers: Ben Holieway Rebekah Cleary Kendall McGhee Jaiden Daughty Molly Jolliff Chase Davis Michael Clark Karlie Boothe Ethan Hilbert Carson Toulouse Jaycee Hampton Cassius Davis Ava Whistler

O’Colly

Friday, March 10, 2023 Page 3A

News Leaders...

Continued from 1A The panelists were also asked to discuss their female role models. Answers varied from family, to colleagues, to none. Caine described her experience as one of two female superintendents in Oklahoma. She said that she found role models like her father and two other male colleagues, but never a woman.

The panelists shared the work ethic and mentality that has allowed them to hold influential positions.

Atkinson described her family environment and how it shaped her as a leader.

“From my great grandma to my grandparents on both sides, these women are real, pioneering, hardworking, just head down and hustle [women],” Atkinson said.

“I’ve learned a lot of that ‘head down and hustle’ approach from them.

Atkinson credited a lot of her success to the example that women in her life gave her.

Shrum acknowledged the unique challenges women face and shared how she views these challenges.

“I always say, we do have unique challenges as females, but I’ve never wanted to focus where I don’t talk a lot about those obstacles, because I think that they get a strong hold when you validate them,” Shrum said. “I always see them as opportunities to either prove someone wrong or to get better myself.”

The event was open to the public, and students and community members gathered to hear the women speak.

Lexie Evers, an agribusiness pre-law major, said listening to the panelists was inspiring.

“I find women, especially like Dr. Shrum, really inspiring because she’s someone who uses her femininity, and she’s been able to advance in the workforce and kind of climb up the corporate ladder and serve so many people in the process,” Evers said. “And she never had to change who she was to do that.” news.ed@ocolly.com

he t t ou k c e Ch

File Photo Frontier Lanes is one of many Stillwater businesses that offer weekly discounts.

Stillwater on a week off: Things to do on spring break Taylor Carroll Staff Reporter

Ultimate Air Trampoline Park on North Country Club Road offers weekday specials for a few days of the week.

It is open from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 Spring break is near and college p.m. on weekdays and longer hours on students need something to do. weekends. This location has a foam pit, For the students who need to keep multiple trampolines and dodgeball. theirselves occupied until class starts It offers a discount on Tuesdays. again on March 20, Stillwater offers When a person buys one hour for $15, many cheap activities students can do they get one hour free. Wednesday with friends or family. consists of deals such as four jumpers AMC Stillwater 10 located on Per- for one hour for $25 and one jumper for kins Road is offering a discount. Movies four hours for $25. before 3 p.m. are $8 for adults, instead On Thursday, Ultimate Air offers of their normal costs of $11 to $12 per discounts such as one hour for $11, one movie. “Scream 6,” “Creed 3,” “Cocaine and a half hours for $13 and two hours Bear,” “Champions,” “Ant-Man and the for $15 per person. Also, on family night Wasp: Quantumania” are some of the it offers four people the chance to jump movies on display. for two hours and get four small founAll of AMC’s movies are played tain drinks for $60. in the afternoon. The earliest time they Frontier Lanes has only one deal offer during weekdays is 2 p.m., and the that is available besides its normal latest show is 8:15 p.m. The movies are prices. This deal is on Wednesday not shown in a specific order, and more nights from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. when a information is on the AMC Theatre’s person can pay $12 for unlimited bowlwebsite. ing games. The hours for the lanes are

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Otherwise, each game would cost $4 or $20 per hour on a lane before 4 p.m. during the weekdays. After 4 p.m. on weekdays, it is $4.50 per game or $25 per hour on a lane.

The Lost Creek Safari is a zoo that is reopening its doors on Monday.

During the week of their reopening, it will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day that week. After that week, the zoo schedule will go back to its old scheduled hours.

Lost Creek Safari has many animals including bobcats, zebras, lemurs, peacocks, kangaroos and more. It is $11 for adults, not including tax, to enter and see all the animals in their glory.

Although the zoo doesn’t offer a discount, seeing it up close for the first time this year is worth your money. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4A Friday, March 10, 2023

O’Colly

News during the COVID pandemic.

Online Classes... longer Athletes or not, students who have to

Continued from 1A

“Personally, I like people,” Boynton said. “I’m a people person. I like being around people; getting to know folks. I enjoy that process of learning.

I enjoy dialogue with a professor… for me, the routine of being in class, meeting people is something I wouldn’t pass up.”

Of course, in the early 2000s, it was all Boynton knew. Online college classes weren’t a thing. Now, just like regular students, Boynton’s players and most every Division I student athlete have the option to take online classes.

As more athletes opt for a virtual education, it has not been embraced by all.

John Smith, OSU’s wrestling coach, said succinctly, “I hate online.”

“I push for [in-person classes],” Smith said. “It’s too easy to lay in bed with your computer on your belly. You need to actually get up. Shave, if you’re a man. Shower. Clean up. Get your ass out there and start your day.”

“That’s the college life,” Smith said. A July 2022 article that McKinsey & Company published, a global management consulting firm, reports there was record enrollment in online learning in 2020. It cites COVID as the catalyst for a 92% boost in the growth of hybrid and distance-only students at traditional universities.

Michael Kofoed, an economics professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, co-authored a study with three others to examine the effect of online classes on students. In May 2021, their 33-page report concluded that students in online classes have their scores drop 0.215 standard deviations, which can take a low A to a high B, or a low B to a high C. Kofoed, who was also a tutor for the Georgia Bulldogs football team, said he anticipated in-person students would do better, and the size of the discrepancy surprised him.

“It doesn’t sound like a lot but if you look in the literature, it turns out it’s really hard to change people’s grades,” Kofoed said. “So the amount that it knocked them down, if you look at the tutoring literature, where they do these randomized controlled trials and assigning college students a tutor, you would need a tutor of a tutor once a week to get you back up to speed.”

Marilyn Middlebrook is OSU’s associate athletic director for Academic Affairs. She works with athletes to help classwork run smoothly. Signed pictures from grateful former studentathletes adorn her office walls, and she has accompanied athletes on Senior Day in place of parents.

Middlebrook, who said online classes started gaining popularity at OSU just before COVID, has not noticed a resulting slip in overall GPA. She said communication, though, is less fluid when classes go virtual.

“Just in day-to-day I have not noticed [a dip in GPA],” Middlebrook said. “Now I have noticed that students have a tendency in general to miss more things.”

Middlebrook said syllabuses got

read 20 syllabus pages could miss a critical registration date or test detail buried in the document.

Charlie Bartholomew, an OSU sprinter who is the 2022 U-20 World Champion in the 4x400 Meter relay, chose to take all in-person classes. He’s not alone among top athletes in his choice.

Cowboy basketball point guard Avery Anderson said he performs better when attending classes in person.

He adjusted his schedule accordingly, because the difference between a computer screen and a professor is real to him.

“I actually have an in-person class every day,” Anderson said. “And for me, like last year I didn’t have an in-person class, I really like in-person.

I feel like I really get to know my teacher. And I actually pay attention.

“If I don’t have an in-person class I be putting work off.”

Kurt Hines, a high school football coach of 20-plus years and a motivational speaker, says connecting with athletes is critical. Whether it’s a coach instilling the basics of a rock-solid defense, or a geology professor teaching rock formations, getting to know athletes is the key to pulling the most out of them.

“No matter what, if we don’t get to know our young men or women on a personal level, they are not going to be as good as they could be on the field or court or rink,” Hines said. “And when they do face those real tough life calling or chapters in life, they aren’t going to come to us for guidance or help.”

The surge in the popularity of online classes among student-athletes at OSU is easy to pinpoint.

“COVID really changed it… people look around and said we can do this,” OSU softball coach Kenny Gajewski said. “There’s a lot of our kids who would rather be online and I have a lot of kids that want no part of it. They don’t learn like that. It’s just in the last four of five years it’s gotten crazy.”

Ally Jackson, a senior defender on OSU’s 2022 soccer team, is one student-athlete who got a taste of online classes during the pandemic. She doesn’t want to switch back.

“I’m in all online, personally, right now,” Jackson said during the fall.

“I enjoy it just because I get to do my own thing and then come to practice.

Ever since COVID I kind of liked being online and I’ve kind of ran with it since then.”

Brock Martin, a senior lineman on OSU’s football team during the fall of 2022, is with Jackson. When balancing the practice and workouts with class work, the convenience of logging in whenever to knock schoolwork out is unmatched.

“I haven’t gone to an actually physical class in three years, four years,” Martin said. “I think it’s more expensive but it makes everything so much easier. Some teachers will have stuff due every day, some have stuff due just on Mondays, Sundays, whatever day.

“Those teachers, shout them out because that is way better. You just put it all off until Sunday or whenever and then get it done,” Martin said.

Jaiden Daughty Charlie Bartholomew, an OSU sprinter who is the 2022 U-20 World Champion in the 4x400 Meter relay, takes in person classes every day.

Charlie Bartholomew said he performs better when attending classes in person.

Jaiden Daughty

going,” Gajewski said. “She said, ‘You Martin said he doesn’t miss know, it’s OK, but I don’t really feel in-person classes. Interacting with his like I’m in school. Because I’m not goteammates and coaches, then going ing to class.’” back home to his family, is enough.

A need for online classes varies “I just see (my teammates) and with sport. (my girlfriend) Gracie and (my son) Middlebrook said softball and Maverick,” Martin said. “That’s the only people I see. Except for the week- baseball spring travel schedules make end, I see my family and stuff. But for it difficult for athletes to be physically the most part it’s just these [teammates] present every class. Golf and football are also tough to schedule for. and my own [son] at home.”

It can be easier for athletes such The relational aspect, just as as Becker to learn on the road instead much as the grades, is something Koof being forced to miss labs and have foed was interested in while studying the issue. He said interacting with other to catch up later. OSU doesn’t direct classmates and professors is beneficial. athletes toward online or in-person.

Just what works best.

You might not get a future wedding OSU football coach Mike Gundy guest from every class, like Boynton, but you may get a conversation that can said he understands the doors that online classes open for people who would invigorate your day. be unable to attend an in-person ver“One of the things I love to do sion. He also recognizes the benefits of is when I start class, kids come in,” Kofoed said. “I can tell which ones are in-person learning.

His solution to athletes trying to having a bad day, right? So then I can balance busy schedules with in-person grab that kid and be like, ‘Hey, let’s chat after class. How are you doing?’” learning?

“I think as a normal college “Where in online, it’s like, ‘See ya!’ and all the “Brady Bunch” pictures student gets up a little further in their education [online classes] are OK,” disappear.”

Kelly Bergstrand, a sociologist at Gundy said. “But I think the first two the University of Texas-Arlington, said or three semesters, kids should have to online classes can encourage some so- go to class.

“Get up, find your way to class cial skills such as engaging respectfully in discussion posts. But, generally, she — rain or shine — see the professor or has seen the rise in online classes lead [teacher’s assistant] face to face, take to a decrease in students’ socialization notes and build relationships. I think there’s benefits with that that we’re skills. losing now with the majority of this “This could affect social perforbecoming online.” mance in a work environment, but I Kofoed said student-athletes at think an equally important drawback West Point, which make up roughly is the lack of development of social networks that could provide job oppor- one-third of the student body, did not score any worse than regular students tunities,” Bergstrand said. in his study of online classes. They Grace Yochum, a senior OSU soccer player who enrolled in all online didn’t do any better, either.

Still, those who took an online classes in the fall, said she misses the little things that online learning cannot class were likely to need a tutor to provide. Walking to class, getting food match a counterpart in an in-person version. at the Student Union, and going to the Kofoed said he would be wary of library.

And who knows what friendships using online classes as a primary option throughout college. she could have made.

“What I would say is that if your “I didn’t think I would miss any athletics department is saying, ‘Here’s of it, but now looking back in hindsight, those are the moments,” Yochum a cheap way that we can fit our studentathletes schedules,’ then they are shortsaid. “Being with the normal student body is just fun. One of my best friends changing them academically.”

Options aren’t so easy for internaI made through class was actually a tional students. softball player.

The Immigration and Natural“Had I not been in that class, we ization Service requires international would have never become friends,” students, including student-athletes, to Yochum said.

It’s always a tradeoff for student- take a majority of their classes in person. Middlebrook said the benefits of athletes. personal interaction range far beyond a Rachel Becker, an infielder for the Cowgirls softball squad, transferred simple test score.

“I think our kids miss out on a lot to OSU from Purdue. She graduated as from being online socially,” Middlea Boilermaker with a chemical engineering degree. She is applying for the brook said. “I don’t think academically, but I think they do miss it socially.” master’s program at OSU, where GPA Cowgirl soccer coach Colin is important.

Despite the grade drop associated Carmichael encourages athletes to try with taking online classes, sometimes it walking — not logging — into classes.

“I think it’s huge,” Carmichael is the only feasible option. said. “It’s a big part of your college “It makes it tough, especially experience. Hanging out. Meeting kids with practice schedules,” Becker said.

“You never want to miss practice. You who aren’t athletes who have other interests. Getting around other people. never want to miss class. With travelNot being around likeminded people ing, sometimes, there’s no way you the whole time. Getting other people’s can’t miss things.” thoughts on life.”

Gajewski said Becker was in all online classes in the fall. news.ed@ocolly.com “I asked (Becker) how school is

O’Colly

Friday, March 10, 2023 Page 5A

News

Tornado alley

Students express their thoughts on storm season Jaycee Hampton Staff Reporter

were just on their back porches watching,” Harris said. “Not out of enjoyment, but really just out of curiosity.

As a pilot, I do like to know what’s Storm-watching from porches is going on with the weather. During big common in Oklahoma, but not every- storms, I will find myself in a raincoat body is used to unpredictable severe sitting on my porch, just soaking it in weather. and watching. I think the weather is The end of February, Oklahoma really fascinating. Just sitting inside had severe weather across the state. is kind of neglecting something cool Towns, like Norman, suffered damabout our planet.” age from a series of tornadoes that Jenae Roberts is a freshman touched down, but Stillwater missed from Nassau, Bahamas. Oklahoma is the worst of the storm. a completely different climate from Rebekah Harris, is a senior at what she is used to, yet, said she OSU from Wichita, Kansas, is not doesn’t let it worry her too much. unfamiliar with strong winds and “In The Bahamas, we go concerning weather, as she has been through hurricanes,” Roberts said. working diligently to become a pro“We do not panic or anything either. fessional pilot.

My mother personally loves thunderHarris said she believes Stillwa- storms, and she can go outside and ter usually misses out on the severe listen to the rain all night, and for weather, receiving all the warnings me, I can sleep through it. That’s the but magically avoiding the town enperfect time to catch a nap.” tirely, giving her reason to not panic.

Tornadoes and hurricanes don’t “Sometimes to me, it seems a compare, but there are still aspects of little irresponsible that Oklahomans Oklahoma that Harris said she finds aren’t concerned [about the weather].” odd. Despite the difference and level Harris said she was unaware that of severity, tornado season begins OSU has multiple severe weather ref- near the start of April and lasts until uge locations open to all students and June, leaving non-Oklahomans on faculty across campus. She said she their toes. feels safer knowing she has a place to “I normally experience subgo besides her closet in a time of need. tropical weather so it would only go “Last year, a tornado went as low as 60 F,” Roberts said. “Bethrough my hometown and people ing in Oklahoma, I could say that the

OSU’s campus has multiple severe weather refuge shelters for students and employees.

weather, is more extreme here because the temperatures can go beyond 100 F. which is crazy to me. Then there’s the cold. It’s weird how it can go from 70 F to 40 F in a short period of time.”

Although storm watching is enjoyed state-wide, being prepared for harmful weather is important in unpredictable times. OSU has shelters in many buildings across campus,

Courtesy of OSU

including the Student Union, Agricultural Hall, the business building and multiple other locations.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Techniques to succeed: OSU students share how they study for exams ready on his mind. Online classes go at a set pace, and if it’s the last minute, there is no other information to help besides what is proStudents at OSU study for exams in different vided.

To Yicela Rivas, a ways. freshman zoology vetRayne Paris, a seerinarian science major, nior finance major, said he studying habits depend on crams all the information the class she prepares for. he can the night before the She studies for 1 1/2 hours test. He studies for four to or more, depending on six hours the night before whether it is a more chaland sets other distractions lenging class, such as math. aside during this time.

“As far as, like, my “It’s as effective as math class,” Rivas said. “I studying a few days earlihad an exam one day, so I er,” Paris said. “You know, studied all weekend for it. in my opinion, it’s just So Saturday and Sunday more time effective to do it were multiple hours.” closer to the exam.”

She studies with a Paris said he has been movie or podcast in the using this way of studying background for noise and since his first year of cola notebook to write stuff lege and has stuck with it down beside a laptop. Her ever since. He tried spendnotes are on paper with key ing long hours studying and points for her to look at and ended with the same result essential handouts given to for the hours he had done her from the class. the night before.

Rivas breaks down Paris said he doesn’t the class materials and get stressed with studying ensures she knows the but remains levelheaded information in them. She with little to no emotions, will also make Quizlet sets “like the Terminator.” He to take practice tests to be keeps one to two notemore prepared. books, because he prefers Depending on her notes on paper, on his desk mood, she said she doesn’t with a laptop and a cup of have a set time for studycoffee. ing.

She does this because Paris also said that she will burn herself out the way he studies helps from not wanting to study more in his in-person and end up not studying. classes rather than his onRivas said she is usuline classes. His in-person ally calm classes review the material on the test in the classes, so it’s al-

Taylor Carroll Staff Reporter

when studying, but subjects she doesn’t understand much make her stressed. In these situations, she takes a break to decompress and get her mind right before she starts again.

Kate Dunne, a freshman management major, uses her flashcards or written notes to retain information. She tries to start studying the week before for 30 minutes a day until the day before, when she studies for two hours.

“The repetition of it, and I see the term a lot when I write them down on paper,” Dunne said. “So, I think that’s what makes it effective. Writing down on paper makes it much easier for me to remember.”

Depending on the class, she studies on her desk with a notebook or index cards. She tries not to study at her dorm because she will get distracted and goes to the school locations such as the library or Student Union as an alternative.

Dunne has been using this style since high school and is more confident in the classes because she has good notes. Other courses she’s struggling in can make her flustered, causing her to take a break.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Sam Beebe

Luke Tolbert The Student Union’s Chick-Fil-A is a hub for students.

Workers at OSU’s Chick-Fil-A share work routine Michael Clark Staff Reporter

Any time, any day, Chick-Fil-A seems to have some of the busiest lines in the Student Union.

The workers have to deal with waves of hungry students who just left a tough lab or a long lecture. Such a constant source of chaos may lead some students to wonder what it is like to work a stressful job.

Emily Fischer, a junior majoring in agriculture business, talked about her experiences working at the Student Union.

“I wanted the experience of working somewhere I had never worked in my life,” Fischer said. “It’s taught me a lot of time management skills.”

Fischer described the responsibilities she has to face during her shift.

“It just depends, sometimes I’m on the registers, restocking cups and sauces, and in the back we make the sandwiches and nuggets,” Fischer said. “Sometimes it’s

stressful.”

Kaylia Hines, a freshman majoring in international business, began working at ChickFil-A to make extra money on campus.

“This has worked well with my schedule, it helps pay my bills,” Hines said. “I start out with making sure everything’s restocked and clean, and then I begin to expo and take orders. About an hour before we close is when we start to clean up again.”

Expoing is a term workers use when taking orders.

Primarily, this is determining which students are ordering what, ensuring the right items are put in a bag and giving these orders out to students.

“It’s stressful, sometimes,” Hines said. “Especially when it’s really busy. Everyone’s telling you something, and when you have a specialty order, you don’t want to get it wrong. If you miss something, they might come and tell you.

So, it does get a little stressful, but there are times that are low maintenance and aren’t as stressful.” entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6A Friday, March 10, 2023

O’Colly

Lifestyle Whistleblower: Student officials behind intramural sports Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter The game was close, and tensions were high.

A player raced down the court with the basketball in hand, lining himself up for the perfect lay-up. Suddenly, one of the opposing team members charged. The resounding snap sent referee Eli Gilbert into action. Within minutes, the player was safely on his way to the hospital, and Gilbert returned to the whistle.

Gilbert and his teammates work as intramural student officials at OSU and as a member of the Oklahoma State Department of Wellness, Gilbert is no stranger to breaks, sprains, fights and sideline arguments.

Intramurals inspire friendly competition and an active college lifestyle.

Hundreds of students participate in a sport, and many others do their part from behind the whistle.

Gilbert, an OSU senior, said he has loved sports since he was a kid. He played before he officiated.

“I have been participating since my freshman year,” Gilbert said. “I’ve been working for intramurals for a year, and in that time, I have gone from official to supervisor to program assistant.”

Gilbert said he has played every game the school offers: basketball, softball, football, volleyball and table tennis.

“I’m playing twice a week, and then I’ll officiate or supervise two or three times a week,” Gilbert said.

As officials and advisers, student employees prepare to make tough calls and deal with any situation on the field, like a broken arm.

“You’ll have stressful nights,” Gilbert said. “Last night, a dude broke his wrist in the game’s first 20 minutes.”

Although the work is hard, Gilbert encourages his fellow students to get involved in leadership, assuring that the positives outweigh the negatives.

“It’s a way to further your maturity and growth in conflict management, how you deal with people, and your personal skills,” Gilbert said.

For Gilbert, being part of intramurals is more than a sport or job; for him, it is a sense of belonging in the OSU community.

“A lot of my closest friends are in the competitive sports community,”

Courtesy of Hayden Alexander Carly Herndon (right) is a supervisor and program assistant, said she appreciates the ability to navigate conflict.

Gilbert said. “I like just being able to hang out with a different group of people with different interests and just building a network and community.”

Carly Herndon, a supervisor and program assistant, said the hardest part of the job is dealing with tempers.

The ability to navigate conflict is a skill Herndon said she appreciates. She views her job to grow as a student and employee.

“You’ll have participants start

yelling about XYZ,” Herndon said.

“There’s a lot of learning that you do.

You develop a lot of basic game knowledge of sports you don’t know and people management skills.”

Herndon was an avid softball player growing up and continues to play through intramurals. She said she has built a community for herself around doing what she loves.

“It’s given me a huge support system and a really strong social circle,”

Herndon said.

OSU promotes intramurals to all students looking for a fun way to get involved on campus. To play on an intramural team, students must have a Colvin membership and attend OSU. “I think intramurals are a great way to bring people together and to form connections,” Herndon said, “Overall, I think we provide a place for people to find their place.” entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

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O’Colly

Friday, March 10, 2023 Page 7A

Lifestyle Underrated films to watch during spring break Jaycee Hampton ing of age drama Staff Reporter that is certain to

Courtesy of Tribune Sam Claflin (center) and Riley Keough (right) in “Daisy Jones & The Six.” (Lacey Terrell/Prime Video/TNS)

‘Daisy Jones and The Six’: A passionate attempt at success for a documentary 20 years out, Price puts the band with after they broke up. his new discovery, Jones and Riley Keough, Elvis the chemistry between Billy Presley’s granddaughter, plays and Daisy is immediate.

Daisy Jones, who grew up Watching the song believing she had no value lyrics in the book come to and no talent. The audience life makes the viewers feel Luisa Clausen watches her grow from an as if the book and the show News & Lifestyle unloved child to a talented complement one another. You Editor woman, who spends her time can’t watch the show if you writing song lyrics and snort- haven’t read the book. Uning cocaine. The character derstanding and imagining A masterpiece of a book. A work in progress of a shows her feminist traits and each character’s complexities fiery spirit throughout the before seeing it on the screen series. first three episodes and makes is almost like a Christmas Taylor Jenkins Reid it clear no one will stop the morning. published the best-selling force of nature she is.

It’s magical. book “Daisy Jones and The Parallel to that, the The show feels cleaner Six” in 2019, and on Friday, story follows four childhood than the book, and perhaps, Amazon Prime released the friends from Pittsburgh, because of that, there is still first three episodes of its TV including brothers Billy (Sam something missing. The adaptation.

Claflin) and Graham Dunne character’s flaws and horrible The story follows the (Will Harrison), who form mistakes are what make the whirlwind rise of a fictional a band in the hope of escapstory gutwrenching. Without 1970s rock group and is filled with drinking, drugs, attitude, ing their hometown. With the that, it is just a story about addition of Karen Sirko (Suki a band who got lucky and heartbreak and loneliness. made money. The show has The viewers watch them rise Waterhouse), they make it to Los Angeles and meet their seven more episodes to bring to fame, get lost and experithat realness and pain to the ence their fallout. The details, manager, Teddy Price (Tom Wright), who produces their public. soundtrack and actors make album and sends them on a The finale will prethe story feel personal, and national tour. miere March 24. Until then, it is almost impossible to When the band is almost we imagine and we hope, the not spend the rest of the day reaching success, Billy’s drug rest of the show will be better thinking about the show. addiction takes the best out of than the beginning. If they The way the book was him and the band, and he is follow Reid’s book, it should structured felt as if it was made for TV, as the members sent to rehab. That makes the not be a problem. band start over and once he is entertainment.ed@ocolly.com of the band are interviewed

Spring break is approaching, and the best way to unwind from the stress of a heavy semester is diving into films you might not have heard of.

Not unpopular, but underappreciated films are a great way to kick back and relax.

“The Founder” (2016) Based on a true story, this film follows Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman who comes across a revolutionary restaurant: McDonald’s. Kroc (Michael Keaton) persuades brothers Dick and Mac McDonald into franchising their speedy system and turns it into a multi-billion dollar empire. When business differences cause trouble between the men, things go off contract and McDonald’s becomes what we know it as today.

The film had no major nominations, but director John Lee Hancock told an incredibly accurate story that brings up many emotions throughout the film. Performances from Keaton, John Carroll Lynch and Laura Dern are praise worthy. It is now streaming on Netflix.

“The Florida Project” (2017) This is a com-

His encounter with Frank was chalked up to a hallucination caused from paranoid schizophrenia, but each scene will have you questioning what Donnie is genuinely going through.

Everything about this film is pleasing to the eye, it’s unsettling and hits every point it was supposed to. It is streaming on Hulu and HBO Max. “The Big Lebowski” (1998) This classic crime comedy from the Coen Brothers deserved more recognition from the Academy. The film follows Jeff ‘The Dude’ Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), a burnt-out hippie who only wants to drink White Russian cocktails and bowl tournaments with his friends. When porn kingpin Jackie Treehorn mistakes ‘The Dude’ for the actual millionaire, Jeff ‘The Big’ Lebowski, ‘The Dude’s’ bowling friends and him are pulled into helping deliver ransoms and other dangerous tasks ‘The Dude’ never thought he would be involved in. This film is based on heavy dialogue that could not have been executed correctly without great actors such as John Goodman and Steve Buscemi. It is streaming on Peacock.

pull at your heart.

Set in Kissimmee, Florida, next to Walt Disney World, 6-year-old Moonee lives with her single mom, Halley, at The Magic Castle Inn & Suite. Halley struggles to find ways to provide for her daughter, ultimately putting her in dangerous situations. Moonee lives each day full of adventures, toning down the harsh reality of what is going on around her. The film shown through the eyes of a child is deeply moving and Brooklynn Prince’s breakout performance was impactful. Although it did win numerous (deserved) awards, it is worth mentioning for fans of film who might not have heard of it. It is streaming on Paramount+ and Hulu.

“Donnie Darko” (2001) Jake Gyllenhaal gives a criminally underrated performance in this sci-fi/thriller.

The film follows troubled teenager, Donnie, as he begins sleepwalking. One night outside, he meets a monstrous bunny named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days. When Donnie returns home, he learns that he escaped a bizarre accident that ultimately would have led to his death. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

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Page 8A Friday, March 10, 2022

O’Colly

Lifestyle

Jaiden Daughty

Jaiden Daughty College life is hard when it comes to balancing day-to-day activities.

Finding a good balance of your daily stressors is a difficult task.

Juggling act: College students seek balance Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

making a quick list helped her overcome the feeling of being burned out and find her balance.

“I had a really hard time estabBetween classes and social activi- lishing a schedule because it felt like ties, students struggle to find a balance it was out of my reach,” Bowman said. in college.

“Once I got into the swing of things, I Hannah Brownlee, mental health felt that making lists helped with when manager for student wellness at OSU, I would get stressed out with work or said there is no better time to start a school.” routine than now.

Bowman said building breaks “I think it is crucial to figure out into her schedule, specifically finding now while they’re in this stage of their a calming place to relax, significantly life to get that balance and what their improved her mental health. goals are and what they want out of “My favorite spot is Theta Pond,” life,” Brownlee said. “That is someBowman said. “I will go sit there for thing you can take with you after you hours and just watch the silly little leave college.” ducks.”

Maintaining a schedule and findBrownlee recommends finding a ing time to implement downtime into getaway spot and planning mini trips students’ busy days improves overall and adventures. mental health and stability. Thad Leff“Sometimes a break might look ingwell, psychology professor and the like a little trip to Oklahoma City or assistant dean of the College of Arts Tulsa if that’s what you like to do,” and Sciences, said finding a balance Brownlee said. “Just something that improves overall mental health and can refill your cup.” rationing personal time to help with Leffingwell recommends students feeling overwhelmed and burn-out is to utilize their breaks to add some eximportant. ercise to their schedule to help improve “I would encourage students their physical and mental health. to listen to your body, listen to your “If we could bottle exercise in brain, and if you’re feeling worn out a pill, it would be the best-selling pill and burned out, maybe the ratios and on the planet because it does so many daily doses aren’t quite right for you,” things for your mental health, physiLeffingwell said. cal health and for your self-esteem Bekah Bowman, a sophomore and self-confidence,” Leffingwell said. psychology major, said she found that “I would encourage people to try and

move as much as possible.”

Leffingwell said students might be less stressed if they reduce their time on their electronics and the hundreds of notifications lighting their devices up at all hours of the day.

“To get your electronic world under control and have it not following you everywhere,” Leffingwell said. “I think those things can be a positive in our lives, but if we turn on all those notifications, it can be an interference in our lives.”

Students finding a balance specific to them might look like allowing for more recharge time or scheduling homework all at once or in increments.

It’s what works for the student specifically.

“Balance is all about finding a rhythm that works for you,” Bowman said.

Creating a balance or schedule may seem daunting, but OSU has multiple resources for students. Some resources include the University Counseling Services, the Psychological Service Center, the Reboot Center and the OSU Department of Wellness. Reaching out to peers, community, professors and advisers is a helpful option.

“I think that there are a lot of campus opportunities,” Bowman said.

“It really is just dependent on the person taking the initiative to go get that help because the university does do a lot to provide as much free counseling

as possible.”

While trying to establish a routine and balance everything in their busy lives, students may find themselves even more overwhelmed.

“Give yourself grace,” Brownlee said. “Be patient with yourself, and if you don’t get something done, it’s OK. Just try again tomorrow.”

Students can also set boundaries without giving up what they love. A balance does not mean students have to dedicate everything to one part of their life. It’s not like balancing a scale that tips from one side to the other.

“I like to think of balance more as a venn diagram, you can flow anywhere in the middle, and they’re going to overlap, and that’s a good thing you want them to overlap,” Brownlee said.

“Everything flows in a direction when you integrate it, and I think that helps relive some of the pressure of not having a balance.”

Establishing a work-life balance is not an easy task, and it ebbs and flows as schedules and life change, but finding a little time for a break and a little structure can help improve students’ overall physical and mental health.

“It’s always going to be an ongoing project,” Brownlee said. “It’s not an achievement that you do once, and you’re good forever.” entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

OSU men and women will compete in the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships Friday and Saturday.

SEE MORE ON PAGE 6B

March-ing on?

Cowboys have hope through lens of history day, OSU posted a graphic on social media, showcasing its strength of schedule rankings and number of wins against top tier oppoGabriel Trevino nents. The Cowboys Sports Editor are 18-14 and 9-10 in the Big 12 as of Thursday afternoon OSU is sending and are sitting on the out its résumé like a bubble of the NCAA newly graduated col- Tournament. lege student.

Even with their The Cowboys record, they have know they’re not a shot. How much locked into March the committee will Madness headfavor the Big 12 will ing into the Big 12 only be answered Tournament, likely over time. But other needing at least two teams have made wins in Kansas City the tournament with to secure a spot in worse records, some the dance. even winning a They got win game.

No. 1 on Wednesday, Eighteen teams beating Oklahoma. have made the tourSo, on Tuesnament with losing

records — all 16 seeds. But there are others with similar structure to OSU that made it to March.

1990-91 Villanova (16-14) The ‘91 Wildcats made it to the semifinal of the Big East tournament, defeating Boston College and No. 4 Syracuse along the way — the second time they beat the Orange that season.

With four wins vs ranked teams, Villanova made the tournament as a 9-seed, and beat No. 18 Princeton in the first round before losing to a North Carolina team that lost in the Final Four.

See March on 4B

Courtesy of OSU Athletics In February, the NCAA said OSU’s Lisa Marie Rioux’s reasonings for transferring from Mississippi State were invalid, ending her college eligibility.

Rioux’s Rocky Road How OSU’s Japanese tennis star was shut down

her time as a Cowgirl was over.

Back in her home of Okinawa, Japan, Rioux grew up playing tennis for Payton Little most of her life, first Staff Reporter gripping a racket at 3. When she was old enough to decide Discussion between playing and debate volleyed professionally or in back and forth like a college, she traveled heated tennis rally. to the United States to Except this improve on the court played out with more and learn English. impact than any So, off to colmatch for Lisa Marie lege she went.

Rioux, who abruptly Rioux began at found her farewell Mississippi State in season halted at OSU. 2016-17, where she Rioux, a twobecame a doubles time All-American at All-American with OSU after transferJasmine Lee. Howring from Mississippi ever, something was State in 2017, ramped wrong. She said she up for her final semes- did not approve of the ter as a Cowgirl. But way coaches handled when questions arose certain situations in about her remaining Starkville. So she eligibility, Rioux’s transferred. former school balked During an at retroactively honindividual tournament oring her one-time that summer, she and transfer request.

Lee competed togethAs a result, her er, where Lee twisted season, her career and her ankle. Rioux said

coaches neglected to bring an athletic trainer along for the tournament, and completely disregarded Lee’s ankle injury.

“It seems like they only care for team results,” Rioux said. “...I didn’t feel any support from them, especially when my partner got injured.”

The O’Colly reached out to Mississippi State for comment, but received no response.

When Rioux transferred, her former coach, Daryl Greenan, set strict guidelines to limit Rioux’s options as she left.

“I could not go somewhere that had Japanese players,” Rioux said, highlighting one of the limitations.

After she left Starkville, Rioux was mostly scrubbed from the Mississippi State athletics website. No

biography. No statistics. Hardly a trace of her career, which included All-American recognition, with only match recaps remaining of Rioux in Starkville.

After receiving a release, she contacted OSU coach Chris Young, developed an appreciation for the culture established in Stillwater and transferred soon after.

Her play didn’t start that next season, as Mississippi State denied her transfer request. At OSU, she earned two more AllAmerican honors in doubles with Japanese player Ayumi Miyamoto, and she ended her last season with OSU as the No. 37 singles player in the country.

See Rocky on 7B

Chase Davis The OSU women’s basketball teams is the No. 4 seed in the Big 12 Tournament.

Cowgirls look to break skid in Kansas City Jacie Hoyt said she felt there is no hump for the Cowgirls to get over, nothing has been off throughout their three-game losDavis Cordova ing streak to end the regular season. They Staff Reporter just got ‘too comfortable.’

A reporter Hoyt, Alnatas asked Naomie Alna- and the Cowgirls tas whether she felt open play at the Big anxious to play in 12 Tournament in the Big 12 TournaKansas City on Friment. day at 11 a.m. versus Alnatas said, West Virginia, a simply, “No.” team they lost to a Should she? week ago in MorganThe Cowgirls enter town. the postseason amid The Cowgirls’ their first three-game losing streak started losing streak, slump- on Feb. 26 at Kansas ing at a dangerous and will run into the time. conference tournaOSU coach ment. Hoyt said

teams such as West Virginia and Kansas, who are on the bubble according to ESPN’s latest Bracketology, are hard to play this late in the season.

“I think we got to a place where we had won a lot, we kind of became content and not intentionally,” Hoyt said. “That was kind of a wake-up call, teams at this time of year are playing for something more.

They’re playing to play in March. However, I feel our team has responded really well in film sessions and practice.”

See Skid on 4B

Schubart brings power to lineup as a freshman ers.

The summer before his sophomore year, Schubart played USA Baseball with Braden Bush Jackson Holliday, from Stillwater and Assistant the son of former Sports Editor MLB player Matt Holliday, and Before his they kept in touch sophomore year of through text. That’s high school, Nolan when OSU got on Schubart knew Schubart’s radar. nothing about OSU. Matt was Neither did serving as a volthe rest of his unteer assistant hometown of Ducoach under his rand, Michigan. To brother, coach Josh the town — about Holliday, at OSU, 80 miles northwest so Jackson was of Detroit — OSU always around the was just a stop for program. Through the Pistons’ Cade their interactions, Cunningham and Schubart said he Lions’ Barry Sand- couldn’t pass on

OSU.

“(Jackson) was sending pictures and videos of the facilities,” Schubart said. “I wouldn’t believe that it’s real because there’s nothing like this up in Michigan.”

Folks in Durand are surely more aware of OSU now, and Cowboy fans have quickly gotten acquainted with Schubart. The freshman outfielder is 13 games into his career and has earned a reputation as a heavy hitter, blasting a teamhigh five home runs.

See Power on 8B

Mia Ledbetter Nolan Schubart, a freshman outfielder, leads the team in home runs and RBI.

Page 2B Friday, March 10, 2023

O’Colly

sports

‘Basketball is everything’

How Garzon stays close to home in Stillwater Tessa Dorrell Staff Reporter

Lior Garzon needs to take an 18-hour plane ride to reach Ra’anana, Israel, her hometown.

“It’s very challenging,” Garzon said. “I feel like just being away from my family and the safe place I know that I grew up in.”

Garzon, an OSU forward, is in her first season with the Cowgirls basketball team, and her work ethic is contagious for fellow Cowgirls. In the Cowgirl’s pursuit of a Big 12 championship.

Garzon’s prodcution could lead OSU to the final game in Kansas City.

“She approaches the game and her craft like a pro,” Hoyt said, “And I think that she has really been able to show her teammates what that looks like. It gets them to get in the gym outside of just practice hours.”

Garzon joined OSU after transferring from

Villanova, a school about half the size of OSU. Villanova’s student body is 3.4% international students, and OSU’s is 5.2%, which made the transition much easier.

“I feel like OSU is more of the real college experience,” Garzon said, “There are a lot more people here… I like it.

You can’t really compare the two, but I really like it here.”

Ra’anana is in the southern Sharon Plain in the Central District of Israel, the central part of the Israeli coastal plain.

Not only is Israel’s geography different from the United States, but is also the official language.

“The biggest challenge for me to overcome was language,” Garzon said. “Just knowing how to talk to people and be around people is different than back home… It’s an adjustment.”

Hebrew is not the only piece of Israel Garzon carries with her in America. Ra’anana

consists of mostly Israeli Jews. Garzon identifies as a member of the Jewish faith as well.

“On this team we don’t really focus on religion,” Garzon said. “We all respect each other and what we believe in and honestly, I just feel really comfortable. I don’t really feel any difference, I just feel like I fit in.”

Garzon has been successful on the court since she began in college. Garzon was a Second Team All-Big East and named the CoMost Improved Player in 2021-22. Now with OSU, Garzon has played in all 30 games, and is the first player off the bench.

For Garzon, when she shoots, it means more than scoring. She said it’s a testament to the morals and faith she follows that have shaped her.

“Basketball is everything,” Garzon said, “It’s what I’m doing all day every day. It’s basically my life right now.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Mia Ledbetter OSU guard Anna Gret Asi and coach Jacie Hoyt expressed the need to fit into the family-first team culture.

Asi matching well with Hoyt’s family-centered Cowgirl culture Baylor Bryant Staff Reporter

File Photo Lior Garzon uses basketball to remain close to her family and faith at OSU.

outbursts as much as 26 points.

“It’s been amazing to be a part of her With her first season journey,” Hoyt said. “She at OSU coming to a close, is one of the best people Anna Gret Asi found a I’ve ever met or known place where she said she and it’s fun being around feels like she belongs. people like her and her Asi came to the team loves her. Her team U.S. from Estonia to play adores her. She’s just college basketball, spend- really easy to cheer for ing her freshman year at because we all know how Arizona. She struggled hard she works. She’s a with confidence being basketball junkie. You away from home, and want those types of playdecided to transfer. Asi ers to have the success looked and OSU coach that she’s having. I’m exJacie Hoyt answered. cited because I know that “I think I finally this is just the beginning found myself again after a for her and this is just the year, maybe a year and a beginning for what she half struggling with con- can do here at Oklahoma fidence,” Asi said. “BeState.” cause [Hoyt] believing in Asi’s teammates me. Never letting me get agree she has been a huge in my head for whatever part in the team’s success mistakes I made. And it this season, but not just means a lot that your head on the court. OSU guard coach believes in you.”

Naomie Alnatas emphaAsi established sizes Asi’s noble play herself as a key member style and how it benefits of the team’s success the team. this season, averaging “She wants to do 7.3 points per game on her best for us, and I 45% 3-point shooting off just love that about her,” the bench, with scoring Alnatas said. “Everything

she does is for her to improve her game, but it’s truly because she wants to give us a good shot. She is unselfish. She just cares about her teammates.”

Since Hoyt’s introduction, she has worked to create a family centric culture that can help a program rebuild and last for years. Hoyt said Asi can be part of that family.

“We all love her and she feels the same way,” Hoyt said. “She’s been a part of a family here that has embraced her from her teammates to the coaches to our fan base.

Last game, I watched her have a group of about 10 little girls waiting for her to get her autograph.

And so it’s just been really neat seeing everyone embrace her. Seeing her coming from Arizona and maybe not having the best experience to then coming here and just feeling like it’s such a perfect fit and she finally has a family.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

sports

Friday, March 10, 2023 Page 3B

Gajewski seeks tests, not nonconference gimmies Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

a light nonconference schedule is traditional across college sports.

Teams use it as a preWhen scheduling season and to prepare for nonconference games, their respective conferOSU softball coach ence.

Kenny Gajewski isn’t But Gajewski thinks looking for easy wins, but of nonconference as anfor transparency. other way to prepare for Ahead of his team’s postseason. three-game series with “The motivation No. 6 Florida State, Gais just to test yourself as jewski expressed a desire much as you can,” Gajewto learn more about his ski said. “It’s to prepare team, aside from wins us for June, and that’s all and losses. this team is focused on, “I don’t think I getting better each day would be too excited so that we are hitting our going 3-0, I wouldn’t stride at the very end.” be worried if we lost a The Cowgirls, 18-1 couple games,” Gajewski and ranked No. 3, are said. “I want to be chalputting their place in the lenged. I’m not into chas- polls at risk facing anothing wins, we never have er highly touted opponent been here. We’ve been this early in the year. into chasing answers and “I think it tells figuring out what it is that people across the country we need to do.” that we’re not afraid to Putting together play, we’re not afraid to

lose a ranking,” Gajewski said. “I’m not chasing a ranking except for the last one.”

Rankings aren’t something Gajewski worries about. Instead, he’s thinking big picture and holding a trophy.

“I haven’t even talked about the rankings once to our team,” Gajewski said. “We don’t have what Florida State has. They have a trophy, the big trophy. We don’t have what (Oklahoma) has, they have many of them. We are trying to get one of those, so until that happens, there’s no need for anyone to think of anything other than we are hunting.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Mia Ledbetter Jacie Hoyt has the second-best record among OSU women’s basketball coaches in their first season.

How OSU coaches finished their first year leading the Cowgirls Gina Foster Staff Reporter

File Photo When scheduling nonconference opponents, OSU softball coach Kenny Gajewski wants his team to be tested early.

ics for Women tournarecord at 6-22, and the ment. team finished 12th in the Judy Bugher Big 12.

During the 1977-78 Jim Littell Jacie Hoyt’s first season Bugher went 17-14 Littell, the coach season tunraround was a and made it to the State from 2011-22, took over historical anomaly.

Association for Intercolle- after Budke’s death two The OSU women’s giate Athletics for Women games into the season. He basketball program has tournament. concluded the season with had eight coaches since Dick Halterman a 21-12 overall record. its formation in 1972.

Halterman was This record tied for sixth They all had much the first male coach for in the Big 12 and won the different first years, and OSU and coached from Women’s National Invitafor some, they vastly ex- 1983-2002. He finished tion Tournament. ceeded expectations.

18-11 in his first season Jacie Hoyt Here is how all and concluded the seaThis season, Hoyt’s eight did in their first son fourth in the Big 12 first, the Cowgirls finseason at OSU. conference. ished the season 20-10 Jacy Showers Julie Goodenough and are continuing their The Cowgirls’ first Goodenough was play in the postseason, coach. In 1972 she went not good enough. She with the Big 12 and likely 8-8 and did not particicoached from 2002-05.

NCAA tournament. pate in the postseason.

Her first season, she finBrenda Johnson ished with an 8-21 record, A coach for one sea- ninth in the Big 12. son — 1976-77. She went Kurt Budke 12-13 and competed in Burke was the the Regional Association coach from 2005-11, with for Intercollegiate Athlet- the first season’s overall sports.ed@ocolly.com

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Page 4B Friday, March 10, 2023

O’Colly

sports March...

Davis Cordova OSU sits on the bubble of the NCAA tournament heading into the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City.

season with the Gators, they only had two wins vs ranked opponents — both against LSU. They Continued from 1B reached the semifinals of the SEC tournament and 1982-83 Utah (16- lost to Auburn on a last 13) second 3-pointer.

Finishing in second The committee in the Western Athletic granted Florida an atConference, Utah, with large bid as a 10-seed, a few wins vs ranked and the Gators beat opponents, made noise in Nevada in the first round the NCAA tournament before losing to Michigan as 10-seed, upsetting and Jordan Poole.

Illinois and No. 7 UCLA 2017-18 Alabama before losing to an North (19-15) Carolina State team that Like the Cowboys, won the national chamAlabama finished the pionship as a cinderella regular season 8-10 in team itself. conference play. Behind 2018-19 Florida freshman guard Collin (19-15) Sexton, Alabama made In now Kansas the NCAA tournament as State forward Keyona 9-seed with six ranked tae Johnson’s freshman wins. The Crimson Tide

Skid...

Continued from 1B A three-game skid is the largest streak this season, but if the Cowgirls drop a fourthstraight game on Friday, the season’s momentum is completely lost and never would a team want to enter the NCAA Tournament on an extended losing streak. That’s why a win, or two, in Kansas City would bode well for the Cowgirls’ momentum. Hoyt said she wants to stay a few days in Kansas City and make a statement.

“We don’t want to go to Kansas City and walk through the door, we need to bust the door down,” Hoyt said. “That’s the mindset and attitude that we’re coming with. I believe we’re going to see a very motivated team on Friday. We want to get that momentum, but we also are just sick of losing.

We want to get that taste of winning again.”

Hoyt said she felt good going into the losses to West Virginia and Oklahoma last week because the preparation from the players went well, but sometimes a loss is still the outcome.

In Saturday’s loss to OU, the Cowgirls didn’t make a 3-pointer in the second half and couldn’t find a spark on offense, leading to a Taylor Robertson takeover and a loss.

In the March 1 loss at West Virginia, the Cowgirls failed to contain Mountaineer guards Madisen Smith and Ja’Naiya Quinerly, who

beat Virginia Tech in the first round, then lost to eventual national champion Villanova in the second.

1997-98 Florida State (17-13) The Seminoles only had two ranked wins and lost in the first round of the ACC tournament, yet still earned an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament.

Florida State defeated No. 18 TCU in the first round in a classic 12 seed vs 5-seed upset, but lost to Valparaiso in the second round in Oklahoma City.

sports.ed@ocolly.com combined for 37 points and defeated OSU 71-67.

What’s been different for the Cowgirls since its February six-game win streak turned into a three-game skid? Well, there’s a couple, but none bigger than the inconsistency in scoring.

The past three games, OSU struggled to put together a consistent scoring effort after halftime. The third quarter has been trouble for OSU. At Kansas, OSU scored nine points, 12 at WVU and 10 against OU. The ‘magic’ number for the Cowgirls this season is 73. When the Cowgirls score 73 or more points, they are 171, 9-1 in conference play.

If it’s less than 73? OSU is 3-9.

“Just couldn’t get anything offensively going,” Hoyt said on Saturday. “I felt we got the looks we wanted, they just didn’t go in.”

The thought of three-straight losses is not easy to forget, but Hoyt said the Cowgirls don’t want to forget the feeling of losing, they want to use it as motivation.

“We definitely haven’t forgotten,” Hoyt said. “It’s fuel for us and very motivating. We’ve had a lot of team talks and discussion and I really believe in just a player-led team, and I’ve seen them do a great job of stepping up and leading in their own ways.

We’re upset, we’re mad.

The standard for us is to win and we want to get back to that.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Molly Jolliff Kaden Gfeller earned the No. 10 seed at 157 pounds for the NCAA Wrestling Champiosnhips next week in Tulsa.

Gfeller’s grit, experience could lend to surge an individual national champion.

A promising 11-0 start quickly turned into a 3-4 finish.

And that was the end to Gfeller’s wrestling career.

No Cinderella tournament run to conclude his time at OSU. Daniel Allen No happy ending with a medal or Staff Reporter even an appearance on the podium at nationals. He was ready to advance to his next stage in life; to Kaden Gfeller stood afront work a 9-5 job and be there for his the Tulsa city design mural on the daughter. event level of the BOK Center.

“I couldn’t go out like that,” The sixth-year senior was Gfeller said. “I care too much catching his breath after his about (OSU).” semifinal victory in the Big 12 Gfeller returned for his sixth Wrestling Championships. He was season and offers a unique facet to drenched.

OSU’s postseason in 2023. Experi“I work (freaking) hard,” he ence. said. “I weighed 200 pounds not “You can’t teach leadership, too long ago.” and (Gfeller provides) that,” OSU Next week, the NCAA Wres- coach John Smith said. “He’s a tling Championships is in the same hard worker and a damn good venue. Last season, the Cowboys wrestler. He can be a bit energetic finished 14th and went without and at times cocky, but sometimes

you need that when things aren’t going your way early in the season.

He’s definitely rubbed off on our younger guys in a big way.”

One good day at nationals can flip the trajectory of a team.

Upsets happen and tend to be more frequent in the postseason.

If the Cowboys have any chance of returning to the limelight, a remarkable postseason surge next week is essential.

Gfeller might be that driving force.

“I’m just here to help my team win,” Gfeller said. “If they need me to get a bonus-point win, I’ll try my hardest. I’m a team player and everyone knows that about me. I’m here for my boys, always.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Mia Ledbetter The Cowgirls’ ‘lucky’ number is 73. When OSU scores 73 or more points, it is 17-1, 9-1 in conference play.

O’Colly

Friday, March 10, 2023 Page 5B

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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 “The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University.

Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store 815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6 Monday thru Saturday

Daily Horoscope

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

ACROSS 1 Otherwise occupied 5 “Checkmate!”

9 Concert gear 13 “__ upon a midnight dreary ... ” 14 Origami bird 15 Henhouse 16 “¡__ mío!”

17 Rabbit kin 18 Color of unbleached linen 19 Dinner and drinks with a preacher?

22 Actor Jeong 23 “Quite so” 24 Move, roots and all 26 Thousands of years, for a megalith?

31 __ Diego 34 CNN anchor Burnett 35 Brain teaser aid 36 Bouillon cube

By Enrique Henestroza Anguiano 3/10/23 maker 38 “Queen __”: pop 2 Collective Thursday’s Puzzle Solved music nickname bargaining group 40 Big fetes 3 Give a good 41 Quechua speaker talking-to 42 Nonpayment risk, 4 “Okay, I get it” for short 5 Country where 44 Squalid digs Farsi is spoken 45 Exam for a 6 New Orleans certificate in voting district mediation?

7 Like challenging 50 “Same!” pushups 51 Titter 8 Lipton rival 55 Golf ball position 9 Royal flush card 57 Brief moment, or 10 Nojito and nada what three long colada, for two answers in this 11 Sweat outlet puzzle have?

12 Like some silk or 60 Gumbo pod sugar 62 Miso soup base 14 Garment similar 63 Possess to a hijab ©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC 3/10/23 64 Ray 20 Parking post 65 Like some rural 21 Short music 33 Sign at some 49 Computer pro roads at night releases museums 52 Stockpile 66 Rid of wrinkles 25 Job safety org.

37 Sack __ 53 Diplomat 67 “__ there, tiger” 27 Bit of cacao 39 Thus far 54 Perfect places 68 Poems of praise 28 Month before 40 “Check it out” 55 Ear part 69 Ice cream brand febrero 43 Watch the 56 Store whose with a birthday 29 Little pest birdie? packages cake flavor 30 Site with 46 UFO beings typically contain handmade 47 Tegan and Sara, Allen keys DOWN crafts for one 58 Archipelago part 1 __ Tree: place of 31 Omit 48 “Independence 59 __ end up enlightenment in 32 Actress Day” director 61 Sedaris of “The Buddhist tradition Emmerich Mandalorian” Hathaway

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (03/10/23). You’re in the money this year. You can have what you work for. Changing news redirects winter communications, before lucrative spring waves fill your coffers. Adapt around summer travel or research complications, before contributing for autumn profits that benefit family accounts. Nurture financial growth.

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 — Adapt with your partner around a breakdown. Anticipate opposition. Clean up messes. Focus on here and now. Offer advice only if asked. Apologize as needed.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Slow to avoid accidents. Watch your step as pitfalls and obstacles abound. Set aside past or future concerns. Nurture your health, energy and work.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Surround yourself with people who love you, especially when passion or beauty seem lacking. Breakdowns are temporary. For different results, say something new.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Make repairs, clean and manage urgent domestic priorities. Adapt with family around a challenge. Take one task at a time.

Restore peace, harmony and beauty.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 6 — Shift the messaging around changes. Review communications for errors before sending. Avoid risk or controversy. Practice diplomacy. Consider options and make a difficult choice.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Focus on immediate financial needs, for now. A challenge requires your attention. Connect and communicate to find the necessary resources. Reduce waste where you can.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — You can see what’s not working. Take it easy. Don’t take it personally. Adapt course as needed. Pamper yourself with self care and favorite activities.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 6 — All is not as it appears. Don’t rush to judgment. Observe and listen. Private contemplation reveals hidden opportunities. Get quiet enough to hear yourself think.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Matters between friends could seem complicated. Resolve misunderstandings immediately or they grow. Don’t force anyone to a breaking point. Simplify whenever possible. Respect another’s feelings.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Despite challenges, career frustrations are temporary. Avoid hasty or impulsive decisions. Don’t act until you’re sure.

Wait for better conditions to make a move.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Prepare carefully. Postpone traveling.

Navigate a challenge with your investigation. Study options, plot and plan. Do the background reading. Learn from the experience of others.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Opposites attract. Work together to navigate financial changes. Repay a debt. A challenge is temporary. Avoid complaining. You’ve got this. Share resources and solutions.

Level 1

2

3

4

3/10/23

Solution to Thursday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

© 2023 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Page 6B Friday, March 10, 2023

sports

O’Colly

Schoppe, Cowboys seeking historic title at Indoor Track and Field Championships

Adam Engel Editor-in-Chief Ryan Schoppe said he understood the implications when he sped through the finish line.

He looked at the time and his teammates mobbed Schoppe.

Schoppe and OSU’s men’s Distance Medley Relay shattered a school, NCAA and unofficial world record in February at 9:16.40 at the Arkansas Classic.

Three seconds better than the previous record, Oregon’s squad in 2021 that featured several Olympians.

Schoppe and his teammates seek OSU’s first men’s DMR national title this weekend at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

OSU’s women’s DMR also smashed the school record in Arkansas.

Both teams lead OSU’s contingent of nine national qualifiers.

“I think we’re in a great position,” OSU coach Dave Smith said. “I think the men, we’re hoping for a top 10 finish. I think that is well within the realm of possibility to sneak into the top 10 at nationals. The women, more like a top 25 I think is kinda where we see we are but really excited to see.”

The DMR features legs of 400 meters, 800 meters, 1,200 meters and 1,600 meters.

You do the math. That’s 2,500 meters or about 2 1/5 miles. It’s a showcase of excellence at each distance.

In Arkansas, Schoppe ran the 1,600 meters anchor leg while Fouad Messaoudi, DJ McArthur and Hafez Mahadi ran the others. Mahadi will not run this weekend because of an undisclosed medical issue,

Streaming: ESPN+

What’s at stake?

First men’s individual title since 1986 (Paul Larkins, mile) First DMR title in school history Back-to-back 3K national titles for Taylor Roe Schedule:

Friday:

6:05 p.m. - Women’s 5K final (Natalie Cook) 6:45 p.m. - Women’s DMR final 9:05 p.m. - Men’s 5K final (Alex Maier and Isai Rodriguez) 9:45 p.m. - Men’s DMR final

Saturday:

6 p.m. - Women’s 3K final (Taylor Roe) 9 p.m. - Men’s 3K final (Fouad Messaoudi, Ryan Schoppe and Alex Maier) Smith said.

Cook will compete in the 5K. “We always say we’re gon- Distance All-American Alex na beat each other and this and Maier will run alongside Mesthat,” Schoppe said. “That drives saaoudi and Schoppe in the 3K. us to run well in the races.”

Fellow All-American Isai RodriJuan Diego Castro, the guez joins Maier in the 5K. 1,000 meters Big 12 champion, OSU will roll into outreplaced Mahadi in the Big 12 door season amid a record year.

Championships. That lineup fin- Cowboys’ cross country finished ished fifth at last year’s national national runner-up in Novemchampionships. ber and the Cowgirls recently Defending 3K national claimed their first indoor Big 12 champion Taylor Roe anchors title. the women’s DMR that Smith “Doing some big things said will feature a different early kinda got the excitement lineup in New Mexico. Roe level with it and it’s just kinda helped set the record with Gabija kept going forward as the seaGalvydyte, Tamara Woodley and son has gone on,” Smith said.

Maddie Salek.

“There’s a lot of good energy “We have a really strong around the team right now.” team and we’ve been performing really well,” Galvydyte said.

“Our coach knew that we were gonna run fast and we just trust him.”

Roe looks to repeat in the 3K while star freshman Natalie sports.ed@ocolly.com

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

Courtesy of OSU Athletics OSU distance runner Ryan Schoppe will compete in the men’s distance medley relay and 3K this weekend at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Graphic Designers Wanted The O’Colly Media Group is now hiring Advertising Designers for our ad and marketing departments. Duties include working on layouts, designing ads and assisting marketing department with media campaigns. Hours are flexible, we will work around your class schedule. For more information contact Lori@ ocolly.com or call 405-744-7355.

O’Colly

Rocky...

Continued from 1B After the successes of her 2021-22 season, Rioux believed she had one last ride with the Cowgirls.

She already used her extra year from COVID-19, yet OSU just needed to prove the reasons Rioux had for transferring were valid.

But Mississippi State denied it and Young said MSU stood its ground.

“I have nothing to do with them anymore,” Rioux said. “Why did they have to do these things to me? I played so hard for them for a year. I don’t know what I did wrong to them.”

With Mississippi State refusing to budge, Young redirected the process with an appeal to the NCAA. Young and Rioux collected evidence to plead their cases in hopes of gaining more time for the 25-year-old.

Rioux wrote a letter explaining her experiences at Mississippi State, putting emphasis on the individual tournament played with Lee. She also gathered information and support from current and former teammates to contribute evidence to the case.

Through the fall and into late February, Rioux practiced with the Cowgirls and worked as if she were a member of the team, waiting for her shot to take the court once again.

However, after all the work put into gathering information and conversations with Mississippi State and the NCAA spanning months, the NCAA ruled Rioux’s evidence was inconclusive, declaring the end to her college career.

The season trajectory changed.

Young had to change

sports the plan for the season, with other players affected as well. Rioux’s longtime double’s partner, Miyamoto, had to adjust to playing with a new partner.

“To be honest, I’m really sad,” Miyamoto said.

“I wanted to play with her and we really wanted to go to the NCAA Tournament and win finals. We’re really disappointed, but it is what it is.”

Rioux said she felt she was at a disadvantage when measured up with other transfer students.

With Japan’s differences from the U.S., she was confused about how the transfer system worked.

Young always strived to fight for international students, and he serves as a liaison for international students on OSU’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

“It’s like this is their family,” Young said. “I got to care for these girls just like I would want someone to care for my daughter to be in a foreign country.

Learning new languages and new rules, everything’s a new process for them.”

Rioux looks forward to going home to Okinawa and to her family. It is unknown whether she will return to coach at OSU. She looks to the future with the new lessons learned during the messy, drawn-out fight to gain one more shot at taking the court.

“I still feel like I made the right decision,” Rioux said. “Even though I had to sit out a year, I just had to follow my feelings, and that’s very important in the future of my life.

“I became so brave after this process, and I feel like I grew up as a person from this situation.”

Friday, March 10, 2023 Page 7B

File Photo Ayumi Miyamoto (right), Lisa Marie Rioux’s former doubles partner, will have to continue this season without an All-American on the court with her.

Lisa Marie Rioux’s Timeline:

•

Spring 2017: Earns All-American honors in doubles as a freshman at Mississippi State

• Summer 2017: Transfers to OSU • Spring 2018: Forced to sit after denied one-time transfer from Mississippi State • Spring 2019: 9-4 record in singles at OSU • Spring 2020: Attained All-American honors with Ayumi Miyamoto in doubles • 2021: Took a year off for mental health • Spring 2022: No. 37 in singles and earned All-American honors with Miyamoto • December 2022: Learned of adversity in the eligibility process • December 2022—January 2023: Conversations with MSU and the NCAA • February 2023: Deemed ineligible per NCAA ruling

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Page 8B Friday, March 10, 2023

O’Colly

sports

Carson Toulouse Nolan Schubart, a freshman from Michigan, adjusted quicky to the college game. After games, Schubart scans reports and questions the coaches about his at-bats.

Power...

Continued from 1B But it started like it sometimes does for freshmen.

Schubart went 1-for-5 with no extra-base hits during the three-game opening weekend in Arlington, Texas. He admitted nerves in his first college games played a factor.

Those nerves didn’t last long.

Schubart batted .385 during four games the next week,

including two home runs.

“I got settled in and then I started attacking the ball where I wanted to and seeing it up instead of chasing pitches like I was at Arlington,” Schubart said.

Schubart was an AllAmerican in high school, known for his slugging. Once he settled in, it came as no surprise when he hit a team-best 467-foot homer against Loyola Marymount on Feb. 26.

“He’s got out-of-thisworld power, obviously,” outfielder and pitcher Carson Benge said. “You don’t see very

many people hitting balls that far the other way.”

Schubart said he adjusted to college when he took the mental side seriously. He keeps the same routine, getting ready four batters out and studying the pitcher. Then, he keeps cool with breathing techniques.

After a game, he pores over reports and quizzes the coaches about his at-bats.

“He always learns something new every time he goes in the box,” said closer Nolan McLean. “His pitch-to-pitch adjustments are really special and hard to find in guys that

young. I mean, he’s the age of most seniors in high school.”

Schubart’s quick adjustments paid off. He’s second on the team in batting average (.372) and leads the team with 18 RBI. “He’s a very steady, consistent thinker, which translates into very consistent, physical movements,” Josh Holliday said. “Those things, when combined with some gifts physically, there’s some pretty exciting things happening when he swings. It’s one thing to have talent, it’s another thing to be able to apply that talent in a

THANK YOU OSU ATHLETICS AND SUPPORTERS FOR RAISING OVER $50,000 FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS OKLAHOMA!

skillful fashion that translates in a game.”

Josh Holliday said much of that ability comes from Schubart’s maturity and professional approach, which is evident to his teammates and responsible for his early progression at the plate.

“There’s a lot about him that says, ‘I’m good, but I’m striving to be great,’” Josh Holliday said. “And I like that about him.”

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