Monday, October 16, 2017

T H E O ’ C O L LY

M O N D AY October 16, 2017

‘A COMPLETELY NEW PERSON’

FORMER OSU Linebacker Cade Smith adjusts to life away from football after a heart condition forced Him Into Retirement

Cade Sm ith

cover s t o ry

former OSU football player deals with heart condition D evi n Wilber Staff Reporter @D e vin Wil b er

Cade Smith has never quit anything in his life.

That includes football; that was taken from him. ​A lightly recruited football player from Pleasonton, Texas, Smith committed to Oklahoma State with his twin brother, Zach, as a preferred walk-on in 2016. The two moved to Stillwater shortly after their senior year of high school and completed summer workouts and fall camp.

“I got here and loved everything: my dorm, my roommates and my team,” Smith said. “I actually lived across the hall from Tyrek Coger, he was one of my good friends on the basketball team.” ​Little did Smith know, Coger would play a much bigger role in his life than he could ever imagine. ​Shortly after arriving on campus, Coger died on the steps of Boone Pickens Stadium during conditioning for basketball. As a result of his death, OSU immediately began heart testing every athlete on the campus. ​Most of the athletes’ results came back normal, but that was not the case for Smith and teammate Josh Mabin. Both of their results came back with abnormalities. Mabin’s results showed he had an enlarged heart, which forced him to immediately give up football.

Smith’s situation was MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2017

more complicated. ​“ They realized I had three severe things wrong with my heart,” Smith said. ​The doctors diagnosed Smith with bicuspid aortic valve disease, left bundle branch blockage and Wolff-ParkinsonWhite syndrome. ​Refusing to give up on his dream of playing college football, Smith decided to undergo surgery to fix his heart. The complicated procedure consisted of freezing an extra node in Smith’s heart that was misfiring only 0.2 millimeters away from his regular nodes.

Devin Lawrence Wilber/O’Colly ​“It was hard for me not Cade Smith, 19, takes a final look at the Oklahoma State football locker room. Smith was a preferred walk-on. to be there for my brother Lord our God, till for a second procedure. because I was still busy Weekly Article he shows us his mercy.” (Ps.123:1-2 At first glance, the docwith all the stuff on the by NIV) tors at Oklahoma Heart football team,” Zach said.

Dale Why take the time to quiet ourselves?

Hospital thought the “We had always done Barnes We are honoring him who is God. everything together, and I surgery was a success, We are putting ourselves in a place felt guilty not being there WORSHIP THE LORD IN QUIETNESS! but after a few days of to communicate, especially to hear for him.” observation, they broke Probably most would agree that we from God himself.

Most of us can quiet ​After the first surgery the news to Smith that it live in a “fast food” society. So many ourselves outwardly, but it takes time failed, doctors advised too had failed. things we can get instantly and that’s to get quiet within.

Is.40:31 Smith to give up football. ​Again, doctors advised what we like. Sometimes our tempers tells us wonderful things that can They told Smith surgery Smith to retire from comcan get rather short if it doesn’t come happen as we “wait” on the Lord; would be too risky and petitive football, this time that way. We like it fast! If it doesn’t renewed strength, and moving ahead could result in irreverswith a more definitive happen quickly, we move on to without faltering. Let’s listen to David’s ible damage to his heart. probability that his career something else. challenge; set aside time to honor Smith had a predicawas over. The doctors in Notice what King David says; God by becoming still inside before ment to face: give up the (Remember this is KING David. He Oklahoma City refused to him You may say “I don’t have time.” sport he grew up loving can have anything he wants, when attempt another surgery Of course you do! All have time for and dreaming about or he wants it.) ”But I have stilled and things we deem important. And it is for fear it would build risk it all to try to repair quieted my soul; like a weaned important to worship God this way. too much scar tissue, his heart a second time. child with its mother, like a weaned Find a hymnal, and start singing. Even endangering Smith’s life “I had just got to colchild is my soul within me.”(Ps.131:2 if you are off key, it will sound good to further. lege and really hadn’t exNIV) the Lord as you sing to him. Quiet your Without a doctor to perienced anything yet,” Again, “I lift up my eyes to you, to soul, talk to him. Read a Psalm; how perform a third surgery, Smith said. “I was really you whose throne is in heaven. As about Ps.100? Make is a priority. If you hard-headed and was like, the Smiths began to the eyes of slaves look to the hand of honor him, he will honor you with his lose hope of ever saving ‘Nah I want to do it, I’ll their master...so our eyes look to the manifest presence.

Smith’s football career, do it.’”

NEW COVENANT FELLOWSHIP 1110 E MCELROY, STILLWATER, OK 405.624.0723 ​Smith, with his parents, until one day the phone WEEKLY PODCAST : SEARCH "NCF STILLWATER" IN ITUNES OR WWW.NCFOK.ORG went to Oklahoma City rang.

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Cade Sm ith

cover s t o ry A doctor from Austin, Texas, and a leading expert in the field was willing to perform the procedure.

It was the Smiths’ last chance. ​J ust weeks before the Cowboys began their 2016 football season, Smith underwent his third and final operation, and this time it worked.

The extra node was successfully frozen, and all looked clear.

But another curveball was headed the Smiths’ way. ​T he operation, though successful, had taken four hours too long, and an excess amount of scar tissue had developed around Smith’s heart, putting him in danger of further complications.

Smith began to move forward with caution through therapy, and after weeks of rehabilitation, he began to feel 100 percent again. ​ “I told…Dr. Ivan, OSU’s sports doctor, I was ready to come back,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, that’s when he told me he would probably never clear me.” ​Two days before OSU was set to open its season, Smith made the hardest decision of his life. He talked to his teammates, his coaches and his family, and told them all he had to call it quits. Smith made his decision to retire from football public later that day when he tweeted: “The heart’s not something to take lightly,” followed by an official MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2017

statement explaining his situation. ​“ I became depressed, and, for a few months, I didn’t want to do anything,” Smith said. “I didn’t want to go out, go into public or anything like that because everywhere I went there was someone saying, ‘Hey, bro, I’m sorry to hear about what happened’ or ‘Hey, how are you holding up?’” ​With most of his close friends at football practice and team meetings, Smith began finding himself alone with a lot of extra time he wasn’t used to. After months of dwelling and sitting around, Smith began to realize there’s more to life than just football. ​“ I knew Cade was struggling with this huge void in his life, and we tried to encourage him that when one door closes, another one opens,” Cathy Smith, Smith’s mother, said. “I told him eventually he was going to have to hang up the cleats, and it was a lot better to do it on his own terms healthy rather than by another devastating way on a stretcher.” ​T hrough the help of his parents, friends and former teammates, Smith began to become more independent and started working on self-improvement. Since retiring from football and adjusting to the changes in his life, Smith said he has seen incredible strides in his moral values, his work in the classroom and his attitude toward life.

Devin Lawrence Wilber/O’COLLY

Cade Smith remnisces on the field of Boone Pickens Stadium. Smith was forced to retire before playing a game for OSU.

“I know it’s kind of cliché, but it really opened my eyes to a whole new world,” Smith said. “At first, when I came to OSU, I came here to play football, not to (go to) school. But since then, I am now a completely new person. Things have happened, causing me to make significant changes in my life, and I am better for it.”

Devin Wilber is a sports media/strategic communications junior from Julesburg, CO. He can be reached at dwilber@okstate.edu.

Devin Lawrence Wilber/O’COLLY

Cade Smith was a linebacker for the OSU football team before being forced to retire.

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Isaac Dennis/O’Colly

Orange flags are waved during the Sea of Orange parade on Saturday.

A WEEKEnd filled WITH ORANGE Devin Lawrence Wilber/O’Colly

Mike Gundy removes his shirt to the approval of the crowd at Homecoming and Hoops.

Isaac Dennis/O’Colly

People flood the streets to view the house decorations at Walkaround.

Devin Lawrence Wilber/O’COLLY

Mitchell Solomon (right) enters the court, showing off OSU’s new basketball jerseys with Lindy Waters at Homecoming and Hoops.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2017

Devin Lawrence Wilber/O’Colly

James Washington hauls in a catch near the sideline during OSU’s win against Baylor.

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Rickie Fowler

S p o rt s

Rickie Fowler talks about his trip to Stillwater, what brings him back come back and have fun, but I can come back and get stuff done if I need to. It was exactly what I needed, that stepping stone to get to the next point in my career.

Ca m er on Jou r da n Asst. Sports Editor @Ca m_JO u r da n

Professional golfer and Oklahoma State alum Rickie Fowler spent most of the past week in Stillwater. He served as the Grand Marshal for America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration on Saturday. After the parade, Fowler met with media and talked about his trip.

Q: How often do you try to get back?

Fowler: Last year was the first year I wasn’t able to make it back since I left school. I at least try to get back for the Cowboy ProAm and a football game.

Typically, the Pro-Am is around a football game, so I can get both knocked out in a weekend. There has been a couple years where I have made it back twice. For the most part, it’s just once, which is enough, but I wish there was more. If I can make it back at least once every year, it’s special. It kind of fills that little hole in there. I like to try and make it back more but a busy schedule makes it tough.

Q: How is the whole Homecoming experience?

Fowler: It was great.

We got in Wednesday afternoon and scheduled a shoot here with one of my sponsors for Thursday morning. We have had a great time from yesterday, we had a Cowboy ProAm, which is our fundraiser for the golf team.

It has definitely been a full schedule but we’ve enjoyed every moment.

Q: What is it about your experience here at Oklahoma State that you continue to be such a great ambassador?

Q: When did OSU first contact you about becoming this year’s marshal?

Devin Lawrence Wilber/O’COLLY

Rickie Fowler hits autographed basketballs into the crowd at Homecoming and Hoops.

Fowler: I think homecoming weekend, when people see it, I think they understand a little bit more about what Oklahoma State is, what it stands for and the family.

The amount of people that come back and turn out for the walkaround to the parade, you always feel like you know people in the crowd. And if you don’t, it doesn’t feel like MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2017

you’re very far removed from them. It’s a big family. I got to be a part of that for two years. That was long enough to make it ongoing and enough for a lifetime.

Q: Was there something about those two years you stayed here that made this place really important to you?

Fowler: Well, I mean the main reason I came here was to play golf and to use it as a stepping stone to get to my next point in my career, which was to ultimately be on the PGA Tour. I was able to do that and this was a great place for me to do that. I was able to get everything done that I wanted to:

continue my golf career, but at the same time, have a place that is forever going to be a part of me, even though it was only the two years. It is a place I love to come back to, enjoy coming back to.

I’ve been able to make some stops here and go practice and play with the team and still use it as a place not only to

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Fowler: I’m not sure exactly when it first came up. My agent played golf here in the early 90s. He is still close with everyone here. I think the talk with him and some of the guys started a little while back. It had come to me a little earlier this year.

Once I figured out my fall schedule and wasn’t going to be playing a whole lot, with the Pro-Am being the day before the

homecoming game, this whole weekend kind of worked out perfectly with me kind of not playing as much this fall, getting to come to homecoming, be grand marshal, be here to play in the Pro-Am and make it a fun trip.

We’re actually going from here to my girlfriend’s homecoming at Cal. Kind of going on a road trip flying around the country in a way.

Q: Did you feel like you grew in your latest year on tour?

Fowler: It was definitely my most consistent and probably best year stats wise. I didn’t have as many wins as I would have liked to, but it was a really good year. It’s nice to look across the board and know I was one of the best in a lot of categories.

We had a lot of success.

It’s nice to go win the Presidents Cup like we did. I think the last time I had a really good year, I won three times and the next year, I didn’t win as much. So this is a chance for me to go and kind of better things and ultimately go next year and get ourselves a major.

Cameron Jourdan is a sports media senior from Edmond. He can be reached at cam.jourdan@ okstate.edu.

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c owb oy Football

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Cowboys roll past Baylor on homecoming

gertips. Baylor’s Timarcus 21-10.

Baylor (0-6, 0-3) had the Davis recovered it, but on ball for 11:18 more than Baylor’s next play, Phillips OSU. OSU offensive coorsacked Zach Smith, who Mason Rudolph has beaten dinator Mike Yurcich said fumbled, and OSU’s Cole every team the Big 12 has depending on game situWaltersheid recovered. to offer. ations, time of possession McCleskey’s fumble was Entering OSU’s 59-16 sometimes doesn’t matter. one of two OSU turnovers victory against Baylor on “You wanna get the ball in the game. The other was Saturday, the Bears were a James Washington fumble in the end zone,” Yurthe only Big 12 team Rucich said. “So, to concern that happened after he dolph, OSU’s quarterback, yourself with with (time of caught a 58-yard pass. had not defeated. Although possession) in the middle of “We’ve got to take care Rudolph’s accuracy was the game is rarely an occurof the football,” Gundy shaky at times, he finished rence.” said. “When we’ve been 19-for-31 with 459 yards really good around here, and four total touchdowns. we don’t turn the ball over Marshall Scott is a much and that’s going to be sports media senior from “Finally (beat Baylor),” Devin Lawrence Wilber/O’COLLY Mason Rudolph drops back for a pass in Oklahoma State’s 59-16 victory against Baylor.

Madill. He can be reached something we’re going to Rudolph said. “That defiat opinion.ed@ocolly.com. continue to stress. nitely checks a box.” combined for 354 yards on make and then everything Hill finished with 117 “When two teams are Along with Rudolph’s 10 receptions. got rolling after that.” yards and the score. It was even, it really comes down UP NEXT accomplishment, the CowThe Cowboys’ defense The Cowboys had myriad a bit of a redemption story to special teams play, penboys set a couple of records for Hill, who fumbled twice alties and turnovers.” started slow, allowing 57 big plays, the longest of Saturday. The most impresvs. rushing yards and a touchwhich was a 79-yard touch- against Baylor last season, The Cowboys scored sive of which was OSU’s No. 10 Oklahoma State one of which was at the down on the Bears’ opening down from Justice Hill in almost at will throughout new school record in total at goal line. possession, but that was the the second quarter. the game. offense with 747 yards.

Texas The Cowboys special only touchdown Baylor was “They were able to do In the end, seven CowOn top of that, Rudolph When: 11 a.m. Saturday teams mishaps continue to able to score. it in a multitude of ways,” boys scored touchdowns. tied Brandon Weeden’s Where: Darrell K. Royal follow OSU this season.

OSU (5-1 overall, 2-1 Baylor coach Matt Rhule At one point, Baylor’s time Texas Memorial Stadium in school record with his In the first quarter, punt Big 12) forced three turnsaid. “We played zone. We of possession was 16:28 Austin, Texas. seventh 400-yard game. returner Jalen McCleskey Broadcast: ABC, Cowboy while OSU’s was only overs in the game, which played man.

We played Rudolph’s primary target, Radio Network muffed a punt off his fin4:49, but the Cowboys led led to 14 points. quarters.

We did everything James Washington, had his /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// “We woulda liked to start we could do. third 200 receiving yard a little faster than we did on “They made some great game in his career, which that first drive,” OSU linepersonal efforts to make ties a school record with record 747 yards of total moved to No. 9 in the AP S taff Re p o rt backer Justin Phillips said. plays at the crucial time.

Rashaun Woods. @ O C O L LY offense. and Coaches Poll.

“We just had some minor You can tell they’re a putWashington and fellow TCU leads the Big 12 West Virginia rose back adjustments that we had to together group.” receiver Marcell Ateman standings after remaining into the top 25 after its Oklahoma State is mov/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// undefeated in conference victory against then-No. 24 ing up in the polls. play with a 26-6 win against Texas Tech in Morgantown.

After a weekend where Kansas State in Manhatted to play for the Cowboys, sissippi coach Hugh Freeze four top-10 teams lost, the WVU came in at No. 23 in S taf f R epo rt tan, Kansas. The game @O C OLLY making an announcement was fired amid controversies Cowboys (5-1 overall, 2-1 was delayed multiple times the AP and Coaches Poll. during a service at Net at the program, Antwine Big 12) moved to No. 10 because of weather. TCU is OSU travels to play the Church in northeast Oklareopened his recruitment in the AP poll and to No. ranked No. 4 in the AP and Mountaineers on Oct. 28.

Oklahoma State and coach homa City on Sunday. process.

11 in the Amway Coaches Coaches Poll.

The Cowboys travel to Mike Gundy got their 20th At 6-foot-4 and 295 The Cowboys beat out ofPoll, which were announced Oklahoma won 29-24 Austin to take on the Longverbal commit for 2018. pounds, Antwine plays at fers that included Arkansas, Sunday. against Texas in the Red horns (3-3, 2-1) at 11 a.m.

Israel Antwine, a threeMillwood High in OKC. He Baylor, Colorado, Georgia, The Cowboys dismantled River Showdown on Saturday. FOX is televising star defensive lineman acoriginally committed to Ole Iowa State, TCU and Texas Baylor 59-16 Saturday Saturday. Previously No. 12 cording to ESPN, commitMiss last May. After MisTech. while racking up a schoolin the polls, OU (5-1, 2-1) the game.

Former Ole Miss commit verbally commits to OSU

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2017

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M a r s hall S c ott Opinion Editor @ M ar shal l _ON C E

Cowboys rise in polls after homecoming blowout

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10/16/17

By Frank Virzi

DOWN 1 Striped big cat 2 Got up 3 Islands visited by Darwin 4 On the __: at large 5 Like Saran wrap 6 Bahraini money 7 Assembly instructions start 8 Put-on 9 Violates a “private property” sign 10 Brown played by Candice Bergen 11 “Blame It __”: 1984 film set in Brazil 12 Disdain 13 Little pigs number 18 Looked for prints 22 Intensifies 26 Actress Lena 28 1967 Neil Diamond song title line preceding “Go to my head” 30 British sports cars 31 Pigeon sound 32 Less-traveled way 33 Sch. with a Phoenix campus

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

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59 Staple or nail driver PAGE 7

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Daily Horoscope oklahoma state

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10/16/17 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

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By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Today’s Birthday (10/16/17). Cash flows with greater velocity for two years. Save some for later. Domestic efforts pay nice dividends. Changes with a group collaboration this winter lead to a blossoming new passion. Professional adjustments next summer come before your community wins a goal.

Love is contagious.

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 -- Avoid risky business. Demands for your labors are already high. Choose stability over illusion. Strengthen support infrastructure. Use your experience with practical details.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Family comes first. Enjoy time with loved ones. Fantasies prove flimsy; stick to tested routines, and plan carefully. Keep your patience with a rebel.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 6 -- Home comforts tempt (and traffic doesn’t). Follow a relative’s advice to finish a domestic project. Keep it simple to avoid spiraling expense.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Don’t fund a fantasy. Study and research to determine the best strategy.

Welcome contributions from others. Connect with your community for solutions.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Hold out for the best deal. Avoid tricks and cons. Resist the temptation to buy frivolities. Follow rules closely. Figure your plan in seclusion.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Make personal plans for later action. Gain strength and options. Don’t waste effort on ephemeral ideas. Gather support, advice and suggestions from experienced friends.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Avoid travel and expense, and take it easy. Listen, observe and contemplate.

Plan your moves carefully. Keep things simple and practical.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Keep meetings on track, on budget and on time. Avoid distractions and side conversations. Focus on a shared goal. Celebrate afterward.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Practice makes perfect. Professional challenges have your focus.

Abandon misconceptions and false assumptions. Run a reality check. Words can deceive; find your proof.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- The travel bug bites. A conference, class or seminar could open new doors. Resist the temptation to splurge. Study possible itineraries, and make your move.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Strategize with your partner to fund an upcoming project. Test your theories before demonstrating. Share your vision, and express what could be possible.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Pay attention to your partner’s point of view. Don’t try to force an outcome.

Listen for what’s wanted and needed. Provide what you can.

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