Student Union Parking Garage
Concerns were raised at OSU as the Student Union
Garage underwent construction nearing the end of the 2026 spring semester. Now, these worries are able to fade as those working behind
Oklahoma announced as DOE finalist for Nuclear Lifestyle Innovation Campus
On July 28, 2026, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Oklahoma’s potential selection of the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to host an original Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus.
Oklahoma is one of five finalists in being considered of what will be the first of its kind innovation.
The campuses are intended to be the hubs for the future of nuclear research and development, which will add to Oklahoma’s energy abundance agenda and in return, open doors for research into possible uses of nuclear technology, along with biotech and aerospace applications.
construction was set to begin in late 2020, but due to other projects, it was pushed to May 2026. Friday, July 31, 2026 See DOE on page 2
the scenes were pleased to share that all will return to normal once school begins Aug. 17 for the 2026 fall semester at Oklahoma State University.
The intention behind the construction was to improve the garage’s overall condition and ensure the safety of visitors for years to come. Originally,
“Voicemails for Isabelle,” was released on June 19, and has since been a part Netflix’s Top 10 list of films.
Starring Jill, portrayed by Zoey Deutch, a pastry chef in San Francisco who’s never heard of the phrase “TMI,” is introduced as a small girl with a young sister, Isabelle –
portrayed by Ciara Bravo – battling cystic fibrosis. It then evolves into her life away from her home in Austin, TX, and the close relationship that portrays the dream and sweetness of all that is having a sister.
Despite dealing with the lack of actually baking under a senseless boss who is a, and I quote, “Timothee Chalamet” wannabe, half of her heart being with Isabelle who loses her battle to the disease, the dating
perils of the world and nowhere to find a breakfast taco, Jill’s character is instantly loveable with an infectiousness that sets her a part. None too late comes Wes – played by Nick Robinson – who seems to be a dater with no serious potential, and in no rush to become one as a real estate guy so big time that he has a silver name plate and requires his own workphone.
Kalina Williams, The O’Colly
Caleson Coon,
O’Colly
Kalina Williams STAFF REPORTER
Lifestyle
Need a refreshing
weekend
away? Here are five Oklahoma lakes for just that
Caleson Coon
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As temperatures rise in Oklahoma, here are five lakes to visit for a weekend – or longer – getaway.
The Blue Hole Park LLC
Open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., The Blue Hole Park resides in Salina. The seasonal park is centred around a swimming hole that is meant to offer clear and refreshing water as the temperatures run high. Visitors are encouraged to bring lunch with picnic tables being provided. Not to mention, it’s a zone that allows people near and far to bring their beloved dogs.
84 S 447, Salina, OK, 74365
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Jill, still navigating the “perils of the dating world” as well as her still new home in San Francisco often finds herself at what she deems “her spot,” at a scenic vantage point with a bench overlooking the infamous Golden Gate Bridge.
The two are soon intertwined in a story of twists and turns as Jill begins to leave voicemails to her sister’s number that belongs to Wes’ work phone.
As Jill rings a ‘voicemail for Isabelle,’ each moment something out of line happens, — which is often for Jill as
Bath Lake Medicine Park
The swim area offers a multitude for visitors to relax, swim, fish or walk along the path of the suspension bridges. Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the week, those who make the trip are sure to enjoy the beautiful sight of waterfalls and large rocks that go along with the deep and shallow sections for swimming. There are also nearby shops and restaurants for those who enjoy browsing and munching after a long day out in the sun. — Medicine Park, OK, 73557
Broken Bow City Lake
If one, two, three or more feel like adventuring to the foothills of the Quachita Mountains, then Broken Bow Lake is the perfect escape
she clearly creates her own loopy, yet admirable path instead of walking the line so many do — Wes becomes somewhat enamored with the pastry chef.
Although it’s initially unclear to him as to why he’s on the receiving end of the voicemails, Wes soon learns of the passing of Jill’s younger sister. More and more rings of voicemails to be heard continue as Wes continues to adore Jill’s character as he listens intently and consistently to what are intended to be private voicemails of healing.
Wes’ friends – and one soon to be family – serve as a “parenting couple”who admonish Wes through the comment, “This is like
from reality. The 22-mile long lake with crystal-clear blue water gives visitors a variety when choosing what route to take in their adventure under the sun. Whether one enjoys grabbing a fishing pole, kayaking, rafting, canoeing or simply swimming in the water that reflects the bright and shining sun, this lake offers a little something for everyone.
— Broken Bow, OK 74728
Lake Hefner
Up in northwest Oklahoma City lies Lake Hefner that offers each guest a fun way to spend a weekend or more enjoying their summer to the fullest. For runners, hikers, bike riders or soccer mom walkers, there is a 9-mile trail that circles the lake. And nearby are playgrounds
a sick, sick reboot of ‘You’ve Got Mail,’”when learning of his situation. One of the friends is played by Leah McKendrick, who wrote and directed the film.
All in all, the film is a display of twists and turns filled with heartache, laughter and yearning for a romance such as the one that blooms between Jill and Wes throughout their story.
And though there are certainly moments where a watcher can’t help but admonish Wes themselves since he’s clearly “NOT TOM HANKS,” the love for the film no doubt wins out perhaps before or right when Benson Boone’s, “Beautiful Things” comes alive. news.ed@ocolly.com
for those with little ones, picnic areas for lunch, dinner or breakfast along with a sports field nearby who are returning to one or no sports in the fall. However, if visitors wish to swim, waterskii or jet ski, Lake Hefner may not be the lake for them as it is prohibited. The site is also popular for sailing the water, sailboarding, kayaking and paddleboarding – not to forget a marina and boat slips available. Fishers are also welcome to toss their bait from the dock or shore, as long as they have a city permit or license, for bass, catfish, walleye and crappie.
— NW Oklahoma City, between Wilshire & Hefner road, Oklahoma City, OK, 73116
Lake Murray
Known as the largest and oldest state park in the state of Oklahoma, Lake Murray is a well-known spot for those who enjoy boating, fishing (bass in particular), swimming and even scuba diving. For guests who lean toward glamping, the lake offers cabins and lodge, and for guests who like to set up tents, there are campgrounds available. And in the morning sun before the temperature hits, there is a hiking trail for all to enjoy, along with the historic Tucker Tower. Not to forget the marina, boat rentals, restaurants, golf, miniature golf and tennis that all guests are welcome to.
— 13528 Scenic State Highway 77, Ardmore, OK, 73401
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Fun fact: “Voicemails
Courtesy Creative Commons
Visitors are welcome to take long walks along the 22-mile lake underneath the sun.
Gov. Stitt spoke to how this speaks to the history of Oklahoma.
“Oklahoma has always been America’s energy innovation leader, from the oil boom of the early 1900s to the shale revolution in mid-2000s,” Gov. Stitt said. “Today marks a new frontier - the chance to add nuclear to our energy abundance agenda. This opportunity is an all hands on deck moment, and I look forward to working with communities across our state to make this campus a reality. I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Wright
for their leadership and considering Oklahoma and for the companies, research institutions, and leaders across our state who have already pulled a seat up to the table to be a part of this project.”
The DOE will pursue projects to build first of its kind nuclear lifecycle innovation campus in up to three states. These will be designed to advance regional economic growth, enhance national energy security and build a coherent end to end nuclear strategy for the country.
The U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright shared what the campuses will look like if chosen.
“I’m pleased to announce that after reviewing 28
applications from 26 states, the Energy Department has selected five initial contenders to further explore building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses,” Wright said. “These campuses will be massive generators of economic growth, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and be crucial to unleashing America’s nuclear renaissance. The innovative concept is a direct result of President Trump’s leadership and ambitious directives to restore the domestic nuclear fuel cycle and get America’s nuclear industry growing again.”
And following the announcement, Oklahoma will begin working alongside communities across
from 1
Receiving a list of the school’s engineering reports, Tracie Brown, assistant vice president of OSU Student Union Business Affairs, and Mounzer “Manny” AlHarake, assistant director of OSU Student Union Building Operations and Parking, selected the project and have worked together to ensure the plan stayed on track and was completed in a timely manner.
Although, despite their attempts, many of those on campus felt the timing was anything but ideal, according to a former report by The O’Colly. Brown and Al-Harake however, felt otherwise and in turn made the decision to go forth with the construction as everyone was heading into summer.
“We were going to have to do it at some point,” Brown said. “There’s never a great time to do a project like this, so we just had to pick a time and felt like this was the time that worked best.”
Despite any complaints, Brown and Al-Harake decided that completing it in one phase, and not stretching it over several years, would be more beneficial to the students, faculty, alumni and all else who visit OSU’s campus. Brown added that the reason behind this seemingly controversial decision was to “knock it all out and get it done as quickly as possible.”
And as OSU orientation and tours continued on, communication was set in place beforehand to ensure all commitments were able to continue smoothly.
“Manny worked with that group ahead of time
Oklahoma to determine the municipalities are in the best position to host a nuclear campus.
The Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment, Jeff Starling spoke to what this truly means for the state of Oklahoma.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our state,” Starling said. “Oklahoma’s century-long leadership in the energy space has prepared us to be the perfect state to host this campus. Oklahoma will compete, and I have no doubt we will win.”
According to the press release from Gov. Stitt’s office, there are experts who estimate this campus will provide thousands of fulltime and high-paying jobs for
and gave them a heads up, and they were all on board,” Brown said. “They know they want it to look nicer, they want the garage at the end of the day to be accessible and not have challenges, so they were on board with our timeline.”
And with a set end goal, the room for error was minimal, but luckily the weather was in their favor, and minimal interruptions occurred. Al-Harake stated that there were “no surprises in the weather,” besides rain in June, which had little impact on the end goal.
“Technically right now the structure, repairs and everything is done, it’s over,” Al-Harake said.
The first-level ramp and all 485 spaces are open again allowing for over 1 million annual visitors to arrive without worry. New lines and signs have been added, leaving only the steps left to be powerwashed and painted, so as to make it look more “aesthetically pleasing.” All upgrades are estimated to be complete by next weekend, on Aug. 8. Putting aside any concerns about the project and its progress, Al-Harake stated that the reason for this construction is in the name of the building – providing emphasis on the word “student” and making clear that everything was done for the campuses’ safety.
“The important thing is that everybody needs to understand that this is a “student union,” AlHarake said. “There’s a reason it’s named that.” As the fall semester approaches quickly, the Student Union’s Garage is ready to safely welcome back all those who come onto OSU’s campus for the new year. news.ed@ocolly.com
Oklahomans.
From Washington, the DOE shared that Utah, Tennessee, Louisiana and Idaho, along with Oklahoma, have also been chosen as potential host states. The Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses will be a new effort to strengthen and modernize the U.S. full nuclear fuel cycle.
According to the DOE, the proposed innovation campuses have potential to attract up to $50 billion in capital investment and generate around $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, including creating nearly 25,000 jobs with an establishment of a campus.
Three states will be chosen by the end of 2026.
Courtesy Mounzer Al-Harake
Surveillance photo shared by Mounzer “Manny” Al-Harake, assistant director of OSU Student Union Building Operations and Parking.
Lifestyle
Charli xcx leaves ‘BRAT’ behind for new album ‘Music, Fashion, Film’
Charli xcx first became the apple of pop culture’s eye in 2024 with her electronic dance album “BRAT.”
Its variations, “Brat and it’s the same but there’s three more songs so it’s not” and “Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat” featured previously unreleased tracks and remixes. Tracks such as “360,” “Von dutch” and “Guess” became popular TikTok audios and saw streaming numbers skyrocket.
Now, her “BRAT” era is over. The British singer has begun to explore a new direction with her 2026 album, “Music, Fashion, Film.” While it’s still electric and intense, Charli’s emotional experiences and
inner thoughts are on full display in this recent album drop.
The album cover is a snapshot of The Velvet Underground’s John Cale, fashion icon Marc Jacobs and legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. Charli has spoken about the day the photoshoot occurred, commenting “Wow, these three people mean so much to me personally as an artist.” She also explained that they were all initially “nervous” but it became “really sweet” as time went on.
“Music, Fashion, Film” is Charli’s shortest album to date with eleven tracks clocking in at just over a half hour.
Preceding the entire project release are singles “SS26” and “Rock Music.”
“BRAT” was a high energy,
AUSTIN, TX —
O Austin City Limits Music Festival — Friday, October 2, 2026
Austin City Limits Music Festival — Friday, October 9, 2026
experimental declaration of vulnerability and chaos.
“Music, Fashion, Film” is purposefully different, as Charli stated in a Vogue interview that “it would have felt really hard, really sad” making another dance-centric album.
This is not a rock album –despite the first track’s title, “Rock Music” – but rather a new branch of the electronic, autotune-heavy tree. With earworm-worthy beats and vague but relatable lyrics, tracks such as “Camera,” “2007” and “Yeah” rest on the lighter side of emotions.
On the other hand, the track “I’m Afraid” lays out the reality for Charli. With the lyrics “All this pain makes me believe / I’m a better artist now,” it provides a deeper lens into
Charli’s personal life, which she understands is far from pristine. She quickly makes her way back to nonsense and delight with the tongue-in-cheek “Wink Wink,” which details the supposed evolution of Charli’s actions and decisions. It is followed by “Persona” and “Magic Metal Montana.” The first is full of scrutiny and competition towards an unknown person – possibly herself – while the latter details her total devotion and admiration for longtime friend and collaborator, A.G. Cook.
On the closing track “No One Lasts Forever,” filmmaker David Cronenberg delivers a chilling and introspective monologue. Cronenberg, who pioneered the body-horror genre with installations such
CHICAGO, IL — Lollapalooza — Friday, July 31, 2026
ATLANTA, GA —
State Farm Arena — Tuesday, October 6, 2026
GLENDALE, AZ —
as “The Fly” and “Scanners,” is the final voice on the album. The last two minutes feature the repeating line “they are dead, they are gone, no one lasts forever” which suggests that relevance, notoriety, and appreciation do not matter when someone leaves this world because they are not able to experience any of it. For Charli xcx, it appears that “No One Lasts Forever” is an ode to the closing of the “BRAT” era. “Music, Fashion, Film” merges the human experience with pounding instrumentals. It is the story of Charli xcx’s past two years with fame, marriage, films and mental health. Her unexpected direction has painted her in a different authenticity than she has had before.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Desert Diamond Arena — Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Courtesy Creative Commons
Charlie xcx’s album “Music, Fashion, Film” was released on July 24, 2026.
Friday, July 31, 2026
‘That’s home’
Johnson discusses culture shift in his fifth year of OSU football
Timothy Christensen STAFF REPORTER
Defensive edge Jaleel Johnson has seen the ups and downs of Oklahoma State football.
Following his redshirt season in 2022, in which he did not see any in-game action, Johnson played in 12 games for the Cowboys during his freshman season in 2023.
The season resulted in a 10-4 record, a Big 12 Championship appearance and a victory in the final Bedlam game.
The 2024 season became a shocking turning point for the Mike Gundy era, with the team posting a 3-9 record and finishing winless in Big 12 play. The following season
was even worse, with Johnson playing only four games due to injury as the team went 1-11.
Despite the past two seasons being filled with poor play, plummeting expectations and unprecedented turnover on the roster and coaching staff, Johnson still decided to play his fifth year at OSU. At Big 12 Media Days earlier this month, he talked about why he believes he still needed to be a Cowboy under head coach Eric Morris’ new leadership.
“The biggest reason I stayed was that when Morris got the job, he made an effort to call me,” Johnson said. “He told me that he wanted me to be here. He wanted me to play here. He wanted me to help turn the ship around. So, it was
kind of an easy decision.”
Morris selected Johnson to be one of the four OSU players to attend the media days, despite Johnson’s reluctance.
“He obviously had a little bit of anxiety speaking in front of people,” Morris said. “He has a great personality, and it’s been a lot of fun getting to know him… He’s been [at OSU] his whole career. There’s not a better person to come and represent this university that he’s given so much to.”
Morris has not been shy about praising the senior, describing Johnson as “the most disruptive player” during spring practice and saying he is expecting a breakout season from the defensive lineman.
In a locker room full of
transfers, Johnson is one of the few players left from the old Gundy regime. Johnson shares the same perspective as many OSU fans. He was there for the field-storming following Bedlam in the Cowboys’ 27-24 victory over Oklahoma in 2023 and witnessed the shirtless fans in section 231.
Johnson has balanced respect for the past with the changes needed for the future.
Despite the poor results from the past two seasons, Johnson experienced what it takes to win in 2023, and he believes that experience can help this team.
“The guys coming in from North Texas are younger,” Johnson said. “I’ve been in
this game longer than them; I feel like I still have things that I can help them with. And they have things that can help me with, because they came from a winning culture.”
Spending an entire career at one school is becoming increasingly rare in college football, but heading into his fifth season, Johnson is happy with his decision to stay in Stillwater.
“I’m big on loyalty, man,” Johnson said. “Knowing that if there ever is a reunion, I don’t have to worry about, ‘Oh, which school should I go to?’ No, I know I can come back to Oklahoma State because that’s home. That’s home.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
OSU defensive end Jaleel Johnson returns for a fifth season as one of the Cowboys’ veteran leaders on defense.
Projections for OSU Baseball 2027 lineup and starting rotation
Weston Wertzberger SPORTS EDITOR
Now that the Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft signing deadline has passed and Oklahoma State has reshaped its roster through the transfer portal, the Cowboys’ 2027 lineup is beginning to take shape.
Over the offseason, head coach Josh Holliday added several experienced transfers who could make an immediate impact while retaining much of the core from a 2026 team that saw five players sign professional contracts and three others exhaust their eligibility. With the roster largely set entering the fall, here’s an early look at what OSU’s projected starting lineup and rotation could look like in 2027 — along with some of the biggest questions the Cowboys still must answer.
Projected Starting Lineup
• Catcher: Campbell Smithwick
First baseman: Deacon Pomeroy
• Second baseman: Aubrey Kearns
Third baseman: Sean Yamaguchi
• Shortstop: Brock Thompson
• Left fielder: Garrett Shull Center fielder: Kollin Ritchie
• Right fielder: Remo
Indomenico
Designated hitter: Sebastian Norman
Can Deacon Pomeroy lock down first base?
Projected answer: Yes, but he’ll have to earn it.
First base is the biggest opening in the everyday lineup after Colin Brueggemann exhausted eligibility, and multiple candidates could compete for the role. However, with other roles to figure out at second base and designated hitter, Pomeroy seems like the best fit here.
Pomeroy has been in the program for a year and now has his clearest opportunity. At 6-foot-4 and 233 pounds, he has almost the same build as Brueggemann, giving the Cowboys a similar physical presence at first base. Last season, he batted .200 with an .800 OPS with three homers, six runs and eight RBI in 45 at-bats.
His development offensively will determine whether he holds the spot all season, but he has shown over the summer that it can work out. Through 35 games as the first baseman with the Burlington Sock Puppets in the Appalachian League, his line is .362/.455/.557 with a 1.012 OPS and has recorded six home runs, nine doubles, 39 runs and 48 RBI. On the field, Pomeroy has spent 249 innings with 215 total chances, responsible for 199 putouts with 13 assists
and only three errors for a .986 fielding percentage.
Holliday has shown a willingness to play his best hitters, and Pomeroy is making a strong case to become the everyday first baseman.
How quickly will the new transfers fit into the infield?
Projected answer: They should make an immediate impact.
The Cowboys added a pair of transfers who bring valuable skills and should be starting immediately.
Kearns projects naturally at second after an All-OVC season, with top-10 rankings in multiple conference categories.
As a sophomore, he posted a .387/.471/.622 slash line and a 1.093 OPS with 12 home runs, 13 doubles, 59 runs and 59 RBIs while marking a 154 wRC+ in all 55 games played in 54 starts. On the field, he posted 76 total chances with 31 putouts, 42 assists and three errors for a .961 fielding percentage. Although Kearns has played other parts of the infield, second base makes the most sense to replace Avery Ortiz.
Yamaguchi fills Aidan Meola’s spot at third and should have that spot locked up where he primarily plays. In his sophomore season, he slashed .310/.383/.595 for a .978 OPS with 14 home runs, six doubles, 37 RBIs, 59 runs and a 125 wRC+ mark in 44 games, including 43 starts.
Both have produced very well in each of their two seasons at the Division I level. Their experience should ease the transition after losing veteran infielders.
Can the Cowboys replace last year’s offensive production?
Projected answer: Yes, but they won’t replace it with one player.
Losing Alex Conover and Meola hurts, considering those two posted an OPS of over 1.060, and also Brueggemann, as the trio each recorded at least 14 home runs.
However, bringing back Ritchie changes everything after he forgoes MLB for a second time and was the engine of a mighty OSU offense with a lot of power, recording 31 home runs, a
1.266 OPS and a .326 batting average. Indomenico, Shull, Smithwick and Thompson also return with experience. Shull, Smithwick and Thompson each reached double-digit home runs, while all four returning starters posted an OPS of at least .880.
Kearns and Yamaguchi should help offset some production. Norman will be in the mix as well, known for his power at the plate, and will only rise as he enters his sophomore season.
The offense may be deeper even if it isn’t as top-heavy.
How will the starting rotation shake out?
Projected Pitching Rotation:
Ethan Lund, Noah Kenney, Marcus Metz, Hunter Watkins and Matthew Brown Lund was in the weekend rotation last year as the No. 2 option. He should be promoted as the ace and the Fridaynight starter to start next season after finishing second nationally with 137 strikeouts while posting a 5.34 ERA over 84 1/3 innings in 16 starts and one relief appearance.
Kenney is an experienced Power Four transfer from Washington with a 4.74 ERA and 90 strikeouts through 81.2 IP in 14 starts and one relief appearance. He was brought in to compete for a weekend rotation spot and will probably be the No. 2 starter.
Metz is a junior college transfer from Central Arizona College who was named a First Team NJCAA Division I All-American after picking up 10 wins while striking out 106 batters and posting a 2.33 ERA in 77.1 innings pitched. Typically, when Holliday adds an experienced JUCO arm, it’s because he expects him to compete immediately. So Metz projects well in the middle of the rotation.
Watkins and Brown are the biggest wild cards. Both missed the entire 2026 season with injuries after contributing in 2025, but if healthy, each has enough experience within the program to compete for a weekend rotation spot. Even if one ultimately lands in a midweek role, both provide valuable depth.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Natalie Koepp, The O’Colly
OSU has reloaded its roster through the transfer portal and the MLB Draft, setting the stage for a new-look lineup and rotation in 2027.
Sports
Seven takeaways from Oklahoma State men’s basketball’s exhibition trip to Puerto Rico
Jordan Burks shined in Games 1 and 3, while the freshmen stole the spotlight in Game 2. Oklahoma State went 3-0 in the San Juan Summer Shootout, defeating Puerto Rico Fuerza on Sunday and Monday (94-88 and 120-92) and the LBP All-Stars on Wednesday (100-92).
Even though the Cowboys haven’t faced Big 12-level competition yet, OSU’s three exhibition games in Puerto Rico still offered a glimpse of what this roster could become. Here are some key takeaways from the three games.
Burks stole the show in his debut in a Cowboy jersey
The 6-foot-9 transfer forward from UCF made an immediate impression in Game 1.
Burks scored 16 points on 5-for-6 shooting, including going 2-for-3 from behind the arc. In Game 2, Burks played only 12 minutes; he still scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds. Burks
carried that momentum into Game 3, scoring 17 first-half points while shooting 3-for-5 from 3-point range.
Burks provides plus size at his position, able to play on the wing or as a small-ball five. He also can guard one through five with his length and speed.
Kashie Natt will always be the best athlete on the court
Natt will endear himself to fans with the hustle he plays with. The former Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year plays with the explosiveness of an elite athlete while bringing a strong, physical frame on the perimeter.
Natt posterized his own teammate, Ben Ahmed, with a putback dunk in the first game, where he scored 11 points, then added nine more in Game 2. Natt combined to go 3-for-3 from behind the arc, proving he can score at all three levels.
The Cowboys have length
This team has considerably more length than any Steve Lutz team has had in Stillwater.
The first game started with 6-foot Kanye Clary, 6-foot-3 Natt, 6-foot-6 Luka Bogavac, 6-foot-9 Burks and 7-foot Julius Halaifonua. In Game 2, Lutz rolled out a starting lineup of Clary, Natt, 6-foot-7 Jalen Montonati, 6-foot-11 Andrija Grbovic and Halaifonua. Lutz can also play lineups that have the two freshman guards, Parker Robinson, who is 6-foot4, and Anthony Felesi, who is 6-foot-5; Felesi also has a 6-foot11 wingspan. That kind of size gives Lutz far more lineup flexibility than he’s had during his first two seasons in Stillwater.
The Cowboys can score Throughout the three games, OSU has shown it shouldn’t have trouble putting points on the board.
Despite shooting just 31% from 3-point range (9-for-29), the Cowboys still scored 94 points in Game 1. OSU reached the free-throw line with ease and shot well, going 19-for-25. In Game 2, the Cowboys put up 120 points. After getting off to a slow start from 3-point range (23.5% on 17 attempts), OSU caught fire in the second half, shooting 50% (8-for-16). The Cowboys also shot 61.4% from
TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR!
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Is.55:6 NIV)
It is worthwhile to take the time; to stop and consider your way of life and make resolutions; new steps to take to make your life more meaningful or productive. Maybe you are doing this, or maybe you have just given up on the whole idea.
Can you remember when you were a child, how time went by so slowly? It seemed like it took forever for the holidays to arrive. Now time passes so swiftly; the years seem to rush by. The turn of the century seemed so far away when I was younger. Now we are nearly twenty years into the 21st century.
I want to encourage you to stop and consider your life; especially the remainder. None of us know when our life may end. Jesus spoke of those who
would come into their purposes in the “eleventh hour;” right at the end of life’s work day.(Mt.20) You may think that it is too late to turn your life over to Christ; there is such little time left on “your calendar.” Yet, those who come in at the “eleventh hour” will receive the same wages as those who labored the whole day. We need to work in God’s purpose for our lives while we still have time. The Bible tells us the time is coming when “no man can work.” (Jn.9:4)
As you set your heart and get definite about trusting God with your life and serving him, you will find wonderful opportunities will open for you. You see God has his purposes for you planned out, and he will begin to open doors that you know nothing about. There will be such great satisfaction in serving and finishing what he has for you to accomplish. When your life does end, and it will, you will be so glad you have followed Christ. The Bible tells us that your labor for him is not in vain. (1 Co.15:58)
the field in the second half of Game 2, while going 16-for-18 from the free-throw line.
The underclassmen took over Game 2
After putting up 81 points in the first three quarters, the freshmen got a chance to show what they could do in the fourth quarter. Robinson scored 18 points and dished out three assists while playing as the primary ball handler, and fellow freshman Latrell Allmond scored 17 points, including a thunderous dunk. Sophomores Mekhi Ragland and Ryan Crotty both added 12 points each. Crotty finished the game going 4-for-7 from behind the arc.
Ragland looks slimmer Lutz had mentioned before the trip that Ragland spent May and part of June in Phoenix, Ariz., focusing on his body and the sport’s nutritional aspect. Through the three games, you can visibly see a difference in Ragland’s size and agility on the court.
Grbovic will be an X-Factor off the bench
A 6-foot-11 stretch four/five that can almost play as a pointforward is someone every coach wants. Lutz will have one, and it seems as if he’ll be coming off the bench. Grbovic came off the bench in the first game and, in 18 minutes, put up 13 points on 6-of-9 from the field and grabbed eight rebounds. He started Game 2, only playing 12 minutes, but still managed to score nine points on 4-for-6 shooting from the field. While shooting well from inside the arc in the first two games, Grbovic was 2-for-6 from behind the arc. In the first half of the third game alone, Grbovic scored 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting; he went 2-for-3 from behind the arc. It’s only exhibition competition, but the threegame trip gave the coaching staff an encouraging look at the depth and young talent on this roster.
In the first game, Ragland scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds in only 10 minutes. In Game 2, Ragland scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds in 14 minutes. Ragland was rewarded with a start in game three with six points and three rebounds in 12 minutes.
Ryan Ruston STAFF REPORTER
Courtesy of OSU Athletics
Cowboy basketball went undefeated in Puerto Rico as several newcomers made strong first impressions during Oklahoma State’s summer exhibition trip. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Bedlam basketball returns to Paycom Center in December
OSU will renew the Bedlam rivalry with Oklahoma in a men’s and women’s
er at Paycom Center on Dec. 12.
Timothy Christensen STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State will once again face off against the University of Oklahoma in both men’s and women’s basketball as part of the annual Bedlam rivalry on Saturday, Dec. 12.
The doubleheader continues the tradition of the schools meeting at the Paycom Center, home of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. This will mark the third consecutive year of the men’s teams playing, and the second consecutive year for the women.
Both OSU coaches will enter their matchups looking for their first career victories against OU. Steve Lutz is 0-2 against the Sooners, while Jacie Hoyt is 0-5.
The Cowboys suffered their first defeat of the season in last year’s Bedlam matchup, losing 85-76. The Sooners were led by Xzayvier Brown’s 21 points and five assists. Lutz’s team will look to keep Brown in check this season.
The Cowboys have made a
lot of moves this offseason, bringing in On3’s top-ranked transfer portal class in the Big 12, along with a consensus top 10 high school signing class. Lutz also brought on two-time national champion Gavin Roberts to his strength staff.
The Cowgirls fell to the Sooners 92-70. OSU had a rough shooting evening, making less than 38% from the field and 28% from 3-point range. Hoyt was visibly passionate on the sidelines throughout the game, receiving a technical foul for arguing a call in the second quarter. Hoyt will likely bring that same intensity this time around.
A massive overhaul marked Hoyt’s offseason, as OSU lost much of last season’s roster while bringing in ESPN’s No. 1-ranked transfer class, including the No. 1 transfer in the country, Audi Crooks. Fans can participate in a presale beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, July 27. Remaining tickets go on sale to the public Aug. 7, with discounted tickets available for OSU students. sports.ed@ocolly.com
OSU cross country releases 2026 schedule
Marcus Mesis STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State cross country released its 2026 schedule as the Cowboys prepare to defend their 2025 national championship.
The OSU men’s and women’s teams have one preseason meet, the Cowboy Preview, on Sept. 5. Last year, the Cowboys took first place in the exhibition meet, beating Oklahoma, Tulsa and Redlands Community College in the men’s race. The Cowboys will look to build off the season that earned them the No. 1 spot in the final NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country National Coaches Poll.
The cross country season officially opens Sept. 26 with the 88th annual Cowboy Jamboree at the Greiner Family OSU Cross Country Course. OSU has been dominant at the Jamboree, having a runner finish first every year since 2021.
For the men, Denis Kipngetich and Brian Musau return as past winners, with Kipngetich taking first in 2023 and 2025 and Musau winning in 2024. Billah Jepkirui and Isca Chelangat return as past winners for the Cowgirls.
The next meet is the Weis-Crockett Invitational, which takes place Oct. 17 at home for the Cowboys and Cowgirls. It is the fourth edition of the invitational, which honors the late track and field and cross country coach, Dick Weis and longtime volunteer assistant and retired professor of physiological ecology, Crockett.
OSU will then compete at the Big 12 Championship on Oct. 31, which will be held in Stillwater for the first time in five years. The Cowboy Cross Country Team has claimed five of the previous six Big 12 championships.
The next stop will be Ames, Iowa, for the NCAA Midwest Regional Championship. The Cowboys and Cowgirls have both won the regional title in each of the past three seasons.
The season will conclude at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Ind. The Cowgirls will look to improve on last year’s 32nd-place finish, while the Cowboys will seek to defend their national championship.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Stone Brown, The O’Colly
OSU cross country released its 2026 schedule as the Cowboys prepare for another title run.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
basketball doublehead-