The O'Colly, March 13, 2026

Friday, March 13, 2026

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Asher Myers and Dylan Moss play at Bad Brad’s BBQ on Feb. 12. Myers taught himself guitar in 11th grade by watching YouTube videos in his family’s game room.

How a Stillwater barbecue joint gave a young songwriter a stage

B

BY BRYSON THADHANI

ad Brad’s Bar-B-Q has sheet‑metal awning held up by a side room, 33 feet rough‑cut tree trunks with the long and 22 feet wide, bark on them. String lights hang but on Thursday nights from the ceiling. T‑shirts line the it feels like something bigger. wall behind him. A flag on the left Asher Myers stands under a states, “Friends don’t let friends

I

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

listen to shi**y music.” The room at the end of the ramp on the right is dim compared to the main restaurant. Beer bottles sweat on tabletops. Conversations hum quietly in the background,

low enough not to drown him out. When a song ends, people don’t clap politely. They slam their hands against the tables.

See STAGE on page 3A

Higher gas prices push students to side hustles, tighter budgets Bryson Thadhani

said when asked if higher prices have changed how much he drives. “If gas went up another 50 cents a gallon, Gas prices are back over $3 in definitely something in my groceries Stillwater, and some Oklahoma State — probably the snacks I get — I’d cut students say every few cents at the pump back so I can afford gas.” now shows up in their weekly budgets. Sanchez said he does not buy OSU student Isais Sanchez fills up anything extra in the store when prices about every two weeks. He said he jump. remembers paying around $2 a gallon “I don’t even buy snacks if gas is more a few months ago and thinks it was expensive,” he said. “As soon as it starts closer to $2.20 the last time he filled going past $3, that’s when it’s too much.” up. “Yeah, I would say it does,” Sanchez See GAS on page 2A

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lilian Easter, The O’Colly

Ray Flaherty singing his song “Bones” at The Salty Bronc on March 7.

Feature

Ray & the High Rollers chase big stages from Bennett Hall Lilian Easter

that’d be cool,’” Flaherty said. “Mitchel was kind of like, ‘Let’s get a gig. This sounds fun. Let’s just try it.’” In August 2022, the music drifting out Their first show at Outlaws on The of Bennett Hall wasn’t part of a grand Strip wasn’t polished. plan. “We sounded pretty bad,” Flaherty It was just Ray Flaherty and a guitar. said. “But it was fun, so we kept Most evenings, Flaherty sat in his dorm practicing, kept playing songs, and I room strumming chords while bassist started writing.” Nate Crossland listened and played That rough night at Outlaws was along. Around the same time, Crossland enough to keep going. Flaherty kept met drummer Mitchel Crawford on writing and the trio kept rehearsing. the tuba line in the Oklahoma State Soon, they became Ray & the High University marching band. Rollers — a name that started as a “I went over to Mitchel’s house, we joke. played a little, but we were like, ‘Hey, See CHASE on page 8A STAFF REPORTER

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

Gas prices are rising across Stillwater, leaving students with difficult budget decisions.

Page 2A Friday, March 13, 2026

O’Colly

News Business school professor Clint Purtell dead at 50

Bryson Thadhani

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Clint Purtell, director of Oklahoma State University’s supply chain management program in the Spears School of Business, died Monday in a vehicle collision on U.S. 177 north of Stillwater. He was 50. He was a devoted husband and father, who his colleagues said was profoundly loved by his students and left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Purtell came to OSU in July from the University of North Texas to

lead and expand the supply chain management program, bringing 25 years of industry experience solving logistics challenges for employers including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Cracker Barrel. He focused on preparing students for careers in logistics, procurement and operations, and colleagues said he quickly helped grow the program through a practical, hands-on curriculum and stronger connections to employers. “For anybody who knew Clint, he was an absolute ball of energy and so passionate about what he did,” said

Stephen Howard, a communications staff member in Spears. Howard said Purtell turned the supply chain management program and a related student organization into what felt like an overnight success. Purtell launched the Students 4 Supply Chain Management Oklahoma State University club and helped create an industry advisory board to connect students with professionals in the field. Purtell worked closely with students in classes designed to mirror realworld supply chain challenges and opportunities. His teaching emphasized applied research over memorization to

develop what he called “career-ready, practical thinkers,” and he frequently urged students to “solve the problem the way the world needs the problem solved.” A proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Purtell grew up moving around the state with his parents and maintained deep, lifelong connections to Oklahoma. Colleagues and students said he will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, infectious enthusiasm and his signature greeting: “Have a blessed day!” news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy Creative Commons

Gas prices are consistently rising across Stillwater. Gas was $1.91 per gallon for E87 on Jan. 12

Gas

Continued from 1A Other students said gas prices have not changed how often they drive but have changed how they think about money and how much they work. OSU student Madeline Chaney said she fills up roughly once a month and budgets about $30 for gas. She usually pulls into the closest station because she is “always on empty” and does not chase cheaper prices around town. “When I think about gas, it’s not even the per gallon that gets me,” Chaney said. “It’s when I get my receipt and I’m like, ‘damn.’ Nothing will ever be as bad as COVID, and I will stand on that, because that was insane.” Chaney said she remembers paying $40 to $50 a fill-up during the pandemic, which she said was more than double what she pays now. Chaney already limits eating out to

once a week and sticks to groceries, leaving not much to cut if prices rise. “I’d probably just put more pressure on myself to pick up more shifts and work harder on my side hustles,” Chaney said.

“When I think about gas, it’s not even the per gallon that gets me. ...It’s when I get my receipt and I’m like, ‘damn.’” MADELINE CHANEY | STUDENT

Chaney said she resells clothes and DVDs on apps like Poshmark and flips items she finds at thrift stores to help cover extra costs. Some students said they are changing how they pay for gas rather than how much they drive.

Editorial board

Co-Editors-in-Chief Bryson Thadhani & Parker Gerl editorinchief@ocolly.com

Assistant social media editor Megan Gibson news.ed@ocolly.com

Design editor Katie Lehew design.ed@ocolly.com

Photo editor Chance Marick photo.ed@ocolly.com

Social media editor Jose Brito news.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant photo editor Andon Freitas photo.ed@ocolly.com

Assistant news & lifestyle editor Caleson Coon news.ed@ocolly.com

Finance major Brock Coleman drives a truck and said he used to fill his tank all the way when prices were closer to $2 a gallon. “You could get it for about 40 bucks, which is pretty good,” Coleman said.

Now he fills up in $20 increments, sometimes twice a week, so a single charge does not hit his account as hard. He said he keeps an eye out for cheaper prices but still relies on stations that are close by. “A lot of times I go for cheaper,”

News & Lifestyle reporters: Brianna Bergin Rhema Coleman Caden James Marcus Mesis Avery Miller Richard Robertson Alli Themer Olivia Upton Aliyah Young Ashley Yarbrough

Newsroom 108 Paul Miller Stillwater, OK 74078 (405)744-6365

Coleman said. “Usually I try to find the gas station that’s closest. This one, the Valero up there. And then Walmart usually has the cheapest prices too.” Coleman said he recently signed up for OnCue’s rewards program and is hoping discounts will help keep his costs down. He said he expects to keep driving as long as prices stay under a certain line. “If it can stay below three (dollars), then I think I’ll be driving pretty consistently,” Coleman said. “If it gets to $3.50, $3.75 for the cheap stuff, I think that’s pretty crazy.” Sanchez, Chaney and Coleman all drew their personal lines around the same mark: somewhere just above $3 a gallon. For now, that means fewer extras, tighter budgets or more side gigs — not parking their cars. If prices keep climbing toward the numbers they remember from the pandemic, students said they may have fewer places left to cut. news.ed@ocolly.com

The O’Colly Staff Sports reporters: Timothy Christensen Cayden Cox Gina Foster Pearson Gilliam Luke Mazza Sam Mitchell Tanner Revas Will Thorogood Weston Wertzberger

Photographers: Lennon Arrington Laken Chambers Trey Creel Catherine Dzanski Lilian Easter Connor Fuxa Daisy Gower Teaguen Harbour Davis Hicks Dominyk Jones Natalie Koepp Kristyn Lacki Kia Mace Kaitlyn Robertson Bailey Schmitz Karsten Levings Payton Little Brianna Martinez

O’Colly

Friday, March 13, 2026 Page 3A

lifestyle Stage

Continued from 1A It does not feel like a performance. It feels like a group of guys having fun that just happen to be on a stage. For Myers, that difference changed everything. Myers, a Bartlesville native, who studied business management at Oklahoma State University and finished last semester as a junior, is taking this spring off to focus on work and music in Stillwater. The first time he walked into Bad Brad’s for the Thursday night Songwriter Circle, guitar case in hand, he had never played in front of anyone. “I have no clue what I’m doing right now,” Myers said. Dylan Moss, a Perkins native, who plays music full time and hosts the Thursday Songwriter Circle made him go first. “He came up there, and I made him play first,” Moss said. “I don’t know why. I was like, ‘I like this guy already.’” Myers’ leg was shaking. He does not remember opening his eyes. Halfway through one of his early songs, he forgot the words and stopped. “Man, I messed that up,” he said. Instead of awkward silence, the room pushed him forward. “Throw it back. Do it again,” someone shouted. “Nobody’s gonna know,” Moss told him. After he restarted the song, he kept going. The nerves did not disappear, but they shifted. The room did not feel like a test anymore. It felt like a conversation. “You get off (stage), and everybody’s like, ‘Dude, you sounded great,’” Myers said. “It’s a great system for young artists.” That reaction is what brought him back the next week. On this particular Thursday, Myers wears a corduroy jacket over a graphic T‑shirt, jeans and boots. Clean‑cut and calm, he leans into the mic with a country‑folky sound that leans Red Dirt, mixing a couple of originals with covers from artists such as Zach Bryan and Turnpike Troubadours. Myers’ musical beginning At home in Bartlesville, the stage looked different. Myers’ mom remembers her son singing in church talent shows when he was four or five. “He wanted to be famous when he grew up,” she said. That phase faded. Sports replaced it. Football. Basketball. Practice every day. “When he gets into something, he’s all in,” she said. “He’s like a dog with a bone.” She thought music might be over.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Host Dylan Moss has been running the Thursday Songwriter Circle for about 2.5 years, drawing artists from around the region. Then in 11th grade, Myers taught himself guitar by watching YouTube videos. Day and night, he played in the game room at home. He called his parents in to listen, sent them away, tweaked something, then called them back in again. This happened many times. “But pretty much constantly singing and playing his guitar,” his mom said. That intensity returned. The same focus he once poured into sports shifted into chords and lyrics. “With the music, so far he has not showed any sign of wanting to stop,” she said. When Myers arrived at Oklahoma State in 2023, he wrote constantly. Writing alone in a room and singing in front of strangers are not the same thing. “I was super nervous,” he said. “Scared.”

“It’s about building the play music and that’s what you community,” Moss said. want to do, there’s really not a That community includes reason not to do it.” musicians such as Rance Myers listened. Mason Coffelt, a regular who Within weeks of being said he has been there since encouraged to branch out, he the beginning. booked gigs in Blackwell and “I came to the first one,” other Tulsa. Coffelt said. “I helped build the stage and everything.” Building set lists Coffelt watched the room The shy kid whose leg grow from a casual gathering once shook at a Fourth of to something young artists July performance at his depend on. grandfather’s lake house books “For a long time, there just three‑hour sets. wasn’t a place for this,” he “It was nerve‑wracking at said. “If they didn’t have this, first,” Myers said. “I was really they wouldn’t have anywhere nervous I wasn’t gonna have to play. And they love it.” enough songs to get through a Matt Streck, a Stillwater full set.” country musician who started He builds sets without coming in August and plays looking at lyrics. He talks to regularly around town, said the crowd. He explains what a the environment feels different song means. from most music scenes. “I can look at the crowd,” he “You don’t see a whole lot said. “I can interact.” of people getting together Moss said the growth has anymore,” Streck said. been visible week to week. “Especially musicians.” “I can see everybody getting On stage at Bad Brad’s He said the digital age can better,” Moss said. Bad Brad’s side room gave isolate artists. Thursday nights That confidence does not him a space to test himself. reverse that. only come from applause but The room is small. The stage “It’s just great to see also repetition. is simple. Posters and flags musicians get together and Myers also found traction line one wall. Three thick hang out,” Streck said. “We all online. He started posting logs that look as if they were play each other’s songs.” regularly on TikTok and carried in straight from the The atmosphere does not Instagram last spring under woods supports the awning demand perfection. It demands @asher_myersmusic. What above. String lights are stapled participation. began with about 450 followers overhead. It is not polished. It Between songs, beer bottles has grown to nearly 1,500. is not curated. clink. Laughter drifts through “I think I had like 70,000 It works. faint conversations in the impressions over eight weeks,” That was the point, said background. When a set ends, he said. Turner Mills, a San Antonio tables rattle with applause. One of his posts caught the native who stuck around Moss buys a round of attention of musician Cam Stillwater after college and beers one night. Someone Allen, who followed him after helps with photos, marketing leans against one of the hearing an original song called and flyers for the Thursday bark‑covered posts holding “Flowers.” Songwriter Circle. up the awning. Someone else “It’s crazy that even if a post “We wanted to create this tunes a guitar in the corner. doesn’t blow up, you can still environment where it was just It feels less like a show and find people that can help you safe and fun,” Moss said. more like a rehearsal that out,” Myers said. Moss started hosting the everyone is invited to. Social media is only a tool. Thursday songwriter nights That environment changed The stage is where he feels about 2.5 years ago. Mills Myers. most centered. joined him soon after. Together “The biggest piece of advice “It’s like you just get to block they tried to build something we can give is go play shows,” everything out,” he said. “All they felt was missing. Coffelt said. “If you want to the problems that you’ve had

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

during the week.” For Myers’ mom, the transformation is visible. When she watched her son perform Feb. 11 at Arthur’s bar in Blackwell, she noticed something different. “His leg wasn’t shaking, his voice wasn’t cracking,” she said. “It makes me very proud. He’s getting comfortable in front of a crowd.” She also knows her son’s persistence. “He seems laid back,” she said. “But he’s serious about it.” Myers understands that tension. He talks about music as passion, but he also talks about it with realism. “I think my main goal is just to be able to make a living out of this and be able to share my music with people,” Myers said. “If that leads to money, if that leads to fame, that’s where it goes.” He does not talk about arenas. He does not talk about celebrity. He talks about steady gigs. About building something that sustains itself. Plan B, if it ever comes to that, circles back to the same world. “I think something in the music industry,” Myers said. “I’m just so passionate about it in general.” He does not want to be known everywhere. He wants to be heard somewhere. Back at Bad Brad’s, another song ends. Tables slam again and beer bottles clink. Someone yells his name from the back of the room. He does not stop this time. There is no restart. No forgotten words. No looking down at the floor. He finishes the song and lets the last chord ring while his leg is steady. Not shaking. news.ed@ocolly.com

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)

Page 4A Friday, March 13, 2026

O’Colly

lifestyle

In & out of state guide for spring break Sawyer Dewitt

STAFF REPORTER

With spring break quickly approaching, students who have not made plans still have affordable options to get away. Traveling out of Oklahoma does not necessarily require a large budget, especially with flexible destinations and travel methods. Flights out of Oklahoma are still available, with departures from both Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City and Tulsa International Airport averaging around $500 for many destinations. While popular spring break hotspots tend to rise in price closer to the holiday, budget-friendly trips are still possible with the right planning. Traditional spring break locations such as Fort Lauderdale, Cancun, Myrtle Beach and Miami are often more expensive and harder to book last minute because of high demand. However, students can find deals by considering alternative destinations such as national parks in the Western United States or beaches along the Gulf Coast. Lesser-known destinations like Pensacola, Florida, or small coastal towns in Texas can offer affordable lodging and fewer crowds. Shorter trips of a few days can also lower overall travel costs compared to booking a full week, especially if flights are cheaper midweek. Travel apps such as Kayak, Google Flights, Hopper and Skyscanner can help students track last-minute deals and flexible dates. Driving is another affordable option for students looking to avoid high airfare prices. Road trips to nearby states such as Texas, Colorado or New Mexico offer a variety of experiences, from beaches and mountains to desert landscapes. Gassaving apps like GasBuddy and fuel rewards programs can help drivers find cheaper fuel along their routes. South Padre Island, Texas, is one example of a popular spring break destination within driving distance, with budget accommodations starting around $60 to $80 per night at some hotels. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, sometimes has relatively inexpensive flights, along with free outdoor activities such as beach volleyball, boardwalk entertainment and public parks. Students looking for

South Padre Island is a popular vacation spot for students to travel to on spring break. adventure may also consider public lands across the Western United States. National forest and Bureau of Land Management allow dispersed camping in many areas, offering a low-cost way to explore nature. For travelers without a car, buses and trains can provide cheaper transportation. Greyhound offers routes departing from Oklahoma City to cities across Texas and neighboring states, with ticket prices often significantly lower than airfare. Students hoping to travel internationally may still find options, but costs are typically higher. Cancun, Mexico, remains one of the most famous spring break destinations, with total trip costs reaching $800 or more, depending on flights and accommodations. Saving money on lodging and food can make travel more affordable. Splitting Airbnb rentals with friends, staying in hostels and eating local or street food instead of chain restaurants are all effective strategies. Group travel is also one of the easiest ways to reduce costs, as sharing transportation, housing and meals allows students to stretch their budgets.

Additional travel tips include packing snacks to avoid pricey airport meals, booking accommodations that include free breakfast or kitchen access and checking for student discounts on activities. With flexible planning, smart budgeting and a mix of popular and alternative destinations, students can enjoy spring break, make memories and explore new places without overspending. Students do not have to travel far to find something exciting during spring break. With warmer weather arriving across the state, Oklahoma offers a variety of affordable outdoor activities and attractions for students who want to relax without spending a large amount of money. Staying in Oklahoma can be a practical option for students on a college budget. Avoiding flights and long-distance travel allows visitors to save money while still exploring local attractions and supporting businesses throughout the state. Outdoor destinations are some of the most accessible options during the spring season. State parks such as Beavers Bend State Park and Robbers Cave State Park offer

hiking trails, camping areas and scenic views. Camping fees are relatively inexpensive, making overnight trips a budget-friendly way to enjoy spring break. For students interested in unique natural attractions, Alabaster Caverns State Park provides guided tours through one of the largest natural gypsum caves in the world. Lakes around Oklahoma City also provide relaxing outdoor options. Lake Hefner is popular for walking, biking, sailing and picnicking. Students can spend the day exploring trails, renting kayaks or paddleboards, or enjoying a casual picnic with friends. Other nearby nature options include Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness and Keystone Ancient Forest, both offering scenic trails and opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting. In Oklahoma City, attractions such as the Oklahoma City Zoo, Myriad Botanical Gardens and Bricktown offer affordable ways to spend the day. Bricktown features canal water taxis, restaurants and street-level entertainment. In Tulsa, Gathering Place, a

Courtesy Creative Commons

large riverfront park, offers playgrounds, trails and community events, while the Oklahoma Aquarium features interactive exhibits for a lowcost day trip. Food and local culture can also enhance in-state travel. Classic stops, such as Pops 66 Soda Ranch, offer affordable snacks and nostalgic souvenirs. Exploring local farmers markets, coffee shops or food trucks gives students a taste of Oklahoma culture without high costs. For nightlife, both Oklahoma City and Tulsa offer relaxed bars. Tulsa’s, The Soundpony, is a dive bar with an indie aesthetic, while Oklahoma City’s, Lunar Lounge, provides a quiet cocktail-lounge setting. Students can combine day trips with evening visits to local eateries or bars for a complete spring break experience. Day trips and multi-stop outings help students maximize exploration without paying for hotels. Oklahoma’s mix of outdoor recreation, city attractions and unique roadside spots makes it easy for students to enjoy spring break, discover hidden gems and experience the state on a budget. news.ed@ocolly.com

On This day 1964. 62 years ago. Tomatoes can be grown successfully in greenhouses during the winter and spring seasons in Oklahoma, according to F. A. Romshe, associate professor of horticulture at OSU. Romshe states the open winter weather generally provides sufficient sunshine to get satisfactory fruit set and fruit development. The harvest period extends from late November through the following June. The most desirable type of soil is of medium texture such as a fine sandy loam or sandy silt loam. An abundance of organic matter is essential. The soil should be sterilized with steam or fumigated with methyl bromide to kill insects, weed seeds, nematodes and to reduce disease organisms before planting, Romshe states. Seeds are planted in pots Aug. 1 then are ready to be transplanted to the beds Sept. 1 through 15. Proper plant spacing is 21 x 21 inches. FRED BONHAM | THE DAILY O’COLLEGIAN, 1964 Courtesy Creative Commons

Tomatoes can be grown successfully during the winter and spring seasons.

O’Colly

Friday, March 13, 2026 Page 5A

News Campus’ secret playbook for social media How Old Row, Okstate Probs, Barstool Big 12 got their start

Jake Hernandez

In late 2016, Barstool Sports SEC and Barstool Big Ten as called KCH Sports Talk, he for any money they receive. acquired Old Row. Swartz went centralized hubs that could came to Oklahoma State to Across college sports, the full time, staying involved at share content from campus try the sports media program. simplest version of that has A message board launched a high level as the company accounts and give fans a place A professor spooked him by often been a social media in Stillwater helped shape how launched campus-specific Old to follow an entire league’s warning that most people post thanking a collective or modern college social media Row accounts, including one for online bickering. in the field don’t make sponsor. Hargett said Pokes works today. Oklahoma State. “I needed something to kind money until their 40s, so With A Purpose needed both Mike Swartz didn’t set out to The original message board of be like, ‘hey, I want to be an Hargett switched to sports a following and a way to build a national college media eventually went dark. Keeping intern, but I got this idea,’” he management but kept chasing promote players’ posts. brand when he spun up a little the self-hosted software secure said. online audiences. “What all the NIL message board from Stillwater and moderating a free-speech He didn’t get the internship. One night at Willie’s, he collectives were doing in 2007. He mainly wanted a free-for-all became too big He did get the green light. messaged Barstool Oklahoma was like… they pay [a place for fraternity guys who a legal risk once Old Row “I created all the conference State to say it wasn’t reaching quarterback] a million liked tailgates, jam bands and sat under a larger corporate ones… Barstool Big 12, its potential and offered to dollars,” Hargett said. “He’s inside jokes to talk to each umbrella. Not wanting to censor Barstool SEC… I started them. help. Barstool brought him just going to post ‘thank you other online. users, Swartz shut down the It was my project,” Fite said. into the viceroy program, to the NIL collective’ on his That site, which the forum. He launched Barstool Big where he said staff would send social media story and that community eventually 12 in the summer, building him photos over group chats, counts as an active service.” named Old Row, became an The cradle of Big 12 Twitter hype through baseball and email or direct messages and Hargett ran the collective’s early example of how online By the time Old Row joined into football season. At its expect captions within 30 social accounts while communities tied to Oklahoma Barstool, another Stillwater peak, he said, the account had minutes. That constant drill continuing to use Probs to State University could grow native was helping define about 11,000 followers, while honed the quick-hit, always-on amplify their announcements. beyond campus. Years later, Barstool’s version of college Barstool SEC had about 9,000 style he later used on Probs. The relationship also made OSU students and alumni internet from inside Oklahoma and Barstool Big Ten roughly Hargett eventually him more visible to university would help run Barstool’s State’s student section. 6,000. Combined with Barstool clashed with Barstool over leadership. When he posted a campus and conference Will Fite grew up in Stillwater, OK State and several side merchandising. He didn’t knockoff Ollie Gordon jersey accounts and use anonymous graduated from Stillwater High projects, he was effectively like pushing $40 T-shirts he he had ordered from DHgate fan pages like Okst Probs in School in 2015 and, after a short steering more than 35,000 thought felt too corporate — complete with a Big Ten ways that overlap with name, stint at Texas Tech, transferred followers across college sports and eventually walked patch — OSU complained to image and likeness money and back home to OSU in 2016. Twitter. away. Around that time, the collective. university politics. He studied history, but his real Fite later took over Okst the original creator of Okst “The university went and education happened on Twitter. Probs at the request of its Probs, Brendan, and Fite contacted Pokes With A From walled-off forum to Barstool Oklahoma State was original founder after the long- came calling. Probs, a fixture Purpose… ‘you can’t have him Old Row still small when Fite slid into running burner was banned of OSU Twitter since around doing this,’” Hargett said. When Swartz was a student, the account’s messages. It had again. Probs had been around 2009, had been banned again. Hargett pushed back, social media barely resembled about 2,000 followers at the time since about 2009, and Fite “They’re like, we want you insisting that Probs remained today’s feeds. Facebook was — mostly on brand recognition rebuilt the audience through to… make a new one (Okst independent. still gated campus by campus, alone. Fite liked Twitter as a 2019, then handed the account Probs). And I was like, ‘all “Y’all don’t control Probs,” and early Twitter, he said, was creative outlet and thought the to Keaton Hargett when his right, deal,’” Hargett said. he said he told them. “This “mostly used by like girls,” and account could do more. own posts started drifting “From there, I just kind of is my… account. This is how limited to a sentence or two of “I kind of saw what Barstool toward national politics and like took over.” I built it up and the reason text with no photos or video. If was doing with the other school he moved into campaign and Probs wasn’t attached to any you’ve wanted me is because you wanted real conversation, accounts. OSU’s wasn’t doing a advocacy work. media company or university of this… account.” you built a forum. lot,” Fite said. What Fite learned in office. That made it freer — He said the tension came to Old Row started as that kind He messaged the main Stillwater carried over. Using and more volatile. Hargett a head around a home game of message board: invite-only, Barstool operation and offered Barstool-style tactics — fast leaned into speed and voice against Utah. About two and self-policed and aimed at to help. Within a couple of days, clipping, coordinated flooding over polish, building graphics a half years into working with fraternity men on Southern they handed him the keys. of replies, running networks of on Canva because he could do Pokes With A Purpose, he campuses who shared a Technically Fite wasn’t aligned accounts — he helped everything on his phone. said the collective asked him subculture of music, tailgates an employee. Barstool’s grow the National Association “Everything is like spur of to post from its account “as and road trips. if you’re Probs” to drive even “It was kind of a walled more engagement. garden, like outsiders couldn’t He was already frustrated access it,” Swartz said. he hadn’t been offered a He believes that made full-time position as their “Oklahoma State has played a huge role in the modern way people more willing to talk demands grew. He went into social media is... Stillwater was kind of the cradle of... Big 12 freely and trade campus the game and tweeted “I’m sports Twitter.” traditions. not happy” from the Pokes The community even named With A Purpose account. the site. A group of Alabama Already angry about the team’s WILL FITE | OSU ALUMNI members suggested Old Row, a performance, some fans turned nod to fraternity rows and the their frustration on him and old-school culture they were the collective. capturing. “It became mutual,” At first the site ran on “viceroy” program treated for Gun Rights’ dormant the moment,” he said. “I think Hargett said of the eventual donations. A core group of campus account operators like Twitter following by about people… like how organic I split. “They wanted Probs, users would kick in $5 a unpaid interns with a coveted 150% in a quarter. In 2020, am.” but then… once they got the month via PayPal to cover credential. he stitched together Justin He quickly realized there backlash that I’ll get from server bills. That changed “You do not, at least in my Amash supporters in different was value in the attention. other people, they didn’t want when Swartz decided to offer day, you didn’t get anything,” states into a makeshift viceroy At an Oktoberfest-type event me.” co-branded koozies to forum Fite said. “You just got the program for a third-party in Grapevine, OSU fans The experience underscored members and used a Stillwater privilege of running the presidential run. recognized him and asked for for Hargett the double-edged print shop to mock them up. account and getting to say you “Oklahoma State has played a photo while he was with his nature of the brand he had He put a preorder button did it.” a huge role in the modern mom. built. He described times when online expecting to sell about The two other students who way social media is,” Fite “You’re doing this, but running Probs made him feel 50. had been running the account said. “Stillwater was kind of you’re broke,” she told him like “a small-town celebrity,” “I woke up the next day and faded into the background the cradle of… Big 12 sports afterward. “How are people walking into Stillwater we had sold like around 500 of as Fite took over. Older Twitter.” taking photos of you? You bars and being recognized them and I was like, ‘what the than many of his peers and don’t have any money.” everywhere. hell is going on?’” Swartz said. working as a bouncer at the Probs, NIL and the Hargett started handmaking When he returned for When he asked on the Union, he saw what played university’s partner “Fuck the NCAA” shirts homecoming last fall, Hargett forum, another member told in Stillwater’s bar and party If Swartz’s Old Row showed around the time Cade spent the week giving talks in him he had dropped the link scene. He leaned into that mix how campus culture could be Cunningham arrived on the business building about on Twitter. That was the of campus culture and sports packaged and sold without campus and the men’s social media, then walked moment Swartz realized the that Barstool wanted. outside funding, and Fite’s basketball program was under the Strip and saw signs at culture he’d been hosting in a “When you’re running those Barstool expansion helped a postseason ban. He sold bars taking shots at his legal quiet corner of the web could accounts, your job is to talk teach students to run accounts them outside the arena and troubles. sustain a real business once it about everything going on in like campaign operatives, Okst said coach Mike Boynton “I feel like running the collided with social platforms. Stillwater. Not just sports,” Fite Probs turned those lessons into saved him a spot on the bench account, dude, it’s… sick,” Old Row slowly shifted from said. a permanent part of how OSU so the shirt would be visible Hargett said. “I’ll do anything boards to feeds. Swartz began That meant hyping rugby talks about itself — and how it on TV. to help Oklahoma State but posting user content from the one semester, pushing the moves money. By 2021, the account was like ultimately, it’ll make you forum to Instagram and later Union during Barstool’s “Best Before he ever logged into doing more than selling feel like a rock star. You just Snapchat. Submissions that Bar” competition and treating Probs, Keaton Hargett was T-shirts. Hargett was friendly got to know how to handle it.” had once come in as Monday- house parties and campus already hooked on social with quarterback Spencer morning email dumps — “oh, subcultures as content, rather media. Sanders and other players. An OSU-made playbook this crazy thing happened at than just background. Hargett grew up in Keller, He used Probs to boost social Across nearly two decades, our tailgate” — started pouring His work caught attention Texas. As a high school junior, posts for Willie’s, helping the three stories trace a in live over Snapchat. Using a in New York. When Barstool he said he got tired of blurry their Barstool Best Bar line from a locked message jailbroken phone and a thirdopened summer internship flip-phone fight videos being campaigns, and he launched board to a conference-wide party app, he said, he could save interviews at headquarters, texted around his district. He the Probs Cast podcast as social network to a single fan snaps that were supposed to Fite bought his own flight, started an Instagram account name, image and likeness account that can nudge NIL disappear and repost them faster stayed in a Brooklyn called Keller Fights and grew rules took effect. campaigns. than competitors. hostel with other viceroys it to about 1,000 followers, That same summer, From the outside, Oklahoma “That is the first time and pitched a new idea: including 500 in the first Oklahoma State’s new NIL State’s social media scene we leapfrogged all of our conference-wide Barstool two weeks. His principal collective, Pokes With A might look like a jumble of competition,” Swartz said. accounts. eventually called him into the Purpose, came to him for help. meme accounts and burner By 2014, Swartz had Fite had noticed that office and outed him as the Board members recommended arguments. Inside those feeds incorporated Old Row, built burner accounts and school person behind the page. him as the right person to is a history of experimentation out a merchandise business Barstool feeds mostly talked “I became… social media run the collective’s digital that, according to the people without taking loans or outside along conference lines. OSU like obsessed back then,” marketing because he already who built it, has helped shape investment and watched the fans argued with Kansas Hargett said. had the audience. how college sports, parties brand pick up social notoriety and Oklahoma burners, After stints at community Name, image and likeness and even politics play out on far beyond the original invite not Alabama. He proposed college and running a rules require athletes to timelines far beyond Stillwater. list. Barstool Big 12, Barstool Facebook Live sports show perform an “active service” news.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER

Page 6A Friday, March 13, 2026

O’Colly

Lifestyle Feature

OSU alumnus proudly continues family auto shop business Ashlyn Bryant

O’COLLY CONTRIBUTOR

A white pickup truck rolls up the loose gravel driveway every morning about 7:55. Robbie Daugherty is arriving with his daily coffee to open the doors to his auto repair shop, Red Dirt Euro and EV. The red and black shop sits nestled back on a hill just outside Stillwater city limits at 2915 W. 32nd Ave., out of sight to most passersby. The daily process of turning on the air compressor, opening the large shop doors and getting the office ready for customers has begun. Daugherty is dressed in his daily uniform, consisting of a black shirt with his name embroidered on the right side and dark gray pants, ready for a new day. The first customers of the day begin dropping vehicles off as soon as the neon open sign flickers on. Daugherty is there to greet customers with a smile, Red Dirt Euro and EV has been in the Daughterty family for three generations. almost always knowing their names and the type of vehicle business. It was just kind of a Although Robbie may be Oklahoma State University they drive. the third generation in a hanging on the wall, Robbie Daugherty has been the first thing that he always wanted to do.” long line of mechanics and Daugherty said learning and face customers see in his 765 Robbie learned a lot from his entrepreneurs, his son is education are important factors days running Red Dirt. He shaping up to be the fourth. behind his success. said he is always happy to help time working for his dad, but some lessons might have been A photo hangs on the wall in “I enjoyed every moment of those who come to him with more glamorous than others. the front office of Red Dirt, that educational experience,” their vehicle troubles. Lonnie recalls an electric kit capturing four generations of Robbie said. “I think being “It feels like I’m helping he gave his son at a young age, Daugherty men at the grand a guy that grew up crawling my community,” Daugherty and Robbie remembers the opening in spring 2024. all over cars and working on said. “And even though we’re Robbie has two sons, Jack, them all day, when they finally making money from it, we have smells and sights of his days at 3, and Gus, 3 months. Jack can taught me the theory of how to make a living and stay here. Stillwater Automotive. “I always tell my employees name most vehicle makes in his those systems work, I was just I still get a lot of satisfaction dad’s shop’s parking lot. Robbie enamored. I mean, I literally from that process of being able that anything they have to do on a car that’s gross or plans to teach him the ropes as loved it. I can remember to help people and being able annoying, I’ve done something he grows up, the same way his them announcing the topic of to do something that tangibly worse,” Robbie said. “My dad father taught him. bearings that we’re going to helps people.” would give me the jobs a lot of “I was always told, you don’t talk about next week in class. I Daugherty is the third times and he didn’t want to give have to be a mechanic, but was giddy with excitement that generation in his family to own and operate an auto shop. to his technicians. And so that you’re damn sure gonna know we were going to learn about might mean using your nose to how,” Robbie said. “And so he bearings.” His father, Lonnie Daugherty, sniff out a dead rat or squirrel is not gonna get a choice about Robbie has brought that ran Stillwater Automotive that’s in somebody’s dashboard whether or not he learns to do love for learning into his for 36 years. Before him, or getting the remnants of it, but he doesn’t have to do it if shop, through teaching his Jack Daugherty, ran Unique a small cat out of an engine he doesn’t want to once he’s old apprentice, Maverick Ball, the Automotive for 35 years. The ropes of being a technician. entrepreneurial spirit runs deep compartment after it got stuck enough to get another job. He Ball is from Balko, and began in the Daugherty family. as an apprentice in summer “None of us do well working 2024. He has learned the ins for employers,” Robbie said. and outs of auto repair through ”We all are self-employed, “The sheer level of anxiety and firsthand experience, with every single one of us.” panic that accompanies opening a Robbie as his teacher. Lonnie said his family’s “Whenever I struggle on a business, is something that people entrepreneurial spirits might vehicle a little bit, he’ll just come from a desire to control should be aware of.” come on over and get it figured its future, but that doesn’t stop out in 10 seconds when it him from looking at his son’s ROBBIE DAUGHTERY would take me 30 minutes,” success fondly. Ball said. “Whenever he has the “I’m really proud of Robbie chance to, he helps explain the and his entrepreneurial spirit,” systems of the vehicle and stuff Lonnie said. “I think that ran like that really well.” strong in my family. My dad in the radiator fan.” can go do whatever he wants Red Dirt specializes in was one of 13 kids. And all He also continues to use and if he hates cars, that’s European vehicles, such as but one of them had their own lessons from his dad with his absolutely fine.” Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen, business.” Jack wants to be a mechanic and electric vehicles, such as Robbie’s wife of nine years, technicians today, saying he can hear his dad’s voice in the back when he grows up. Rachel Tesla or Polestar. Rachel Daugherty, said she said she sees how much of “For a long time, there’s been knew quickly he would make a of his head reminding him to always use a flashlight to check her husband is in her son, one shop in Stillwater that business. something on a vehicle. specifically through the works on Eurocars,” Robbie “I’ve known Robbie for a “He’d slap me on the back mechanics and figuring out said. “And there’s a growing long time, and I’ve seen him of the head and say, ‘I can’t how things work. segment of the market that’s have a bunch of different see anything without a light’ “There’s nothing Jack wants driving Eurocars. You’re seeing kinds of jobs, even in this more every day than to go by more and more BMWs and industry,” Rachel said. “But, I because he realized I didn’t daddy’s shop,” Rachel said. Audis and Volkswagens than knew when I met him, he was have a flashlight in my hand,” With his mechanical you did 20 or 30 years ago.” always going to open and draw Robbie said. “And every time he was right.” engineering degree from Robbie works on any make

Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly

or model, including pickup trucks. Robbie is planning to buy the building Red Dirt is housed in and continue to grow his business into one that will stand the test of time. “I think there’s going to be a sea change in this industry in the next 10 to 20 years,” Robbie said. “I don’t know exactly how long it’s gonna take but all of the evidence suggests that electric vehicles are at some point going to replace gasoline vehicles. And when that happens, I think all your quick lube shops and your oil change places and all of those are going to go out of business because electric vehicles are way simpler.” While owning an auto shop might be a dream come true, there are days when Robbie remembers it is a tough career and one he does not take lightly. “The sheer level of anxiety and panic that accompanies opening a business, is something that people should be aware of,” Robbie said. “And if you are not comfortable with a lot of anxiety or a lot of worry or a lot of risk, don’t do it. There’s a lot on your plate at that moment, and there’s a lot riding on your own work ethic and your own success” Although Robbie might worry about Red Dirt, Rachel is proud to watch him grow and work for what he is building. “That’s what I keep reminding him all the time because he knows the vision for where he wants the shop to be in a couple of years versus where it is now, but it’s growing,” Rachel said. “It’s still young as a business, but it’s also grown so much from where it started so I’m really proud of where it is now.” news.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, March 13, 2026 Page 7A

Lifestyle Review

Harry Styles releases a groove‑first fourth album Raef Woodward

punk‑disco hybrids like Talking Heads and the DFA sound. Styles’ work doesn’t directly sound like any of these Harry Styles has released “Kiss All bands, but the musical DNA is easy the Time. Disco, Occasionally.,” his to trace in the hypnotic rhythms and fourth album, which quietly shifts repetitive beats that dominate much of the focus of his solo work away from the track list. the bright, pop‑based structures that Still, it’s not always clear where have dominated his music so far. Styles is truly taking risks with his Rather than emphasizing his vocal sound. He is experimenting with performance as the central element, texture and pumping rhythms, and Styles leans into groove and rhythm, “Coming Up Roses” stands out for trading some of his usual theatrical his involvement in its orchestral immediacy for a more subdued, arrangement. The hooks and melodies dance‑oriented feel. remain simple and accessible, and From the lead single “Aperture,” the the production stays well within the album is clear about its intent. The boundaries of modern pop. The album production is heavy on bass, drums and feels less like a bold reinvention and synthesized, repetitive figures more more like a careful revision of Styles’ typical of dance‑club music than pop sound. radio, and Styles’ vocals sit lower in That incremental evolution fits his the mix than on his previous records, broader career. From his exit from the often blending into the background boy‑band scene to his current status rather than taking center stage. The as a solo star, Styles has consistently influence of LCD Soundsystem is felt positioned himself as a pop figure with here, not only through purposefully a widening palette but an accessible irregular rhythms but also through the core. His longevity grants him the placement and treatment of the vocals. freedom to explore different directions It’s a different approach for Styles, without sacrificing the broad, global one that puts the groove and dance appeal he has built. elements at the heart of the music Styles’ continued cultural relevance rather than the star’s presence on top also shapes how this experimentation of it. is received. His ability to command Styles moves further from the attention extends beyond the songs emotional core his vocals provided themselves, buoyed by promotional on “Fine Line” and “Harry’s House,” strategy, fashion and a steady cycle of where his performance served as artistic reinvention. the heart of songs supported by In the end, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, lush instrumentation and infectious Occasionally.” plays like a transitional melodies. Here, the focus is more on work. It puts Harry Styles on the dance movement and atmosphere than on floor yet keeps him firmly anchored crafting obvious arena‑ready singles in the current landscape of pop. The of the kind that have defined his post– grooves are more pronounced than the One Direction formula. risks, and atmosphere often matters He has cited Berlin club culture more than dramatic vocal moments. and post‑disco as influences, placing Even so, the album underlines Styles’ the record in a global context outside desire to keep shifting his sound, mainstream Top 40. Like LCD suggesting that his next move may Soundsystem and related bands, the push this club‑oriented approach rhythm structures recall the late‑2000s further rather than snap back to old dance‑rock revival they helped formulas. popularize, which itself drew on news.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER

Courtesy Google

Harry Styles released “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” on March 6.

Courtesy OSU Film Makers Association

The Filmmakers Association held its first club meeting this semester.

New OSU club aims to turn students into flim industry professionals Caden James

STAFF REPORTER

A new club at Oklahoma State is working to connect student filmmakers and help them produce films together. Ryan Low, president of the OSU Filmmakers Association, started the club because of what he sees as a lack of film presence in Oklahoma. “I’ve met some absolutely talented people who are from here that struggle to network due to our location,” Low said. “It is also difficult to find any practical experience, so I wanted this club to be a pathway for those who are seeking a career in film.” Low already has a clear goal for the group. “What I would love to achieve is to give members experience that would look phenomenal on a résumé and possibly even get some recognition in Oklahoma or from OSU itself to support local filmmakers,” he said. Low and club member Spencer Turek were involved in a previous student film group and used that experience to shape the new association. “Ryan and I were a part of a separate film group before we created this one,” Turek said. “The main guy left and Ryan was left to pick up the crown, reforming the group into what we know and love today. “We learned from the previous group, improving upon things that did not work and ultimately creating a group that is more structured and formal, leading to more professionalism and greater output among our peers.” The club held its second meeting March 9 to discuss upcoming events and give members a chance to start networking. Officers announced $10 dues for anyone who wants to take part in club events. They also shared plans for a 48hour film workshop April 3-5 in Noble Research Center Room 207, modeled after Theatre Council of OSU’s 24-Hour Playfest. For the workshop, teams will gather to receive a prompt, then have 48 hours to assemble actors, a writer director and produce a short film. The setup and prompt will be revealed April 3, between 6 and 10 p.m., and films will be due April 5 at the same time.

Because the club is just starting, it plans to host a film contest exclusively for seniors this spring. Entries are due April 17, and the winner will be announced at a future event. The group is also organizing a film festival May 1, again in Noble Research Center Room 207. Ticket prices are still being finalized, but submissions will be capped at 15 minutes. The meeting ended with “popcorn pitches,” where members briefly shared what they are working on and asked who might want to collaborate. That flowed into open networking as people around the room traded ideas and contact information. Jackson Alexander, a recent member of the Filmmakers Association, said he appreciated that focus on connection. “I’m really just looking forward to networking more than anything else, because I have my own project to dial in on,” Alexander said. “I might be interested in helping others with some of the workshop challenges and stuff like that. But I’m honestly really excited to get to meet people to work on my project.” Alexander is developing an animated series called “SCP Anathema,” which he said explores themes of intense hatred and draws on the SCP horror-fiction universe. “The Filmmakers Association is gonna be really helpful, especially for finding voice actors or finding animators to just fill the roles that need to be filled,” he said. Alexander said he has spent around $1,000 on an animator who rarely responded and missed deadlines by two or three months. Being able to talk through the project with other students — and potentially find an animator in Stillwater — means a lot to him. After the meeting, Low said he knows many students are hesitant to start projects because of budget or access to equipment. “To any filmmaker who doesn’t have the budget to make a film, don’t let that stop you,” Low said. “Use what you have available and just make that film. Also, networking is the number one thing to a filmmaking career. Reach out to people and see where that can take you.” news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 8A Friday, March 13, 2026

O’Colly

News Chase

by-12 trailer, hauling gear from city to city. Flaherty drives the truck. Crossland Continued from 1A and Crawford handle much of the heavy lifting. Playlists on “We were broke,” Flaherty long drives range from Sleep said. “That’s really where it Token to classic rock, with came from, a bunch of high indie folk filling the quieter rollers over here.” late-night stretches. Between Three years later, Ray & long drives and late loadouts, the High Rollers have played the band sometimes survives for crowds of about 3,500 at on whatever it can grab on the the Okie Noodling Festival road, including the occasional in Pauls Valley, Tumbleweed, gas station hot dog. Calf Fry and taken the stage “It’s not glamorous,” at Tulsa’s Vanguard, a fullCrossland said. “But it’s worth circle moment for Crossland, it.” who once stood in that crowd. In the early days, the band Flaherty is 25, Crawford 26 leaned heavily on Red Dirt and Crossland 23. influences. Over time, its The group’s foundation sound evolved into something hasn’t changed as the gigs Crossland jokingly calls have grown. Crawford, the “y’allternative” — alternative drummer who often hosts rock with a country twang. practices, said the band is “I haven’t really put a rooted in friendship. pen to the genre,” Flaherty “We are very, very close,” said. “We’ll play some Alice Crawford said. “We hang in Chains, then some funk out more than we actually covers, then classic rock. We practice. We’re just best friends kind of jump around.” more than band members.” That variety carries into Crossland, the bassist, their live shows. describes the band in one “Bars love the energy we word: goofy. Outside of that, bring, and the fans love that all three work other jobs to pay we have a variety of music, the bills. a little bit for everyone,” Flaherty didn’t go to college Crossland said. and works construction and Flaherty is clear about one remodeling jobs as a freelance thing: He does not want to be contractor. The band’s music known as a cover band, even if is just starting to pay for itself, he enjoys playing covers. Courtesy of Nate Crossland but long days on job sites take “I don’t like being a cover Guitarist Ryan “Danger” McCall’s nickname came from a photo next to a danger sign. a toll. band,” Flaherty said. “I will “If I have a bad day at say, we don’t have a lot of often used to close out sets. turning point, and mixed rock group BC & the Big Rig as work, which happens quite songs, but when we’re asked “I notice I write a lot more “Red Buds.” well as Stillwater Americana frequently, I’m like, ‘I don’t to play covers only, I usually songs when I’m going through “To me, that’s the first real band The Herd. At 37, he is want to do this for the rest turn down those gigs. I get a hard time,” Flaherty said. glimpse that we got of the older than the rest of the band, of my life,’” Flaherty said. “I it — people want to hear what “Which is why most of our High Rollers,” Tallon said. but he sees the age gap as an would love to be able to play they know, and I completely songs are sad or angry.” The recording process often asset. music full time.” understand it.” Crossland is quick to credit begins with a simple voice “I’ve already played a For now, the band remains Heartbreak runs through Flaherty as the creative engine. memo from Flaherty: him lot of the venues they’re a part-time pursuit. Flaherty many of Ray & the High “Ray’s the mastermind,” on a couch with an acoustic experiencing for the first time,” hopes Ray & the High Rollers Rollers’ original songs. That Crossland said. “A lot of guitar and vocal. From there, McCall said. “You learn when can become his full-time emotional core is most evident it is about his personal Tallon evaluates structure to pace yourself.” career, but until then, his day in “Bones,” released July relationships and breakups.” and layers in drums, bass and Live performances have jobs help keep things moving. 25. Written after a breakup, guitar. Additional elements, ranged from Boone Pickens Crawford, who graduated such as organ or piano, are Stadium to a Chinese from OSU in 2022 with a occasionally added to bring restaurant in Kansas, where degree in music industry, the song together. McCall played while people works full time as a recording “Biggest struggle is social media “It’s definitely more grabbed food from the buffet. studio engineer at Studio A involved than what you see “That’s just how being a in the Greenwood School of growth... I wish it was the ‘90s, just on TV,” Tallon said. musician works,” he said. Music. He handles much of flyers and tickets.” In the studio, the band’s Even with the onstage the band’s business — booking demeanor shifts. momentum, the band faces shows, organizing finances “In the studio, we are more NATE CROSSLAND | BASSIST modern hurdles. and coordinating logistics. focused, not as goofy and not “Biggest struggle is social “We definitely get to utilize drinking as much,” Flaherty media growth,” Crossland said. [Studio A] with me working said. “On stage, I want to put “I wish it was the ’90s, just there, which is awesome,” on a show. I’ll run around flyers and tickets.” Crawford said. the song looks back on a For Flaherty, the most and say goofy, obscure stuff That hasn’t stopped the band Crawford records, edits and relationship and the hard rewarding part comes after between songs.” from pushing forward. A new often mixes the band’s tracks, lessons that followed. the initial idea is written. Every band has a wildcard. EP is in the works, and the including its most recent “It’s a song about betrayal,” Collaboration, he said, is For Ray & the High Rollers, group is focused on getting the single, “Bones.” The band Flaherty said. “It’s one of the what turns a basic draft into a that’s guitarist Ryan recordings out to the public. rehearses at Crawford’s house, few songs I’ve written where finished track. “Danger” McCall. “A lot of them are already then heads to the studio to I can tell you what every line “I love watching it come The nickname dates back on TikTok with me just on track. means.” together,” Flaherty said. “I’ll more than a decade to a acoustic, but the produced Crossland helps keep shows Flaherty points to one lyric write something, then Nate photo he snapped beside a versions are going to be running smoothly. He works as in particular: “How could I not and Mitchel will hear their danger sign before a gig. The different,” Flaherty said. an audiovisual technician for tell my head was underwater parts in it, and it just builds. I name stuck, even slipping out Long term, the band wants Shake, Rattle and Roll, and on when my head was pushed love the process.” once in a college classroom. to play more out-of-state the road he and Crawford tag- down?” Behind the scenes, He joined Ray & the High shows, headline larger venues team setup and soundcheck. “Basically, how could I not producer and engineer Luke Rollers in 2024 as a fill-in and lean even harder into Crossland didn’t originally set see this coming?” he said. Tallon helps shape the band’s guitarist. A few gigs turned original material. out to be a bassist. His switch Despite its heavy subject sound. into studio sessions. The “If I were shooting for the happened almost by accident matter, “Bones” has become a An adjunct instructor temporary role became stars, Red Rocks,” Flaherty in high school when the jazz live favorite — a two-stepping in OSU’s music industry permanent. said. “Opening at Cain’s band needed someone to fill crowd-pleaser that balances program, Tallon connected “I just kind of never left,” Ballroom would be awesome. the role. He picked it up and heartbreak with high energy. with the band through McCall said. Eventually headlining there… stuck with it. Other staples include “Red Crawford. He helped master McCall balances multiple that’s the goal.” The trio travels with a sixBuds” and “A Life That Pays,” “Bones,” which he calls a projects, including Tulsa-based news.ed@ocolly.com

Friday, March 13, 2026

Cowgirls turn focus to postseason after frustrating late-game loss Cayden Cox

STAFF REPORTER

Megan Gibson, The O’Colly

A foul call with 1.3 seconds left led to OSU losing 74-73 to Kansas State.

Oklahoma State left the T-Mobile Center in shock. The Cowgirls did everything they needed to do to claw their way back against Kansas State, but a late foul call away from K-State’s basket led to Wildcat free throws and, ultimately, a 74-73 loss at the Big 12 Tournament. After the defeat, the Cowgirls were frustrated and emotions ran high. “I am incredibly disappointed and embarrassed for the way that game ended,” OSU coach Jacie Hoyt said after the game. “To make that call in a game like that, you don’t do that. It should not have come down to that call.

“It wasn’t called all game until that last play and now I have a locker room full of kids who are really, really hurting right now because they didn’t get to decide the outcome of the game. Someone else did and that is not right.” Now, the Cowgirls will have to move past the loss and use it as a lesson with March Madness around the corner. “I think losses are an opportunity to grow,” OSU point guard Jadyn Wooten said. “None of us like to lose and it’s that time where it’s win or go home. We’re going to take this just like we’ve taken everything else and learn from it and grow from it.”

See NCAA on page 2B

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

OSU coach Eric Morris (right) said Monday that Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker (left) still has a ton of room for growth ahead of the 2026 season.

‘Ultimate team sport’

Morris embracing balance in first OSU spring workouts

Young: following Mestemaker, Morris was an easy choice

Parker Gerl

Cayden Cox

It wasn’t easy, but Eric Morris has finally learned to take some punches from the defense during practice. The Cowboys’ first-year coach is an offensive play-caller through and through. He wants to beat the defense, whether it’s in practice or in a game and expects his group to be sharp and rack up yards. On Monday, though, when OSU held its first spring practice, Morris saw the defense get the better of the offense. He acknowledged that’s the benefit of spring ball — being able to take the results, come back, compete and correct things during each workout. “It has taken me a while to learn how to deal with line defense beating the offense, to be honest with you,” Morris said. “It was really good for me to go to Washington State and work for a defensive head coach like Jake Dickert. Sometimes, practice was scripted for the defense really to have success.” The weather on Monday didn’t favor the offense, either. Morris said 18 to 22-mile-per-hour winds led to “sporadic” quarterback play and several passes being thrown over receivers’ heads. All around, the elements were difficult for the offense to adjust to.

When Wyatt Young entered the transfer portal, he was unsure of what the future held. After finishing his sophomore season with 70 receptions, 1,264 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns at North Texas, Young knew one thing was certain. He wanted to continue to play with quarterback Drew Mestemaker. So, when the transfer portal opened, Mestemaker made a group chat with Young and running back Caleb Hawkins. The three players used it to discuss their futures. “We started talking to each other,” Young said. “We knew where we wanted to be. We wanted to be together.” When Mestemaker committed to Oklahoma State on Jan. 3, Young knew it was a no-brainer to follow his quarterback to Stillwater. “I think the day after the portal opened, I got a call from Drew,” Young said. “He was showing me around and he was like, ‘Go Pokes.’ I was like, ‘Boom.’ (I) hung up (and) called Morris. That’s all I needed to know was where he was going.”

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

See MORRIS on page 5B

STAFF REPORTER

Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly

New OSU wide receiver Wyatt Young racked up 1,264 yards at North Texas last season.

See YOUNG on page 6B

Page 2B Friday, March 13, 2026

O’Colly

sports ‘The Big 12 is not forgiving’

OSU falls to TCU, awaits postseason options Luke Mazza

at the worst time, missing their last five shots and failing to score a field goal in the final 3:21. KANSAS CITY, Mo. — That’s all she “They should all look in the mirror wrote. and be proud of their fight tonight,” Oklahoma State’s March Madness Lutz said. “They did the best they dream is seemingly out of the could with the hand they were dealt. picture after a 95-88 loss to TCU on Life’s not fair, and the Big 12 is not Wednesday in the second round of the forgiving. Those two things make it Big 12 Tournament. Now the Cowboys really hard.” will see what awaits them for the postseason. ​Offense not an issue Conventional wisdom says it’s hard On the surface, 88 points should to beat a team three times in a season, be enough to win, but the Cowboys’ but TCU swept the Cowboys this offensive success did not always season and ended a campaign filled translate to victories. with ups and downs. OSU ranked third in the Big 12 and 28th nationally in scoring (84.2 points Toughest team won per game), but its defense could not It’s hard to win a game when you allow your opponent to get 14 offensive rebounds, 18 second-chance points and 27 free-throw attempts. ​“ We shot ourselves in the foot in “I really believe the inability to box out, be physical that the future is and get out-rebounded,” OSU coach bright at Oklahoma Steve Lutz said. “And give TCU credit for that… They did the best that State. I think that they could, and ultimately, it wasn’t we’re going to be enough to win the game.” ​After Parsa Fallah suffered a a good basketball season-ending torn ACL injury in late team... everything is February, the Cowboys’ frontcourt depth vanished. In the five games moving forward and without Fallah, OSU’s defense and moving in the right rebounding became a bigger concern direction.” on top of existing weaknesses. ​Cowboys opponents averaged 92.8 points per game in those five games. STEVE LUTZ | OSU COACH The Cowboys allowed 82.5 points per game for the season, ranking at the bottom of the conference. STAFF REPORTER

Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly

OSU guard Stailee Heard is averaging 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds.

NCAA

Charlie Creme, the Cowgirls would be a No. 8 seed and would play No. 9 USC in the Columbia regional. Continued from 1B If OSU defeats the Trojans, it would likely play the host South Carolina Losses have not dominoed for the Gamecocks in the second round. Cowgirls this season. OSU is 8-0 NCAA.com’s Autumn Johnson has following a defeat and has dominated the Cowgirls as a No. 8 seed. Johnson in most of those games. has OSU facing No. 9 Virginia Tech However, this loss is different. This in the Round of 64, and the Cowgirls one is a missed opportunity. The could potentially face the No. 1 seed, Cowgirls hoped to go on a run at the Texas in the Round of 32 if they defeat Big 12 Tournament, but instead, were the Hokies. one-and-done. Hoyt believes OSU’s outcome in Despite the pain of the loss to Kansas City was a blown opportunity K-State, Hoyt is hoping that the at improving its resume. Cowgirls can do the same thing “It cost us a seed line,” Hoyt said. they’ve done all season, especially “The outcome of this game probably with do-or-die time around the corner. cost us a seed line and that is really “The thing I’ve probably loved the hard for all of us.” most about coaching this year’s team Despite the fact that the next is their response and their bouncetime OSU takes the court, it will be back is incredible,” Hoyt said. “They nearly two weeks since the Cowgirls’ have so much grit. They have so heartbreaking loss, Hoyt believes much resilience… We do believe that the loss will grow the Cowgirls’ all things happen for good. I don’t sisterhood and they are hoping to use understand it. This is going to hurt it as fuel. a lot of us for a long time, but I do “I think it’s going to bring us closer believe good things are going to come together,” Hoyt said. “I know that out of this.” it will. Our kids know that. We take Selection Sunday is March 15, and pride in not losing back-to-back OSU will hear its name called for the games. I think it’s going to make us second consecutive season, but will more hungry. It’s going to bring us likely face an uphill battle if it wants together. Now, we’ve just got to wait to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first and see what our final stop is.” time since 2014. According to ESPN bracketologist sports.ed@ocolly.com

Perfect start, frustrating finish Excitement around the Cowboy program peaked after a preseason exhibition win against Auburn and a stellar 12-1 start to the season, including an 87-63 win over Texas A&M. OSU later built more momentum with an upset win over BYU in early February and returned to the bubble conversation, but then lost five straight games and ended its realistic tournament hopes. And on Wednesday, the Cowboys led by as many as 10 points with about 13 minutes left. The Horned Frogs dominated the rest of the way, though, outscoring the Cowboys 3821. The Cowboys went cold offensively

hold up. KenPom ranked the Cowboys 46th in offense and 136th in defense, which contributed to their late-season struggles. ​Although the season did not end as Cowboys fans hoped, the program under Lutz has improved its win totals in each of his two seasons on the job. Lutz said postgame he believes the program is trending upward. ​“I really believe that the future is bright at Oklahoma State,” Lutz said. “I think that we’re going to be a good basketball team depending upon how things go with retention and the portal and all those sorts of things, but everything is moving forward and moving in the right direction.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

TOURNAMENT PROJECTIONS ESPN

8-seed OSU faces 9-seed USC in Columbia Regional.

NCAA

8-seed OSU faces 9-seed Virginia Tech in Austin Regional.

HerHoopStats

9-seed OSU faces 8-seed Oregon in Storrs Regional.

CBS

9-seed OSU faces 8-seed Tennessee in Los Angeles Regional. * Selction Sunday: March 15, 7 p.m. ESPN

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Anthony Roy scored 25 points, but OSU couldn’t take down TCU on Wednesday.

O’Colly

Friday, March 13, 2026 Page 3B

sports ‘The game doesn’t change’ Cowboys building a brand heading into conference play Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER

Dominyk Jones, The O’Colly

Sebastian Norman is hitting .306 in his freshman season with OSU.

Bowen, Norman stepping in as young spark plugs Will Thorogood

start to his freshman campaign at OSU, with 11 hits, eight RBIs, two home runs and six runs scored. His Two of Oklahoma State’s youngest ability to provide extra power to the players have quickly emerged as key lineup has seen him get slotted at the pieces to the lineup. designated hitter spot. In an order that is filled with Holliday spoke about how much mostly veteran players, freshmen Norman can grow through the rest of Terrance Bowen and Sebastian the season, especially from pinch-hit Norman have been early spark plugs opportunities. He received that chance for the Cowboys. when he pinch-hit for OBU Garrett Both players had high expectations Shull late in the game. before the season and were included “Next time he’s asked to do that, on the 2025 MLB Draft Top 100 he’ll be more comfortable,” Holliday Freshmen On Campus list. Bowen said. was ranked No. 84, while Norman Adjusting to the collegiate level came in at No. 85. of baseball can be challenging for Despite being newcomers to the freshmen, but Bowen and Norman team, both players have quickly have done it well and have learned a become meaningful contributors. lot through the course of 16 games. Bowen made his first appearance Both of them made their mark in for the Cowboys against Oklahoma on the four-game series against GCU. Feb. 14 when he replaced Avery Ortiz Norman, in game two, opened the at second base after Ortiz suffered an scoring with a tape-measure solo injury. This opportunity resulted in a home run to left field for the first of consistent role for the freshman. his collegiate career. Since game two of the four-game Game three was another series against Grand Canyon on Feb. outstanding outing for him, with 20, he has started at second base in three hits, two RBIs and a run scored. every game for OSU. Bowen has also Bowen picked up RBI singles in seen himself consistently in the eighth games two and three, along with four spot of the lineup since the Cowboys’ hits and one run scored in the series. home opener against Central Game three was also his first multiArkansas on Feb. 24. hit game with the Cowboys. His steady presence has earned him Holliday likes how neither player praise from OSU coach Josh Holliday, is holding anything back when given including after a win against Dallas opportunities to contribute to the Baptist on March 10. team. “I thought our young second “I just love the willingness to dive baseman had a whale of a game over in there, and not be afraid to fail and there at second,” Holliday said. learn,” Holliday said. “They’ve had While Bowen has made his presence some great moments, and they’ve had known defensively, Norman has some moments that’ll grow.” delivered on offense quickly for the Cowboys. He could not have asked for a better sports.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER

As the calendar turns toward conference play, the Oklahoma State baseball team believes the first month of the season has helped define its identity. After four weeks of nonconference games, the Cowboys (12-4) enter Big 12 play with momentum and a clearer understanding of what it will take to succeed against Big 12 Conference opponents. Along the way, the Cowboys have tested themselves at home and on the road, facing several strong opponents while building experience across the roster. For pitcher Mario Pesca, the focus entering conference play is simple: concentrate on the Cowboys’ own approach. “I’m really not worried who’s on the other side of the field and just being the best version of us,” Pesca said after Sunday’s win against Gardner-Webb. “I really feel like if we do that and we just go in there and play Cowboy baseball, as I know Coach Holliday likes to say, he’s right.” “The best brand of baseball isn’t worrying about who is over there, but it’s what we could do.” Pesca said the team’s mindset has continued to develop as the season progresses. “It’s a great atmosphere, and the guys really have their heads screwed up straight,” Pesca said. “Everybody’s pulling the same way.” Offensively, OSU has shown flashes of the production it hopes to carry into conference play. The Cowboys average 8.3 runs per game with a .286 batting average and 150 hits, ranking fifth in the Big 12 with 133 runs and first with 30 home runs — 11th nationally. One of the leaders at the plate has been outfielder Kollin Ritchie, who has emerged as one of the Cowboys’ most consistent hitters early in the season. In one month, Ritchie has recorded 11 home runs (4th in NCAA, 2nd in Big 12), 31 RBIs (3rd in NCAA, 1st in Big 12), and a 1.034 slugging percentage (6th in NCAA, 1st in Big 12). Ritchie said executing the

fundamentals at the plate will be key as competition increases. “I think they’re very important,” Ritchie said. “It kind of sets up what we need to do as a team going into conference, what we think will work in conference play.” While the Cowboys have shown offensive firepower at times, maintaining consistent execution will be a priority as the schedule intensifies. Coach Josh Holliday believes the team’s early-season experience has helped reveal both strengths and areas for improvement. “I think what it feels like to us is we’ve learned to this point what we’re good at,” Holliday said. “We know what we need to get better at. We work at it every single day.” The Cowboys have already gained valuable experience away from home this season. OSU started the season at the Shriners Children’s College Showdown in Arlington, Texas, against three SEC opponents, going 1-2, concluding with a win over then No. 23 Vanderbilt. The Cowboys went to Phoenix the following week for a four-game series against Grand Canyon, where they took three of four after losing the opener. Holliday says those games have helped prepare the team for the challenges of conference competition. “We’ve played some good games already this season against good teams,” Holliday said. “Going into conference play, it’s an extension of what we’ve been preparing for. “The game doesn’t change. It’s the same game, right? It’s how we handle the challenges of those games.” For Holliday, the formula for success remains straightforward: strong pitching, clean defense and timely hitting. “We’ve got to go out and throw quality strikes, catch it clean,” Holliday said. “We’ve got to put it in play. We’ve got to compete fiercely in the box. We’ll need some clutch swings. We’ll need some big pitches.” As the Cowboys prepare to open Big 12 play at UCF this weekend, Holliday said he is eager to see how his team responds to the increased stakes. “What I’m looking forward to is just fascinating to see how we respond to all these challenges,” Holliday said. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Next up vs. WHEN:

TV:

Friday — 5 p.m.

ESPN+

Saturday — 5 p.m.

LAST MEETING:

Sunday — 11 a.m.

2025 — OSU 3-0 series sweep

Orlando, Florida

OSU leads 5-3

WHERE:

All-time:

Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly

The Cowboys will begin Big 12 Conference play this weekend against UCF.

Page 4B Friday, March 13, 2026

O’Colly

sports

Big 12 Womens basketball tournament

Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly

Amari Whiting dribbling the ball up the court.

OSU guard Stailee Heard covers her face after a late foul-call against Kansas State.

Megan Gibson, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State Cowgirls huddling before their game against Kansas State.

Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly

Megan Gibson, The O’Colly

Pistol Pete hyping up the crowd during halftime.

Megan Gibson, The O’Colly

OSU’s bench celebrating during the Cowgirls’ game against Kansas State.

Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly

Stailee Heard bites her jersey in frustration after OSU’s loss to Kansas State.

Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly

Jadyn Wooten upset after a foul call with 1.3 seconds remaining.

Megan Gibson, The O’Colly

Stailee Heard going up for a shot in OSU’s game against Kansas State.

O’Colly

Friday, March 13, 2026 Page 5B

sports Forrest, Spratley earn top-five seeds Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER

Bailey Schmitz, The O’Colly

OSU wrestler Zack Ryder dislocated his shoulder four times at the Big 12 Tournament but still placed eighth.

OSU wrestling confident heading into NCAA Championships Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER

For college wrestling’s most decorated program, the wait has been unusually long. Oklahoma State hasn’t won a national championship since 2006. This Cowboys roster believes it has the pieces to change that, though. After capturing the Big 12 Wrestling Championship this past week for the second consecutive season, OSU now shifts its focus to the NCAA Championships in Cleveland next week, riding a deep lineup with high expectations. “We got 10 guys that believe they can go to the national tournament, believing they can win nationals,” Cowboys coach David Taylor said. “We just got to keep helping them get a little bit better.” OSU showcased its depth throughout the Big 12 Championships, finishing with 176 team points, the most since 2017. It also had four individual champions. Several Cowboys now enter nationals as legitimate contenders in their respective weight classes. Freshman standout Jax Forrest highlighted the weekend with a dominant performance at 133 pounds, recording three tech falls before winning the final by major decision to earn the Big 12’s most outstanding wrestler award. Forrest, who joined the

Morris

lineup midway through the season, late January. Ryder’s shoulder quickly established himself as one dislocated four times during the of the nation’s most dangerous Big 12 Championships, forcing wrestlers. him to medically forfeit his final But while the individual two matches and settle for eighth accolades stood out, the Cowboys place. believe their strength lies in the Despite the setbacks, Ryder entire lineup. still qualified for the NCAA Lightweights such as Troy Championships. Spratley, who captured the “For a young kid going through 125-pound title, and Sergio Vega, that, he’s emotional,” Taylor said. who remained undefeated with a “Really proud of that. … I don’t win at 141 pounds, provided key really care what happens the rest points throughout the weekend. of the season, but really proud Casey Swiderski is another of that fight that he showed. Just Cowboy who has shown promise resilience. I hope that’s what since his 0-4 start to the season our program is built on; to fight after being absent from the mat for resilience.” a month and winning his first Big The Cowboys know that the 12 title at 149. conference title was only one step OSU also received strong toward their ultimate goal. performances from wrestlers who “I feel like a couple of us were fell just short of conference titles so focused on the nationals but remain capable of making and what’s my seed going to be deep runs at nationals. Landon when I win, instead of ‘I need Robideau (157), LaDarion Lockett to go take care of business,’ and (165), Alex Facundo (174) and then my seed will take care of Konner Doucet (heavyweight) itself,” Forrest said. “So I think each finished as runners-up in just regrouping. Some of us are their respective weight classes. a little banged up. Just getting Meanwhile, 197-pounder Cody healthy and making sure we are Merrill battled back through in the best shape of our lives for the consolation bracket to finish nationals.” third, showing the toughness the With 10 wrestlers headed to the Cowboys believe will be necessary NCAA Championships, OSU will at the national tournament. rely on both star power and depth Another example of that to compete for the team title and a resilience came from 184-pounder chance to end Penn State’s fourZack Ryder, who has battled a year championship streak. lingering shoulder injury since sports.ed@ocolly.com

Barnes, a Wake Forest transfer, led his team in receiving last season, catching 39 passes for 547 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 13 carries for 143 yards and racked up 953 all-purpose yards.

having a sizeable role for the Mean Green. He caught 47 passes for 550 yards and three touchdowns last season, and served as UNT’s primary punt returner. Coleman has the ability to get behind defenses and

Oklahoma State will send all 10 wrestlers to the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, highlighted by two top-two seeds and nine wrestlers placed inside the top eight of their brackets. The championships will take place from March 19–21 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, where OSU will look to contend for its first national title since 2006. Top seed Jax Forrest leads the Cowboys at 133 pounds. The freshman enters the national tournament undefeated at 13-0 after a dominant run through the Big 12 Wrestling Championships, where he earned the tournament’s most outstanding wrestler award. OSU also placed another wrestler near the top of the bracket, as Sergio Vega earned the No. 2 seed at 141 pounds. Vega carries a perfect 19-0 record into the NCAA Championships as the Big 12 champion and will be one of the Cowboys’ top title contenders. Several other Cowboys earned top-five seeds in their respective brackets. Troy Spratley is seeded No. 5 at 125 pounds after winning the Big 12 title and will make his third appearance at the NCAA Championships. Freshmen Landon Robideau (157) and LaDarion Lockett (165) also received No. 5 seeds after finishing as Big 12 finalists. At 149 pounds, Casey Swiderski enters the tournament as the No. 8 seed after capturing the Big 12 title for his third trip to the NCAAs. Alex Facundo is also seeded eighth at 174 pounds, marking his first appearance on the national stage in three years. OSU also has two No. 7 seeds with Cody Merrill at 197 pounds and three-time qualifier Konner Doucet at heavyweight. Meanwhile, Zack Ryder enters the national tournament as the No. 22 seed at 184 pounds. Ryder battled through a lingering shoulder injury during the conference tournament but still qualified for the NCAA Championships. With the seeds now set, the Cowboys will bring one of the deepest lineups in the field to Cleveland as they look to end their national championship drought. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

Jax Forrest (left) is the top seed at 133 pounds.

OSU offensive coordinator Sean Brophy said. “He’s a tough player. He’s shifty… He’s dependable. But Miles is a dude, man, and the guys love him and respect him and rally around him.”

the offensive coaching staff is using spring workouts to continue to develop its Continued from 1B star passer. Morris thinks Mestemaker is “still in such a And for as much as Morris growth phase of his life” and would have liked to see the thinks he still has another offense shine, he understands level to reach. the importance of being “To sit up here and say like, balanced in all phases of the ‘Oh, Drew was really good last game. year. I’m going to kick my feet “This is the ultimate up and not coach him. I’ve team sport,” Morris said. got to coach these young guys “So, we’re going to need and get them ready (instead),’” everybody to win football Brophy said. “That’s not the games. Defense, they say, wins case at all. If anything, we’re championships.” more detail-oriented… And (Mestemaker) loves to be Undersized, shifty coached hard.” playmakers The Cowboys’ staff has Morris stands about 5-footleaned on Mestemaker to help 8. He was once an undersized teach offensive principles to wide receiver at Texas Tech, new players leading up to fighting to make plays for a spring ball. But they also want Mike Leach-led Red Raiders Mestemaker to continue to team. sharpen his own tools to better So, it’s fitting that Morris’ prepare for Big 12 competition. first OSU team features two Morris said that for short and speedy playmakers Mestemaker, that includes at receiver. Wyatt Young is Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly realizing how much faster he the crown jewel of the new OSU wide receiver Miles Coleman caught 47 passes for Eric Morris’ UNT team last season. has to get rid of the football, wideouts, but 5-foot-6 Miles how to anticipate the defense Coleman and 5-foot-7 Chris Morris said Monday that be a downfield threat, while Mestemaker ‘loves to be more quickly and understand Barnes will be key to the Barnes is a guy he wants to also being dangerous in the coached hard’ how much tighter manoperation as well. give the ball to eight to 10 screen game. And a bonus for The face of the Cowboys’ coverage defenses will be. “I’ve never been afraid to times a game, “whether that’s OSU? Coleman has a longrebuild is highly accomplished. “The speed of the game is utilize short guys,” Morris putting (him) in the backfield, standing relationship with But he’s also 20 years old and going to be a little bit faster said. “It’s probably because whether that’s speed sweeps, Cowboys quarterback Drew has started only 14 games as a playing (Power Four) football,” I have a little soft spot in (or) stretching him vertical Mestemaker, as they were quarterback. Morris said. “... I think this is my heart for the little guys, from the slot or outside.” teammates at Vandegrift High So even with Mestemaker going to be a big spring for him because I was one of those And for Coleman, he came School in Texas. having led the country in to grow a ton.” guys.” from UNT with Morris after “Miles is so tough, man,” passing last season at UNT, sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6B Friday, March 13, 2026

O’Colly

sports Column

Gerl: Big 12 can’t stay silent SEC, Big Ten ask for rule changes

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

Wyatt Young projects to be the Cowboys’ go-to target for the 2026 season.

Young

Young then didn’t receive an offer until after his final high school game, when Morris and UNT came calling. Continued from 1B “North Texas rolled in after my last game,” Young said. “Loved coach Despite several Power Four schools Morris, loved everything they were having interest in Mestemaker, about and I loved the offense they ran. Hawkins and Young, the three already It was a no-brainer for me.” had a familiarity with OSU coaches Upon his arrival in Denton, Morris Eric Morris, Sean Brophy and Patrick immediately put Young in a new Cobbs, and that connection weighed position. The former quarterback was heavily in their decisions. going to play wide receiver for the “After our last game, that’s when Mean Green. it came together,” Young said. “We Although that transition would be started talking to each other. We’re all difficult for most players to make, open and honest. We all kinda knew, working with a former receiver in Morris, Cobbs and Brophy. They’re our Morris made the shift easier, Young guys. We love them. There’s no other said. coaches we’d love to be with.” Morris, who played wide receiver at When Hawkins and Young joined Texas Tech from 2004 to 2008, knew Mestemaker on campus, Mestemaker the ins and outs of playing the position immediately wanted to go to work. He and helped Young settle in as a passreached out to both of them and asked catcher. to go to the practice facility to throw “He knows how to explain and run routes. everything to an elite level,” Young Young joined Mestemaker at the said. “The way to set up people for Cowboys’ facility and they picked up your route, making every route look where they left off at UNT. the same until it’s not. He’s a positive With the Cowboys’ first official coach when it comes to coaching you spring practice being held on Monday, up, but he’ll be hard on you when he Young believes that the Cowboys are has to be hard on you. It’s amazing. already well-positioned because of That’s what helped me grow the most.” their familiarity with Morris and the Although Morris was a big part of playbook. Young’s shift from quarterback to “I feel like we’re way ahead of the wide receiver, he wouldn’t have had game right now than I thought we the season he had without a strong would be,” Young said. “We’re all so connection with Mestemaker. sharp right now.” Now, with another offseason with Young’s journey to UNT was similar Mestemaker, Young is looking to build to Hawkins and Mestemaker’s. Young off his 2025 campaign and re-establish played quarterback at Tompkins High the Cowboys’ offense. School in Katy, Texas, and before his “I know there’s no other place I senior year, he was committed to play would want to be other than with at Rice. him,” Young said. “There’s no other But when his SAT score dropped too quarterback I would want to play for.” low, he had to decommit from Rice and was left offerless. sports.ed@ocolly.com

leagues on the same field. Think college football is crazy now? It could Parker Gerl get wilder. CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “There’s great frustration that as we go through the economic transition with our student-athletes, The SEC won’t be afraid to shake we haven’t better defined the things up, and the Big Ten wants to boundaries and the guardrails, and see changes, too. help people to those, and we have a College football seems to be at an responsibility in that,” Sankey said inflection point. Coaches are calling on “The Paul Finebaum Show”. “So each other out for tampering with I’m not just casting blame. That’s players. Schools are suing their part of us solving problems, and I former players for monetary name, think properly, that’s where our focus image, and likeness damages. The should be. How do we work with College Football Playoff format has colleagues to solve problems? Can we yet to please everyone. do that collectively? But the point we’ve reached is “If there’s a point at which we cut and dry: to fix college football, cannot do so, I think the conversation everybody needs to get on the that informs the question that you same page. And as conference ask, is there something you do leaders continue to come out and alone?” put pressure on the NCAA, Big 12 Tony Petitti isn’t being vocal about commissioner Brett Yormark needs his league making its own rules, but to join in on the party that wants he is putting some pressure, too. to establish new rules pertaining to On Wednesday, according to an player eligibility, NIL, tampering and ESPN report, the Big Ten has sent a all the things everyone is constantly letter to the NCAA urging it to stop ticked off about. punishing schools for tampering and Another Power Four league asking for a complete reevaluation pushing for change means more of the rules. Another big-time player continuity, and Yormark can’t let his asking for big-time change. league fall behind. Now, Yormark and the Big 12 need On Monday, SEC commissioner to be the next big-time player asking Greg Sankey made some eyebrowfor big-time change. raising comments regarding these Sankey, as of late, has focused on efforts during a TV interview — if eligibility and player transfer rules. necessary, his league is prepared to NIL rules are connected to those adopt its own set of off-field rules, he as well. So are recruiting rules and said. tampering violations. What?... Yes, Sankey is serious. A lot of college football’s rules He did make it clear that his need some work, but it may require main goal remains getting national leagues to force the NCAA’s hands. standards in place that work for Maybe this is a wait-and-see game. all leagues, potentially through Either way, Sankey said he prefers congressional action. But if that fails, to “not go our own way” with the Sankey doesn’t want to sit around SEC. But the fact that we’ve gotten to and wait. this point is significant. So, now it’s So, if it comes to it, Sankey’s time for Yormark and other college league could have its own eligibility football figures to join the mix. and monetary rules in place, while continuing to compete against other sports.ed@ocolly.com

Tribune News Service

Conferene commissioners, including Big 12’s Brett Yormark, have lots to sort through for college football player eligibility and NIL rules.

O’Colly

Friday, March 13, 2026 Page 7B

sports

Cowboy Wrestling wins Big12 Championship

Davis Hicks, The O’Colly

OSU wrestler Sergio Vega gets ready to headlock his opponent.

Oklahoma State wrestler Dee Lockett throws his opponent.

Sergio Vega and Casey Swiderski hoist the Big 12 Championship trophy after Cowboy wrestling’s win.

Davis Hicks, The O’Colly

OSU coach David Taylor smiles while watching his team win the Big 12.

Davis Hicks, The O’Colly

Bailey Schmitz, The O’Colly

Bailey Schmitz, The O’Colly

Jax Forrest secures a takedown while putting his opponent in a cradle position.

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Page 8B Friday, March 13, 2026

O’Colly

sports See our best photos: Football spring practice

Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly

Defensive back Kale Smith practicing a drill.

OSU quarterback Drew Mestemaker preparing to throw the ball at OSU’s spring practice.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly

Wide reciever Jabarie Thornton runs a route.

Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly

OSU linemen working on blocking during the Cowboys’ spring practice.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Running back Kaydin Jones running the ball at OSU’s spring practice.

Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly

Miles Coleman prepares to catch a football at the Sherman E. Smith Training Center.

SURPLUS AUCTION SURPLUS OSU FACILITIESAUCTION MANAGEMENT

8:00 A.M. Saturday, March 21, 2026 Viewing at 7:00 A.M. OSU FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 402 North Willis St., Stillwater, OK 74078 8:00 A.M. Saturday, October 25, 2025 Viewing at 7:00 A.M. OSU Facilities Management Warehouse 402 North Willis St., Stillwater, OK 74078 COMPUTERS-LAB EQUIPMENT-MISC.: John Deere Gator; Ford New Holland model DA5P4C tractor; Large SciOSU Facilities Management Warehouse entific Cryostorage; medical equipment; Mechanical equipment; Centrifuges; Microscopes; Lab equipment; Miscellaneous motors & machines; Warmer/cooler units; Ventilation system; HVAC units; assorted shop tools; Light Fixtures; CommerCOMPUTERS-LAB Centrifuges; Microscopes; Lab equipment; Computers; Laptops;Laptops; cial Freezers; HouseholdEQUIPMENT-MISC.: Fridges; Mini Fridges; Kitchen utensils; Work benches; Hutches; Tables; Computers; Speakers; Computer speakers; Monitors; All-In-Ones; Hard Drive cases; Server Racks; Printers; Keyboards; Computer Monitors; All-In-Ones; Printers; Keyboards; Mice; Assorted Cables & Wires; Projectors; Projector Screens; Cameras; Office Mice; Assorted Cables & Wires; Office fans; Medical equipment; Mechanical equipment; Large Fuel Tank; HVAC units; supplies; Office desks; Wood desks; Steelcase desks; Hydraulic Desks; Veri-Desks; Bookshelves; Wall mount cabinets; Assorted shop tools; Light Fixtures; Commercial Freezers; Household Fridges; Mini Fridges; Miscellaneous motors; Standing Televisions; Chairs; ClassLamps; room Chairs; Stools; Hutches; White Boards; Machines;cabinets; Warmer/cooler units; Office Ventilation system; KitchenWooden utensils; Chairs; Work benches; Tables;Tac FileBoards; Cubicle walls; Rolling chair mats; Love Lamps; Office fans; Picture frames;Projector Speakers; Computer speakers; Hard Drive cases; Server Cabinets; File cabinet system; seats; Single sofas; Projectors; Screens; Cameras; Televisions; Office Racks; FileChairs; Cabinets; File cabinet Love supplies; seats; Single sofas; Misc. Chairs;Assorted Class Room Wooden Chairs; system; Stools; Office Office desks; Wood desks; Steelcase desks; Hydraulic Desks; Veri-Desks; Book shelves; Wall mount cabinets; Standing cabinets; Picture frames; White Boards; Tac

Boards; Cubicle chair mats; Misc. TERMS: Cash,walls; check,Rolling VISA/MC/Discover/ on day of sale. There is a 3% convenience fee to use a credit/debit card. Driver’s license required to register. Oklahoma Tax Comm. requires a copy of tax exempt certificate for exempt purchases. TERMS: Cash, check, VISA/MC/Discover/ on day of sale. There is a 3% convenience fee to use a credit/debit card. Driver’s All items sell as is with no warranty. Descriptions are accurate to best of knowledge. Announcements made day of sale will license required to register. Oklahoma Tax Comm. requires a copy of tax exempt certificate for exempt purchases. All items sell as supersede all other Descriptions advertising.areSeller or to Auction Co. not responsible for accidents. is with no warranty. accurate best of knowledge. Announcements made day of sale will supersede all other advertising. Seller or Auction Co. not responsible for accidents.

Purchaser acknowledges items purchased could be to subject United laws andincluding regulations, that Purchaser acknowledges thatthat items purchased could be subject Unitedto States lawsStates and regulations, thoseincluding that relate those to relate to the export of items subject to export controls the Export Administration Regulations, CFR 730-774, and/ the export of items subject to export controls under the Exportunder Administration Regulations, 15 CFR 730-774, and/or15 sanctions administered the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Officeof of Treasury’s Foreign Asset Controls. Purchaser agrees that it is Purchaser Purchasers agrees that it is or sanctions by administered by the U.S. Department Office of Foreign Asset Controls. responsibilityresponsibility to comply with to anycomply applicable laws regulations laws regarding the export ofregarding the item(s).the export of the item(s). Purchasers with anyorapplicable or regulations