From: Stillwater
Photos by Chance Marick/Illustration by Katie Lehew
Community shows support with Hester Street Painting
Just a few days away from the football game for “America’s Greatest Homecoming,” Stillwater residents poured onto Hester Street to paint it and show love for Oklahoma State.
Students and families paint messages along the street to show their support for the Cowboy Football team on its walk to Boone Pickens Stadium before the Homecoming Game, each year. It’s one of the many traditions of Homecoming.
The street were filled with families and students Wednesday who were showing their passion for OSU. The event allows for the football team to see the support they have from the whole community, not just the university.
Families with small children were preparing the next generation of Cowboy fans alongside lifelong fans.
“We came out here to paint a little bit of everything,” Stillwater resident Jamie Tate said. “We have a 2-year-old and a 3-year-old who love OSU, so we painted a little bit of OSU... a football field, a football and ‘Go Pokes.’ My daughter painted a bunch of rainbows and whatever else she could come up with.”
Tate said they love bringing their kids to OSU events because it is familyfriendly fun.
“I think the university does a really
good job of making it family-friendly,” Tate said “Me and my wife both went to school here and so we love getting to share this with our kids, and kind of building up the next generation of OSU fans.”
The event drew in crowds from all different areas of the university as well. All manner of groups and clubs were there ranging from the cheer team to the butter churning club.
“It’s fun to get people excited for Homecoming,” cheerleader Gio Flores said, “It’s fun to get involved with the community and just make the homecoming a better experience for everyone.”
Cohen Mayberry from the butter churning club said showing support as a member of a student club is important.
“We came out here to paint and show our support,” Mayberry said. “It’s been really fun here painting and hanging out here with everyone.”
The event is one of the main ways that families are able to get involved before the Homecoming parade and game while also being able to have fun and enjoy family time together.
“I have a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old and they can’t really paint anything,” Stillwater resident Matt Fletcher said.
“Most of our painting is scribbling and then she is trying to make something of it.”
A splash of orange kicks off the start to what is known as “America’s Greatest Homecoming.”
The Oklahoma State Executive Committee throws cups of orange dye into the Edmon Low fountain. A display of painted signs and the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen quickly follow.
The annual fountain dyeing draws in everyone around and away from Stillwater. From freshmen and alumni to long-time supporters of OSU.
Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, was in attendance for OSU’s annual kickoff to Homecoming.
“This is the heart of our community,” Ranson said. “This event especially kicks off the whole Homecoming week, so I love to be here.”
Ranson speaks of her love for the event and everything that comes with it as students, faculty, alumni and supporters flood Library Lawn to be a part of the longstanding occasion.
“I mean I love the dyeing, I love the crown and I love all of the boards out there on the lawn. I mean it’s just a big, huge party.” Ranson said.
The love of this event and what it stands for as the beginning of the much-anticipated week overflows to fellow supporters of OSU, Randy and Bonnie Freeland.
“It brings in a lot of family and friends that stay with us, and so it’s just a fun week,” Bonnie said. “It’s unique to see all the signs, and see
them do the fountain.
Randy and Bonnie feel the nostalgia as they attend the beginning of what is a long-awaited week for many Stillwater locals. They say their favorite part of the week has to be Walkaround and the joy that comes with it.
Randy, an alumnus of OSU, said while a student here, he delivered The O’Colly to dorms and businesses in 1971. He said he enjoys attending sporting events and other OSU events.
Students like Regan Lyles are excited to finally be able to participate in their first Homecoming as a part of the 2025 freshmen class.
“I’m from around here, so I’ve kind of heard of it, but I haven’t officially been to it yet,” Lyles said. “You always hear about it, and then to see it like actually happen is super fun.”
Lyles said being a part of Homecoming at OSU comes with the perk of bragging rights, and their desire to be involved in Homecoming outside of classes.
Alhough, the fountain dyeing indicates the start of Homecoming and each event that is awaited by folks each year, it can also serve as a reminder to what is important and meant to be cherished. For Ranson, it is the community here in Stillwater that remains a home to all those near and far.
“It just reminds us that we are all one big community, no matter where we are, whether we’re here on campus, or so far away across the globe,” Ranson said. “We all come home at Homecoming every year.”
Marcus Mesis STAFF REPORTER
Megan Gibson, The O’Colly
The Homecoming Committee throws dye into the Edmon Low fountain Sunday.
Natalie Koepp, The O’Colly
An OSU student uses paint to make art during the Hester Street Painting.
lifestyle
Remembering landmarks that make Stillwater home
Since the land rush found the city of Stillwater, it has been piecing together its history.
With more than 100 years of township, there is no shortage of historic places to discover.
Just outside of town, the Stillwater Creek can be found. The creek feeds into waterways near Stillwater. Lake Carl Blackwell, Boomer Lake and the Cimarron River. No matter what origin for the city’s name you look at, the creek is a part of that origin.
Old Central was the first building built on Oklahoma State’s campus in 1894. It was originally known as college building and had classrooms, a chemistry lab, a library and assembly rooms. It housed the Old Central bell, which originally signaled class changes and quickly became a part of the Bedlam rivalry.
When OSU won its first bedlam game in 1917 in Oklahoma City, they rang the bell all through the night in Stillwater. In 1932, after another OSU upset, OU students would band together to steal the bell clapper to stop students from ringing the bell. This did not stop OSU students who used a sledgehammer to ring the bell.
The clapper, starting in 1966 served as the rotating trophy for the rivalry, until it was replaced by the bellshaped crystal trophy. The longest standing building in OSU history has seen many changes in what it was used for.
“It was a classroom building, a museum and then an honors college, which is what it serves as to this day,” said Debbie Williams, programs and exhibits coordinator for the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar.
The building has been repaired numerous times and upkeep continues on it to continue to allow for people to see the longest standing building in OSU history.
The Hideaway has been a mainstay of Stillwater since it was founded by an OSU alumnus, Robert Dermer, in 1957. The restaurant in 1980 moved from its original location to where it is now on Knoblock street. It expanded once in 2000 taking over what was a movie theatre.
The history for Hideaway goes further than just the building.
Hideaway used to be mainly take out and delivery for their pizzas meeting a need not addressed in
Stillwater before. Their delivery fleet was made of Volkswagen bugs they used to deliver pizzas to people. They would paint the cars fun colors with the Hideaway logo. The cars would eventually need to be phased out because the upkeep became too expensive.
That is not the only bit of history left for Hideaway either, Pente was invented at Hideaway Pizza. In 1977, Hideaway dishwasher Gary Gabrel created it. The game was a hit and Gabrel, who was promoted to manager by then, quit his job to go travel and sell Pente.
“It was a big thing to get a seat in there original building, because it was always busy,” Williams said. Campus Corner is another iconic spot. It serves as a shopping and restaurant area inside the city. It has many historic businesses located in and near it that have deep ties to Stillwater.
Eskimo Joe’s, Hideaway and the Garage are all restaurants that were founded in Stillwater. The corner has a deep history, too, with Pecks Lodge being a deep part of that. Pecks Lodge was a collection of businesses that all came together to form Pecks in the early 1920s.
After Pecks was sold, Campus Corner would see many buildings come and go. There would be clubs that opened up and closed on the Corner. For a while there was a movie theatre until it closed and was bought up by Hideaway.
The place Stillwater is known for is Eskimo Joe’s. This is one of the most iconic restaurants in all of Oklahoma.
Founded by a pair of OSU alumni, Steve File and Stan Clark. Originally it opened as just a bar in 1984. When the drinking age raised to 21, the restaurant portion of the franchise opened. Between the gift shop located next door and its famous cheesy fries almost everyone is familiar with Joe’s.
The city of Stillwater has many places that tell its story. The Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar shares Stillwater’s unique history through its exhibits.
“If you go to the Sheerar center, those guys love talking about Stillwater,” Jim Bowen, OSU alumni said “And they’ve got artifacts, pictures, history, everything that you would want to know about the history of Stillwater”
OUR EYES ARE ON CHRIST!
“ As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he show us his mercy.” (Ps.123:2 NIV)
“My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty...But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.” (Ps.131:1,2 NIV)
“ I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit...he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear (stand in awe) and put their trust in the LORD.” (Ps.40:1-3 NIV)
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall
Community cost to take part in Homecoming parade increases
Raynee Howell CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Sea of Orange parade will welcome almost 140 entires this year, despite the rising cost to participate.
Oklahoma State and the Stillwater community showcase several organizations and clubs throughout the Homecoming parade route. Those not affiliated with OSU, particularly commercial businesses and community groups, must apply and pay a fee to participate.
Since the 2021 parade, the cost has increased by 150%.
Scout Troop 828 is one of the groups that has continuously paid to participate. Rebecca Speer, the scoutmaster, said she believes the troop has participated since it was founded in 1982.
The troop carries the historical flags of Oklahoma through the parade. It is a point of honor for the scouts who range from age 11 to 17. Many of the scouts have participated since age 11.
Speer said she noticed the increase and is worried about the affordability for community groups like hers in the future. For the troop specifically, fundraisers pay for them to participate in activities, including the Homecoming parade.
“Unfortunately, the cost has risen significantly and it will at some point become a question of if we continue because it will price nonprofit community groups out if it continues to raise each year,” Speer said. “I certainly hope that is not the case, but it was noted that this year was much more than 2 years ago.”
Two years ago the cost was $50. This year it doubled, increasing to $100. There is also not a separate application for commercial businesses and community groups, for-profit or nonprofit.
The O’Colly reached out to the Homecoming executive committee for comment and was declined. The email stated the person best fit to answer the question was not on their committee. When asked for the appropriate person’s contact, the committee said they would try and find out. There was no answer in time for publication.
Speer said the scout troop enjoys the tradition and hopes the cost won’t prohibit them from continuing in the future.
“We enjoy being a part of the OSU homecoming parade and hope to continue the tradition for years to come,” she said.
news.ed@ocolly.com
renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Is.40:31 KJV)
There is something definite and real about waiting on the Lord. I remember years ago when I sensed the Lord speak to me.
“Make yourself available!” I thought I was! I was reading my Bible some and going to church regularly. As I considered this challenge from Lord, I felt I should spend some quiet time daily with the Lord. With my busy days,I decided to spend a hour (5 to 6 a.m.) each day. That decision brought about important changes in my life and service to God. I was learning to wait on the Lord. What a loving and faithful God we have to help us find his best for our lives. It pays off to have a definite, daily time with your Bible and Jesus
Marcus Mesis STAFF REPORTER
Chance Marick, The O’Colly Old Central has one of the richest histories across landmarks in Stillwater.
Lilian Easter, The O’Colly
Community groups pay a $100 fee to participate in the Sea of Orange parade.
lifestyle
OSU A&M faculty voices concern over increase in health care premiums
employees, the number of those insured constantly changes. Louthan made it clear the 11% increase is one of those numbers not set in stone
Local businesses prepare for OSU Homecoming
Caleson Coon STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State is known for having the “America’s Greatest Homecoming,” but more often than not, the effort local businesses put in to make it great goes unnoticed.
Businesses on and near Campus Corner are not much different from the OSU campus when it comes to preparation and enjoyment of the exciting week. Much like AJ Garrett, an employee for Eskimo Joe’s.
“It’s super exciting just because everybody’s here to have a good time,” Garrett said. “We just prep a lot more than normal on our stuff. One of the biggest things we call it, selling a lot of groceries. The amount of potatoes we get for our cheese fries is probably by far one of the most popular things.”
Eskimo Joe’s continues its traditon hosting Red Dirt bands during the Walkaround on Friday night.
Around the corner, Tammy Estes, manager for Marble Slab Creamery, shares the same sentiment as Eskimo Joe’s for Homecoming preparation.
“We try to make sure that we have as much product on hand as can. We’ve been making ice cream all day,” Estes said. “We put people on staff that we know can function in a chaotic environment.”
It’s a special time for the alumni who own businesses here in Stillwater to welcome people back. The owner of Marble Slab Creamery, Justin Minges, is an alumnus.
“The owner, he graduated at OSU. My daughter graduated at OSU. So, you know, we’ve just been around for a while,” Estes said. “We even work the OSU concession for the football games. We try to give back, and we just love supporting OSU.”
Across the street is another staple in Stillwater — Chris’s University Spirit. Dustin MacDonald, owner of Chris’s, said Homecoming is their largest weekend of the year.
“We amp up our inventory, so we try to make sure we’re prepared for everybody that’s coming into town.
So, we print extra of our top sellers. We’ll be open earlier and later Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So, we have extended hours for the people coming in,” MacDonald said.
Chris’s University Spirit will also set up a mobile tent located by the Pike House on Friday during Walkaround to sell merchandise for all in attendance.
“Everybody comes back to town, like all the alumni, and we see former employees, friends, family and just everybody,” MacDonald said.
Lily Bull, manager for The Coffee House, which is a nonprofit owned by University Heights Baptist Church, said getting more profits to donate to their organizations each month is best thing about Homecoming.
“We get to kinda share our mission with other people. Maybe people who have never been here before, they can kind of see that we’re a nonprofit, and that all of our funds go to something good every month,” Bull said. “So, people just get to kind of know what we stand for.”
The overflow of family and friends who come to town get the opportunity to learn and share all that the local businesses do to stay involved and connected, while giving back to the Stillwater community as well.
“We’re 100% nonprofit. So, every single penny that we make every month goes to a different organization in need,” Bull said. “There’s a lot of families and parents who come in and ask what this place is about. They just get to know what we’re a part of and share it with other people as well.”
Stillwater locals also keep tradition by welcoming back any and all alumni who travel back to their college town for the long, fun-filled weekend.
“It’s a great weekend that everybody converges on Stillwater.” MacDonhald said. “We’re an alumniowned business, and we’re one block form campus, so it’s always special for us. We cherish homecoming.”
news.ed@ocolly.com
The cost of OSU A&M’s health care plan is changing to keep up with rising costs of healthcare spending.
A benefits consultant released a projection outlining the cost of the healthcare plan for 2025 and 2026. The projected cost of the plan shows a potential 20% increase.
To get ahead of the projection, the individual deductible will increase by $100 and there will be new approaches to flexible spending, salary tier premiums and the working spouse plan.
Even with a plan in motion to decrease the spending, there is still a projection of an approximate 11% increase in premiums.
“I think our days of seeing a year where there will be no increases in health insurance are probably behind us,” said Christa Louthan, OSU Chief Human Resources Officer.
Some faculty expressed frustration with the lack of communication in a faculty council meeting Tuesday. In early September, an email was sent to faculty announcing GLP-1 medications would no longer be covered for weight loss. The number was around $2.4 million in savings for removing these medications from coverage.
Louthan revealed it has now increased to closer to $3 million in savings. Another email was sent with more updated information Oct 3. She said they want to continue to be more transparent about the process.
“We also don’t want to have all of the stuff, regarding your health care plan, (to come out) in a two-month time period when it’s preceding you making a decision that’s going to impact you for a full year,” she said.
The presentation was an opportunity for faculty to receive an explanation. Louthan said the numbers constantly change as it’s a self-funded plan, meaning OSU pays all the medical claims. Each selffunded plan is different and based on the needs of the insured, OSU President Jim Hess said. With the self-funded plan, the law prohibits kicking off high-end users who rack up the cost of the plan. Even without the ability to remove
“That’s a little bit like horseshoes and hand grenades,” Louthan said. “It won’t necessarily wash out equally… That additional 10% we did for savings, those are projections. This probably won’t be actuals. I’m just trying to show what we are doing as a team is trying to stop the bleeding.”
Robert Emerson, associate professor for civil engineering, said he’s heard from other faculty who are upset with the increases and how they were implemented. He said the salary tier premiums, which determine how much a person pays based on salary, should have another tier between the top two tiers — $75,000 to $149,999 and $150,000 and up.
“I think it’s good to have the middle tiers in there and then the lower tier with no increase; I’m all for that,”
Emerson said. “I think at the higher end, you’re saying somebody making $150,000 is paying the same amount as somebody who’s making $500,000. That increase doesn’t really affect their bottom line at all, I would say that’s not morally correct.”
Emerson compared paying for the increase in premium for those on the higher end to buying a Snickers bar for those on the lower end.
Susan Bain, the director of benefits at OSU, explained the university looked at five other colleges, including the University of Oklahoma and the University of Arkansas to determine the salary tiers. The salary tiers are also only applicable to the Blue Cross Blue Shield medical plans. Dental and vision plans remain unchanged.
Emerson said the compensation at those universities is not the same. Joe Haley, faculty committee chair, also expressed this concern on behalf of the faculty committee. He said the cost of expenses is increasing while compensation is falling behind.
“It (salary) can’t go up along with record enrollment without tuition increases,” Haley said. “Faculty are feeling like they’re getting left behind and there are concerns from various people in the community that faculty are feeling great for the students but we’re getting left behind.”
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
The OSU A&M healthcare plans are changing to decrease overall cost of the plan.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Eskimo Joe’s is one of many local businesses that prepares for OSU Homecoming.
Raynee Howell CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
10th anniversary of parade tragedy
At the 2015 Sea of Orange Parade, a car drove through the crowd and killed three adults and one child. 47 others were injured. This page was created in fond memory of Nash Lucas, Nikita Nakal, Marvin and Bonnie Stone.
A HOMECOMING PARADE PEOPLE WON’T FORGET
It was supposed to be fun.
It was supposed to be candy thrown to children donning Oklahoma State cheerleading outfits or miniature orange jerseys. It was supposed to be sitting in lawn chairs drinking alcohol much earlier than is considered socially acceptable.
It was supposed to be tireless hand waving, school spirit and later on, a football game, the Homecoming football game.
But instead, the Sea of Orange Homecoming parade turned into a tragedy that many won’t forget.
SAVANNAH EVANOFF | THE O’COLLY, OCT. 2015
The Oklahoma State Homecoming Parade is probably one of the most wholesome, happy events in the country, and to have it fouled like this is terrible: The families, I know, (of) these victims will never be able to understand this and neither will we. But the Cowboy family pulls together. Unfortunately, we’ve had to do it before, and we’ll do it again.
- Former OSU President Burns Hargis
STILLWATER STRONG MEMORIAL
UNVEILED 3 YEARS AFTER HOMECOMING CRASH
The Stillwater community is making sure the victims of the 2015 Homecoming tragedy are always remembered.
Three years after a car drove into OSU’s Homecoming parade, the Stillwater Strong Memorial was unveiled at the corner of Hall of Fame Avenue and Hoke Street.
“Folks have been raising money over the last few years to make this memorial happen,” Will Joyce, Stillwater’s mayor, said.
At last year’s Homecoming football game, Kyle Eastham’s Leadership Stillwater class took up a collection to help fund the the memorial. Because it is a year since that fundraising and three years since the crash, Scott Petty, a volunteer at the memorial dedication, said the timing was coincidental, but it worked out well.
“We wanted to have it done in time for homecoming,” Petty said. “But a lot of hands were at work that made it happen, and it is very fitting that it is done the day before the parade, and I know it is a step closer to helping the families heal.”
MEGAN HAYS | THE O’COLLY, OCT. 2018
‘Double layer of grief’
Reflecting on the Homecoming Parade tradegy, the Stones, 10 years later
Raynee Howell CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Pistol Pete float rounded the corner of Main Street and Hall of Fame an hour before it became a crime scene.
One Pistol Pete atop the float at the 2015 Sea of Orange Parade immediately jumped into action.
“As the parade was finishing, my daughter called… and she said, ‘Dad, do you know what happened?’” said D. Scott Petty, an Oklahoma State alumnus. “And so that was the first time I knew something bad had happened. I didn’t see anything. She just saw people kind of hurrying away from the scene.”
Petty was the executive director of the Stillwater Medical Foundation. He called a colleague to let him know of the incident.
“The person told me, ‘Yeah, it’s bad,” he said. “‘The hospital is having a lot of patients being brought by private vehicles as well as ambulances.’”
Petty rushed to the hospital looking for any way to help those in need.
The tragedy
At 10:31 a.m., Adacia Chambers drove her car at speeds above 40 miles per hour into several barriers used to block traffic from the parade. She proceeded to hit an unmanned police motorcycle before hitting approximately 50 spectators.
Chamber’s car popped a curb and hit a pole before it stopped. Four people were killed and 47 others were injured.
The immediate aftermath Stillwater Medical Center on the day of the accident treated 42 people, ages 2 to 65.
The emergency department and waiting room were full.
Petty was leading family members and friends into a nearby conference room to await any news. He stayed with them and provided them with water and food.
“The hospital didn’t send a single bill to the victims that came to our hospital that day,” Petty said. “The administration felt like that was just something that a community hospital should do… take care of the people that were impacted by a senseless tragedy.”
Nikita Nakal, an international student from the University of Central Oklahoma and 2-year-old Nash Lucas, the son of OSU students, were among the victims.
Two others died on impact at the scene, standing shoulder-to-shoulder.
The Stones
Marvin and Bonnie Stone were employed by Oklahoma State.
Marvin was an OSU faculty member for more than 20 years, in the department of biosystems and agricultural engineering until he retired in 2006. Bonnie was serving as coordinator of student information systems operations and training at the time of her passing, a position she started in 1998.
Both Marvin and Bonnie went above their job titles for OSU. Ron Elliott worked alongside Marvin for almost his entire tenure. He said it was obvious Marvin had a big impact on student’s lives.
“When I was department head, as our seniors were graduating, I’d have one-onone meetings with them and ask them ‘Looking back, Who do you think the best instructor you had was?’ and almost every time they named him,” Eliott said.
Bonnie also served OSU in every capacity she could. Eliott recalls her being known on campus for helping faculty and even taking calls on the weekend. The two were connected at the hip. You didn’t know one without the other.
“She was very supportive of Marvin,” Eliott said. “They were a team. They ate lunch together just about every day, even though they worked in different
buildings, and you see them around town nearly always. They were together, but they were a team. And she supported Marvin quite a bit, but he also respected what she did and her job a great deal.”
That day the Stones were standing together near the intersection watching the parade when Chamber struck them with her car. They died on the scene. Eliott didn’t attend the parade, but after former OSU President Burns Hargis announced the football game would continue in honor of those impacted, he attended the game. At this point, the names of the deceased had not been announced. He went to bed that night without knowing.
“I got up early the next morning, and of course, it was very much on my mind,” Eliott said. “I turned on my computer at home to see what news there might be. I started reading the names and saw Marvin and Bonnie, and it just absolutely floored me… It’s probably the only time I ever screamed at my computer.”
A heavy feeling settled over Elliott from the moment he heard of the incident, but seeing the Stones on the list of those killed was something he wasn’t prepared for.
“If that car had hit any other rank and file person along the parade route, it would have been devastating, but for those of us that were close to the Stones and knew about what they did how they impacted people... it’s almost like a double layer of grief,” he said.
Stillwater Strong
The time in the conference-room-turnedwaiting-room with the families of those impacted inspired Petty. It began with helping create a committee to collect donations and distribute it to those impacted. Later, it spiraled into a book titled “Stillwater Strong.”
Petty spent time with survivors, first responders and community members to tell the story of the tragedy through firsthand accounts. The proceeds went to the Stillwater Strong memorial, which stands in the spot the tragedy occurred on Main Street and Hall of Fame.
Petty said becoming close with families who were affected was hard emotionally, but it was important to document the history and tell those stories. He said he wishes he could of told them all.
“I think most of them feel fortunate to be able to hug their loved ones and have a second chance to tell somebody that they love them,” he said. “I think that’s just the power and the binding spirit of an event like this. It’s bad and it’s horrible and it’s tragic, and at the same time, it helps people see the love of others.”
The perpetrator Chambers was sentenced to life in prison two years later after taking a plea deal. She will not be eligible for parole until her early 70s.
Chambers took four lives that day, but she cannot take their memory. The Stones will continue to be remembered by both their blood family and their Cowboy family.
“Marvin and Bonnie didn’t have children of their own and they still impacted students in so many, so many ways,” Eliott said. “It’s kind of like the students that he taught and mentored kind of became his substitute kids.”
news.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little, The O’Colly
The Stillwater Strong Memorial honors the four people who died at the 2015 parade.
lifestyle
Chili connects OSU family with recipes from home
Stillwater residents and Oklahoma State students gathered at the Payne County Expo Center to celebrate the Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-Off.
Homecoming was initially a part of the Harvest Carnival, during the 1913 season. In 1920, OSU’s Homecoming was created and Harvest Carnival was adapted into the festivities.
Harvest Festival now has booths from campus organizations that are interactive for younger children. While the Harvest Carnival is hosted in one room of the Expo Center, across from the carnival is an event that ignites tastebuds.
The Chili Cook-Off
More than fifty organizations from OSU’s campus gathered its ingredients and Crock-Pots to prepare its chili. Some prepare their own recipes, others use some passed down from family members and some go to social media for their recipes.
Some students have looked forward to competing in the cook-off for a long time, and even lost sleep in the weeks leading up to the contest, specifically Dakota Hughes.
“I’ve been looking forward to this event my whole life,” Hughes said. “I lost sleep over it. It’s a fun event.” Hughes was one of several contests to use a recipe provided from a family member. When Hughes knew he was participating in the Chili Cook-Off, he knew exactly who to call — his mom.
“They told me there was a Chili Cook-Off,” Hughes said. “I called my mom and she gave me the recipe.” Hughes wasn’t the only contestant who used their mom’s recipe.
Jasmine Page, who was representing the North Commons, also used her mom’s recipe. Page said her mom was filled with excitement when she asked for it.
“She was like ‘let me go hunt it down in the book,’” Page said.
“She was really happy. She told me ‘I’m glad that you like it, hopefully everyone else will like it too.’”
While Hughes and Page went to their family members for the recipes, participants from the Lasso Center collected recipes from multiple families and wanted to make something that would remind people of what they ate as kids.
“We combined a couple of our family recipes,” Lily Ostler said. “We combined some of the things we love about chili and our memories of chili as a child. We made a basic chili with an elevated recipe that would remind people of their childhood.”
With the big stages of the cookoff, Ostler said the Lasso Center wanted to make sure their recipe was perfect, making several batches before presenting it for the Chili Cook-Off.
“We made a batch of chili beforehand,” Ostler said.”We tried it and shared it with some of our coworkers, and got their opinions on it.”
Rather it was presenting a combination of family recipes, or making their own, chili chefs like Mallory Kizer think the cook-off has a bigger meaning for OSU’s Homecoming traditions. After all, anyone could attend the event and sample more than 50 chili recipes for just $1 or a canned good donation.
“It’s my favorite part of Homecoming,” Kizer said. “For a canned good, you get a whole meal, which is great.”
The top three chilis at the Chili Cook-Off
Jose Brito ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
The Payne County Expo Center was filled with the scent of 51 Oklahoma State organizations’ chilis clashing. Almost every single one with Crock-Pots and recipes for the annual “Harvest Carnival Chili Cook-Off,” a staple of Homecoming celebrations. With a spoon and bowl in hand, it was my mission to find the three best bowls of chili in the room.
Lasso Center chili
The Lasso Center’s chili definitely snuck up on me with the first bite. It had a familiar, classic flavor that reminded me of a campfire chili. The team told me they created their entry by combining several of their family recipes into one. That blend gave it something unique: it wasn’t too spicy or too sweet, just warm, balanced and nostalgic. It was a strong contender, earning its place in the top three with its comforting charm.
Ranch Horse Team chili
As someone who’s never had white chicken chili before, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it grabbed my attention as much as it did, but the OSU Ranch Horse Team delivered. Their chili was creamy and rich without being too heavy, with tender chicken with plenty of complementary flavor.
While many tables offered hearty
red beef chilis, this one stood out because it brought something different to the table. It was smooth, flavorful and had just enough personality to make it memorable. It was the kind of chili you’d want on a cold day, and it easily secured second place in my rankings.
North Commons chili
The winning chili of the night came from the North Commons, and it carried a little piece of family history with it. Jasmine Page used her mom’s recipe. Her mother had to go hunt for that same recipe in an old cookbook so her daughter could share it with everyone else.
The result? Pure comfort. The chili was hearty but balanced, packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice. It had that home-cooked warmth that made it feel like more than just a competition entry. Every spoonful tasted like something passed down through generations, and it left me wanting more.
Choosing three favorites wasn’t easy. A combination of flavor and background went into these rankings. Every table had its own story, from TikTok-inspired experiments to recipes that had been in families for decades. But what stood out most was how the Harvest Carnival Chili Cook-Off wasn’t just about food; it was about tradition, community and a shared love for something simple. news.ed@ocolly.com
Cayden Cox STAFF REPORTER
Delaney Waterman, The O’Colly
Three Harvest Carnival Chili Cook-Off participants wait to hand out samples.
Delaney Waterman, The O’Colly Chili Cook-Off participants serve chili to judges and attendees.
Courtesy Emmerson Cave
The Stillwater Utilities Authority voted to approve a rate hike for trash collection after a consultant’s report found the city’s sanitation fund was falling behind on expenses.
City adjusts trash service rates
“We use the same trash and water systems as everyone else,” Lindley said. “We should be part of the conversation, too.”
Stillwater students visit Japan as part of Sisters Cities exchange program
Alivia Weddle STAFF REPORTER
Seven Stillwater students are traveling more than 6,000 miles this week to strengthen a friendship that’s lasted decades.
The trip marks another year of the major revival of the Stillwater–Kameoka Sister Cities exchange program, which connects schools and communities across the ocean.
From 1985 to 2010, the program thrived before financial issues forced it to pause. In 2023, the program was revived, and in 2024, the first group of students was sent on the journey of a lifetime.
For Stillwater Middle School teacher Jake Ehrlich, who helped relaunch the program, the experience is about much more than traveling abroad.
“We didn’t want to get it going and then just stop for a year,” Ehrlich said. “As soon as we met back from summer, we just hit the ground running. I had already ordered the tickets the year before I put our deposit on it.”
The program’s return coincides with the 40-year anniversary of the Sister City relationship. Recently, Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce and City Manager Brady Moore returned from their celebratory trip to Kameoka, where the city honored Stillwater residents who have been a driving force behind the Sister City Council.
Stillwater’s students, alongside teachers and administrators, are spending 10 days with Japanese host families, visiting schools and exploring cultural landmarks near Kyoto.
“I’m very excited, but also a little nervous,” Murray said. “I just can’t wait to go over there. I mean, I never thought I’d be able to go outside the country. So, I think it’ll be really cool to go to Japan.”
Ethan Fischer, another participant, said the trip feels like a once-in-alifetime adventure.
“I’m extremely excited,” Fischer said. “I think this will be one of the best trips of my life. I’m most looking forward to meeting my host family and going to school like the first day.”
Hadlee Barnes said her upcoming stay will be unique; her host family lives at a Buddhist temple.
“I’m excited to experience that because it’s unique, like no one else is going to be experiencing that,” Barnes said. “I think it’s a public temple, so I will have to be quiet and stuff, but it’s really cool.”
Barnes said she’s fascinated with how Japanese students clean their schools themselves.
“They don’t have janitors, everyone shares the work. I think that’s really nice,” Barnes said.
A cultural exchange beyond the classroom
One of the students previously lived in Mexico. He said he’s especially interested in comparing cultures.
Stillwater is raising trash collection rates from 8% to 9% next year to keep pace with rising costs.
City officials said the change is needed to cover rising fuel, equipment and landfill costs, as well as to replace aging garbage trucks and improve collection routes. The Stillwater Utilities Authority voted to approve the rate hike after a consultant’s report found the city’s sanitation fund was falling behind on expenses.
Officials said the adjustment is part of a larger plan to keep sanitation services financially stable through 2030. Public Works Director Mark White said during the Sept. 30 City Council meeting the goal is to maintain consistent services, not to profit from residents.
“We are not trying to make a profit,” White said. “This increase allows us to maintain reliable service and keep up with the rising costs of fuel and equipment.”
Stillwater’s rates will remain lower than those of nearby cities such as Edmond and Norman, even after the adjustment, according to the city’s consultant, NewGen Strategies & Solutions. The consultant also recommended replacing several older trucks and adjusting route scheduling to reduce fuel use during collections.
White said the changes will help the prepare for anticipated problems.
“We want to stay ahead of maintenance problems rather than reacting to them,” he said. “Gradual increases now prevent large spikes later.”
For many residents, though, it is less about the cost and more about communication.
Avery Lindley, an Oklahoma State junior majoring in education, said they have started paying closer attention to city policies since moving off campus.
“People think OSU handles everything, but the city does way more than students realize,” Lindley said. “When those rates go up, landlords usually raise rent to cover it. So, even if we do not see a trash bill, we are still paying for it.”
Lindley said understanding local government was the key to connecting the dots of how everyday services, from trash collection to bus routes, are funded by the city.
“When I first started renting, I did not think about who picked up my trash or maintained the roads,” Lindley said. “Now, I see how local decisions affect my everyday life.”
Lindley said students often feel left out of Stillwater’s civic conversations and would like the city to communicate more directly with them.
Carolyn West, a lifelong Stillwater resident, said she is proud of how much the city has grown. However, the higher bills are making it harder for older residents to live comfortably.
“Two dollars does not sound like much until you add it to everything else that has gone up,” West said.
“Groceries, water, electricity... It is all higher. For people like me, you notice every increase.”
West said she would like the city to consider offering senior discounts to residents on fixed incomes.
“We’re not asking for anything special,” she said. “It’s the same trash service we’ve always had, but now it’s harder to afford.”
Marcus Brown, a mechanic at Stillwater Automotive, said he understands the need for the increase but worries about how rising costs affect both residents and small businesses.
“I get why the city raised rates they’ve got to cover fuel and equipment, but every price hike hits everyone down the line,” Brown said. “We already pay more for parts and disposal, so even a small increase adds up.”
Brown said the city has improved in recent years by posting construction updates and service changes online, but communication could still go further.
“It helps to know what’s coming,” he said. “If people understand why something costs more, they’re usually OK with it.”
City officials said keeping pace with inflation will help prevent sudden spikes later. The plan includes gradually replacing garbage trucks, adjusting routes for efficiency and maintaining consistent collection schedules even as operating costs rise.
Residents like Lindley, West and Brown said better communication could make those plans easier to accept.
“When bills go up, people just want to know why,” Lindley said. “It’s not about refusing to pay… It’s about knowing what we’re paying for.”
The city’s goal is to ensure services remain reliable, but West said transparency can be just as important.
“Stillwater’s changing and that’s fine,” West said. “But communication should change with it. People just want honesty about what’s coming next.”
Stillwater officials said plans to publish a breakdown of the new rate structure will launch on the city website later this fall.
A program decades in the making
The Sister Cities partnership began in the 1980s, when there was a big push across the world to establish the Sister Cities Order. The longtime Stillwater educator Cindy Petry helped start an international pen-pal exchange between Stillwater students and their counterparts in Kameoka. Over time, the correspondence evolved into inperson visits and lifelong friendships.
“I don’t know who recommended it but they’re like, ‘Let’s take a trip there, let’s visit the kids,’ and it just kind of blossomed,” Ehrlich said.
The program was revived under the support of Stillwater Public Schools and the Sister Cities Committee. The district approved funds for airline tickets at its September Board of Education meeting, and community fundraising helped cover lodging and other expenses.
Ehrlich said the Japanese hosts treat the exchange with a deep sense of honor.
“When we walk in, every employee is standing in the hallway waving both American and Japanese flags,” Ehrlich said. “So, you really feel like they’re all embracing the relationship.”
Excitement builds among Stillwater students
For the students, anticipation has been building for months. Each applicant went through a competitive process that included essays and interviews with members of the Sister City Council.
Jay Murray, one of the selected students, said the opportunity feels surreal.
“I really admire Japanese culture, like how clean and respectful they are,” said Jose, a student whose last name is being withheld for privacy reasons. “I’m excited to share my own experiences, too. Showing a new culture to the other kids so they can know me better and show how people are in the United States and Mexico.”
Ehrlich said those exchanges are what make the program powerful.
“There’s going to be a lot of eyeopening experiences,” Ehrlich said. “To be able to tell them, ‘Look, you’re representing your school, you’re representing your city, your state, because nobody else is doing that for you.’ I don’t think they understand the gravity yet of what it is they’re going to do until they get back.”
Keeping the connection alive
While the students are focused on the adventure ahead, Ehrlich is thinking long term. He hopes renewed enthusiasm will inspire more community involvement and consistent funding to keep the program sustainable.
“There’s so many programs that we have going on; I think it just kind of gets absorbed in there with a lot of other programs,” Ehrlich said. “It’s tough, but it’s also the people that are involved. I think those established programs are kind of passed down.”
For Ehrlich, the trip is also a chance to step back and let others experience what he already knows.
“Last year, I was so engrossed in it,” Ehrlich said. “Now, I have all the planning done. I get to sit back and watch other people be a part of it and see their excitement.”
Although he jokes about the 26 hours of travel, Ehrlich said the effort is worth it.
“I know what my experience is like I want to see it and hear their stories with them,” Ehrlich said.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Emmerson Cave O’COLLY
Will Joyce on Facebook
Stillwater residents Larry and the late Kayo Jones were honored for their role in establishing the Sister Cities Council in Kameoka, Japan. Stillwater Middle School students are visiting the sister city through Sunday.
How a white hat created a free-speech firestorm on campus
Raynee Howell CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
A hat and a message against political violence has started conversations about the potential of a chilling effect on Oklahoma State’s campus.
Student leaders on both sides of the political spectrum are calling for a resolution to an ongoing media frenzy surrounding a conversation between a Student Government Association senator and the adviser.
Avery McIntyre, the OSU College Democrats president, said the situation has lit a fire under conservative political organizations on campus. It has distracted SGA from its goal of representing OSU students and making the university a better place, she said.
“I know several people who are involved in (political) organizations now who do not feel comfortable speaking their full opinions out loud because they don’t want to be the next Fox News headline,” McIntyre said. “And I think that that destroys the credibility of those organizations and really hurts what they work towards in terms of what they stand for and what their platform is, which is open dialogue.”
Two senators — Laney Stansell and Braden Hamiliton — recently resigned. Thomas Hatfield, a current senator, claims they resigned because they were afraid of speaking their minds. In a resignation letter to SGA, Stansell stated her resignation was not connected to recent events.
The speech and the fallout Joshua Wilson, an SGA senator, attended a Senate meeting the day Charlie Kirk was killed on a Utah college campus. Wilson was wearing a white hat with gold lettering with the number “47” as he made comments about the importance of having free speech without the fear of political violence.
Wilson received the hat from Kirk when he volunteered to host the “American Comeback Tour” with OSU’s chapter of Turning Point USA in April. Melisa Echols, SGA’s adviser, reached out to Wilson to speak to him about his attire. Wilson recorded the audio and later released it to the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, a conservative think-tank.
Echols explained in the audio recording, according to a transcription posted by The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, that Wilson needs to be ready as a leader to interact with SGA members with different perspectives from him.
“I really hope that this year helps you see some things that look very different from what you’re seeing now. So just be ready for that as a leader, because… ‘Yes, but,’ cannot be every response that you give me. Otherwise, this year is going to be difficult for you,” she said, according to the transcription.
Wilson told other media outlets Echol’s comments made him feel threatened. It exploded across conservative media, even reaching U.S. senator Ted Cruz, who called out OSU faculty for “trying to censor students for political speech” in an Oct. 11 post on X.
The O’Colly reached out to Wilson several times and approached him at Wednesday’s Senate meeting, where he refused to comment. He told News 9 on Oct. 10 that his comments about Kirk were not about partisan politics and instead about the first amendment and an event that meant a lot to him. Echols disagreed with Wilson’s interpretation of the situation. SGA is a nonpartisan
organization, and Echols didn’t see how what Wilson wore could be nonpartisan.
“What I need you to understand is that the choice in wearing the hat at the same time of making the comments in our nonpartisan space, is a contradiction,” Echols said, according to the transcription.
FIRE released a letter Oct. 9 addressed to OSU President Jim Hess. It demanded a response from OSU by Thursday confirming it will uphold student’s rights and not issue implicit threats to students based on protected speech.
“FIRE was very concerned that Joshua Wilson’s situation would chill other students’ speech rights,” stated Graham Piro, a representative of Fire, in a statement released to The O’Colly. “Administrators cannot issue implicit threats to students because of protected expression. We urge Oklahoma State to commit to upholding its students’ First Amendment rights.”
OSU responded with a statement clarifying its position hasn’t changed. It stated freedom of speech and expression for students remains a priority and is protected on campus.
“All staff charged with supporting student groups have received direct clarification about our policies and our unwavering commitment to free speech and our expectation that every student can fully express themselves,” stated Brent Marsh, VP of Student Affairs in a press release.
OSU also released a statement to News 9, stating SGA has a nonpartisan tradition, but no official policies to restrict expression, and the organization has not enacted or enforced such a policy.
Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet claimed Echols was placed on administrative leave. The O’Colly reached out to OSU to confirm and a spokesperson said they could not speak on personnel matters.
A tense, packed SGA Senate meeting on Wednesday A row of students wearing “Make America Great Again” and “47” hats came to support Wilson and share their views
with the Senate body. OSUPD officers were outside the door in the hallway at the meeting for the first time all year.
Echols was on the agenda for the adviser’s report as she is each week. A new agenda was posted the day of the meeting, which removed her from the agenda. Echols was not in attendance.
Carson Brenneman, an OSU student, stepped up to the podium wearing a hat stating “This is the turning point,” referencing Kirk’s organization. He called for the termination of Echols.
“The situation with Melisa Echols and Josh Wilson should be resolved by now,” Brenneman said. “She should have been terminated already, but apparently that’s not what Oklahoma State University has done. There (should be) real consequences for this despicable behavior, for this discrimination against Josh Wilson, both for his race and for his viewpoint.”
Less than a minute of the more than 20-minute conversation was released to the media. That is a concern OSU College Democrats brought up at Wednesday’s senate meeting.
“Joshua stated the meeting was around 25 minutes,” said Kael Mercer, secretary of the College Democrats. “So this kind of raises some questions. If the meeting’s purpose was to silence Joshua, why not release all of the audio? Surely, there would be a lot more incriminating quotes from Melissa if that were the case.”
Wilson responded to the multiple comments about releasing the full audio recording in informal discussion. He said OSU is in possession of it, and once it complies with the demands of FIRE, he will release it. Until then, he said, ask the university for it.
McIntyre said she supports a right to free speech for everyone, regardless of political affiliation and the idea that conservative students are exempt from this expression at OSU is false.
“I do think it’s something that strikes a chord with some of the conservative students on campus who feel like they are not being adequately heard, when in reality, I would vehemently
disagree that they are being persecuted at Oklahoma State, one of the most conservative schools in the state,” McIntyre said. “I think the idea that conservative students are being persecuted on this campus is a bold faced lie.”
Thomas Hatfield, an SGA senator, read from a prepared speech. He addressed McIntyre’s comments regarding SGA needing to focus on more pressing issues that benefit the student body.
He said SGA’s goal is to foster a sense of belonging for students and it can’t do that if students are persecuted for their speech.
“We should be focusing more on issues such as black mold in the dorms, the dryers not working and working with the university to address that we absolutely should be focusing on,” Hatfield said. “But we can’t do that if we are not able to fully express ourselves and not feel afraid to express our beliefs.”
SGA President Wesley Hurlbut expressed sadness for the state of SGA. He said he’s been around long enough to see similar times when the polarization of politics caused grief among the Senate body.
Former SGA senator reflects on similar experience
Amanda Botts, an OSU alumna and former senator, said she also remembers students feeling afraid to speak their minds during her time serving.
“Back then, there was definitely some partisan reflection,” Botts said. “There were a lot of people who wouldn’t stand up to say the pledge and it had gotten to the point where people would look at you and give you a dirty look if you stood up to do the pledge.”
Botts said Echols never was involved with that when she was a senator. It was more of a hands-off role to remind students of their duties, she said. The audio clippings she heard of Echols surprised her.
“It was very disturbing to me, personally,” Botts said. “It was also strange because I personally didn’t remember Melisa being like that. I would describe her very hands off and kind of letting other students push their ideological beliefs on other students. I was kind of shocked that now it seems like she’s swung the
other way, where she’s trying to tell the students that they can’t say things.”
Botts said Echols supposed administrative leave is not enough. She said she’s not calling for a complete termination, but at least a new role for Echols at OSU. “I think that Melisa has done some good for the university, and maybe she could continue to do that in a different capacity,” Botts said. “I’m not a heartless person like I don’t want people to lose food out of their mouths, it’s just I want there to be free speech. I don’t want people to be getting treated like I was in SGA.”
‘Walk in love and be slow to anger’ In the wake of all that’s happened some like Hatfield, feel as though more needs to be done to protect free expression among students of all beliefs. His “47” hat sat atop the podium as he delivered his message:
“The time has come for us to take a hard look in the mirror and to discern if we are truly living up to the values of this organization and university,” Hatfield said. “We say that our motto is ‘Your school, your voice.’
Yet we have individuals in this organization who have worked to silence certain voices simply because they do not care to listen to them.”
Following the release of the audio clips, Hurlbut said several people have visited him to tell him that they do not feel safe to speak their mind. Regardless, he said goodwill and kindness will prevail.
“The administrative side of OSU will examine this case at their own pace, regardless of what is said here tonight,” Hurlbut said. “But my saying so will not quell the confusion, the grief and the anger that many in this body and in this room may feel.
“What I hope for, then, above all and however difficult, is that we walk in love and be slow to anger; that we allow, without passion, the official investigations to take their natural course and that we direct what passions we do have toward civility and toward peacebuilding.”
Raynee Howell, The O’Colly
Thomas Hatfield, an SGA senator, spoke in support of Senator Joshua Wilson, who released audio clippings of a conversation he claims included threats from the SGA adviser to a conservative think-tank.
lifestyle
Edmon Low Library fountain shines America’s Brightest Orange.
The sound of laughter, a distant drumline and thousands of people dressed in orange fill up Stillwater as the busiest week of the year arrives — Oklahoma State Homecoming.
How did what we know today as “America’s Greatest Homecoming” even begin?
Back when Oklahoma State was Oklahoma A&M and the population of Stillwater was about 4,000, a student-led carnival spurred all future Homecoming traditions.
In 1913, the Harvest Carnival, or Harv Carv, was created in order to celebrate community. It was not until seven years after the first Harvest Carnival that the OSU Alumni Association hosted the first official Homecoming.
The Harvest Carnival is now a way for students to give back to the community. Canned goods are collected for admission, games are set out for visitors to enjoy together and for only $3 per person, individuals can enjoy the Chili Cook-Off
Although the Harvest Carnival can be seen as what started it all, the annual Walkaround to admire decs made by Greek members is what so many think of as the greatest, and biggest, Homecoming tradition.
In the 1920s, sororities started garnishing their houses, interior and exterior, with festive Homecoming decorations and banners. In the 1940s, students were encouraged to limit their decorations to outside, leading to larger and more complex designs being made.
It was not until the 1960s that the phrase “Walkaround” was coined because the dec’s popularity grew so much that Stillwater citizens, alumni and students either walked or drove around the neighborhood to see Greeks life’s creations for themselves.
“Pomping has been hard to balance
added on to my school schedule but I feel so lucky to be a part of this great tradition,” said Marisa Hughes, a firstyear member of Zeta Tau Alpha. “I am so excited to see all of our hard work come to life.”
ZTA is paired with Phi Gamma Delta in pomping and dec activities this year.
After Walkaround ends Friday, the Sea of Orange parade takes place the following day. The parade is a major event with more than 100 entries and attended by thousands of people each year.
While there was a parade during the first Harvest Carnival, it was not until 1930 that OSU included an official parade in its homecoming activities, separate from the carnival. The first parade stretched over a mile long and had an audience of more than 17,000 people. Now, the parade is broadcasted to tens of thousands. As a major highlight of Homecoming celebration activities, the parade grew larger in scale and reached vaster audiences each year.
The smaller traditions also make a big impact. As students walk to class on Homecoming week they are met with many festive surprises, such as an orange fountain in front of Edmon Low Library, or huge signs made by clubs and organizations on the Library Lawn.
The Sunday that kicks off Homecoming week makes it happen. Clubs and organizations haul and station its lawn signs perfectly, the Homecoming executive team throw orange dye into the fountain and Homecoming court nominees prepare are crowned becoming official Homecoming ambassadors who represent OSU and the Alumni Association. These traditions were made in the late 1990s and early 2000s and complete the week’s homecoming festivities.
news.ed@ocolly.com
SURPLUS AUCTION
Students, alumni weigh in on what makes OSU Homecoming the ‘Greatest’
Caden James STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State President Jim Hess holds a belief backed up with its own tagline.
Hess said OSU hosts, “‘America’s Greatest Homecoming.’”
“Whenever I talk to my colleagues in the Big 12, they always tell me how envious they are of OSU’s Homecoming because we absolutely have the best Homecoming,” Hess said at a faculty meeting Tuesday.
But, what makes OSU the greatest Homecoming?
Past executive director of Homecoming Megan Pope remembers the work it took to host Homecoming. The number of people and the festivities surpass that of other schools, she said.
“I think the reason that we are ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming’ is because Homecoming at Oklahoma State is not just a football game, it’s not just a parade... it’s a week long of celebrating the residential life of the college,” Pope said. “Greek life, alumni, all the colleges, all the departments and so on. There’s so much spirit involved in so many different activities that are going on, so it’s more than just a single event at Oklahoma State, so I think that’s what stands out about us.”
OSU may bring more to the table, but other colleges still welcome back its alumni for festivities.
Maalik Hall, a former student and football player for Southeastern Oklahoma State said he wasn’t on the active roster around the time of homecoming his first two years of school and was able to experience as a regular student.
“I got to meet alumni that I didn’t know existed,” Hall said. “People that told stories about back when they played for the team. I remember they would have like drawings for them and give out free t-shirts and stuff at halftime.”
Hall wasn’t one for voting or participating in many of the traditions, but once he was on the active roster as an upperclassman, he realized how cool Homecoming could be.
“My junior and senior year, I did get to play, and that’s when I actually did start to enjoy homecoming because from my athletic standpoint, being able to look up at the stands and see a packed stand, like just full of people — obviously they’re not necessarily there to watch you play
— but it makes playing football a lot easier when you have a huge crowd there,” he said.
Hailey Belvin attends Murray State in Kentucky. She said her college is tight-knit, which is a double-edged sword when it comes to homecoming.
“The atmosphere at Murray, since it was such a small school, it was like everybody knew everybody... So, when voting for people (for homecoming court), it was kind of hard to vote because we all knew each other,” Belvin said. “We were all friends, and I like it, but it was harder because you wanted to vote for everybody. It made it more personable being able to vote for people or go and support things of that nature.”
OSU’s Homecoming can also be an experience that stands out for those from out of the country. Paula Perez, a graduate assistant from Spain who is pursuing her master’s in English literature, said Homecoming is special because it highlights the community she has become a part of.
“In Spain it’s more like you go to class, you do what you have to do and then you go home,” Perez said. “I have been able to get involved to a sorority and meet a lot of people, and I feel like that’s very different because it makes me feel part of the community here.”
Perez originally came to OSU as an exchange student and experienced Homecoming then. She said she came back to experience it again.
“It allows me to reunite with people that lived halfway through the world from me and a lot of my friends were international students and we all got together here again,” she said. “I had friends from England, Canada, Spain and all kinds of different countries. It connects people... I think that’s one of the most important parts.”
Alumni from across the globe continue to participate in Homecoming traditions and fill Boone Pickens Stadium for the Homecoming game. Pope, though not on the executive team any longer, still tries to bring her kids to homecoming every year.
“Yes even with OSU as big as it is it still has a community aspect of a smaller homecoming with the events to back it up. I mean I’m gonna drive 3 1/2 hours to get there, and I’m gonna bring my kids so they can experience it, because you can’t go back to Homecoming, and not run into anybody that you know,” Pope said.
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Payton Little, The O’Colly
OSU Homecoming crossword
1. Year of the first OSU Homecoming
4. The carnival that created OSU’s first homecoming
6. The wide receiver who went for 13 receptions, 172 yards and 2 Touchdowns in the 2011 homecoming
8. The activity sororities and fraternities do all night before Walkaround
11. This years theme “From Stillwater to the __”
12. __ of Orange parade
13. What is the street that gets covered in chalk for Homecoming?
17. The team OSU Football is playing for Homecoming this year
18. The group of former students that will be back on campus this week 20. “America’s __ Homecoming”
DOWN
2. The structures sororities and fraternities build for Walkaround
3. Jace Johnson and Jaselyn Rossman are this year’s Homecoming __ & __?
5. First name of running back that ran for 271 yards in the 2023 homecoming game
7. Sponsor of OSU Homecoming
9. Homecoming in 105 years has only been cancelled twice, what was the reason it was cancelled most recently?
See more Homecoming week photos on B7, B8
10. The Hall of Honor runningback who led a 16-0 comeback for the Pokes in the 1976 Homecoming game
15. The competition that takes place on Library Lawn
16. What color does the fountain get dyed?
17. The food served at the annual Homecoming cook-off
19. The team OSU Football beat 55-3 in their 2021 Homecoming game
Friday, October 17, 2025
OSU preparing for streaking Cincinnati with Jackson at QB
Parker Gerl EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
After starting at quarterback Saturday against Houston, receiver Sam Jackson V said he was unsure which position he would play going forward. Now, the answer is clear.
On Monday, Oklahoma State interim head coach Doug Meacham said Jackson will
start at quarterback once again, giving the receiver another shot at leading the Cowboys’ offense while Zane Flores and Hauss Hejny remained sidelined with injuries. OSU (1-5, 0-3) is set to host No. 24 Cincinnati (5-1, 3-0) on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Boone Pickens Stadium.
“We’re just looking forward to getting back in it and seeing how much improvement we can
make at quarterback and get Sam going,” Meacham said.
In the Cowboys’ loss to UH, Jackson was 7 for 16 for 84 yards with an interception. It was his first game as a full-time quarterback since the 2023 season, when he played the position at California before converting to a receiver at Auburn in 2024.
See JACKSON on page 3B
Taylor entering second season at OSU with new faces, foundation for
David Taylor is entering his second season as head coach of Oklahoma State, but he has already established a clear identity for the program.
Compared to last season, when he first began his tenure in Stillwater, Taylor said he’s seen significant progress with a familiar plan in place.
“Made a lot of improvements in a lot of areas,” Taylor said. “A lot of people started to really believe in Cowboy Wrestling and Cowboy RTC. I laid out an RTC plan a year ago, and it seemed a little foreign to some. I think now they’re starting to understand the importance of that.”
Year two of the Taylor era will bring several new faces to the OSU lineup, with seven starters from last season graduating in the spring. The only three returning are NCAA runner-up Troy Spratley (125), Big 12 runner-up Tagen Jamison (141) and Teague Travis (157).
With a fresh set of wrestlers ready to take over, Taylor said he’s focused on building a foundation that will define the program for years to come.
“This is the group that we’re bringing in,” Taylor said. “This is the start to what we’re building. Last year was an integral, and every day was just trying to help those guys get better. Now, these guys are going to be a part of our program for a really long time. I think that’s really exciting.”
How a bet led to shirtless OSU student section
Nobody planned to take their shirt off at an Oklahoma State football game. But all it took was one fan, standing alone with his shirt in the air, to turn a quiet second half into one of the most talked-about moments in Week 7 of college football.
By the time Boone Pickens Stadium video board flashed “New world record (probably) Most shirtless guys in a section,” the crowd had turned to chaos. Barstool Sports and The New York Times ackknowledged it. ESPN named the shirtless section their Fans of the Week. And TNT’s national broadcast caught the moment too, sending it everywhere within minutes.
The man who started it all? Trent Eaton. A lifelong Oklahoma sports fan who never expected a $10 dare from his sister to turn into a viral stadium moment.
“It wasn’t about the money,” Eaton said. “I never collected it. If I could give my sister, my son or anyone else in the stands something to laugh about, then that was the whole point.”
Payton Little, The O’Colly
David Taylor is entering his second season at OSU.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Wide receiver Sam Jackson V will continue playing quarterback on Saturday against Cincinnati.
Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER
Cody Garcia, The O’Colly
Oklahoma State football fans went viral on Saturday for taking their shirts off and cheering on the Cowboys against Houston.
Bryson Thadhani SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
OSU should use Indiana hiring Cignetti as blueprint
Cayden Cox STAFF REPORTER
Four years ago in Bloomington, Indiana, a group of men gathered in one section at Memorial Stadium and began taking their shirts off and waving their shirts in the air.
Those men were supporting an Indiana team that was 2-7 and on its way to its first of three consecutive losing seasons.
Nowadays, those fans are cheering for the No. 3 team in the AP Poll, and one that appeared in the College Football Playoff a year ago.
The Hoosiers took one of the lowest points in program history and turned it into one of the best seasons in program history.
Now, Chad Weiberg has the opportunity to do the same for Oklahoma State.
This past weekend, while OSU lost its fifth consecutive game, Indiana shocked the world, marching into Eugene and beating the same Oregon team that defeated the Cowboys by 66 points earlier this season.
When Indiana brought in its new head coach before the 2024 season, the Hoosiers elected to dip their feet into the Group of Five pool. Indiana brought in Curt Cignetti, who had an impressive record at the lower level. Cignetti started his
coaching career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Division II school. He then worked his way up with two FCS schools in Elon and James Madison.
In the modern day of college football, a large emphasis is put on NIL funds.
Teams like Oregon and Texas Tech have loaded their rosters in the offseason, “buying” the best players money can buy. However, Cignetti and Indiana have proven that there are different routes to
building winning programs in the NIL era.
Indiana doesn’t have a large NIL collective and the donors that Oregon and some of the other big-name schools might have. However, the Hoosiers have a confident head coach who finds the right players and brings players in.
Before his stint at Indiana, Cignetti had showcased his ability to win at the lower levels. He helped James Madison transition from the FCS to the FBS level. In his
five years at JMU, Cignetti went 52-9 and led the Dukes to their first bowl game.
Cignetti has proven that he is a winner wherever he goes, which led to an infamous quote from him last season.
“Google me, I win,” Cignetti said. Indiana proved that calling a coach up from the Group of Five level can be successful and is something Weiberg and OSU should do.
There are plenty of coaches currently at the Group of Five
level who have had the same success that Cignetti had when he was there.
Like Cignetti, Texas State’s GJ Kinne had success at all his stops and worked his way up the coaching system. Kinne started his coaching career at FCS Incarnate Word in 2022. Kinne led UIW to a 12-2 record and the No.7 seed in the FCS championships. Kinne then transitioned to the Sun Belt when he leaped to Texas State. With the Bobcats, Kinne has led them to back-to-back bowl games and victories, the first in the program’s history.
Ryan Silverfield is another coach who has led Group of Five programs to winning ways. Silverfield has been the head coach of Memphis since 2020. In his time with the Tigers, he has yet to have a losing season, picking up four bowl victories in that time. Silverfield has also propelled the Tigers into the Top 25 in his time at the helm. Memphis finished last season ranked No. 25 and has the Tigers on pace for another Top 25 finish this season.
Kinne and Silverfield have helped Group of Five teams create a brand name and could revive OSU’s football program.
Following the turnaround Indiana had under Cignetti, Weiberg should use the Hoosiers’ success as a blueprint for the future, looking for someone who has proven that they can maintain winning ways.
5 notable homecoming football games
Will Thorogood STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State has a record of 58-39-6 in homecoming games.
On Saturday, the Cowboys will look to get back in the win column for Homecoming games, as they face the Cincinnati Bearcats at Boone Pickens Stadium at 7 p.m. Last year’s Homecoming game saw OSU fall 42-21 to Arizona State in a game that underwent a weather delay for nearly three hours.
To lead up to Saturday’s game, let’s look back at five notable OSU football homecoming games.
2022: Oklahoma State 41, Texas 34 Dominic Richardson had a big game on the ground for the Cowboys, scoring three touchdowns with 24 yards on 13 carries. Spencer Sanders went 34 for 57, passing for 391 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders played a crucial part of that game in the fourth quarter, when OSU scored 14 unanswered points off of a 10yard pass to Brennan Presley and a 41-yard pass to Bryson Green for touchdowns. The Cowboy defense made life difficult for Quinn Ewers, as he threw three interceptions in the loss.
2018: Oklahoma State 38, Texas 35 OSU used a 17-point first quarter to take down the No. 6 Longhorns for its fourthstraight win on Homecoming. Tylan Wallace had two long touchdown receptions from Taylor Cornelius, a 40-yard catch in the first quarter and a 36-yard catch in the second quarter. Cornelius also threw a 16-yard touchdown to Jelani Woods and added to that with two rushing touchdowns.
2007: Oklahoma State 41, Kansas State 39 This win ended a three-game losing streak on Homecoming for OSU. What kept this game a back-and-forth affair between the Wildcats and Cowboys was a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown by Perrish Cox to make the score 21-14 KSU. The dominance between Dez Bryant and Zac Robinson was big as the duo connected for two touchdown pass. Robinson also found Brandon Pettigrew for a 39-yard touchdown that gave OSU a 38-31 lead with 4:09 remaining in the game. The Wildcats would retake the lead 39-38 with 1:10 on the clock after Leon Patton ran 10 yards for a touchdown and Jordy Nelson
threw a pass for the two-point conversion, but the Cowboys were able to drive down the field and set up Jason Ricks for a game-winning 26-yard field goal.
2003: Oklahoma State 51, Texas Tech 49 OSU dominated the first half, taking a 34-14 lead into the locker room. The first half saw Tatum Bell score two rushing touchdowns, Tommy Devereaux run 14 yards into the end zone, Charlie Johnson catch a 4-yard touchdown pass from Josh Fields and Luke Phillips convert field goals
from 38 and 31. The second half was dominated by the Red Raiders, as the only scoring plays by the Cowboys were a 53-yard run by Seymore Shaw in the third quarter and a 20yard field goal by Phillips in the fourth quarter. Texas Tech outscored OSU 28-3 in the fourth quarter, which included three touchdowns in 4:31 to cut the Cowboy lead to 48-42. Despite an 11-yard touchdown catch by Wes Welker with 3:51 left, OSU was able to hang on and win the second-ever matchup against the Red Raiders on homecoming.
2002: Oklahoma State 28, Texas A&M 23
The Cowboys used a 21-point second quarter to end a four-game losing streak on homecoming. Bell had a big game, rushing for 143 yards on 25 carries and scoring three touchdowns on the ground. John Lewis caught a touchdown pass from Fields, who went 17 of 32 with 216 passing yards in the game. OSU’s defense got after the Aggie quarterback Dustin Long by sacking him three times and picking him off two times.
File Photo, The O’Colly
Tylan Wallace caught 10 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns in OSU’s upset win over No. 6 Texas in 2018.
John J. Kim, Tribune News Service
Curt Cignetti was hired at Indiana after a successful stint at James Madison, a path OSU could follow.
delay of game penalties and miscommunications between Jackson and center Austin Kawecki, which led to multiple bobbled snaps.
Now Jackson will have had the week to watch film and take what he saw against the Cougars into the game against the Bearcats — something Jackson wasn’t able to do heading into last week’s contest.
Meacham expects that to help.
“I think that just resonates more once you see yourself doing it,” Meacham said. “So, for [Jackson] to watch himself in a full game, that’s just gonna make him better and hopefully play a little bit more to what he’s capable of doing.”
Against UH, Jackson made a couple of nice throws — he hit Gavin Freeman on a 15-yard out route for a 3rd-and-14 conversion and found Cam Abshire over top for a 35-yard gain.
But over the course of the game, Jackson and the offense had several self-inflicted wounds, including multiple
Even though it had been two years since he played quarterback, Jackson was his own harsh critic after the loss.
“There’s really no excuse for that,” Jackson said. “That’s what they prepare me for. So, I just got to go in and execute.”
Jackson previously said he chose to switch from quarterback to receiver in hopes of increasing his chance of reaching the NFL. His first season as a wideout was in 2024 at Auburn, where he caught two passes for 63 yards and a touchdown before joining OSU to try to continue to show capabilities as a pass-catcher.
And while the Cowboys are injury-riddled at quarterback, Jackson, in theory, could have asked Meacham to stay at receiver because it’s his only realistic path to the pros.
But that’s not how Jackson thinks.
“It’s just whatever the coaches want me to do,” Jackson said. “I mean, I don’t really have an option to say, ‘No, I don’t want to do it,’ because I’m a team guy. (If) they need me somewhere, I gotta do what I gotta do.”
Now, Jackson and OSU will have an even bigger test than he did Saturday.
The Bearcats are riding a fivegame winning streak and are undefeated in Big 12 Conference play. UC is also giving up less than 20 points per game and has the fourth-best red zone defense in the conference.
The Cowboys know it’s another tall task, and they’re using the week of preparation to find ways to improve and snap their fivegame skid.
“It’s just, everybody stick together, everybody encourage and everybody turn the page and turn on to the next thing,” Meacham said. “And what can we do to get better? What can we do to put a product out there that’s going to be satisfactory?”
Eaton just wanted to lighten up a sweltering game that had lost its energy.
“If the fans could see a guy waving a shirt by himself in a desolate section and get a laugh out of it, or if it gave the players or coaches something to smile about, that’s all I wanted,” he said.
What happened next was pure momentum. Students sprinted up the stairs to join. Others ran across the concourse. Not long after he went up to 231, the air was hot and electric. Strangers were high-fiving, shirts twirling and everyone grinning while ignoring the 39-17 score deficit.
“I thought maybe three or four people would join me,” Eaton said. “Then it hit the Jumbotron, and when people started rushing over, I figured it was going to take off.”
Within a few plays, the offense came alive. OSU interim head coach Doug Meacham said postgame that the players noticed the energy from the stands. Sam Jackson V and Cowboy players acknowledged the fans, too.
Even OSU women’s basketball coach Jayce Hoyt tweeted about it, inviting the shirtless fans to a Cowgirls game, and even texted Eaton.
“She literally messaged me right when you called,” he laughed. “If Coach Meacham actually calls, too, my sister’s already saying she wants to come with me to practice.”
Eaton’s connection to OSU runs deep, even if he’s not an alum. Two of his sisters graduated from the university and his son is currently a sophomore. “
We’re just an Oklahoma family, big sports fans all around.”
As for the nickname he’s picked up online — the Shirtless Guy — he’s fine with it.
“It’s unique because it’s what it was,” Eaton said.
He laughed when asked whether he worried about whether the moment would follow him forever.
For Eaton, the whole thing wasn’t about going viral or becoming “The Shirtless Guy,” but about having fun.
“To those who walked over or joined, I hope you had a good time,” Eaton said. “Go Pokes.
“It might still be talked about in 30 years. But by then, I’ll be 70 and probably won’t be able to hear them anyway.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Cody Garcia, The O’Colly
Several OSU coaches have acknowledged the shirtless fans and have invited them to more games.
Davis Hicks, The O’Colly
Sam Jackson V will look to improve against Cincinnati after completing 7 of 16 passes against Houston.
OSU also has a new face on the coaching staff with Kevin Ward joining as an assistant coach. He spent 11 seasons leading the program at Army, where he was named the 2014 NCAA Division II Coach of the Year, the 2019 EIWA Coach of the Year and a finalist for the 2019 NWCA National Coach of the Year.
Ward is a familiar name in Stillwater, as he wrestled for the Cowboys from 2001 to 2006, winning a Big 12 title at 157 pounds and competing on four national championship teams. After years of success at West Point, his addition gives OSU another seasoned voice in the room — something Taylor said has already made an impact.
“Working with Kevin has been awesome,” Taylor said. “He can really help me in a lot of areas that I need to continue to improve outside of the wrestling room and outside of a lot of things it takes to be successful.
“We just have surrounded ourselves with a lot of really good people, really good mentors, really good examples. I think that’s what it takes to be successful.”
Taylor said he expects the Cowboys to wrestle with passion and confidence this season — a mindset he’s worked toward building since taking over the program.
OSU wrestling coach David Taylor said he has surrounded his roster with “really good people” to use as an example.
“Hopefully, we’ll bring a little fire and intensity when wrestling,” Taylor said. “We’re not going out there trying to just sneak a match and sneak a win. That’s just not what we train to do.
“It’s every day — just constantly helping them believe in themselves, the program, what we’re doing, and what we’re aspiring to do. I really believe that we’ll wrestle with some fire. We’ll compete for a full seven minutes.”
That same mentality
extends beyond competition and into roster building, where Taylor has blended recruiting with key transfer additions such as Richard Figueroa, Casey Swiderski, and Alex Facundo, along with Zack Ryder, one of the nation’s top freshmen.
Taylor said the transfer portal has become a valuable tool for filling needs while
maintaining the program’s emphasis on long-term development.
“I think the portal is an extension of recruiting,” Taylor said. “It’s a way that you can fill some areas that you feel like you need to fill — whether it’s from a guy that’s going to be wrestling or depth or all of those things.
“My philosophy is to recruit
and develop. That’s what I want to do. Things evolve, and to be competitive at the highest level, you have to stay up with the times. But I think we’re bringing guys in that fit what we want to do, the way we want to wrestle, and the mentality it’s going to take to be successful.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Experienced trio poised for big impact with OSU wrestling
Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State wrestling has turned to the transfer portal to bolster its lineup, and the additions of Richard Figueroa, Casey Swiderski and Zack Ryder could play a pivotal role in shaping the program’s second season under coach David Taylor.
Each wrestler brings a different story, but all share a similar motivation — to compete at the highest level and contribute to the Cowboy resurgence Taylor continues to build.
For Figueroa, a former national champion at Arizona State, the move to Stillwater represented a fresh start and a new weight class. After competing at 125 pounds last season, he decided to move up to 133 for his final collegiate campaign.
“I thought about it last season,” Figueroa said. “The weight cut was a little hard on me towards the end. I think it was time for me to go up a weight class for my last year and just wrestle freely, not worrying about cutting weight all the time.”
When he entered the portal, Figueroa said Oklahoma State “stuck out the most.” The opportunity to train under Taylor and alongside former Arizona State teammate Zahid Valencia sealed the decision.
“I believe in Coach Taylor and what they have going on over here,” Figueroa said. “So why not come over here with Zahid (Valencia) and try to chase my goals?”
Figueroa has noticed the momentum surrounding transfer wrestlers nationwide — including last season’s national champions Dean Hamiti Jr. and Wyatt Hendrickson — and hopes to add his name to that list at OSU.
“It’s exciting seeing those people that transferred win a national title,” Figueroa said. “I want to win my second national title here — that’s the goal. Just keep aiming high and take it
day by day.”
At 149 pounds, Swiderski brings a team-first mentality and a sense of maturity after three seasons at Iowa State. His decision to join the Cowboys was straightforward.
“It’s a no-brainer. If you can’t beat them, you join them,” Swiderski said. “It’s just one of those things you’ve got to do. You don’t want to sit there and talk about how you wish you did it.”
Swiderski said he’s focused on consistency and balance, recognizing that daily training habits directly translate into competition.
“The wrestling room is a mirror of what happens out there,” Swiderski said. “If I can have three good days a week and walk out of there feeling pretty good, I’m gonna have confidence when I go out on the mat.”
Ryder, a 184-pounder who redshirted last year at Penn State, also found familiarity in Taylor. Their connection dates back to Ryder’s high school years, when he trained with Taylor and developed a mutual respect that carried into college.
“As soon as I hit the portal, I kind of had the vision of where I was going. Now I’m here,” Ryder said.
With Ryder’s arrival, his goals are ambitious and clear.
“I see myself winning everything that I’m going to go after,” Ryder said. “I see myself winning nationals, I see myself winning the Big 12s, I see everything. Every goal out there I want, and I’m going to go get it.
“We’re gonna win some national titles and we’re gonna win some team trophies.”
With all three transfers now settled in Stillwater, the Cowboys appear deeper and more battle-tested heading into the season. Their experience, coupled with Taylor’s growing influence, gives OSU one of the most intriguing rosters in the country — and one that expects to contend for a championship once again.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
OSU WRESTLING SCHEDULE
NOV. 7: VS STANFORD
NOV. 15-16: NATIONAL DUALS INVITATIONAL (TULSA)
NOV. 21: AT AIR FORCE
NOV. 23: AT ARIZONA STATE
DEC. 14: AT WEST VIRGINIA
DEC. 21: AT NEBRASKA
JAN. 3-4: SOUTHERN SCUFFLE (CHATTANOOGA, TENN.)
JAN. 11: VS OKLAHOMA
JAN. 23: AT MISSOURI
JAN. 25: VS UTAH VALLEY
JAN. 30: VS NORTHERN IOWA
FEB. 1: VS IOWA STATE
FEB. 6: VS LITTLE ROCK
FEB. 15: AT VIRGINIA TECH
FEB. 22: VS IOWA
MARCH 6-7: BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIPS (TULSA)
MARCH 19-21: NCAA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS (CLEVELAND)
Payton Little, The O’Colly
Courtesy OSU Athletics
Casey Swiderski boasts a 32-17 career record and could be a impactful piece to OSU’s roster.
How ‘sisterhood’ has become common theme on OSU’s roster
Cayden Cox STAFF REPORTER
Within the Oklahoma State locker room, there is a common message.
The Cowgirls are a tight-knit group, and believe they have a sisterly relationship with one another.
For guard Stailee Heard and Cowgirls head coach Jacie Hoyt, sisterhood has a different meaning this season. Both Hoyt and Heard are joined by their sisters, as Terran Hoyt serves as one of OSU’s assistant coaches and Tyla Heard joined the Cowgirl roster in the offseason.
“Sisterhood is probably one of our biggest things we talk about all the time,” Heard said. “Just being there for each other (and) always having each other’s backs. I feel like that’s what winning teams do, and I feel like the best teams have the best connections with each other.”
Terran and Jacie’s coaching carrer have been linked. The Hoyts were together at the University of Missouri-Kansas City for two years. Jacie was the head coach for the Kangaroos and Terran served in a graduate assistant role.
With Jacie Hoyt moving from Kansas City to OSU, Terran came with her. In Hoyt’s first three years as the Cowgirls’ head coach, her sister assisted as the Cowgirls’ director of basketball administration. This season, Terran is stepping into a new role as one of OSU’s assistant coaches.
“It’s been amazing,” Hoyt said. “We’ve been together for five years already, with her being in different roles. She’s always been along my side throughout the whole time.”
Growing up, the Heard sisters were by each other’s sides, attending camps together and playing on the same teams. Stailee and Tyla are from Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and when they went their separate ways for school, it brought a unique challenge for the sisters. Tyla attended Oral Roberts, while Stailee was at OSU, and when the Cowgirls and Golden Eagles faced off last year, it provided a new experience for the sisters.
“It was a full circle moment,” Heard said. “I’ve never played against my sister. We’ve always played on the same team.”
This season, the Heards are reunited on the court for the first time since winning the 2023 state championship at Sapulpa, something Stailee says is one of her best basketball memories with her sister.
“We’ve had a lot of good memories,” Heard said. “My favorite one is probably my senior year (of high school).
It was my last time getting to play with her in that setting, and we won at the last second.”
Stailee enters the season as one of the leaders for the Cowgirls. In Hoyt’s eyes, having Tyla by Stailee’s side is something that unlocks a new dynamic for OSU’s star player.
“It’s been really neat to
see Tyla bring out the best in (Stailee),” Hoyt said. “I think that has helped Stailee. Stailee puts so much responsibility on herself to be a great big sister and mentor for Tyla. Stailee brings out the best in Tyla as well. It’s been a really unique dynamic to be a part of.”
Being back on the court with Tyla means a lot for Stailee; they’re able to see the growth in each other, and it provides a comfort zone for the sisters.
“It’s everything I ever imagined,” Heard said. “I feel like I’ve grown a lot with just her being around. Just having her around makes everything so much better.”
The Heard sisters live together again and spend as much time on the court together as they do off. They spent the past two years separated, and are now
making the most of the time they have together. There’s also a new personality in Stailee that’s being showcased to the team now that she has her sister with her.
“I’ve seen more of a fun, bubbly side of Stailee that I haven’t seen before,” Hoyt said. “I’ve seen her be way more playful, but also more business-like because she’s trying to set that example. It’s been really fun to watch Stailee in a light that I haven’t seen her in before.”
Being a mentor for her younger sister, Stailee believes the Hoyt sisters have brought the sisterhood dynamic to the team, and provide her with an outline on how to act as a sister, but also a leader.
“Before my sister even got here, I saw (sisterhood) with coach Jacie and her sister,” Stailee said. “They’re close,
and the way they pour into us is the way they act towards each other. They really live that out.”
Jacie knows the important dynamics of family. She became a mom for the first time last season when her daughter Harlow was born, and knows that spending more time with someone builds a better relationship with two people.
“The more times you are with someone and can go through things, the better you learn each other and can draw from past experiences,” Jacie said. “I think that Terran and I are firing on all cylinders, probably better than we ever have.”
“It’s really special. Family is family, and to have that connection with someone on a daily basis is really incredible.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
OSU men’s basketball defeats Auburn 97-95 in exhibition
Colby Krueger STAFF REPORTER
Steve Lutz’s new-look Oklahoma State squad started preseason play with a great showing Wednesday night.
The Cowboys found themselves in an overtime back-and-forth battle with Auburn, the No. 20-ranked team in the preseason AP Poll. They were able to close the deal, beating the Tigers 97-95.
Here are three takeaways from the exhibition game: OSU backcourt shines, could be key for Cowboys’ season Cowboy guards Jaylen Curry, Anthony Roy and Isaiah Coleman showed great promise in their OSU debuts, scoring 79 of the Cowboys’ 97 points.
Curry was impactful in the second half and in overtime, scoring the game-winning bucket. He finished with 23 points and four assists with zero turnovers showing his potential as an efficient distributor in the OSU offense.
Anthony Roy, a transfer from Green Bay, was the
best deep shooter for the Cowboys, going 5-for-10 from behind the arc.
Roy also grabbed 12 rebounds and scored 28 points, posting a doubledouble. If Roy continues to shoot from deep at a high clip and score at the basket, the OSU offense could flourish behind his creation.
Isaiah Coleman was also a slashing menace tonight, scoring 28 points on just 15 shots. All of his points came on drives to the basket or from the free throw line.
Curry’s scoring and playmaking, Roy’s range shooting and Coleman’s driving ability all work off one another to open up areas of the offense and could be a key factor heading into the regular season.
Cowboys’ paint dominance, transition scoring The Cowboys’ offense dominated and thrived in the paint. OSU scored 48 of its 97 points in the paint and 17 off fast breaks. It was clear Lutz wanted to get the ball moving in transition, with multiple coast-to-coast and passahead plays, helping push the
Cowboys’ lead.
OSU attempted 40 layups and dunks compared to Auburn’s 28, making it a more physical game and allowing the efficiency of the Cowboys to become a focal point.
This style of paint driving and transition offense could be effective, with it opening up more opportunities for perimeter shooting and playmaking.
OSU’s foul trouble
An area in which the Cowboys will want to improve from this game was the number of fouls they committed. OSU committed 34 fouls, compared to Auburn’s 22, which allowed the Tigers to stay within striking distance. The Cowboys eventually had four different players foul out and had another end the game with four fouls. This helped Auburn shoot 49 free throws, while the Cowboys only shot 29. In the end, OSU pulled out an impressive overtime win against a ranked squad and could use it as a confidence booster heading into the regular season.
Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly
Steve Lutz and OSU basketball upset Auburn in an exhibition Wednesday night, a potential confidence-booster for his team.
Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly Guard Stailee Heard (left) and coach Jacie Hoyt (right) each have a sister involved with the Cowgirl basketball team.
Lutz could build a top recruiting class for 2026
Parker Gerl EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Steve Lutz is red-hot on the recruiting trail and is looking to keep that trend going.
Lutz, in his second season leading Oklahoma State’s men’s basketball, has picked up two big-time commitments in the past three weeks and is in the mix for more players, giving the Cowboys the chance to have one of the country’s best 2026 recruiting classes.
On Monday, four-star forward Latrell Allmond announced his pledge to OSU, becoming the second fourstar prospect in the Cowboys’ class. Allmond is also OSU’s highest-rated recruit since Cade Cunningham, who went on to be the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Listed at 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Allmond averaged 21.8 points and 7.8 rebounds as a high school junior and shot 66% from the field. He has the potential to contribute as a freshman with a versatile inside-out game.
“My message to Oklahoma State fans is just get ready,” Allmond told 247sports. “That’s all I’m going to say. Stillwater is going to see somebody with the heart of a dog.”
Allmond joins forward Jalen Montonati in the 2026 class, whose father, Brian, played at OSU and coaches Montonati at Owasso.
Montonati has the chance to become the first three-time Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year in boys basketball and is the No. 59-ranked prospect in the 247sports composite.
As things stand, the Cowboys have the No. 12 recruiting class in the country — but that could jump up, as OSU is in the mix for four-star guard Parker Robinson, whom the Cowboys recently hosted on a recruiting visit.
Robinson, a 6-foot-4 guard out of Maryland, plays in the Overtime Elite league and put up 14.1 points and 4.7 rebounds in the regular season.
He’s the No. 116 player in the class and holds offers from Illinois, West Virginia, Providence and others.
If OSU were to land Robinson, its 2026 class would consist of three highly-touted players and jump into the top 5.
So far, Lutz has the Cowboys positioned for an elite recruiting class, but he and OSU still have work to do. Nonetheless, it’s a good showing for Lutz’s first full offseason as the Cowboys’ coach.
NCAA close to letting DI athletes bet on pro sports; OSU athletes react
Parker Gerl EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Student-athletes could be allowed to gamble on sports sooner rather than later.
On Oct. 8, the NCAA Division I Administrative Committee announced it had adopted a proposal to allow student-athletes and athletic department staff to bet on professional sports, a shift from a longstanding policy as legal sports betting continues to spread throughout the United States.
All three NCAA divisions must approve the rule change. Divisions II and III are expected to consider the plan during their meetings at the end of October. If approved by all three, the rule change would be effective Nov. 1.
Athletes and athletic staff are currently prohibited from betting on any professional or collegiate sports sponsored by the NCAA. If the rule were to pass, betting on college sports would still be banned.
“The Administrative Committee was clear in its discussion today that it remains concerned about the risks associated with all forms of sports gambling but ultimately voted to reduce restrictions on studentathletes in this area to better align with their campus peers,” Illinois athletics director and chair of the committee Josh Whitman said.
Student-athletes freely gambling would be a massive shakeup to the landscape of college athletics. But for Oklahoma State’s student-athletes, some of them don’t care too much for it.
The NCAA has maintained that the adopted proposal is not an endorsement of gambling and
wants to continue to protect the integrity of college games, while also encouraging “healthy habits” for athletes who choose to wager on pro sports.
“I don’t (think about) much of that,” OSU defensive tackle Aden Kelly said. “I know there’s some guys that’ll probably enjoy it. But then there’s others like me that probably won’t think much of it.”
The potential change to its prosports betting policy comes as the NCAA has faced increased betting violations in recent years.
In September, it announced that a Fresno State basketball player had manipulated his own game performance for gambling purposes and conspired with two other players in a prop-bet scheme. The NCAA is also investigating 13 additional student-athletes from six schools for potential gambling violations.
OSU had to previously deal with betting violations, too.
Arland Bruce IV, a former Iowa wide receiver, transferred to the school in January 2023 but was ruled ineligible to play after receiving an indefinite suspension when the NCAA found he was one of 17 student-athletes from Iowa and Iowa State who gambled on sporting events. Bruce never suited up for the Cowboys and later signed a professional contract.
OSU offensive lineman Austin Kawecki said it comes down to student-athletes doing it responsibly, should they be allowed to bet.
“I don’t really think it’s a benefit,” Kawecki said. “But it can be harmful if you’re too involved in it. I think it’s just a personal choice that you can take if you want to.”
@Trellallmond_ via Instagram
Four-star prospect Latrell Allmond committed to Oklahoma State on Monday.
Payton Little, The O’Colly
The Edmon Low Library fountain shines a bright orange
Payton Little, The O’Colly
Hundreds of people gather to look at Oklahoma State’s Homecoming sign competition.
Natalie Koepp, The O’Colly
From left, Pistol Pete, Ann Caine, Jace Johnson, Jaselyn Rossman, and OSU President Dr. Jim Hess sign “Go Pokes” in front of the Edmon Low Library.
Natalie Koepp, The O’Colly Flowers and ribbons lay on benches in memory of Marvin and Bonnie Stone who passed away during the Homecoming parade tragedy.
Payton Little, The O’Colly OSU President Jim Hess, throws up “Go Pokes.”
Karis Waterman, The O’Colly
This year’s Homecoming executive team throws cups of orange dye into the Edmon Low Library fountain to kick off the week of festivities for “America’s Greatest Homecoming.”
Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly
An OSU student paints a pair of cowboy boots during the Hester Street Painting event Wednesday.
Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly
An OSU fan uses chalk at Hester Street Painting to write “The best Oklahoma ends in State.”
Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly Greek Life members paint Hester Street orange to support the football team.
Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly Students painting the path football players will soon walk over during The Walk before the Homecoming game Saturday.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
The Edmon Low Library fountain is dyed a bright orange for Homecoming week.
Megan Gibson, The O’Colly
A sign inspired by the 2025 OSU Homecoming theme.
Payton Little, The O’Colly
A golden retriever wearing an Oklahoma State bandana smiles at OSU homecoming.
Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly Student paints hearts on the curb during the Hester Street Painting on Wednesday.
Karis Waterman, The O’Colly
Natalie Koepp, The O’Colly Flowers and ribbons lay on benches in memory of Marvin and Bonnie Stone, who passed away during the Homecoming parade tragedy in 2015.
Natalie Koepp, The O’Colly
This year’s Homecoming executive team throws orange dye into the Edmon Low Library fountain.
Student organizations competed in a chili cook-off Tuesday.
The o’colly sports picks
ABOUT OUR GUEST PICKERS:
NICOLE AUERBACH
Auerbach is a college sports journalist and NBC Sports’ lead college football and basketball insider. She’s also a radio host for SirusXM and a studio analyst for Big Ten Network.
JACIE HOYT
Entering her fourth season as Oklahoma State’s women’s basketball coach, Hoyt has taken the Cowgirls to two NCAA Tournaments and guided OSU to a 4-0 record against Top 25 opponents last season.
WILL THOROGOOD
OSU’s O-line needs to contain Cincinnati’s pass rush. Bearcats Jake Golday, Jonathan Thompson, Brian Sims III, Jalen Hunt and Rob Jackson are each impactful players. Cincinnati averages about two-and-a-half sacks per game, while OSU allows a little over two sacks per game.
PARKER GERL
OSU needs to dial up some explosive plays on offense. The Cowboys have struggled to move the chains all season, and for Jackson to settle in, hitting some deep shots down the field could be key.
Sam Mitchell
Luke Mazza
Cayden Cox
Nicole Auerbach
Guest Picker
Jacie Hoyt
Brendan Sorsby, QB
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Players to Watch: Cincinnati
Sorsby has emerged as one of the Big 12’s most efficient passers this season. He has a completion rate of 64.7% this season, including a game against Northwestern State where he completed all of 15 of his passes. He also has a dual-threat ability, rushing for five touchdowns this season. Since Cincinnati’s opener, Sorsby has yet to turn the ball over. Averaging more than three touchdowns a game, watch for Sorsby to have another big game against a struggling OSU secondary.
SEASON STATS: 1,448 PASSING YARDS, 14 TOUCHDOWNS, 1 INTERCEPTION, 84.1 QBR
3 STORYLINES
Can OSU create longsustained drives?
Oklahoma State’s offense has scored on big plays this season. Last week, the Cowboys connected on a 63-yard trick play touchdown. However, OSU’s defense has struggled creating drives that tire out the opposing defenses. The Cowboys rank 117th in time of possession, but haven’t found success in exhausting opponents. Against a Cincinnati defense that will provide Sam Jackson V with a different look than Houston did, creating long drives could be key for the Cowboys’ offense.
What can Sam Jackson V do at QB?
Last week, Jackson shifted from wide receiver to quarterback on short notice. In his first game starting behind center Austin Kawecki, Jackson had multiple communication errors, getting flagged for delay of games and bobbling several snaps. With Zane Flores and Hauss Hejny still injured, Doug Meacham said the Cowboys will ride with Jackson at the helm again this week.
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Jake Golday, LB
Golday is a leader on the Bearcats defense. The senior has taken a big leap on the UC defense this season. Last season, Golday had 58 tackles. This year, he has nearly matched that number in six games. Golday leads the team with 55 tackles and has found his way into opposing backfields, with three sacks on the season. Golday could be in for another big game against OSU.
SEASON STATS: 55 TOTAL TACKLES, 24 SOLO, 3 SACKS, 1 FORCED FUMBLE
Can OSU stop Cincinnati’s quick-strike ability?
Cincinnati has shown its ability to score in a hurry this season. The Bearcats hold the ball for the least amount of time of FBS teams, only having a time of possession of 24 minutes per game. However, they have been able to make explosive plays. UC has the seventh-best passing efficiency in the nation. The Bearcats also average almost 450 yards a game. A OSU defense that has struggled with preventing big plays could have its hands full against a Bearcat offense that’s built on big plays.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Interim defensive coordinator Clint Bowen
Quarterback/wide receiver Sam Jackson V
Interim head coach Doug Meacham