The O'Colly, October, 31, 2025

Friday, October 31, 2025

Research vice president arrested

Raynee Howell CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The former associate vice president of research at Oklahoma State was arrested Oct. 24 on four counts pertaining to internet crimes against children.

Edmond Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against

Children unit found information suggesting Pratul Agarwal, 51, was soliciting minors online for lewd photographs and attempting to arrange in-person meetings, according to an EPD press release.

A statement from a university spokesperson Sunday said OSU was aware Agarwal was arrested but had no further comment as

the investigation was ongoing. OSU confirmed Monday that Agarwal is no longer employed by the university.

Agarwal was arrested at his home in Oklahoma City and booked on one count of soliciting sexual contact with a minor, one count of violation of the Computer Crimes Act and two counts of lewd acts with a child under 16.

EPD had criminal probable cause to arrest Agarwal. He has not been formally charged as of Thursday.

Agarwal has worked at OSU for six years. He took on his latest role as VP of research in April 2023.

Flags stolen from memorial

Police investigate theft of Palestinian

As the sun rose Tuesday morning, the sight of an empty flag pole and about 400 missing white flags left Palestinian memorial organizers disappointed but not surprised.

On Monday, they planted about 3,000 white flags on Library Lawn and International Mall Lawn to represent children who died in the Israel-Hamas war. A Palestinian flag was placed in the center.

OSUPD Chief Michael Beckner confirmed the police are investigating and

reviewing area footage.

“Every time we put up these memorials for these children who died, we expect that there are people who might feel incensed enough by a memorial to do something about it, to potentially desecrate it,” said John Clemmons with the Student Socialist League and Students

for Justice in Palestine. “I think they should feel ashamed, and I would hope that the people who perpetrated this could somehow find a way to reflect upon their actions and wonder why a memorial to dead children is a viable target.”

Why students keep showing up despite losing season

Cayden Cox STAFF REPORTER

Loyal and true are two of the most recognizable words at Oklahoma State.

In the mind of some Cowboy supporters, loyal and true are more than just words, they represent who they are.

“To be loyal and true is to be a Cowboy,” said Ethan Hayes, a paddle person. “We are always here for each other. I don’t think there’s another university out there of this size that feels like a family.”

While OSU’s football team goes through its worst two-year stretch in 35 years and is on a 15-game losing streak in Big 12 conference play, the students of OSU continue

to be loyal and true, showing up to the games, being loud and continuing to support the Cowboys when the game on the field is well out of reach.

Tynlee Mize, who is also a paddle person, believes that the student-athletes put countless hours of blood, sweat and tears into perfecting their game and feels like the athletes deserve to be supported for their hard work, no matter the on-field results.

“These athletes put in a lot of work,” Mize said. “I mean, they’re putting in a ton of work, and so I think that they deserve to have people come in to watch, and even if they aren’t doing well, just (having) support.”

See STUDENTS on page 7A

Raynee Howell

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

The OSU chapters of the Student Socialist League and the Students for Justice in Palentise created a memorial for children who died during the Israel-Hamas war. Parts of the display, including about 400 white flags and a larger Palestian flag, were stolen sometime before Tuesday morning.

Pratul Agarwal

Payton Little, The O’Colly

The Oklahoma State football student section sings and sways prior to a game.

Minor arrested after shooting pellet gun

A 16-year-old boy shot a pellet gun toward another person in a public parking lot in Stillwater on Monday.

At approximately 1:42 p.m., Stillwater Police Department responded to a parking lot near Perkins Road and Hall of Fame Avenue after receiving a report of someone brandishing a firearm at another person.

Through the investigation, police determined it was a pellet gun and it was discharged. There were no injuries were reported.

Officers located the boy near 3rd Avenue and Perkins Road. He fled on foot into a wooded area. A witness in Strickland Park who saw the boy alerted Stillwater Emergency Management of his relative location.

Police were able to find and arrest him.

Upon his arrest, he was taken to the city jail and has since been transferred to a juvenile detention facility.

SPD confirmed that the suspect was not a resident of Stillwater.

On This day

1997. 28 years ago.

Keep an eye out for aliens this Halloween.

Alien popularity, spurred from films like “Men in Black” and shows like “The X-Files” has not yet fizzled. And this weekend will mean plenty of sightings of the oval-eyed pointy-headed beings.

At least that’s what Halloween costume shop owners said.

Alien masks are at the peak of their popularity, said Shane Murnan, co-owner of Costumes, Balloons and Stuff. He said he’s seen tons of alien Halloween masks move through the doors of the store as students gear up for tonight’s festivities.

Murnan said as the man behind the counter at a costume shop, he sees the neatest, goriest and strangest costumes the season has to offer.

“We had a guy who wanted to be a retro alien,” Murnan said. “So we put him in all 70s clothes and an alien mask.”

He said the man left the store with a green mask, brown bell-bottom pants, a corduroy jacket and an open-chest white satin shirt. Murnan said the biggest seller of the Halloween season has been the twisted white mask and black robe worn by the serial killer in the summer film, “Scream.”

Co-Editors-in-Chief Raynee Howell & Parker

editorinchief@ocolly.com

Design

Katie Lehew design.ed@ocolly.com

Social media

Bryson Thadhani news.ed@ocolly.com

BYRNE | SPECIAL STAFF REPORTER, THE DAILY O’COLLEGIAN, 1997

Nightmare on 3rd Ave

Lilian Easter, The O’Colly

Sigma Alpha Epsilon hosts a haunted house at its chapter house. All proceeds were to be donated to Stillwater Police Department.

Hot water pipe bursts in Allen Hall, students displaced

Bryson Thadhani SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

A burst hot water pipe in Oklahoma State’s Allen Hall forced dozens of residents to evacuate Oct. 23, flooding multiple floors with scalding water, damaging personal belongings and sending several students to the hospital with burns.

The flooding began around 5:45 p.m. when fire alarms sounded throughout the building. What many students assumed was a false alarm quickly turned into a chaotic evacuation as water poured from ceilings and stairwells.

“I was on my way back from class, and right as I got to my room, the fire alarms went off,” said Jack Williamson, a sophomore living on the second floor. “Next thing I know, the hallways are flooded, and the sprinklers in the bathrooms are just shooting off. I didn’t know if water would get on my personal belongings.”

Williamson said the water was initially lukewarm but quickly turned dangerously hot.

“At first it wasn’t bad, but then it got steamy,” he said. “By the time we were evacuating, the stairwell felt like a sauna.”

Maintenance crews arrived minutes later, shutting off the water and securing the building. Students stood outside in the rain for several hours as housing staff tried to determine the extent of the damage.

Garrett Thompson, another resident, said he was playing video games in his room when the alarms went off.

“I thought someone just burned popcorn or set off a vape alarm,” Thompson said. “Then I opened the door and saw everyone running. Water was seeping down the hallway like a river.”

Earlier that week, residents received an email notifying them that maintenance would turn off water in the building from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday for repairs. When the water was restored, the pipe reportedly burst, sending boiling water through the upper floors.

“About an hour later, they told us a hot water pipe had burst,” Thompson said. “People got second-degree burns — it was way worse than anyone thought.”

Thompson said he and other residents waited outside for more than four hours before being relocated.

“At first, they told us to grab enough clothes for two weeks,” he said. “Then later they said to move everything — TVs, fridges, consoles, whatever we could carry. It was confusing and exhausting.”

Students were moved to temporary housing in West

Commons and other nearby residence halls. Many said they did not receive clear instructions from OSU Housing and Residential Life until late that night.

“It was frustrating,” Williamson said. “It was 8 p.m., and I didn’t know where I was going to sleep. It was raining, I didn’t have a change of clothes and I was just waiting around.”

Ryan Shannon, a sophomore construction management major who lived near the source of the burst, said he initially tried to stay calm.

“I heard water running from my room and saw it coming through the door,” Shannon said. “Ten minutes later it was even worse. I started packing my school stuff to head to the library, but an officer told me to evacuate immediately.”

Shannon’s room, which appeared in a viral video circulating on social media, showed water gushing from the ceiling and down the walls.

“There was so much water coming down the stairs that it swept out the doors,” he said.

Shannon said the building’s condition made it clear the cleanup would take time.

“There’s green tape everywhere marking where repairs are needed,” Shannon said. “You can’t do anything until the walls are completely dry, and that could take weeks.”

Students said university officials estimated a twoto-four-week relocation period, though many believe it could last through the end of the semester. Some rooms, including Thompson’s, appeared unaffected by water, but residents were still forced to move out because of moisture detected in surrounding walls.

“I went back to check my room, and it was spotless — same as I left it,” Thompson said. “But they said sensors picked up moisture from the floor above mine, so we still had to move out.”

The timing of the incident has made it more difficult for students to adjust, with only a few weeks left in the semester.

“There’s four weeks left of school,” Thompson said. “Do I really want to move back right before finals? Probably not. I’d rather just stay where I’m at and finish the semester.”

Shannon said the sudden move caused him to miss class and fall behind on assignments.

“I was up until two or three in the morning moving everything,” he said. “I ended up missing my 8:30 class the next day. Luckily, my professors understood.”

For Williamson, the hardest part was not knowing how much of his property would be lost. “All the towels, scales, stuff I kept in the bathroom —

I had to throw away,” he said. “The floor was damp, and I had to wash all my clothes just to be safe.”

OSU has not yet announced whether students will receive financial compensation for damaged property or relocation costs. Housing has provided temporary rooms but no mention of reimbursements.

“The only thing they’ve offered is temporary housing,” Williamson said. “No word on any money or reimbursement for what we lost.”

Thompson said some residents hope the university will provide at least partial refunds or housing credits.

“I think OSU should take some accountability,” he said. “Even if it’s just covering part of our housing bill or refunding us for the semester. Some people lost valuable things they can’t replace.”

Despite the disruption, Shannon said he isn’t angry at the university.

“I’m not mad at OSU,” he said. “Stuff happens. Pipes break. You just have to let the professionals do their job.”

Still, the experience has left many frustrated and uncertain about when they’ll be able to return.

“It just felt like no one knew what was going on,” Thompson said. “People were crying, calling their parents, standing outside in the

rain. You had girls who lost everything, people with burns going to the hospital. It was awful.”

Students said ambulances were seen outside Allen Hall that night taking injured residents to the hospital.

Housing staff, maintenance workers and emergency crews worked into the early hours of Friday morning to remove water, dry walls and secure damaged floors. Industrial fans and dehumidifiers were placed throughout the hall as cleanup continued over the weekend.

Shannon, who now lives temporarily in another dorm across campus, said his new space is more comfortable but not worth the chaos that caused it.

“It’s a lot nicer, but I’d rather not have gone through all that to get here,” he said.

Thompson said the community in Allen Hall has stayed in touch through group chats, sharing updates and photos of the cleanup process.

“We’re just hoping to go back soon,” he said. “It felt like home there.”

OSU confirmed Facilities Management has repaired the waterline and restored water service to Zink-Allen dorms. Everyone who has been affected due to the leak has been relocated.

Emily Hannah, The O’Colly

A hot water pipe burst in Allen Hall on Oct. 23 and gave students second-degree burns.

not just a number. It makes them visible.”

Clemmons is an officer for the OSU chapter of the Student Socialist League and an organizer for the school’s chapter for the Students for Justice in Palestine. He said it took about 20 hours of work from members of both organizations to write the names of about 3,000 deceased children on the flags. Bella Farrow, co-chair of the SSL, said it took another three hours to place the flags on the lawns.

This month marks two years of the Israel-Hamas war. The flags were a small physical representation of the death toll, which is more than 20,000 for children alone, according to the Associated Press.

The club’s limited space and resources capped the number of flags but creating a memorial to represent the level of suffering remained a priority for the student organizations.

“We’re not anywhere close to the total number,” Farrow said. “But even just seeing the amount of flags that we do have out on the lawn is super powerful. And having their names written on them … you know exactly which person corresponds to each flag. I think it’s something that’s really powerful to see and it makes those people, their deaths,

SJP hosted a “Week of Rage” last year to commemorate the one-year mark of the war. The memorial on Library Lawn included similar planted white flags, but instead of a theft in the middle of the night, OSU revoked the organization’s permission to display the memorial.

The flags last year initially were approved to be placed on Library Lawn, according to documents provided to The O’Colly by an SJP member. OSU revoked its initial approval, citing a 10day notice policy. An OSU spokesperson released a statement Thursday saying the university is in the process of reviewing the policy, but under the present process, certain facility spaces require a notice of at least 10 business days. OSU confirmed SJP’s notice last year did not fall within that window.

“Last fall, there were several registered student group events that did not meet the requirements of the policy, and notice was given to many student groups regarding these events,” the spokesperson stated. “SJP did host its flag display at a later date.”

This year, Clemmons said the organizations submitted an event proposal more than two weeks before Monday to avoid any complications.

“We’ve done our due diligence,” Clemmons said. “We put in the forms

required. It’s unfortunately more difficult than just being able to set up any sort of display like this campus has decided to make free speech as essentially as bureaucratic as possible, and we could tell that that was in response to political pressure from the state government, from Governor (Kevin) Stitt.”

Stitt condemned OSU SJP’s “Week of Rage” on X in October 2024. OSU released a statement at the time stating the decision to revoke approval of some of the events was made based on university policy and not politics. In a statement Thursday, a spokesperson stated OSU supports free speech and an environment that encourages the shearing of different ideas and perspectives.

“We believe a robust public discourse is a contribution to the process of addressing society’s most pressing challenges, which is our charge as a land-grant institution,” the spokesperson said.

But the disruption of the display for two straight years, despite differing circumstances, is disheartening to Clemmons.

“I don’t think it’s going to stop,” Clemmons said. “I honestly think that the level of disruption to freedom of speech, especially revolving around the issue of Palestine, the liberation of the

people of Palestine from the occupation of the Israeli government, a close American ally… it’s not going to stop being a political problem. It’s not going to stop being something that students are going to be pressured to be silent about.”

Writing the 3,000 names on the flags was not only tedious physically, but also left an emotional toll on organizers. Clemmons said it was painful to create a representative of the suffering and carnage occurring in Gaza, which made the loss of pieces of the memorial even harder.

Farrow allowed herself to feel hurt over the damage to the memorial but quickly turned that pain and anger into action, she said. A smaller Palestinian flag replaced the large flag and students who attended the vigil Thursday replanted white flags in place of the stolen ones.

“What happens outside of Stillwater, it still has meaning,” Clemmons said. “The deaths of people, even in a land that’s far away, their lives still have the same level of value as each of ours. I think if you were to examine 3,000 dead American children through some sort of incident or some sort of accident, if we had to go through and write down the names of 3,000 dead neighbors of ours, it would be heartbreaking.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

Payton Little, The O’Colly

White flags with the names of dead Palestinian children were planted on Library Lawn and International Mall Lawn and then later stolen.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State students replant stolen white flags during a vigil on Thursday from a memorial placed on Monday.

Payton Little, The O’Colly Vigil participant speaks about the devastation of the Israel-Hamas war.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Saxon Shepherd plants white flags as part of a vigil for Palestinian children.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

OSU students gather at vigil for Palestine on the International Mall Lawn on Thursday.

Costume ideas for OSU students

Cayden Cox STAFF REPORTER

Halloween is upon us and so is the fun part of the holiday: picking out a costume.

Maybe you have already planned out an outfit, or maybe you’re still looking for one. Whether you’re going to a party, hanging out with friends or reminiscing on your childhood days by going trick-or-treating, there’s a costume for all those events.

For whatever you may be doing on Friday night, here’s three fun costume ideas for you to try.

Mike Gundy

The longtime Cowboys’ head coach parted ways with Oklahoma State on Sept. 23 and what better way to celebrate the legacy of the mulleted man than dressing up as him for Halloween.

Several fans have showed up to OSU football games dressed as Gundy, and it’s a relatively easy costume to pull-off last minute.

A Gundy costume could consist of whatever you want it too as well, all you need to dress as the former Cowboy coach is an OSU shirt, OSU hat and some pants.

You could even get more creative with it, adding in a headset and

playsheet. Go as fun and festive with the Gundy costume as you want to be.

Banana

This one may be difficult to find in Stillwater after the performance Pete’s Peelers had at the OSU game a couple of weeks ago.

If you happened to be one of the Cowboys’ fans that dressed up for the OSU Homecoming game, what a perfect opportunity to reuse your banana costume.

The Lorax

The costume that has taken the internet by storm this year, “The Lorax.”

It has exploded on Instagram and TikTok, and is the internet sensation of the season. It’s not uncommon to see someone at a game or at an event on campus wearing the costume, either.

And like Gundy, The Lorax is an easy costume to pull off, as all you need is an oversized orange shirt and some yellow face paint.

Whether you’re looking for a lastminute costume or have something pre-planned, Halloween is the perfect time to have fun, be creative and dress up in the midst of the semester. news.ed@ocolly.com

Fall TV shows to start the season

enough to transport you right into the autumn forest with them.

3 underrated horror movies to watch for Halloween

It’s that time of year again.

For those in search of something spooky or even just something on theme, The O’Colly has you covered.

You might feel like you’ve watched all there is out there, but here are three movies that you might not have seen before ranging from new, old and comedic.

“Together” by Michael Shanks is his directorial debut breakout. He once started as a YouTuber under the name of Timtimfed.

“Together” is about a couple that moves to the countryside and finds a mysterious force that affects their daily life. It stars real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie, and if the concept or actors slightly peak your interests then go into it as blind as you can.

Next, is a classic that’s not really talked about enough and gets overshadowed most of the time: “Candyman” (1992).

“Candyman” by Bernard Rose is based on Clive Barker’s short story “The

Forbidden.” It’s about a young graduate journalist in Chicago who dives into the case of Candyman to see what happens when you say his name five times.

“Candyman” dives into themes of racism, white supremacy and police brutality and has a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe or better known as Lichens. If you don’t get enough from the first, there’re three more you can watch.

Last is an independent lowbudget college film by the name “Thankskilling.”

“Thankskilling,” directed by Jordan Downey, is the type of movie that’s raunchy and inappropriate but is still a fun ride to simple laugh at the insanity of it all

“Thankskilling” is about an evil turkey that tries to kill five college students as they go on Thanksgiving break and it plays with the classic slasher trope and stereotypes like the attractive main character, the nerd, the party girl and so on.

news.ed@ocolly.com

The leaves are falling and blowing about in the crisp, cool autumn air. There’s nothing better to do than grab a latte, head inside and curl up with a great fall show. Whether you’re binge-watching with friends or enjoying some time to yourself, a comforting TV series is the perfect seasonal activity.

Here is a list of the best shows to kick off the season.

Pretty Little Liars

First on the list is Pretty Little Liars. This show’s mysterious energy is perfect for a calm, spooky vibe. It follows a group of girls working to solve the murder of their best friend while facing terrifying threats from an anonymous figure known only as “A.” It’s an easy watch to throw on after class and its cliffhangers will pull you in, leaving you excited for the next episode.

Over the Garden Wall

Over the Garden Wall is the perfect wholesome show that combines Halloween with comfort. The animation is warm and the setting is a woodsy forest filled with themes of pumpkins and strange monsters. It follows two brothers who uncover secrets and must cleverly escape trouble, all beginning on Halloween night.

The show’s enchanting soundtrack is

Abbott Elementary

If you’re looking for a light, fun show to relax with, try the Halloween episodes of Abbott Elementary. The teachers dress up in clever, funny costumes and end the day with a school-wide costume contest. These special episodes are hilarious and always fun to watch.

Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls is the ultimate fall show. The cozy cafés, comfort food and charming small-town feel of Stars Hollow make it a perfect watch for a cold day.

Scream Queens

Scream Queens absolutely screams fall. Set at a university, new students join a prestigious sorority only to be targeted by an unknown killer. The show’s cozy aesthetics mixed with its dramatic horror elements create a uniquely fun and spooky autumn atmosphere.

American Horror Story

If you’re into genuine horror, look no further than American Horror Story. Each episode is designed to either scare you or shock you, which is exactly on point for the Halloween season. You can pick any episode from its anthology seasons and prepare for a descent into chaos. news.ed@ocolly.com

Guide to pumpkin patches in Stillwater

The Twelves

Throughout October, there are staples of fall — festivals, scarecrows and of course, pumpkins.

The environment of a pumpkin patch is the best part about grabbing your yearly pumpkins.

Stillwater has three pumpkin patches in town; the Noon Lions pumpkin patch located at the Highland Park Methodist Church, The Twelves and the Under the Sun.

Noon Lions

The Noon Lions pumpkin patch has hundreds of pumpkins and gourds of all sizes to choose from. It is free to walk through and pumpkins range from $1 to $25. It has multiple photo displays and wagons to collect pumpkins throughout the patch.

Noon Lions is located at 524 N. Stallard St. and is open from Sept. 26Oct. 31. It’s open Monday-Friday from 1-7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Noon Lions also has huge carving pumpkins and pie pumpkins for all the fall traditions. The Noon Lions club hosts in collaboration with the Highland Park United Methodist Church raising money for Stillwater Noon Lions projects, which include vision and hearing screening, eyeglasses for adults and children and raising funds for church missions.

The Twelves pumpkin patch has an entrance fee of $8, but it holds a myriad of activities and animals. It has lots of pumpkins to choose from that are reasonably priced. Similar to Noon Lions, it has multiple photo displays and a hay maze you can go through.

The Twelves has a shop full of trinkets and items from different local small businesses. It sits in the middle of the Rambling S, which holds a couple hundred heads of cattle, horses, goats and sheep.

The Twelves is open Thursday-Sunday from 12-7 p.m. It’s located at 121 E 68th St.

Under the Sun

The Under the Sun pumpkin patch is in the parking lot of Homeland but should not be counted out as being a pumpkin patch. It carries a large amount of pumpkins and has flowers to purchase as well. The selection of pumpkins is large throughout the month.

Being a staple of the fall, pumpkin patches close earlier than other fall activities, most ending around Halloween, but you still have time. And if you miss it, save these spots for next year for a good pumpkin and a Stillwater adventure.

Under the Sun is open daily until dusk. news.ed@ocolly.com

“Gilmore Girls” is the perfect show to watch in the fall.

Isaac Terry, The O’Colly

The Highland Park United Methodist Church hosts a pumpkin patch every year.

Kaitlyn Robertson STAFF REPORTER

Payton Little, The O’Colly

“Friday the 13th” costumes are a staple for Halloween.

Tribune News Service, MBR

Virginia Madsen and Tony Todd in a scene from “Candyman.”

Caden James STAFF REPORTER

Aliyah Young STAFF REPORTER

Avery Miller STAFF REPORTER

The Step Across This Line exhibit showcases different photography, videography, printmaking and paintings that trace how migration and borders influence the course of lives and histories.

Karen Greenwalt, the curator for the Step Across This Line gallery, at the Oklahoma State Art Museum, was approached by the museum in fall 2024 in regards to curating a show for the museum.

Greenwalt is an assistant professor of Art History at OSU who focuses on global contemporary art. Her curated gallery has been displayed since Sept. 2 and will remain until Nov. 8

“Immediately, I started thinking about Margaret Bourke-White’s photography documenting the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947,” Greenwalt said.

Greenwait said the conversations the work initiated drew her in, leading to the overall theme displayed throughout the exhibit.

Upon entering the gallery, viewers are met with bright facilities that highlight the different artwork placed diligently around the gallery. Artists displayed in the gallery include Bani Abidi, Ansel Adams, Mary Claire Becker, Margaret Bourke-White and more.

Greenwalt said when choosing why to display this particular exhibit now, she is always thinking about how art engages with current socio-political moments.

“While migration perhaps seems to be reaching new heights, it is instead part of the human condition and our collective history,” Greenwait said. “The artists offer powerful meditations on transformation, displacement, and resilience and in a political climate that does not always facilitate nuance, this exhibit has the potential to spark critically-important conversations.”

How the Museum of Art includes the public:

When new exhibits open, the museum staff has to come up with ways to engage the public.

Amy Juarez, the marketing and communications director at the museum, said it’s important to prioritize faculty and student engagement. She brought up a situation in which a faculty member’s visit to the exhibit led to him bringing his students in for a guided tour.

“His students really enjoyed the experience, and I think that coming to see our exhibitions helps them to see different perspectives on the realities of people from all around the world,” Juarez said.“Looking at the different artwork on the show, you can have a new understanding of borders and how someone who crosses them gets transformed. I feel that’s something that we don’t reflect often, because even when people move from a different city or state, they transform themselves during this journey.”

Casey Ihde, the curator of education at the museum, wants the public to know the museum is open and free to all, leading to not only student engagement, but engagement of the whole Stillwater community and beyond.

Idhe said this particular exhibition invites curiosity and reflection for those who choose to partake in it.

“My hope, as with all of our exhibitions, is that our visitors experience artwork with an open mind, engage in dialogue, and come to appreciate the artistic endeavors of the works on view,” Idhe said.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Lifestyle

‘Starting 5’ explores off-court life

Marcus

Mesis STAFF REPORTER

The NBA season is underway and “Starting 5” is out. It follows five players: James Harden, Kevin Durant, Tyrese Haliburton, Jaylen Brown and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, throughout the past NBA season.

This show makes the NBA into a soap opera, providing more drama for the season. The cast was interconnected more than last season’s cast. There’s former teammates Durant and Harden, NBA champion Brown and NBA finals opponents GilgeousAlexander and Haliburton.

The show provides fans with a behind-the-seasons look at the season and the thoughts and feelings of the players. It provides a deeper look at rivalries between players, too. The show uses these connections expertly to be able to make the storylines even deeper than before.

Each episode has multiple storylines going on, sometimes each player individually, other times multiple players are involved in it at once. Harden and Durant spent lots of time in intertwined storylines.

It keeps these storylines wellmanaged and engaging for fans of the show in a way that can struggle with multiple dominant personalities and storylines. With one exception to this, Brown feels like an after thought throughout the season, he doesn’t have the dominant personality like the others and lacks a storyline to connect

him to other players and maintain interest.

The show starts with setting the stage for the new NBA season and giving some backstory is on players. The largest is backstory given on Harden and Durant and their long and connected history together starting in OKC and the trade that sent Harden to Houston.

The producers also make sure to set the stage with GilgeousAlexander and Haliburton both getting haircuts, a good bit of foreshadowing.

The second episode is when personalities really start to shine. We get to see Gilgeous-Alexander juggle being an NBA player and a new father as well as Harden and his new girlfriend.

This episode sets up a storyline that runs throughout the season with Tyrese and his girlfriend; his girlfriend wants to get engaged and Tyrese keeps putting it off through the season.

Episode three tones the drama from off-court things for a minute and focuses on the court situations as the season really gets underway. Harden ends up reaching No. 2 on the all time 3-pointers list. It really shows the grind that it takes to be an NBA player.

For the fourth episode, it focuses on families of the players, specifically the mothers. It shows how Brown had to go about life after his mother’s home was broken into. It also delves into the relationship and connection of GilgeousAlexander and his mom and how he was supported by her.

For episode five, nothing is bigger than the trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Mavericks. Every player gives their insight and it can be shown how a trade like that affects players on all teams.

The regular season ends in the sixth episode and it’s another more basketball-less drama episode. That changes for the last two episodes which follows teams through the playoff’s. A large focus of episode seven is the Haliburton playoff run that got made with multiple improbable comebacks and game-winning shots. Brown gets hurt in the playoff run.

The NBA finals are the central stage for the last episode. The stage was set for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder versus Tyrese and the Pacers. It follows through the series and the setbacks and adversity that is faced by both teams. The drama is high through the episode and really sets the stage for the finals.

Tyrese gets hurt in game seven and we get to see the heartbreak that happens because of that. It ends with Gilgeous-Alexander wining it all and finally becoming champion.

The show is overall good, but for hardcore NBA fans, they may be aware of everything that happens in the show already. The show’s biggest audience is people who aren’t currently hardcore NBA fans.

It does a good job of building drama and giving context behind the season. It was greatly aided by the selection of players who eventually meet up at the finals.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Payton Little, The O’Colly

A new Netflix docuseries follows guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to the NBA Finals.

Fans are finding new ways to bring energy to OSU football games, even dressing up as former OSU icons like Mike Gundy.

Hayes was one of the students who dressed up as Gundy and felt like paying tribute to the former Cowboys coach was something he needed to do to show support for the program’s winningest coach.

“I just really loved the guy,” Hayes said. “I know he didn’t do good in his last few seasons, but I am very grateful for all that he’s given to the university. I wanted to honor him.”

Gundy outfits haven’t been the only outfits spotted in the OSU student section this season.

During OSU’s Homecoming game, a section of students dressed as bananas and Luke Todd was one of those amongst the banana bunch.

“Honestly, I’ve probably had the most fun at a OSU football game when I was dressed up as a banana,” Todd said.

For many college students, Saturdays in the fall are for football, and it doesn’t matter if the result on the scoreboard is what they are wanting, they’re still going to the games and going to create memories.

“You’re only in college once,” Hayes said. “Football is always going to be a big part of the college experience.

Lifestyle

So why miss a game? Just show up and have fun. I feel like all the antics we see from the student section have really embraced that we’re here, we love our Cowboys and we still want to have fun as college students.”

Those antics haven’t gone unrecognized, as OSU’s interim head coach Doug Meacham has noticed the effort and energy that the students are pouring in, the continued support they are bringing and the memories they are creating.

“It’s just college kids having fun,” Meacham said. “A lot of kids are up there, and they’re going to have a lot of memories. They’re just having a good time. I appreciate them.”

Friendships formed over the years and memories created at games are a driving force for Todd continuing to show up at OSU’s football games.

“The games become a little bit easier to celebrate when you’re able to celebrate with people you know,” Todd said. “You can focus on your friends and just having a good time.”

OSU prides itself on being loyal and true, and the students are bought into that belief by showcasing the support when times are tough.

Throughout the rest of the football season, and into the sports that will follow, Hayes believes the students are going to continue to be loyal and true.

“(We’re going to) continue to show up and show out like we always do,” Hayes said.

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Iconic senior photos you need before you graduate

Every Cowboy who graduates needs to capture the spirit of their time at Oklahoma State through senior photos.

As the photo editor of The O’Colly, it’s my job to ensure that your photographer isn’t the only one with great photoshoot ideas.

Edmon Low Library

The first stop on this photoshoot will be at the most recognizable part of campus – The Edmon Low Library. There are several great options for this spot; there’s the obvious fountain in front of the library that students can get in and get some really fun shots (bonus points if it’s dyed orange for homecoming).

You can also go inside the library and take some photos behind the bookshelves. My last inspirational pose would be to pop a bottle while sitting or standing in front of the fountain to celebrate your achievement.

Student Union

After taking a dip in the library fountain, you can get dried off and head over to the Student Union where you have probably eaten in a time or two. There is a beautiful garden in front of the building and a rather interesting time capsule you can sit on to get a really cool shot.

There are plenty of big rocks to sit and stand on. Get a unique shot of you jumping off a rock and throwing your arms up in celebration of a chapter of your life ending and a new one beginning.

Eskimo Joe’s

Our next stop in this photoshoot journey will lead us slightly off campus

and into the most recognizable place in Stillwater, Eskimo Joes. Everyone has seen those cool restaurant photos of people sitting in booths, pretending to read the menu. Well, with this spot, you won’t have to pretend. You can order some of the famous cheese fries and get a great photo of a crazy cheese-pull. You can also head to the front for a great shot of all the vintage signs.

Eskimo Joe’s has a historic feel that will make your pictures timeless.

The Strip

After you get your belly full with cheese fries, you can make your way to every 21-year-old’s favorite spot, The Strip. The Strip is “Where campus meets Stillwater” and it’s a street that houses many great nights and some regretful ones.

This would be the perfect spot to stand in the middle of the street (when no cars are coming, of course) and get a picture where you made at least one memory.

Boone Pickens Stadium

OSU is a place where everyone knows everyone, and I guarantee you know at least one person who has taken photos on the 50-yard line at BPS.

This last stop is the greatest because this is where most students spent their Saturdays screaming at the top of their lungs “O-S-U” and “Go Pokes”.

A photo on the 50-yard line with the orange letters behind you would be good one to look back on when watching the Pokes play on ESPN. You can show people that you were on that turf and left your mark at OSU.

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Payton Little, The O’Colly Oklahoma State football fans in banana costumes sway their arms in the Cowboys’ game against Cincinnati at Boone Pickens Stadium on Oct. 18.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Seniors need photos at hot spots on campus such as the Student Union.

Chance Marick PHOTO EDITOR

‘Regretting You’ delivers classic Hoover chaos

Ashley Yarbrough STAFF REPORTER

This article contains spoilers.

More than a year after “It Ends With Us” hit theaters, another Colleen Hoover love story hit the big screen.

Taking a drastically different turn from Hoover’s previous film, “Regretting You” did not have the press tour antics from Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which led to a calmer, but less notable release in theaters. However, Hoover’s novels-turned-movies are a trainwreck filled with scandal that you just can’t look away from.

The movie opens with a flashback scene from 2006, where four high school seniors — sisters Morgan (Allison Williams) and Jenny (Willa Fitzgerald) and their friends Chris (Scott Eastwood) and Jonah (Dave Franco) are on the way to their graduation party. It’s revealed that Morgan and Chris are dating as well as Jenny and Jonah. However, this does not stop Jonah from leaving swoon-worthy longing glances toward Morgan right in front of his unaware girlfriend.

On their way to the party at a gas station stop, Morgan finds out that she’s pregnant with Chris’ baby while Jonah is conveniently the one by her side.

Flash forward 17 years and meet Chris and Morgan’s daughter Clara (McKenna Grace), a free-spirited theater girl who is now a senior in high school. However, at her mother Morgan’s birthday party, it is revealed that Jenny and Jonah have abruptly gotten married after the birth of their son, which Morgan fails at pretending to be OK with.

Meanwhile, Clara meets Miller (Mason Thames), the effortlessly cool boy at school who asks her for a ride and then follows Clara on Instagram — a surprisingly accurate portrayal of high school romance. During this interaction, Miller currently has a girlfriend, Shelby, who he ends up leaving for Clara after Shelby finds him following Clara on Instagram.

Grace and Thames have undeniable chemistry on screen, which becomes incredibly relevant when noted that both actors fell in love with each other on the “Regretting You” set and have been together since.

While Clara and Miller’s love story is unfolding, things in Morgan and Jonah’s lives are taking an unexpected turn when they learn their spouses were killed in a car crash together. This is where Hoover’s scandalous, soap-opera style writing takes full

effect as Morgan and Jonah find out their spouses were having an affair the entire time.

Infidelity runs deep in “Regretting You.” From Chris and Jenny’s affair to Miller’s dishonesty with his exgirlfriend, the Hoover world is filled with people who love the wrong person at the wrong time.

After learning the news of the affair, Morgan and Jonah spiral into predictable stereotypes of grief.

Morgan becomes an absent wine mom destroying her house filled with reminders of Chris and Jonah deals with the pressures of parenting a child who is not biologically his.

Clara, unaware of her parent’s affair, understandably interprets this as her mom ignoring her grief and getting rid of all evidence of her dad. This situation becomes even more confusing for Clara who watches Jonah try to abandon his child by giving him to her mother.

Morgan and Jonah continue to avoid talking to Clara about the affair, however, all the time spent together between the two leads to 17-year-old feelings coming to the surface.

From Clara’s perspective the worst possible thing that she could come home to happens. On the night of

Clara’s 17th birthday, she walks into the room to find her mother making out with who she believed to be her uncle Jonah. Understandably, this sends Clara spiraling.

After a birthday dinner filled with tension, Morgan finally reveals the truth about Chris and Jenny’s affair to Clara.

For a movie filled with grief and scandal, it’s tone takes a sharp turn. “Regretting You” becomes a romantic drama where all characters that were meant to be in relationships from the beginning find each other and confess their love. Betrayal and heartbreak are swept under the rug. The affair is never mentioned again, and after Morgan and Jonah finally make their relationship official, Clara accepts this as her new normal as she focuses on her relationship with Miller and leaving for college.

Whether audiences love her or hate her, it’s undeniable that Hoover has struck gold with today’s romance-movie watchers. “Regretting You” may not be a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece, but its soap-opera flair, unapologetic drama and tangled web of relationships make it impossible to look away and will have you looking for more.

Mason Thames (left) and McKenna Grace playing Miller Thames and Clara Grant in “Regretting You.”

Friday, October 31, 2025

Bowen returning home to Kansas

Clint Bowen’s return to Lawrence, Kansas, won’t just be a homecoming — but a chance to showcase how much Oklahoma State’s defense has improved under his direction.

A Lawrence native and former Kansas Jayhawks defensive back, Bowen has spent much of his career in his hometown. He was on staff at Kansas for all but three years between 1996 and 2019, serving in nearly every defensive role imaginable.

“(Bowen) will have half of Lawrence, Kansas, there for him, his wife, his family, everybody,” coach Doug Meacham said. “It’ll be exciting for him. I know he’s juiced to go back there and take a crack at his alma mater.”

See BOWEN on page 4B

Meacham gives updates on QBs Flores, Hejny

Parker Gerl CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

It’s another game week for Oklahoma State football, but the same question still looms for the Cowboys.

Who’s playing quarterback?

OSU interim head coach Doug Meacham hopes to have a couple of real choices this weekend, something he hasn’t really had in the last three outings. The Cowboys (1-7) are set to face Kansas (4-4) in Lawrence at 3 p.m. and hope to snap a seven-game skid.

Sam Jackson V, the former college quarterback who came to OSU as a wide receiver, has started the past three games for the Cowboys, while Hauss Hejny (broken left foot) and Zane Flores (upper body) have been sidelined with injuries.

But Flores has made progress over the last couple of weeks and was off the injury report for the first time this past Saturday against Texas Tech after suffering the injury Oct. 4.

Meacham said Flores was close to playing against the Red Raiders, but that if he had played, OSU might have taken “him two steps back.”

OSU players, coaches keeping morale high despite struggles

Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER

Oklahoma State’s record may not show it, but inside the locker room, the Cowboys say the energy hasn’t faded.

OSU’s season has been filled with growing pains and frustration, with a 1-7 overall record and a winless conference record in five games so far.

Interim head coach Doug Meacham said despite the team’s struggles and last weekend’s 42-0 loss to Texas Tech, the players’ resilient response has revealed the group’s character in moments when it could have easily fallen apart.

“For us, we’ll just forge ahead and go onto the next one,” Meacham said. “Defensively, there’s some energy based on what they did. They held Texas Tech to its lowest rushing total, and the only other team to hold them under 400 yards was Arizona State. There’s some confidence over there and guys want to join in.”

That energy is only growing as new faces join the rotation. The Cowboys are expected to mix in several freshmen, such as Carl’veon Young and Matrail Lopez, who can contribute without losing their redshirt eligibility.

“We’re going to have an infusion of some freshmen, guys who haven’t played, who can play in the last four games but can still garner a redshirt,” Meacham said. “So we’ll get five to seven players out there on special teams and helping us out at times offensively and defensively.”

See MORALE on page 2B

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

OSU interim defensive coordinatior Clint Bowen has spent most of his career in Kansas and will return Saturday.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Zane Flores could return from injury against Kansas.

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

OSU interim head coach Doug Meacham said the juice and fight still exsists in the Cowboys’ locker room.

With another week to prepare, though, the Cowboys hope to have Flores back against the Jayhawks. He’s still the team’s leading passer despite missing three games, and he gives quarterbacks coach and playcaller Kevin Johns a larger set of capabilities in the passing game.

“I mean, you have options,” Meacham said. “Sam did a great job, and not to say he’s not in the equation, but Zane is more of a guy that can probably give you a little bit more of your playbook. So, looking forward to possibly having him back.”

In five games this season, Flores has completed 55% of his passes for 696 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. He steadily improved in his first set of games at the college level and appeared to get more comfortable each week before the injury, but he and the offense struggled to consistently extend drives.

If Meacham opts to keep Jackson behind center, though, that does more for the team’s rushing attack — one of the few bright spots for the Cowboys in the last month.

KU is averaging 30.5 points this season and has a dynamic dual-threat quarterback in Jalon Daniels. If the Cowboys want to have a chance at pulling an upset on the road, they’ll likely have to be much-improved on offense and produce more than their 14.5 points-per-game average.

Meacham still senses fight and said his players still believe they can get over the hump.

“I really feel this genuine sense of, ‘Hey, let’s go get the next one’ (in the locker room),”

Meacham said. “I think there’s some confidence there, and we’ll try to get some things going on offense.”

Season-starter Hauss Hejny is still working his way back from the Jones Fracture he suffered in Week 1 against UT Martin, too.

Meacham has consistently said Hejny has expressed a desire to return this season and reiterated that Monday. With how early Hejny suffered the injury, though, he would almost be guaranteed the option of taking a medical redshirt, but

effort and our want to play and be behind everybody’s back, that’s going to be our number one priority, and that’s not going to change for sure.”

Still, the postgame locker room was full of mixed emotions. Players have been frustrated by the results this season but encouraged by the message coming from their coaches and teammates.

“I said a few things, and it got a pretty good response back from most of the unit,” Meacham said. “There’s still some juice there, probably as much now as there was two weeks ago. That’s a testament to the kinds of kids we have and what kind of jobs the coaches that are here have done for those guys.

“Just pushing the message that this is adversity, you’re going to go through worse in life, and this is going to train you on how to be prepared down the road.”

Wide receiver Gavin Freeman said while losing is painful, the team’s mindset has stayed consistent.

“We still have the same fight, that’s not going to change from week to week,” Freeman said. “No matter how the game goes, if we lose or win, our

Defensively, the message has been similar — compete, regardless of circumstance.

Safety Parker Robertson said that even in a tough season, the unit’s focus has been on effort and improvement.

“I feel like everyone is just going out there competing,” Robertson said.

“I know we’re having a rough year, but it’s still college football. We’re still going out there and competing, giving everything that we’ve got.”

Up front, offensive lineman and tight end Gage Stanaland said the attitude hasn’t wavered as OSU heads into their final stretch of games.

“The fight and the juice are still great,” Stanaland said. “I come to work every day. I want to fight; I want to win, and I trust what my coaches want me to do. The juice and the energy, I haven’t seen a drop-off.

“We still want to win; we come to work to win. We’re still fighting, we’re still grinding, and we’re still doing everything we can to win.”

coming back this season could put that in jeopardy.

When the Cowboys are on a bye week on Nov. 8, there could be more clarity on Hejny’s potential return this season.

“I know (Hejny) wants to play,” Meacham said. “And I

think once we get to the (bye week), there will be a hard discussion that has to take place that he and I and his parents and everyone (will have) and see what everyone wants to do.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Weiberg gets new contract

Parker Gerl CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg has received a new four-year contract, the OSU/A&M Board of Regents announced Oct. 24.

Weiberg has served as the school’s athletic director since 2021, guiding OSU through changes such as conference realignment, name, image and likeness (NIL) implementation and preparations for the revenuesharing era.

Weiberg had been working without a contract since the end of June, when his previous deal expired. According to multiple reports, Weiberg, 53, will be paid $750,000 annually on his new deal, the same figure he received on his previous contract.

“Chad is providing strong, steady leadership during one of the most transformative periods in college athletics history,” OSU president Jim Hess said in a release. “He has the ability to navigate complex challenges and keep our student-athletes and programs at the forefront.”

Weiberg is now tasked with finding the next Cowboy football head coach after he and the school fired Mike Gundy in late September. It will be the first time OSU hires a football coach since 2005.

In Weiberg’s time as athletic director, he has also hired wrestling coach David Taylor, men’s basketball coach Steve Lutz and women’s basketball coach Jacie Hoyt, among others.

Weiberg has also previously served as chair of the Big 12 Athletic Directors and is the first OSU athletic director to serve on the NCAA Division I basketball committee.

“I thank the Board of Regents and President Hess for their continued confidence in our leadership and vision for OSU Athletics,” Weiberg said. “Oklahoma State is a special place, and our coaches and staff are committed to ensuring our studentathletes have every resource and opportunity to compete at the highest level. The future is bright for Cowboy and Cowgirl Athletics.”

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Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

Zane Flores has played in five games this season for OSU and hopes to return this weekend after recovering from an upper-body injury.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Gavin Freeman said keeping morale high is OSU’s number one priority.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Chad Weiberg is tasked with finding OSU’s next football coach.

Our best photos from OSU-Texas Tech

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State defensive back LaDainian Fields defends a pass against Texas Tech wide receiver Reggie Virgil.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly OSU huddles to prepare for an offensive play.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly OSU’s Wendell Gregory tackles Mitch Griffis.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly OSU quarterback Sam Jackson V throws the ball during the Cowboys’ game against Texas Tech.

Bryson Thadhani, The O’Colly OSU quarterback Noah Walters looks downfield.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State defender Raymond Gay II makes a tackle on defense against a Texas Tech ball carrier.

Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly Sam Jackson V listens to a coach on the headset.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly Oklahoma State interim head coach Doug Meacham embraces Texas Tech coach Joey Mcguire.

In 2014, Bowen took over as interim head coach after Charlie Weis’ firing and led KU to a 1-7 record. He helped lead the Jayhawks to a 34-14 win over Iowa State in his lone victory at the helm.

Now, Bowen returns to face his alma mater as the Cowboys’ interim defensive coordinator — and his unit is starting to reflect his experience.

“For Clint, you don’t want to earmark a particular game or circle a game more than the next one,” Meacham said. “But for him, the next one’s the most important, and there’s some extra incentive because he’s going home. He grew up there and coached high school football there. He was a defensive coordinator there for about 12 years, so it’ll be good for him.”

That familiarity with Kansas coincides with noticeable defensive improvement — particularly in stopping the run.

Since Bowen took over playcalling duties, the Cowboys have gone from struggling to contain opposing backs to ranking among the Big 12’s better rushing defenses over the past month.

The numbers are stark. Under former defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, OSU allowed 852 rushing yards on 157 carries (5.4-yard average). Since Bowen stepped in, opposing offenses have totaled just 442 yards on 148 carries — a sharp drop to 2.9 yards per rush.

Those first four games featured the only three times this season OSU has allowed 200 rushing yards, including a 312-yard performance from

Oregon that inflated the early averages. But Bowen’s defenses have flipped those figures on their head. The Cowboys held Arizona to 45 rushing yards and limited Texas Tech to 88 — their two best defensive outings of the year on the ground.

That turnaround is even more striking when compared to last season, when Bryan Nardo’s defense surrendered 215 rushing yards per game at 5.4 yards per carry. Bowen

has nearly halved those numbers in just a few weeks, transforming a struggling run defense into one that plays faster, more disciplined and far more confident.

Players say that progress isn’t about flashy adjustments or overhauls. It’s been about simplification — and a renewed sense of clarity about how each player fits within Bowen’s scheme.

His approach has stripped away confusion and replaced

it with structure, something the Cowboys had been missing earlier in the year.

“I feel like everyone is just going out there competing,” safety Parker Robertson said.

“I know we’re having a rough year, but it’s still college football. We’re still going out there and competing, giving everything that we’ve got. (Bowen’s) coaching, simplifying things down for us just to go out there and play fast and play confident.”

Robertson said the defensive fundamentals have sharpened as well, and the unit’s growth is starting to show each week, even when the results don’t fully reflect it.

“I would say so,” Robertson said. “Our fundamentals are getting better with his type of defense, with the reads that we have to have. He’s teaching us everything that we need to know, so it allows us to play a lot faster.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

North Texas’ Morris primed for job like Oklahoma State

Parker Gerl CO-EDITOR-INCHIEF

We’re not even in November, and $167.9 million in total buyout money has been committed to fired FBS football coaches so far.

Brian Kelly is out at LSU. The Penn State and Florida jobs are open. Hugh Freeze could run of time at Auburn. If Lane Kiffin leaves Oxford, Ole Miss would be another SEC job that’s open. Mike Norvell could be out at Florida State after the session.

A lot of big names. A lot of big jobs. And that trend could continue.

But it’s been 38 days since Oklahoma State fired Mike Gundy, the school’s all-time winningest coach, and began the process of ushering in a new era of Cowboy football. It’s the most critical hire athletic director Chad Weiberg will make, and it has OSU fans interested daily.

All Weiberg might need to do, though, is look three and a half hours south in Denton. North Texas coach Eric Morris is impressing week after week and seems primed for a position like the one that’s open in Stillwater. The 40-yearold offensive guru should garner lots of attention from the OSU search team.

One of the keys to a coach succeeding at a small-town school like OSU is taking under-recruited players and turning them into contributors. Morris has done that and is doing that currently.

To start, Morris has recruited and coached quarterbacks Baker Mayfield, Patrick Mahomes and Cam Ward at different stops in his career — that’s two No. 1 overall NFL Draft choices and a player

whom most say is the best in the world.

He also coached Oklahoma star John Mateer and Virginia gunslinger Chandler Morris, two current high-level starters.

The cherry on top? Morris’ current quarterback at UNT, Drew Mestemaker, never started a varsity game in high school and was a 0-star recruit who decided to walk on the team. Now, on the back of Morris’ guidance, Mestemaker is second in the country in passing (2,468 yards) and threw for a school-record 608 yards on Oct. 25 in a win against Charlotte.

The air-raid influence Morris brings to the table has given

the Mean Green the No. 6 passing offense in the country. They’re also 7-1 overall and are looking to sneak into the College Football Playoff. This isn’t a one-hit-wonder, either — in each of Morris’ first two seasons at UNT, it ranked top six nationally in total offense and top 12 in passing offense.

Morris’ previous stops include serving as the head coach at Incarnate Word from 2018-21, where he led the Cardinals to an FCS Playoffs birth before accepting the offensive coordinator position at Washington State. From 2013-17, he was Texas Tech’s offensive coordinator on Kliff

Kingsbury’s staff and led an offense in 2015 that ranked second in the country in total yardage and scoring.

Coaching OSU would be the biggest challenge yet for Morris, but a Power Four job, particularly in the Big 12, seems like the natural progression for his career. Florida, LSU and Penn State will go big-name hunting for their next coach and will likely make the splashiest hires in the cycle. But OSU isn’t fishing in the same candidate pond as those schools and should look for someone who fits their place well.

When OSU fired Gundy on Sept. 23, Weiberg said he

wants to see how candidates plan for “building the vision to establish a winning program.” Morris checks a lot of boxes for that.

He’s well connected in the recruiting scene in Texas and is a young mind whose coaching style would resonate well with talented prospects. He has also coached in the Big 12 and is familiar with the conference. And given his offensive brilliance, if Morris had financial support from OSU boosters and administration and put together a staff to help on the defensive side, he would have a chance to be a home-run hire.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Interim defensive coordinator Clint Bowen has helped the OSU defense limit opponents to 2.9 rushing yards per game.

Marco Barrera, For the Denton Record-Chronicle North Texas coach Eric Morris is widely considered a candidate for Power Four coaching jobs.

Freshman Crotty earning trust through work ethic

Parker Gerl CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Vyctorius Miller and Ryan Crotty haven’t been teammates for long, but Miller has already found a consistent message to deliver to Crotty.

“I tell him all the time, ‘The amount of shots you put in, everybody on the team one through 15, we all trust you,’” Miller said. “Like, if you shoot that many shots per day, make or miss, we’re riding with you.”

That message stems from the impression Crotty has quickly made on his teammates and coaches. Since arriving in Stillwater for his freshman season, he’s already shown to be one of Oklahoma State’s hardest workers, carving a path for a potential immediate role.

Crotty, a 6-foot-6 guard, went to high school at The Miller School in Virginia and was a four-star recruit. He was also Steve Lutz’s first high school commitment as OSU’s coach and was ranked the No. 80 recruit in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports.

College basketball programs around the country use all sorts of high-tech equipment to track players’ shot data, including makes and misses, arc angles and more. That’s part of where Crotty’s work ethic has shown.

Miller also estimates that Crotty “probably shoots like 750 shots a day, or 1,000.”

“Let’s just say that there’s

30 weeks,” Lutz said. “Ryan has been the number one shot maker and taker for 27 (or) 28 weeks. And I (want to) really reward people that work really, really hard.”

So far in the preseason, Crotty has been rewarded for the extra work he puts in. With the Cowboys shorthanded in their two exhibition games against

Auburn and SMU, Crotty was in the starting lineup for both, and played 15 and 16 minutes, respectively, in each game.

Crotty drilled a 3-point shot and grabbed three rebounds

against the Tigers, while failing to convert on his three 3-point attempts against the Mustangs — a game in which the entire OSU team struggled from behind the arc (3 of 17).

“I say it over and over again,” Lutz said. “Ryan works the hardest... With that being said, I’m not just (rewarding Crotty) because he works hard. He’s a good player and he can really shoot the basketball.”

Lutz said Crotty will need to make strides on the defensive end, specifically in finding ways to keep players who are quicker and more athletic in front of him. But while Crotty looks to develop on that end, his 3-point shooting ability could still help OSU immediately.

As a junior in high school, Crotty set a Virginia state record with 142 made 3s on 46% accuracy and has a fast release. He’s capable of knocking down both catchand-shoot looks and off-thedribble jumpers, too.

Crotty’s size at 6-6, combined with his shooting skills, gives him the chance to develop into a real two-way contributor as early as this season. And with the amount of effort he puts in, Crotty’s teammates already trust him as if they’ve played together for years.

“(He’s) another freshman that doesn’t take days off,” Miller said.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Cowgirls expect improved 3-point shooting this season

Cayden Cox STAFF REPORTER

Despite having a recordsetting season last year, Oklahoma State had a glaring weakness.

Three-point shooting.

OSU had games early in the season where every shot would fall, but also had games late in the season in which the lid was on the basket and nothing could fall.

In the Cowgirls’ final two games last season, Micah Gray shot a combined 5-of-25 from 3. As a team, OSU connected on 29% of its 3-point shots across those last two games against Baylor and South Dakota State. The Cowgirls also finished the season ranked 12th out of 16 in the Big 12 in 3-point percentage.

This season, the Cowgirls have hoped to turn their success from 3 around, having multiple options in the starting lineup and off the bench who have proven to be successful shooters.

As the season progressed last year, OSU’s shooting options became limited. Jadyn Wooten was the lone guard off the bench, and her primary role was the conductor of Cowgirls’ offense, as she led the team with 104 assists, but only shot 22% from 3.

At most times, it felt as if Gray and Anna Gret Asi were the only players who could make one from behind the arc often.

Now, OSU has options. A lot of options.

The Cowgirls brought in Amari Whiting, Haleigh Timmer and Lena Girardi, all of whom showed flashes of their talent in OSU’s exhibition game Tuesday.

Last season, the Cowgirls’ rotation was down to just seven at the end of the season. This season, OSU is on the other end of things, with a bench that runs deep and has plenty of scoring options.

“It’s a great problem to have,” coach Jacie Hoyt said. “It’s definitely better than the other probably that you could have, but it does come with its challenges.”

The Cowgirls have many

OSU

options this year. They have hundreds of lineup combinations, Hoyt said.

“We ran some numbers the other day,” Hoyt said. “We have all this data and different technology that shows us different things, and it spit out that we could have 500 different lineups.”

the

will use to bolster their 3-point shooting this season.

In OSU’s exhibition win over Oklahoma Christian, Miach Gray shot only 25% from 3, connecting on 2-of-8 of her attempts, but as a team, the Cowgirls still scored more than 100 points. Having multiple options is key for OSU’s 3-point shooting this season. Against OCU,

Whiting connected on both of her 3-point attempts, Timer shot 40% from beyond the arc, and Stailee Heard drilled 50% of her attempts.

Where OSU was faced with inconsistent shooting from Gray and Asi last season, this year, the Cowgirls have a ton of options, giving Hoyt a difficult but fun task of choosing the five that are on the court.

“We just have so many weapons,” Hoyt said. “Yeah, it’s fun, but it’s very hard right now, we’re trying to sort through (the lineups)... I’m just grateful for a team that’s bought into winning.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

OSU freshman guard Ryan Crotty is a potential two-way contributor for the Cowboys.

Teaguen Harbour, The O’Colly

guard Amari Whiting is one player

Cowgirls

sports

Cowgirls win by 50 in exhibition, Wooten shines

Cayden Cox STAFF REPORTER

Last season, Oklahoma State watched a sophomore breakout from Stailee Heard.

This season, the Cowgirls may have another sophomore surge on their team.

OSU defeated Oklahoma Christian 104-51 in an exhibition game Tuesday and got a first-hand look at Jadyn Wooten’s potential.

Wooten showcased her skills in spurts as a freshman last season, leading the team with 104 assists and averaging 6.5 points per game in 21 minutes of action.

Even though the game doesn’t officially count toward the stats, Wooten shattered a career high in assists, tallying 13, as well as breaking her career-high in rebounds, grabbing seven

“I’ve been saying all preseason long that we have one of the best point guards in the country,” Cowgirls head coach Jacie Hoyt said. “I think it was cool to just let everyone else see that on display tonight.”

When Wooten first checked into the game, she immediately left an impact, tying her previous career high in assists in just six minutes of play as she dished out seven dimes in the first quarter.

Coming off the bench, Wooten and Praise Egharevba sparked the OSU lineup as Egharevba led OSU with 10 rebounds, four of those coming on the offensive end as the Cowgirls capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 23 points on extended possessions.

During the preseason, Hoyt said that the Cowgirls’ depth would be one of their strengths, and this was

showcased throughout the game as six players scored in double digits, with the bench contributing 44 of OSU’s 104 points.

Late in the game, the Cowgirls featured a lineup with two post players in Faith Acker and Favour Onoh on the court, something Hoyt didn’t think the Cowgirls would be able to do because of their depth off the bench.

“We have three to four people on the bench right now that you could make a rock-solid argument that they could be starting,” Hoyt said. “We never thought about having two bigs in at the same time, that’s how deep we are, we just have so many weapons.”

The Cowgirls also got a glimpse at Lena Girardi, OSU’s lone freshman and a former four-star prospect. Girardi had a big-time game as well, shooting 50% from the field and scoring 14 points. She also showcased her physicality, chasing down multiple rebounds and fighting for several loose balls.

“The kid lives in the gym,” Hoyt said. “She puts in so much work, she’s borderline annoying to the coaches about wanting film, she’s just so hungry to get better every single day.”

Even though the game didn’t officially count, the crowd at Gallagher-Iba Arena was loud throughout the game, and Hoyt praised the fans for their attendance.

“I was very pleased with the outing we had tonight, starting with the fans,” Hoyt said. “I thought that they were really awesome… to have the amount of people that we did tonight, I think it’s just a really cool testament to where our program is and where we’re headed.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

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

3 takeaways from OSU Cowgirl golf’s fall season

Gina Foster STAFF REPORTER

The No. 19 Oklahoma State Cowgirl golf team concluded a successful fall stint Oct. 19 at the Stanford Intercollegiate.

Overall team consistency, individual standouts and immense depth in the midst of adversity were on display and created a positive foundation for the Cowgirls’ upcoming spring season.

Here’s a look at what went well for the Cowgirls this fall.

Consistency

The saying “consistency is key” is a saying for a reason. The Cowgirls placed in the top five in their first three tournaments, breaking the streak with an outlier 11th place at the Stanford Intercollegiate. The highlight of the fall was a 1st place finish at the Schooner Fall Classic, their fourth Schooner Fall Classic title and the program’s 106th team tournament win.

“Overall, we’re pretty satisfied with the first three events,” coach Annie Young said. “I think they played pretty solid. The last tournament kind of hurt a little bit, but I think it keeps you motivated through the offseason to keep at it.”

Bushnell’s growth

Junior Ellie Bushnell went from ranking 130th last season to ending the season ranked 39th in the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Rankings.

Bushnell placed 7th at the Carmel Cup at Pebble Beach, tied for 7th at the Schooner Fall Classic, tied for 19th at the Prairie Dunes Invitational and tied for 37th in the final tournament. She also ranks second on the program’s career eagles list with 7, just four behind Pernilla Lindberg.

“She showed up very well,” Young

said. “She had some good finishes early on, and she played pretty consistently, maybe one bad round or two bad rounds through the semester, but overall, she’s playing nice golf. I think it’s a matter of time before she gets her first win in college.”

Depth A variety of players made their way into the lineups this semester. This proves that there is significant depth in this Cowgirls team, as each tournament was a different combination, yet there were consistent outcomes. Young said the team battled injuries and sickness throughout the semester, stating the team was “a little banged up” this semester.

Young also said although there was a different lineup in each tournament, the players stepped up to compete.

“From top to bottom, they’re working hard,” Young said. “It’s showing that they could shoot low scores when they need to. When we get a couple of them healthy again, I think we’re going to be pretty good.”

The OSU women’s golf team has its eyes set on one thing for the spring: get its photo on the wall in Karsten Creek. A Big 12 or National Championship win will lead to just that.

“We have a long way to go, but that’s the ultimate goal,” Young said. “They were lucky and blessed to have what we have here. You know, that we get to prepare the way we do, and we get the men as an example of really good golf and what it takes to be successful.”

The team will kick off its journey to the postseason at the Collegiate Invitational in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Jan. 30.

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

Davis Hicks, The O’Colly

Cowgirls coach Annie Young has high expectations for her team after the fall season.

Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State guard Jadyn Wooten logged 13 assists against Oklahoma Christian.

Daniels, QB

Daniels is in his sixth season as a Jayhawk, and has dealt with countless injuries throughout his time at Kansas. This season, though, Daniels has been fully healthy and has been the engine for the KU offense. He has matched his career-high with 18 passing touchdowns on the season. He has also poised a threat with his legs, running for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Daniels’ ability to throw down the field and improvise poses a threat for the OSU defense.

Jayhawk players to watch

SEASON STATS: 1,881 PASSING YARDS, 18 TOUCHDOWNS, 3 INTERCEPTIONS, 73.2 QBR

Henderson has been an explosive target for Daniels this season. He transferred to Kansas after spending his past two seasons at Alabama and is having the best season of his career. Henderson has had multiple games this season with more than 100 receiving yards and has bigplay speed and potential, and showcased that with a 93-yard touchdown against Cincinnati. Henderson could be in for another big game this week against the OSU secondary that has been prone to giving up explosive plays.

SEASON STATS: 34 RECEPTIONS, 554 YARDS, 4 TOUCHDOWNS

3 STORYLINES

Will

The Cowboys are in position to potentially get both Zane Flores and Rodney Fields Jr. back from injury. Fields has stood out as the playmaker on the OSU offense, and rushed for a career high 163 yards against Cincinnati. Flores has missed the past three games with an upper-body injury, and Sam Jackson V has started in his place. Jackson only eclipsed 100 passing yards once over that stretch. With Fields and Flores potentially returning, the OSU offense could find success moving the ball.

Jalon

Emmanuel Henderson Jr., WR

Jose Brito, The O’Colly

Two minutes into the game against Texas Tech, OSU was down two touchdowns. Linebacker Wendell Gregory and the Cowboys have given up an opening drive touchdown in each of their last seven games. Kansas has found success starting fast on offense, having scored all of its touchdowns in the first half over the Jayhawks past three games.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Tammy Ljungblad, Tribune News Service

The Cowboys’ ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks has shined throughout the season. Last week, they sacked Texas Tech’s quarterbacks three times and face a Kansas offensive line that has had holes recently. In KU’s past two games, Jalon Daniels has been sacked 12 times. The Cowboys could limit Daniels ability to run by pressuring him.

The o’colly sports picks

ABOUT OUR GUEST PICKER:

Shehan Jeyarajah is an awardwinning sports writer who works for CBS Sports as a national college football writer. He graduated from Baylor University.

CAYDEN COX

Jackson should get the nod. He’s got the ability to scramble and extend plays with his feet, whereas Flores is a standard pocket passer. Trick plays are also in play with Jackson on the field.

I’d go with Zane Flores. He’s a more polished passer and is more effective for deep shots down the field. He slowly improved in his five games and gives playcaller Kevin Johns more possibilities.

Luke Mazza

Cayden