Friday, September 11, 2026
years ago
Our World Changed 9/11: WHER E THEY WERE “I just remember the amount of confusion and panic everyone had during that day,” said Dan Link, while he was running late for school his freshman or sophomore year as his mom had on the NBC Today Show.
“I was working in New Orleans at the time, I worked for an offshore drilling company, and we had one of our other coworkers come into the office, we kind of worked in a big conference room, there were several desks in the area, and she came in and said ‘something’s going on in New York City,” said Tracy Burchfield, an office customer service coordinator.
“I was a teacher at a private prep school in Milwaukee and I remember a hubbub before my first class as students were coming in because they had ridden into school with their parents and hadn’t seen any images but had heard of the first plane hitting the first tower,” said Eric Turcat, a French professor.
‘Everyone has miracles’: Student turns childhood cancer journey into advocacy Ashley Yarbrough
college. Ready to get out of here and be an adult,” Hawkins said. “While I’m getting treatment, As National Childhood Cancer there are little toddlers getting Awareness Month begins this treatment right next to me, and September, Oklahoma State they’re running around. They University student Brooklyn have energy, and they have no Hawkins is using her childhood idea they’re sick.” cancer journey and nonprofit to See MIRACLES on page 4A support children and families experiencing childhood cancer. Globally, each year an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 are diagnosed with cancer, highlighting the growing need for awareness and support for children and their families. Hawkins was 17 years old, preparing to move and attend OSU when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a non-genetic blood cancer. Courtesy Booklyn Hawkins “I was 17, just trying to go to Brooklyn Hawkins, founder of ‘In The Middle of a NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Miracle.’
Courtesy Mark Sisson
Chris Ramsey surprised by his student’s artwork.
Honoring success through art
head from 2009-2012. He taught 3D Design and Metal & Jewelry courses until 2023, before passing in January 2026. Chris Ramsay, a former Artwork has been a way Oklahoma State University to admire, learn and honor professor, spent many years individuals’ creativity for over showcasing his talents and 60,000 years. The OSU Museum leading students to find their passions through the work of art. of Art, located in downtown Ramsay joined the Department Stillwater, continuously hosts exhibits year-round to continue of Art faculty in 1990, followed this tradition. by becoming the department Kalina Williams
ASST. NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
See ART on page 3A
WHAT’S INSIDE 5A
Representing sovereignty, traditions
6A
Students Showcase creativity through campus organization
7A
‘Power of Personal’
Page 2A Friday, September 11, 2026
O’Colly
News
‘The Only World I’ve Known’ Matthew Sammon STAFF REPORTER
One by one, each block was carefully placed on top of the other until the structure was complete. It was, never meant to actually stand, nor would it for much longer. The mass of wood blocks came crashing down on account of a toy plane being swung into it. That is when my parents decided that I had seen enough TV It was only a day or two after the 9/11 attacks, and being only a toddler, I had begun to process the images of carnage the only way I knew how. Smoke and fighter jets filled the Long Island air as other little kids from the neighborhood arrived at our house. Their parents had left them with my mother, myself and my little sister so that they could either retrieve their older children from school, search for family or desperately attempt to make contact with loved ones working in Manhattan. My father, who very often found himself working in and around the vicinity of the World Trade Center, was supposed to have been in Pennsylvania for work on the morning of 9/11. If he had, there’s no telling how he could’ve possibly been able to get back on Long Island, let alone when. Every bridge, every tunnel, every port was closed with no mode of egress or entry whatsoever. Most, if not all of this, has had to be retold to me now as an adult on the account that I was so young when the attacks happened. After many talks with my parents, it was clear to them that though I may not have understood exactly what was happening, I was absorbing all of it. Growing up on Long Island is a great place for a kid; you get to experience all four seasons, beaches, trips to the city, a rich history and culture with the tight-knit community to follow. And in the early 2000s, it also meant that you were always in the shadow of 9/11. Everyone there had either lost someone or knew someone who had, and many were
actually there at Ground Zero and survived. “Where were you on 9/11?” wasn’t a question reserved for anniversaries, but was part of a larger conversation that continued year-round and never got easier. Knowing where you were and where your parents were on 9/11 was a normal elementary school conversation. We understood that the adults in our lives had changed, and that they were struggling to process something we couldn’t quite yet understand. For us, this was the world we got to know, the world we were first introduced to, that didn’t just exist on a TV screen but in our lives, right in front of us. We were a generation forged in the crucible of a new kind of war for a new century. 9/11 was just the first in a series of events in the War on Terror that people my age can remember or at least mark their lives by. I remember watching the Mets-Phillies game on TV with my dad when the news broke that Osama Bin Laden had been killed and a year after that, watching the news reports of the coordinated terrorist attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. I can recall lifting with my
teammates in the football weight room when our coaches turned on the TV and flipped to the news coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing. In the years that followed, the news coverage of ISIS on the warpath was unavoidable. Each terrorist attack, every man that came home in a flag-draped coffin from Iraq or Afghanistan, and every Ground Zero first responder that succumbed to toxic waste exposure, only compounded the emotion and gravity of 9/11 with each passing year. In the summer between my junior and senior years of high school, I had come to the decision that I knew what I should do. I went with my parents to the recruiting office on the day I turned 17 and joined the Marine Corps. It wasn’t long before I met other men and women from New York or elsewhere with personal connections to the 9/11 attacks. There was a Marine in my first unit whose father was an FBI agent on the bucket crews at Ground Zero. He had contracted cancer from the chemical exposure and had tragically passed away. There are a multitude of different reasons to why each Marine says they joined the
Editorial board Editor-in-Chief Caleson Coon
editorinchief@ocolly.com
Design editor Jose Brito
design.ed@ocolly.com
Design editor Kaitlyn Robertson
design.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little, The O’colly
Sept. 11, 2026, will be the quarter century mark since the 9/11 attacks.
News and Lifestyle editor Ashley Yarbrough news.ed@ocolly.com
Photo editor Chance Marick
photo.ed@ocolly.com
Assistant Photo editor Andon Freitas photo.ed@ocolly.com
Sports editor Weston Wertzberger sports.ed@ocolly.com
Social Media editor Megan Gibson news.ed@ocolly.com
Asst. Sports editor Cayden Cox
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Asst. News & Lifestyle editor Kalina Williams news.ed@ocolly.com
service, but in my time on active duty, I never met one who didn’t cite 9/11 as at least one of those reasons. The Global War on Terror generation of service members is truly unique in the history of American modern wars. Unlike Vietnam, Korea or the World Wars, the post-9/11 U.S. Military is a 100% volunteer fighting force. Five years ago, on Aug. 26, 11 Marines, one Soldier and one Navy Corpsman were killed in the Abbey Gate bombing at HKIA (Hamid Karzai International Airport) in Kabul, Afghanistan. They were the last deaths in a war that began in the weeks following 9/11. The command negligence from the Oval Office downward that led to the disaster that was the evacuation of Afghanistan is the cause of much disillusionment amongst many veterans today. Veterans of the war in Afghanistan watched as their government handed over control of that country back to the Taliban whom they had fought for over 20 years. Sept. 11, 2026 will be the quarter-century mark since the 9/11 attacks, and subsequently the 25 years since the Global War on Terror began. We now live in a country deeply
News & Lifestyle reporters: Aliyah Young Amanda Nogode Annie Richards Caden James Delaney Waterman Keiley Ward Matt Sammon Peyton Richards Zane Abouzahr
Newsroom 108 Paul Miller Stillwater, OK 74078 (405)744-6365
fractured by political lines which makes the memory of the national bonding that occurred in the weeks following the attacks seem unthinkable and almost impossible to occur today. It is a surreal feeling to be a veteran in this current national climate, let alone a veteran now in college trying to put into words events from years past that are hard to explain. It is truly painful to know very well the cost of liberty yet also to witness the nation’s selfinflicted wounds driven by the political dagger. The 25th anniversary of 9/11 gives us all an opportunity to reflect, regardless of our distance from the events. Like in our own lives, we cannot change the past, but we can choose how we move forward and what we decide to do with the time we have. The current political divides may be sharp and very real, but we still have a duty to honor the men and the women who selflessly gave their lives on 9/11 by becoming the best possible versions of ourselves.
The O’Colly Staff Sports reporters: Ben Schatzel Logan Cole Marcus Mesis Ryan Ruston Timothy Christensen Will Thorogood
news.ed@ocolly.com
Photographers: Bailey Schmitz Brianna Martinez Catherine Dzanski Daisy Gower Davis Hicks Dominyk Jones Hailey Dodson Kia Mace Karsten Levings Laken Chambers Matthew Miner Natalie Koepp Payton Little Trey Creel
O’Colly
News
On This day 2001. 25 years ago.
Friday, September 11, 2026 Page 3A
While they were reading From ‘Timeline of Terror’ published on Sept. 12, 2001
Stillwater Police and FBI officials continued to search late Monday for a man who casually strolled into The Bank N. A. and told a teller in a whispered tone that “this was a hold-up.” According to police, a clean shaven man entered the bank located at 1020 N. Boomer Rd. at about 10:10 a.m. wearing a brown and gold suit and metal-framed sunglasses. He carried a bag with blue writing on it, police said. He requested the money from a teller and did not brandish a weapon. It is unknown how much money the man left with, federal officials said. “This was a very professional robbery,” said Gary Johnson, speacial agent with the FBI Field Office in Oklahoma City. JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS | CONTRIBUTING WRITER, 2001
Art
7:45 A.M.: A LARGE PLANE, POSSIBLY A HIJACKED AIRLINER, CRASHES INTO ONE OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER TOWERS, TEARING A GAPING HOLE IN THE BUILDING. 8:03 A.M.: A SECOND PLANE, APPARENTLY A PASSENGER JET, CRASHES INTO THE SECOND WORLD TRADE CENTER TOWER AND EXPLODES. BOTH BUILDINGS ARE BURNING. 8:30 A.M.: PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH, SPEAKING IN FLORIDA SAYS THE COUNTRY HAS SUFFERED AN “APPARENT TERRORIST ATTACK” 8:40 A.M.: THE FAA HALTS ALL FLIGHT OPERATIONS AT U.S. AIRPORTS, THE FIRST TIME IN U.S. HISTORY THAT AIR TRAFFIC HAS BEEN HALTED NATIONWIDE 8:43 A.M.: AN AIRCRAFT CRASHES INTO THE PENTAGON, SENDING UP A HUGE PLUME OF SMOKE. EVACUATION BEGINS. 9.05 A.M.: THE SOUTH TOWER OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER COLLAPSES, PLUMMETING INTO THE STREETS BELOW. A MASSIVE CLOUD OF DUST AND DEBRIS DRIFTS AWAY FROM THE BUILDING. 9:10 A.M.: A PORTION OF THE PENTAGON COLLAPSES 9:10 A.M: UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT 93 CRASHES IN SOMERSET COUNTY, PA., SOUTHEAST OF PITTSBURGH. 9:28 A.M.: THE WORLD TRADE CENTER’S NORTH TOWER COLLAPSES FROM THE TOP DOWN AS IF IT WERE BEING PEELED APART, RELEASING A TREMENDOUS CLOUD OF DEBRIS AND SMOKE.
Sisson always saw Ramsay’s hard work toward the students but made known that it didn’t Continued from 1A stop there. “He was tireless in his efforts to make the department better Varying from oil paintings and to shape it in ways that to sculptures, the museum has would improve the students’ over 6,000 pieces of art from outcome,” Sisson said. “His local artists and currently hosts colleagues, much like me, had four of Ramsay’s pieces. enormous respect for him both Ramsay’s art stood out as a colleague and an artist.” amongst those around him Correlating with Rader’s due to his ability to see the opinion, Sisson believes that potential in overlooked objects his work is hard to mistake such as fossils, machine parts, with other’s. Sisson thinks postcards and nature. The use of Ramsay’s work as “small of these materials stemmed sculpture” and noted how from his interest in science versatile he was when it came and the natural history of our to the materials he would use. planet, which is why most of As time moved on Ramsay his pieces are centered around was willing to move with conservation. it, embracing the changes Amy Rader, marketing in technology and using coordinator at the OSU techniques such as 3D Museum of Art, reflected modeling and laser cutting. on Ramsay as someone who Oftentimes, he would visit was poetic and able to create antique malls and use the help something from objects that of his friends to find materials. others might see as nothing. For Sisson, he hopes Three out of the four pieces this exhibit finds people in his collection are metal appreciating the grit and globes containing stereographs Courtesy Mark Sisson creativity put into the pieces. which stand out due to being Chris Ramsay (right) and Mark Sisson (left) sitting under oil portrait of Ramsay, done by Sis“I would hope people take a form of artwork that’s often son in 2020 some appreciation away from unseen. Rader stated that his the mixture of materials, that work is important for students “look, lean in carefully, shift to live on through his work workplace. to see due to the fact that it and his colleagues who saw the your gaze outward, pause, Taking students to Italy over kind of thoughtful way he assembled things,” Sisson said. shows how technology has inspiration and knowledge he reflect.” These words guide spring break, getting involved Ramsay’s hard work and evolved. viewers through the process of shared. with different organizations level of care was evident when “I think it’s so unique in Former OSU professor, Mark and teaching in workshops understanding the artwork and Sisson recalled the amount of the sense that for the younger Sisson, was not only Ramsay’s aided in Ramsay’s unforgettable expand on Ramsay’s idea for students and staff who attended generations, they have probably thinking outside the box. colleague but also his close legacy. his memorial. Sisson said never seen a stereograph,” friend. Sisson and Ramsay The museum’s goal for this The art department at OSU that “he really was a special Rader said. “This is an object exhibit is to not only honor the shared a common background is limited to undergraduate person,” and will never be that, it’s basically overseen, and interests that made them efforts put into the pieces, but students, but Ramsay refused forgotten within the Stillwater but it’s a mark of how our connect quickly while forming to let his students’ futures stop also to allow admiration for community. photography, 3D, virtual a special bond. the details. Although objects there. He was determined to reality and all these came to be integrated in the art could Ramsay became Sisson’s boss work hard resulting in sending because of those pieces.” for about three years, but even many students to top graduate be random, Ramsay saw its Inside the exhibit, a plaque during that time, the two had potential. programs for jewelry and metal is placed on the wall stating to news.ed@ocolly.com a close friendship outside the Ramsay’s legacy continues smithing.
Page 4A Friday, September 11, 2026
O’Colly
Lifestyle
Courtesy Brooklyn Hawkins
Pi Beta Phi sorority announced ‘In The Middle of a Miracle’ as their local philanthropy in April 2024.
Miracle
Continued from 1A Hawkins battled childhood cancer during her senior year of high school while receiving four to five months of chemotherapy at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, and additionally faced three months of radiation at Stephenson Cancer Center. While receiving treatment, Hawkins noticed the lack of awareness for older teens, like her, who were stuck between childhood and adulthood. “You’re kind of the oldest one at the children’s hospital and the youngest one at the adult hospital,” Hawkins said. “And so everyone kind of has a hard way of navigating how to support you best.” Hawkins became hospitalized for weeks at a time during treatments. After being transferred to the Stephenson Cancer Center when she began radiation, Hawkins decided to turn her experiences into an organization to benefit others. “My thoughts were spinning,” Hawkins said. “I was like, ‘Okay, well, what can I do with this? I have all this attention on me because of, you know, this crazy thing that happened in my life, but I want to turn it into something positive.’” That idea became ‘In The Middle of A Miracle,’ a nonprofit organization to support children and families affected by childhood cancer. “When I started ‘In The Middle of a Miracle,’ it was totally just to spread awareness,” Hawkins said. “It was a passion project, and it’s turned into something that has supported so many families.” Hawkins said that the name of her nonprofit stemmed from the feelings she felt looking back on her time in cancer treatment. “I think everyone has miracles that occur in their life all the time,” Hawkins said. “And sometimes, when you’re in the middle of the chaos, you don’t always see that. You don’t always see the miracles all around you.” Hawkins said that ‘In The Middle of a Miracle’ focuses on children’s individual needs in different ways, rather than providing every child with the same support. “Every single family has different struggles, and different needs and different dynamics within the hospital
and outside of the hospital,” Hawkins said. “Sometimes they have specific needs that we’re able to cater to in different interests and in different things that they’re struggling with.” Hawkins recalled an impactful memory from the last three years. ‘In The Middle of a Miracle’ provided a teenage boy fighting childhood cancer with a new laptop to be able to attend school when he was no longer able to. In addition to attending school online, he could use the laptop for entertainment during long treatment days. Hawkins said that people don’t often think about what older teenagers who are fighting childhood cancer specifically need. “People would have thought that was something silly, like, ‘they don’t need electronics, they need like a game or a book or something,’ but that’s something that he specifically needed,” Hawkins said. The goal of ‘In The Middle Of A Miracle’ for Hawkins is to support every individual patient and what they need. “A teenager isn’t going to want a slime kit and the little kid isn’t going to want a computer,” Hawkins said. “So you kind of have to find that middle ground, and you can’t do that without connecting with those families.” As a teenager fighting childhood cancer, Hawkins was fighting emotional pressures that may not have always been visible to those around her. “As a teen, a lot of people want to support you, but that support can sometimes put pressure on you because you don’t want to let people down,” Hawkins said. “You need support when you’re going through something like that. But you almost feel a pressure to always be smiling whenever you’re in hospital and always be strong for those that are following.” Through ‘In The Middle of a Miracle,’ Hawkins is able to connect with other teenagers who are feeling what she felt during treatment. “Those are conversations you don’t always want to have with the people that love you so much,” Hawkins said. “And so those were conversations that I was able to finally start having whenever I started connecting with those other teenagers.”
When Hawkins traveled to Stillwater and started attending OSU, she worried that her cancer journey would define how other students and faculty saw her. “When I came to OSU, I was afraid of everyone just whispering about me when I entered a room,” Hawkins said. “My hair had just started growing back, and I was immunocompromised when I came here. So I had all of these things that were just all around me.” However, OSU allowed her to build relationships with others based on who she really is. “Every time I stepped in a room in Stillwater, that was all left outside of the door,” Hawkins said. Whether it was a classroom, whether it was through Greek life or if it was through Spears, people just really wanted to get to know me for my passions, and not what I had experienced.” By sharing her story, Hawkins said that a domino effect was created that allowed other OSU students to feel comfortable sharing their connections to childhood
cancer. “I wore my heart on my sleeve, and I started telling my story,” Hawkins said. “I started to see the ripple effect of that, and other people started to share their stories too. And so it doesn’t always have to do with things like childhood cancer, which is kind of the cool part, but I think everyone has their own little connection.” For Hawkins, talking with other survivors and seeing other families receive help with their journey is what motivates her to keep going. “Whenever I see them getting something that I wish I would have had or having an experience or the support that I wish I would have had, it, it lights a fire in me,” Hawkins said. “That’s why I started this organization.” As National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month continues, Hawkins said that supporting the cause can be shown in ways that are not always financial. “Childhood cancer is a really special cause that I know probably tugs at a lot of people on this campus’s heartstrings,”
Hawkins said. “Being an advocate is the one thing you can do that’s $0, and all it takes is time and effort.” To support ‘In The Middle of a Miracle,’ Hawkins encourages OSU students to take the time to advocate for childhood cancer awareness. “Being a volunteer at an event, showing up to one of our benefit days,” Hawkins said. “All of these little things are little efforts that maybe take a little bit of time out of your day, but they make the biggest difference ever.” For Hawkins, ‘In The Middle of a Miracle’ is a reminder of how cancer can affect anyone around us. “You never know how, you never know when everything you love is just going to be taken away from you in a heartbeat,” Hawkins said. “It could be the person sitting next to you in class, it could be your sibling, or it could be you. Just never take those kinds of things for granted. I think ‘In The Middle of a Miracle’ is such a good reminder of that.”
Courtesy Brooklyn Hawkins
Hawkins hosted her third annual Picklebowl Fundraiser with Bondi Bowls on July 25.
O’Colly
News
Representing sovereignty, traditions Caleson Coon
Friday, September 11, 2026 Page 5A
State regents approve Oklahoma’s first shortened bachelor’s degrees at 3 universities
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
In a silent protest held by the Student Socialist League against a data center project, two descendants of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation stood in representation of sovereignty. American Indian students at Oklahoma State University sat and stood among the students Kate Alexander, The O’Colly in the Student Union to silently Students creating signs for silent protest. protest along with the Student the tribes nearby that are taking Socialist League against Stillwater’s Data Center Project precautions. “Thankfully, a lot of our tribes on Sept. 4. In March 2025, the around here, they’re beginning Stillwater Planning Commission to weigh the negatives of approved the final plan for Google’s new data center, a part potentially building data centers of Google’s $9 billion investment on our land,” Waters shared. “Seminole Nation actually in Oklahoma’s AI and cloud network, which cleared the way banned all data centers from for infrastructure development tribal land, that’s a step in the right direction; Nations are and building construction on three industrial lots totaling 202 working that out as we speak.” Grass spoke to the awareness acres. spreading, but addressed the The American Indian students held traditional sticks that were negatives that can follow data meant to show a representation centers being built within of their culture as they stood in communities. “I feel like the awareness is protest of the developing data growing, but it’s not where it center. Elijah Grass, a senior dietetics needs to be yet,” Grass said. nutritional science major, shared “So, I mean, you know, you see stories about residents of people that they came to be a part of who live within the area of data the protest due to its threat to centers and how they’re dealing their tribe’s sovereignty. with rising costs of water and “In many ways, they [data electricity, and its basic needs centers] threaten our ways of life,” Grass said. “They threaten and the utilities they need for everyday life. the land – the land is what “So, it’s not only just we use to be able to express threatening our culture, our sovereignty, our culture, threatening just the living and if we don’t have healthy land, we’re not going to be able experience of even regular people across the country.” to continue our ceremonies, continue our culture and be able Waters also noted the impact it had on citizens of other tribes. to pass it on to the future.” “Well, today, another student Among the three was Jaden – Choctaw student, came up and Waters, who referenced their heritage’s teachings in regard to talked to us, and she recognized why it was a priority for them to our sticks and she recognized not only attend the protest, but that there’s some similarities between our culture [Muscogee partake in it as well. Nation] and the Choctaw “Our teachings tell us that culture,” Waters said. “And she we’re responsible for taking care of the land and taking care was already aware of the threat that data centers pose, but you of the plants and animals, and data centers just stand in direct know, now she knows that opposition to that belief,” Waters there’s at least some solidarity between the indigenous here; said. that’s what I think.” Waters said that he’s seen the impact of data centers via social media, but is grateful to news.ed@ocolly.com
Ashtynn Caldwell KOSU
At their Thursday meeting, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved three state universities’ requests to create reducedcredit hour bachelor’s degrees. Traditionally, students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to earn a bachelor’s degree. The degree programs approved Thursday would only require between 90 and 103 credit hours. For a student taking a typical 15-hour courseload, that could shave a full year off their degree. Four shortened degrees were approved between the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and Rogers State University in Claremore. Those programs include: Bachelor of Applied Studies in Social Work (OU, 90-credit hour) Bachelor of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence (OSU, 92-credit hour) Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Essentials and Applications (OSU, 90-credit hour) Bachelor of Applied Science in Workforce Development (RSU, 99 to 103-credit hour) Each degree now faces a months-long accreditation process, but according to reporting by Oklahoma Voice, students may be able to enroll in these programs as early as next fall. The decision was made in an attempt to more quickly meet workforce needs and reduce student costs, according to a press release. “Reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs represent an innovative path to help Oklahomans launch their careers faster while reducing college costs,” State Regents Chair Courtney Warmington said in a statement. In January, OU received approval to reduce credits across eight specific online degree programs, and a handful of universities across the country have already implemented reduced-credit hour degree programs. However, the degrees approved Thursday would be the first of
their kind in the state if they are implemented. Earlier this year, Executive Order 2026-08 directed the regents to conduct a study of reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs. In April, the study was provided to Gov. Kevin Stitt. The study “emphasized the importance of academic safeguards” and recommended “a measured, mission-aligned approach in which 90-hour bachelor’s degree proposals would be evaluated on their individual ability.” Warmington said the board had carefully considered the proposals. “As we explored the potential viability and value of 90hour bachelor’s degrees, this board has carefully weighed academic rigor, employer expectations, accreditation requirements, and affordability for students and families,” Warmington said. In May, the regents updated their Academic Program Approval Policy, creating a framework for reviewing and approving reducedcredit bachelor’s degrees. That opened the door for institutions to make degree proposals. For those institutional proposals to be considered, the shortened degree programs must meet general requirements, provide a clear rationale for credit reduction and include a detailed delivery plan for the degree’s structure. “To meet Oklahoma’s changing workforce demands, we need more degree holders in critical fields – and our Governor, Legislature, State Regents, and institutions are answering the call,” Chancellor Sean Burrage said in a statement. “These strategically constructed 90-hour bachelor’s degrees will allow students to gain the knowledge and skills they need more quickly, strengthening the talent pipeline for high-demand industries and occupations sooner.” This article was originally published by KOSU, an independent news service based in Oklahoma. https:// www.kosu.org/oklahoma-90credit-hour-degrees-approved news.ed@ocolly.com
Courtesy KOSU
Students protest against AI data centers.
Kate Alexander, The O’Colly
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved reduced-credit hour bachelor’s degree programs at three universities.
Page 6A Friday, September 11, 2026
O’Colly
Lifestyle Students showcase creativity through campus organization Kalina Williams
ASST. NEWS & KIFESTYLE
‘OSU Student-Made’ provides student entrepreneurs with the opportunity to sell their products at the Student Union and gain traction through the Stillwater community. The Student-Made program is partnered with 25 campuses across the U.S. to promote student success at other schools while providing guidance to those who seek it. Each student has a story behind their business, and for Trey O’Toole, a senior marketing major, his story began with the help of his dad. O’Toole and his dad would go around on trash pickup day and would sell items he found on Facebook Marketplace including “lamps, sporting goods, chairs, etc.” Coming across vintage clothing one night sparked the idea for his business, ‘Threefold Vintage,’ and it quickly skyrocketed within his high school. O’Toole stated in an email that stepping onto the OSU campus presented an open door and gave him the confidence to continue his business. “When I came to college, I realized no one was really selling vintage OSU gear, so I decided to fill that gap,” O’Toole said. What makes one business stand out and become more popular is a personal opinion from the vendor. For O’Toole, he saw the story behind each piece of clothing and is passionate about learning about the history behind every item he sells. Clothing is not the only way to attract customers and grow
a business quickly. The ‘pin’ business is popular right now within college campuses for game days, sorority bid days and provides a way for students to express various topics of interest. Paige Liston, a sophomore marketing major, created her business ‘Paige’s Pins’ to give all students an approach to expressing themselves with her help. Liston not only wanted to bring her ideas to life, but also the ideas of her peers. Like O’Toole, Liston also had the help of her parents who encouraged her to kickstart this small idea into something that has helped fuel her fire for entrepreneurship. She stated in an email that when she believes in something, there is always a way for her to accomplish her goals. “I truly believe that when there’s a will, there’s a way,” Liston said. “I want to continue seeing how far I can take this.” Both individuals have seen the impact Student-Made has had on their businesses and see it as a great way for anyone to bring their dreams to life. Through the process, help is given to the students to ensure the best outcome for their ideas while allowing students to support each other. Liston stated that she wants students to know that “they don’t have to have everything figured out” and that there is always time to make their ideas a reality while in college. While Student-Made can provide students with the help they need to start their businesses, it can also provide the opportunity to reach a larger audience. O’Toole was “fairly established” before joining the organization, but
Trey started ‘Threefold Vintage’ in November of 2022. he stated in an email that many doors were opened due to their help. “I was finally able to vend at America’s Greatest Homecoming, Block 34 and other countless events,” O’Toole said. “The launch of the retail store in the Student Union has already added a fair share of visibility for my business.” For Liston, she promotes her business on social media, but many still have yet to discover
Courtesy Trey O’Toole
what she does. where her business will go, but “Being able to have my she hopes to use her major to products featured through combine what she’s learned Student-Made and participate professionally with her original in pop-up events has allowed idea. me to reach people who Whether someone wants to may not have discovered my expand a business or support business through social media those around them, Studentalone,” Liston said. Made is a great way to get The organization has helped involved and see the time and her connect with other students effort others put in. who can provide input learn more about what into growing a business similar to her own. After college, Liston isn’t sure news.ed@ocolly.com
Nine bands, one stage, seven months: ‘The Showcase’ debuts branch out toward shoegaze, directed by OSU alumnus Toni punk and other subgenres within Purrell, is about thought patterns their original music. concerning personal growth. It The Showcase lives on with has also been accepted to the Velvet Fudge opened its a documentary of the same inaugural Broken Arrow Film doors in February 2026. Since name created by Ryan Low, Festival, which will occur on the then, it has seen vinyls come a senior at Oklahoma State first weekend in October. and go from bins and shelves as University working toward a Behind the scenes on the customers search for what to add degree in screen studies and performance side is Lucas to their collection next. Cardenas with Release Radar. But what’s really special about is the president of the OSU Filmmakers’ Association. Cardenas is currently serving his Velvet Fudge, and what makes it Low helped establish the OSU second term as president of the more than just a hole-in-the-wall FILMA, now in its second organization and is a senior at record shop on Lewis Street, is semester. OSU. the venue space. Low is the director of “The Release Radar is an event Connected to the record shop Showcase” and has spent the coordination agency that works is an unassuming concrete past five months working on it to connect local bands with room. Bobby Wintle, who as he filmed with his camera venues and bookings. Cardenas owned the space when it was on his shoulder. Low reflects on credits Release Radar as a “safe ‘The Bait Shop,’ referred to it that night after multiple hours of space” for the alternative scene as a “DIY punk venue.” The recording and preparation. to both exist and flourish at OSU. Showcase occurred on March “Mentally, it felt great, you He joined the executive team 27. It featured nine bands, all know? But I could tell–I hurt for his sophomore year and has performing on the same evening weeks,” Low said. since worked to strengthen the and stage. It was a come-and-go Low finished the film in July, Stillwater music scene through show, lasting from approximately but went through many rough Release Radar. 4 to 11, and is Velvet Fudge’s drafts before he felt that the “We had the idea to reach largest event to date. documentary was ready. out to the film club with Ryan The nine bands that played Friend and former roommate because we wanted to have at The Showcase are: Horse, Justin Thomas remembers being our big magnum opus show From Which They Thrive, asked for critiques of the film. filmed and put in for, like, a Letting Everything Go, Slice “I’ve seen the whole thing documentary for the local scene,” of Life, EZ4U2SEY, Unlikely maybe 20, 30 times, and just to Cardenas said. Roll, Bugjuice Blues, The Ugly see all of the other people getting EZ4U2SEY, the solo project Cowboys and Double Violets. to see it for the first time is pretty of student Lee Burns, found A majority of the bands are great,” Thomas said. “It almost its footing in Stillwater. “I just from Tulsa and Oklahoma City, feels like my baby too, but I know grabbed some musicians that I but the Stillwater scene has a that it’s all Ryan’s.” knew, and was like, ‘Hey, let’s more welcoming, expanding This isn’t the first film Low start performing,’” Burns said. alternative population. All of has contributed to “On The Burns found their bandmates these bands are indie-based, but Edge of Greatness,” a 2026 film and cohorts through the
Delaney Waterman STAFF REPORTER
Greenwood School of Music and classes within. Bands in the documentary, such as Unlikely Roll, have also credited the Greenwood School of Music with bringing people together, whether as artists or fans. Henry Ramsay, the current owner of the space and the backbone of Velvet Fudge, knew there was something special about the venue when he first acquired it. “You can’t just open a venue and have this sort of crowd and tight-knit community,l ike, that takes time,” Ramsay said. Ramsay also noted that the alternative scene seemed to be nonexistent when he began at OSU. “Maybe in my last two years I started to notice it,” Ramsay said. “Post-pandemic, I think, people just wanted to go to more shows and hadn’t in a long time.” Ramsay also reflected on how short Velvet Fudge has been
open, alongside the success it has seen as a live venue. Ramsay operates Velvet Fudge primarily by himself, and at times the workload is daunting, but it was always a dream floating in the back of his mind. “I’m still looking for the money, but I’m doing what I love, and I’m getting by, and that’s all I can really ask for,” Ramsay said. Low wants “The Showcase” to be received as not only a wellproduced piece, but also as a community connector. “I really want to speak to them personally, like, on that level,” Low said. “We interviewed the bands as well, so they get to even say, like, how they feel about the local scene and how much they all love each other, you know? I just want to get that message across.” As Wintle said, “The Bait Shop is dead, and Velvet Fudge lives.”
Nathan Sogge, The O’Colly ‘The Showcase’ film debuted at the Velvet Fudge record store and venue.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
Friday, September 11, 2026 Page 7A
News
9/11: Five documentaries to watch Matthew Sammon STAFF REPORTER
There have been many 102 Minutes that Changed the 9/11 attacks will take viewers documentaries made about 9/11 America through wild twists and turns, in the 25 years since the attacks, It is hard to conceive of the including tactical scrambling but few stand out among the rest. fact that the deadlist attack on of fighter jets, a misunderstood Here are a few must-watches American soil since Pearl Harbor threat code known as “Angel,” and some that are lesser known lasted only 102 minutes. and anti-anthrax pills. yet still impactful. This documentary takes viewers on a painstaking minuteThe Road to 9/11 9/11 (2002) by-minute retelling of each The other films mentioned There wouldn’t be footage dramatic moment of 9/11, from thus far focus primarily on the of American Airlines Flight 11 the attacks on the World Trade “what” and “when” of the 9/11 hitting the North Tower of the Center to the Pentagon and attacks, but “The Road to 9/11” World Trade Center if it wasn’t Flight 93. Another unique facet focuses on the “why” and “how.” for two French filmmakers and of this film is that it contains no The six hour, three part brothers, Jules and Gedeon voiceover narration whatsoever. docuseries spans the course of Naudet. Professional and raw amateur 2 decades in the initial lead-up The two brothers were footage combined with audio to the attacks in 2001. Steve embedded with the FDNY’s recordings and home videos Coll, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Ladder Company 1. They provide the audience with a author of “Ghost Wars” which were in Manhattan shooting visceral, haunting experience of chronicles events from the Soviet a documentary focused on having been there themselves. invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, a probationary firefighter, “102 Minutes that Changed to the dawn of the attacks on Antonios “Tony” Benetatos. America” won three primetime Sept. 10, 2001, served as the Jules was waking up his Emmy awards in 2009, including historical advisor for the series. camera when he began filming one for Outstanding Nonfiction Part one dives into the Battalion Chief Joseph Pfeiffer Special. unknown world of homegrown Payton Little, The O’Colly and other firemen as they domestic extremism before 9/11 investigated a reported gas leak, 9/11: Inside the President’s and its lead-up to the 1993 World Sept. 11, 2026, will be the quarter century mark since the 9/11 attacks. a typical routine job on just War Room Trade Center bombing. The another Tuesday. President George W. Bush had rise of the Osama Bin Laden That was until the attention only been sworn in as the 43rd network and subsequently Albut not before he had already followed, when Rescorla led of Pfeiffer and his crew was President of the United States Qaeda during the Bill Clinton served as a British Paratrooper in multiple evacuation drills despite suddenly drawn to a low and eight months prior to the 9/11 administration, is explored in Cyprus and as a police inspector backlash from business leaders loud jet engine up in the sky attacks. part 2. The third and final act in northern Rhodesia (now in the South Tower. above them. Jules panned his He was reading to an breaks down the critical failures Zambia). Rescorla’s uncanny foresight camera upward and captured elementary school class in and oversights by federal law After Vietnam, Rescorla and quick decision-making one of the most important events Sarasota, Fla. when Secret enforcement and intelligence pursued his undergraduate ultimately saved the lives of in American history. American Service agents notified him of agencies that allowed many degree from the University of over 2,700 people, nearly all of Airlines Flight 11 slammed into what was happening in New warning signs to go unnoticed. Oklahoma and received his law Morgan Stanley’s employees in the 93rd to 99th floor section of York. The documentary begins degree from Oklahoma City the South Tower. Rescorla was the North Tower as the firemen there, detailing every event The Man Who Predicted University. last seen going back into the were heard trying to make sense during the 12-hour timeline, 9/11 The documentary centers building to look for potential of what they just saw. from the 8:46 am North Tower The 9/11 attacks may have around Rescorla’s time as vice stragglers when the tower The rest of the documentary strike, to the historic 8:30 pm been a surprise for many, but for president of security for Morgan collapsed. continues with the raw footage address from President Bush Rick Rescorla it was something Stanley, the largest single tenant The documentary, released captured by the Naudet brothers inside the Oval Office. he had been thoroughly in the South Tower of the World in 2005 and narrated by actor as they documented the FDNY The play-by-play retelling preparing for. Trade Center, which occupied Benedict Cumberbatch, runs response. This is one of the of the attacks includes insider Rarely are individuals with as more than 22 floors. 50 minutes and chronicles the earliest 9/11 documentaries and perspectives with interviews many exploits as Rick Rescorla Following the 1993 World timeline of Rescorla’s heroic is still considered a must-watch from former Bush administration found outside of a Hollywood Trade Center bombing, Rescorla efforts as well as personal for anyone looking for firsthand officials such as former Vice script. Born in England, the came to a frightening conclusion. testimony from South Tower footage of the 9/11 attacks in President Dick Cheney, young Rescorla emigrated to The New York Port Authority survivors. New York from the perspective Condoleezza Rice and Colin the United States at 24 and was vulnerable to a potential of the FDNY. Powell. served in America’s opening terrorist attack by air. The This command-level view of engagement in the Vietnam War, film portrays the decade that news.ed@ocolly.com
‘The power of personal’ Caleson Coon
Edwards noted how he plans to work alongside Hess as dean. For Bryan Edwards, interim “He has a lot of initiatives dean of Spears School of around student engagement – Business, it’s through “the the strategic plan – we’re right power of personal” for the in the middle of a fundraising reflection of his leadership to campaign,” he said. “So, those students. big initiatives are things that Just weeks ago, President are going to be, you know, Jim Hess shared a leadership close to what we are, but also transition within Spears, going to work on.” which has entailed Jim Payne He also tied in how they’re stepping down as dean and going to be “right-aligned” Edwards being placed as with the Cowboy Code, as interim dean. many of the fundraising As Edwards begins to priorities are going to be what settle into this new role, the president wants to see. he acknowledged the new Edwards mentioned, in strategic plan released by the priority of fundraising, that university and how Spears there is a building that has yet intends to prioritize it. to be named, but scholarships “Well, we have a lot of are also high on the list. opportunities available too,” “We would like to do more Edwards said. “So, a lot of to support students, and it’s going to depend on what scholarships are a way that we we choose to take, but the can,” he said. university released a new He said that while there strategic plan just a few weeks aren’t any scholarships being ago, so that’s going to be implemented that aren’t one of the big priorities – is currently being utilized, to work on Spears schools it is all a part of a larger strategic plans so it aligns fundraising campaign, with the president and the The Code Calls, Oklahoma overall university.”
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
TO THE
State University’s $2 billion fundraising campaign as Edwards noted everything they do is “to try to support the students.” Edwards said chairs and professorships to support faculty are also a part of that, along with supporting the student groups across campus. “We have several new, you know, initiatives around real estate and in property management, trying to build the supply chain management,” he said. “So, we have some of these fundraising initiatives that have already been in place.” He said students see this by the energy that’s reflected from inside the doors of Spears, donors and alumni, mentioning that “will be the immediate thing.” “Then they’ll see it within their clubs, if we have the funds, to send them to trips, experiential trips, to visit businesses, to visit with sports teams, to do study abroad,” Edwards said. “So, they’ll see it at that level, and then, obviously, they’ll see it on
their personal bill if they’re awarded a scholarship.” As for leading through “the power of personal,” Edwards said it’s something he leans into due to his enjoyment of the relationship between himself and the students, staff and alumni of OSU. “I will be a visible dean,” Edwards said. news.ed@ocolly.com
Courtesy Oklahoma State University Edwards was announced interim dean for Spears on Aug. 26..
he t t ou k c e Ch
way! a e d i al H n i g i Or
SINCE 1957,
230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074
Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!
Page 8A Friday, September 11, 2026
O’Colly
News
From Ground Zero to Stillwater: OSU remembers 9/11 through one firefighters eyes Matthew Sammon STAFF REPORTER
A quarter century has passed since the 9/11 attacks, but for many, the day’s events are still freshly imprinted. “The scene was chaotic,” said Brian White’s retired fireman and Ground Zero first responder with the Yonkers Fire Department. Brian’s son Connor graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. White was off duty the morning of the attacks, opening the dog grooming shop he had co-owned with his wife in Harrison, New York. “A woman came in to drop off her dog crying, saying her brother was in the World Trade Center,” White said. Having not heard of what was happening down the road, White was initially unsure of what the crying customer was explaining. And suddenly, the calls from his fire station began to pour in. “Then my beeper went off and my store phone went off. That’s when I hopped in my car and drove to work,” he said. White was one of thousands of first responders recalled to duty in the surrounding New York area that morning. “Connor was just a baby at the time, so his mom decided to just take him to the beach and hang out there all day. We didn’t know what was happening at the time and figured it would be safe there.” America was under attack; that much was certain to firemen like White. But there was confusion and much speculation as to who could possibly carry out such a plot. By this time, both the North and South Towers had been hit and were burning uncontrollably at the impact zones. News of American Airlines Flight 77 hitting the Pentagon was beginning to spread. “I was going 90 [miles per hour] trying to get into work. When I got there, rigs were
already lined up and we were immediately getting sent out to backfill,” White said. White, assigned to Ladder 78, was sent to the Bronx to stage for moving into Manhattan. On Sept. 13, 2001, they were finally sent to Ground Zero and began work on “the pile.” “We were put on the bucket crews, just passing along buckets all day long,” he said. “The pile” was the unofficial name given to the tons of twisted steel and rubble of what remained of the twin towers. Toxic waste, structural instability and fires that still raged days after the initial collapses made for on the clean-up and recovery crews extremely hazardous. “They had a system of air horns. One, meant to stop. Two, meant to continue work and three meant to get the ---- off the pile,” White noted. He further emphasized that these air horn blasts became so frequent that everyone had begun to ignore them and continue work anyway. Another Yonkers fireman, whom White chose not to name, was working at the top of the pile, in front of the bucket crew line when he passed out due to the smoke. The crew relayed a stretcher up to the top and brought it back down again, this time carrying the Yonkers fireman. “I remember thinking, ‘Ah great, CNN is going to see this and think we just pulled a guy straight out of the rubble,’” he said. The initial days following the attacks were a whirlwind of emotions for many friends and family of people still missing as volunteers hoped to find anyone who could be alive buried beneath the rubble. Of the 2,773 people that were buried in the collapsed towers, only 20 were recovered alive in the rescue efforts. The continual failure of specially trained search and rescue canines to find live survivors led to hundreds of these dogs suffering from depression. Only 60% of the deceased have been identified through DNA forensic findings to this day, according to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical
Examiner. One of the most controversial and often forgotten aspects of the Ground Zero experience was the presence of toxic chemicals and hazardous material exposure to first responders. White shared that New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman “told us that the air was safe to breathe. I am still monitored by the 9/11 Program every year because of the fumes. I have a very good friend who was with the iron workers and he can barely walk because of it and he’s 58 years old, my age.” Gov. Whitman’s premature declaration of “safe air” and “clean water” caused many to expose themselves to a toxic chemical mix of asbestos, hazardous particulate matter and pulverized concrete. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Tuesday that he would release 170,000 documents about the air quality at Ground Zero. At least 9,677 people have died as a result of the toxic chemical exposure from working in and around Ground Zero and almost triple the number of those killed in the attacks, according to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program. First responders and volunteer crews scrambled for cover the night of Sept. 13, 2001, as a violent thunderstorm rolled into New York. “There was lightning, thunder and pouring rain,” White said. “There was some kind of emptied-out art store that had been turned into a makeshift ward, and there must’ve been about 150 guys crammed into that little area.” White described the moment as random and intense that perfectly captured the high tensions among the first responders. “That’s when two guys wearing FBI windbreakers walked in with a body bag; You could hear a pin drop,” he said. The two agents unzipped the bag to reveal that they had brought a bunch of dry clothes to the workers of the bucket crews. Soon after that, White, along with the rest of his Yonkers fire crew, was rotated back out to the
Bronx and then eventually back together as a country, because to their home station. His 24 that’s what we are. We’re one hours at Ground Zero were over. great nation under God.” “I knew quite a few people For White, it is important that who died; it was surreal, there the younger generations who was no joy, it was a very somber have now grown up without a period,” he recalled. memory of the attacks, learn While reflecting on the events from those who do remember. 25 years later, White shared his “Everyones heard about it, but thoughts on the country then many don’t know what really versus now. happened; their stories need to “We forgot what it was like, be revisited,” he said. it feels like it was completely In total, 2,977 lives were lost in forgotten – the hardest thing Lower Manhattan, Washington, for me is how far we’ve gone in D.C. and in a little field outside the opposite direction,” White Shanksville, Penn., 25 years ago. said. “For many people now, Sept. 11 also marks 14 Sept. 11 is merely a date in time. years since the attack on It doesn’t hold any emotional the U.S. Consulate and CIA or spiritual significance. We’ve Annex in Benghazi, Libya. forgotten what it was like to be U.S. Ambassador Christopher a nation that was ‘united.’ We’ve Stevens, U.S. Foreign Service forgotten how [it feels] to care Information Management more about someone else’s needs Officer Sean Smith and two CIA than our own.” contractors and former Navy OSU Young Americans for SEALs, Tyrone Woods and Glen Liberty Chapter (YAL) member, Doherty lost their lives the night Nathan Williams, echoed White’s of Sept. 11 2012. sentiments. August marked five years “It may not seem like such since the Abbey Gate bombing a big deal now, ‘cause it’s 25 during the Kabul airlift. The blast years later, ‘cause all these claimed the lives of 13 service college students – they don’t members, marking the final remember – but it was a big deal deaths in a war that began on when it happened,” Williams Sept. 11, 2001. emphasized. 7,074 U.S. military service “We’re planting 2,977 flags members have been killed in in honor of all the lives lost action during the Global War on during 9/11,” said Caleb Buxton, Terror with troops still operating President of OSU’s YAL chapter, in anti-terror operations 25 years while planting flags on the after the war’s start. library lawn Tuesday morning. White retired as a captain from “We’re doing this as a moment the Yonkers Fire Department in to try and bring the community 2020 after 26 years of service. For together, help us plant flags in him, 25 years later, the story of remembrance and not bring 9/11 isn’t just about the attacks politics or anything into it.” themselves, but about how the “If you really think about it, country came together to rebuild that’s one of the last times our and remember. country truly came together “There were so many people on a mass scale – I think,” said that came out to help wherever Thomas Hatfield, OSU senior they could. They didn’t ask if and YAL member. you were a Republican or a Hatfield remarked on his Democrat; they didn’t care about feelings in regard to what 9/11 the color of your skin or to which means to him. God you prayed,” White said. “I think what we could really “They just knew that a fellow learn from it is the need to come human being might be in need together as a country, because of assistance and that was all that there’s so many things that divide mattered.” us now, things that on paper shouldn’t necessarily divide us, maybe,” Hatfield said. “I think that cases like these are times when we need to learn to put our differences aside and come news.ed@ocolly.com
Brian White’s son Connor is an Oklahoma State alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Noah Rejda-McCleery, The O’Colly
Game On, Stillwater! Lock in Great Fall Savings on Fiber Internet
1 Gig Internet
50
INCLUDES 1-YEAR PRICE LOCK
$
/mo*
Proud partner of
Special Offer Get up to a
$100
Visa Rewards Card when you order online
*Offer expires 09/30/2026. Rewards Cards are issued by U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. ©2026 U.S. Bank. Advertised offer only available for U.S. residents, 18+ who are new residential customers in fiber serviceable areas. See offer details at mybluepeak.com/offer-details.
mybluepeak.com/stillwater
Friday, September 11, 2026
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris looks ahead to No. 6 Oregon after the season-opening loss to Tulsa.
‘There needs to be a ton of growth’ OSU looks to bounce back against Oregon BY WESTON WERTZBERGER
O
klahoma State has one week to fix the problems that surfaced against Tulsa before one of the nation’s best teams comes to Boone Pickens Stadium. The Cowboys lost 24-10 to Tulsa
in their season opener, turning the ball over four times and failing to score twice on four trips to the red zone. Now, Oregon comes to Stillwater on Saturday for OSU’s first major test of the season. “Obviously, when you see, you build something up to where you
I
SPORTS EDITOR
want to do, you want to play the best,” said Eric Morris, Cowboys head coach. “[Oregon] is a team that is up there in the conversation to being one of the best in the nation this year, and rightfully so. It’s something we’ve got to go out there, and we’ve got to get one
game better.” Morris acknowledged that while the Cowboys didn’t get on the right path to start the season, now is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate and gather themselves.
See OREGON on page 3B
Bodnar brings newfound joy to the gridiron after brain infection Ryan Ruston
create [an] explosive play just by one person not being in the right spot. So, I think we showed that we Christian Bodnar is ready to lead can be a great defense, but we just a defensive bounce-back. had to have competitive stamina to One of the lone bright spots in do it for a full game.” the Cowboys’ 24-10 loss to Tulsa on That success dried up in the Saturday was the defense, especially second half with the offense putting in the first half. the defense in bad spots at times. “I don’t think they had any third- The defense allowed two seconddown conversions,” Bodnar said. half touchdowns that sealed the “So, we were very great on third game for the Golden Hurricane. The down. It was just a lot of plays Cowboys look to bounce back from where we just didn’t align right or that Week 1 loss with No. 6 Oregon maybe didn’t do our job. Maybe one coming to Stillwater on Saturday. person didn’t do the job, and it can
STAFF REPORTER
See BODNAR on page 2B Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Tate Romney is the oldest player on Oklahoma State’s roster.
From injuries to leadership Tate Romney’s journey to OSU Will Thorogood
STAFF REPORTER
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Christian Bodnar was hospitalized during the 2024 season and was diagnosed with post-infectious encephalitis.
Four years ago, Tate Romney began his collegiate career at BYU after serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints between Bahia Blanca, Argentina, and San Antonio, Texas. After that time, which included marrying his wife, Taylor, and welcoming a baby boy, he is now at his third school, being the oldest player on
Oklahoma State’s roster. During that period, Romney dealt with a broken arm and an ankle injury in 2024 at Arizona State, which almost led to him walking away from the game of football. He persevered through that hurdle, continued his football career and rebounded last season before transferring to OSU. He started his career at BYU in 2022, but did not get off to the best start. Romney appeared in only three games and recorded no stats for the Cougars, which led him to redshirt and transfer to ASU.
See ROMNEY on page 4B
WHAT’S INSIDE 2B
Christensen: Is it time for OSU to panic?
3B
OSU facing adveristy earlier than expected
5B
New soccer challenge rule
Page 2B Friday, September 11, 2026
sports Is it time to panic for OSU?
Column
Timothy Christensen STAFF REPORTER
It is hard to imagine a worse debut for the new look Oklahoma State football team than Saturday’s game. Many OSU fans traveled an hour east and braced for the triple-digit heat in H.A. Chapman Stadium to see the Cowboys take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. The away crowd turnout was highly unusual for a team that finished 1-11 last season, but an offseason full of change and optimism completely changed how people viewed OSU. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, that “new car smell” wore off quickly after TU controlled the season opener and beat OSU 24-10. The loss extended OSU’s FBS losing streak to 21 games, the longest active streak. Are the Cowboys destined to repeat the disappointment of the last two seasons, or will Morris’ crew rebound from the loss against TU? Here are reasons to believe in each: Reason for panic: The team in Tulsa was not the team promised in the offseason Lots of statements were made about this 2026 team inside and outside the locker room. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker talked at Big 12 Media Days about his mindset of “winning wherever we go,” and Morris said he wanted his team to “believe we can go out there and dominate.” What was once confidence can quickly look like arrogance if the team doesn’t start winning games. Morris understands the new situation his team is in compared to the offseason. “There’s no way that we don’t leave this thing right now and feel all that momentum coming to a screeching halt,” Morris said. “It’s really easy to lead when things are going well. It’s hard to lead when things are going well and you get punched in the mouth like that.”
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Oklahoma State lost its season opening football game 24-10 at Tulsa.
repeat the process with Morris. In his first season coaching at North Texas, Morris was blown out 58-21 by Cal in the season opener and finished 5-7. Two years later, North Texas was competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Maybe Morris will have a similar trajectory in Stillwater.
be the best quarterback OSU has had in the last couple of years, and that hype was not fabricated. Mestemaker led the FBS in passing yards last season as a freshman and led his team to a conference championship game. His talent is still there; it is just about unlocking it. He’s also been praised for his leadership. Even after the loss, receiver Wyatt Young backed his quarterback. “Drew’s the most level-headed quarterback, level-headed guy I’ve ever met,” Young said. “He’s excited. He’s optimistic. He never puts his head down. He’s a leader. He knows that, so he never wants us to see him crashing out.”
Reason for panic: The Cowboys have a TU problem The week of the game, Morris stated that “Tulsa has our full attention,” which made a lot of sense. TU’s win last year was the final nail in the coffin for Gundy. TU head coach Tre Lamb called out OSU by saying, “We’re going to beat their a-- again,” during the offseason. One more reason for panic: Despite the extra talent and The Oregon Ducks motivation for this season’s Oregon is a brutal opponent for matchup, the game was extremely the Cowboys to face as they try to similar to last season. OSU’s turn their season around. offense struggled for most of the It embarrassed OSU last year game, and the defense didn’t get in a 69-3 rout of Gundy’s crew. enough stops to keep them in it. After a 34-27 win against Boise The Cowboys will play far more State to start this year, the Ducks talented teams in the future, so want to get another statement their inability to keep up with win in Boone Pickens Stadium on TU is concerning for a team still Saturday. searching for its first conference Oregon ranked No. 2 in the win in three years. AP preseason poll. Morris “On paper we got more understands the challenge his Reason for belief: Morris has resources, we got more history, we team faces. time got all this stuff, and that’s why “We got a lot of problems to One game will not define they played the games, right?” fix,” Morris said. “[Oregon is] Morris at OSU, nor should it. Bad Morris said. “So, for a second year coming into town next week. And games are bound to happen; he in a row, they reign supreme on if they watch that film, they’ll be must prove they won’t happen us right now on the football field, licking their chops.” regularly. and that’s a fact.” Maybe Saturday was just a bad OSU has shown a willingness to first step. If it wasn’t, the Cowboys be patient with its head coaches. Reason for belief: are headed toward a much bigger Morris’ predecessor, Mike Mestemaker has proven he problem than a loss to TU. Gundy, spent over two decades can play better leading OSU despite ending his Whether due to poor first season with a 4-7 record. offensive line play or just Gundy ultimately rewarded accuracy, Mestemaker missed OSU’s patience with years of throws against TU. consistency, and it makes sense to However, he was expected to sports.ed@ocolly.com
sports.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
Bodnar
Continued from 1B Bodnar is Bodnar was no stranger to fourth on the team adversity. He was with 44 tackles one of the three and recorded two players to win the sacks and two pass 2025 Comeback breakups. Player of the Year Bodnar and the award. He was rest of the defense hospitalized during are welcoming the 2024 season the challenge that and was diagnosed they will face at 11 with post-infectious a.m. on Saturday encephalitis. at Boone Pickens Post-infectious Stadium. encephalitis is an “We’re excited inflammation of that we have this the brain caused opportunity in front when your immune of us,” Bodnar said. system mistakenly “To go showcase attacks healthy what we can do. brain cells days or Obviously, we weeks after a viral didn’t do that last or bacterial illness. week, but we have “It could happen to keep moving to anybody in any forward regardless. given moment,” “Regardless of Bodnar said. “I was if we’ve won last having like stroke- week, then we got like symptoms this week now, and before but never then it would be had a stroke. My the same thing for body had just shut the next week. No down on the right matter who we play, side because my who the opponent brain was swelling.” is. We gotta go in Bodnar made with a mindset that a full recovery we’re gonna win and returned to throughout the play the following week, and that’s season, but at one what we gotta do point that seemed here.” impossible. Bodnar plays with “The scariest joy on the field, not moment was taking any of it for whenever I granted, because honestly thought you never know it could have when it’ll be the been permanent,” last time you take Bodnar said. “That the field. I could’ve had “Every day is permanent swelling joyful for me to in the brain, and even be out here I didn’t know if I playing football,” was ever going to be Bodnar said. “I can’t able to walk again. take nothing for “Some days granted, and it can after that, I was be hard sometimes. on prednisone, Like, even as a and it caused the football player, I swelling to go gotta remind myself down in my brain. every day, this is So as the swelling something that I’m went down in my blessed to do. This brain, I slowly got is a great sport, a control back on beautiful sport, and my right side … as I love that. I love the swelling went the fact that I get to down in my brain, I play it.” eventually got back to being myself.” Bodnar came back to start nine games in 2025 at Liberty. sports.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
sports
Friday, September 11, 2026 Page 3B
OSU football faces early adversity after Tulsa loss
Hawkins looks forward to the guys — I mean Mercer, challenge in front of him. Johnny Dickson, all those “I think we’re welcoming guys have played plenty of the challenge,” Hawkins said. football and should be able to “Excited to showcase what we step up and take that void.” can prove to the world. Like The defense was one of I said before, grow and show the few bright spots for the that we’re acceptable and we Cowboys in the last game. can do what we can do.” The unit forced the Golden The offensive line has a Hurricane to punt four times difficult situation to handle, as and recorded an interception Sexton’s season-ending injury early in the fourth quarter. results in OSU not having a The players on that unit left tackle set in stone. Per the remain confident they can depth chart, Desmond Magiya handle adversity. and Shaun Torgeson are listed Safety Christian Bodnar is at the left tackle position also welcoming the challenge. with an “or” between the “The past [is] getting two names. Magiya replaced behind us,” Bodnar said. Sexton at left tackle in the “[It’s] not some sort of big Chance Marick, The O’Colly adversity that we got going OSU suffered a disapointing loss to Tulsa in week 1. The Cowboys look to turn their season around on Saturday. game against TU. Center Tyler Mercer talked into it. We just got a great about how he and the other opportunity in front of us. Will Thorogood Boone Pickens Stadium and after a tight 34-27 home win offensive linemen have So we’re pushed past the STAFF REPORTER the offensive line dealing with over Boise State at Autzen handled this situation. adversity, and now we got an Jacob Sexton’s season-ending Stadium in Eugene. “It’s the next man up opportunity that we got to go Oklahoma State entered leg injury. The Ducks overcame a mentality,” Mercer said. “It’s take.” the Tulsa game ready to flip Morris said the players have 17-7 deficit by scoring 17 football; it’s a physical game. Linebacker Tate Romney the switch on the program’s responded in mixed ways to unanswered to take a 24-17 We love Jacob, and we’re is not new to these types of direction after the last two the adversity from the loss to lead toward the end of the going to miss Jacob. There’s challenges. years. the Golden Hurricane. third quarter. The Broncos no doubt that’s a big loss. We “... My first year at ASU, Unfortunately for Eric “That’s how it’s going tied it shortly after, and the can’t sit and dwell on that we went 3-9 that season,” Morris and the players, to be; there’s going to be teams traded field goals in because we’ve got 11 games Romney said. “Had to deal adversity has entered the certain people that have their the fourth quarter to tie it at left.” with a lot of adversity, a lot of locker room quickly, with a feelings hurt,” Morris said. 27-27. Morris discussed how much losses. And teams, when they disappointing 24-10 loss to A few minutes later, of a blow Sexton’s injury is, lose, especially towards the the Golden Hurricane and the “Then you’re going to have some guys that have the Dante Moore sliced a pass but also spoke highly of the beginning of the season, they No. 6 Oregon Ducks coming right mentality, and they’re to Dakorien Moore on a other offensive linemen and can really get down and it can to Stillwater on Saturday for competitors at heart — they crossing route, and the how confident he is in those spiral. … A team with a lot of Morris’ first home game. got some dog in them, fight receiver proceeded to put two guys filling that gap. talent can spiral because of There have been high in them and they’re going to defenders on ice skates before “... A captain that was voted one loss or a few losses. expectations for the Cowboys turning on the afterburners on [by] his teammates, a guy “That’s something I made entering this season, and one come back and respond the right way. for a 62-yard touchdown that’s just been phenomenal sure to communicate to my of them was to get payback “I thought that we practiced reception. from a leadership role for teammates: ‘We can’t let it against TU after the result of good [on Tuesday]. I thought That play would be the us up front and kind of our spiral.’ We know that we have last year’s game. OSU was it was something where deciding factor for Oregon, vocal leader up to this point,” a lot of potential, and we can unable to do so, and now there’s a bunch of leadership which looks to improve to 3-0 Morris said. “You lose him turn things around; we just adversity strikes early, with against the Cowboys all-time. early, so somebody else has have to have positivity.” Oregon being the first sitting and guys stepping up.” Oregon comes to Stillwater Running back Caleb got to step up. But we have Big Ten member to play at sports.ed@ocolly.com
Romney
season. On the first play of his first game back for ASU, Continued from 1B Romney injured his ankle. When he returned a month later, Romney earned a special His first year with the Sun teams role down the stretch Devils saw a big jump in and finished the year with five production. Romney was tied tackles in seven appearances. for fourth on the team with That season, he considered 52 tackles, adding four tackles walking away from football for loss and one sack. He also as the injuries affected him recorded four pass breakups physically and mentally. and one fumble recovery in 12 Romney persevered and games, starting 11. overcame that hurdle, keeping Romney played the most his career rolling. snaps of any freshman He spoke about what those linebacker in the Pac-12 setbacks felt like. with 543, which marked the “I think it was difficult just sixth-most of any freshman because injuries stacked on linebacker in the FBS and the themselves,” Romney said. “... 25th-most of any freshman Obviously, it takes a physical defender, regardless of toll, but there’s a mental toll position. that injuries take as well. Just However, the next season the place I was at in life — brought Romney difficult starting a family, having a kid, challenges early on. He broke his arm toward the I thought, ‘Maybe it was time to move on.’ end of fall camp, sidelining “I ended up finding that love him for the first half of the
for the game again throughout last year, Romney played in 10 a few games last year, and games, making 13 tackles, six ended up wanting to keep solo stops, a pass breakup and going and really give myself a fumble recovery. He had at another shot to live out my least one tackle in six games, dreams to be able to play in the with multiple stops in four NFL.” games. Between his redshirt This year has already turned sophomore and redshirt junior into a big year for Romney. year, he and Taylor welcomed Along with transferring their baby boy, Bodie, in April to OSU, he and Taylor are 2025. Romney now had to expecting a baby girl this fall. dedicate time to football, class As the oldest player on the and taking care of his son. roster, Romney is seen as a He talked about how vocal leader on the field. difficult it is to balance time Safety Christian Bodnar between all of those things. spoke about what Romney’s “It’s really time-consuming,” leadership is like for the Romney said. “It’s a lot defense. of balancing out different “He talks, he’s loud, he priorities. ... I’ve had to learn communicates,” Bodnar said. to manage my time really well “Even though he’s kind of a and place different things to do quiet guy, or he seems like a with different priorities, so that quiet guy, he’s actually very when I’m home I can focus on outgoing, and he knows how my family.” to lead the team and get guys Along with being an together.” Academic All-Big 12 honoree Cowboys head coach Eric
Morris talked about what he’s seen from Romney’s leadership. “I think Tate’s in a whole different phase of life than most people,” Morris said. “He’s got a kid that’s out at practice most days, running around and watching him practice with his wife, and he has another kid on the way. “I just think his maturity stands out — the way he conducts business and somebody who, obviously, goes home to a different set of problems than the rest of our players, the majority of our players. I think you can really just see in moments just how mature he is.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Page 4B Friday, September 11, 2026
sports Morris, OSU carry a pair of streaks into home opener
O’Colly
Entering Saturday’s game, OSU will look to continue its homeEric Morris is opener win streak. preparing to do The Cowboys have something that hasn’t been done in more than won 30-straight home openers, the longest 30 years: active streak and the Make his home debut third longest all-time. as the head coach of a During that streak, the new school against an Cowboys have faced two AP Top 6 team. ranked opponents, and On Sept. 16, 1995, Gerry DiNardo led LSU the inaugural game of the stretch was a 23-20 in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge against No. overtime win against 5 Auburn. This Saturday, Missouri State. The Cowboys have Morris and Oklahoma only had four head State will host No. 6 coaches since 1996: Bob Oregon. Simmons, Les Miles, The Ducks will be Mike Gundy and Morris, the highest-ranked nonconference opponent when the win streak started. While most Chance Marick, The O’Colly OSU welcomes into Oklahoma State has won it’s last 30 home openers. of those 30 seasons Stillwater since the resulted in a bowl Arkansas, South Dakota one.” Morris believes the Cowboys hosted No. 2 game appearance, OSU State and UT Martin. As for the other side Cowboys can right their Arkansas in 1978. Saturday’s game of the coin, OSU now wrongs from their 24-10 While Oregon presents didn’t reach the six-win requirement for a bowl against Oregon is a has the longest active loss to Tulsa. a test for OSU, the eight times, including sellout, and Morris had losing streak against FBS “We have another Cowboys have a wellthe last two seasons. this to say when he was opponents. opportunity,” Morris known fanbase that OSU has faced a mix asked how much of the The Cowboys have said. “A great packs Boone Pickens home-opener winning dropped 21 straight opportunity. When you Stadium, and although it of competition levels in those 30 games. streak was a testament to against FBS opponents, build something up to will be Morris’ first game Two of those games the fans. dating back to Sept. 14, what you want to do, you in Stillwater, Oregon came against Power “I don’t know yet,” 2024. Only seven of those want to play the best. head coach Dan Lanning Four schools, both SEC Morris said. “Obviously 21 games were one-score This is a team that’s up believes the fans will schools, when OSU there’s something that’s games. Saturday marks there in conversation to pack BPS. hosted No. 25 Mississippi been good. But I haven’t nearly two years since be one of the best in the “I know this will be his State in 1998 and No. been able to experience they have defeated an nation this year.” first home game there,” 13 Georgia in 2009. that. Obviously, gameday FBS opponent. Lanning said. “I’m sure The Cowboys have also atmosphere is something This weekend, OSU it will be an unbelievable that people have taken will see one streak end atmosphere. I’ve actually hosted 16 FCS schools pride in for a long time and another continue, never coached there, but during that streak, including the last three around here. I’m excited and with No. 6 Oregon I know they do a really seasons against Central to experience my first coming to Stillwater, good job.” Cayden Cox
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Oregon
points. Those are like Oregon in the 2023 Fiesta “Definitely hard with team views the Cowboys situational football and Bowl as a member of the Jacob, but also just differently this season Continued from 1B understanding, and being Liberty Flames, knows motivated,” Mercer because of the roster able to really lock in in how quickly the Ducks said. “Just asking for turnover and coaching “I’m excited because those key moments and can create explosive plays. broader shoulders and change. I know exactly where go out there and make a “With a team like realizing that we’ve “It is a new team, a we’re at right now as a play is something that we Oregon, you got to be able gotta take another step, lot of new faces in that program, as a team, where didn’t do. That’s where we to just stay with them,” evidently, with this unit program,” Lanning said. we did OK, where we performed so poorly, in Bodnar said. “Like they’re coming up this weekend; “I think they have over 90 were just awful, and you my opinion, in this game, going to be able to find obviously that’s gonna be new faces in that program, start making a checklist in the passing game.” a way to manipulate the a challenge. Kind of just so it is going to look a lot of things you’ve got to Those situations will defense. They have a great motivated to take that different than the last time improve on,” Morris said. become even more coaching staff. They’re next step and have a good we faced this team.” That checklist includes important against Oregon, going to find a way to challenge.” Lanning also isn’t multiple key components. which enters Saturday motion some guys around OSU will also need a putting much stock in Quarterback Drew ranked No. 6 in the AP and show you different bounce-back performance OSU’s season-opening Mestemaker missed a few Top 25 after a 34-27 win formations. from Mestemaker after he loss. throws that could’ve been against Boise State. The “So I just feel like as threw two interceptions “I don’t put a ton of completed, the offensive Ducks had 497 yards of long as you can limit them in his first game as the stock that they didn’t win line didn’t protect as much offense in the win, with making big explosive Cowboys’ quarterback. the game,” Lanning said. as needed, the defense quarterback Dante Moore plays, you can stick with Running back Caleb “You look at the scheme, allowed the opponent to throwing for 378 yards them all day.” Hawkins said Mestemaker and it has been effective bust through, etc. Overall, and three touchdowns. The Ducks also present returned Monday ready everywhere he has been the team needs to work on Morris said OSU’s a challenge for an OSU to move forward from the from Incarnate Word situational football. defense will need to make offensive line that will performance. to Washington State to The biggest issue against Moore uncomfortable have to adjust after losing “[Mestemaker’s] super North Texas and now to Tulsa wasn’t necessarily rather than allow him to left tackle Jacob Sexton to vocal,” Hawkins said. “He Oklahoma State, “They’ve moving the ball, but what sit in the pocket and work an injury against Tulsa. came back on Monday created a lot of points happened once OSU got through his reads. Morris said the Cowboys at practice and told us wherever they’ve been.” into scoring position. “Well, we’ve got to be have multiple experienced straight up: ‘Hey, that’s For OSU, that leaves one The Cowboys moved able to affect the passer at players who can step unacceptable. We’re not week to show its season the ball well at times, some point, right?” Morris into the position, but gonna have a performance opener didn’t accurately finishing with 368 total said. “I mean, this guy the competition will like that again. We’re reflect what this team can yards and 27 first downs. is super talented, right? come down to the best gonna pass the ball better, become. But four trips into Tulsa Projected top-10 pick, if performer during the we’re gonna run the ball The Cowboys don’t need territory resulted in you just sit back there week. better and we’re just to erase everything that zero points, while OSU and give him a ton of “Whoever practices the gonna get everything in happened against Tulsa. converted just 5-for-16 time to go through reads, best this week,” Morris harmony again.” Rather, they need to show third downs and 2-for-6 he’s probably going to do said. “So, we’ll see who Oregon isn’t they learned from it. fourth downs. a pretty good job getting gives us the best chance to approaching Saturday as “There needs to be a ton “… You look at our the ball to where it needs win.” a repeat of last season’s of growth from Game 1 to money downs — third to go. So being able to get Center Tyler Mercer matchup, when the Game 2 for our program,” downs and fourth downs him off of his spot at some said the offensive line Ducks defeated OSU 69-3 Morris said. — atrocious,” Morris point, and that’s easier understands the challenge at Autzen Stadium in said. “You look at our red said than done.” ahead and knows it needs Eugene. zone, and we got to the Safety Christian Bodnar, to improve after the Tulsa Oregon head coach red zone four different who played against game. Dan Lanning said his times, atrocious. No sports.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
Friday, September 11, 2026 Page 5B
sports
Cowgirl golf opens season with ninth-place finish at Folds of Honor Collegiate
Courtesy OSU Athletics
Marta Silchenko headlines Oklahoma State’s list of ranked individuals, sitting at No. 29 overall.
entered a competitive field Monday, facing off against teams including No. 8 Oklahoma State Cowgirl Florida State, No. 6 Duke Golf opened the 2026and No. 4 Texas A&M in 27 season with a ninth the 12-team spread. The overall finish in this week’s Seminoles claimed victory Folds of Honor Collegiate by one stroke over the tournament. Aggies in Wednesday’s The Cowgirls finished final round, with an 24-over par after 54 holes overall score of 3-under of play at the American par 861. Dunes Golf Club in Grand The tournament started Haven, Mich. The threerough for the Cowgirls, day event, now in its fifth who sat at an 11-overyear, featured 15 men’s and par 299 through the first 12 women’s teams. round. They had a brief The No. 18 Cowgirls resurgence from a 3-overMatthew Sammon STAFF REPORTER
par 291 second round before falling back with a 10-over-par 298 outing on Wednesday afternoon. The Cowgirls placed ninth overall with a 24-over-par 888. Louise Depadt, a Tarleton State transfer and two-time WAC player of the year, carded a 2-overpar 218 in her debut as a Cowgirl, finishing tied for 18th in player rankings on Wednesday. Senior Marta Silchenko and junior Summer Lee opened well for OSU, both
shooting a 73 on Monday. Silchenko’s six consecutive top-10 finishes came to an end Wednesday when she tied for 26th place in individual player rankings with a 6-over-par 222. Lee tied for 32nd place, having shot 7-over-par 223 throughout the week. Junior Tarapath Panya fielded an impressive second round, with a 1-under-par finish that included four birdies. Panya’s 9-over-par 225 finish through 54 holes also came with career
birdie number 150. Senior Ellie Bushnell sat at 14 over par through two rounds before a slightly improved 5-over-par outing on the last day of play placed her at No. 51 at 19-over-par 235. Head coach Annie Young and the Cowgirls are set to travel to Norman for the Schooner Fall Classic at Belmar Golf Club Sept. 19-20.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Two jokers in the deck
OSU soccer adjusts to new challenge rule Marcus Mesis
work out, or maybe you think it’s obvious and it doesn’t work out.” Even with a willingness to It’s like having two jokers in use them, head coach Colin your deck of cards. Carmichael is not a fan of the That’s what Oklahoma State new rule. He draws a distinction associate head coach Justin between video review and Elkington thinks about the coaches’ challenges, liking video new coaches’ challenges that review but not extending that to the NCAA instituted in college challenges. soccer this season. “It’s interesting I’m not a huge A coach gets two challenges fan,” Carmichael said. “I like per game to trigger a video video review, and I don’t have a review for many things, problem with the officials using including spot fouls, red cards or it to put it on the coaches — it offside related to a goal. For the almost feels like there’s a sense of first 80 minutes, the ref can only maybe we’re trying to make the start a video review if the ball referees look bad by challenging went over the line; clock issues their call as opposed to maybe and everything else must be them not being sure and going challenged. and looking at their own call.” The reaction has been mixed The Cowgirls have used even within OSU soccer; the coaches’ challenges across their players generally like the games to get chances back or challenges, but the coaches take them away from their aren’t as big of fans. That doesn’t opponents. mean that the coaching staff isn’t When the Cowgirls faced willing to use them. Southeast Missouri State on “You have them, so you might Sunday, the joker came out. as well use them,” Elkington Carmichael would challenge said. “So you know whether you after SEMO forward Maci like to play cards with jokers or Hatzenbuehler’s goal. without jokers. It’s two jokers Carmichael challenged a foul that you can use. So we get some before the goal that he felt of the stuff that goes on is there allowed the attacker to get into has to be clear and obvious, and the attack. The challenge was there’s a lot of time spent at those successful, and the goal was monitors where it just kind of disallowed. goes away. We’ll leave it at that.” “I’m glad I did it,” Carmichael The players are also getting said. “Still not a huge fan of the used to challenges as something challenges, but they’re in there a coach can do, but OSU for a reason. We felt like Brenna midfielder Laudan Wilson got clipped out on the sideline in recognizes the staff’s willingness the lead-up to the goal, and that’s to use them. what allowed their kid to run in “I think Colin’s very open to on goal. And the video showed challenging plays whenever he that. or the player deems that it was “So yeah, that’s why the video a foul or something happened,” replay’s in there, and the officials Wilson said. “I mean, yeah, it may have looked at it anyway if is two jokers because it can get we weren’t doing challenges. But used against you or it could not we just felt like it was enough of STAFF REPORTER
Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly Coaches can now challenge select calls in college soccer: OSU coach Collin Carmichael is not a fan of the new rule.
a foul to at least warrant another matchup, midfielder Kenny look, and then it’s up to the ref to Moore scored the apparent tiebreaking goal, but it was called say whether they agree or not.” offside. After an SDSU challenge, When a goal is taken away the offside was upheld, but that from a team off a challenge, doesn’t change how it felt for it impacts the players on the Cowgirls goalkeeper Avery Bass, field. It can give the team that who had to use that visual goal challenges a bit of life, but if it as motivation for the rest of the goes against a player’s team, it can feel demoralizing after seeing game. “That first one sucked, but I one go in that doesn’t count. pretty much had the exact same “It’s awesome,” Keaton Mitchell said. “I mean, [Sunday] situation happen again,” Bass worked in our favor, but I mean said. “I knew that I could have made the same mistake twice. So it just keeps the game honest, yeah, I saw that, and the offside so I think today works in our favor. Hopefully, down the line it one was really lucky, but with won’t work not in our favor. But five minutes left, you got to lock you know, it just keeps the game in and forget about it.” A player’s position can affect honest. I also like it. I’m always like going like this, so yeah, I like how they feel about coaches’ challenges. For forwards who get it.” fouled often, it can feel like a way Not every challenge is to keep the game honest. Cowgirl successful; San Diego State forward Gracie Bindbeutel got a challenged an offside call that penalty kick off a challenge that went against the Aztecs Sept. 3. she netted for a goal. In the 86th minute of the
“I like them because obviously, at first, they didn’t call it a penalty; it was just going to be a free kick,” Bindbeutel said. “So, if we can get the opportunity to check it and see what it actually was, then I’m all for it.” One reason Cowgirl players have been successful with challenges is the trust that Carmichael has in his players. Forward Jada Moorman feels that Carmichael’s willingness to challenge plays that his players want him to help build trust and camaraderie with the team. “Honestly, it’s amazing,” Moorman said. “I think it says a lot more about him, and it makes us trust him more because he believes in us and he trusts us to make those decisions. So I just think it says something about him as a coach.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
Page 6B Friday, September 11, 2026
O’Colly
sports
OSU football roundtable
What is the most concerning area for OSU? O’Colly Staff
10 times throughout the OSU cannot afford to waste game, lost a fumble on the that many opportunities and first drive in the third quarter expect to stay competitive. In Oklahoma State’s Week and threw an interception on The offensive line and 1 upset loss to Tulsa, the OSU’s last two drives of the Mestemaker’s struggles Cowboys had major flaws. game. certainly played a role, With No. 6 Oregon coming The left tackle position is but the bigger concern is into Stillwater, The O’Colly now going to be a question that OSU needs to turn staff picked out what they mark, as no player has been its yardage into points thought was OSU’s biggest solidified as the starting left consistently. - Weston concern; here’s what they tackle going forward. There Wertzberger had to say. is an “or” written between Magiya and Torgeson at left Offense as a whole Offensive Line tackle on the depth chart for When OSU hired Eric OSU’s offensive line had the game against Oregon. Morris, an offense-minded question marks before the With left tackle being the head coach, the consensus season, but after Jacob most important position on was that he and the 19 Sexton’s injury, those the O-line, Oregon could transfers from North Texas, question marks turned into take advantage of OSU’s combined with other Power a problem. The Cowboys’ uncertainty at that spot on Four transfer talent, would O-line looked lost once he Saturday. - Will Thorogood have an offense similar to the left the game. Mean Green’s in 2025 that In the small sample size 3rd and 4th down led the country in points per with Sexton on the field, offense game. OSU recorded 6.8 yards The OSU offense, Week 1 in Tulsa was the per play. Once he left the surrounded by hype this complete opposite, as the game, that number dropped offseason, didn’t quite live offensive play-calling was to 4.1. Drew Mestemaker up to expectations in its first quite stale and may have was sacked twice and the game; the most concerning reminded Cowboy fans of pocket collapsed on him part was its inability to finish the Kasey Dunn days at 10 times. Running the ball possessions. OSU. High-profile Power was a struggle as well; Caleb The Cowboys had 368 total Four transfer receivers, Hawkins ran for 25 yards on yards and 27 first downs, Chris Barnes and Justin the opening drive, but only but that production resulted Bowick, combined for seven had 54 yards the remainder in only 10 points, with four receptions, and the running of the game. drives into Tulsa territory back room seemingly did not Desmond Magiya and resulting in no points. OSU have a hole all day long. The Shaun Torgeson will fill in also turned the ball over four talent is certainly there, but for Sexton at the left tackle times and went just 5-for-16 the offense needs to get those position and will have to on third down and 2-for-6 on star players opportunities. stabilize the trenches for the fourth down. Ben Schatzel Cowboys. - Cayden Cox The Cowboys had The Cowboys struggled to Once Sexton was carted off multiple drives that ended muster anything on offense the field early in the Tulsa in turnovers, failed fourthin what was supposed to be game, the offensive line lost a down conversions and stalled their strength. They couldn’t lot of protection. possessions instead of points. get their speed players out Mestemaker was hurried Against a team like Oregon, into open space, but the
STAFF REPORT
Cowboys didn’t look like the quarterback, Mestemaker more athletic team on the was supposed to be a breath field last Saturday. of fresh air. At times, Tulsa’s interior After the Tulsa game, defensive line bullied the however, his play has offensive guards. They inspired more questions were also not the betterthan answers. He struggled conditioned team. If they to make easy throws and can’t get into shape quickly, it couldn’t push the ball will be a long season on both downfield. sides of the ball for Morris Not all of that is entirely in his first season as OSU’s his fault; some blame lies on coach. - Ryan Ruston the stale play-calling or poor offensive line play, but for a Trenches quarterback who was widely OSU lost most of its snaps expected to be a first-round at the line of scrimmage on draft pick, the one-game both sides of the ball on Sept. sample doesn’t give much for 5. OSU fans to look forward to. The offensive line was Time will tell if his never going to be a strength struggles were just first-game for the Cowboys, but Sexton’s nerves, but all the hype injury exacerbated the surrounding Mestemaker as situation. The Cowboys were a sure thing makes any signs stuffed numerous times of trouble feel apocalyptic. on fourth-and-1s, in part Logan Cole because they didn’t get a push up front. Big play defense On the other side, the The Cowboys defense defensive line was praised was going to have growing over the offseason for its pains under the offensedepth, with Morris saying minded Morris. But giving up they felt good about eight multiple chunk plays to Tulsa to 10 guys in the rotation is not a good sign. groups. That depth was not The defense gave up two highlighted in the heat at plays over 45 yards in the Tulsa, with OSU collecting first half. One of those was a zero sacks on the afternoon. chunk pass to the 1-yard line The line looked particularly when LaDainian Fields got unprepared for quarterback mossed. The Cowboys will rollouts, something Oregon have to give up fewer chunk will likely try to exploit. plays if they want to compete Timothy Christensen in the Big 12. - Marcus Mesis Quarterback play After a season watching a wide receiver play
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Big 12 football games to watch in Week 2 Matthew Sammon
threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns in the 69-3 rout of the Cowboys in Eugene last Big 12 football is back, and season. The preseason Heisman there are a few teams already hopeful threw for 378 yards and making waves, while some are three touchdowns in the Week providing their fanbases with 1, 34-27 victory against the plenty of anxiety. Boise State Broncos. Here’s where things stand This Saturday will be the heading into Week 2 for the third meeting between the two Cowboys, with some important teams and the first time the matchups to keep an eye on. Ducks have migrated down to Stillwater. It will be nothing Oregon vs. Oklahoma State short of a tough test for a The Eric Morris era officially Cowboys unit hoping to shake began last week, with a off the 24-10 loss in Tulsa, disappointing Week 1 loss in which extended OSU’s losing Tulsa. streak against FBS opponents Now the Cowboys face No. to 21. 6 Oregon in their 2026 home Quarterback Drew opener. Mestemaker will also look to The Ducks find themselves shake off his three turnovers. as more than three-touchdown The loss of fifth-year left tackle favorites coming into Boone Jacob Sexton will prove to Pickens Stadium following a be a difficult setback as the 2025 season that took them to Morris offense prepares to face the College Football Playoff off against a stacked Oregon semifinals. defensive line in the trenches. The Oregon offense is led by The pressure is on for Morris, quarterback Dante Moore, who who is now looking to flip the STAFF REPORTER
script following his upsetting debut loss in the Turnpike Classic. Saturday will be a true test of the Morris system as Big 12 play looms in the neardistant future, beginning with a trip to Morgantown, W. Va., on Sept. 26.
stomped the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions 54-14. Simmons went 17-19, tossing 252 yards and four touchdowns in the season-opening victory. The Jayhawks are set to visit Stillwater for the season finale on Nov. 28.
what they could expect when they travel to Tempe, Ariz., on Nov. 21. Washington State vs. Kansas State The Wildcats opened the Collin Klein era with a 71-3 win against Nicholls State. Quarterback Avery Johnson Missouri vs. Kansas Arizona State vs. Texas made program history with The Border War kicks off A&M his opening drive touchdown Friday night in Lawrence as the Both the Sun Devils and the pass to Jaron Tibbs, breaking Jayhawks face off against No. Aggies began their seasons the Kansas State career passing 23 Missouri. Kansas hopes to with lopsided victories against touchdown record. reverse its fortunes on Saturday, underpowered opponents. OSU transfer Rodney Fields after losing the last four Arizona State head coach Jr. rushed for 101 yards and meetings to the Tigers. Kenny Dillingham brings a a touchdown in his debut in In Week 1, the Jayhawks freshly overhauled roster into purple. The K-State roster is made quick work of the Long Kyle Field to face a ranked SEC home to quite a few former Island Sharks, winning their opponent. Cowboys who departed season opener 51-6. Buffalo Cutter Boley, the 6-foot-5 Stillwater in the offseason transfer Nik McMillan caught transfer from Kentucky, posted exodus, including defensive six passes for 130 yards, and numbers just as big as his frame end Wendell Gregory and quarterback Isaiah Marshall in the Week 1 70-7 victory over linebacker Jacobi Oliphant. threw for 246 yards and two Morgan State, throwing for Klein and the Wildcats will touchdowns in his first career 387 yards and six touchdown face the Cowboys on Nov. 7 in start under center for the passes. Manhattan, Kan. Jayhawks. How the Sun Devils handle The Tigers, led by the Ole the 10th-ranked Aggies will Miss transfer Austin Simmons, give the Cowboys a glimpse at sports.ed@ocolly.com
THURSDAYS IN SEPTEMBER
Like us on
5PM-9PM
821 W. Freeman Ave Perkins, OK 74059 OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE IOWA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
O’Colly
Friday, September 11, 2026 Page 7B
sports A look back at the last five times OSU football hosted a Top 10 opponent
Ben Schatzel
II was in the middle of his Doak Walker Award-winning season and ran for 138 yards to go along with two scores. The Cowboys led at the half 17-14 but needed 10 fourth-quarter points from Gordon and kicker Alex Hale to regain the lead. OU would be stopped on fourth down after wide receiver Drake Stoops ran his route three yards short of the sticks, and Gordon claimed after the victory, “There’s only one Oklahoma, and it ends with State.”
2018: OSU 45, No. 9 West Virginia 41 The second top-10 upset for the 2018 Cowboys came on Senior When the Oklahoma State Night against the West Virginia Cowboys take on the No. 6 Oregon 2018: OSU 38, No. 6 Texas 35 Mountaineers. Ducks in their 2026 home opener, it The 2018 Cowboys were a strange Trailing by 17 at the half, OSU will be the first time since 2023 the team, as over half of OSU’s wins that scored 31 second-half points, Cowboys have hosted a team ranked year were against over-ranked teams, including 21 in the fourth quarter in the top-10. including the last two games against to stun the visitors. Cornelius again After a loss in Tulsa last week, top-10 teams on this list. The first showed up in a big way, completing OSU will look to rebound and of which saw the Texas Longhorns 30 passes for 338 yards and five continue recent success in Stillwater come to Stillwater and leave with touchdowns, including the gameagainst such teams. 2019: No. 7 OU 34, No. 21 OSU their fourth straight loss to the winner to Wallace with less than a Since 2018, the Cowboys have 16 Cowboys. minute to play. hosted five top-10 teams and hold a 2021: No. 7 OSU 37, No. 10 OU The only loss on this list saw the OSU wide receiver Tylan Wallace The win secured the Cowboys’ 4-1 record in those contests. 33 Sooners take down the Cowboys for was a Biletnikoff Award Finalist 13th straight bowl game appearance Here is a look back at those past The best Cowboy team on this list the fifth straight time, 34-16. later in the year, and his talents were and virtually eliminated the five matchups in preview of the also played the best game: a 37-33 OSU starting quarterback Spencer on full display, finishing with 10 Mountaineers from the Big 12 title Ducks. victory that eliminated the Sooners Sanders was out with an injury, so receptions, 222 yards, and two scores. game. from the Big 12 championship game. backup Dru Brown got the nod for The Longhorns fell behind by With No. 6 Oregon coming to 2023: No. 22 OSU 27, No. 9 OU After six straight losses to their the Cowboys. A 20-13 halftime lead 17 early, made it a game late, but town this week, the Cowboys will 24 ultimately suffered the dagger look to continue this recent success The last edition of Bedlam on the rivals down south, OSU finally broke for the visitors was cut to 20-16, but gridiron saw the Cowboys take down through on the backs of quarterback the playoff-bound Sooners proved to when quarterback Taylor Cornelius at home against top-10 opponents. Spencer Sanders and the Jim be too much on Senior Day for the sealed the deal with a fourth-quarter the Sooners, 27-24. Knowles-led defense. Cowboys. touchdown run. OSU running back Ollie Gordon Sanders led the Cowboys in OSU running back Chuba sports.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER
rushing with 93 yards, highlighted by a 37-yard touchdown that cut the OU lead to two early in the fourth quarter before running back Jaylen Warren gave OSU the lead for good minutes later. The defense held the Sooners scoreless on their final six drives, ultimately ending with a Collin Oliver sack on fourth-and-10 to seal the deal for the Cowboys in the final seconds.
Hubbard was held to just 104 yards, his second-lowest of the season, while Brown was serviceable, completing 22 passes for 207 yards.
THE O’COLLY SPORTS PICKS - COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 2 TEAM 1
TEAM 2
Jose Brito
Megan Gibson
Oregon 48-20
Oregon 38-24
Oregon 41-16
Missouri 30-21
Kansas 30-17
Missouri 27-23
GAMES
Weston Wertzberger
Cayden Cox
Will Thorogood
Timothy Christensen
Ryan Ruston
Marcus Mesis
Logan Cole
Ben Schatzel
Oklahoma State vs #6 Oregon
Oregon 35-21
Oregon 51-13
Oregon 49-21
Oregon 45-24
Oregon 42-28
Oregon 54-6
Oregon 48-13
#23 Missouri vs Kansas
Kansas 27-21
Missouri 34-28
Missouri 27-20
Missouri 31-17
Missouri 34-17
Missouri 34-24
Missouri 34-24
Arizona State vs #10 Texas A&M #11 Oklahoma vs Michigan
Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M
38-14
#12 Alabama vs Kentucky
31-28
34-24
42-21
41-35
35-24
38-23
38-27
Oklahoma Oklahoma Oklahoma Oklahoma Michigan Oklahoma Oklahoma Oklahoma Michigan Oklahoma 24-17 30-14 24-22 34-10 31-13 24-3 21-17 27-9 23-10 24-14
Arizona vs #15 BYU Memphis vs Boise State
21-7
38-21
BYU 34-20
BYU 28-14
BYU 37-23
BYU 24-21
BYU 34-21
BYU 27-24
BYU 27-20
BYU 34-24
BYU 37-24
BYU 34-28
Boise State Memphis Boise State Boise State Memphis Boise State Memphis Boise State Boise State Boise State 28-21 35-30 35-32 27-24 28-24 33-27 35-28 31-28 38-24 28-25 Alabama 31-17
Kentucky 27-23
Alabama 31-20
Alabama 24-17
Alabama 48-24
Alabama 60-14
Alabama 49-28
Alabama 34-13
Alabama 31-15
Alabama 34-26
#1 Ohio State vs #4 Texas
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
34-28
Texas 21-14
Ohio State
Ohio State
27-20
Texas 46-31
Ohio State
Iowa State vs #21 Iowa
Iowa 24-10
Iowa 27-23
Iowa 24-20
Iowa 21-17
Iowa 32-13
Iowa 21-14
Iowa 14-13
Iowa 23-10
Iowa 9-3
Iowa State 17-14
Arkansas vs #20 Utah
Utah 37-17
Utah 48-23
Utah 42-14
Utah 35-21
Utah 38-24
Utah 33-10
Utah 28-10
Utah 31-14
Utah 35-21
Utah 34-14
31-21
EDITOR BOARD TEAMS
33-26
STANDINGS:
Timothy — 17-3 Ben — 17-3 Marcus — 16-4 Logan — 16-4
20-13
30-21
Will — 15-5 Weston — 14-6 Cayden — 13-7 Ryan — 12-8
$0 DELIVERY FEE
Get 12 months FREE Save on Uber and Uber Eats
Limited-time offer of 12 months of membership free is available while supplies last or through 10/21/26. Offer is subject to change or cancellation. Only those who are not currently active members of Uber One member are eligible. Offer is limited to eligible students. Uber reserves the right to revoke the offer if we determine that a recipient does not meet the student eligibility requirements.
20-17
GUEST TEAM 1: 14-6
Caleson — 7-3 Kaitlyn — 7-3 Jose — N/A Chance — N/A
21-16
GUEST TEAM 2: 12-8
Kalina — 7-3 Andon — 5-5 Ashley — N/A Megan — N/A
Page 8B Friday, September 11, 2026
O’Colly
sports
Our best photos from OSu-Tulsa
Eric Morris coaching his team.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Justin Bowick celebrates after scoring a touchdown.
Running back Ayo Adyei runs the football.
Drew Mestemaker gets ready to take the snap.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Caleb Hawkins looks to stiff-arm a defender.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Gunnar Wilson celebrates with his teammates after making a tackle.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Defensive backs Kobi Foreman and Quinton Hammonds make a tackle.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Justin Bowick runs after making a catch.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly