The O'Colly, September 18, 2026

Friday, September 18, 2026

Photo illustration by Jose Brito, Photo by Chance Marick, The O’Colly

OSU fans flood the field after the Cowboys monumental win over No. 6 Oregon, celbrating a breakthrough moment for the program.

‘Breakthrough moment’

Inside the field storm following OSU’s monumental win

Timothy Christensen

field. to the exit to go on to Among those rushing the other side to bring it onto the field was OSU back down.” A lightning delay may senior Scott Andersen, The last time fans have started the day, but who described his rushed BPS was in the real storm hit after experience during the 2023 after the last Oklahoma State’s 39field storm. Bedlam, when OSU 31 upset win over No. 6 “There was a big rush, beat Oklahoma 27Oregon on Saturday. big migration as soon 24. One OSU fan who After quarterback Drew as it ended,” Andersen stormed that field was a Mestemaker ran for the said. “People started North Rock Creek high final first down of the kind of shoving, but for schooler named Caleb game, Cowboy fans near the most part, I think we Hawkins. the top of Boone Pickens were pretty chill about Now, he is a star Stadium began inching making sure people got running back for the down the steps. They down safely. Everyone Cowboys. He got to weren’t heading toward ran to the center, kind of enjoy the field storm an exit, but closer to the looking for the players. as a player. He said field of play. Started celebrating, postgame that he took With each kneeltaking photos and full advantage of the down bleeding the final videos, and then I think opportunity. seconds off the clock, I saw some people kind “It’s one of the best students leaned over of head off toward the feelings I’ve ever the tall black barrier goalpost.” felt,” Hawkins said. separating the stands and Students did not leave “Being able to score a sidelines. It was no secret the field empty-handed, touchdown in a bigthat pandemonium was as they tore down the time game, especially about to ensue. west goalpost and carried for my hometown, it’s As Mestemaker knelt its remains to Theta just a great feeling. … for the final play and Pond. OSU freshman Being on the field and threw the ball straight Zach Rubalcaba joined being one of the players into the air, the barrier the effort to get it out of to experience [a field was broken. In a sea of BPS. storm], it was great. I orange, black and white, “When the field goal got trapped in there for OSU fans and students started swaying down, I a while. I was probably rushed onto the turf, all was like, ‘Okay, maybe one of the longest people making their way toward I could help them,’” in the pile. It was crazy.” the logo at the center of Rubalcaba said. “We had While Hawkins the field. As time went to go into the stands and savored the moment, his on, the letters “OSU” go over the [southeast] teammate Mestemaker disappeared under the fence. … So, me and a didn’t get the same mob, and little green couple of the guys ran opportunity. remained visible on the across the entire stadium “The field storm was STAFF REPORTER

insane,” Mestemaker said. “I threw the ball up in the air, and then coach Brophy came up and hugged me, and then someone took my helmet, and then I was getting carried off the field by some cops to do some interview or something. So that was wild. But I mean, I’m so glad we got that done, and I’m so glad the fans got to experience that too.” OSU officials announced Tuesday that the Big 12 would not impose its regular $50,000 fine for a field storm because OSU’s staff and security followed field-rushing safety protocols. The postgame celebration was years in the making. In 2024, OSU began what became a 21-game losing streak against FBS opponents. In 2025, the program was embarrassed by the Ducks in a 69-3 rout. The adversity continued for Cowboys fans at the start of this season. After losing to Tulsa in Week 1, a weather delay caused fans in attendance to wait an extra 90 minutes past the original kickoff

time. For students like Andersen, however, the past pain made the win against Oregon all the better. “That win meant a lot to me as a fan because I knew it hasn’t been the best few years for us,” Andersen said. “I think we’ve kind of had our tough go with things, but it meant a lot to me, after keeping up with the team for the last few years, to see a big breakthrough moment and kind of put OSU back in the national spotlight where it deserves to be.” Andersen spoke to the heart of OSU, despite wins or losses. “I think the best thing about OSU I tell everyone is win or lose, Boone Pickens is gonna have a great environment. … They say loyal and true. Loyal and true means you’re with them when they’re terrible and lose 69-3 to Oregon, but you’re also with them when they win 39-31. So, I’m sticking it out.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 2A Friday, September 18, 2026

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Mestemaker is the confident QB OSU has lacked Cayden Cox

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

You can talk the talk, but if you don’t back it up, it means nothing. Drew Mestemaker heard what people said after Oklahoma State’s Week 1 loss to Tulsa. ​He heard OSU fans share their thoughts on social media. He heard what national media outlets had to say about the Cowboys after their loss to the Golden Hurricane. He heard all the negative talk surrounding the Cowboys. He even took it upon himself to respond to one fan on TikTok. An OSU fan, Seth Hale, posted a TikTok video on Sept. 5 where he voiced his displeasure with the team’s pride. Mestemaker saw the video, reposted it and commented. “Seth, next week will be different,” Mestemaker replied. ​On Saturday, Mestemaker let his performance do the talking as he led OSU to an all-time upset win against No. 6 Oregon. He outdueled fellow NFL draft prospect Dante Moore, accumulating 426 yards (317 passing and 109 rushing) and three touchdowns. He earned several honors after his performance against the Ducks. ​He was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, the Walter Camp FBS Offensive Player of the Week, the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Week and several others. ​But none of that would have happened if he lost confidence and folded after the Tulsa loss.

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​Against the Golden Hurricane, Mestemaker had one of the worst starts of his young career. His turnover-totouchdown ratio was three-to-one. He threw for 241 yards, but most of it came in the second half, when TU had already built a two-possession lead. ​After that game, Mestemaker knew the Cowboys’ result on the field wasn’t what they wanted and boldly said the change starts with him. ​“ That’s not us, and that was honestly embarrassing,” Mestemaker said. “The first thing is everyone knows I need to play better. I’m not the one to point fingers.” ​OSU’s had quarterbacks in the past who have followed up bad games with monster performances. ​Alan Bowman had a brief streak like that in 2024. After getting booed off the field and benched against Utah, he bounced back with a 364-yard performance against Kansas State, but his time in Stillwater was filled with inconsistency, as he lost the starting job later in the season. ​In 2021, Spencer Sanders threw four interceptions in the Big 12 Championship, then threw for four touchdowns, and had 371 passing yards and 125 rushing yards in the Cowboys’ Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame, the last time an OSU QB had 300plus passing yards and 100-plus rushing yards in a game before Mestemaker did it against Oregon. Sanders was more of a threat because of his ability to generate plays with his legs; Mestemaker’s performance came from making the right reads and threading the needle. ​On OSU’s opening play, a 75-yard run by Mestemaker, the Cowboys initially called a Run-Pass Option, but Mestemaker watched a defensive end take the pass away and

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Drew Mestemaker was named the Davey O’Brian national quarterback of the week. another end crash the lane where Caleb Hawkins was supposed to run, so he decided to keep the ball, and the rest is history. ​He then showed his pocket passing ability on several occasions. On his 52-yard touchdown pass to Wyatt Young, Young described it as a perfect ball. Near the goal line, he hit Justin Bowick with a pass that was between two defenders. And, several times was able to hit Terrence Lewis after evading defenders in the pocket. ​After the game, Eric Morris had one word to describe Mestemaker. ​“He’s a dawg,” Morris said. “There’s no other way to say it.” ​Mestemaker’s performance wasn’t some fluke; he has the American Conference record after he threw for 609 yards against Charlotte. He closed last season with a pair

of near-perfect quarterback ratings (99.2 and 98.8), but this outing came against a Top-10 defense and proved that he’s one of the top quarterbacks in college football. ​“His confidence never wavered,” offensive coordinator Sean Brophy said. “I think it was all about us going out and executing… [Oregon’s] phenomenal on defense. … At the end of the day, we knew it was about us and us executing our own rules and our assignments. Our guys really bought into that and I think that made the world a difference.” ​OSU hasn’t had a quarterback with a rocket arm or confidence since Mason Rudolph. With the right arm, brain and legs of Mestemaker, the Cowboys now have a signal caller they can trust.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Oregon win ranks among OSU’s top five victories Weston Wertzberger SPORTS EDITOR

In recent memory, Oklahoma State has built a strong history of memorable upsets, including 22 wins over AP Top-10 teams in program history. There have been blowouts, comebacks, Bedlam classics, conference-clinching wins and games that helped change the trajectory of the program. The Cowboys added another one Saturday. But where does the 39-31 win over No. 6 Oregon fit among them? For me, it’s a top-five win in program history. Oregon wasn’t the highest-ranked team OSU has defeated. The Cowboys have 10 wins over AP top-five opponents. It also wasn’t a conference-clinching win or a postseason game. But great wins aren’t measured by one thing. Context matters. Oregon was the highest-ranked nonconference opponent to visit Stillwater since No. 2 Arkansas in 1978. The Ducks had also won 41 straight games against unranked opponents entering Saturday. The Cowboys, meanwhile, entered with a 12-game losing streak and a 21-game losing streak against FBS opponents. That included a disappointing loss at Tulsa the week before. According to DraftKings, OSU was a 24.5-point underdog, according to Draftkings. The Cowboys ended both streaks, becoming the first team in FBS history to snap a 10-game losing streak against an AP Top-10 opponent. Eric Morris’ first win as head coach was one of the most shocking wins in program history. Some might even call it the biggest upset. I think two games surpass it. Here’s how I rank the top five wins in OSU football history:

1. OSU 16, No. 4 Oklahoma 13 (2001) This is arguably the biggest “How in the world did they do that?” win before Oregon. More importantly, it changed OSU football. The No. 4 Sooners were 10-1, the defending national champions and riding a 19-game home winning streak. OSU was 3-7 and a 27-point underdog in Norman with first-year head coach Les Miles. Freshman quarterback Josh Fields led the game-winning drive, finding wide receiver Rashaun Woods for a 14-yard touchdown with 1:36 remaining. The OSU defense held Oklahoma to 220 total yards and zero rushing yards. The win ended the Sooners’ hopes of repeating as national champions and, more importantly, became a defining moment in the transformation of OSU football. 2. No. 3 OSU 44, No. 13 Oklahoma 10 (2011) Although it wasn’t a top-10 win for the Cowboys, the stakes certainly felt like one. OSU dominated OU 44-10 to secure its first Big 12 championship and first outright conference title since 1948, snapping an eightgame Bedlam losing streak in the process. Running back Joseph Randle rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns, while the OSU defense forced five turnovers from OU quarterback Landry Jones. The win capped a 12-1 season that remains one of the best in program history and established the Cowboys as one of the top teams in the country.

the win. The victory came at one of the lowest points in program history, which is what puts Oregon in this conversation. Outside of Bedlam, it’s one of the greatest wins in school history. 4. No. 9 OSU 37, No. 5 Notre Dame 35 (2022 Fiesta Bowl) The Cowboys were coming off a devastating loss to Baylor in the Big 12 Championship game, but still got to play in one of the biggest bowl games of the 2021 season. Notre Dame jumped to an early 28-7 lead, but OSU then scored 30 straight points and came back to win 37-35. It remains the largest comeback in program history and the most recent of five major/New Year’s Six bowl victories for the Cowboys. Head coach Mike Gundy even called it the biggest win in school history immediately afterward as the 2021 season became one of the greatest in OSU football history, finishing 12-2. 5. No. 7 OSU 37, No. 10 Oklahoma 33 (2021) Sticking with the 2021 season, this matchup became one of the greatest in Bedlam rivalry history. Despite losing momentum in the third quarter, the Cowboys outscored the Sooners 13-0 in the fourth quarter to rally for a 37-33 win at Boone Pickens Stadium. OU’s six-year Big 12 championship streak ended while OSU snapped a six-game Bedlam losing streak and kept its College Football Playoff hopes alive at the time with an 11-1 record.

3. OSU 39, No. 6 Oregon 31 (2026) This is where I rank the Oregon win. Honorable Mentions OSU controlled much of the game, outgaining Oregon 554-281 and doubling the No. 22 OSU 27, No. 9 Oklahoma 24 (2023) Ducks in first downs, 25-12. Quarterback Drew The Cowboys secured the final Bedlam Mestemaker accounted for 426 total yards and win of the Big 12 era, ending 114 years of three touchdowns, while the defense forced continuous competition between the two four sacks and recovered a late fumble to seal schools before the Sooners left for the SEC in

2024. OSU also earned the tiebreaker over OU and reached the Big 12 Championship game. No. 3 OSU 41, No. 4 Stanford 38 (2012 Fiesta Bowl) The Cowboys capped their ‘11 season with another dramatic victory, rallying from a 14-point deficit to beat No. 4 Stanford in overtime. Quarterback Brandon Weeden threw for 399 yards and three touchdowns, while Quinn Sharp’s 22-yard field goal in OT gave OSU its first major bowl win since 1974. OSU 38, No. 20 Oklahoma 35 (2014) The Cowboys overcame a 35-21 fourthquarter deficit to beat the Sooners on the road in overtime and become bowl eligible after entering the game with a five-game losing streak. Tyreek Hill’s 92-yard punt return tied the game with just over a minute remaining before OSU won in overtime. No. 11 OSU 49, No. 3 Baylor 17 (2013 The Cowboys hosted College GameDay and ended Baylor’s national championship hopes with its largest win against an AP Top 5 team in program history. Quarterback Clint Chelf completed his first 12 passes and finished 19of-25 for 370 yards and four total touchdowns. OSU 49, Texas Tech 45 (2007) The Cowboys rallied after trailing with less than two minutes remaining to beat the Red Raiders. Brandon Pettigrew’s 54-yard touchdown reception gave OSU the lead before cornerback Ricky Price’s pass breakup in the end zone sealed the win, an outcome Dave Hunziker, the voice of the Cowboys, called the most important of Gundy’s early career.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

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Friday, September 18, 2026 Page 3A

‘This one was very personal’ How OSU completed a full-circle moment against Oregon. Will Thorogood

offensive play of the game, previewing the aggression and confidence A year ago, Oklahoma that would carry through State went to Autzen the afternoon. Stadium and was dealt OSU settled for a field one of the largest defeats goal, but the Ducks’ in program history. defense flipped the This time, OSU hosted momentum later in the Oregon and flipped the quarter. script with a 39-31 win Mestemaker’s pass was over the No. 6 Ducks at tipped and intercepted, Boone Pickens Stadium and Devon Jackson on Saturday. returned it for a 96-yard The two games could pick-six. not have been much more But unlike last year, the different. Cowboys didn’t fall off Last year’s game saw the track, as they found a the Cowboys struggle way to respond. to move the ball, make Carson Kolb, who defensive stops and faced Oregon twice in handle the talent gap and his time at Oregon State, rowdy environment in caught a 1-yard pass Eugene. This year, OSU from Mestemaker for a followed a lackluster touchdown. Kolb, who performance against Tulsa struggled with switching with a resilient, highfrom linebacker to tight energy and confident end, knows how much performance to take down that sequence represents one of the best teams in how far he has come. the nation. “It’s definitely a huge For players who were testament to how much part of last year’s game, I’ve done,” Kolb said. “I the win would carry extra talk to my roommates significance. all the time about it. I “This one was very was a walk-on, and I was personal,” OSU defensive bottom of the depth chart end Malik Charles said. when I came here. I was “After you lose by 66 bottom of the depth chart points to somebody and at Oregon State, and now they’re talking, you see I’m catching touchdowns all the stuff that’s being against a ranked team.” said about you guys as a Caleb Hawkins and team. Us playing them Wyatt Young added and being able to beat touchdowns to widen the them this year, it meant gap, but the Ducks didn’t a lot not only for me, but back down, taking a 31-30 for the guys on last year’s lead at the start of the team who aren’t playing fourth quarter. no more.” One year after being Last year’s game was outmatched by Oregon, over long before OSU the OSU offense faced could settle in. a moment where good Oregon wasted no teams have to succeed. In time turning the game this one, they succeeded. into a rout, scoring on After the Ducks the second play and committed a penalty throughout the first on fourth down, the half to build a 38-0 Cowboys got a fresh set halftime lead. The Ducks of downs and marched continued to dominate in toward the end zone. the second half en route Mestemaker took to a 69-3 win over the the ball himself after Cowboys. surveying his passing A year later, OSU options. He darted looked like a completely toward the goal line and different team. jumped into the air for After a dismal showing a Superman dive while against TU in the season colliding in midair with opener, the Cowboys Carl Williams IV before looked to bounce back he fell into the end zone in a big way. A major for an out-of-this-world advantage of this meeting touchdown. was playing in front of a OSU got the lead back, crowd of 51,035 people and that play became the in Stillwater, as Oregon highlight of the game and represented the first Week 2 of college football. sitting Big Ten member to “I know I look old; I’m come to BPS. not that old, so it’s gonna The Cowboys set the be up there,” Cowboys tone early. offensive coordinator Drew Mestemaker Sean Brophy said. “I took the ball himself haven’t seen many quite for 75 yards on the first like that. I think just the STAFF REPORTER

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Fans’ hopes are set on the program’s first winning season since 2023.

Students share thoughts on OSU after Oregon win

Ben Schatzel

for Cowboy football. berth,” Chen said. “My reaction to “Then even make the game was that the College Football All the Oklahoma I was really proud,” Playoff if we really State student-body freshman Sophia lock in and keep this needed was a Mulhern said. “It was momentum going.” glimmer of hope. very unexpected.” Abernathy echoed They got it when OSU junior Andrew what Chen shared. the Cowboys shocked Chavez shared “I feel like OSU the No. 6-ranked Mulhern’s shock has a spark lit under Oregon Ducks on about the Cowboys them,” Abernathy Saturday, 39-31. upset. said. “We could A win that sent “You know, at first make a Big 12 Stillwater and its I thought we were championship run college students into going to lose,” Chavez and even potentially a pandemonium. The said. “We had a losing CFP appearance.” field was stormed, a streak for a good After breaking goalpost came down while. We lost against Oregon’s 41-game and students swam Tulsa, which really win streak over in Theta Pond. A sucked, and I thought unranked opponents, renewed sense of we were gonna lose shooting for the stars optimism now seems to Oregon, but I guess does not seem too to be flowing through not.” far-fetched, with not campus. Students, such just the playoffs but However, the as freshman Riley potentially a national season-opening Verdun, were happy championship in loss at Tulsa halted to see the Cowboys the eyes of some students’ belief back in the win students. after an offseason column after two long “I mean, if they can full of the highest and difficult seasons. play like that every expectations OSU had “Holy crap, we game, then I think seen since before the won!” said Verdun. that we should just 2024 season. The win, OSU’s win it all,” Mulhern “Honestly, after fifth in its last six said. the Tulsa game, home games against All it took was a expectations were a top-10 opponent, superman act from super low,” freshman has students excited their quarterback, a Hunter Abernathy and resetting their field goal rush and a said. expectations for the historic upset, but it On Saturday, the rest of the season. seems OSU students Cowboys controlled After the loss to the are bought back into the Ducks for most Golden Hurricane, Cowboy football. of the contest, the victory over “Honestly, I hope capturing one of the the Ducks was that this game wasn’t biggest wins in school all students like just a fluke,” Chavez history. Abernathy and said. “I hope it The victory over freshman Kai Chen becomes like a main Oregon was OSU’s needed to start thing. I hope we win first over an FBS drinking the orange again and again, opponent in 728 days Kool-Aid once more. cause that’s what this and snapped a 12“I think if we program does.” game losing streak. can keep this For some students, momentum up, we Saturday was their can potentially go first experience of any 9-3, 10-2 and have a success whatsoever Big 12 Championship sports.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER

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moment, the magnitude of what that meant at that moment for this program, and this place in that game and that atmosphere. I mean, it’s going to be hard to top.” With another field goal by Sam Keltner, the Cowboys defense delivered the knockout punch with a fumble recovery by James Williams on the Ducks’ last-chance drive. A year after Oregon completely dominated OSU, the Cowboys matched up with the Ducks and showed the nation they can compete with the current powerhouse programs in college football. One key difference between the two games wasn’t just the location, but how the defensive players from last year have grown and improved. “It’s been a long two years for a lot of them,” OSU defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity said. “They’ve put in a lot of hard work; they’ve changed the dynamic of how they work, their thought process and how they approach the game.” Kolb, who had lost twice to the Ducks before Saturday’s game, knew how meaningful this win was for him. “It was awesome; it meant the world to me, honestly,” Kolb said. “It was still surreal, like it’s finally hitting me that we beat them. It’s awesome to finally win.” For Cowboys head coach Eric Morris, the win mattered because it was his first as OSU’s head coach. While he knows that, he spoke from the players’ standpoint when discussing the victory. “Really good to celebrate with our team in the locker room,” Morris said. “Really good to see the performance they were able to put together out there on Saturday. Proud of the effort, the intensity, but I think it just really goes to show you at our worst, how bad we can be and at our best, how good we can be.” One year can make a huge difference, and the Cowboys proved it by flipping 69-3 to 39-31 in 371 days.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4A Friday, September 18, 2026

O’Colly

sports From cheering to winning

Keltner dreamed of playing for the Cowboys, now he’s here

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Sam Keltner was named the Big 12 Special Team Player of the Week. Cayden Cox He never thought he’d be in a position to suit up for the Cowboys, and at OSU’s media Before Sam Keltner was winning special teams awards for day on Aug. 8, he shared what it means for him to play for OSU. Oklahoma State, he dreamed of “I still pinch myself even playing for the Cowboys. at practice,” Keltner said. “I His family has roots in Stillwater. His dad graduated from never thought that would be my OSU, his sister attended OSU and situation and I’m blessed that it is my situation. It’ll be unreal for now he’s playing for OSU. “I love OSU,” Keltner said. “I’ve that first time seeing the crowd.” In OSU’s Week 1 loss at Tulsa, been an OSU fan my whole life; Keltner got only one opportunity my dad graduated here, my sister and scored the first points of the attended here a couple of years season for the Cowboys when he ago. I’ve been an OSU fan my whole life and it’s been awesome.” booted a 35-yard field goal with 2:04 left in the second quarter. After spending two seasons at The Cowboys drove into field SMU, redshirting in 2024 before goal range several other times serving as the starting kicker against the Golden Hurricane but for the Mustangs last season, he decided to hit the transfer portal. ultimately didn’t attempt a field goal and came up empty-handed. Keltner was in the portal for On Saturday against No. 6 less than 60 minutes when he Oregon, Morris took a more got the offer from special teams conservative approach and coordinator Drew Svoboda. He Keltner played a big role in the knew OSU was home as soon as Cowboys’ 39-31 upset win over he got the offer. the Ducks. “I was in the portal for like ​He went 4-for-4 on field goal an hour, I got the offer and I attempts and drilled three extra committed,” Keltner said. “I points, earning Big 12 Special was like, ‘I’m not gonna want Teams Player of the Week honors anything else.’” and the Lou Groza Star of the ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Week award, given to the best kicker in college football. ​Three of Keltner’s field goals came from inside the red zone, and while the Cowboys’ offense stalled, running back Caleb Hawkins knew OSU was getting points each time Keltner went onto the field. ​“I have full trust in him,” Hawkins said. “I see him practice every day; he goes out there, and he dials in. For him to be our kicker is a very important part [of our success]. Him and [Joseph] Kim, they show up to practice just like everybody else, and they make sure their confidence is just as high as everybody else.” Late in the game, Keltner had an opportunity to grow the Cowboys lead from five to eight. A high-pressure kick could decide the game and make a kicker nervous, but Keltner’s no stranger to those situations. ​Last season, SMU had two games that came down to his right foot; against Miami, he sent the game to overtime with a 38-yard field goal with 25 seconds left. The Mustangs won that game in OT. Four weeks later, against Cal,

OSU defense proves it belongs in spotlight following win over Oregon Ryan Ruston

one of those days,” defensive end Malik Charles said. “And we all just kind of fed off that energy from that play on.” Coming into the season, The Cowboy defense was not everyone was talking about Oklahoma State head coach Eric afraid of the Oregon offense and Morris and the offense; little was treated them like any other. “The first play, I think he outsaid about defensive coordinator blocked on me, and I hit him, Skyley Cassity and the defense. and I was like, ‘Oh yeah, this is That defense held No. 6 gonna get bad,’” Charles said. Oregon to 24 points on only “But I mean, they’re a great team, 281 yards from scrimmage. The but everybody tries to make other defense’s biggest strength so far teams that rank high sound like is its third-down defense. After they’re just a bunch of gods. holding Tulsa 1-for-11 on third “At the end of the day, they down, they held the Ducks to 5-for-14 for a combined 6-for-25. strap on the pads just like we do. They tie their shoes just like we “There’s a couple we would like to have back that we thought do, and so you just got to go out there and play.” we could get off the field, and Cassity has family ties in we’re in advantageous situations Stillwater as his younger brother, for us defensively,” Cassity said. “But we have a goal as a defense. Braden Cassity, played full back for the Cowboys from 2019-2023. We’re trying to get off the field Cassity also coached against basically two out of every three OSU as a graduate assistant at third downs. Like, that’s our Texas Tech and as an assistant at season goal. Missouri State. “And so right now we’re “It’s funny, I’ve spent so much executing pretty close to that number. But there’s always room time here throughout the years,” Cassity said. “It’s funny to be on to grow, and as we continue to this sideline. I’ve been on the go through the season, we’ll continue to expand that package opposing sideline unfortunately, so it was nice to be on the home and get better and better there.” sideline and have the crowd The Cowboy defense was the cheering with you on third down unsung hero in their 39-31 win against the Ducks just one week as opposed to against you.” Offensive coordinator Sean after their upset loss to Tulsa 2410. They started the game with a Brophy was asked about Cassity and the defense and had high statement, forcing the Ducks to praise for Cassity and his unit. go three-and-out; Cowboy edge “I think No. 1, just execution,” rusher James Williams forced a Brophy said. “He provides a ton tackle for loss on the first play. “Once we saw James get under of different issues schematically. He does have some very that block and make that TFL, sophisticated schematical we knew that it was going to be STAFF REPORTER

packages that he can get to. He also provides the illusion of complexity in a way that offenses like to do as well. He gets his guys to play fast; he gets them to play hard. The guys believe in Skyler. They love Skyler and that entire defensive staff.” Morris said that with defensive line rooms as deep as he believes this one is, players can get upset when they don’t get as many snaps on game days. When someone gets a sack in a game, you can hear the rest of the defensive line room celebrating on the sideline like they just won the game. That kind of culture can be contagious for the rest of the defense. Cassity’s favorite play of the game emphasizes that culture. “I think it was the fourthdown stop where Jaleel [Johnson] ended up sacking the quarterback,” Cassity said. “One of the best parts about that whole play is actually as the guys are coming on the sideline and all seven defensive ends are hugging each other. “It didn’t even matter who made the sack at the time. It was about competing with your brothers and just going out there and executing. Some of them played 25 plays, some of them played eight plays, but they gave everything they got, and they earned the right to go wear that uniform and play with pride and play fast and play hard and play our brand of football. And they did that at a high level.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

he had another chance to send the game to OT, but his 52-yard attempt was wide right and the Golden Bears hung on. ​He believes both experiences have helped him get to where he is now. ​“It’s just different,” Keltner said. “It makes you appreciate the good and bad; you never really think that’s going to happen to you until it does. More than anything, that was like a learning year for me, and I kinda got my feet wet. I feel like once it happens, it’s not as bad as you think, and it kinda takes some pressure off in the moment. I just treat it as another kick. I’m definitely in a better spot mentally.” Against the Ducks, Keltner felt no nerves, and that helped him deliver on the 31-yard field goal with 3:11 left that ensured UO could not win the game with a touchdown. “It felt like I was just out there having fun,” Keltner said. “I was just out there having fun and just felt like another kick.” Eric Morris has worked with Keltner to create high-pressure

situations in practice, but said nothing replaced the composure he showed on Saturday. “We put him in situations, [but] you can never replicate going out against a top 10 team in front of 60,000 people with a game on the line,” Morris said. “We try to put him in situations in practice where that can happen, but I think his work and his preparation allowed him to go out there and have the confidence.” ​After going 14-for-20 on field goal attempts in his time with the Mustangs, Keltner believes his offseason mental work helped him deliver. “It felt like I was at another practice,” Keltner said. “A lot of that was preparation, and a lot of it was mental work I put in this offseason. I think that’s the biggest jump I’ve made from last season to this season. It’s just the way I feel when I go out there. It just feels like I’m kicking back at my high school. I’m just having a good time. A lot of my best friends are out there on the field with me.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

BASKETBALL BIG 12 SCHEDULES WOMEN’S

MEN’S

Dec. 20 — at Kansas

Jan. 2 – vs Colorado

​Dec. 30 — vs Arizona

Jan. 5 – at West Virginia

Jan. 3 — vs West Virginia

Jan. 9 – at Iowa State

Jan. 6 — vs Colorado

Jan. 12 – vs Utah

Jan. 9 — at Iowa State

Jan. 16 – at Baylor

Jan. 13 — vs Kansas

Jan. 23 – vs TCU

Jan. 16 — at BYU

Jan. 27 – vs Texas Tech

Jan. 19 — at Utah

Jan. 30 – at Kansas

​Jan. 23 — vs Cincinnati

Feb. 3 – at Kansas State

​Jan. 28 — vs TCU

Feb. 6 – vs Cincinnati

Jan. 31 — at Houston

Feb. 10 – vs Iowa State

Feb. 4 — at UCF

Feb. 13 – at TCU

Feb. 7 — vs Arizona State

Feb. 16 – vs Arizona

Feb. 10 — at Colorado

Feb. 21 – at Houston

Feb. 15 — vs Kansas State

Feb. 24 – vs UCF

Feb. 21 — at Baylor

Feb. 27 – at Utah

Feb. 24 — at Texas Tech

March 2 – at BYU

Feb. 27 — vs Iowa State

March 6 – vs Arizona State

O’Colly

Friday, September 18, 2026 Page 5A

sports

OSU players say Tulsa loss helped team not look ahead of other teams

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

OSU players say Tulsa loss helped reset focus heading into Oregon game. Cayden Cox

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

James Williams said it best, Oklahoma State has to take it one game at a time. “I mean, we lost to Tulsa,” Williams said. “Everything’s in front of us. We’re not thinking, ‘oh, we beat Oregon so everything else is great.’ I’m actually glad that happened to us. It’ll keep us humble for the rest of the season, especially as we begin Big 12 play.” OSU’s nonconference schedule featured games against Tulsa, No. 6 Oregon and Murray State. The middle game in that series could be highlighted as a resume booster for the Cowboys. But the Cowboys had to get past their in-state Turnpike Classic rivals first. OSU marched into Tulsa as a 14-point favorite, but walked out of H.A. Chapman Stadium with a 14-point loss. Defensive end Malik Charles has seen in practice what OSU’s offense and Drew Mestemaker

were capable of. While some lost in film study and laser-focused faith in the Cowboys after the in preparation. After the clock Tulsa loss, Charles knew it was a at Boone Pickens Stadium hit fluke performance. double zeroes on Saturday, the “I’ve practiced against Drew Cowboys celebrated as they and that offense this whole pulled off an historic upset. summer, and I know what Mestemaker’s performance they’re able to do,” Charles said. earned him national recognition. “That Tulsa game was frustrating, He earned several honors during but I know we all would want the week, but also faced a lot of to have it back. I knew after that outside noise. game, we were just gonna have On Tuesday, he was in to attack this next week because an interview for ESPN’s I knew if we got Drew and [the SportsCenter. He also joined offense the ball back], they were several podcasts throughout the gonna be fine; they were gonna week. Some have even compared be on point. My whole goal last Mestemaker to the Buffalo Bills’ week was just to try to get the Josh Allen. ​ defense on point, so that we As for Eric Morris, he also would be able to give them the found himself on his fair share of ball, and that’s what we went out talk shows. and did.” OSU has been in the national ​After OSU’s crushing Week spotlight all week, and Morris 1 loss, it had to turn around talked about how it can block out and host a Top-10 team in its the outside noise. home opener as a near 24-point “There’s a lot of distractions underdog. after a win like that,” Morris ​What followed was a week said. “Us eliminating distractions where the Cowboys were will be huge, including myself. dedicated in practice, dedicated So, that’ll be kind of what we’re

What to know about OSU’s Week 3 opponent Murray State

Marcus Mesis

attack led them to a win over STAFF REPORTER Valparaiso, with 194 yards on 40 attempts. “They do a good job motioning, Now that the win over Oregon is behind them, Oklahoma State fans right?” OSU defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity said. “So there’s might wonder who the Cowboys going to be pretty much a motion face next. or shift in basically every play, and The answer is Football so we’re going to have to do a good Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent Murray State, which isn’t job executing. … They challenge a well-known team, so here is what you in a lot of those different dynamics.” to know before kickoff Saturday Murray State doesn’t just part evening. The Cowboys and the Racers both went 1-11 last season, yards on the ground through its first three games; the Racers have but the teams have changed since scored five rushing touchdowns — then. two in a 38-14 loss against Middle Tennessee and three in a 27-18 win Who is Murray State? against Valparaiso. The Murray State Racers are The Racers have a top-60 based in Murray, Ky., and play rushing offense in the FCS, which in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Racers kept head has also helped them rank top-40 in time of possession, per game at coach Jody Wright in charge; he 31:11. is in his third season leading the Racers, with a 3-24 record in games What should OSU fans expect he coached and two 1-11 seasons against Murray State? before this one. Unlike last season, when the Wright has spent a long time Cowboys faced a stronger FCS coaching football and in other team in UT Martin, Murray State front-office roles in both college is a much weaker opponent. The and professional football. Before Racers are in one of the historically getting to Murray State, he was toughest FCS conferences but the tight ends coach for South Carolina. Before that, he had spent haven’t reached the same level as their conference mates. three seasons in the professional Under Wright, the 3-24 record ranks for the New York Giants and has kept the Racers near the the Cleveland Browns. bottom of the standings most of Murray State has not seen much success as a college football the time for the last two seasons. After two multi-touchdown losses program, having made the FCS to open the season, the win against playoffs five times. The last time Valparaiso does little to inspire any was in 2002, when the Racers confidence that this season will be lost in the first round to Western Kentucky, 59-20. The only time the much better. OSU comes into the game Racers made it past the first round undefeated in 32 games against was in 1996, when they lost to Troy FCS opponents, and Murray State State (now known as Troy) in the does not look like the team to quarterfinals, 31-3. break that streak. The Cowboys are currently 56.5-point favorites over What does Murray State do the Racers. That line has weakened well? as the week went on, at one point The Racers’ offense has an reaching 57.5-point favorites. effective rushing attack, gaining over 140 yards on the ground in the previous two games. The rushing

sports.ed@ocolly.com

preaching this week to our players.” The Cowboys are now preparing for their final nonconference game against Murray State on Saturday. OSU enters that game as a 56.5-point favorite, and with conference play on deck, it would be easy to look ahead again, but on Tuesday, Morris said he’s told the Cowboys to keep the same intensity they had while preparing for Oregon. “I’ve been brutally honest with them,” Morris said. “You can say trap game, you can say rat poison, read your own press clippings, distractions, like everything that can be said as distractions, but I was really pleased by the way our kids came out and [the] energy and the way we attacked the practice today.” Tight end Carson Kolb echoed Morris’s message when talking about MSU. MSU is a Football Championship Subdivision program and has struggled in recent seasons, but Kolb knows

if the Cowboys aren’t careful, they can walk out of BPS disappointed. “Each team is a new team,” Kolb said. “Murray State is a D1 team, and they have D1 athletes. I treat every game as a new game. I can’t go back and relive the past. I can’t go forward and live the future. I’m here in the present moment. I’m trying to keep the intensity and keep my style of play.” After OSU’s loss to Tulsa, wide receiver Wyatt Young remained confident. After Oregon, he had that same confidence but added that the Cowboys will have to bring the same level of focus no matter the opponent. ​“I think that loss last week [at Tulsa] was the best thing that could’ve happened to us,” Young said. “Woke us up realized we weren’t as good as we thought. We still are a great team, and we can go in and beat anyone if we put our minds to it.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

How Brophy and Cassity are shaping OSU football

Weston Wertzberger SPORTS EDITOR

When head coach Eric Morris took over Oklahoma State, he brought in Sean Brophy and Skyler Cassity to lead the Cowboys’ offense and defense. In the first two games of the season, both coordinators have helped shape how OSU wants to play. Brophy’s offense totaled 554 yards against Oregon, while Cassity’s defense recorded four sacks and a game-winning fumble recovery in the Cowboys’ 39-31 win over the sixth-ranked Ducks. As Morris builds his program in Stillwater, his coordinators are tasked with establishing their systems and setting the tone for a new era of OSU football. Morris first noticed Cassity at Abilene Christian before he moved to Sam Houston. Morris said Cassity’s work there caught his attention, prompting him to study the defense and eventually bring him to North Texas. In 2025, Cassity’s North Texas defense improved by nearly 10 points per game in scoring defense, 90 yards per game in total defense and more than 100 yards per game in passing defense. “Sam Houston wasn’t paying a ton of players in the transfer portal to come in there, so those were kind of the things that caught my eye, and then started studying tape and kind of watching what he was doing, and that’s why I thought he’d be a great fit for us at North Texas,” Morris said. “Just super impressed by the way he works. “Really, I think the way he demands the room, and he has the respect of his staff in that room, is something that has been really, really noticeable.” Cassity said his players’ football IQ helps them recognize situational tendencies and react quickly. “… The football IQ dynamic of understanding the situation, understanding, ‘Hey, it’s twominute drill; if it’s not this backfield

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Skyler Cassity’s defense had four sacks and a fumble recovery against Oregon.

set, we’re probably not getting a run,’” Cassity said. “It’s all those things and all the work they put in early on in the week that allow them to play fast and recognize run/ pass really quick.” Against Oregon, Cassity’s defense held the Ducks to 281 total yards, including 90 rushing yards. Oregon converted five of 14 third downs and finished with 12 first downs, while OSU recorded four sacks for 19 yards. For Brophy, the focus has been on getting the Cowboys to execute and play faster. His passing offenses at North Texas improved in each of his three seasons, finishing second nationally in passing yards in 2025. Against Oregon, OSU totaled 554 yards of offense, with 237 coming on the ground and 317 through the air. Caleb Hawkins led the rushing attack with 110 yards and a touchdown, while Drew Mestemaker threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns. Brophy said the offense did a better job of keeping Oregon’s defense off balance, allowing the Cowboys to find a rhythm. “I think [Mestemaker] got comfortable and in a rhythm, and I think we did a great job,” Brophy said. “Coach Morris did a phenomenal job; all the players were doing great playing going into the game, keeping them off balance.

I think we executed at a high level, and then you just saw us playing faster.” After OSU’s season-opening loss to Tulsa, Brophy said the team’s response in practice showed its character and preparation. “Resiliency, tough, high-character team,” Brophy said. “Obviously, to go out there and lay an egg and get punched in the mouth the way we did in Week 1. To come back, and you don’t win football games on Saturday. You win football games throughout the course of the week in your preparation like that.” OSU followed that approach with its best Tuesday and Wednesday practices last week since the coaching staff arrived, with urgency and communication carrying over into the week. As the Cowboys look to build on their win over the Ducks, Brophy said the challenge is maintaining the same urgency and attention to detail each week. “I think that if we’re able to do that and compound those things, and Coach Morris talks about momentum all the time, that’s a real thing in college football,” Brophy said. “Then I think that we can start to get this thing really rolling in the right direction.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6A Friday, September 18, 2026

O’Colly

sports

Our best photos from OSu-Oregon

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Drew Mestemaker celebrates with fans follwoing the win.

Drew Mestemaker walks off the field.

Caleb Hawkins looks for a hole.

Parsa Fallah poses with Pete’s Bananas.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly

Drew Mestemaker leaping over Oregon defenders to score a touchdown.

Drew Mestemaker running onto the field.

Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly

Fans rush the field at Boone Pickens Stadium

Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly

Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly

O’Colly

sports

Friday, September 18, 2026 Page 7A

Our best photos from OSu-Oregon

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Drew Mestemaker leaps into the end zone over the Oregon defense.

Caleb Hawkins runs through a hole.

Ayo Adeyi runs the ball.

Carson Kolb celebrating his touchdown.

Oklahoma State Football helmets being held up.

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

Payton Little, The O’Colly

KD Jones being lifted by fans after the Cowboys’ game.

Carson Kolb running out with the American Flag.

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

Eric Morris talks to a referee in the Cowboys’ game.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Page 8A Friday, September 18, 2026

O’Colly

sports

THE O’COLLY SPORTS PICKS - COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 3 GAMES

Weston Wertzberger

Cayden Cox

Will Thorogood

Timothy Christensen

Ryan Ruston

Marcus Mesis

Logan Cole

Ben Schatzel

Oklahoma State vs Murray State

OSU 77-7

OSU 51-13

OSU 52-10

OSU 50-7

OSU 58-0

OSU 63-7

OSU 69-3

OSU 58-10

#22 Houston vs #13 Texas Tech

Houston 28-27

Houston 27-21

Houston 31-27

Texas Tech 28-25

Houston 34-24

Texas Tech 32-28

Houston 34-31

Arizona State vs Kansas NC State vs Vanderbilt

TEAM 2

Chance Marick

Ashley Yarbrough

OSU 52-3

OSU 48-10

Texas Tech Texas Tech Texas Tech 27-21 31-21 31-21

Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State

26-18

35-14

36-23

30-10

31-13

35-21

45-21

28-17

37-21

24-21

Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt 24-10 28-21 28-13 24-17 30-24 36-20 31-27 30-21 21-16 28-21

#16 SMU vs #23 Louisville

Louisville 37-34

SMU 41-30

#11 BYU vs Colorado State

BYU 29-21

BYU 38-30

Colorado vs Northwestern

TEAM 1

Louisville Louisville 42-31 24-17 BYU 49-14

Louisville Louisville 34-27 24-21

BYU 35-30

BYU 41-17

BYU 45-17

Colorado Northwestern Colorado Northwestern Northwestern Colorado 31-24 27-23 21-18 27-20 27-21 45-14

#7 LSU vs #8 Ole Miss

Ole Miss

Ole Miss

Ole Miss

Ole Miss

West Virginia vs #25 Virgina

Virginia 31-17

Virginia 28-17

James Madison vs San Diego State

JMU 33-23

JMU 45-40

41-35

EDITOR BOARD TEAMS

21-13

Louisville 34-28

SMU 35-31

BYU 41-14

BYU 38-17

Louisville Louisville 38-27 35-31 BYU 42-21

BYU 35-21

Colorado Northwestern Northwestern Colorado 24-13 21-20 20-7 28-23

45-42

LSU

38-24

Ole Miss 28-25

LSU

28-27

Ole Miss

27-21

LSU 35-24

Ole Miss

Virginia 37-21

Virginia 20-10

West Virginia

34-24

Virginia 32-14

Virginia 31-21

Virginia 34-24

Virginia 27-15

Virginia 28-14

JMU 44-22

JMU 35-30

SDSU 34-24

SDSU 24-21

JMU 34-24

JMU 31-27

JMU 27-24

SDSU 17-14

37-25

STANDINGS:

Timothy — 24-6 Ben — 24-6 Marcus — 24-6 Logan — 22-8

Will — 22-8 Weston — 20-10 Ryan — 19-11 Cayden — 18-12

GUEST TEAM 1: 22-8

Jose — 8-2 Caleson — 7-3 Kaitlyn — 7-3 Chance — N/A

38-35

GUEST TEAM 2: 18-12

Kalina — 7-3 Megan — 6-4 Andon — 5-5 Ashley — N/A

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Friday, September 18, 2026

Staying Loyal & True: Student body celebrates after historic Cowboy win

Ashley Yarbrough

I think beating No. 6 in the country is deserving of that urgency.” After the goalpost was ripped from After a monumental win against the field, Brown stayed loyal and true Oregon, Oklahoma State students to his old traditions. have stayed loyal and true after “I touched the goalpost again for rushing the field and taking the good luck like I did after Bedlam,” goalpost to Theta Pond. Brown said. “It’s kind of customary, Freshman Sebastian Brilanti did like you just have to do that.” not expect to carry the goalpost Before the win, junior Emma to the middle of Theta Pond after Claire Noll was preparing to leave his first football game. Following the game after the first quarter. storming the field, Brilanti waited for “We were so hot and dehydrated, the goalpost to be carried to Theta and the game just kept getting Pond. After handing his shirt and his delayed,” Noll said. “But after wallet to a random student, Brilanti that first touchdown we just kept jumped in the pond. saying that we had to stay one more “Once everyone got there and they quarter.” threw the goalpost in, I was like, ‘You Noll was sitting at the top of the know what? I have nothing to lose,’” stadium and was too far to rush the Brilanti said. “And it was my first field. However, she enjoyed watching game so I might as well just jump in the chaos occur. the water.” “The adrenaline rush was crazy,” Brilanti worked with the fans Noll said. “I wasn’t expecting it to to bring the goalpost to the center happen at all, but it was so fun to island of Theta Pond. watch everyone storm the field and “I helped get both parts of the take the goalpost.” goalpost along to the island, but I Noll followed the goalpost to the wasn’t fully able to get on top of it field, however, jumping in Theta because of how many people were Pond was a step too far. on the sides just helping push it up,” “I was like, absolutely not, I want Brilanti said. “People were slipping to stay healthy tonight actually,” Noll and falling trying to hold onto it. said. Honestly, it’s a hard thing to hold on Junior Caleb Hawkins had high to, especially since it was soaked.” stakes on OSU winning against Although the pond water wasn’t Oregon. ideal, Brilanti said the energy from “People obviously said we weren’t the fans was unlike anything he had going to win,” Hawkins said. “I seen before. couldn’t fully accept that because I “Everyone was just ecstatic,” put $50 on us winning, but I ended Brilanti said. “Even though we were up making $730 that night.” all slipping in the water, it was an After being one of the first to rush amazing experience.” the field, Hawkins watched the chaos Junior Beau Brown didn’t know unfold in front of him. that he would ever be rushing the “I watched my buddy climb on field again after OSU’s Bedlam win top of the goalpost on the field,” in 2023. Hawkins said. “Being there was “The experience was so fun, it was probably one of the best college almost comparable to when I was on memories I’ve had so far.” the field for Bedlam,” Brown said. Like most OSU students, Hawkins “It was nice to have another one of hopes to start a winning streak for those experiences.” Cowboy football. When rushing the field, Brown “This weekend is Murray State, so said that getting down to the field if we can’t beat them, we have much was an urgent matter. bigger problems,” Hawkins said. “Somebody almost pushed me over the wall,” Brown said. “Everybody was very eager to get on the field, but

NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

OSU ranked low regarding free speech; students speak out

Kalina Williams

ASST. NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Oklahoma State University was recently ranked No. 75 out of 261 colleges by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). According to Oklahoma Voice, this ranking is “based on student surveys, institutional policies and responses to speech controversies.” OSU was given a D grade by FIRE and falls between the University of Oklahoma (No. 99) and University of Tulsa (No. 20). In 2026, OSU had free speech complaints mainly stemming from the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In the complaint submitted Jan. 5, a student stated they attended

an OSU Student Government Association Senate (SGA) meeting in September while wearing a Turning Point USA hat. The hat was to show the student’s support for Kirk’s family and his efforts, but the student was later asked by an administrator to remove the item implying that it was racist. The administrator was later removed from their position in SGA. The SGA program at OSU states that their mission is “to serve the students at Oklahoma State University making YOUR voice heard by providing student involvement opportunities, fostering a sense of belonging, and encouraging career readiness within our campus community.”

See SPEECH on page 7

File Photo, The O’Colly

Student holds American flag in front of the Palestine protesters at the Student Union Garden

Jose Brito, The O’Colly

Hamed Hemmati speaks at Voices of Iran

‘The ultimate hope’ Caleson Coon

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Fans rush the field and carry the broken goal post

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Iranian student, Hamed Hemmati shared insight as the conflict with Iran and the United States continues on. Despite President Donald Trump only anticipating the conflict to continue for weeks since it began on Feb. 28, it has now reached seven months since the U. S. and Israel first sent strikes across Iran. And when asked by reporters if he wanted a regime change in Iran, he replied, “Seems like that would be the best

thing that could happen,” according to the New York Times. The Iranian regime is an authoritarian religious theocracy – officially named the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hemmati, come January, will have been in the U.S. for four years and looks toward graduating from Oklahoma State University’s Masters program with a degree in data analysis and business analytics.

See HOPE on page 2

Page 2B Friday, September 18, 2026

O’Colly

News

A place to breathe Keiley Ward

“Take a moment to travel, read, write and most importantly create.” Eternadi shared a story about A night filled with organic seeing a child who was much sounds created by cultural like himself but homeless. For musicians. Eternadi, this is a representation The Iranian Students of how fortunate people are and Association and Iranian and how to recognize the privileges Persian Gulf Studies Program you have in your day-to-day life. hosted a poetry-led event in the Greg Ellis, lead drummer Persian language on Sept. 13. during the artistic production at The goal and purpose of this event was for Iranians to gather Seretean Performing Arts Center, and reflect on what speaks most brought his drumsticks to life with the sound of a melody. to their hearts: art, music and “Music is expressed with the storytelling. narration not only with a sense With the current conflict in of coming home, but with a Iran, this was a heartwarming sense of belonging,” Ellis said. occasion to take a moment to Ellis said the sound of reconnect as human beings. ‘A Place to Breathe’ was a culturally poetry teaches the audience to reestablish their sanity with art moving and eye-opening instead of conforming to the ceremony. ways of our twisted world. Raha Eternadi, poem reader “We’re trying to identify and speaker at the event, ourselves by belonging to a place awakened Iranian culture and a physical name, and I think throughout the auditorium. A it’s our sense of belonging that few pieces of poetry performed is our sense of humanity,” Ellis during the show include said. ‘Nostalgia,’ ‘A Vague Feeling,’ Ehsan Martoor is an Iranian ‘Forgive’ and ‘A Few Words’. American composer whose Throughout the event, these goal is to spread a safe place poems were expressed through the Persian language and culture. for artistic minds and Iranians “For someone who is wanting to come together. Martoor was a musician in the ‘A Place to connect with poetry, I encourage you to get away from to Breathe’ performance and everyday life and take a moment played the keys with grace and enthusiasm throughout the to reconnect,” Etemadi said.

STAFF REPORTER

Hope

Continued from 1A

it was reality for him instead of merely a story. “But when I came to the U.S., and I find out, ‘Oh my god… Hemmati spoke to some (..) people are living a free life misunderstandings about outside of Iran boundaries,’” he the conflict among those outside of the Iranian Student said. He shared the reason he and Association (IRSA). his wife left Iran; to pursue “Honestly, we [IRSA] a life of freedom. “So, it’s also feel that there is freedom, freedom is important a misinterpretation or for us,” Hemmati said. “So, for misunderstanding here about this conflict,” he said. “And so, my peer, for an American dude in my age, in my generation, it’s not a war for us, because when you say war, it’s between it might not be a very deep problem – being free and two sovereign countries, two having freedom, because you sovereign nations; we don’t originally [have] freedom.” see this as a war, because this Although there were culture is U.S. against Islamic regime, shocks that came with moving occupying Iran.” to the U.S., Hemmati described For Hemmati, living in the most of them as “good, U.S. versus under the Islamic regime is like night and day, as specifically living in Stillwater.” “Feels like home, because he lived under oppression for this part of the U.S. is more half a century. He described family-centered, and I think it’s the experience as “very dark,” very similar to my country, my but doesn’t blame others for home city,” he said. misunderstandings of the However, he, like many oppression in Iran. Iranians away from their home When Hemmati lived in Iran, country, still has family living he compared it to the show, “The Handmaid’s Tale.” He said under the oppression in Iran,

night. Martoor illustrates that the ultimate objective of this event is to make people feel at home and take a break from the chaos. “We really decided to make this connection with the rest of Iranians to share the sad part about what’s happening and regarding the war in Iran,” Martoor said. For Martoor, the event was not meant to be a political gathering, but instead a place of community. “As Iranians are all around the U.S we started this place of grief to altogether make a connection,” Martoor said. “This event wasn’t formed to be political, more as a cultural, artistic and intimate vision.” Proud Oklahoma State University 2016 alumna Farzaneh Moghadam, got to attend an event where her culture was beautifully expressed was an amazing experience for her. She was a plant biology major at OSU and constantly reminisces about her college years. Moghadam continued with her education and got her PhD in Arizona. Her Iranian friends told her about the event, so she traveled back to Stillwater, to reconnect with her culture, which has been significant

throughout her life. Moghadam was an audience member at ‘A Place to Breathe’ and expressed that she is newer to the mixed media performance style and thoroughly enjoyed the event. “It was interesting to get to watch storytelling be voiced through old memories,” Moghadam said. “It’s essential to think deeply about the occurrences that are appearing throughout your life, because then you can grow and move past them. Have a place to read and reflect on our past, current

along with many Iranians being “massacred.” Hemmati said that though they can’t know the exact number due to “the brutal regime,” which he described as “bloodshed,” he also said there is something more that Iranians are seeing: hope. “Among that bloodshed, we saw immense hope,” Hemmati shared. There are still internet shutdowns as he and others try to communicate with their families in Iran, but noted that, in the midst of this, “millions of Iranians understand that freedom has a cost, and they have been held hostage by the Islamic regime for decades.” “But honestly, all in all, the anxiety of these past six months is weighed against a hope that is, that this occupation is finally coming to an end,” he said. And while many students on campus have family near and far away, Hemmati’s mom, brothers, nephews, maternal and paternal family all reside in Iran, with only two relatives

in the U.S. He shared details on how this affects him and his family on a day-to-day basis. “The truth is, this conflict isn’t new to us,” Hemmati said. He said Iranians have had to live with the conflict long before the strikes and conflict began between the U.S. and Iran, as the daily stress is the “reality of living under a dictatorship, not just the result of this military operation,” which Hemmati said is the big misunderstanding. As the conflict has not been officially declared a war by Congress, Hemmati said that the lack of formal declaration rather aligns with the reality of the conflict, which is that the U.S. is not fighting with the nation of Iran, but helping to remove a cancer. “I’m not feeling stuck in the middle; my point of view, my perspective is – I’m fighting against this regime,” he said. Hemmati said he’ll take any help he can get in so long as the intent is to remove the cancer from Iran, but understands it’s

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

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

life and future.” ‘A Place to Breathe’ symbolizes many distinct meanings depending on the audience’s perspective on how they take the message. “Poetry and storytelling, to me, is a self-therapeutic experience that I feel whenever I need to express myself and release whatever energy that might be kind of heavy on the heart,” Etemadi said.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Keiley Ward, The O’Colly

Ehsan Matoori (left), Raha Etemadi (middle) and Greg Ellis (right) performing cultural pieces of art together

News & Lifestyle reporters: Aliyah Young Amanda Nogode Annie Richards Caden James Delaney Waterman Keiley Ward Matt Sammon Peyton Richards Zane Abouzahr

Newsroom

the costs behind such decisions. “You cannot remove it without paying the price, and for a lot of people around the world, freedom is granted, but for Iranians, no,” Hemmati said. The price has been a continuous cost in the lives and freedom of Iranians, Hemmati shared. “So, also, there is no contradiction between my Iranian heritage and supporting actions that help liberate my home country,” he said. The ultimate hope, Hemmati said, is to bring back a prosperous Iran without being a threat to the world. “Also, I hope the international community continues to recognize that Iranian people are fighting for distinct Democratic values that the U.S. stands for,” Hemmati said.

The O’Colly Staff Sports reporters: Ben Schatzel Logan Cole Marcus Mesis Ryan Ruston Timothy Christensen Will Thorogood

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Photographers: Anthony Byrum Bailey Schmitz Catherine Dzanski CJ Young Daisy Gower Dominyk Jones Hailey Dodson Karsten Levings Laken Chambers Matthew Miner Natalie Koepp Nathan Sogge Noah McCleery Payton Little

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

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Lifestyle

loyal and true

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

“I love all the people out here and just being able to hang out and have fun with my friends.”

Keiley Ward, The O’Colly

Gracen Barcenas loves how pretty the OSU campus is.

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

“My favorite thing about OSU is the community, everyone is easy going and nice and everyone loves sports here.”

Keiley Ward, The O’Colly

JJ Johns (left) likes the community at OSU and Eedrick Johnson (right) enjoys the city of Stillwater.

Keiley Ward, The O’Colly

Trenton Ford likes about Oklahoma State University is how accepting everyone is.

Keiley Ward, The O’Colly

Hailey Booth loves how friendly everyone is at Oklahoma State University.

Keiley Ward, The O’Colly

Rylee Kipf loves the community at OSU.

Keiley Ward, The O’Colly

Ella Burrier said that “any day is a good day to be a cowboy.” and loves the OSU community.

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

“My favorite thing about OSU is having the opportunity to meet so many new people,”

Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly

Mckenzie Point-mason and Aniya Lynch both love the campus and the people.

Page 4B Friday, September 18, 2026

O’Colly

News / Lifestyle

Family Weekend: Where to go, what to eat Kalina Williams

ASST. NEW & LIFESTYLE

As Oklahoma State University’s ‘Family Weekend’ approaches, many may wonder what activities, restaurants and scenic areas are available to provide these special visitors with a good time. Dining Devoted is just off of Sixth Avenue on Lewis Street and is located inside CM Asian Market. This family-owned business provides both a unique shopping and dining experience that will be sure to leave any visitors wanting to return. After ordering their popular chili shoyu ramen and beef pho, buying various Asian snacks, drinks and ice cream products is a great way to end the trip. Eskimo Joe’s, located on Elm Avenue, is a Stillwater staple known for its famous cheese fries and unforgettable merchandise. Showcasing its mascots Joe and Buffy the dog, the restaurant’s experience will make you want to go back as soon as you leave. If you choose to visit on game day, enjoy its special GameDay menu along with outdoor seating and tents in their parking lot across the street that are supplied with TVs and full bar service. The Dragon Asian Kitchen has become a popular dining spot for those who enjoy cheaper meals and large portions. Located on the corner of Main Street and Hall of Fame, this restaurant provides quick service and delicious food with a vast menu ranging from chicken and pork to vegan and gluten-free options. Miso is located diagonally from The Dragon and serves delicious sushi rolls and rice platters. This dining experience seems more upscale, but dressing up isn’t necessary. Miso is a great place to eat with friends or to celebrate weekends with family, providing fairly inexpensive meals and an extensive menu, making it the perfect opportunity to share a meal if needed. Due to being a popular dining location the seats (inside and outdoors) fill up quickly but the staff works in a timely manner to ensure all

Ben Schatzel, The O’Colly

The Curty Shack is located on The Strip. guests are seated and taken care of in a timely manner. Nooki is located on The Strip across from Copper Penny and provides other delicious sushi and poke bowl options. The sushi rolls are filling and fresh, while the bowls can be customized with a rice or spring mix base followed by five toppings. The meals are filling and have a high possibility of becoming leftovers that can make for a great meal the next day. The Curty Shack is one of the most creative and interesting places to eat in Stillwater. Serving both pizza and its famous hot dogs, this dining option will become unforgettable. Although its

hours are later in the day (7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.), it makes for the perfect meal after a night out or a late-night craving. The hot dog toppings are unimaginable, ranging from cream cheese to peanut butter, but the “Plain Dog” is available for those who don’t want toppings and will be just as delicious. Bondi Bowls is a refreshing stop around the corner from Willie’s Saloon, serving açai bowls, smoothies and protein balls. The store recently opened and creates a welcoming environment with a photo booth and merchandise available to buy. If you’re attending a Cowboy football game and need a break from the hot weather, a stand is also located in section

221. Activities/Scenic Areas The Hub is a new entertainment location perfect for families and friends. Located at the intersection of Airport Road and Perkins Road, this entertainment center has plenty of options to choose from, including: pickleball courts (indoor and outdoor), an arcade, a movie theater, cornhole and bowling. The Hub’s daily hours are 10 a.m. to midnight, allowing for plenty of time to work these activities into your day. The Botanic Gardens at OSU is a 100-acre plot that provides walking trails and a relaxing experience to get away from the chaos of the Stillwater

crowd. The gardens are run by OSU and also provide learning experiences to discover ways to build a more sustainable environment. Boomer Lake is another relaxing location, perfect for physical activity around its 3.2mile loop or for a picnic at one of its many sitting locations. The park also includes a playground and splash pad, perfect for children and cooling down after a long day in the heat. Even if Family Weekend passes and these opportunities aren’t available, these locations are accessible to the Stillwater community whenever someone sees fit. news.ed@ocolly.com

Cowboy marching band uniforms Debut

The Cowboy Marching Band is 121 years in the making.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

The OSU A&M band was organized in 1905.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Payton Little, The O’Colly

The OSU Color Guard performs along the CMB at home games.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

The marching band sits in section 127 for home games.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

The band debuted their new uniforms against Oregon last week.

O’Colly

Friday, September 18, 2026 Page 5B

news/ Lifestyle ‘Dancing with the Stars’: night one and two recap Ashley Yarbrough

NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

“Dancing with the Stars,” season 35, has officially begun after a two-night premiere featuring 16 celebrity contestants that already sent two pairings home. This season of “Dancing with the Stars” achieved the show’s largest audience in six years with 6.67 million live and same-day viewers across ABC and Disney Plus. The premiere was split into two nights: male contestants danced on night one, and female contestants danced on night two. Both episodes featured contestants dancing to a hit song from the year they were born. However, the elimination format gave contestants limited time to connect with the audience before the first eliminations of the season. Night one Night one featured eight male contestants and their Courtesy Creative Commons professional partners on Dancing with the Stars season 35 is a ‘Fresh Prince’ reunion joining Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley, as well as host Alfonso Ribeiro, who Tuesday night. played Carlton on the hit ‘90s show. “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Glee” star Harry Shum Jr. Stars” history, a 10 out of directed to text voting. skater Amber Glenn and on the leaderboard, Nader and his partner Jenna Johnson 30, Rodriguez is quickly After Leavitt and Zaikman Pasha Pashkov, scored 18 out and Billis were shockingly earned the most points of becoming a fan favorite. exited the competition, seven of 30 points. eliminated on night one, the night, with 21 out of 30 “Was the technique there? male pairs from the first night At the lower end of the making them the second and finished at the top of No. Was the effort there? will advance to week two. leaderboard, “Love Thy couple to leave during the leaderboard. However, Absolutely,” said Derek Nader” star Sarah Jane Nader premiere week. fans have been quick to call Hough, “Dancing with the Night two and Hailey Bills scored 14 After Nader and Billis exited out Shum’s experience as a Stars” judge. The second half of the out of 30 points, and “Fresh the competition, seven female backup dancer for Beyoncé. However, longtime viewers premiere featured the Prince of Bel Air” star Tatyana pairs from the first night will Paralympian Ezra French know that the judges’ scores show’s female celebrities on Ali and Jan Ravnik scored 12 advance to week two. and Daniella Karagach aren’t the only ones that Wednesday night. out of 30 points. followed closely with 20 out matter. Viewers have the The “Traitors” duo Maura Nader and Billis are Looking ahead of 30 points and showed chance to vote from home, Higgins and Mark Ballas prominently the show’s third For the stars that remain, potential to continue which led to the elimination finished at the top of the same-sex pairing in “Dancing the competition will soon advancing in the competition. of “The Secret Lives of leaderboard on night two, with the Stars” history. shift from the judges’ first Taylor Hanson, Tyler Mormon Wives” star Connor scoring 21 out of 30 points. Nader said that she chose impressions to scores based Cameron, Jackson Olson, Leavitt and Adele Zaikman. Higgins was followed by to be in a same-sex pairing on consistency. While Connor Wood and Guillermo Leavitt and Zaikman several pairings who scored because she wanted to create contestants continue to Rodriguez also performed on delivered a lackluster salsa to within a few points of the top representation that she didn’t learn new dances and styles, night one with different levels ‘Whoomp! (There It Is)’ and of the leaderboard. have while growing up. audience favoritism will grow, of experience. received 12 out of 30 points. “Step Up” star Jenna Dewan “I think that us being on the as always, to determine which Comedian and Jimmy However, issues in online and Valentin Chmerkovskiy ballroom floor together as two pair will get the season’s Len Kimmel sidekick Rodriguez voting could be to blame for scored 19 out of 30 points on women is so powerful,” Nader Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. stole hearts performing with the pair’s early elimination. their tango. Fan favorite and said. “It can show you can be Witney Carson. Although he After technical problems “10 Things I Hate About You” who you want and love who received the second-lowest affected the show’s online star Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa, you want.” score in “Dancing with the voting system, viewers were as well as Olympic figure Despite avoiding last place news.ed@ocolly.com

‘The Sports Ad’ Column

and blue eyed woman were surrounded by men. It is what the term insinuated. not a complaint or a drag, Ana Arias STAFF REPORTER Women, as a part of but it is something that I society, have a history of have taken into account. being sexualized and not If the message is not The “Sports” Ad. Yes, taken seriously. This ad bad enough, this ad has that one. does not better much for come up on YouTube Kids, If you have social women like me, or women where it is unskippable media, you have probably like us, wanting a place in and has been made clear to come across the Sydney sports. children. Adults have the Sweeney ad that’s sparking According to the UN choice to make their own controversy. Women Knowledge Hub, decision about this ad, but In the short video, 21% of professional women kids are impressionable Sweeney covers parts of her athletes experience sexual and for this to be appeared body with sports gear along abuse as children in sport; for them, is a worry. with minimal clothing in 85% of Olympic-related When seeing this ad, some clips. From footballs online abuse targeted all I felt was shock. But, on her breasts to sitting on women athletes; NBA when I analyzed it, it was a basketball hoop with only players earn around 80% so upsetting. I mean, to see her hair to ‘cover’ anything, more than WNBA players, a woman portray herself to sitting on a pool table and no women appeared as someone who knows and soccer balls to cover on Forbes’ 2025 list of anything about sports, her behind. the world’s highest-paid betting or women in sports, “No betting on wars or athletes. is outrageous. deaths and no politics,” she As a woman who grew up “Sex sells” is a marketing says in one shot. “Just you, watching sports as a little phrase to emphasize that your takes and sports.” girl, I always knew and saw more graphic shots are a This isn’t Sweeney’s first that most sports players way to grab attention. This controversy over an ad. In and fans are men. I knew isn’t what women or what an American Eagle Jeans that pursuing a degree in women in sports are mad ad, there was a play on Sports Media as not only at. We are mad at what it words with “jeans” and a woman, but a Hispanic seems to stand for. “genes,” stating she had woman, would not be an Not being mad, or being “good genes” where some easy trek. neutral isn’t enough. people felt that her traits as Even in the sports writers Sweeney can be seen as a an influencing, blonde hair room, I am the only woman figure serving for the male

Courtesy Creative Commons

Sydney Sweeney rose to fame through her role as Cassie on HBO’s Euphoria.

gaze. It is apparent to me, that women should not be in solidarity with the sexualization that women in sports already have to face, and fighting to be taken seriously.

Women athletes and women in sports face too many obstacles in having to prove ourselves twice as much for most men for a fellow woman to be adding to the obstacles. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6B Friday, September 18, 2026

O’Colly

Lifestyle OSU’s Museum of Art serves as a reminder for why art in education is important Annie Ross

All of these aspects that we are measuring constantly within our school systems get As students across the better and are enriched when nation are losing access to students have exposure to the arts in education, a hub for arts.” creativity is located just a few Idhe said a part of the miles southeast of campus. museum’s mission is The Oklahoma State encouraging students to University Museum of Art experiment with art and is supporting both college ensuring that access is never students and the surrounding lost. Idhe noted a recent communities in a time when, program offered to students at some may argue that, artistic Lincoln Academy, Stillwater’s expression is discouraged. only alternative school. Casey Idhe, the curator of Although the academy education at the museum, doesn’t offer a traditional cited numerous studies arts program, students are while explaining the impact given time during the day to artistic expression can have explore the city. Idhe said she on classroom engagement and loves the partnership with success. the school, allowing students “[The arts] are not to experience the art in the necessarily prioritized in museum. After touring and our school systems now, examining various features and that is something that is throughout the museum, very detrimental,” Idhe said. students will visit the Prairie “We see that test scores rise. Art Center to let their own We see that literacy scores creative expression flow. rise, comprehension rises. “Sometimes they will

STAFF REPORTER

create a whole series of works inspired by what they witnessed or how they’ve connected to the artwork,” Idhe said. “Seeing these groups of students come year after year has been really impactful.” Idhe encouraged community members to visit the museum or attend one of its many programs to celebrate Arts in Education Week, which is nationally recognized from Sept. 13 to 19. For junior graphic design student Mars Mojica, the museum was her first step in the professional art world. Mojica had her piece, “Florana,” featured in the Lean into Abstraction: A Student Showcase earlier this year. After touring the museum, Mojica picked an item from the museum’s permanent collection, a water pitcher and created a scene inside of the object.

Nathan Sogge, The O’Colly

The OSU Art Museum is known for hosting local artists.

Of the items viewed from discouraging to her future the museum collection, goals at the time. Mojica noted all of them “It was really unfortunate, appeared to be from the and it kind of stunted my industrial age. Her project education a little bit, at least began to take shape as in the art range,” Mojica said. she noticed the themes of “That school having an art industrialization contradicting program definitely would’ve the study she conducted on benefitted me.” plants. Despite her limited access to From Feb. 24 to April 18, art education before college, students and community Mojica said her opinions on members could view Mojica’s funding art programs have piece, which represented only gotten stronger. their view of the world post“So many aspects of our industrialization. lives and connections to “It’s a view of nature people are through art,” through the industrial lens, Mojica said. “I think learning so it’s very monstrous and about the foundation of uncontrollable, which is art and the different ways how I think the current it can be used to influence industrialized world treats perception are really nature,” Mojica said. important – especially in an In 2024, Mojica graduated age where critical thinking is from her high school with no rare.” formal education or training in art. She described her school as being underfunded and said the lack of access to art education was news.ed@ocolly.com

Kate Alexander, The O’Colly

Multiple pieces from an exhibit inside the museum.

On This day 1989. 37 years ago. Entrusting their lives to a few yards of nylon, several Oklahoma State University students took a 4,000-foot plunge recently. Eighteen residents of Kerr Hall’s seventh floor paid $90 each for beginning parachuting classes and one jump at the Oklahoma Parachuting Center. The center, owned by Mel Tilli, is located at the Cushing Airport. Jump master Brian Corey, with the help of several other jump masters, prepared the students for their first jump. Jumpers were airborne five to seven minutes before they touched ground. However, because of poor weather, half the students were unable to test their wings. Matthew Hodson, seventh floor president at Kerr Hall, said he discussed parachuting during the summer with a friend. During the first-floor meeting of the semester, the idea of parachuting sparked interest in several residents who decided to give it a try. MARK TAGLIAFERRI | CONTRIBUTING WRITER, 1989

he t t ou k c e Ch

Courtesy The Kerr 7 The Kerr 7 flew over campus.

way! a e d i al H n i g i Or

SINCE 1957,

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Friday, September 18, 2026 Page 7B

News Behind the scenes: student game day workers Keiley Ward

STAFF REPORTER

Throughout Stillwater, students work part-time for various reasons, but all have a common factor: the hectic environment surrounding game days. Angel Bautista, a criminal justice major and sophomore at Oklahoma State University, has been working at the Eskimo Joe’s clothing store for a little over a year. As Bautista balances school and work, he prefers working game days instead of just regular workdays. To prepare for a big game day in Stillwater, Bautista stated that employees get there typically earlier than usual and restock everything before the big day, along with having extra help to control the madness. “We usually have more people on hand, including our managers as well,” Bautista said. Bautista explains that when working at the Eskimo Joe’s clothing store, the more experienced people stay on the registers, while new hires are out on the floor socializing and talking to guests. “A lot of new hires worked

this past game day and since it was so packed, I even saw some of them on the registers,” Bautista said. “I would say that game days are a great learning experience for everyone to grow in their work experience.” Bautista confirmed that his stress levels on Saturday weren’t high, as this is not his first game day working. He clarified that it might have been stressful for the new hires, but altogether a “good chance for employees to work on their skills during game days.” Bautista is a busy person who is always enjoying staying active at Eskimo Joe’s clothing store and is eager to work more game days throughout this season. “I prefer working game days, because it gives you something to do constantly,” Bautista said. Ciana Borron-Mauro, a sophomore at OSU studying finance and accounting, has worked at The Garage in Stillwater for about a year and worked all of last year’s game days. Borron-Mauro justifies that The Garage has a lot of new hires, and they try their best, but the game day’s chaos can

be a lot for newcomers. “Since this was the first home game, The Garage had morning craziness,” BorronMauro said. “During the middle of the game it cooled off as most people went to the stadium, then the aftermath got us slammed again.” At The Garage, BorronMauro states that new hires don’t have the same experiences under their belt compared to long-term employers who have more background when it comes to game days. “The new hires don’t necessarily know the buttons or all the customizations, so it can be more difficult for them to get used to working in game day atmospheres,” Borron-Mauro said. “I prefer working game days, and I will highly likely be working the rest of the season, because it makes the time go by a lot quicker,” Borron-Mauro said. During game days, BorronMauro states that even though it is higher pressure that day, you can easily look up, and three hours have gone by. Ayden Webb, a senior at OSU studying hospitality, has been a server at Eskimo Joe’s for four years and stated how

packed the restaurant was for the entire day. “During game day, this past Saturday at Eskimo Joe’s, it was packed and crowded throughout the whole restaurant,” Webb said. Webb paints a picture as he describes that there was orange all throughout the restaurant on Saturday. “There were a few Oregon fans at first, but then they all left and went to the stadium. Webb said. “After they departed, the only color that was left in Joe’s was orange.” It is mandatory to be three hours early for your shift at Eskimo Joe’s on game days and there is a separate “game day” menu with a limited number of items to sell instead of its normal menu. Webb prefers to work game days instead of regular days, like Bautista, because that means more business and it’s something different from other days. “I like working on game days because we get to go to the outdoor food tent across the street from the restaurant, located in the parking lot,” Webb said. Webb demonstrates that you can never really prepare for the madness of game days,

but his experience has helped during the process. “The stress levels are 100% on game days at Eskimo Joe’s, but I’m just so used to it at this point, so it’s really no difference,” said Webb. Jaylin Mccray has only worked one game day at Chris’ University Store, and she says that the first home game of the season was most definitely the best shift to work.” Mccray got to see the crowd rush before the game and thought she was going to be overwhelmed since it was her first game working, but she had a lot of fun. “I can’t wait to work this next upcoming weekend for the next game day; it was an absolute blast,” Mccray said. When the game started, the crowd died down at Chris’ University Store and then picked back up after the game. It’s evident that the majority of students at OSU who work in the so-called “hot spots” of Stillwater enjoy the rush and energy of working these busy but exciting game days.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Speech

Continued from 1A Programs are available through SGA for students to grow in their leadership, find inclusive groups and add to the college experience of other students around them. Even with programs and opportunities in place, there are some students who want to see further change in the ability to speak freely on campus. Sophomore business marketing major, Kinea Moore, has noticed the lack of acceptance throughout OSU when someone voices their opinions and others disagree. “There’s not a lot of people who are accepting here on campus,” Moore said. “I feel like most people are judged, so they don’t come out and speak up as much.” The Oklahoma Voice also stated that “across the three schools, 45% of surveyed students said they self-censor on campus.” OSU ranked in “AA” speaks to the crowd with a megaphone during the Anti-ICE student protest. the top 25 for support from administrators, but on the growth in this category these events to occur without the upcoming data center being contrary, it ranked in the throughout the past year, OSU disruption. built in Stillwater. bottom 25 for how open has remained the same. “The only real thing I’ve Through Ferrante’s eyes, students felt about speaking up While the statistics might not really seen about free speech the university has been in a during controversial topics. show improvement, student on campus is the people that good light and led her to state The two main areas of organizations and others who are around the library that hold that she doesn’t see any areas concern appeared when share common opinions speak up signs a lot,” Ferrante said. “I needing visible change at the questions on the survey out to stand up for what they think that’s a really good way moment. mentioned opposing political believe in. to be able to talk about things “I haven’t seen any denial opinions and the possibility of Sophomore psychology major because everyone walks that of free speech here at OSU, so social retaliation. OSU, along Bell Ferrante has noticed the way [to class].” I’d say they’re [OSU] doing a with the other two universities, amount of students who speak Ferrante also noticed, that, pretty good job,” Ferrante said. received an F grade for students out and feels that the university this past week, students held That statement will vary accepting opposing opinions. has done its job in allowing a protest for the use of AI and depending on the student, While OU and Tulsa showed

Megan Gibson, The O’Colly

but to ensure keep increase in ratings, OSU’s Freedom of Expression Policy protects each student’s First Amendment right. OSU also states in its mission statement, followed by its Core Value in Intellectual Freedom, that they “seek to provide all members of the OSU community with the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn.” news.ed@ocolly.com

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Lifestyle

THE O’COLLY PICKS - DANCING WITH THE STARS ELIMINATION Nights

Week 2

Caleson Coon

Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik

Weston Wertzberger

Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson

Cayden Cox

Giada de Laurentiis and Alan Bersten

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Giada de Laurentiis and Alan Bersten Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson

Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart

Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik

Giada de Laurentiis and Alan Bersten

Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart

Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik

Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart

Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson

Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik

Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart

Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson

Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong

Ashley Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson Giada de Laurentiis and Alan Bersten Yarbrough Megan Gibson

Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik

Kalina Williams

Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson

Giada de Laurentiis and Alan Bersten Giada de Laurentiis and Alan Bersten

Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik

Andon Fritas

Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik

Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong

Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold

Giada de Laurentiis and Alan Bersten

CURRENT ‘DANCING WITH THE STARS’ STANDINGS - WEEK ONE NOT ELIMINATED

Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess Giada de Laurentiis and Alan Bersten Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach Jackson Olson and Emma Slater Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold

ELIMINATED

Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills