Friday, August 7, 2026
Stillwater rape case against teenager dismissed Staff Report
weekly counseling sessions until his 19th birthday. As Former Stillwater High long as he completed this School Student has had his plan he would not receive the youthful offender status 78 year sentence that he was expire 10 months after given. pleading no contest to The court reviewed that he accusation of rape. had completed all required Jesse Butler pleaded no reviews and conditions of his contest to 10 charges to the court ordered rehabilitation alleged rape and assault of plan. On Aug. 3 the court two former girlfriends. The confirmed that Butler would judge accepted the plea which be dismissed from the changed his status to youthful program at midnight. offender and then the Office The dismissal removes the of Juvenile Affairs created a case from the state and under rehabilitation plan for him. double jeopardy laws the state The plan included over 100 cannot try Butler twice for the hours of community service, same crime. But newly sworn a curfew, no social media, and in District Attorney Jeremiah
Gregory does plan to refer the case to federal agencies. “However, the federal government is a separate sovereign entity from the State of Oklahoma where double jeopardy has not attached.” Gregory said in a press released after the hearing. “Therefore, my office will be submitting this case to the appropriate federal agency for prosecutorial review of this matter. I cannot undo what has already been done, but I can – and will – continue to stand as a strong voice for all victims of violent crime.” news.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little, The O’Colly
Butler was first arrested in March 2025 after two high school students reported they had been sexually assaulted.
Places to go for Tax-Free Weekend in Stillwater Caleson Coon
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As Tax-Free Weekend arrives, here are guidelines and places to go in Stillwater. Aug. 7-9 will be the dates to get your shopping carts ready to buy any clothing or footwear without paying for state or local sales taxes. Clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item qualify for the tax exemption, and athletic and protective footwear, any school supplies or accessories do not qualify. Here are a few places to add to your stops to your Tax-Free weekend adventures. Old Navy Located at 619 N Main St., Old Navy offers clothes for all ages, along with footwear that’s perfect for a new job at the office, first day of classes or a stroll through Oklahoma State University’s campus. Sharpe’s Over on 617 N Perkins, Sharpe’s is eager for customers to arrive and shop away as their posts on Facebook show. Sharpe’s supplies a fun western style that goes perfectly with being a cowboy – or cowgirl – on or off campus. With shirts, boots, jackets and more, it is one stop you do not want to miss.
See TAX-FREE on page 2
Natalie Koepp, The O’Colly
Homeland closes on Aug. 8, 2026.
Homeland says goodbye Kalina Williams
STAFF REPORTER
After just over six years, Stillwater’s Homeland is set to close this Saturday with liquidation in effect since July 9. Oklahoma’s largest locally owned grocery chain has closed several locations due to underperformance with hopes to strengthen the company and better serve the community. According to KOCO, HAC, Inc. CEO, Frank Archer, stated that the decision to close the stores
“wasn’t easy but is necessary to serve the community longterm.” Originally the Stillwater location wasn’t set to close, but due to the building’s rent prices, the company was unable to keep up and had to be sold. This location opened in early 2020 and will now follow other closed locations like in Norman, Lawton and Edmond. With the store closing, a loss of resources for consumers and jobs for employees became an outspoken issue. Residents shared their thoughts through the
“Stillwater Community Page” on Facebook along with support and advice for those looking for new jobs. The closing goes beyond jobs being lost and strikes many as a personal issue. As the store prepared to close, bakery orders stopped being taken which hindered income. Aside from the negative aspects, significant discounts were put in place which attracted new and old customers.
See HOMELAND on page 2
Payton Little, The O’Colly
Shop Chris’ University Store Aug. 7-9, 2026.
Page 2 Friday, August 7, 2026
O’Colly
news/Lifestyle Tax-Free
Academy Sports + Outdoors At 2409 N Perkins Road is the place to go when getting ready for fall Continued from 1 sports, outdoor activities or simply lounging around. It offers footwear T.J. Maxx and variety of clothing for all those Right alongside the Old Navy, is T.J. who walk through its doors. Maxx, and as it always offers a variety of sorts when it comes to clothes and Eskimo Joe’s Clothes shoes for all ages at prices that no And it wouldn’t be a Tax-Free one can argue with, it wouldn’t be a Weekend in Stillwater if one forgets complete shopping day without a stop to stop at one and only, Eskimo Joe’s at this shop. for a shirt and perhaps cheese fries Chris’ University Spirit Over on Campus Corner is the infamous place to get your OSU gear in check before the semester begins. It serves all who come with sweatshirts, a variety of tops and all other clothing that will have students, fans, faculty and residents of Stillwater looking and feeling ready for all that the new semester has to offer.
Courtesy Creative Commons
After over six years, Homeland will no longer reside in Stillwater.
Bloom with grace Boutique On 813 S. Main St. of Stillwater is a downtown boutique that is owned by a mother-daughter duo. This particular boutique offers a cross over between faith and fashion, which only adds to its charm of the collection of clothing items. And though they aren’t Tax-Free exempt, the shop also offers jewelry, Bibles, journals, devotional books and gifts for friends near and far from Stillwater.
to go. The infamous smilin’ T-shirts have been a part of Joe’s legacy since it first opened in 1975, and the shop then opened in 1987 right next door to the restaurant. If one is in need of a food stop that blends into another shopping stop, Eskimo Joe’s is the place to go.
Wooden Nickel Out on The Strip is the Wooden Nickel, a sweet and up to trends boutique at 401 S Washington St. that has been a permanent fixture of the town since 1976. Whether one needs a gym set, clothes for the first day of classes or a last minute concert outfit, the Wooden Nickel is the sure place to go. And though there are more stores that Stillwater has to offer, if you’re all shopped out by the last place on the list, online purchases also qualify if ordered and paid for during Aug. 7-9. news.ed@ocolly.com
Courtesy Creative Commons
Homeland first announced it was leaving Stillwater on March 31, 2026.
Homeland
to provide a positive space within Stillwater. “I hope that whatever goes in Continued from 1 the empty space creates a friendly environment and provides another For those who have shopped at great space for the community,” Homeland, some may have chosen the Alexander said. store for price while others like Sofia Others have pointed out that the Alexander chose it for comfortability prices and proximity aren’t the only and its location. things they’ll miss. For Dana Kuruna, “I chose to go to Homeland mainly she’ll miss how welcoming and helpful for convenience because it was closer the employees are. to where I live,” Alexander said. “It “I’ve grown close to the workers was also smaller. I have never really there over the years,” Kuruna said. “I’ll shopped at Walmart before, not even in miss how hardworking they are along Dallas, so I just went with what I was with the environment they created.” more comfortable with.” Kuruna went on to say how this Aside from close proximity, the store Homeland was her store of choice and was Alexander’s source for produce now, she’s unsure about how the other and pharmaceuticals, now forcing stores in town will compare. her to travel elsewhere. Although the Although it’s likely the town has products may differ depending on plans for the empty space, losing the each store, she wasn’t worried about store was unfortunate for Stillwater having to travel somewhere else for her locals and has left them questioning shopping to be completed. how their convenience and shopping With the space soon to be open for experiences will look going forward. new businesses, Alexander hopes to see any future plans continue news.ed@ocolly.com
Tax-Free also applies online through Aug. 7-9.
GOD’S WONDERFUL LOVE GIFT! “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Ro.5:8 NLT) One of the important foundations of our faith is the extent of God’s love for us. It is how far He would go to help us in our sinfulness. If we were to face the righteous judgment of God without his help, we all would be eternally lost; separated from God and all that is good, and it would be forever. John 3:16 expresses that simply. “ God so loved the world! God went to great lengths to supply a way for us “not to perish;” not to be separated in eternal regret from all that is good and wonderful. It is God who took the initiative. We are so dead in our sins that we did not even see our need fully. To save us, God sent his Son, Jesus, to die for us; to pay the
Logan Biggins, The O’Colly
penalty that was rightfully ours, so that we, humans, could go free. What does he ask from us? When we learn (hear) the message of God’s love, of Jesus’ sacrifice for us; we trust him, admit our need(our sin), and honestly thank him for his love gift. God forgives all our sins and declares us righteous in his sight.(Ro.5:1) He also gives us a new life within. We are “born again”, and we begin a new and real relationship with God. It is a love relationship; “We love him because He first loved us.” (1 Jn.4:19) “How great is the love the Father (God) has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 Jn.3:1 NIV) Not by any works we have done, but receiving freely Gods love gift. It is free to all!
O’Colly
Friday, August 7, 2026 Page 3
Lifestyle Review
A tale as old as time
Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is breaking records and turning heads Delaney Waterman STAFF REPORTER
“The Odyssey” is known across a majority of high schools as required reading. Then Christopher Nolan put his cinematic spin on it. After much anticipation, “The Odyssey” premiered in theatres on July 17. Nolan, known for lengthy runtimes, gothic palettes, and using 70 millimeter IMAX film, has noted that his adaptation of the historic text is “more than 20 years in the making.” Christopher Nolan has found success in the film industry for decades, most prominently with “The Dark Knight” trilogy, standalone pieces such as “Interstellar” and “Tenet,” and the biographical retellings found in “Oppenheimer.” Nonetheless, Nolan has not always landed every film that he was in the running for. In fact, the 2004 film “Troy,” based on “The Illiad,” did not find itself in Nolan’s hands. After that fell through, Nolan put his admiration for the epic into many of his own works. His vision of “The Illiad” and “The Odyssey” found itself sprinkled across space, New Mexico and Gotham City. Nolan’s last picture, the 2023 film “Oppenheimer” took the world by storm. It earned 13 nominations and seven wins at the Academy Awards, making it the most successful movie of Nolan’s, but achieving slightly less than the box office earnings of “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises.” The prosperity of “Oppenheimer” is what Nolan credits as what gave him “options” for a cinematic retelling of “The Odyssey.” He had long been a fan of the epic and studied numerous versions of the text, focusing a majority of his time on Emily Watson’s 2017 translation. He has praised Watson’s adaptation, especially over her portrayal of Odysseus as a “complicated man.” However, Watson has not reciprocated those feelings. In the London Review of Books, Watson posted a review of Nolan’s work. She called the writing “abysmal,” the film’s structure “gimmicky” and the film an overall “elaborate Fourth of July fireworks display – and with about the same level of narrative and emotional depth.” Wilson’s displeasure with the film is not entirely negative, as she is pleased with the success of the film, acknowledging the strong support and revenue for
theatres as well as a return to appreciating classic literature. “The Odyssey” has already grossed more than 912 million since its release and is onehalf of the largest domestic box office weekend in history alongside “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Both films share Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jon Bernthal. Wilson is proof that Nolan’s adaptation is not without criticism. The casting of rapper Travis Scott, transgender actor Elliot Page and black actress Lupita Nyong’o initially faced mixed opinions, with critics upset at the “diverse” and “unconventional” casting. Regardless, Nolan stuck by his decisions, saying ancient oral storytelling was “analogous” to rap music while other viewers have praised Page and Nyong’o’s performances. Furthermore, the absentee gods – minus Zendaya portraying Athena in brief snapshots – the few supernatural occurrences, and the plain speech instead of entirely loud, commanding voices are some of the things that have viewers dissatisfied. Others have found these elements to be what makes the film special. Or, rather, to be what makes it individual and relatable. As Odysseus himself, Matt Damon applauded Nolan for his “faithful” devotion to Homer, saying “that’s not someone you rewrite.” More than the script, Damon gave “The Odyssey” the nickname “Advil movie” due to the extremely physical tolls and practical effects. Nolan is notorious for his disliking of CGI and SFX, instead choosing to use real rowing sequences, heighttricks for battle scenes, and filming at real castles. This is the first and only film to have been shot entirely on IMAX and the visuals are nothing but impressive. By doing so, Nolan brings authenticity and grit to “The Odyssey.” “The Odyssey” has a starstudded cast and Christopher Nolan’s creative touch. It is a tale that is thousands of years old, yet Nolan sheds a new light and finds new angles to approach it. There is no definitive “correct” way to portray or interpret “The Odyssey.” Nolan’s blockbuster is only one piece of media to have revived the epic poem throughout history, and it will not be the last. news.ed@ocolly.com
“The Odyssey” was released into theaters on July 17, 2026
Courtesy Creative Commons
Page 4 Friday, August 7, 2026
O’Colly
Lifestyle Review
Vengeful dreampop
Ariana Grande’s ‘petal’ has been released Delaney Waterman STAFF REPORTER
It was “eternal sunshine” that detailed Ariana Grande’s 2024 divorce, and “petal” reignites the anger that grew from it. Grande’s highly anticipated eighth studio album “petal” was released on July 31. A fulllength listen through all twelve tracks takes only 36 minutes. Teasers for the album appeared on social media in April and “hate that i made you love me” was released as the lead single on May 28. Unlike “Dangerous Woman” and “sweetener”’s booming, powerhouse vocals, “petal” is refined and soft. The instrumentals, which are gossamer and experimental, seem to float behind the lyrics. It is far from the glitz and sparkle of her previous projects, “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good.” Instead, it is what Grande describes as “unfiltered rage.” Across her platforms, Grande began using the phrase “petal in the pavement” to promote this record. It is a lyric from the title track “petal,” but it also describes Ariana Grande’s album “peta” was released on July 31, 2026. the album as a whole; a petal in the pavement faces constant love me” Grande explores the that reclaim independence in trampling, harsh conditions pitfalls of her popularity. She knowing that not only is the and blooms despite an sings “You studied my crown relationship over, but that unforgiving situation. and borrowed my body” and the ex-lover will be troubled Grande has been open about “Is it really my fault you all far more than Grande. “stay” her dissatisfaction with fame, gave me your hearts on your and “nowhere, nobody” are fans, and her own feelings. own accord?” to seemingly closely related and harness She has been in the public eye both previous lovers and the feeling someone wants for two decades and with that obsessed fans. nothing but to be near their is paparazzi, critical fans, and “petal” is not a breakup lover. violated privacy. From her album – nor is it a love album Recently, Grande has romantic life to her health, – but it features tracks that been linked to former Grande has graced many lean toward each spectrum of partner, background dancer, headlines and blind items. those emotions. “oh well” and photographer and muse, On “hate that i made you “never get over me” are ballads Ricky Álvarez. The track “bad
Natalie Koepp, The O’Colly
thing (bunny hop)” is the brightest, most upbeat on the album and features the line “Meet you by the staircase where we / Fell in love, let’s do it twice.” As the track most similar to previous records, “warning signs (interlude)” goes from dark and lowly to dramatic, with the lyric “I wish someone could hear me.” It then sharply cuts out and the “new” sound of Ariana Grande circles back around.
IF YOU’RE IN THE UK, DON’T MISS ARIANA GRANDE’S “THE ETERNAL SUNSHINE TOUR” THE O2 ARENA, LONDON, LND, GB, — • Aug. 15, Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. • Aug 16, Sunday @ 6:00 PM • Aug 19, Wednesday, @ 6:30 PM • Aug 20, Thursday @6:30 PM • Aug 23, Sunday, @ 6:00 PM • Aug 24, Monday @6:30 PM • Aug 27, Thursday @ 6:30 PM • Aug 28, Friday, @ 6:30 PM • Aug 31, Monday,@ 6:30 PM • Sept 1, Tuesday (tour finale) @6:30 PM
WHERE TO STREAM HER LATEST ALBUM DROP, “PETAL” — • Spotify • Apple Music • Youtube • Tidal
Grande, known for producing songs on the sultry side, does it again with “big feelings” and “like i do.” She sings of lust but also confidence, appearing as a femme fatale kind of figure. “like i do” puts the emphasis on her own life as she declares “Ego small, but I’m still Grande.” Grande finds her way back to the central metaphor with “freak.” She sings of fantasy and poison that stem from unwarranted comments. It serves as a declaration for Grande as she learns to live without pleasing everyone. “petal” is previously unexplored territory for Grande. The juxtaposition of hushed vocals and controlled anger show that Grande does not have to use her flashy vocal range to get her point across to listeners. Much like her musical idol Imogen Heap, “petal” is electric and layered with harmonies that can easily put listeners into a trance. She has sung about fame and love before, but “petal” does not hide behind any kind of wall. It does not involve excuses. It is unashamed and unapologetic throughout each beat, just as Ariana Grande has become today. news.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
Friday, August 7, 2026 Page 5
Friday, August 7, 2026
OSU is evaluating Grant Jordan and Brodie Vehrs as the Cowboys’ backup quarterback behind Drew Mestemaker during fall camp.
Dominyk Jones, The O’Colly
Backup quarterback battle takes shape at OSU fall camp
Timothy Christensen
through last year, you get excited about a kid that starts good in series two or three, he’s out for the rest of the year, and While Drew Mestemaker is firmly entrenched as Oklahoma it’s like holy crap. What do we do now?” State’s starting quarterback, In 2025, Hauss Hejny won head coach Eric Morris and the starting job for the season his staff still have decisions to make behind him on the depth opener against UT Martin, with plans to split time with Zane chart. Flores. Hejny accounted for OSU quarterbacks Grant Jordan and Broderick “Brodie” two touchdowns — one passing Vehrs are currently competing and one rushing — in his lone quarter of action. to be the backup quarterback That quarter ended up this season. While being being Hejny’s only action of the backup QB is not the the season after he suffered a most glamorous title, Morris broken foot. Four games later, understands the position’s Flores was injured, and the importance. Cowboys turned to former “I think that’s something receiver Sam Jackson V to that’s probably understated here,” Morris said. “Obviously, quarterback the team. Despite Flores’ eventual return, the what Oklahoma State went
STAFF REPORTER
Cowboys never won a game Morris appreciates Jordan’s after Hejny’s injury. football experience. Morris hopes to avoid a “Grant is a seasoned veteran,” similar situation this season, Morris said. “He’s played with Jordan and Vehrs football. He’s been around. emerging as the top candidates He’s installed. Super smart. for the backup quarterback job. Continues to get better.” The current frontrunner Vehrs comes to OSU as a seems to be Jordan. The true freshman from Gilbert, redshirt senior transferred to Arizona, out of Basha High OSU after spending time at Yale School. He was ranked the No. and UMass. 65 quarterback prospect in the After missing time due to national class and the No. 15 injury during his first couple overall prospect in the state of of seasons at Yale, Jordan Arizona, according to Rivals. started in nine games for the Jordan enters camp with Bulldogs, passing for 1,938 a significant experience yards and 22 touchdowns with advantage, while Vehrs brings a 66% completion rate. He then the higher long-term upside transferred to UMass and was as one of the program’s most mostly the backup, starting in highly regarded freshman only two games. signees. Now that he is at OSU, Despite Jordan’s experience
edge over the freshman, Morris is not willing to call the QB competition over at this point in the offseason. “Brodie’s a guy I think that’s right on [Jordan’s] tail right now,” Morris said. “He’s a young guy that got all those reps in the spring. I think we’ll give them a ton of reps in live scrimmage situations to see who can kind of put it all together.” Morris and OSU fans hope the QB2 battle never matters this season, but after injuries forced the Cowboys to cycle through multiple quarterbacks in 2025, identifying a dependable backup has become one of fall camp’s biggest priorities. sports.ed@ocolly.com
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Sports OSU football announces themes for 2026 home games Will Thorogood
Dan Lanning make their way to Stillwater for Oregon’s first trip there. Morris will look A new era of Oklahoma to continue OSU’s success in State football is about to begin. home openers after Gundy The Cowboys will take went 21-0 in that scenario. the field with first-year head Murray State will be in coach Eric Morris in 36 days town for Family Weekend on when they face the Tulsa Sept. 19 when OSU parents, Golden Hurricane on Sept. grandparents, relatives and 5 at H.A. Chapman Stadium alumni come to BPS for the in a revenge game after last first night game of the Morris season’s 19-12 loss at Boone era. The game coincides with Pickens Stadium, which Parents Weekend, giving marked OSU’s first loss to TU many OSU students’ families in Stillwater since 1951. a chance to experience a night Adding to the excitement, game in Stillwater. the Cowboys have released For the first home Big 12 the themes for all six home game against UCF on Oct. 10, games this season. One notable Cowboy fans will be instructed theme missing this year is the to stripe the stadium, with blackout game. This adds to sections alternating colors the culture shift around the between orange and white. program, as OSU usually had The last time OSU striped a blackout home game under the stadium was back in 2024 Mike Gundy, but that will not against Arkansas on Sept. 7, be the case in year one under when the Cowboys defeated Morris. the Razorbacks 39-31 in First up is the return of double overtime. This will be Roots and Boots, which will UCF’s first time at BPS, and be the theme for Morris’ first the Cowboys will look to use home game on Sept. 12 against that opportunity to get their Oregon, as the Cowboys look first-ever win against the to avenge their 69-3 loss to Knights after losing the first the Ducks in Eugene from last two meetings in Orlando. season. Cowboy boots will America’s Greatest be stomping throughout the Homecoming gets an added stadium as Dante Moore and boost this year with Deion STAFF REPORTER
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
OSU unveiled the themes for its home football games as the Cowboys prepare for Eric Morris’ first season. Sanders and Colorado visiting on Oct. 24, which will be the seventh time the two schools have faced off in OSU’s homecoming game and first since 2001. The Cowboys have a 4-1-1 record against CU on homecoming, including a 2525 tie in 1982. OSU’s overall record on homecoming is 5840-6, and it will look to avoid
a third-straight homecoming loss this year. Nov. 14 is a day of honor and recognition in Stillwater, as the Salute to Service game will be against Texas Tech. All the men and women who have served or are serving the country will be honored at halftime, while the Cowboy marching band performs its
halftime show. Senior Day features Kansas’ first trip to BPS since 2023, as the Jayhawks look for their first road win against OSU since 2007. The Cowboys have lost their last two Senior Day games and will look to end that streak against the Jayhawks. sports.ed@ocolly.com
OSU soccer reveals game themes for 2026 season Will Thorogood
17-3-2 record at NPS against part of its history since the Dike, and Coumba Sow are Missouri State is Youth Day the Lady Sooners, and the inception in 1996, and his three who have represented and Sept. 13 against Central Cowgirls’ last home loss dates impact has been huge. His their countries in the FIFA Arkansas includes a postgame After an injury-riddled 4-13- back to Oct. 14, 2016. tenure has included six Big 12 Women’s World Cup. ceremony honoring the team’s 2 season last year, Oklahoma When Grambling State regular-season championships, The next three home games eight seniors. State soccer looks to regroup comes to Stillwater on Aug. with four in a row from 2008- each recognize a different Before conference play and return to the Big 12 30, OSU will celebrate the 11. Six players he coached have group. Sept. 3 against San begins against TCU on Sept. and NCAA tournaments in 30th anniversary of Cowgirl been named All-Americans, Diego State is Student Night, 17, OSU will honor Neal its 22nd season under head Soccer. Carmichael has been and AD Franch, Courtney Sept. 6 against Southeast Patterson, whose impact on coach Colin Carmichael. the soccer program is forever The 2026 season features remembered. Patterson was 13 games at Neal Patterson the main benefactor of the $20 Stadium, 11 of which include million project that gave the a special theme. From stadium a significant upgrade anniversaries to specialized and led to its renaming in his nights and days, there is honor in 2018, one year after always a reason to watch the his passing. He was also one Cowgirls play this season. of five people who founded The season opener against Sporting Club, the group that Sam Houston on Aug. 12 purchased Major League will feature Ted Lasso x Soccer franchise Sporting New Student Night. This is Kansas City back in 2006. a perfect fan-engagement The next two themes are opportunity at the beginning prominent across all of OSU of the season, as Carmichael athletics: Oct. 2 against and the OSU players are Arizona marks the blackout huge fans of the Apple TV+ game for the Cowgirls, while comedy show that is focused Oct. 8 against Texas Tech on soccer. Additionally, is expected to draw a large this allows new students student crowd for Greek Night. to experience an athletic The final two themes are event as they adjust to life in very important ones for the Stillwater. team, fans and school. Oct. 16 About a week later, it will against Arizona State is the be time for the Cowgirls Kick Cancer game, allowing to get revenge in the 49th fans to support those battling edition of Bedlam Soccer cancer and remember those when they host Oklahoma who lost their lives to the on Aug. 20. Last year’s match disease. The final themed saw the Sooners prevail 4-1 in home game, Oct. 22 against Norman with Xcaret Pineda Utah, will honor United scoring the Cowgirls’ lone States military veterans and goal. OSU has defended home recognize their service. Natalie Koepp, The O’Colly field well against OU, with a OSU announced the themes for its 13 home soccer games for the 2026 season. sports.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER
O’Colly
Friday, August 7, 2026 Page 7
Sports
Davis Hicks, The O’Colly
Oklahoma State women’s golf announced its 2026-27 schedule, which includes 14 tournaments across seven states.
OSU women’s golf unveils 2026-27 schedule Marcus Mesis
starts the season against. The Cowgirls will head down I-35 to Norman to play in the Oklahoma State women’s Schooner Fall Classic at the golf released its 2026-27 Belmar Golf Course from Sept. schedule Tuesday, featuring 19-21. OSU is the reigning 14 tournaments across seven champion and will look to states. claim its fifth win at the event. Head coach Annie Young The Cowgirls are next in returns the entire starting action Oct. 5-7 at Mississippi lineup in her second year State’s annual “The Ally” coaching the team. tournament, which is held at The Cowgirls open the Old Waverly Golf Club in West season Sept. 7-9 at the Folds of Point, Miss. Last season, it had Honor Collegiate at American five of the SEC’s highest-ranked Dunes Golf Club in Grand teams. Haven, Mich. The Cowgirls, The next stop for the who are ranked No. 13 in the Cowgirls is the Freestone Lake nation, will join three other & Golf Club in Fairfield, Texas, top-25-ranked teams Sept. 7-9. for The Fin tournament. The No. 6 Texas A&M, No. 9 Duke tournament will take place Oct. and No. 24 Florida State will be 19-21 and is the second-to-last among the competition OSU tournament for OSU. STAFF REPORTER
The final fall tournament is the East Lake Cup in Atlanta, Ga., on Oct. 26-28. The field for the tournament is strong with Arkansas, Eastern Michigan and USC joining the Cowgirls. Every team playing made match play at last season’s NCAA championship. The spring season opens Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Therese Hession Challenge, where Ohio State is hosting the 31st edition of the tournament at Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes, Calif. The Cowgirls follow that up with two tournaments in Texas. The first one is the Houston Invitational on Feb. 8. The Chevron Collegiate follows that on Feb. 22-23. Both will take place in Houston, Texas, at the
Golf Club of Houston. The next tournaments for OSU are ones that they went to last season. The first tournament is the Lady Luck Invitational, which takes place in Las Vegas from March 1-2. The Cowgirls placed fifth at the tournament last season, marking the team’s sixth top-five finish. Next is the Charles Schwab Women’s Collegiate, which takes place at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. The tournament is from March 2223, and OSU placed seventh at it last year. The Cowgirls have a fifth trip to Texas for the “Mo”Morial Tournament from April 5-6 in College Station, Texas. The Texas A&M Traditions Club
he t t ou k c e Ch
way! a e d i al H n i g i Or
hosts the tournament annually; this is the 31st edition. OSU then moves into postseason play for the Big 12 championship set for April 21-23 at the Las Vegas Country Club in Las Vegas, Nev. OSU is looking for its 26th conference championship after placing fourth last season. Three Cowgirls — Ellie Bushnell, Marta Silchenko and Summer Lee — earned All-America honors last season. The NCAA regionals are next, on May 10-12, and the location hasn’t been set yet. The season will conclude with the NCAA championships on May 21-26 at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. sports.ed@ocolly.com
SINCE 1957,
230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074
Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!
Page 8 Friday, August 7, 2026
O’Colly
Sports Mestemaker, Hawkins continue preseason recognition with Maxwell Award watch list Weston Wertzberger
Mestemaker and Hawkins followed first-year coach Eric Morris from North Texas after Every preseason honor breakout 2025 seasons and handed out this offseason have quickly become two of the has reinforced one thing: biggest reasons for optimism expectations for Oklahoma surrounding OSU’s revamped State’s offense are soaring. offense entering the 2026 Quarterback Drew season. Mestemaker and running back Mestemaker led the NCAA Caleb Hawkins added to that with 4,379 passing yards and momentum Monday, earning threw 34 touchdowns last spots on the Maxwell Award season, earning American watch list. The Cowboys were Offensive Player of the Year one of just 16 FBS programs honors and the Burlsworth with multiple players among Trophy, which recognizes the the 81 candidates for the award, nation’s top player who began which recognizes the nation’s his career as a walk-on. He top college football player. was also named the Big 12 SPORTS EDITOR
Preseason Newcomer of the Year after transferring to OSU. Hawkins enters the season with lofty expectations after setting an NCAA freshman record with 29 touchdowns and leading the FBS in rushing scores last season. He was named the American Rookie of the Year and earned AllAmerican honors. The semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced on Nov. 10 and the finalists on Nov. 24. The winner will be announced Dec. 10 during ESPN’s College Football Awards Show. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
OSU running back Caleb Hawkins continues to earn preseason recognition after being named to the 2026 Maxwell Award watch list.
Wilson earns Preseason All-Big 12 honors entering senior season Ryan Ruston
STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State senior captain Laudan Wilson has been named to the Preseason AllBig 12 Team. Wilson is preparing for her fourth season in a Cowgirl uniform, and she has a chance to put together her best season yet. As a freshman, Wilson played as a No. 8 and No. 10, making an immediate impact on the Cowgirls’ success. Wilson had nine goals/ assists contributions and was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. Wilson broke out in her sophomore season; she started all 22 games and scored five goals. She also finished second in the Big 12 with nine assists. Wilson battled injuries throughout the 2025 season, appearing in only 11 games. Wilson showed she could play as a winger, but, playing through injuries for most of her games, she failed to score or assist. Now healthy entering her senior season, Wilson will captain the Cowgirls as they look to return to the NCAA tournament after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign that ended without a Big 12 victory. She could slide back into the No. 10 role, providing experience to a Andon Freitas, The O’Colly relatively new attacking front line. After earning Preseason All-Big 12 honors, Laudan Wilson enters her senior season healthy and ready to lead the Cowgirls. sports.ed@ocolly.com
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