Five True Facts about … Oklahoma State football
Charlie Riedel, Associated Press
Oklahoma State wide receiver Talyn Shettron (2) is chased by Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish (10) as he tries to get to a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan.Each week the Daily Herald will provide five true facts about BYU’s latest football opponent for your enjoyment. This week, Oklahoma State University.
One: Mascot mania
The Oklahoma State Cowboys were known as the Oklahoma A&M Tigers when they played their first season in 1900. They changed their name in 1957.
Two: We’re No. 1
The Cowboys claim one national championship (1945), though they have been awarded two. Oklahoma State doesn’t claim a national title given them by the Colley Matrix in 2011.
Three: Cowboys for life
Famous Oklahoma State alumni include musician Garth Brooks, computer pioneer Dr. H. Edward Roberts, astronaut Wall Funk, American business magnate and financier T. Boone Pickens and South Korean Prime Minister Nam Duck-woo.
Four: The head man
The Cowboys have had 23 head coaches in their history. The current head coach, Mike Gundy, was hired in 2005.
Five: Paddling, paddling
The Oklahoma State student section has a tradition of hitting orange paddles against the sideline and end zone walls at home games. This tradition apparently started in the early 1990s, and has since become an official group within the university. The orange paddles have the word “Pokes” in bold letters written on them and the students are known as “Paddle People.”
