Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State Postgame Quotes
November 26, 2011 | Cowgirl Basketball
Nov. 26, 2011
University President Burns Hargis
Opening statement:
“I just think this was a great game for our kids and for fans. It was the best therapy we could have. I talked to our kids earlier this week when they practiced. They said it was a wonderful practice and made everything sort of bearable. I thought they played with a lot of heart and a lot of energy. I know this was hard for them and I know this was very hard for Jim Littell and his staff, but I think everybody really bucked up here and played a great game. I must say that seeing the Budke family, I just thought was wonderful for them to show up and support this team. The week they've had would devastate any of us, and for them to come and support these girls was just, I think, wonderful. I was very pleased to see our men's team out there and all the coaches. They had just come in from New York and had a tough time up there for the last couple of games, but they were here and supportive. I just think the whole OSU family came together wonderfully. It's not going to be easy. I think there's going to be a lot of tough times ahead, but I think if we pull together we'll figure out a way to get through this. Not get over it, but get through it.”
Interim Head Coach Jim Littell
Opening statement:
“First of all, our thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Budke's family and Coach Serna's family and the Branstetters, as well. I thought today got much deeper than just the basketball part of it. I thought we had a chance to pay honor today and I was very, very proud of our kids. I was very proud of our coaches with the work that our staff has done – from Bill Annan, to Richie Henderson, to Amber Littleton, all the way down to strength coaches and all that – that have just shown what kind of people they are and lucky we are to be around those type of folks. I just told our players that I've been fortunate over the years to be surrounded by a lot of good players and have a lot of success and I've never been more proud of a group than I was today. Did we play like we were capable of? Definitely not, and I think these kids would say that, but it was a step. We've been off for 13 days. They've gone through a big, big tragedy, but as I said, it's much, much deeper than a basketball game and I'm so proud of these kids.”
On the Budke family attending the game:
“They're just special people. Coach was a very special person and I've known his family and Shelley for close to 30 years. It just meant a lot to the OSU family and our players and coaches for them to be here today.”
On if the game helped the healing process:
“I think it's a start. Really, really happy that the people came out the way they did to pay honor to the four that we lost. I know that made our players feel very good.”
On the message he has been delivering to the team:
“At the service yesterday with Coach Budke's sister, Mickey, got up and she said, 'Kurt would not want any of us to fall apart.' Then she said, 'I always believe in the big three: believe in God, believe in yourself and believe in your team.' That's kind of been what we've been telling our players. We've told them the last couple days also that, 'You guys are such great kids and you're very conscious of how you act and how you represent yourself, but it's OK to smile. It's OK to laugh out there, it's OK to show positive emotion' – that that is not disrespectful and that that's the way that Coach Budke and Coach Serna would have wanted it.”
Sophomore Tiffany Bias
On the Budke family attending the game:
“It just shows how much OSU is a family. I've gotten a lot of phone calls and texts form the Budke family just saying, 'We're still going to be there to support you.' That's what the Budke family is. They're a family and we're their extended family, so no matter the horrible tragedy that did happen, they were going to come and support us.”
On not hearing Budke or Serna's voices on the floor:
“I think not hearing his voice anymore – it's weird and it's going to take some time to get used to. Coach Littell has been there just as much every time we come back to the huddle. I think there'd be no other person but Coach Littell's voice if we didn't hear Budke's voice.”
Sophomore Jenny Bryan
On getting back on the floor:
“It was fun getting to play together again. We've been off for 13 days and trying to practice hard and control our emotions and this and that; coming together as a team and knowing that the girl to your right and the girl to your left is going to be there for you. Looking up in the stands and seeing everybody supporting us was huge. That's who we play for.”
On following Coach Littell:
“We support each other and we believe in Coach Littell. He's our leader and we're going to follow him.”
