Oklahoma State University Athletics
Amid Changes, Cowboys Ride On
September 14, 2020 | Cowboy Football
LISTEN - Gundy media availability from Sept. 14
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STILLWATER – There were no cheers in Stillwater when Oklahoma State's football season opener against Tulsa was postponed to this week, but it hasn't been all bad.
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The postponement created an extra week of preparation for OSU's newcomers, most notably, Washington State transfer receiver Tay Martin. Martin committed to join the Cowboys on August 22, so every rep counts for a player coach Mike Gundy says should see significant game action.
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"It's an advantage, certainly with Tay Martin getting another week of practice," Gundy said. "We're dealt a hand and we try to make the best out of it."
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The opener with Tulsa was originally scheduled for Sept. 12, but COVID-19 rearranged the Golden Hurricane's practice schedule. In the interest of safety, TU approached OSU and asked for the game to be moved back to this week. The two schools worked together to sort out the logistics and made it happen.
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This game has become an illustration of how things can change quickly in this new COVID normal, but as of this week, Gundy shared that the Cowboys have zero active cases. He said head team physician Dr. Val Gene Iven, head football athletic trainer Scott Parker and director of athletic training John Stemm have all played an important role in that.
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"(Dr. Iven's) approach and the way it was handled within our athletic department has been fabulous and we're very thankful to be in this position for a lot of reasons, Gundy said. "I'm very proud of our medical staff."
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As people from all walks are experiencing, COVID carries both physical and mental impacts. In the case of the Cowboy football program, the team built up to the climax of game week, but had to recalibrate when the game was rescheduled. Gundy underscored how ready the team is to put on the uniform and compete.
Â
"Dealing with the emotions of players and continuous practices and no games has been much different," Gundy said. "We've pushed hard and continue to do everything we can to try to get our players in a position where they can play an up-tempo, physical game to start the season."
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The Cowboys and Tulsa face off in the Bank of Oklahoma Turnpike Classic at 11 a.m. CT Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium. The game will be televised by ESPN.
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STILLWATER – There were no cheers in Stillwater when Oklahoma State's football season opener against Tulsa was postponed to this week, but it hasn't been all bad.
Â
The postponement created an extra week of preparation for OSU's newcomers, most notably, Washington State transfer receiver Tay Martin. Martin committed to join the Cowboys on August 22, so every rep counts for a player coach Mike Gundy says should see significant game action.
Â
"It's an advantage, certainly with Tay Martin getting another week of practice," Gundy said. "We're dealt a hand and we try to make the best out of it."
Â
The opener with Tulsa was originally scheduled for Sept. 12, but COVID-19 rearranged the Golden Hurricane's practice schedule. In the interest of safety, TU approached OSU and asked for the game to be moved back to this week. The two schools worked together to sort out the logistics and made it happen.
Â
This game has become an illustration of how things can change quickly in this new COVID normal, but as of this week, Gundy shared that the Cowboys have zero active cases. He said head team physician Dr. Val Gene Iven, head football athletic trainer Scott Parker and director of athletic training John Stemm have all played an important role in that.
Â
"(Dr. Iven's) approach and the way it was handled within our athletic department has been fabulous and we're very thankful to be in this position for a lot of reasons, Gundy said. "I'm very proud of our medical staff."
Â
As people from all walks are experiencing, COVID carries both physical and mental impacts. In the case of the Cowboy football program, the team built up to the climax of game week, but had to recalibrate when the game was rescheduled. Gundy underscored how ready the team is to put on the uniform and compete.
Â
"Dealing with the emotions of players and continuous practices and no games has been much different," Gundy said. "We've pushed hard and continue to do everything we can to try to get our players in a position where they can play an up-tempo, physical game to start the season."
Â
The Cowboys and Tulsa face off in the Bank of Oklahoma Turnpike Classic at 11 a.m. CT Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium. The game will be televised by ESPN.
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