OSU men's basketball help women through tough time
BY JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
11/22/11 at 7:58 AM
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Find more information about the crash and reaction, including a video of OSU President Burns Hargis’ press conference and a video of students’ reactions.
STILLWATER - The Oklahoma State men's basketball team has a responsibility to help the women's team get through tough times, according to Cowboy freshman Cezar Guerrero.
The Cowgirls lost head coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna to a fatal plane crash Thursday.
Two days later, OSU men's coach Travis Ford rented a Stillwater bowling alley so the Cowgirls could do something other than dwell on tragedy.
"It was just amazing," Guerrero said. "We just had the girls there, bowling against them. We just had music and food and everything. It was like a little get-together with all of us, and it was just beautiful to see them smiling again and see the family members get their minds off of things."
The Cowboys participated in a Monday morning workout at a practice gym. Gallagher-Iba Arena was unavailable because it was the site of a 1 p.m. Monday memorial service for Budke, Serna and two others lost in the crash.
"We know the girls team really well," he said. "I had them over to my house this summer with the team. We see them every day.
"And as I addressed them (last week) and talked to them in the locker room, I told them we all live in the same world. We're different than football. We live in the same world. We are doing the same thing. We are practicing. We go through individual workouts. We are preparing for games and it's with a basketball in our hands. So we understand."
Ford said it was good just to spend time together. He said the Cowgirls had fun.
Players and coaches from the men's basketball team attended the memorial service and were seated in chairs behind the home bench.
When the service ended, they gathered their gear and headed to an airport to fly to New York City for the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off. The Cowboys play a Wednesday semifinal game against Stanford.
"It has been a tough week on everybody obviously," Ford said.
"I probably wish we weren't leaving (so soon) so we could spend time with the girls. But our guys are excited about the opportunity. But it has been a long week. I am proud of my team, how they have comforted the girls and spent time with them."
Guerrero said his heart broke when he heard the news about Budke and Serna.
"I shed a tear for the girls and all the family members," Guerrero said. "It's a hard loss for us, the Oklahoma State family and everybody. It's tough. It's really tough."
Original Print Headline: OSU men's basketball helps women through tough time
Jimmie Tramel 918 581-8389
jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com
