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Bailey, Ward are no longer walk-ons

Special teams players awarded scholarships.
OSU coach Mike Gundy visits with receiver Dez Bryant during practice Wednesday. STEPHEN HOLMAN/Tulsa World
OSU coach Mike Gundy visits with receiver Dez Bryant during practice Wednesday. STEPHEN HOLMAN/Tulsa World
<span class="mugshot">Bailey</span>

 By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 8/6/2009  2:28 AM
Last Modified: 8/7/2009  7:18 AM
Related stories: Gundy: Dez Bryant should be in the discussion of Heisman.

Practice Report: Oklahoma State.

STILLWATER — After two seasons of distinguished service on special teams, Oklahoma State's Dan Bailey and Bryant Ward no longer are designated as walk-on members of the Cowboy football team.

During Wednesday's practice at Boone Pickens Stadium the opening practice of preseason camp Bailey and Ward participated for the first time as scholarship players.

Coach Mike Gundy determined last week that he would award scholarships to Bailey, a junior kicker; and Ward, a junior fullback.

"This is what we hoped for. It was nice to get that phone call," said Bailey, who has handled placekicking duties and kickoffs since the midway mark of the 2007 season. On field goals, his career success rate is 17-of-23. On kicks attempted from 39 yards or less, he is 15-of-16.

"Dan was asleep when I called him, but he was very excited and appreciative," special-teams coordinator Joe DeForest said. "It's been our policy here to reward walk-ons who contribute and start, and Dan has been the starting kicker here for a year and a half.

He
led the Big 12 in field-goal percentage last year, and he is (85-of-85) on extra points. He has only missed one field goal inside of 40 yards, and there's a lot to be said for that.

"It's always tough financially for these walk-ons. When you get a chance to reward them, we're happy for them."

In addition to getting a few snaps at the fullback position (and scoring a touchdown against Iowa State last season), the 5-foot-11, 225-pound Ward has been a playmaker on kickoff coverage.

"I remember watching (Ward) run downfield on scout-team kickoff coverage, and he would beat our guys," DeForest recalls. "Finally, I said, 'Who is this guy?' We were in a team meeting, and I wanted to know which walk-on guy was the one making those plays for the scout team.

"Bryant was scared to say anything, but he spoke up and said, 'Bryant Ward.' I told him, 'Tell your mom you're starting on kickoffs against Texas.' "

Bailey hails from Mustang and attended high school at Southwest Convenant. Ward, because he attended Stillwater High School, has been nicknamed "Stillwater."

"I was really confident that I would get a scholarship if I worked hard," Ward said. "That was my goal. I didn't come here to be a walk-on. That's where I had to start, but I didn't plan on staying there. My parents were pretty excited about (the scholarship). My mom nearly started crying."

Both Ward and Bailey celebrated their scholarship good news by sharing a feast with their parents, who no longer are on the hook for tuition costs. Ward's parents, Kim and Kemp, now reside in Claremore, so the son and parents drove into Tulsa for a catfish dinner. Dan, Ann and Gary Bailey dined at an Italian restaurant in Oklahoma City.

Since Gundy became head coach in 2005, seven walk-on players have been rewarded with scholarships.

"When (Bailey and Ward) walked on here two years ago, we told them that if they started to contribute and help our football team, and if they took care of their class work, that we would take into consideration paying for their education," Gundy said. "It's awesome. Any time you can do something to help somebody out, you like doing that. It's a great opportunity for our coaching staff to say thanks for the hard work and effort."

Bill Haisten 581-8397
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com

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Rhymeister, Tokyo, JPN (last year)
I second what the Barkmaster said, congrats, fellows. Keep up the good work!
Home-Grown, Stillwater (last year)
Good to see two young men persevere for what is really important, EDUCATION!
pat, Kiefer (last year)
Great story! Proud of our Oklahoma players!
Arbythree, Tulsa (last year)
Happy for these young men.
PIRANA, Tulsa (last year)
Excellent job young men! They deserve this! GO POKES!
Steff M, Claremore (last year)
Is Gumby prepping for an appearance in the 'WSOP'. He'll give Phil Helmuth a run for his money with that look.
Darockwilder, Tulsa (last year)
great for them
7 comments displayed


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