Cowboys Hold Second Practice, Visit SeaWorld
OSU players at Shamu killer whale exhibit (L to R): Chuck Major, Nathan Sorenson, Kye Staley, Daytawion Lowe, Joe Okafor, Daniel Cooley, Andrew Hudson, Jase Chilcoat
Photo courtesy OStatePhoto.com
ANTONIO – Oklahoma State had an eventful Christmas Eve as the Cowboys continued preparations for the Alamo Bowl Friday in San Antonio.
For a group of eight Cowboys, the day began with a special opportunity at SeaWorld San Antonio as they were given the chance to get in a pool and interact with a pair of Beluga whales.
“I never imagined myself in the water with a whale before, but it was fun, amazing,” said sophomore safety Daytawion Lowe. “I want to thank the Alamo Bowl and SeaWorld for letting us come out and do this. It’s a big privilege. Most people that want to do it don’t get to do it, and we had a chance to do it so I’m very thankful.”
“I can’t say I like the water, I really don’t. But today was fun – I had to do it because I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The eight Cowboy players spent time with the Beluga whales, named Oliver and Luna, helping the trainers coax the animals into performing tricks and also posing for pictures.
“That was an amazing experience,” said freshman quarterback Nathan Sorenson. “Getting in water with an animal like that is a once-in-a-lifetime deal. We really enjoyed it, and as a team it was a bonding experience for us.
“I’ve never touched a whale or any fish that big. It was a great time, and we really appreciate SeaWorld letting us come out here and do this.”
Following their time in the water, the players visited the Shamu killer whale exhibit where they got a quick performance by several of the animals.
After the experience, the eight Cowboys joined the rest of their teammates for the second bowl practice in San Antonio at Alamo Heights High School.
Under cloudy skies, practiced for a couple of hours in preparation for next week’s game against Arizona. Former assistant coach Larry Coker, who spent six years in Stillwater in the 1980s and is now the head coach at Texas-San Antonio, attended the practice.
Following practice, the entire team boarded the buses and headed to SeaWorld, where the Cowboy players, coaching staff and families spent several hours.
“San Antonio is an amazing place, and we’re really excited to be at the Alamo Bowl,” Sorenson said. “As a freshman getting to come to a bowl, it’s just a great time for us and the team.”
will practice during the early afternoon on Christmas before a special team dinner and event.
Updated 12-26-2010
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