Cowboys Practice, Celebrate Christmas Together
ANTONIO – The Oklahoma State football team completed its third day of practice in San Antonio today in preparation for its Valero Alamo Bowl matchup with Arizona. Some Cowboys dressed in shorts despite the chilly and windy conditions, while others donned sweatpants.
“We’ve had a good week here so far,” coach Mike Gundy said. “They players have had a good time and we’ve had good practices. We had a good practice today.”
After the approximately two-hour workout, the Pokes loaded into buses and headed directly to Knibbe Ranch just outside of San Antonio to celebrate Christmas together. At the ranch, the Cowboys participated in steer roping and a hay ride, then broke for a Christmas dinner before taking to the dance floor led by emcee-for-the-night Justin Blackmon, who brought several players and coaches onto the floor to perform for the group.
After the fun, the Cowboys went back outside to watch a fireworks show on the ranch before heading back to the team hotel.
The Pokes return to the practice field tomorrow, then will be special guests at the Washington Wizards vs. San Antonio Spurs game tomorrow night.
Q&A With Linebacker Shaun Lewis
On being part of an team that far exceeded most preseason expectations:
“It’s an honor to be part of this team. All of the people counted us out at the beginning of the season, but it’s good to prove all the people wrong and exceed the expectations. I’m just happy to be part of a great year for Oklahoma State.”
On who he has learned the most from during his first year at Oklahoma State:
“I’d say that everyone helped communicate with me. I’ve learned from pretty much everybody. As for people who I looked up to, it would be both the linebackers, Orie Lemon and Justin Gent. Even Tolu Moala and James Thomas and some of those guys helped me out. The ends, Ugo Chinasa, Richetti Jones and Jamie Blatnick all helped me out this year, too. I could go on forever talking about it. It’s been pretty cool.”
On his favorite moment of the regular season:
“My favorite moment had to be winning the Texas A&M game. We won the game by a field goal at the end. It was so surreal to be a part of something like that and it really set the tone for the season. It was crazy that I got to be a part of it. I didn’t play most of the game because I was hurt, but then for me to get in and help my team out like that felt really good and I felt a sense of accomplishment after that.”
On being Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year:
“I wrote that down as a goal before I got to Oklahoma State, but at the beginning of the season, I didn’t see myself accomplishing it. But for me to finish strong thanks to the help of my teammates and coaches and accomplish that, it feels really good. I’m pretty happy to have accomplished a goal like that.”
On how the success of this year’s team affects the upcoming offseason:
“I believe that anything less than 10 wins next year is a failure. We’re shooting for 12 wins next year and that’s going to be our goal this offseason and our motivation to get to where we want to be next year. I’ll be the type of guy to lead by example. I’ll continue to work hard. I won’t say too much, but I’ll definitely help the guys pick up my work ethic and I want it to be like that. That will be my role.”
Updated 12-26-2010
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