Fall Check-In: Oklahoma State Cowboys

Our next Fall Check-in is the Oklahoma State Cowboys who are moving from D-III to D-II.

To read the previous installments click here: You can read the earlier installments of the Fall Check-in series here: To read the prior installments of our Fall Check-in Series click here: Virginia Tech (DI), Florida Atlantic, Chapman, Montana, Washington,  Long Beach, Moorpark, Liberty, Arkansas, Auburn

You guys are transitioning from D-III to D-II this year,  what prompted the move and what are the expectations for the team being back in D-II?

 Duncan Loud: We are very excited to move back into D-II. We had a lot of success in D-III and were fortunate enough to win that Division. The main decision to move was for a higher level of competition. We want to compete against better teams and this is how we will do it. We either won or highly competed with the D-II teams we played last year. The players know that the  expectation is to win D-II and earn a bid to the national tournament. 

What are the schedule highlights?  Any big trips or visitors to Stillwater?

DL: Bedlam is the first game of the year in Tulsa. It'll be great to play in front of a growing lacrosse community. We also will be hosting two division 1 teams, Nebraska and Mizzou. We will be going out to play Denver University (MCLA D2). It'll be a good time getting to play at Barton there! This is also the first year with our D2 divisional opponents so every game has its own unique challenges and brings lots of excitement!  

Despite being in different divisions, you all have kept the Bedlam game on the schedule, what is it like having your archrival in a different division of the league and how do you all approach that game?

DL: Bedlam is a long standing tradition for OU and OSU. I don't think either team would consider getting rid of that game. They've done a fantastic job retaining athletes and getting some really great players. They are division 1 for a reason and we respect that fact. We approach that game with an underdog mindset. In the past, OSU has not always had the roster size or structure to compete for that game. I'm very confident in the athletes we have now and the work our guys have put in. The expectation is to win that game now and prove that OSU is a legit program. 

How is Fall Ball going?

DL: Fall ball is going great. The guys are working hard and competing for spots. We will be headed up to Atchison, Kansas on Nov. 1st to play against Benedictine College (NAIA) and KU (MCLA D1). The athletes we have are hungry for success and to compete. Getting these opportunities to play high quality opponents in the fall are amazing and we appreciate Benedictine College for hosting these scrimmages. 

Who are some Cowboys to keep an eye on this Spring?  Any standout newcomers or returners poised for a breakout season?

DL: We are excited to be bringing back the majority of our defense and offense. We had a lot of freshmen starting on defense last year and they are only getting better. Our goalie room is as deep as ever and I'm excited to see how those 3 compete with each other and perform this spring. We are bringing back our top 5 points leaders. The whole offense looks great and are making great strides in our system. We brought in a lot of freshmen on defense and I would not be surprised to see most of them making an immediate impact. We have two great faceoff guys and I'm excited to watch them compete as well. 

Thank you to Coach Loud for taking the time to share a little about the Cowboys.

Coaches, if you’re interested in participating in our Fall Check-In series, please email info@mcla.us.