The Student News Site of University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

The Trend
Seven representatives from The Trend were able to attend this year's OCMA conference at Oklahoma State University. Pictured from front: Gary Jackson, Cassie Srock, Malik Roberts, Thomas Buchanan, Jordan Prewitt, Matthew Yokum, Chayce Leshawn Papp
The Trend Brings Back Six Awards from the 2025 OCMA Conference
April 10, 2025
Guests listen as a student presents their board during the 2024 Student Showcase in the USAO Ballroom.
Join in Recognizing Fellow Drovers During the 2025 Student Showcase
April 9, 2025
Pictured here is the poster for USAO's next theatre performance, The Curious Savage.
USAO Theatre Department Presents the 1950’s Comedy, ‘The Curious Savage’
April 2, 2025
A bright USAO sign shines as the sun sets during Droverstock 2024
Get Ready for ‘Red Dirt Country’ with Droverstock 2025
April 1, 2025
A team of Drovers pose after helping prepare peanut butter sandwiches with the Chickasha Lions Club.
An Impactful Day of Drovers Serving the Community
March 30, 2025
Dr. Delton Gordon USAO's new Housing Operations Director.
Transforming Campus Life
April 2, 2025
Bryce McKinnis USAO's new Director of Marketing and Communications.
A Course for Success At USAO
March 27, 2025
Sophomore Ryein Kennedy walks off the court during the Drovers game against Mid-America Christian University earlier this season.
What Does Identity Mean to Kennedy?
February 17, 2025
Ilse De Jong maneuvers the ball past a MACU defender during a matchup earlier this season.
De Jong Shines Bright in Sophomore Season
December 4, 2024
Stefan Savkovic fights against a Bethel competitor for the ball during a home game.
Savkovic Reflects on Drover Career Before MACU Game
September 27, 2024
Sierra Selfridge rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Our Lady of the Lake University on Feb. 24, 2025.
Softball End Series Sweep Against LU with Two Mercy Rule Wins on Senior Day
April 20, 2025
Senior Malea McMurtrey celebrates after sliding into third base in a game against Northwestern College from Feb. 24, 2025.
Softball Ends Series Against TWU with Mercy Rule and Extra Inning Wins on Saturday
April 14, 2025
USAO's Shaylann Grace follows through her swing during a game vs Our Lady of the Lake University on March 18, 2025.
Softball Opens Home Series Against SCU with Two Wins on Thursday
April 6, 2025
USAO's A.J. Meyer leads the way during the OBU Invitational in Shawnee over the weekend.
Drovers Achieve Personal Bests at OBU Invitational
April 1, 2025
Sierra Selfridge celebrates a big hit against Our Lady of the Lake University on March 18. During the first of two games on Saturday, Selfridge hit a grand slam to help the Drovers get the 8-2 win over Mid-America Christian University.
Softball Ends Series Sweep Against MACU with Two Wins on Saturday
March 30, 2025
Ilse De Jong maneuvers the ball past a MACU defender during a matchup earlier this season.
De Jong Shines Bright in Sophomore Season
December 4, 2024
Sophomore forward Paula Casajus and Sophomore forward Daniela Salinas celebrate after scoring against SCU.
Women’s Soccer Advances to Semi-Finals of SAC Tournament
November 7, 2024
Stefan Savkovic fights against a Bethel competitor for the ball during a home game.
Savkovic Reflects on Drover Career Before MACU Game
September 27, 2024
Coach Hampton hugs his loved ones and celebrates with his team after winning the SAC Semifinals against OCU.
Drover Motto Pushes Team Throughout Season
December 27, 2023
Xavier Yousey gets high fives from Quentin Mantooth and Ifeanyi Godwin.
USAO’s Reserve Team Ended With First Championship
December 19, 2023
During a practice round at Winter Creek Golf and Country Club, Conner Cryer putts towards the hole.
USAO Men’s Golf Conclude Season with Top 25 NAIA Ranking
October 25, 2024
Hudson Woloss lines up a putt at Winter Creek Golf and Country Club.
Woloss Leads the Way for Women’s Golf
October 18, 2024
Hudson Woloss looks to hit her ball out of a bunker at Winter Creek Golf Course during a practice round.
Woloss Finished in Top 10 at SAC Championship
May 1, 2024
A large gallery of people watch as Caleb Smith and Chayan Duha play hole 10 for the title of individual champion.
Smith Battled in Playoff Situation at SAC Championship
May 1, 2024
Senior Caleb Smith lined up a putt in a practice round at Winter Creek, USAO's home course.
Drovers Place Third in Final Tournament
April 16, 2024
Sophomore Ryein Kennedy walks off the court during the Drovers game against Mid-America Christian University earlier this season.
What Does Identity Mean to Kennedy?
February 17, 2025
Drovers Fall in Defeat to Golden Eagles
Drovers Fall in Defeat to Golden Eagles
February 10, 2025
Senior Alexia Corrales claps her hands together after beating the College of the Ozarks earlier this season.
Women’s Basketball Defeat JBU with Superior Defense
February 10, 2025
Senior Jaden Harrell goes for a layup against the College of the Ozarks.
Harrell Claims Two School Records in Triumphant Win
February 8, 2025
Junior Evangelia Davlakou prepares for a free throw shot against the College of the Ozarks.
Women’s Basketball Take Down the Ozarks
February 8, 2025
Boone Lasater celebrates at home plate with his teammates in Tuesday's 24-1 win over Randle University
Drovers dominate against Randle University in 24-1 win
March 12, 2025
Ian Ortiz makes a play from second base against Nelson University (formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University) during their matchup in the 2023-2024 season.
Drovers Offense Dominates in First Series of the Season
January 27, 2025
Towards the middle of the game, the little league players gathered by the USAO dugout for a photo.
Bill Smith Hosted Little League Night
April 12, 2024
Junior pitcher Rob Schmidt closed out both games against SCU over the weekend.
Drovers Return Home and Make a Statement
April 1, 2024
Gunnar Hansen, USAO's starting pitcher, is ready to catch the ball as a MACU player swings and misses in late February.
Eagles Fall in Drover Territory
March 30, 2024
Sierra Selfridge rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Our Lady of the Lake University on Feb. 24, 2025.
Softball End Series Sweep Against LU with Two Mercy Rule Wins on Senior Day
April 20, 2025
Senior Malea McMurtrey celebrates after sliding into third base in a game against Northwestern College from Feb. 24, 2025.
Softball Ends Series Against TWU with Mercy Rule and Extra Inning Wins on Saturday
April 14, 2025
USAO's Shaylann Grace follows through her swing during a game vs Our Lady of the Lake University on March 18, 2025.
Softball Opens Home Series Against SCU with Two Wins on Thursday
April 6, 2025
Sierra Selfridge celebrates a big hit against Our Lady of the Lake University on March 18. During the first of two games on Saturday, Selfridge hit a grand slam to help the Drovers get the 8-2 win over Mid-America Christian University.
Softball Ends Series Sweep Against MACU with Two Wins on Saturday
March 30, 2025
Senior Sierra Selfridge celebrates after getting on-base during game against Northwestern College on Feb. 24.
Softball Ends Series Sweep Against WBU with two Mercy-Rule Wins
March 8, 2025
USAO's A.J. Meyer leads the way during the OBU Invitational in Shawnee over the weekend.
Drovers Achieve Personal Bests at OBU Invitational
April 1, 2025
Junior Kyra Willet focuses as she prepares to compete in shotput at the Harding Invitational in Searcy, Ar.
Two Drovers set School Records in Discus Following Harding Invitational
March 10, 2025
Freshman Kyli Reser prepares to throw in shotput at the Owen Hewitt Invitational earlier this season.
Drovers Take on the NAIA/JUCO Challenge
January 26, 2025
Aarin Simon set his sights on the finish line at the Harding Last Chance Invitational, where he took home a bronze medal in his event.
Drovers Bring Four Medals Home After Last Meet
May 12, 2024
Sophomore Daylen Huff crosses the finish line at the University of Oklahoma early this season.
USAO Strived for Success at Ford Mastin Twilight
April 19, 2024
Senior Yaiza Larrauri celebrates after a play against Oklahoma City University in 2023.
USAO Wins Close Battle Against Langston University
October 23, 2024
Junior outside hitter Laura Barrios Bardi prepares for a big hit against ECU.
Birney Digs Deep With 19 digs Against ECU
September 12, 2024
Coach Robert Blakely will begin his first season as head coach for USAO's volleyball team in mid-August.
Blakley Brings New Dynamic to Volleyball Program
July 24, 2024
Yaiza Larrauri throws up her hand in celebration during an away game this season.
Larrauri and Garcia Make Program History in 8th Season
December 6, 2023
Gabrielle Gunnoe spins to her teammates to celebrate scoring a crucial point earlier in the season.
Drovers Record Historic Program Win over OPSU
September 24, 2023
Artist d4vd released his debut album "Withered" on April 25.
D4VD “Withered” (Album Review)
May 8, 2025
USAO Commencement 2025 is scheduled to take place in Te Ata Memorial Auditorium as depicted here in a photo from a previous year.
Campus Opinions: Commencement Moved Indoors
April 30, 2025
Go visit senior Speech Language Pathology majors and SSC PALs Victoria Southerland and Elena Shepherd for help with your finals studies.
Finals Week Survival Guide
April 28, 2025
OpenAI’s home page open and ready for a new prompt. 
Is Posting AI Art Appropriate for USAO?
April 17, 2025
A Minecraft Movie released on April 4, 2025 as fun for anyone. LeShawn goes into detail to determine whether the movie was as good as diamonds.
‘A Minecraft Movie:’ Did They Strike Diamond?
April 14, 2025
OpenAI’s home page open and ready for a new prompt. 
Is Posting AI Art Appropriate for USAO?
April 17, 2025
In a stunning move, the Dallas Mavericks traded star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Most Shocking Trade in Sports History?
February 8, 2025
Thomas Buchanan showcases a beautiful set of flowers looking out onto the Lawson Clubhouse
Tips for Your Valentine’s Day Flowers
February 7, 2025
Feature Editor Whitley Brown finishes hanging ornaments on her family's Christmas tree.
What Does Christmas Mean to You?
December 25, 2024
Jerrod shows his family around campus on sunny afternoon.
Jerrod Gray: Dad on Campus!
September 30, 2024
Artist d4vd released his debut album "Withered" on April 25.
D4VD “Withered” (Album Review)
May 8, 2025
A Minecraft Movie released on April 4, 2025 as fun for anyone. LeShawn goes into detail to determine whether the movie was as good as diamonds.
‘A Minecraft Movie:’ Did They Strike Diamond?
April 14, 2025
"The Party Never Ends" is Juice WRLD's first album since "Fighting Demons", which was released in 2021
Juice WRLD’s “The Party Never Ends” (Album Review)
December 3, 2024
Cherly Bradshaw, played by Anna Kendrick, asks quick-witted questions on a dating game show before picking a killer match.
“Woman of the Hour” (Movie Review)
October 30, 2024
Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) does his signature pose with his sinister look.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (Movie Review)
October 30, 2024
Go visit senior Speech Language Pathology majors and SSC PALs Victoria Southerland and Elena Shepherd for help with your finals studies.
Finals Week Survival Guide
April 28, 2025
Gary Jackson passed out on a couch after partying. (Disclaimer: this photo was staged for the purpose of the article and does not condone drinking.)
A Safe and Smart Spring Break
March 14, 2025
Rachel Drechsler holds a poster with details about the 988 hotline, which is a lifeline that students can call or text anytime of the day.
Hey, Are You Feeling Okay?
November 29, 2023
Zachary Robinson (left) and Zakery Conover go over material together for their upcoming midterms in Nash Library.
Time to Buckle Down and Study for Midterms!
October 6, 2023
Paul Tointigh, senior communication major, leans over Gary Jackson's, junior communication major, back in order to cheat off his paper. (Disclaimer: this photo was staged for the purpose of the article and does not condone cheating.)
Stay Honest in Your Academics!
September 26, 2023
Don't you just hate those pesky allergies?
“Love in Full Bloom” (Comic Strip)
February 14, 2025
Should we believe in anything at all?
“General Misinformation” (Comic Strip)
January 29, 2025
Athletic Director Mike Ross high fives the young girl who won musical chairs.
Drover Madness 2024 (Photo Essay)
October 28, 2024
Thomas and his friends imagine what the Red Rock Mental Health Fall Festival might look like.
“Red Rock Mental Health Fall Festival” (Comic Strip)
September 19, 2024
This was my impeccable view of the beach during a two mile stroll I took part in.
Dominican Republic: Culture, Food, and Experiences (Photo Essay)
June 19, 2024
Athletic Director Mike Ross high fives the young girl who won musical chairs.
Drover Madness 2024 (Photo Essay)
October 28, 2024
This was my impeccable view of the beach during a two mile stroll I took part in.
Dominican Republic: Culture, Food, and Experiences (Photo Essay)
June 19, 2024
Gannon Fremin & CCREV concluded the night with their hour and a half long set list.
Droverstock 2024! (Photo Essay)
April 8, 2024
Bella Wilson, Hayla Wilson, Chloey Orosco, Dr. Hale, and Luke Messick push a pie into Sheppard McConnell's face during an SAB event.
Pool, S’mores, Pie, and Donuts Make Finals Fun (Photo Essay)
December 11, 2023
After winning the 3-point contest, Logan Dolan is interviewed by his teammates at half-court to celebrate.
A Night of MADNESS! (Photo Essay)
October 27, 2023
Don't you just hate those pesky allergies?
“Love in Full Bloom” (Comic Strip)
February 14, 2025
Should we believe in anything at all?
“General Misinformation” (Comic Strip)
January 29, 2025
Thomas and his friends imagine what the Red Rock Mental Health Fall Festival might look like.
“Red Rock Mental Health Fall Festival” (Comic Strip)
September 19, 2024
Be cautious at crosswalks!
“Crosswalk” (Comic Strip)
May 20, 2024
Charles walks in to see a psychic and was surprised by what she said.
“The Psychic” (Comic Strip)
April 17, 2024
Merry Christmas from the USAO Communication Department
Merry Christmas from the USAO Communication Department
December 12, 2024
Janet, Matthew, and Trinity disucss friendships on a recent episode of Drover Talk.
Drover Talk: Friendship!
September 25, 2024
Oklahoma Press Association sign
Oklahoma Press Association 2023 Awards and Convention
June 9, 2024
Students in the PR class, including (from left) Ray Thomas-Lapham, Redji Curry, and Gary Jackson discuss their event's poster and necessary edits.
Internship 101
April 9, 2024
In front of OSU's Student Union, The Trend's staff showcase their awards from this year's OCMA conference.
Who is The Trend?
August 25, 2023
Matthew Yokum is a third year communication major out of Chickasha. He has been writing for The Trend since the fall of 2022.
Editor’s Note – April 5, 2025
April 5, 2025
Editor-in-Chief Gary Jackson bids readers farewell as he prepares to graduate at the end of the semester.
Editor’s Note – March 31, 2025
March 31, 2025
Editor-in-Chief Gary Jackson makes his announcement to his new position in The Trend.
Editor’s Note – Nov. 4, 2024
November 4, 2024
Editor-in-Chief Emily Loughridge says farewell to The Trend.
Editor’s Note – Oct. 31, 2024
October 31, 2024
Editor-in-Chief Emily Lougrhidge pauses for a moment after cleaning out The Trend's office to reflect on all the memories shared there.
Editor’s Note – Feb. 12, 2024
February 12, 2024
The Student News Site of University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

The Trend
The Student News Site of University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

The Trend
Matthew Yokum

Matthew Yokum, Editor-in-Chief

Matthew is a third-year communication major from Chickasha. He also works in USAO’s Sports Information Department. If you see Matthew on campus, ask about his dog, Stormy!

 

Experience with The Trend:

Editor-in-Chief: March 2025 – Present

Sports Editor: Nov. 2024 – March 2025

Senior Writer: May 2023 – Oct. 2024

Contributing Writer: Aug. 2022 – April 2023

All content by Matthew Yokum
USAO Commencement 2025 is scheduled to take place in Te Ata Memorial Auditorium as depicted here in a photo from a previous year.

Campus Opinions: Commencement Moved Indoors

Cassie Srock  and Matthew Yokum
April 30, 2025
Matthew Yokum is a third year communication major out of Chickasha. He has been writing for The Trend since the fall of 2022.

Editor’s Note – April 5, 2025

Matthew Yokum, Editor-in-Chief
April 5, 2025
Candidate for SGA Secretary Thomas Buchanan speaks to the audience during Monday night's Town Hall.

SGA Executive Candidates Host Town Hall Prior to Thursday’s Elections

Matthew Yokum, Sports Editor
March 12, 2025
Drovers Fall in Defeat to Golden Eagles

Drovers Fall in Defeat to Golden Eagles

Matthew Yokum, Sports Editor
February 10, 2025
Senior Alexia Corrales claps her hands together after beating the College of the Ozarks earlier this season.

Women’s Basketball Defeat JBU with Superior Defense

Matthew Yokum, Sports Editor
February 10, 2025
The entire SGA organization poses together as they prepare for the spring 2025 trimester.

SGA Strives to Leave Lasting Impact

Matthew Yokum, Sports Editor
February 7, 2025
Ian Ortiz makes a play from second base against Nelson University (formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University) during their matchup in the 2023-2024 season.

Drovers Offense Dominates in First Series of the Season

Matthew Yokum, Sports Editor
January 27, 2025
Feature Editor Whitley Brown finishes hanging ornaments on her family's Christmas tree.

What Does Christmas Mean to You?

Gary Jackson, Cassie Srock , Matthew Yokum, Thomas Buchanan, and Whitley Brown
December 25, 2024
Junior Mohand Ammed evades past a Texas Wesleyan University defender in their game earlier this season.

Men’s Basketball Beat Aggies in Double Overtime Thriller

Matthew Yokum, Sports Editor
December 18, 2024
Sophomore Caroliena Diaz passes the ball to sophomore Devynn Harris during their matchup against Wayland Baptist University earlier this season.

Drover Women’s Basketball Stun Aggies in 25-Point Victory

Matthew Yokum, Sports Editor
December 18, 2024
Sophomore forward Paula Casajus and Sophomore forward Daniela Salinas celebrate after scoring against SCU.

Women’s Soccer Advances to Semi-Finals of SAC Tournament

Matthew Yokum, Sports Editor
November 7, 2024
Matthew Yokum, a junior communication major, spent his summer interning for a local newspaper.

Lawton Constitution Leaves Lasting Mark on Yokum

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
August 29, 2024
Eminem's new music is tempting cancel culture, and Matthew taps into the cultural divide.

Millennials Make Listening to Eminem Feel Cringe.

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
June 20, 2024
Towards the middle of the game, the little league players gathered by the USAO dugout for a photo.

Bill Smith Hosted Little League Night

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
April 12, 2024

Internship 101

Sam Little, Redji Curry, Mary-Grace McNutt, Matthew Yokum, Harry Cracknell, Gisela Alonso, and Ray Thomas-Lapham
April 9, 2024
Junior pitcher Rob Schmidt closed out both games against SCU over the weekend.

Drovers Return Home and Make a Statement

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
April 1, 2024
Gunnar Hansen, USAO's starting pitcher, is ready to catch the ball as a MACU player swings and misses in late February.

Eagles Fall in Drover Territory

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
March 30, 2024
Leighanne Eaton knocked the ball around the park against Peru State College earlier this month.

Intense Rivalry Split Doubleheader

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
March 16, 2024
Sam Replogle winds up for a pitch against MACU over the weekend.

MACU Steals First Conference Series Win

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
March 5, 2024
Cejay Mann snatches the ball from CCC and looks to make a fast break play with his team.

Efficiency was Key in Close Game Against CCC

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
February 23, 2024
Crystal Ortiz and Lainey Morrow cheer on their team during a big moment against CCC.

USAO Doubled CCC’s Score with Ease

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
February 23, 2024
Junior Ben Bach dives into third base during a home series against McPherson earlier this season.

Drovers Triumph Over #7 Bellevue with Series Win

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
February 19, 2024
Jaden Harrell shoots over the out-stretched hand of his defender.

Ten Drovers Earned a Three-Point Bucket Against MACU

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
February 5, 2024
Ben Bach makes his way around the bases Thursday night against McPherson off a hit from Gunnar Hansen.

Drovers Run Away with Game One of Series

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
February 2, 2024
Rory Pantophlet went up for the slam while teammates looked on.

Pantophlet and Allen Score Big at Home

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
January 28, 2024
Jordan Bloomfield steps back to shoot from behind the line in an earlier matchup this season.

Bloomfield Makes Her Mark from Behind the Arc

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
January 28, 2024
Manny Gatkek uses his wingspan to block an OCU player from shooting while Cade Allen assists the play.

Gatkek, Allen, and Quezada Score 17 for Drover Win

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
January 19, 2024
Gabrielle Gunnoe spins to her teammates to celebrate scoring a crucial point earlier in the season.

Drovers Record Historic Program Win over OPSU

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
September 24, 2023
Wesley Yanish led the student section, which supported the Drovers in a number of ways, including a dance battle, cheering, dancing, and the wave.

Conference Foe Falls in Drover Fieldhouse

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
September 13, 2023
USAO's ten-person crew groups together after the Aggie Duels wrapped up in Lawton.

Ten Drovers Compete in Aggie Duels

Matthew Yokum, Senior Writer
September 8, 2023

[Video] Drover Talk: Comedy and Basketball

April 27, 2023
Morgan Wallen released his latest album in March. Matthew turned up the album and shared his thoughts.

Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing at a Time” (Album Review)

Matthew Yokum, Contributing Writer
April 21, 2023
One of South Park's most recent episodes deals with the Prince and Princess of Canada demanding privacy. Matthew shares his thoughts on this episode, as well as the series itself.

South Park’s “The Worldwide Privacy Tour” (Episode Review)

Matthew Yokum, Contributing Writer
March 17, 2023
Ice Spice dropped her latest album, "Like...?," last month, and Matthew Yokum shares his thoughts on her lyrics, beats, and more.

Ice Spice’s “Like…?” (Album Review)

Matthew Yokum, Contributing Writer
February 10, 2023
The Loughridge family, including Ryan, Shanna, and Emily, enjoy a meal together. Many families have different New Years traditions including food.

Ring in Luck for the New Year

Matthew Yokum, Contributing Writer
December 30, 2022
Hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree can spark fond memories for many people as the merry season arrives.

Christmas Tree Figurines Spark Fond Memories

Matthew Yokum, Contributing Writer
December 12, 2022
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