Oklahoma
OU conquers ’24 demons, reclaims gymnastics title
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Oklahoma Sooners had 366 days to stew on their early exit from the 2024 NCAA gymnastics championships and the denial of their quest for a three-peat.
After being inundated with a seemingly never-ending replay of what went wrong and, according to head coach K.J. Kindler, frequent criticism and hate, Oklahoma officially reclaimed its place atop the college gymnastics world by winning the NCAA women’s title Saturday with a 198.0125 final score, 0.4 better than runner-up UCLA.
It marked the Sooners’ third NCAA team title in four years and their seventh since 2014.
While the disappointment from the 2024 season made the victory even sweeter, Kindler insisted the team wasn’t thinking about redemption entering Saturday’s final at Dickies Arena — even if everyone else was.
“Our theme wasn’t redemption this year at all,” Kindler told reporters just moments after the team hoisted the trophy. “We did our best to put it behind us. It just was following us everywhere and so it was almost impossible. Every time you look in the rearview mirror, it was just there.
“And so does it make it sweet? Yes, but this team was capable of this last year. We just failed. And people fail all the time. They fail every day. And we talk about [it] all the time that the glory is in getting back up again.”
Oklahoma opened the meet on balance beam and set the tone for an impressive afternoon. Freshman Lily Pederson, who fell on the event during the semifinals Thursday, had one of the best performances of her college career with a 9.9375 in the third position. With six gymnasts competing on each event and the top five scores counting toward the total, the Sooners didn’t have to include a score under 9.90. Their 49.6125 put them in a tie with UCLA, which opened on floor, for the early lead.
After that, the Sooners took control, grabbing a .300 lead over the Bruins at the halfway mark, and never looked back.
“We did exactly what we do at the gym every single day,” fifth-year senior Audrey Davis said. “We didn’t change it, we didn’t try and be different. We went out there and we did our gymnastics. We left it all out on the floor, we really did. We ended on empty. And that was a big thing for our team, to really go out there and just do our normal, not to be any different, not to put too much pressure on ourselves [and] to really just enjoy it. And it started on beam. We fricking did that and then we went on and on and on and it was just amazing.”
By the time Oklahoma had finished its third rotation on vault and further extended its lead, the team appeared jovial and was seen dancing while waiting to rotate to its final event.
The final rotation on uneven bars felt more like a victory lap. The Sooners waited to formally cheer and react to what they had accomplished after the final scores were posted on the jumbotron, but their excitement was palpable and it was clear they knew well before it was official. Despite some strong performances by UCLA on beam during the fourth rotation, including a pair of 9.9375 scores by junior Jordan Chiles and senior Emma Malabuyo, the deficit was too much for the Bruins to overcome.
While not the result it had wanted, UCLA ultimately had its best result since 2019 with its second-place finish. Chiles had the best all-around score in the competition with a 39.7750 on the day.
Utah initially appeared to finish in third place before a last-minute score inquiry increased Missouri’s final total. Ultimately the Tigers finished in third place — the program’s best-ever result in its first final appearance — and Utah ended in fourth place. Many of the Red Rocks, including star senior Grace McCallum, appeared to be crying during the trophy presentation.
Utah’s reaction was a stark contrast to that of Oklahoma, just several feet away. The Sooners led a “Boomer Sooner” chant while waiting to accept their trophy and then danced to DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win” while confetti rained down.
But it was the 2024 result that helped propel the team to victory.
Oklahoma used it as motivation throughout the preseason and throughout the regular season. Despite being ranked No. 1 for much of the regular season, Kindler and the Sooners referred to themselves as “underdogs” and believed they had something to prove. Having fallen in the semifinals last season after recording three uncharacteristic landing errors on vault, the team’s first event of the meet, Oklahoma admitted there was some relief Thursday after advancing, and Kindler said she was grateful “the dragon had been slayed.” She added she never again wanted “to see TV footage of Oklahoma falling over and over again on vault.”
With that weight lifted, and perhaps with the shocking semifinal elimination of LSU — the defending national champions and perhaps Oklahoma’s fiercest rival and threat for the title — the Sooners were able to simply focus on their performances Saturday afternoon. It was something Kindler had said they needed to figure out Thursday after their semifinal.
“After advancing, and we got to today, we were free,” Davis said. “We had no weight on our shoulders. We were free to do our best gymnastics.”
Added senior Jordan Bowers, who won the individual all-around title Thursday, “We were all very present, too. I would say that’s something our coaches have really talked to us about, especially this weekend, [just] being present and not thinking too far ahead or in the past.”
So while Kindler and the Sooners might not have been focused on redemption, they achieved it — and then some — with their staggering turnaround from one year ago.
With its seven team championships, Oklahoma moves into a tie with UCLA for third all time, trailing only Georgia (10) and Utah (9). While the Sooners are losing Davis, Bowers and Danielle Sievers, the team should remain among the front-runners to win the title in 2026. They return several star underclassmen, including junior Faith Torrez and Pederson. And Danae Fletcher, a senior who has been unable to compete since the first meet of the 2024 season due to two ACL tears, announced Saturday she would be coming back for a fifth year.
Nearly every Oklahoman has a story about the Batfish. For decades, the USS Batfish has anchored itself in the hearts of families, children, veterans and history lovers across our state. It’s more than a historic vessel ― it’s a tourism asset that has drawn visitors from across the country and served as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of our military service members. Preserving the Batfish is not just about protecting a landmark; it’s about ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made by those who helped shape Oklahoma and our nation.
The Batfish is no ordinary exhibit. This World War II submarine is a national treasure, known for accomplishing an extraordinary feat ― sinking three enemy submarines in just 76 hours. That achievement made the Batfish legendary in naval history and helped shift the tide of war in the Pacific. After the war, the submarine found its permanent home in Muskogee, where it quickly became one of Oklahoma’s most beloved and unique historical attractions.
For years, the Batfish served as an immersive museum experience. Visitors walked its narrow passageways, stood in its control room and gained a visceral appreciation for the bravery of those who served. But that experience has been on hold since 2019, when severe flooding damaged and displaced the vessel. Without urgent action, this iconic symbol of military valor risks being lost forever.
Thankfully, we have a clear and promising path forward. A plan is in place to relocate the Batfish to Port Muskogee’s Three Forks Harbor and incorporate it into the forthcoming Oklahoma War Memorial & Museum. This visionary project not only ensures the Batfish’s restoration and preservation ― it transforms it into the centerpiece of a new, premier cultural destination that will honor veterans, educate visitors and boost Oklahoma’s tourism economy for generations to come.
Tourism is one of Oklahoma’s fastest-growing and most impactful industries, contributing a record $11.8 billion in visitor spending in 2022. Before the floods, the Batfish welcomed tens of thousands of visitors annually who supported local restaurants, hotels and businesses. With restoration and strategic placement near the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, the Batfish will help establish Muskogee as a vibrant cultural and historical hub.
Yet even more than the economic return, this effort is about respect ― for the men and women who wore the uniform, and for future generations who deserve to learn from their stories. When a student steps aboard the Batfish, they’re not just seeing a submarine; they’re experiencing history, understanding sacrifice and drawing inspiration.
Together, we can protect a legacy, grow our economy and invest in a future that celebrates the strength, sacrifice, and spirit of Oklahoma.
Sterling Zearley is the executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.
Oklahoma
CBC Global Ammunition Selects Oklahoma for $300 Million Investment – Oklahoma Department of Commerce
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Governor Kevin Stitt announced at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA Investment Summit that CBC Global Ammunition, one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in the world, is expanding its operations with a planned $300 million investment for a new facility at the MidAmerica Industrial Park in northeast Oklahoma. The project is expected to create 350 jobs.
“Oklahoma is so excited that CBC USA is going to make its home here,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Because of our business-friendly policies, our support of law enforcement and the Second Amendment, and our unbeatable logistical advantage, it is a no-brainer for companies to choose our state. I’m thrilled to welcome the CBC team here and I can’t wait to watch them grow here in Oklahoma.”
CBC, the holding company for an international group in the ammunition sector, is one of the world’s leading producers of military and civilian ammunition for portable weapons. A key supplier to the United States military and allied forces worldwide, CBC also serves law enforcement and commercial markets. MagTech Ammunition Inc. acts as its master distributor in the U.S. for all brands within the group.
“We are thrilled to bring our new manufacturing operations to Oklahoma,” said Fabio Mazzaro, President of CBC and board member of CBC Global Ammunition. “This facility will be a cornerstone for our future growth in the world’s most important market for small caliber ammunition. With in-house production of all components, propellant and critical energetic raw materials we envisage to build an industry-leading and fully vertically integrated company. We believe that the region’s supportive business environment makes Oklahoma an ideal location for CBC USA.”
Globally, CBC has more than 4,000 employees and produces nearly two billion rounds of ammunition each year. The new Oklahoma facility will be capable of producing all centerfire cartridges, from 9mm up to 12.7mm, and will supply law enforcement, U.S. military and the U.S. sports and hunting market.
“This is a perfect example of what can happen when we work together to benefit Oklahoma,” said John Budd, Oklahoma Department of Commerce CEO. “Gov. Stitt, the Legislature, the Commerce team and all our partners have put in the work to create the ideal business environment for ammunition manufacturers like CBC to thrive. This win is huge for Oklahoma’s rapidly growing Aerospace and Defense industry, and I’m thankful for the work the MidAmerica team did to make this win possible.”
CBC will build its new manufacturing facility on more than 550 acres at MidAmerica Industrial Park within the historic land originally used as a munitions factory during World War II. The ground-breaking is expected to take place in the 4th quarter of 2025.
“MidAmerica Industrial Park has a long and storied history of supporting our nation’s defense, dating back to its origins as a munitions facility during World War II. Today, with CBC Global Ammunition’s investment, we are witnessing the next chapter in that legacy—one that positions MidAmerica as a key player in the future of ammunition manufacturing. This project not only reinforces our commitment to economic growth and job creation in Oklahoma but also underscores the strategic advantages MidAmerica offers to global manufacturers seeking to expand in the Nation’s heartland,” said MidAmerica Industrial Park CEO David Stewart. “We are proud to welcome CBC Global Ammunition and look forward to supporting their success in Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma was able to seal the deal with CBC thanks in large part to the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund. This incentive is performance-based, with funds distributed only after agreed-upon benchmarks are achieved. Over the past three years, companies participating in the closing fund have created 2,400 jobs with a GDP contribution of $400 million.
About CBC Global Ammunition
CBC Global Ammunition is the holding company for several renowned brands in the small-caliber ammunition sector, including CBC, Magtech, MEN and Sinterfire, as well as New Lachaussée and Fritz Werner – two internationally recognized companies specialized in machinery for ammunition production. CBC Global Ammunition serves a wide range of segments: Military, Law enforcement, Sport shooting, Self-defense, and hunting. With more than 4,000 skilled professionals across Brazil, the USA, Germany, Belgium, and India, and an annual output of nearly 2 billion rounds, CBC is one of the world’s largest and most respected ammunition manufacturers.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets (05/11): Box score, player stats, game summary and more | NBA News – The Times of India
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a stunning 92-87 win against the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena in Denver. With the win, the Thunder tied the series 2-2 after overcoming the Game 3 loss. In Game 4, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 25 points. Here is the box score, player stats, game summary, and everything you need to know about the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets on May 11th.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Box score and player stats
Oklahoma City Thunder game summaryJalen Williams struggled from the field, hitting just 2 of 13 shots, including 0-for-5 from three-point range.Still, he found a way to contribute, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line and adding 5 assists and 3 steals in 33 minutes with 10 points. Chet Holmgren added 8 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, but he missed all three of his attempts from beyond the arc and didn’t get to the line at all.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way in scoring with 25 points on 8-for-19 shooting. He couldn’t connect from deep either, missing all five three-point attempts, but he did hit 9 of his 12 free throws. He also chipped in 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in 38 minutes. Lu Dort scored 6 points on 2-of-10 shooting while going 2-for-10 from three. The starting unit as a whole struggled to find rhythm offensively.Off the bench, Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins brought a spark. Wallace was efficient, scoring 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, hitting all 3 of his three-point attempts. Wiggins matched that output with 11 points of his own, shooting 50 percent from the floor and hitting 3 of 6 from deep. Alex Caruso also made an impact with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. His +12 plus-minus was one of the best on the team.
Denver Nuggets: Box score and player stats
Denver Nuggets game summary The Nuggets had a tough shooting night, finishing with just 31.3% from the field and 24.4% from three-point range. Nikola Jokic led the team with 27 points, going 7-for-22 from the floor and 2-for-8 from deep. He added 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks, but also had 4 turnovers. His efficiency wasn’t great, but he still found ways to impact the game. Aaron Gordon was one of the few bright spots, shooting 50% and recording a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds. He also had 6 assists and 4 blocks in 38 minutes.Jamal Murray added 17 points, but struggled from the floor as well, shooting 5-of-15. He did knock down 2-of-5 from beyond the arc and hit 5 of his 6 free throws. Christian Braun matched his scoring total with 17 points of his own, hitting 4-of-11 from the field and 2-of-9 from three. He also got to the line, making 7-of-8 free throws, and finished with 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Michael Porter Jr. had a quiet game, scoring just 3 points on 1-of-7 shooting, missing all five of his three-point attempts.Also Read: “Took his mother’s genes” – Sonya Curry revealed how Stephen Curry’s passion for basketball almost defied a doctor’s prediction about his NBA future at birthRussell Westbrook struggled as well, finishing with 6 points on 2-of-12 shooting and 6 turnovers. Though he hit two three-pointers, he wasn’t able to get to the free-throw line and ended with a team-worst -20 plus-minus. Off the bench, Peyton Watson had 2 points in limited minutes, while Julian Strawther didn’t attempt a shot in his brief time on the court. The bench overall had a minimal impact, combining for only 8 points.
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