By OAKLEE FIELDER
Sports Editor
Last year, the NWOSU athletics department saw great success and struggles. Although some teams struggled, there were no failures. Every team saw success last year, and expect to see them succeed this year as well.
The football team has not been great in a long time. It’s been 15 years since they had a winning record. Although they weren’t great, they still had wins. They defeated SNU 14-7 and Oklahoma Baptist University 30-28. They only won two games last year, but it was an improvement from the previous year.
With some success behind them, expect them to bounce off that success and earn more wins this year.
Last year’s men’s cross country saw great success. Most of their runners finished in the top half of all the meets they competed in.
With consistent success, expect them to keep it rolling and get top results this season.
The women’s cross country did not see as much success as the men. They weren’t the best team at any point last year, although their top performers consistently finished in the top ten.
This year, expect to see ups and downs. They may not be the best team in all the meets, but they should be one of the top runners of the season.
Men’s golf did not perform the greatest last year. There was not a whole lot of success across the 2024-25 season. They struggled in most tournaments they competed in. They only finished in the top half of a tournament once last year.
Don’t expect perfection this year, but expect a rebound from the men heading into the 2025-26 season.
The women’s golf team had an up-and-down season last year. They were able to win a tournament, the OBU Fall Invitational. Although they got a win, they struggled in bigger tournaments with more teams.
They should have a good season, with some success like last year.
The NWOSU soccer team had a rough last year. They weren’t able to get a conference win, but had some success in the early stages of their season. With two wins and seven draws, they were able to get wins, but they just didn’t come together.
With a large change in the staff and an enthusiastic head coach, there is a good chance they will find their rhythm and get wins to show their skill.
The rodeo team performed very well last year. Although they weren’t the best team, they were one of the top teams.
With an all-around runner-up, the men finishing fourth, the women finishing sixth, and finishing fifth with both teams combined, there are high expectations for both the men and women.
Overall, this year should look positive for the Rangers and Lady Rangers. They have the chance to better the NWOSU athletic program in large ways. Championships can be won, curses can be broken, and winning streaks can be made.
With the talent they were all born with and the mentality that they have, greatness is always in reach for every Ranger who competes.