Oklahoma State fans in Kansas City have created their own piece of Stillwater at Blvd Tavern. From orange and black to gameday giveaways, the OSU Alumni Association’s KC chapter gathers each week to cheer on the Cowboys and embrace a new era under Eric Morris.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Boone Pickens Stadium was hundreds of miles away, and Oklahoma State was playing even farther east in Morgantown.
But inside Blvd Tavern in Kansas City's Crossroads district Saturday night, a little piece of Stillwater came with it.
Oklahoma State alumni and fans gathered for the Kansas City chapter of the OSU Alumni Association's watch party as the Cowboys faced West Virginia in their Big 12 opener.
For event coordinator Zach Whalen, it's about more than simply finding somewhere to watch a football game.
“We have a good amount of alumni and Cowboy fans in the KC metro,” Whalen said. “Part of the wider Alumni Association Kansas City chapter. We like to come to Blvd Tavern in the Crossroads, get together every gameday and come together as Cowboys fans. Relive the glory days in Stillwater and cheer on our Cowboys.”
Saturday night offered a glimpse of exactly what Whalen was describing. The West Virginia game played on both televisions behind the bar with the sound up as I followed along with my computer open on the counter. A group of Oklahoma State fans gathered around the television to my right, many dressed in orange and black as they watched the Cowboys try to overcome an early deficit in Morgantown.
The OSU presence extended beyond the televisions and school colors. The alumni chapter had giveaways available throughout the watch party, ranging from beer koozies and pennants to miniature construction cones — another touch of Stillwater brought into the middle of Kansas City.
And this wasn't a gathering created overnight. Whalen has been involved with the alumni chapter for four years, but he said the watch parties date back roughly 15 years. Founder Mike Richards still regularly attends, while Blvd Tavern became the group's home several years ago.
“Generally, always a good turnout,” Whalen said. “We usually have about 10 folks, but if the Cowboys are winning, we could easily get 30, 40 folks all get together — almost like it's Eskimo Joe's.”
A Small Version of Boone Pickens Stadium
That's what Whalen believes makes the experience special. OSU fans from different generations and backgrounds can walk through the same doors and immediately have something connecting them.
“It's a lot of fun,” Whalen said. “It's almost like a small version of Boone Pickens Stadium with people from all different walks of life. Some old heads and some recent grads with their kids. Bringing their families into the OSU football experience.”
Saturday gave them plenty to experience together. The Cowboys fell behind West Virginia 14-3 before cutting the deficit to one by halftime. They trailed again 21-13 early in the third quarter before scoring 28 of the game's final 31 points to pull away for a 41-24 victory.
By the end of the night, the Kansas City group had watched Oklahoma State snap an 18-game Big 12 losing streak and secure its first conference victory under first-year coach Eric Morris.
And after the uncertainty surrounding the program entering the season, optimism is beginning to return.
Eric Morris Is Building Back the Faith
Whalen readily admits he wasn't immediately sold on where Oklahoma State was headed. He had spent years supporting former coach Mike Gundy, and the dramatic changes surrounding the program made the transition unfamiliar.
“I'm excited,” Whalen said. “Not going to lie, it was a rough start, but it's building the faith back, especially being a Gundy guy. OSU has never had all these changes before.”
A season-opening loss at Tulsa didn't make the transition any easier. But then came the response.
OSU upset then-No. 6 Oregon, demolished Murray State 59-0 and went on the road to beat previously undefeated West Virginia.
“Trying to buy into Eric Morris after that rough start, immediately bouncing back,” Whalen said. “I don't want to get crushed again, but hopefully those expectations are earned.”
The results are beginning to justify some of that renewed optimism. Oklahoma State is 3-1, riding a three-game winning streak and moved to No. 19 in the AP Top 25 following Saturday's victory.
‘Big 12 or Bust’
That quick turnaround has also changed the conversation about what could be possible for the rest of the season. Whalen isn't hiding his expectations.
“I'm very optimistic,” he said. “Big 12 or bust.”
There is plenty of football remaining before Oklahoma State can determine how far this turnaround can go.
But for Cowboy fans living around Kansas City, there will be a familiar place to experience whatever comes next.
The TVs will have the game. The orange and black will come out. Alumni ranging from longtime Cowboys to recent graduates will gather together again.
Different city. Different generations. Same Cowboys.
And on Oklahoma State gamedays, a corner of the Crossroads becomes its own small version of Stillwater.
