Oklahoma State University (OSU) is gearing up for a charity men’s basketball scrimmage on October 26, 2024, against the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs. The game, which will take place at Gallagher-Iba Arena, aims to raise funds for the American Heart Association, a leading organization dedicated to heart and brain health for all.
The charity event holds special significance for the OSU Cowboys as their very own team manager, DeShawn Caldwell, is a survivor of sudden cardiac arrest. Having experienced the terrifying ordeal during his high school years, Caldwell was fortunate enough to be saved by CPR. Since then, he has become a passionate advocate for the American Heart Association and their life-saving work.
OSU’s first-year head coach, Steve Lutz, expressed his support for Caldwell and the cause, stating, “I’ve been directly impacted by sudden cardiac arrest, both within my family and with a previous player. Our own Oklahoma State manager, DeShawn Caldwell, suffered sudden cardiac arrest as a high school athlete and was saved by CPR. He has become a fierce advocate for the American Heart Association and its work to save lives. I’m excited for our fans to hear his story at the scrimmage.”
Caldwell’s advocacy efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he was part of the successful push for a state law requiring all public schools and school athletic facilities to implement cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs). This initiative highlights the importance of being prepared to handle cardiac emergencies, especially in the context of sports activities where sudden cardiac arrest can be a leading cause of sudden death among young athletes.
Moreover, Caldwell is involved in the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, a collaborative effort between the American Heart Association and various sports organizations such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, and NCAA. This coalition aims to emphasize the significance of CPR education and the placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in schools across the United States, ensuring that athletes have access to life-saving measures in case of emergencies.
The charity game on October 26 will not only raise funds for the American Heart Association but also provide an opportunity for fans to support a crucial cause while enjoying some exciting basketball action. Volunteers from the Eddie Sutton Foundation will be present at the event to collect donations on behalf of the Association, with the funds going towards cutting-edge research, improving access to care, and training millions of individuals in CPR.
In addition to supporting a noble cause, the scrimmage will offer fans a sneak peek at the new-look Cowboy Basketball team for the 2024-25 season. With a dozen transfers and an aggressive, up-tempo playing style, the Cowboys are set to bring a fresh energy to the court. This game will be the fans’ only chance to witness the team in action before their season opener against Green Bay on November 4.
Coach Lutz expressed his excitement about the upcoming event, saying, “We’re excited to give fans an early look at Cowboy Basketball while providing awareness and support for an important cause.” The game will also mark SMU’s debut in the ACC under the leadership of former USC coach Andy Enfield, adding another layer of anticipation to the matchup.
The last public meeting between OSU and SMU dates back to 2011 when the Cowboys narrowly defeated the Mustangs in double overtime at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. SMU’s last regular-season game in Stillwater was in 2005, making this charity scrimmage a rare opportunity for fans to witness the two teams face off on the court.
Fans can secure seats for all 15 regular-season home games at a discounted rate by purchasing 2024-25 Cowboy Basketball season tickets. For more information on ticketing, visit okstate.com/tickets or contact the OSU Ticket Office at 877-255-4678.
The charity game between OSU and SMU not only promises an exciting basketball matchup but also serves as a platform to raise awareness and support for the critical work of the American Heart Association. By coming together for a common cause, both teams and their fans are contributing to the fight against sudden cardiac arrest and promoting heart health in communities across the nation.