Cowgirl Basketball Honored By State Senate

It's been a year to remember for the Oklahoma State women's basketball team and Thursday the Cowgirls were honored by the Oklahoma State Senate for their outstanding 2011-12 season.

A resolution was approved by the senate congratulating the team for their perseverance and courage following the tragic plane crash that killed head coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna along with OSU alumni, pilot and former Oklahoma State Senator Olin Branstetter and his wife, Paula on November 17, 2011.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 37 was authored by former OSU President Sen. Jim Halligan and OSU alum Sen. Eddie Fields.

"After everything this team has gone through in the last six months, these ladies showed tremendous heart and courage throughout the season and they are to be commended," said Halligan, R-Stillwater. "Their dedication and perseverance is an amazing tribute to the memories of our lost OSU family members."

Under the direction of assistant coach Jim Littell, the Cowgirls honored their fallen friends and coaches and finished the year with a 22-12 record and won the first WNIT Championship in school history.

03/31/12 Related Story: Cowgirls Claim WNIT Championship

OSU alum Gov. Mary Fallin attended the ceremony to congratulate the team.

"As I think about the terrible tragedy that hit our Oklahoma family and certainly our OSU family, it reminds me of a profile in courage. These Cowgirls, coaches and support staff reached deep inside their hearts and displayed the courage and resiliency during a trying time that has made Oklahoma so famous," said Fallin. "It's been a very difficult time with the loss of coaches Serna, Budke and the Branstetters, but this team has made the university and our entire state so proud by winning the WNIT and they continue to be an inspiration for all of Oklahoma and the nation."

After the reading of the resolution, Coach Jim Littell also addressed the Senate.

"We are so proud of these young ladies, coaches and support staff that have shown great resiliency and great courage throughout the year. In November, we decided to pay honor, and I think the way they finished the season they definitely did pay honor. I've coached 34 years, and I don't know if I've ever been more proud of a group of young ladies than this group," said Littell. "We are extremely appreciative of this wonderful recognition by Senators Halligan and Fields and the entire Oklahoma Senate. This is a special honor for all of us."

The team was also awarded the inaugural "Together We R" Team award which honors programs that have striven to succeed in the face of adversity, overcoming extraordinary circumstances.

04/03/12 Related Story: OSU Cowgirls Win ‘Together We R' Team Award

"These ladies didn't let this tragedy pull them apart instead it made them stronger. They showed the nation what true courage and spirit is, and what can be achieved through strong teamwork," said Fields, R-Wynona. "We are extremely proud of our Cowgirls and wish them the best in their future endeavors."

OSU President Burns Hargis also attended the ceremony and praised the team and said the school appreciated everyone's support and encouragement this season.

"This whole team showed determination and persistence that we can all be inspired by. It was a very tough time, and they did it," said Hargis. "I'm so proud of this team. Nothing would have made Kurt and Miranda prouder and happier than what this team has done. We have appreciated all of your support, all the encouragement, all the prayers because this is one great group of people and we're very proud of them."