OSU’s Pennington, daughter of ex-OU pitcher, excited for Bedlam
STILLWATER — When Oklahoma State softball coach Kenny Gajewski was in the early stages of his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Oklahoma baseball team, Brett Pennington was a member of the Sooners’ pitching staff.
Now, Pennington’s daughter, Sydney, is Gajewski’s starting shortstop.
This week, Sydney Pennington, a freshman who ranks third among Cowgirls in RBI, will be batting cleanup for the No. 22-ranked Cowgirls as they take on No. 3 OU. OSU hasn’t won a Bedlam game since 2011, but the Cowgirls can win the Big 12 if they sweep the Sooners.
The Oklahoman: How big is this week for you and this team?
Pennington: “It’s really big, and I think we should just go out with the attitude that we have nothing to lose here. It’s an important Big 12 series, but I think if we approach it kind of relaxed and playing for us, I think we will have a good shot at beating them and winning this series.”
What have you learned through almost a full season as a starter?
“I think I’ve learned to have a short-term memory. A short-term memory is the best way to succeed because we play so much softball. There is a next game and just approach it as a new day and a new game.”
If this team breaks that Bedlam losing streak, how do you think that moment will feel?
“It’s going to be awesome. I just think we all know we can do it, so we just got to go out and play our game. It will come, so it’s going to be cool. Either way, win or lose, it will be a good experience for us. We have a lot of freshmen who play, so I think it will be a good experience for us to feel the speed of the game to prepare us for the future.”
What color is your dad going to be wearing?
“Oh, he will be in all of his orange. He definitely will. I don't even think he has any OU stuff anymore. He is a full-time Cowboy.”