Notebook: Spring break

At the end of Friday's practice/scrimmage, coach Mike Gundy reminded players they need to make wise decisions during spring break and stay in shape. The Cowboys resume practice on March 24.

"I told them to try and do the best they can to keep their bodies in decent condition,” Gundy said. "Coach (Rob) Glass has worked hard to get them where they're at now. We all at one time have been on spring break. You worry about that as coaches and parents.”

Defensive coordinator Tim Beckman said OSU is the first school where spring break interrupted spring practice. Is he concerned players might lose their edge during a one-week hiatus?

"It's mental more than anything,” Beckman said. "After they're off that week you have to go to back to board and make sure they understand things.”

•Spring break II: Most coaches are using spring break to take a short vacation. Many are leaving the state. Beckman and associate head coach Joe DeForest are both traveling to Florida.

•Fond memories : Former offensive coordinator Larry Fedora, now head coach at Southern Mississippi, spent last week in Stillwater to spend time with his family, which will move to Mississippi after school ends in May. USM's spring practice begins Tuesday.

"It was three great years here,” Fedora said. "This is a pretty special place. A lot of people don't realize how special Oklahoma State and Stillwater are.

"What's going on with this stadium, and what Mr. (Boone) Pickens and (athletic director) Mike Holder are doing, is unbelievable. You may never get a chance to experience something like that ever again.”