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PERHAPS HIS MOST MEANINGFUL MOMENT IS WHEN LES RECOMMENDED THE CUTEST LITTLE COWBOY ON THE PLANET TO BE THE CHOSEN PISTOL PETE PARTNER DURING ONE OF OSU’ S HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAMES. HIS NEPHEW WARREN CLAY WAS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD, BUT HE WAS ALREADY IMMERSED IN THE CULTURE, ESPECIALLY SINCE HIS BROTHER COLLIN WAS AN OSU FOOTBALL PLAYER.
Oklahoma Press Association awards.( Thanks Les and Warren!) When I asked what 9-year-old Warren is up to these days, Les told me he currently dominates on his football, soccer and basketball teams.
“ He’ s going to be the best athlete to come out of his family,” Les said.
And he told me I can quote him on that! So you heard it here first, ladies and gentlemen.
Les currently serves as the Executive Director of Community Engagement at Urban Bridge, working with youth, families and schools in Oklahoma City to close the opportunity gap and break cycles of hopelessness through holistic programs and services by creating pathways to health and economic opportunities. Located in the lowest income zip code in Oklahoma, Urban Bridge offers kids ages 10-18 opportunities to learn STEM, culinary arts, financial literacy and leadership skills. The space is also equipped with a music studio. Les wants to serve Oklahoma youth in the same area where he grew up by giving them the tools to change their lives and circumstances.
He is the co-founder of Hope Culture LLC and creator of the Hope Culture Leadership framework centered on Healing, Opportunity, Potential, and Empowerment( H. O. P. E.), impacting students across Oklahoma. Les was also selected as a 2026 After-school Alliance Ambassador and has spoken to Congress in Washington D. C. about the importance of after-school programs. ketball game – all memories that make Les smile.
Perhaps his most meaningful moment is when Les recommended the cutest little cowboy on the planet to be the chosen Pistol Pete Partner during one of OSU’ s Homecoming football games. His nephew Warren Clay was only 4 years old, but he was already immersed in the culture, especially since his brother Collin was an OSU football player. While most kids shy away from a microphone and big crowds, Warren the Cowboy did not miss a beat when he walked out in his black chaps and screamed“ O-S-U Cowboys!!” The crowd went wild for Warren, and he was actually asked back for a second time that same season!
Most of us know that Warren went on to be a local celebrity. He signed autographs, did meet and greets and has his own branded merchandise. He’ s even written a book! We featured him as the cover story of our back-to-school magazine issue that following year and won Best Magazine at the
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