They used to call it "Lewis Field," but for those close to the Oklahoma State football program, it assumed a variety of nicknames throughout its long existence.

Sometime in the late 1980s, Lewis Field was labeled "Rustoleum Stadium" – so-called because layers of mottled paint were all that seemingly held the 1920s steel-beamed structure together.

It was an eyesore on the Stillwater campus and an embarrassment to the university, but times have changed since then.

Since renovations began in 2004, millions of dollars worth of improvements have transformed Lewis Field into one of the Big 12 Conference's jewels, and befittingly, it was renamed "Boone Pickens Stadium" after the man who made it possible.

Given its immediate impact on the Cowboy football program, however, perhaps OSU would have been better suited by naming it the "Field of Dreams."

"Everybody around here can see it, and I think everybody is believing it," offensive lineman David Koenig said. "It's almost there. It's almost tangible. When I came here, this was not here. It was 'going to be.' Now it's here and the guys that are coming in can see it."

"It" is not only the stadium's completed north and south grandstands, nor the construction of the west end zone that will eventually transform Boone Pickens Stadium into a massive horseshoe with a capacity of 60,000 rabid, orange-clad fans.

Rather, "it" is more of a philosophy. In this case, "it" is the palpable buzz concerning what Cowboy football has become, and more important, what it can become.

"For me personally, it's been a learning experience, and it's also been exciting at the same time," Koenig said.

Koenig, a fifth-year senior, played for the team that made it to the 2004 Cotton Bowl, but he also played when the Cowboys finished 4-7 in 2005. Now under the guidance of third-year coach Mike Gundy, Koenig said it's his goal to see the OSU program maintain consistency.

"I've seen the whole thing," Koenig said. "We can't be like that now because of where we were, where we're going, and where we're going to be. Expectations are greater and there's a lot on everybody's shoulders.

"I came in here under (Les) Miles and we had good years then, and then Gundy came in and that first year was a little rough for me, but that was a learning experience."

Now, Koenig is competing for a spot on what could repeat as one of the nation's most potent offenses. Line coach Joe Wickline is still adjusting OSU's starting five, but Koenig said he is most comfortable at left guard.

"I'd like to play left guard because that's where I've been, that's what I know best," Koenig said. "I think the offensive line still has a little ways to go, but we've made a lot of strides as a unit."

Koenig and the Cowboys will participate in their final practice of spring camp before playing the annual Orange and White Game on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 5:30 at Boone Pickens Stadium.