March 1 2013, Print Edition

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Web www.oruoracle.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ORUOracle Twitter @ORUOracle 2 • Friday, March 1, 2013 • THE ORACLE

FEATURE PAGE 7

NEW DRESS CODE CHANGES PHOTO BY SAMI PRICHARD

Bekah Westerfeld, junior Spanish major, displays her new eyebrow piercing following the new dress code changes on campus.

SPORTS PAGE 13

TRACK AND FIELD

LIFE

Is the world ready for a Pope of color?

Photo by Stephen Salmon

Southern Hills Riding Academy student Rachel Sanders demonstrates Hunt-seat Equitation, the forward jumping seat style of English riding. ORU students may learn equitation-style riding which judges the ability of the rider.

The equipment, clothing and fence styles resemble hunter classes.

Yea or neigh? HPER offers riding class

By Amber Smith Whether you have an affinity for horses, need a new hobby, or are simply searching for a fun health and physical education class next semester, the Equestrian and Fitness course may be right for you.

Located at 7600 S. Elwood, roughly a 30-minute drive thanks to construction on the 71st and Riverside bridge, the Southern Hills Riding Academy is home to many horses.

The academy, owned by riding instructor Kim Dyer, opened in 1994.

Dyer has been teaching for 35 years. Her childhood passion for horses turned into a career. All four of her children are also equestrians.

Because the Southern Hills Riding Academy is located off campus, you would need to have a car or a really great friend to drive you to and from the class.

Once enrolled in the course, you will begin an introduction to English horse-

back riding. Mainly for beginners, the class covers horse grooming, handling and riding.

The class costs $200, but workstudy may be an option for students in exchange for lessons. Advanced horse riding classes cost more money and are available for the expert equestrian, who often participate in competitions.

Psychology junior Sami Prichard both works for and shows horses with the academy.

When asked about the exercise of riding, Prichard said it “requires a lot more of you physically.”

“By the end of my show jumping training I’m sweating in 40-degree weather,” Prichard said.

Prichard also talked about building an unlikely relationship with her horse.

“You learn how to communicate with a partner that doesn’t speak your language,” Prichard said. “The relationship you build with your horse is one of the most remarkable and significant

friendships one can have.”

The riding academy is not dedicated solely to ORU’s HPE class. There are many classes offered to teenagers and adults. The majority of the classes are geared toward children, especially during the summer months when they hold camps.

Dyer’s son and ORU freshman David Lopez said seeing the children’s faces when they first get to the barn is “priceless.”

“I think their favorite feeling is when we let them ride by themselves; because even though they are still small, they get to be in control of this massive beast,” Lopez said.

There are no specified hours for the riding academy due to all the activities offered. Boarders can ride any time, and riding lessons can be scheduled at any time during the day.

Depending on what you choose to put into the class, the experience could be rewarding.

Religion News Service Will the conclave electing a new pope next month have an “Obama moment” and pick someone from Africa or Latin America or Asia for the first time in modern history?

The public seems enamored of the idea of a non-European pope, and even many cardinals — whose votes are the only ones that count — are openly pushing the idea of a “pope of color” to follow Benedict XVI, a German theologian.

“I think in a way the church is always and has forever been ready for a non-European pope,” Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana told reporters after Benedict announced his resignation at the end of February.

The appeal of a non-European pope is understandable as it seems to reflect the hope that the church at the top of the pyramid would finally reflect the demographic reality of the faith on the ground, since the growing majority of Catholics live in the Southern Hemisphere.

Picking a pope from the Global South would also show that the church can embrace change — not necessarily by altering a particular doctrine but by changing the way it expresses and embodies the faith.

In that sense, a pope from the developing world would be a symbol with real substance, much the way people saw Polish-born John Paul II in 1978, the first non-Italian pontiff in centuries and one who came from behind the Iron Curtain.

So why not “a black pope, or a yellow one, or a red one, or a Latin American?” asked Guatemala Archbishop Oscar Julio Vian Morales after Benedict’s announcement.

In reality there are several factors working against such a change, the biggest one being a structural bias that is hard to overcome.

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 1, 2013 • 3

Finding hope amid homicide on 61st and Peoria Fairmont Terrace residents reflect on quadruple homicide, look to the future

By Hannah Covington Monday, Jan. 7 marked the first day of classes for ORU’s spring semester. It also marked the last day of life for four women gunned down just three miles from campus.

The quadruple homicide at Fairmont Terrace apartments claimed the lives of Rebeika Powell, 23; Kayetie Powell Melchor, 23; Misty Nunley, 33; and Julie Jackson, 55.

Their deaths made national headlines and sent shock waves through the south Tulsa community. The tragedies also highlighted how the “everyman’s world” mission at ORU doesn’t extend only to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” Sometimes, it’s right around the corner.

ORU staff, faculty and alumni have worked for years in the povertystricken, crime-infested area around 61st Street and Peoria Avenue, offering helping hands and a message of hope to a neighborhood that too often has been home to homicides.

“Sometimes it’s OK [living here], but there’s a lot of times that I just want to say ‘to hell with it’ and pack everything up and just move,” said Steve Miller, a single father and resident of the Section 8, low-income apartment complex.

Miller knows his living situation in the Fairmont Terrace apartment complex isn’t permanent. His precocious 16-month-old baby with the blue eyes and fists full of peanut butter crackers reminds him of that.

“She’s doing everything so early,” he said. “I think she’s going to be an actress.”

Miller is quick to tell acquaintances that his daughter’s name, “Nevaeh,” is “heaven” spelled backward.

He’s not sure when he will find work or a permanent baby sitter for Nevaeh. But this much he knows for certain: He’s getting out of Fairmont Terrace “as soon as possible” – for Nevaeh’s sake.

“I’m not necessarily trying to raise her around everything that’s been going on around here,” he said.

The catchall phrase “everything” could refer to the 88 firearm assaults Photo by Austin St. John reported in the area Fairmont Terrace resident Steve Miller holds daughter Nevaeh inside the South Tulsa over the past two years. Community House on Feb. 11. After the homicides, Miller said he wants to leave the area but Or it could allude is struggling to find a job without a permanent sitter. “It’s hard being a single father,” he said. to the 17 homicides “Nobody is going to talk about it him. He’s not afraid to speak of the reported since January 2011. because they are all very scared,” said crime.

But instead, by “everything,” Miller Kathy Ridgway, an ORU alumna and “I straight up told the cops when it means the Jan. 7 quadruple homicide. executive director of the South Tulsa happened, ‘You all better hope to catch In early February, police arrested Community House, which provides them before I do, because if you don’t,’ brothers James Poore, 32, and Cedric educational opportunities, food, I said, ‘I’m going to kill them for you,’” Poore, 39, in connection with the crime. transportation and counseling services Miller said.

Each has since been charged with four to people in the area.

The men were unregistered guests of counts of first-degree murder.

“Nobody wants to be connected,” the apartment complex, staying on the Miller lives one building behind she said. property and escaping security’s notice. the residence where the four women Residents are wary of the news “It’s freaking ridiculous,” Miller said. were shot. He knew the Powell interviews. They are tired of talking Though he’s seen shootings before, sisters. He said this is the worst crime about the murders that Ridgway only these murders still came as a shock to happen since he moved to the refers to as “the tragedy.” to Miller. He had just met Powell the complex a year ago.

For Ridgway, also a resident of week before her death.

“It’s not the first shooting that’s the area, the tragedy hits too close to “If you stay to yourself, then usually, happened since I’ve been here,” Miller home. One of the victims, Julie Jackson, you don’t get messed with,” he said. said, “but of that magnitude, of that frequented the community house to “Unfortunately for the four females, size, yes.” use the telephone, fax machine and I think it was more a matter of right computers to check Facebook. place at the wrong time type of “THE TRAGEDY” ON SOUTH PEORIA “It’s just so surprising when you situation.”

Since Jan. 7, few 61st and South wake up and find out that someone you Peoria area residents speak of see every week [is gone],” Ridgway said. A SENSE OF HOPE the murder that sparked citywide Miller also comes to the community Gerald Isaacs, ORU director discussions about crime and problems house to use the computers. Pushing of public safety and security, used with low-income housing management a stroller around the tables in the to supervise the Fairmont Terrace and safety. computer room, he brings Nevaeh with graveyard shift as a Tulsa Police officer.

4 • Friday, March 1, 2013 • THE ORACLE

He sees the area’s history of crime as a perfect storm between poverty and the nature of the population living there.

“These types of places bring together people often in desperate situations who have very little hope,” Isaacs said.

“When you lose hope, you’re more likely to be reactionary than not,” he said.

But even in light of the recent tragedy, Ridgway remains optimistic for the future of this area.

Much of this optimism stems from the South Tulsa Community House, which is boasting its largest GED numbers in recent months.

Dr. Lanny Endicott, director of the ORU social work program, founded the center. Endicott has lived 600 yards from Fairmont Terrace since the early 1970s.

Endicott knows firsthand that Fairmont Terrace and the 61st and Peoria area hold a deep and abiding connection to ORU. Students collect cans for residents in an annual food drive. Social work majors regularly intern at the South Tulsa Community House. ORU also used to hold outreaches in the area numbering in the thousands.

Despite the services and ORU outreaches offered through the South Tulsa Community House, questions about hope among area residents still make Ridgway pause.

“Is there hope?” she asked, taking a moment to think. “Probably what we’re trying to do is provide a sense of hope.”

At this point, Ridgway turned to a man in a Dallas Cowboys baseball cap hidden behind a computer screen across the room.

“Delmar?” she asks. Area resident Delmar Suttles looks up. “Do we, because I live in this area, too, think that people have a sense of hope?”

“I have no future here,” he responds.

“I plan on moving.”

Ridgway said he is one of three people she know of who have said they are moving.

Endicott described the face of poverty in this area as a single mother struggling to make a future for herself and family.

“I’ve never talked to any single mother who doesn’t want life to be better, who wants to have a better life for her children,” Endicott said.

The same rings true for single fathers like Miller.

As Nevaeh wobbled her way through the community house, he talked about his plans for the future.

They include starting a chain of lucrative restaurants and homeschooling his “baby girl.”

“She is a very loved baby, though.

Very loved,” he said.

What about campus security?

Julie Jackson

Kayetie Powell Melchor

STAYING SAFE: ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS Gerald Isaacs, director of public safety and security • Travel in pairs • Check surroundings before getting out of your car • Look in the car before getting back in • Always know where you are in case you have to call for help • Carry car keys in between your fingers • Carry your phone in your hand and have 911 on speed dial • Sign up for ORU eAlerts

Officer Jillian Roberson, Tulsa Police Department • Be focused when entering and exiting buildings • Don’t leave anything in your car that could make you a target • Remember that anything you arm yourself with can be taken away and used against you • Know how to use any self-defense tools (like pepper spray) • Remember that being distracted can make you an easier target

Rebeika Powell

Misty Nunley

By Hannah Covington In light of recent crimes near campus and the wave of school shootings nationwide, many ORU students are wondering about safety concerns on campus.

Gerald Isaacs, ORU director of public safety and security, said students have little cause for concern.

“Statistically, we have one of the lowest crime rates in the country,” Isaacs said, based on annual comparisons he makes with other universities.

Isaacs said ORU has more than 20 certified security personnel on staff, most with police experience. He said most crimes on ORU’s campus involve thefts in the dormitories.

Isaacs added that after the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, ORU’s faculty received training on lockdown procedures.

But with major crimes blighting areas mere miles from campus, Isaacs tempered this assurance with a word of warning.

“This is a big city with big city crime,” Isaacs said. “Don’t put yourself in a position to be a victim.”

He said avoiding dangerous situations hinges on timing and location.

“So much of it depends on being at the right place at the right time,” he said.

Still fresh in the minds of the ORU community is the murder of freshman Carissa Horton, 18, and her boyfriend, Ethan Nichols, 21. The pair were shot execution style in Hicks Park near 34th and Mingo in September 2011.

“Carissa and her boyfriend, that’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with,” he said. “A wonderful Christian girl, a nice guy, and a really ugly, insane act…

None of us can ever understand why that happened.”

Officer Jillian Roberson from the Tulsa Police Department said students should always keep safety in mind both on and off- campus.

“A good rule is just to be constantly aware of your surroundings,” Roberson said.

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 1, 2013 • 5

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ONLINE Photo by Austin St. John

Public relations sophomore Jordan Mueller stops to make a snowball on his way to class on Monday. Tulsa was spared from the worst of the winter storm that pounded sections of the Great Plains with more than a foot of snow earlier this week. With temperatures climbing into the 40s and 50s in the days after, Tulsa’s snow melted quickly.

HEY, WE HAVE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE.

FEATURES

Students say ‘yes’ to recent dress code changes Athletic shorts, piercings and long hair are among popular handbook revisions

By Madison McDaniel Vice President for Student Life Daniel Guajardo announced revisions to the student handbook, which took away certain restrictions in dress code and gave the student body more freedom in their on-campus attire.

The new dress code allows workout shorts in Saga, men to have long hair and facial piercings among both men and women.

Hearing the revisions, students took advantage of the new dress code liberties almost immediately.

“I got my nose pierced Friday night with some friends, right after the announcement in chapel,” senior Amanda Bernard said. “I have always wanted to get my nose pierced, but I never did because of the dress code.”

Students like Bernard said they were not expecting such drastic alterations to the dress code.

“I had no idea it was going to happen, “ Bernard said. “I thought maybe they would address like razor backs or something. So when they addressed facial piercings, I was really surprised... and happy about it,” Bernard said. “I think it’s long overdue.”

While the student body was shocked by the news, the Student Association and General Assembly had been advocating the changes for a while.

“One of the areas we focused on this year, more strongly than previous years, was the representation side,” Student Association Vice President Josh Wagoner said. “So we were fighting really hard for students to ask them what are your concerns, how can we serve you in this aspect and how can we bring those concerns to administration?”

During the past three years, the General Assembly has worked on issues facing students.

“One area we strongly focused on this year was shorts in Saga,” Wagoner said.

“We put through an initiative and actually got the opportunity to present it to Vice President Guajardo himself, who was in favor.”

Even though she will be finishing up her last semester as a senior, Bernard is happy for the students who will be able to enjoy the new liberties in on-campus attire.

“I’m excited for everyone else, and...I get a little bit of time with it,” Bernard said.

“I’m just glad it didn’t happen right as I left, and then I didn’t get to experience it at all.”

SA and GA are happy with progress this year.

Student handbook amendments like these are just the beginning of various Photos by Sami Prichard ways Student AsClockwise from left: Galen Jernigan shows off her shorts in the Hammer Center. Bekah Westsociations and the erfeld flaunts her eyebrow piercing, and Matt McAdow sports a long hairstyle. All represent General Assembly dress code revisions announced in chapel on Feb. 8. plan to reach out to the to take into account that the changes “When we appeal to [administra student body. made here on campus will be here and tion], we want to come with an ap“Working with administration, you will outlive us.” proach of humility,” he said. “We want have to take into account where they’re Wagoner said the legacy of new deci to be respectful and grateful for what coming from and that they’re here for becomes a key concern. they give us.” the long term,” Wagoner said. “We have

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 1, 2013 • 7

Meet Th e Ca n didate s

P David Haldimann

VP Lacey Russ

P Ooceeh Afame

VP Tyler Green

Come hear the candidates’ visions for the university at the candidate forum March 6 at 7 p.m. in Zoppelt. Students can text in questions for the candidates to answer.

Vote for your 2013-2014 Student Association president and vice president from midnight to 11:59 p.m. March 7. Vote online at vision.oru.edu.

P Caleb Perkins

VP Braden Beck

Year in school: Junior

Year in school: Sophomore

Year in school: Junior

Year in school: Junior

Year in school: Junior

Year in school: Junior

Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland

Hometown: Cordell, Okla.

Pre-Medicine and Psychology major

Hometown: Detroit

Hometown: Detroit

Hometown: Decatur, Ill.

Major/minor: Finance

Major/minor: Communication

Career goals: CEO of a capital firm to invest, start and help businesses all over the world to give people a chance to live the life they were created for!

Career goals: I want to work in live television broadcasting, starting out as a news anchor and eventually become a distinguished host for Good Morning America or the Today Show.

Reason for running: To unleash the potential of students here on campus and inspire them to never give up and live a life to their fullest potential! To be a catalyst for their dreams!

Reason for running: I want to serve as a representative to bridge the communication from students to administration. I have worked in a capacity that enables me to interact with leadership that has developed progress here at ORU, and now I want to use those experiences to serve the student body and leave ORU better than I found it.

Major/minor:

Hometown: Maiduguri, Nigeria

Career goals: Currently I’m applying to medical schools. My future goal is to become a surgeon and help solve the many health and social problems in our world today.

Reason for running: We plan to attract more donations to expand students scholarships, increase student-student and student-administration relationships, create an atmosphere of transformation and healing within the student community.

Major/minor: English Bible/ Theatre Career goals: I plan to pursue full-time ministry as a young adult pastor in the Detroit metro area.

Reason for running: As vice president, I plan to be a bridge between the students and administration to create an uninhibited line of communication. I chose to run with Ooceeh because I see the vision that he has for a term as SA president and alongside of the new president, we can further the momentum that ORU is in now.

Major/minor: Marketing Career goals: My goal is to work in ministry and open up my own business after graduating from ORU. I believe God has called me to do unconventional yet innovative work within business, media and ministry. My heart is to awaken this generation to truth and lead them to become possessors of the land and people that truly seek after God the Father.

Reason for running: I am running because I believe God has equipped Braden and I with not only the tools necessary to effectively lead this campus, but also the heart, passion and charisma to do so.

Major/minor: Marketing Career goals: My goal is lead in a business setting after graduation. I want to use my talents to do work in the kingdom of God both physically and financially. One of my dreams is to be able to support ministries and nonprofits that I believe in as a philanthropist.

Reason for running: I believe in ORU. I’ve had so many opportunities through this school that I am incredibly grateful for. Caleb and I have unique qualities and relationships around campus that enable us to understand the student body. This, along with our experience, allows us to be an accurate representation of the needs of the students as servant leaders.

Photos by Sami Prichard

Meet Th e Ca n didate s

P David Haldimann

VP Lacey Russ

P Ooceeh Afame

VP Tyler Green

Come hear the candidates’ visions for the university at the candidate forum March 6 at 7 p.m. in Zoppelt. Students can text in questions for the candidates to answer.

Vote for your 2013-2014 Student Association president and vice president from midnight to 11:59 p.m. March 7. Vote online at vision.oru.edu.

P Caleb Perkins

VP Braden Beck

Year in school: Junior

Year in school: Sophomore

Year in school: Junior

Year in school: Junior

Year in school: Junior

Year in school: Junior

Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland

Hometown: Cordell, Okla.

Pre-Medicine and Psychology major

Hometown: Detroit

Hometown: Detroit

Hometown: Decatur, Ill.

Major/minor: Finance

Major/minor: Communication

Career goals: CEO of a capital firm to invest, start and help businesses all over the world to give people a chance to live the life they were created for!

Career goals: I want to work in live television broadcasting, starting out as a news anchor and eventually become a distinguished host for Good Morning America or the Today Show.

Reason for running: To unleash the potential of students here on campus and inspire them to never give up and live a life to their fullest potential! To be a catalyst for their dreams!

Reason for running: I want to serve as a representative to bridge the communication from students to administration. I have worked in a capacity that enables me to interact with leadership that has developed progress here at ORU, and now I want to use those experiences to serve the student body and leave ORU better than I found it.

Major/minor:

Hometown: Maiduguri, Nigeria

Career goals: Currently I’m applying to medical schools. My future goal is to become a surgeon and help solve the many health and social problems in our world today.

Reason for running: We plan to attract more donations to expand students scholarships, increase student-student and student-administration relationships, create an atmosphere of transformation and healing within the student community.

Major/minor: English Bible/ Theatre Career goals: I plan to pursue full-time ministry as a young adult pastor in the Detroit metro area.

Reason for running: As vice president, I plan to be a bridge between the students and administration to create an uninhibited line of communication. I chose to run with Ooceeh because I see the vision that he has for a term as SA president and alongside of the new president, we can further the momentum that ORU is in now.

Major/minor: Marketing Career goals: My goal is to work in ministry and open up my own business after graduating from ORU. I believe God has called me to do unconventional yet innovative work within business, media and ministry. My heart is to awaken this generation to truth and lead them to become possessors of the land and people that truly seek after God the Father.

Reason for running: I am running because I believe God has equipped Braden and I with not only the tools necessary to effectively lead this campus, but also the heart, passion and charisma to do so.

Major/minor: Marketing Career goals: My goal is lead in a business setting after graduation. I want to use my talents to do work in the kingdom of God both physically and financially. One of my dreams is to be able to support ministries and nonprofits that I believe in as a philanthropist.

Reason for running: I believe in ORU. I’ve had so many opportunities through this school that I am incredibly grateful for. Caleb and I have unique qualities and relationships around campus that enable us to understand the student body. This, along with our experience, allows us to be an accurate representation of the needs of the students as servant leaders.

Photos by Sami Prichard

Missionary, evangelist T. L. Osborn dies at 89

By Kelsie Wardell T.L. Osborn, international evangelist, author, teacher and longtime friend of Oral Roberts, died Feb. 14.

Born on his family’s farm in Pocasset, Okla., Osborn met Roberts in Sand Springs in the 1930s. Osborn and Roberts did street ministry together at this time.

In a Tulsa World interview, President Mark Rutland talked about Osborn’s friendship with ORU and the university’s founder.

“He brought the word of God to the nations and had a lasting affect on countless thousands of people throughout the world,” Rutland said.

Osborn and his wife, Daisy, established Osborn Ministries International in Tulsa in 1949. Their ministry reached more than 100 nations and had daily meetings with up to 300,000 attendees.

Osborn preferred face-to-face preaching over television, and some

believed he preached to more people that way than anyone else in history.

In a statement on Osborn’s website, daughter Bishop LaDonna Osborn said he was known as “the Father of the Gospel.” He was said to be the first missionary evangelist to hold public meetings in non-Christian nations.

An accomplished auCourtesy of ORU Archives thor, Osborn’s best-sellOsborn’s memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on March 6 in Christ’s Chapel. ing book is “Healing the schools around the world.

115 nations, and the Osborn National Sick: A Living Classic.”

Other programs launched through Missionary Assistance Program has More than 1 million copies of the Osborns’ ministry include the Osborn helped establish more than 150,000 book have been printed in English DocuMiracle films and videos and the new churches. alone.

Osborn National Missionary Assistance Osborn died surrounded by family His books “The Message that Program. and friends in his home in south Tulsa.

Works,” “God’s Love Plan” and “The The Osborn DocuMiracle films and The last words he was remembered sayGood Life” are textbooks in Bible videos are offered in 70 languages in ing to Jesus were, “Take me home!”

3

ALL DAY MONDAY, MARCH 4!

10 • Friday, March 1, 2013 • THE ORACLE

ORU SPRING CAREER

EXPO

Wednesday- March 6 . Noon - 3 p.m. . LRC 3rd floor Check out these companies and more Expo info at

www.orugoldenhire.com

Tulsa Police Department

ORU SPRING

CAREER EXPO Resume Workshops Mon., March 4 11 a.m.- Noon 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

LRC 5th floor EXPO TIPS Research the companies you plan to target.

Find out which job openings employers have posted online that interest you.

Bring several copies of your resume and networking cards to the Expo.

Dress professionally to impress your next potential employer.

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 1, 2013 • 11

SPORTS

T

hough the basketball season is coming to a close, the Golden Eagles have played well. The efforts of #22 Steven Roundtree (far left), from Jacksonville, Fla., have assisted the team. Here, Roundtree scores against the Central Arkansas Bears.

On the right, #23 Korey Billbury, freshman sports medicine major from Tulsa, Okla., dunks against the Central Arkansas Bears in the Eagles 95-65 win.

Upcoming Men’s Basketball Away Games Sat, March 2

Sat, March 9

Lamar Central Arkansas

Photos by Austin St. John

M

arizanne Bouwer, sophomore psychology major from Bloemfontein, South Africa, lines up to return a short lob. Bouwer and her partner Rachel Scroggs won their Feb. 12 doubles match with versus Oklahoma Baptist.

Upcoming Women’s Tennis Matches

University of Tulsa Case Complex Sat, March 2

Fri, March 8

Sat, March 16

South Alabama Southeast. Louisiana Stephen F. Austin

Photo by Jeanette Derubeis

ORU WOMEN’S TENNIS

12 • Friday, March 1, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Track and field teams sprint to early success

By David Sauer able to set fear aside, ORU’s track run fast and trust and field team is in themselves to having a great run become a successful of success in the pole vaulter.”

2013 season.

On the women’s For the men’s side, freshman track team, senior Madison Reynolds Jeffery Gibson has has shown that she had an outstandcan be an excellent ing start to the member of ORU’s season. Gibson track team for the was named Southnext four years. land Conference Reynolds meTrack Athlete daled in every one of of the Week the her events so far this three times he year, and has taken took first place. first twice in the 400.

Gibson also won Reynolds was named the Indoor SLC Southland ConferChampionship in ence Track Athlete the 400 meter. of the Week after Gibson is curher two wins. rently ranked 10th She took second in the nation, and place in the 400 at first in Oklahoma the Indoor SouthPhoto by Chandler Branzell land Conference for the 400.

Pole vaulter Jack Whitt made it to the 2012 Olympic Championships.

“I was blessed this season in run- trials, but did not progress to the London games.

“I’ve been just ning faster earlier than I have listening to my coach [and] vaulting. in the previous years,” Gibson putting in hard work in pracWhitt was named Southsaid. “I’m just thankful for tice,” Reynolds said. “My team land Conference Field Athlete being able to run that fast of a is always there supporting me.” of the Week twice this season. time indoor.”

Reynolds, the top woman Being a senior has helped Gibson said he’s able to run Whitt become even better at runner in Oklahoma, said this fast due to being “on top experience is important to gethis sport. of his game” in weight training ting better.

“Every season [spent] and watching what he eats.

“Especially with indoor training at ORU has led to me “I’m very happy to see the track because it is more stratebecome stronger, faster and fruits of my labor,” Gibson said. my technique has improved, gic,” Reynolds said. “You really Another senior, pole vaulter which has enabled me to vault have to pick and choose what’s Jack Whitt, has continued a good place to merge in and higher,” Whitt said. “Also, my his success this season. Whitt when to make a move to pass overall mental and physical currently holds the highest somebody.” stamina has improved to carry jump in NCAA competition ORU’s track and field team me through the long indoor this year, and is undefeated in is coached

by Joe Dial, who and outdoor track season.”

NCAA competition so far. is entering his 17th season as Whitt said that while On Feb. 22 Whitt made a head coach. physical attributes are imporjump of 5.61 meters. The jump Gibson said that Dial tant for pole vaulting, it is just broke the records for ORU, the as much a mind game. “looks out for his athletes” Southland Indoor Championwhether in their schoolwork or Whitt believes that confiships meet, the Mosier Indoor their safety. dence plays a big part.

Track at Oklahoma facility “He is the kind of guy that “Fear and doubt can berecord and set the highest mark come huge obstacles to overtries to have fun, so it makes in a 2013 NCAA competition. come while attempting to fly the hard days a little easier,” The jump also gave Whitt Gibson said. in the air 10-19 feet,” Whitt the Indoor Southland ConferORU’s move to the Southsaid. “It takes an athlete that is ence Championship in pole land Conference will make an

impact on the track and field team just like it did with the other sports.

The conference is expected to be more difficult, but Reynolds is confident the athletes can have success if they work hard.

“It’s not going to come easy to me and I know [the competition] is not going to lie down and let anybody win.” Reynolds

said.

Reynolds said that although the team is young, they are strong.

“We definitely have a lot of people who are willing to put everything on the line for a win,” Reynolds said. “I have real confidence in our team that we will be able to do something seriously at conference.”

Photos courtesy of Media Relations

Top: Jeffery Gibson (right) has been named SLC Track Athlete of the Week three times this year. Bottom: Madison Reynolds (left) looks to take the lead at the at the indoor SLC championships.

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 1, 2013 • 13

SCENE

Early spring concerts offer well-known performers

By Chelsey Butler With the middle of the winter season upon us, fun and entertainment may be limited to indoor activities.

Luckily, there are several local concerts and events offered well into the spring.

THE BOK CENTER The center will host Winter Jam on March 9. This annual Christian concert collaboration features several wellknown artists: TobyMac, Red, Matthew West, Newsong and Sidewalk Prophets.

Besides the large names scheduled to perform, the biggest selling point of this concert is the $10 at the door ticket price.

Tickets won’t be sold in advance.

Muse On tour for their 6th album, the English rock band, Muse, will perform

at the BOK Center March 11.

Tickets start at $35. In an effort to allow more concert goers the opportunity to see this show, the BOK opened up more seats, but this is only for a limited time.

CAIN’S BALLROOM Cain’s is hosting several very famous musicians throughout the month of March and into April.

Identical twin sisters Tegan and Sara will perform on March 11. Tickets start at $34.

Though Cain’s is known for hosting indie and rock bands, they made an exception for country music singer Easton Corbin, who is famous for his upbeat love song “Lovin’ you is fun.”

Corbin will perform on March, 14.

Tickets start at $27.

Electronic rock band AWOLNATION will perform April 26. Accompanying the headline performer will be a hip-hop band by the name of Air Dubai. Tickets start at $25.

BRADY THEATER Comedian Jim Gaffigan will perform

March 23 at the Brady Theater while on his Mr. Universe tour. Gaffigan is known for his funny impersonations as well as quirky, goofball humor.

Tickets start at $37.25, so don’t forget a quarter.

Internet Photos

Appearing in Tulsa, from top clockwise; Muse, Awolnation, Jim Gaffigan TobyMac, and Tegan and Sara.

14 • Friday, March 1, 2013 • THE ORACLE

MUSE

Subjectively Objective: Staring at Race

By Nathan Porter Our desire to label is understandThis week able, because labeling takes little effort. marks the oneAs children, labeling is the lens year anniversary through which we begin to see the of the shooting of world.

Trayvon Martin.

As adults, however, labeling beAlthough comes the lens through which we begin the 17-year-old’s to destroy it. murder cast a dark Instead of attempting to understand shadow of controversy over the nation a the complexity of each human being, year ago, it also shined a necessary light we have become content with merely on the bad habit we have of merely glancing and making generalizations. glancing at the surface of individuals.

We glance at a young man’s baggy In this particular incident, Martin’s jeans thoroughly below his waist and shooter merely glanced at his race. we label him a thug; and we glance at a While racially driven murders and wise man’s snugly wrapped turban and overt discrimination are more seldom label him a radical. now than they were 40 years ago, today But what’s the end result? we still see the heart of those past acA year ago, George Zimmerman tions manifested in racial profiling. glanced at Trayvon Martin. The rest of As a young black male, I have expethe nation was forced to stare at the rienced racial profiling.

Whether we admit murderous implications Sadly, however, I have of his glance. it or not, we all suffer also racially profiled Although our labelfrom and contribute to others. ing will most likely racism in America.

Whether we admit it never lead to murder, it or not, we all suffer from and contribute consistently threatens to kill our to racism in America. common ground, which may be just as To combat this, many reformists tragic. hope that we can one day arrive at a However the solution is not to look post-racial society, where all of humanlook away. We must stare. ity is racially colorblind.

The only hope for racial progress, or I pray that day never comes. any progress for that matter, lies in us I refuse to believe that a person’s staring. skin color is some sort of cosmic misWhether it’s at the mulatto skin of take that should be ignored instead of an elderly woman from El Salvador, the embraced. dark brown eyes of a man from Nairobi If society reached a point where we or the gauged ears of the teen from no longer saw skin color, I’m convinced Oklahoma— looking deeper will only humans would still find a way to stereo- benefit us. type based on gender, height, shoe size Honestly, I can’t imagine what or one of the million other distinctive society would look like if this were qualities that make people different. to happen. Maybe this is because my In order to cure racism, we must proposed theory is too impractical and first realize that race is not our enideal. emy—glancing is.

But maybe it is because a society Humans are obsessed with merely that stares at the distinctiveness of each glancing at others and then placing person transcends every label I could labels on them. ever try to place on it.

“

”

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 1, 2013 • 15

16 • Friday, March 1, 2013 • THE ORACLE