ICE AGE FOSSILS FOUND IN TULSA Mastodon and mammoth fossils found in Arkansas River coming to Elsing Museum PAGES 10-11
Mabee Center Gets Trumped GOP front-runner will speak on campus. PAGE 3
The People of ORU Who is Brandon Richards? PAGE 7
Golden Eagles Flying Thin Two players leave team, two more injured. PAGE 12
Oral Roberts University · Jan. 15, 2016 · Tulsa, Oklahoma · Vol 50, No. 8 · www.oruoracle.com · @oruoracle @oruoraclesports
SCENE
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THE CONVERSANT CRITIC: COSMOS PAGE 17
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NEWS
TEEN MANIA CALLS IT QUITS PAGE 4
News GOP front-runner to visit Mabee Center
Courtesy Photo
Donald Trump speaks to a group at a Republican event held in Iowa. ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor @AlyssaLaCourse
Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump is set to come to the Mabee Center, Wednesday, Jan. 20 between two stops in Iowa. This is Trump’s second stop in Oklahoma following his rally at the Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City on Sept. 25, 2015. Ben Carson and Ted Cruz also made stops in Tulsa in October and December, respectively. Trump’s visit comes one month before the Oklahoma primary on March 1. Its purpose is to rally those who already support him and encourage them to vote on March 1. “Like other Republicans in the field, his campaign feels he can pick up Oklahoma delegates to the National Convention,” said Sonny Branham, assistant professor of government. “Oklahoma has a type of primary where delegates are mostly apportioned in percentage of the vote received here.” The National Convention nominates the person who gains the most delegates from all the primary
elections across the nation. Candidates must receive 1,144 delegates to claim the nomination. According to Branham, Trump may not win in Oklahoma, but if he receives 30 percent of the votes in the primary election, he will receive about the same proportion of the 43 Oklahoma delegates to the National Convention. He has shocked the nation with his policies on immigration, border control and the Islamic religion since announcing his candidacy in the spring of 2015. Trump is known for speaking his mind on issues, but his lead in the early primary states hasn’t declined. “He is bold and frank about how he feels about his policy position,” said Branham. “He has articulated during the last several presidential election cycles his very deep concern about the direction that elected leaders have been taking the country.” Trump continues to lead the polls and has since mid-July. Cruz has recently surged in the Iowa polls trailing by only .2 percent. “A candidate supported by evangelicals or value voters will win in Iowa and South Carolina, but not New Hampshire,” said Branham.
Polling the Primaries 27.8%
39%
28.0%
23% 13.0%
Iowa Poll
Trump has a 19 percent lead over Rubio in the New Hampshire polls. “In New Hampshire and then the next primary in Nevada, the candidate who wins will likely be a fiscal conservative who looks at how candidate’s policies will affect taxes, the size and reach of the government and the national debt,” said Branham. The event at the Mabee Center is free to the public, but tickets must be reserved on the event website. Doors open at 10 a.m., and the event will start at noon. For more information or to reserve tickets visit eventbrite.com
13%
NEWS BRIEF The Mabee Center will host a free showing of the film “Woodlawn” on Monday, Jan. 18 in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Showings are 2 and 5 p.m. with seating 30 minutes prior to each show. The event is open to the public.
New Hampshire Poll THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 • 3
Luce announces the end of 30-year ministry
Courtesy photo
Ron Luce recently announced the closure of Teen Mania International and Acquire the Fire. MADISON MCDANIEL Features Editor
@madisonjmcd Ron Luce, the co-founder and president of Teen Mania International has announced the end of the 30-year-old organization. The evangelical Christian youth organization located in Dallas, Texas, established Acquire the Fire in 1991. Acquire the Fire used high-tech and high-impact worship and teaching seminars to reach teens and young adults. Over three million teens attended Acquire the Fire events over the last three decades. The 27-hour
youth conference has toured across North America for 25 years, serving the primary purpose to instill a “fresh fire from God.” More than 100,000 North American youth pastors partnered with the ministry as it worked alongside churches and national leaders in other countries. ORU alumna Nikki Trohoski was among the millions of teens reached. She attended Honor Academy, a branch of Teen Mania Ministries, from 2008 to 2009 as a part of the internship program. “To hear an organization you devoted so much time, energy and money to, and that you credit for so many of your current accomplishments, is closing-it’s heartbreaking and frustrating,” Trohoski said. The ministry focused on dying to themselves and trusting in God’s purpose for each of their lives. “It’s hard to say what my most meaningful takeaway from Teen Mania Ministries was. I found that I could do far more than I ever thought possible,” Trohoski said. “Some walked away feeling more frustrated than they were entering. Others, and I think the majority, had an experience similar to mine. It was life-changing and helped pave the way for their lives, where they are now and wouldn’t change the course if they had the opportunity.” After years of success, the ministry began to face financial decline in 2008 when total revenue dropped from $35.6 million to $23.1 million over the course of a single year. The Evangelical Council for Financial Account-
ability repealed Teen Mania’s membership following the foreclosure of its 472-acre property in 2015. The ministry then faced a $174,000 lawsuit from Compassion International in October. Teen Mania also lost half of its independent board members during this time. Luce declined to comment, but the Acquire the Fire website released a statement before it was recently shut down. “Katie and I feel this chapter coming to a close and are grateful to the Lord for all that He has done through those who have rallied around this vision over the years,” Luce said. “Together we have taken many risks, climbed many mountains and slayed many giants.” According to a second statement, the ministry will be attending bankruptcy court and liquidating all assets of the ministry in an attempt to satisfy vendors. “As Teen Mania began in Oklahoma, in order to assure an orderly process and to centralize the liquidation, it has been decided to proceed through the Northen District of Oklahoma Bankruptcy Court,” the statement said. Luce remains hopeful for the future, despite the ministry’s closure. “We feel like this season has come to a close this chapter is done,” Luce said. “To speak with biblical reference, this wine skin is done being used. It’s time for a new wine skin.”
Execution in Saudia Arabia causes political tension EMERALD DEAN Staff Writer
@et_dean Iran promised consequences after Saudi Arabia publicly beheaded illustrious Shiite Cleric and political activist, Nimr al-Nimr, along with 47 other people charged with terrorism. Tension between the Sunnis and Shiites has continued to escalate in the region. “Saudi Arabia practices capital punishment by beheading the offender in a public setting,” said Dr. John Swails, director of the Center for Israel and Middle East Studies. “They will behead infidels because they believe if you’re beheaded then you cannot make it into heaven, which is why they behead Christians as well.” The Sunnis and Shiites have been fighting over who is the legitimate 4 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016
civil leader since the first century. Shiites make up 12 to 15 percent of the Muslim religion and believe only Allah and his male descendants can be the ruler. Sunnis believe anyone can become the ruler of the kingdom. Saudi Arabia carried out the death sentences despite pleas for mercy from countries around the Middle East and promised consequences from Iran. Sheik Nimr Baqr al-Nimr, 56, was a cleric and rival to Saudi Arabia. Most of the 47 others accused were allegedly involved in al-Qaeda terrorist attacks in The Kingdom and were beheaded or shot in a firing squad. The Iranians erupted in anger when Saudi officials announced the executions. Al-Nimr’s death has threatened to upset the already shaky peace efforts made in the Yemen and Syrian wars. “The Saudi Arabia government
will pay a heavy price for adopting such policies,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossein Jaber Ansari in a statement. He called the executions, “the depth of imprudence and irresponsibility,” on the part of the Saudi government. Iran rioted, attacking the Saudi Embassy in Tehran. Saudi Arabia then publicly cut off diplomatic relationships and forced the Iranian diplomat to leave the country within two days. The import of Saudi Arabia goods and pilgrimages to Mecca, a holy site in the Muslim religion, was prohibited by the Iranian government on Jan. 7. According to the United Nations News Center, United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon has phoned the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers urging both countries to avoid actions further exacerbate tensions. Ki-moon also reiterated the attack on
the Saudi Embassy in Tehran was deplorable. He also added the announcement of a break in Saudi diplomatic relations with Iran was deeply worrying and urged Saudi Arabia to renew its commitment to a ceasefire in Yemen. It is unclear how the Saudi and Iranian dispute will play out, but Dr. Paul Vickery, professor of history, said the United States must pay attention to the conflict. “They are committed fanatics with an agenda that is not favorable to the West. We ignore them to our peril. They have a focus to destroy the West if we do not confront them militarily,” Vickery said. “They are a threat to our way of life and Christianity as a faith and worldview.’”
University joins Tulsa Research Partners ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor
@AlyssaLaCourse ORU has joined Tulsa Research Partners (TRP) to collaborate and work with Tulsa’s other institutions of higher education on research and development to impact the Tulsa community. “Tulsa Research Partners was developed by TU, OU, OSU and TCC as a way to help professors at different institutions collaborate on grant writing and research,” said Andrew Lang, professor of mathematics and chair of computing and mathematics. “It is based in the city of Tulsa to transition some of that research to the community as well.” TRP gives back to the Tulsa region as part of the Oklahoma Innovation Institute (OII). According to Lang, an ORU alumnus, working in the high performance computing division at Hewlett-Packard, talked to the mayor of Tulsa on how HP could help improve health in Tulsa. The alumnus noticed ORU was absent in the research and contacted Randy Feller, chair of behavioral sciences. ORU was invited to a discovery meeting and received an invitation from TPR to become a full member. “This will increase opportunities for faculty members to collaborate with other professors locally, not just in research but in grant writing opportu-
nities as well,” said Lang. On Dec. 22, 2015, ORU signed an agreement with OII for all faculty members to gain access to the Tandy Super Computer, one of the largest and fastest computers in the world. “This is a result of ORU’s vision for the Global Learning Center and globalization. Having access to the super computer, to high performance computing, will let faculty members explore some cutting edge research,” said Lang. ORU updates their five-year adaptive plan on a yearly basis. According to Lang, part of that plan is an increase in undergraduate research. Lang encourages students to be a part of research by finding a professor they enjoy working with and asking him or her what projects they are working on. “Students who are persistent will be the ones who end up doing the undergraduate research,” said Lang. This past year, ORU participated in the Tulsa Research Day. Students from the institutions in TRP can present their research to an audience on this day. “Increasing student participation in undergraduate research is a goal. It is part of the five year plan for ORU,” said Lang. “Students should feel free to approach faculty members.”
ORU administration including CIO Mike Mathews, Catherine DeCamp, Andrew Lang, John Mosher, George Louthan and Provost Kathaleen Reid-Martinez sign with the Oklahoma Innovation Institute.
Photo by Jeremy Luczack
Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Kenneth Weed teaches students Principles of Chemistry.
New grant promotes STEM development CHRISTEN LATINI Staff Writer
@jellybnspeaking Beginning this summer, 26 scholars will receive $1.148 million in scholarships over the next five years. Students in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) departments have the opportunity for a scholarship from the largest of any government grant received by ORU. In the Math and Science Scholarships for Teaching (MASST) program, students in the STEM majors will receive tuition assistance and internships. “This program is open to any STEM major who would like scholarship money and may be interested in teaching as a career,” said Professor of Mathematics LeighAnne Locke. ORU is partnering with Tulsa and Broken Arrow Public Schools as well as the Tulsa Dream Center to give students and graduates hands-on experience in a high-need atmosphere. “The target audience for this program is students who came in [to ORU] wanting to do pre-med or engineering, but changed majors because of the lack of interaction opportunities in those majors,” Locke said. The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, which funds MASST, aims to fill those increasingly vacant positions. A student in a STEM major
will add 27 credits of education coursework to earn their teaching license. The scholarship also provides reimbursement once a student has passed the teaching license tests. After graduation, students will teach at local highneed schools. Locke and Professor of Chemistry Catherine Klehm worked together for the past three years to develop proposals for the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This year, their proposal included an unprecedented research opportunity. “All along we really felt like God was guiding us in little decisions and big ones,” said Klehm. “We stumbled upon a research method called structured dialogue, a method of teaching for high-need schools. It educates teachers in meeting students where they are in their learning needs and understanding their cultures.” Students interested in bringing their major to a high-needs classroom can take advantage of this amazing opportunity by applying for the scholarship by Feb. 15. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program under Award Number 1540515. For more information visit www. oru.edu/MASST THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 • 5
6 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016
Features
WHO IS
BRANDON RICHARDS?
Photos by Abby Friedman, Max Kutz and Hans Kleinschmidt
Brandon Richards is an impossible question; a bundle of ideas, growing knowledge and an unwillingness to stay dissatisfied.
The People of ORU: Everyone has a story and few get to tell theirs. Join the Oracle this year for the stories of the amazing and unknown. SYDNEY ILG Online Editor
@findingsydney The sun shines through the window throwing shimmery light through the coffee shop. The white walls are offset by the deep wooden tables and a man in glasses strolls in. His khaki joggers cover blue socks stuffed into shoes and his slightly rumpled button-up covers a grey T-shirt. His glasses are tortoise shell, and he clenches his wallet and the two iPhones in his hands. He pulls out a chair. It scrapes loudly on the cement floor. The man who sits across the table, sipping a chai latte is eloquent yet sloppy. A man strangely reminiscent of Albert Einstein in appearance; slightly unkempt with wild hair and a smile that says something more is happening behind his skull. He’s an Eagle Scout, President of the Accounting Society, a resident of MOG, Senate Floor Leader of Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL), a senior, the youngest of three and an actor. A jack of all trades, master of none.
“Who is Brandon Richards?” He ponders. “That’s a great question, isn’t it? I don’t know if I can answer it entirely. I’ve lived by a motto I learned from Boy Scouts… a wilderness pledge,” he continues. “It essentially says to leave a place better than you found it. I’ve altered it a little bit to make it a little bit more practical, but not everything you do in life is leaving a place better than you found it, but I do say this; ‘when you’re gone, make sure they miss you.’” Who is Brandon Richards? Inside the Oklahoma State Capitol, Brandon Richards is beaming. His pale blue shirt contrasts his crooked yellow bow tie slowly becoming untied. “Make them remember you,” he says during his nightly pep talks to his teammates. And he is memorable: a small ball of energy working the chamber floor, charming people with his quirky smile and verbose body language; making them smile, feel special. “I love the idea of challenging ideas and I’m a fan of dialectics; the idea of debating without emotion. I like the
idea of debating for the attainment of better knowledge of a situation,” he says. “OIL has been full of that for me.” Who is Brandon Richards? The stage blooms to life, and he is not nervous even though his hands are shaking and his heart feels ready to beat out of his chest. His right foot is hurting as he prepares to go on stage. His character, an Italian named Vinnie Bavasi is a lively and energetic, the comedic relief of “Proposals.” “And I do remember right before I went on thinking: ‘this is the start of something new,’” he says. “I really, really fell in love with theater. And I can’t help but think they’ve left me better than I’ve left them.” Since then, he’s performed in three main-stage productions at ORU and lent his talents to film. His talents and business could lead him to start a production company, but he’s still not sure. Who is Brandon Richards? Back in the coffee shop, he mentions poetry. He asks about Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” and eagerly leans in, as if he’s preparing to tell an exciting secret. It’s infamously overused at graduations, he claims, and always misquoted. “They always say, ‘I took the road less traveled by and it made all the difference.’ Like they made some sort
of decision in their life, like going to college. But the Robert Frost poem is exactly the opposite of that,” he says. His eyes are alive now, intent on divulging truth. “There’s a part in the poem where the character pauses and says, ‘I… I took the road less traveled by and that made all the difference.’ And, looking back, the roads had really been one and the same. The two paths that he had to choose between when he was walking in these woods were equally worn, but he had to decide on one. He couldn’t stay put. And most of us decide to stay put. We don’t make a decision because we don’t want to make the wrong one.” Who is Brandon Richards? He is the man sitting across the table full of energy, but his voice is somehow soft and thoughtful. His sips of coffee are deliberate and thoughtful. He is the man who lived out of his car this summer. Not because he had to, but because he had the opportunity to. He is the man who ran for SA Vice President and lost but still gave himself to serving his university, sans the title. He is the man who holds the timeless value of leaving a place better than he found it. Archaic, maybe, but admired nonetheless. Who is Brandon Richards? Golden.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 • 7
#ORU
Single
TWEETS FOLLOWING FOLLOWERS
2,589 ORUOracle @ORUOracle
1,539
Martina Del Bonta @MartinaFOX23
Official student news media organization of ORU. RTs are not endorsements. Tulsa, OK
1,947
They’re behind me. The woman in the aisle next to me thinks I am looking at her. She gave me the look.
oruoracle.com
Martina Del Bonta @MartinaFOX23
Flights delayed...this guy behind me is spitting mad game to this girl. They just met and found out they both go to ORU. Awww.
Martina Del Bonta @MartinaFOX23
I plan on following to baggage claim. So I don’t know how to play this
Martina Del Bonta @MartinaFOX23
Martina Del Bonta @MartinaFOX23
Boy: “What do you want to do when you graduate?” Girl: “Everything” Boy: “Me too” I hope I can be in there wedding.
SO @Andrew_Carter is here. He’s going to film. @bfreeland from ORU said he can prob get them tickets + pizza. WE’RE GETTING THEM THIS DATE
Martina Del Bonta @MartinaFOX23
Martina Del Bonta @MartinaFOX23
Worst picture ever but someone hook them up!!
@SouthwestAir is awesome. They just DMed me with contact info for the two to buy them dinner. Thank you! #ORUSingle
Martina Del Bonta @MartinaFOX23
They’re reading my Twitter feed now. I’m slightly embarrassed
Martina Del Bonta @MartinaFOX23
Yes!! @QuikTrip is in! Thank you for being a great business and offering your new XL pizza to our hopeful daters! #ORUSingle
8 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016
JADYN WATSON-FISHER Editor-in-Chief
@jwatsonfisher Senior Kylie Johnson got a little more than she bargained for when news reporter Martina Del Bonta live tweeted her interaction with ORU alumnus Jonathan Fruh on their flight from Phoenix, Arizona to Tulsa, Oklahoma over Christmas break. Del Bonta, the weekend sports reporter for Tulsa’s Fox 23 noticed the two after Fruh mentioned he found it interesting how he went to ORU, but never met Johnson and overheard their discussion of mutual appreciation for Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman. “As a journalist, your ears kind of perk up,” said Del Bonta. “You’re always aware of your surroundings because you’re always looking for interesting and unique stories.” When Del Bonta sent her initial tweet about Johnson and Fruh’s conversation, she did not think anyone would take notice, but her coworkers urged her to keep listening as the tweets gained more popularity as people hoped there would be a romantic connection. “If you think about it, they weren’t talking about anything crazy,” Del Bonta said. “They were talking mostly about school and different books and what they want to do when they graduate. So it wasn’t romance novel type, but people were definitely hooked on it.” Johnson said she and Fruh sat on the same row on the flight in order to continue their conversation covering topics such as Rob Bell, Christianity and American consumerism as Del Bonta continued to watch and attempt to listen to the two, going so far as to purchase Wi-Fi for the two hour trip. “Everyone wanted to know how it was going to end,” said Del Bonta. Andrew Carter, Del Bonta’s coworker, met her at baggage claim once the flight landed as she sought to find Johnson and Fruh to explain what had been happening online. Johnson said two “well-dressed, expressive people” were calling for her from across baggage claim telling her to wait. “They rushed up and started talking
really fast saying words like ‘Twitter’ and ‘viral’ and ‘so cute,’” said Johnson. Del Bonta showed Johnson and Fruh her Twitter timeline once the duo had been tracked down. “I had no intention of approaching them once we landed or talking to them about what was going on, but so many people hopped onto the story that they wanted this to be a happy ending,” Del Bonta said. “I think with it being the holidays and the news being the way it is, I think people were attracted to the fact that it was such a happy story, and it was innocent.” Both appreciated the enthusiasm people had toward the story, and Fruh posted on his Facebook page how he had “a ton of fun with it all,” even though parts were a bit exaggerated. “I don’t think [Del Bonta and Carter] purposefully tried to falsify anything,” said Johnson. “I do think that they are reporters and their job is to highlight certain details of events in an effort to create noteworthy news. That’s what they’re paid to do and in that sense you can’t blame them for running with a story receiving so much attention.” The two have expressed having no hard feelings toward Del Bonta, Carter or Fox 23, and thought their day of fame was quite the adventure. Johnson wants everyone to be reminded, just like she was, to put down the phone and experience life for themselves and not just through people on the Internet. Southwest Airlines, ORU Athletics, Cain’s Ballroom and QuikTrip all offered services for Johnson and Fruh to go on a date. The two, while grateful for the offers, have agreed to just remain friends but hope to see these offers benefit the ORU student body, not just themselves. “I’ve really enjoyed our budding friendship,” said Fruh. “The dream is to get Southwest to fly Jon Foreman to ORU for a free show where QuikTrip provides pizza, and Fox News live tweets the whole event. Something like that. We’d definitely be there.”
THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 • 9
Saber tooth tiger skull found in the Tulsa area.
Replogle holds a skull found in front of ORU. Photos by Nikolai Stophel
teeth and other artifacts. The sand in the Arkansas River and others @AlyssaLaCourse around the area naturally preserve Hollywood movies like “Indiana bones, making them prime spots for Jones,” portray a heightened reality surface hunts. of archeology and excavation. With “The sand is what is preserving excavation sites in places as exotic as the bones,” said Replogle. “The sand the findings, people begin to believe is like a time capsule. Something bones and artifacts are impossible to heavy gets in the sand and it sinks find in areas like Tulsa. According to down during a flood and gets burDonny Replogle, the Tulsa area is a ied, and the sand seals the oxygen fossil and artifact hot-spot. off allowing it to be preserved.” When Replogle was 7 years old, According to Replogle, the bones he fell out of a tree and grabbed the can sit in the rivers for thousands ground underneath him. He opened of years until another flood brings his hand to find some rocks and them to the surface. Once the bones an arrowhead. He knew what an are at the surface, archaeologists arrowhead was but had never seen have a limited amount of time beone before. His lucky find sparked fore they crumble. a passion, and he hasn’t stopped Most of the bones found in looking for artifacts since. Oklahoma rivers, especially the Replogle surface hunts rivers Arkansas River, are mammoth and throughout Oklahoma for bones, mastodon bones. Because of Oklahoma’s dual climate, all species of mastodon and mammoth can be found in Oklahoma’s earth. Replogle’s collections of mastodon and mammoth bones have all been found within a 50-mile radius of Tulsa. After 35 years of hunting in the Arkansas ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor
10 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016
River, Replogle knows what to look for and where to look. “There are a lot of clues,” said Replogle. “When I see glass fragments in the river, I know glass travels in the water just like flint. If I’m walking along and I see a bunch of broken glass that somebody didn’t just shoot a bunch of bottles there, I know arrowheads will be there. If I’m looking for big bones, I go where big stuff is.” Replogle, a high school graduate, taught himself everything he knows about bones through books and Internet research. “When I was a kid, nobody knew anything about arrowheads,” he said. “In fact, when I would go out on the river, I would see nobody. When I was 9, 10, 11 years old, I would be the only person. I would see nobody for miles. Now you see everybody out there.” Some of Replogle’s most interesting finds have been from areas where people have looked over the bones thinking they are rocks or logs. “I went down to the river. I pulled across the Bixby bridge and pulled in there and parked where the pedestrian bridge is. I walked down below and put all my gear on
and walked out to the river and get to the edge of the water. I’m still putting stuff on and I look down and there are two sticks sitting there. They are about 3 feet apart,” said Replogle. “I can see where they had their fishing poles standing. They still had line, nets and trash lying there. Between two sticks is sittings this mammoth tooth in the sand fully exposed. They fished by that all night long and never knew. They probably thought it was a rock.” Replogle travels throughout the area exhibiting his collection of finds. Years ago, he met ORU’s Roger Bush, the director of the Elsing Museum at a show and began displaying his collection in the Indian Nations Fossil and Relic show at the Mabee Center. Starting Jan. 15, Replogle will be displaying part of his mastodon and mammoth collection in the Elsing Museum. Students will be able to touch and feel the bones and teeth Replogle brings as Oklahoma archeology comes to life in the Elsing Museum. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A MAMMOTH FIND Replogle explains where he found each of the artifacts in his vast collection of fossils.
Photos by Nik Stophel
THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 • 11
Sports Gilbert out for season, two others leave team RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor
@AfroBroRD The ORU women’s basketball team has undergone a roster shake-up in the last month. The team is currently on a three-game winning streak and is sitting in second place for Summit League play with a 3-1 record. The team lost three players in the last month for various reasons and will be playing short-handed for the rest of the season. Sophomore guard Jordan Gilbert will sit out the remainder of the season with a severe ankle injury. Gilbert missed the first three games of the
Photo by Nick Conroy
season before returning to play against UALR in late November. She played in two additional games before re-injuring her ankle. “We’re going to shut her down,” said Head Coach Misti Cussen. “We want her to get healthy the right way, take her time and heal the way she needs to heal.” Gilbert played in all 34 games for the Golden Eagles her freshman year making four starts. She will receive a medical redshirt this season, giving her a fifth year of eligibility. Redshirt sophomore Bria Pitts has been battling a knee injury since the fourth quarter against IUPUI on Jan. 3. The injury is not thought to be season-
Jordan Gilbert averaged 5.7 points per game during conference play last season. 12 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016
ending, but the team will be cautious. Pitts is three years removed from ACL surgery on her left knee. The Golden Eagles will be losing their leading scorer if Pitts is unable to return. She is averaging 10.6 points per game this season. The Golden Eagles also lost redshirt freshman Jasauen Beard and sophomore Jayden Oliver for the season due to lack of playing time. Beard and Oliver left the program in late December. Beard saw action in six games this season averaging 6.2 points and 1.5 rebounds in 16 minutes of floor time. Oliver appeared in only two games this season, but averaged 3.0 points and
Top: JeSauen Beard signed with South Plains JUCO in Texas on Wednesday. Bottom: Jayden Oliver has not signed with a new school after leaving the team in December.
nine minutes in her two appearances. The team has been able to stay afloat despite only having eight healthy players on the roster. The physical play expected in the conference tournament is a concern as the Golden Eagles look to win the Summit League title. “It’s been a season filled with adversity for us. Not just the difficulty of the non-conference schedule, but we’ve been hit with the injury bug as well,” Cussen said. “We’re just a little snake-bitten this season, but we’re grinding it out.” The next home game for the Golden Eagles will be tomorrow, Jan. 16. They will face the IPFW Mastodons at the Mabee Center. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
Photos by Sydney Stoever
Bria Pitts is expected to return from a knee injury in two to four weeks.
‘Blowing it up’ key to success in new MLB
RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor
@AfroBroRD The landscape of Major League Baseball has drastically changed over the last 20 years and so have the ways executives evaluate their rosters. The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros both proved that the foundation of rebuilding from the ground up can lead to a bright future. The Cubs and the Astros made difficult decisions in the past five seasons to get them to this point, but each decision paid off. Both teams traded stars like Jeff Samardzija, Hunter Pence, Alfonso So-
Sign John Lackey
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riano and Carlos Lee to build top farm systems with top prospects like Kris Bryant, Carlos Correa, Kyle Schwarber and George Springer. More teams are following the Cubs/Astros model and completely rebuilding rosters from the bottom up. Twenty-one All-Stars and a Cy Young winner have been traded in the past 12 months as a result. A team in fourth place in its division has a unique opportunity to rebuild with a long term plan. Every offseason general managers decide which direction their team is going. If they’re a contender or on the edge of contention, additions are made. Changes must be made to build for the future if the team cannot compete. Rebuilding an MLB team requires two things: building and developing talent through the draft and sometimes trading highly valued all-star talent for young major league ready talent and prospects. The goal is to return to contention as quickly as possible and have sustained success.
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Once a team decides to rebuild, it is important to stick with the plan. Tempting as it may be to sign a big name free agent, this is only a shortterm solution. Building home grown talent is always the better option. Dealing Chris Sale, Joey Votto, Jose Fernandez or Carlos Gonzalez for highly touted, unproven prospects seems ridiculous at first glance, but wasting these players’ prime years on a last place team is just as ridiculous. General managers aren’t going to trade every all-star on their roster when they have a bad season. Teams capable of recognizing when it’s just not good enough have an opportunity to capitalize on a plan for long-term success. Moving all-stars isn’t always popular to a team’s fan base. But making a team better for the long-run will be popular in the end. The Seattle Mariners acquired Erik Bedard back in 2008. The Mariners got one of the better pitchers in baseball at the time, from the Baltimore Orioles for five prospects including OF Adam
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Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein
Jones and SP Chris Tillman. Bedard battled injuries and never won more than 10 games in a season after the trade. Jones has become the face of the Orioles franchise for the past 10 seasons and continues to be one of the best outfielders in baseball. Tillman has been a key piece of Baltimore’s rotation since 2009. There is risk in completely rebuilding. There’s no guarantee drafted players will be successful major leaguers, or the players a team acquires in a trade will produce, but the reward more often outweighs the risk. It’s difficult to watch a team lose 100 games in a season. If the fan base can endure a few seasons of rebuilding, the possibility of making the playoffs becomes far more realistic. Every free agent wants to play for a contender. Sticking to the “plan” will put a team in a better position to attract the free agent who could be the final piece to its championship puzzle.
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Houston Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 • 13
Newton’s good fortune has Panthers thriving
Courtesy Photo
Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry is expected to declare for the NFL Draft after a prolific 2,219-yard, 28 touchdown junior season at Alabama.
CFB’s biggest stars making jump to NFL GRANT HOLCOMB Staff Writer
@GrantHolcombORU The Alabama Crimson Tide won its fourth title in the last seven seasons by defeating the Clemson Tigers in one of the most exciting national championships in recent memory. Bowl season is over, and draft eligible players from both programs can finally declare for the NFL draft. The first major event of the off-season is the NFL Combine on Feb. 23 and concludes with the NFL Draft on April 28. Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry finished his Alabama career with a 158-yard, three touchdown performance. The Tide’s workhorse is expected to declare for the NFL draft and be one of the first players selected. Junior tight end O.J. Howard boosted his draft stock with his performance in Monday’s championship game. Howard had not caught a touchdown pass since 2013, but quickly made up for lost time. He caught two touchdown passes and finished with 208 receiving yards on only five catches. Howard is also expected to declare for the draft. Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban didn’t announce which players declared for the draft until after the title game. Saban said he didn’t want public declarations to distract the team from the game itself.
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Alabama outside linebacker Tim Williams is considering declaring for the draft. Williams said publicly he would return to Alabama, but changed his tune recently, admitting he might jump to the NFL. Scouts have expressed an interest in Williams due to his speed in the pass rush. Defensive end Shaq Lawson is the only player on the Clemson roster who has declared for the draft. Lawson led the nation in tackles for loss. He’s a big body on the defensive line and has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Ohio State wide receiver and draft prospect Braxton Miller could fly under the radar. Miller started his career as a successful quarterback, winning two Big Ten Player of the Year awards for the Buckeyes before severe shoulder injuries forced him to move to wide receiver. Miller struggled early as a blocker, but he made strides as the season progressed. The sample size is small, but there’s no denying his athletic ability. NFL scouts will be paying attention at his pro day. The 2015 college football season saw its share of memorable moments produced by the best players in the nation. The fans of these programs will be saddened by the departure of some of the nation’s brightest play-makers, but they will have an opportunity to watch them shine on the NFL stage and see a new crop of elite talent to cheer for on campus in 2016.
JORDAN JONES Staff Writer
@jonesman14 The Carolina Panthers are the number one topic of conversation in the NFL this season. The Panthers went 15-1 during the regular season and just missed going undefeated. It is hard to believe the Panthers were 7-8-1 just a season ago, and somehow managed to win the sub-par NFC South Division. The Panthers’ turnaround comes on the heels of a life-threatening car accident involving superstar quarterback Cam Newton. On Dec. 9, 2014, Newton endured two transverse fractures in his lower back during a two-car collision just outside of the Panthers stadium. The transverse process is the small bone which sticks out on both sides of the spinal vertebrae. It is the same injury Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo went through during the 2014 season. Newton was placed on a stretcher, transported to the hospital, treated and released. He returned to the team within a couple of days, but sat out the next game. His quick return was quite shocking to those who followed the events close-
ly, as the accident was described by witnesses as “gruesome and gut-wrenching.” According to eye witness accounts, Newton’s car flipped several times before landing on the passenger side door with the roof caved in. A couple days following the accident, Newton addressed the media and contemplated his good fortune. “I’m looking at this truck and thinking, ‘someone’s supposed to be dead.’ I couldn’t stop smiling,” said Newton. “I’m just thankful to have breath in my lungs, so I can breathe again. I’m on somebody’s fantasy team, and I think it’s the man upstairs.” This writer thought poorly of the Panthers and has been critical of Newton, until this year. He has shown immense improvement in his maturity level and the ability to lead his team even when facing adversity. Newton threw for a career-best 35 passing touchdowns, over 3,800 passing yards and a career-low 10 interceptions while adding another 10 rushing touchdowns. This sustained success is causing spectators and critics to pay attention. The team has found a way to win, and a major part of their success is due to the MVP caliber play of Newton. The fifth year pro has returned to elite form, despite almost being killed in his accident. Most people have seen the controversial touchdown celebrations on TV and think he’s simply immature. Fans don’t realize Newton is just enjoying playing the game of football; a privilege he almost lost last year.
Scene Senior Bucketlist: Make lasting memories RACHEL ANDERSON AND MADISON MCDANIEL Executive Managing Editor and Features Editor
@RachelLee66 and @madisonjmcd
The ORU journey will end for seniors this May. Each one should consider making lasting memories by adding these suggestions to their senior bucketlist.
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Take a spontaneous road trip:
Before jumping into a full-time job post-college, why not take a minivacation? Start saving up those skips and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Whether it be two or 10 hours away, pack a group of friends in the car, stock up on snacks and venture off to explore an unknown city, big or small.
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Become an official Tulsa tourist:
Before graduating, there are several must-see spots around the state. Visit landmarks such as the Golden Driller statue, Center of the Universe and even the hidden Blue Whale.
Reconnect with friends from freshman year:
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Many students change noticeably by the time they reach senior year, and their group of friends tend to be a part of those changes. It’s doesn’t hurt to go back and reconnect with old friends over coffee at Jazzman’s or dinner at SAGA. They would probably welcome a chance to catch up.
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Take a class or join a club for sheer enjoyment:
By the fourth year, gen-ed classes are out of the way (hopefully), and room for electives are finally available. Because fewer core classes remain, there is less homework and more time to take a fun class. Now is the time to take advantage of the great electives ORU offers or join one of the many clubs on campus.
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Take a risk:
Everyone has one thing they have always wanted to try, but never had the guts to. Senior year is the perfect time to try something new and exciting. Whether it be auditioning for the spring musical or joining a prayer set, it’s never too late for students to challenge themselves.
Praying hands photo shoot:
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Yes, It’s cliché, but also necessary. The praying hands symbolize the heartbeat of ORU. Why not take a quick Instagram-worthy snapshot before leaving campus for wherever life and profession leads next?
7
Attend a concert of a band you’ve never heard of:
Several popular concert venues are scattered around Tulsa. Students are bound to find bands hitting the stage on a weekend night from small hot-spots such as The Vanguard to the more well-known Cain’s Ballroom and the BOK Center. But why not try something new? Peruse the upcoming shows list, pick an unfamiliar band and enjoy the show. Who knows, the discovery may be a new favorite.
Thank your favorite professor:
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Professors pour their hearts into their classes and students. Take a few extra minutes after class or stop by during their office hours and express the impact and influence they or their class has had. It may earn a glowing recommendation, but more importantly, it may impact their life as much as they have yours.
9
Go on a roommate date with someone you actually like:
Roommate date tends to send a shudder of dread and anxiety through the student body of ORU, except maybe freshmen, as they try to determine the cost benefit analysis of asking someone they’re interested in versus a friend. For those on a floor that schedules roommate dates in the spring, take a risk and ask out that special person.
Live in the moment and don’t hold back:
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Don’t forget to let loose and embrace the last semester in college. After three and a half years of classes, homework and projects, remember to cherish the final memories of being a Golden Eagle. Let the little moments count. Take a girl out for coffee, stay up late laughing with friends and live spontaneously. These moments will only happen once.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 • 15
Embedded biosensors in fabrics designed by BIOTEX analyze body fluids, heart rate and body temperature.
Grado Zero Espace designed a biking jacket capable of regulating the body temperature of the rider through electric heating pads lining the jackets.
CuteCircuit embroidered 24,000 full colored pixels onto silk to make the world’s largest wearable display known as the GalaxyDress.
Smart Clothes RACHEL ANDERSON
Executive Managing Editor
@RachelLee66
In an age of futuristic yearnings, scientists have recognized the benefits of incorporating technology into fabrics as a way to enhance clothing beyond aesthetics to pure functionality. There are endless possibilities when it comes to jazzing up normal fabrics such as cotton, wool and silk. The new trend in the scientific world is smart textiles, which are fabrics developed with new technologies in order to provide added value to the wearer. “What makes smart fabrics revolutionary is that they have the ability to do many things that traditional fabrics cannot, including communicate, transform, conduct energy and even grow,” said Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, author and researcher on smart textiles. 16 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016
CuteCircuit, a design label based in London is known as the first fashion label to seamlessly integrate technology and fashion. For its autumn and winter 2014/15 show held during New York Fashion Week, the label unveiled garments with magical displays of their own. The models were able to control their garment’s light display with the swipe of a finger on their smart phones. Displays ranged from simple pulsing lights, to full blown moving images. On permanent display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, is the GalaxyDress. Embroidered with 24,000 full color pixels, it is the largest wearable display in the world. Not all Smart Textiles are solely focused on appealing visuals. Grado Zero Espace, a leading research, consulting and prototyping organization, has helped to develop an I.O.W (Intelli-
Illustration by Jesse Paul Turner
gent Object to Wear) motorbike jacket. This jacket serves as the first portable heating system for motor bikers by using an internal heating mechanism connected to the motorbike. The garment monitors body temperatures in the arms, chest, back and shoulders by using electric heating pads controlled by a computerized microprocessor planted in the lining of the jacket. The jacket will keep bikers warm in the elements when they travel the highways and throughways. The European project BIOTEX took smart textiles to the next level, offering garments able to monitor biochemical parameters of the wearer. The sensing system consists of miniaturized biosensors in a textile patch with the ability to analyze body fluids such as blood and sweat. If danger signs are detected through the sensors, the
garment will alert the owner’s doctor and subsequently prevent major health issues from occurring in the future. “In the long-term we expect continuous monitoring, made possible with smart textiles, to make a major improvement to the way we approach the treatment of metabolic disorders and leisure,” said Jean Luprano, a researcher at the Swiss Centre for Electronics and Micro-technology and coordinator of the BIOTEX project. There are numerous companies working to bring this new frontier to the mass market. The possibilities are endless in the field of textile advancement, bringing fashion and technology together in perfect harmony.
Students hold concert to raise mission funds REJOICE NWADIUKO Staff Writer
@rejoiceck3 ORU students get wildly creative to raise funds for mission trips to different parts of the world, but very few perform free concerts and give away the EP to their albums to a make it happen. Junior and senior business majors, Chris Power and Trey Wideman, are putting on a benefit concert called “2Friends1Purpose.” “We are two friends who have one purpose; to serve God by participating in short-term missions,” said Power. Power will be traveling to China, and Wideman is headed to Brazil. Both are hoping to raise $3,600 for trip expenses. In unorthodox fundraising style, entry to the concert will be free, but there will be an opportunity for audience members to donate to the cause. Along with the donations, Wideman, a Tulsa native and current youth pastor of Spirit Life Church, will be releasing
his first EP called “In the Valley,” which will be given to those who donate a specific amount. “I want the songs to point to God and [a] relationship [with] Him,” said Wideman. “There aren’t a lot of instruments in it [the music]. The heart of it is stemmed directly from a place of devotion.” Power believes Wideman’s music is a good reflection of the Christian walk. “I really believe the songs will reflect the life of a Christ-follower in general,” said Power. “It will also reflect some of the things a Christian might go through such as trying to figure out what’s next or what to do.” The two artists are eager to raise money to travel, but neither want to force anyone to give. “I’m not going to pressure anyone into obeying God and giving,” said Wideman. “As the bucket goes around, they will have the chance to give.” The concert is set for tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 16. at Spirit Life Church. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show will start at 7 p.m.
Photo by Wyatt Bullard
Chris Power, left, and Trey Wideman, right, will host their benefit concert tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. They hope to raise a total of $3,600.
The Conversant Critic: Reviewing Cosmo Cafe VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor
@Tory2495 Cosmo Café, located on South Peoria Avenue on Brookside, is the perfect hangout for college students. With a menu full of appetizers, hot and cold sandwiches, sides and desserts, any visitors have a plethora of choices. The relaxing atmosphere is perfect for a night out with friends or to have some time alone. Start off with one of Cosmo’s tasty appetizers. The Almost Traditional Nachos are a bite of cheesy heaven. They are made with lime salsa, queso, cheddar and mozzarella cheese with a sprinkling of chives. Instead of these ingredients being tossed on top of the chips, the cheese and sauce is baked in the oven to make a solid plate of nachos. The tangy lime salsa adds a nice tang to the different cheeses. For those who love cheese, the Miranda Sandwich is the jackpot. This sandwich comes on an everything bagel basted with herbs and butter. The toasted bagel is topped with cream cheese, gobs of melted cheddar and fresh tomatoes. Avocado and other items can be added for additional cost. Tomatoes and cream cheese add a
Top: The Almost Traditional Nachos, are baked with queso, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Bottom Left: Hershey’s Cobbler combines the warmth of a fresh brownie with the chill of ice cream. Right: The Miranda sandwich renovates the everything bagel into a masterpiece with added avocado.
Photos by Rachel Frazer
sweet taste to offset the cheesy goodness of the cheddar. Try eating the Miranda open-faced. If the serving size is too much for one sitting, the other half can be taken home for a late-night snack. The Miranda is wickedly good, so a side is not needed, but the sandwich does come with a choice of potato salad, pasta salad or a side salad. To top it all off, try one of the several indulgent desserts. A trip to Cosmo’s is not complete without trying the Hershey Cobbler. A thick brownie is served gooey and warm, topped off with a scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream. Each bite is warm and full of rich chocolate. Split this treat among friends or try the smaller, individual portion. “Cosmo is excellent. It’s one of our favorite spots,” said Jennifer Wilson, a Cosmo regular. She recommends the Mezze Platter, which includes hummus, toasted za’atar pita bread and a freshly-baked baguette. “It’s a good girls night out,” said Brianna Nest, Wilson’s friend and a frequent customer of Cosmo. Try something new and head out to Cosmo’s. Don’t forget to bring lots of friends and a big appetite.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 • 17
Muse A letter from the new editor-in-chief
JADYN WATSON-FISHER Editor-in-Chief
@jwatsonfisher
Life doesn’t usually go as planned. Actually, most of the time it ends up being the exact opposite. I was adopted from Mao Ming City, China at 9 1/2 months old and never met my birth parents. My adoptive dad passed away of stage-four kidney cancer when I was 10 years old. My school closed after I was a sophomore in high school. I certainly did not think any of it could happen to me, but it did. The last eight months have been no different. I have been a staff writer, co-online editor and now the editor-in-chief during my time at the Oracle. These jobs have stretched me
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emotionally, mentally, socially and spiritually in many unexpected ways. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned being on staff is everyone else has a story just as unique as mine, and the events of the world impact someone in the ORU community. This is why I took the job. I don’t do this for the title. I don’t do this for the money. I don’t do this to have an office strung with twinkly Christmas lights. I don’t do this because I’m a natural extrovert who is good at conversing with everyone I meet. I do this because I believe every person who has walked the face of the earth has a story worth telling. I do this because no matter where someone comes from, or what they have been through, there is beauty and inspiration to be found. I do this because I care about the details most might consider pointless facts. I do this because I want to tell the stories students, faculty and staff are affected by. I do this because this is what I’m called to do. Some people are supposed to be teachers, others nurses and some are meant to be businessmen/women. My purpose in life is to be a journalist who tells the stories people care about,
or help them understand why they need to care about something. I took this job because I have an opportunity to serve this university with some of the best people in the world, a sentiment every editor-in-chief has probably said. They haven’t been wrong. Everyone on staff stays up late writing articles, designing page layouts, going to games, pulling quotes from audio recordings, editing photos and running to interviews. They are always working to tell the stories affecting you. They did not write about the Paris attacks last semester just because every other news source in the world did. They wrote about them because it hit close to home for the French students. They did not spend hours sorting through information on the University of Missouri protests because it was clogging everyone’s newsfeed. They put together a clear timeline of events because it was something many students were passionate about, and others needed to better understand. They don’t attempt to cover every aspect of sports because it seems like a no-brainer. They do it because there are more than 250 student athletes, and even more sports fans on this campus.
Every writer, editor, designer and photographer works with this university in mind. My greatest desire is to see this newspaper bring the ORU community together. I want the residents to know the commuters. I want the administration to know the Chick-fil-A employees. I want the athletes to know the theology majors. While it’s impossible to cover everything our campus cares about and do a feature on all the students and employees of this school, my goal is to jumpstart the conversation. I want the content we produce to serve as an encouragement to find out what matters to those around you and to build deeper relationships with them. We can’t fulfill the Great Commission if we’re not even willing to talk to the person behind us in line at Hava Java or find out a classmate’s favorite childhood memory. Being one of the youngest editors-in-chief might be a daunting task to some, but it just gives me time to tell as many stories as possible. I’m in this for the long haul. You know my story. Now, let me tell yours.
RENEW
THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 • 19
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