Tuesday, February 10, 2015

MONDAY BEATDOWN: Sooners run No. 14 Cyclones out of Norman with 94-83 win PAGE 5 and read more at OUDaily.com/sports The University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice since 1916

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Concurrent enrollment rises High school students come to OU for early college experience DAISY CREAGER News Reporter

Concurrent enrollment at OU is on the rise.

In fall 2014, 85 high school students were concurrently enrolled at OU, the highest number during a fall semester in the last seven years, according to the university’s most recent enrollment analysis report.

“There’s a different look on education and a totally different atmosphere,” said Margaret Portwood, a senior at the concurrently enrolled at OU. “I feel like there’s

more of an essence of … mutual trust and understanding between teachers and students at OU.” Nick Halterman, a Norman High School senior, drives home from school and then rides his bike to OU’s campus, he said.

The change of pace bet w e en high s cho ol and college classes can be difficult for some students, Halterman said.

“Switching from having a class five days a week with not very much homework, to having it two to three times a week has been a big change,” Halterman said. “I love having more individual responsibility because the class moves faster.”

Because of their reduced fees, concurrent students do not have access to everything that full-time students do, such as the Huston Huffman Fitness Center, but they can access Action Tutoring, the Writing Center and student life activities, said Haley Cowan, concurrent enrollment coordinator.

Halterman said that the experience of being on campus combined with his classes better prepared him for college.

“It’s really different than high school, but I feel like I have it down,” Halterman said. “I’m excited that I won’t have to learn it all for the first THANT AUNG/ THE DAILY time when I’m in college.”

Greta Fiedler, senior at Norman High School, is at the Union patio.

SEE PREP PAGE 3

Greta currently studies as a concurrent enrollment student at OU.

SOUTH OVAL HEADSTANDS The men’s gymnastics raised awareness yesterday for their upcoming meet against the defending national champions from The University of Michigan

MATT WESLING/THE DAILY

Health and exercise senior Michael Reed nails a handstand on the South Oval. The men’s gymnastic’s team will have their next meet against The University of Michigan in McCasland Field House on Feb. 14th.

SGA votes tonight for Naik Student congress will meet to decide on Naik’s censure PAGE JONES

Assistant News Editor

The Undergraduate Student Congress will vote tonight on a censure for Student Government Association President Kunal Naik.

The censure is in response to Naik’s arrest over winter break for public intoxication.

The censure was originally supposed to be voted on last week but was tabled due to factual errors with the bill.

Censure means that while congress may not approve of Naik’s actions, they think it is best that the student body take no further action against Naik.

The student body overall supports this opinion, according to the meeting agenda which cites a poll taken by The Daily.

Impeachment legislation was defeated last week with a close vote of 21 yes to 18 no after a tireless debate between the two sides.

Congress will also vote this week on legislation allowing for $400 of emergency funds to be allocated to the Student Association of Bangladesh, a resolution in support of Oklahoma House Bill 1162 and two separate pieces amending the Code annotated and the Undergraduate Student Congress Standing Rules of Order.

The meeting is open to the public. It will take place at 7 p.m. in Devon Hall Room 120.

SGA to host Higher Education Day event Students will discuss concerns regarding higher education funding in Oklahoma

KUNAL NAIK, STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

ASHLEY GEARY

Life & Arts Reporter

The Student Government Association will hold an allday event where students can express their concerns about higher education funding.

Higher Education Day, an all-day event at the Oklahoma State Capitol, exposes students to state legislatures and advocates on behalf of the student body for changes that will benefit not only OU, but also Oklahoma.

“Our job is to serve students and represent the interests of the student body,” said Kunal Naik, SGA president.

Matt Epting, political science and public relations senior,

WEATHER Sunny with a high of 69, low of 43.

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“Our job is to serve students and represent the interests of the student body.”

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is going to speak about his support for increased higher education funding at the event.

“I’ll let them know the impact that my OU experience has had on my future, and I’ll use statistics to illustrate the economic impact that our university has on all Oklahomans,” Epting said.

Epting hopes that Higher Education Day will illustrate the personal impact Oklahomans endure because of funding cuts, he said.

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• Tuesday, February 10, 2015

NEWS

Paris Burris, news editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily

Students can observe court cases on campus Court of Appeals comes to OU to let students watch cases

“It’s a really great opportunity for them to see how our justice system works firsthand.”

JESSICA JONES, PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST FOR THE COLLEGE OF LAW

KATE BERGUM

assistant news editor

Students interested in law and current affairs can watch attorneys argue federal cases on campus tomorrow.

The OU College of Law will host the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit Court beginning at 9 a.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday in the college’s Dick Bell Courtroom, according to a press release from the college. A recess will take place at noon both days.

Du r i ng t h e h e a r i ng s,

judges will hear oral arguments regarding 10 federal cases, said Jessica Jones, public relations specialist for the College of Law. Seven of the cases originate in Oklahoma, Jones said.

Joseph Harroz, dean of the College of Law, worked with the circuit to bring the cases to OU, Jones said. Hosting the court will give law students and undergraduates the chance to see attorneys

argue federal cases and will give the public a glimpse into the judicial system, Jones said.

“It’s a really great opportunity for them to see how our justice system works firsthand,” Jones said.

One of the most wellknown cases that will be argued is the Ke ystone Pipeline case, in which the Sierra Club, Clean Energy Future Oklahoma and the

East Texas Sub Regional Planning Commission are appealing a district court’s decision to affirm the authorization of a permit for the construction of the pipeline, according to the press release.

The case, which has sparked national controversy because of its potential environmental impact, is timely and could affect Oklahomans directly, Jones said, and so she expects the event to be well-attended.

The event is free and open to the public, but cameras will be prohibited.

SOONER SCHEDULE If you have some free time this week, check out these events going on around campus:

TUESDAY: A REASON TO LIVE: SURVIVAL, COMPASSION AND THE MIRACLE OF LIFE

Join Kevin Briggs, the ‘Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge’ and Kevin Hines, who attempted suicide at 19 as they tell their stories from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at McCasland Field House.

BLENDER BIKE:

Join UPB in drinking smoothies and riding bikes from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m in the first floor lobby of the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

WEDNESDAY: BEYOND OUR BORDERS

Join the International Student Speakers Bureau in the next lecture in their series for students considering studying abroad. OU student Keren Liu will be speaking about her homeland of China at 11 a.m. in room LL118 of the Helmerich Collaborative Learning Center.

THURSDAY: UNION PROGRAMMING BOARD DAILY EVENT: FREE POPCORN

Join UPB for free popcorn and information about their Spring Film Series schedule from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the first floor lobby of the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

PHOTO PROVIDED TONY RAGLE/THE DAILY

OU’s College of Law will be hosting the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals Feb. 10 and 11.

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SENIOR PORTRAITS

OKLAHOMA MEMORIAL UNION Feb. 9-13 (Bartlett Room) Feb. 23-25 (Bartlett Room) March 3-6 (Grad Gear-Up, Beaird Lounge) March 9-13 (Sooner/Bartlett rooms) March 23-27 (Presidents/Bartlett rooms) March 30-April 3 (Bartlett Room) April 13-17 (Traditions Room)

HOW YOU’RE REMEMBERED

NEWS

PREP: Classes prepare students for college Continued from Page One In addition to preparing him for the college experience, Halterman said that being concurrently enrolled helped him make a more informed decision when applying to colleges.

“I learned what actually matters in a college setting,” Halterman said. “Now I know what questions to ask having been in the classroom before.”

Norman High School senior Greta Fiedler said that her high school does not emphasize the concurrent program as much as it just recruits students to AP classes.

“My school doesn’t push it because they know that the kids are going to do it will, and they don’t want to [push it],” Fiedler said.

“Concurrent enrollment allows students to explore areas of academic interest, challenge themselves and gain valuable experience and college credit before they graduate from high school,” said Cowan.

While concurrent students can take any classes offered at OU as long as they have the required prerequisites, the most common classes taken are American government, English composition and lower-division history and math courses, according to the concurrent enrollment website.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015 •

3

COMPETITION

International student pageant brings together Sooners from across globe International students from around the world will compete for the title of Mr. and Miss International OU during a pageant at 8 p.m. Feb. 19.

Winners of the pageant will receive a cash prize and gift cards, plus be invited to cultural events on campus free of charge for the rest of the year and walk in the same homecoming parade as OU President David Boren and other major figures at OU, according to a press release.

The pageant will take place in Meacham Auditorium

in the Oklahoma Memorial Union, according to the press release. Audience seating for the pageant is free.

Along with a pre-written essay, contestants will share facts about their culture, showcase a special talent, present ethnic attire and answer interview questions, according to the press release. A panel of judges will score all of these sections of the pageant to determine a winner.

Andrew Clark, Staff reporter

CHRIS MICHIE/THE DAILY

Daisy Creager, Daisy.C.Creager-1@ou.edu

FUNDING: Colleges require investment Continued from Page One “I want to ensure that higher education funding increases next year so that our university can continue to flourish and improve our state,” Epting said.

Madeline Grunewald, political science senior, hopes to advocate on behalf of OU students and Oklahomans.

To remain competitive in the global economy, the state needs 313,073 additional college-educated workers, Grunewald said.

“Investment is required to meet this critical need,” Grunewald said.

Grunewald will also speak about the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education appropriations request for the 2016 fiscal year.

Additionally, she will promote the importance of keeping guns off of OU campus, Grunewald said.

“University campuses should be a safe place for every student to learn and grow,” she said. “It’s important to protect the integrity of our institutions by keeping weapons off campus.”

Naik said students feel the repercussions of cuts in higher education funding and are directly impacted by the rising tuition.

“Our administration does a great job of being outspoken in their support of increased funding for higher education, and we want to make sure that our voices as students are heard by legislatures,” Naik said.

Ashley Geary, ashleymgeary@ou.edu

Anna Won Young Kim was named Miss International OU on Feb. 19, 2014. The South Korean Economics & Trade Senior was also named crowd favorite.

BIG EVENT

Campus-wide community service event seeks applicants before Feb. 27 Students have less than three weeks to register for the Big Event.

The deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 27, said Sheyda Zakerion, a sociology and social work senior and the chairperson of Big Event. Students can register online at ou.edu/bigevent.

The Big Event will take place on April 11, said Evan Baldaccini, an entrepreneurship and supply chain management junior and the vice chair of public relations for Big Event.

Big Event is the biggest day of community service in Oklahoma, Baldaccini said.

The registration deadline is usually in early March,

but it was pushed forward this year to accommodate Soonerthon, which is March 7, Zakerion said.

The deadline is well in advance of the event itself because of spring break and to allow Big Event staff members to better match volunteers to job sites, Zakerion said.

Job sites include non-profit organizations such as churches and neighborhood associations. Factors such as lunch preferences, driving distances and tool logistics must be taken into consideration, Zakerion said.

Jesse Pound, Staff reporter

TAYLOR BOLTON/THE DAILY

Members of OU’s energy management student association repaint a fire hydrant in Moore near Northeast 12th street and South Eastern avenue on Saturday morning for Big Event. The group was sent by Serve Moore, a collection of local churches put together after the Moore tornado on May 20, 2013.

Pinyata app links fans and idols Stars and admirers can easily connect with social media ASHLEY GEARY news Reporter

Whether it’s watching a concert live or awaiting the videos and blurbs friends are posting about the latest concerts online, fans everywhere are connecting with famous musicians and YouTube bloggers through Pinyata, a new phone application.

Pinyata has grow n to about 30,000 users since its release in November, said Steven Puri, Pinyata CEO. The app allows fans and idols to interact with one another by posting photos or comments on a threaded story.

Puri thought to create Pinyata after he spoke with a friend, Justice Laub, who is now a cofounder, about how current social media sites such as Facebook did not have adamant and consistent users anymore, he said. “[Facebook] was filled with weird random posts and ads and none of our friends actually did what we used to do back five or seven years ago when we were on it every day,” Puri said. “We just loved it.”

Pu r i p o n d e re d ab ou t why people, including his friends and himself, used Facebook to begin with.

They narrowed it down to one reason — Facebook was addictive, fun and useful.

Puri and his friends realized people used Facebook to connect with friends and post things from flirting to

making jokes, Puri said.

Puri longed to recreate that image, but in a different light.

From there, Puri thought, “Why doesn’t someone build that?”

After speaking with people to get a synopsis of what they actually wanted, Puri was surprised at the turnout. Most people wanted to be able to take photos and talk with their idols — and have the idols actually respond.

Puri described the app as a continuous story. He said he noticed band members telling their personal stories through their own accounts.

When idols want to respond to their fans, they can comment on photos or they can simply click on a colored balloon in the right hand corner.

Bryan Odell, known by his YouTube alias BryanStars, is an active user of the Pinyata App and uses it to connect with his fans and post photos of his interviewing journeys. BryanStars grew a fan base through his interviews with bands such as Pierce

“A big part of Pinyata is knowing the idols you are following see you, whereas on Twitter, those tweets go unnoticed.”

BRYAN ODELL, ALSO KNOWN AS YOUTUBE ALIAS BRYANSTARS

the Veil, Sle eping w ith Sirens and Of Mice & Men. He began using the app while he was at Warped Tour because he saw other band members using it.

After contacting the makers of the app, BryanStars decided to try new things with it.

While he is attending Warped Tour and meeting musicians, he is creating a story on Pinyata App for his fans to share the experience.

“The thing I like most about Pinyata is how easy it is. I could have 500 comments and go through and read all of them, and then balloon it,” BryanStars said.

“But on Twitter, it’s a lot more difficult to like stuff.

On Pinyata, it is so simple to let my fans know they’re seen and heard.”

BryanStars likes the balloon feature on the app because when he clicks on the balloon, his fans can see he saw them and their comments.

“A big part of Pinyata is knowing the idols you are following see you, whereas on Twitter, those tweets go unnoticed,” BryanStars said.

Currently, BryanStars is hosting a contest with his friend and fellow YouTube star Johnnie Guilbert where they are reaching out to fans to hear their stories.

Guilbert created a post on his Pinyata account and said, “Come comment why you should win on this post and make a story about why you should win.”

“The way that they enter the contest is they tell a story on Pinyata and we’re

“Our big mission is to have a really authentic way that people can connect with each other with whomever they care about.”

visionary. I can see what this thing is becoming and he’s been awesome. He’s been an incredible supporter,” Puri said.

Pu r i sa i d t h e t e a m i s working on enabling users to post videos on the app.

“Our big mission is to have a really authentic way

that people can connect with each other with whomever they care about,” Puri said.

Ashley Geary, ashleymgeary@ou.edu

STEVEN PURI, PINYATA CEO

going to look at their story and find out who this person is and what makes them special,” BryanStars said.

“We want to pick someone we really feel deserves a special day.”

The competition runs until Feb. 25, and the winner will be flown out sometime in March or April.

Anyone under 18 is eligible to apply.

The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to be flown out to Los Angeles with a parent or guardian to meet BryanStars and Johnnie Guilbert.

“We’ll have dinner with [the winner] on Friday, and me and Johnnie will take them to Universal Studios on Saturday, and Sunday we’re going to have lunch with them, and then they’ll fly back home,” BryanStars said.

BryanStars said he wants to pick someone who is making a true impact in their community or is enPHOTO PROVIDED during hardships. It is an Pinyata is a new app that meshes the best of instagram and snapchat opportunity to escape. to keep users connected with their favorite youtubers and musicians. “[BryanStars] is a

4

NEWS

• Tuesday, February 10, 2015

State to gas inmates Republicans push for nitrogen gas instead of injection ASSOCIATED PRESS

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — With executions in Oklahoma on hold amid a constitutional review of its lethal injection formula, Republican legislators are pushing to make Oklahoma the first state in the nation to allow the use of nitrogen gas to execute death row inmates.

Two separate bills scheduled for hearings this week in legislative committees would make death by “nitrogen hypoxia” a backup method of execution if the state’s current lethal injection process is found to be unconstitutional. “ You wouldn’t need a medical doctor to do it. It’s a lot more practical. It’s efficient,” said Rep. Mike Christian, an Oklahoma City Republican and former Oklahoma Highway patrolman who conducted a hearing last summer on hypoxia, or the depletion of oxygen in the bloodstream.

The U.S. Supreme Court currently is reviewing O klahoma’s thre e-dr ug method in a challenge sparked by a botched lethal injection last spring in which an inmate groaned and writhed on the gurney before a problem was

discovered with an intravenous line. The case centers on whether the sedative midazolam properly renders an inmate unconscious before the second and third drugs are administered.

Three scheduled lethal injections in Oklahoma have been delayed pending the high court’s review.

Oklahoma officials concede midazolam is not the preferred drug for executions, but death penalty states have been forced to explore alternatives as manufacturers of more effective drugs refuse to sell them for use in lethal injections.

Tennessee passed a law last year to reinstate the electric chair if it can’t get lethal drugs, and Utah is considering bringing back the firing squad. Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has urged legislators to consider the creation of a state compounding pharmacy to produce the drugs itself.

A fiscal analysis of the Oklahoma bill projects it would cost about $300,000 to build a gas chamber at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. A similar bill is pending in the Oklahoma Senate.

Christian said unlike traditional gas chambers that used drugs like cyanide that caused a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, breathing nitrogen would be painless because it leads to hypoxia, a gradual lack of

oxygen in the blood, similar to what can happen to pilots at high altitudes.

Fo u r s t a t e s c u r r e n tly allow the use of lethal gas — Arizona, California, Missouri, and Wyoming — but all have lethal injection as the primary method, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

No state has ever used nitrogen gas or inert gas hypoxia to execute an inmate. The last U.S. inmate executed in a gas chamber was Walter LaGrand in Arizona in 1999.

Under cur rent law in Oklahoma, where lethal injection has been used since 1990, if that method is found to be unconstitutional, the state would use the electric chair. The firing squad would be the third option.

Christian said he is considering amending his bill to eliminate electrocution as a backup method.

The Rev. Adam Leathers, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, said he wished lawmakers would entertain abolishing the death penalty altogether, rather than spending time developing more efficient ways to kill people.

“It’s evidence of what a ludicrous idea this is to begin with,” Leathers said. “We’re scrambling around trying to figure out humane ways to kill someone.

“There isn’t a right way to do the wrong thing.”

ALONZO ADAMS/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Oklahoma Legislators listen to Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin deliver the State of the State address Monday, Feb. 2, in the Oklahoma House in Oklahoma City.

Government passes prescription drug bill New legislation will control opiate and narcotic sales ASSOCIATED PRESS

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma House has approved prescription drug monitoring legislation that is one of Gov. Mary Fallin’s top priorities

for the 2015 Legislature.

House members voted 6 4 - 3 0 f o r t h e m e a s u re Monday and sent it to the Senate for debate and a vote.

The bill was approved without opposition last week by the House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances Committee.

The measure by Republican Rep. Doug Cox of Grove requires health care

providers to consult a prescription drug repository before prescribing or refilling opiates and a variety of other narcotics.

In her State of the State speech last week, Fallin called on lawmakers to pass a prescription drug monitoring bill that cracks down on “doctor shopping” and ensures that narcotics are not being prescribed to addicts.

SOUTH OVAL FUN

MATT WESLING/THE DAILY MATT WESLING/THE DAILY

Members of the men’s gymnastics team showcase their skills on the South Oval. The team is trying to raise awareness of their meet versus defending National Champs from The University of MIchigan on Feb. 14th at The McCasland Field House.

The OU Daily media staff sits at their table on the South Oval monday afternoon. The Daily staff is celebrating We Love Our Readers week in appreciation of all the student on campus who support the campus-run newspaper.

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OU’s South Oval is filled with students enjoying the warm weather Monday afternoon.

MATT WESLING/THE DAILY

The OU Daily media staff sits at their table on the South Oval Monday afternoon. The Daily staff is celebrating We Love Our Readers week in appreciation of all the student on campus who support the campus-run newspaper.

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Tuesday, February 10, 2015 •

5

SPORTS Sooners defeat No. 14 Iowa State

Dillon Hollingsworth, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports

Men’s team produces highest scoring output of season TRENT CRABTREE

Men’s Basketball Reporter @TrentCrabtree

How the Sooners won: No. 17 Oklahoma beat No. 14 Iowa State with balance. Five Sooners finished with double figures in scoring in a contest where OU had to match the potent spread attack of the Cyclones. Never have the Sooners looked stronger scoring the ball than they did Monday, in which they produced their highest scoring output of the season.

Key stat: 5 — This was the number of 3-pointers that ISU made in the second half after draining nine of them in the first. It seemed like the

Sooners could gain consistent momentum early with ISU’s hot start from deep, but OU locked down coming out of the locker room, and the Cyclones cooled off.

Key Sooner: TaShawn Thomas — The senior forward showed up in a big way against an ISU squad that came into the contest boasting some of the most versatile forwards in the Big 12.

Thomas more than held his own against he potent duo of Georges Niang and Jameel McKay, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds as well as dishing out assists. Thomas said earlier in the week that Niang was the most versatile player he had ever faced, but after Monday, Niang might be saying the same thing.

Hogue — The senior forward from Yonkers, New York, was an offensive force for the Cyclones Monday.

The 6-foot-6-inch Hogue finished with a season-high of 19 points and 3 rebounds.

Hogue was perfect from the field (5-for-5) and from deep (4-for-4) until he missed his first shot about midway through the second half.

What it means : The Sooners pick up their biggest victory of the season and improve to 17-7 overall and 8-4 in the Big 12. They now sit in second place in the nation’s best conference after this victory, their fifth straight.

What’s next: OU heads north to take on the Kansas CHRIS MICHIE/THE DAILY State Wildcats (12-12, 5-6) in Manhattan, Kansas. Tip-off is Sophomore Frank Booker dribbles down the court during OU’s game against Iowa State University on set for 7 p.m., and ESPN2 will Monday night at Lloyd Noble Center. OU won 94-83.

Ke y Cyclone: Dustin broadcast the game.

Baseball opens with five games this weekend Unranked team enters season with more experience SPENSER DAVIS Baseball Reporter @Davis_Spenser

Oklahoma baseball’s season gets underway on Friday at L. Dale Mitchell Park, as the Sooners will play five games on opening weekend against Notre Dame and SIU Edwardsville.

Oklahoma isn’t ranked pre-season, but they are widely expected to improve on their .500 finish from a year ago. Much of that is due to the experience that the Sooners return on the mound.

“Last year we had one win returning from a starting pitcher, so that was a big problem, lack of experience.

We’re a year older and these

guys are a year older. (Junior Corey Copping) is going to be better, (junior Adam Choplick) is going to be better,” head coach Pete Hughes said Sophomore Alec Hansen is also expected to be a big piece of that puzzle, as the righty boasts a fastball that reaches the upper 90’s.

H o w e v e r, a s Ha n s e n learned in his freshman year, he won’t be able to live on that alone. He saw only 11 innings last season, in part because of his limited control with his off speed stuff.

However, it’s not just the starters who are expected to give the Sooners a boost in 2015. Hughes spoke with excitement about his re-tooled bullpen, which is expected to feature juniors Ralph Garza and Jacob Evans and sophomore Sheldon Neuse.

Neuse features a power arm and a fastball in the low

to mid 90s, but did not see much action on the mound in 2015, something that Hughes says he expects to change this season.

“Last year we had one win returning from a starting pitcher, so that was a big problem, lack of experience.”

PETE HUGHES, BASEBALL HEAD COACH

“I think we’re going to have to (use him more in the bullpen this year)”, Hughes said. He added that with him moving to shortstop that his throws will be monitored but he didn’t seem overly concerned.

Neuse, a pre-season AllAmerican, will be in the heart of the Sooners order and in the field with his new

position change.

It’s an adjustment that was expected after OU lost its middle infield from a year ago to graduation, but it will be met with much criticism if Neuse fails to defend the sixhole. That’s because Neuse was second on the team in errors last season - a squad that had a lot- the Sooners finished 141st nationally a year ago in fielding percentage.

Hughes said that he plans to combat a question mark defensively at short with a specialist at third- likely freshman Kyle Mendenhall or Quin Walbergh.

Both of those freshman have stood out among a talented group of fresh faces according to Evans.

“B oth [Walbergh and Mendenhall] of those guys are very good infielders and their bat is going to come but they’re very good in the field,” Evans said.

The other answer to the Sooners’ defensive woes in 2014 should be solved with newfound athleticism, which junior Craig Aikin says is present and abundant.

“We’re a really athletic club this year. You can really tell from the beginning by just looking at body types and the way that we move around on the field and whatnot,” Aikin said.

The one question mark that the Sooners don’t have this season is that they will score — early and often if last season is any indication.

With Neuse and Aikin looming at the top of the order, it will be a constant battle for opposing pitchers.

“If I’m on first base we want them to have to throw a fastball to Sheldon [Neuse] to keep me from stealing second. Most teams aren’t going to want to do that but you’re going to have to give

us something. Either you’re going to give us second base or you’re going to give us a fastball,”Aikin added With a mindset like that, it’s no surprise that the Sooners were so successful offensively last season, but as Hughes told the media on Tuesday, that won’t be the difference for his squad in 2015.

“We finished at the top of our conference offensively and 8th in the league, so that should tell you the importance of that, although I do believe that will be a strength of our club,” Hughes said.

OU will begin its 59 game slate with 10 games in 10 days to begin the season, first at home this weekend before moving out west for the Big 12/Pac 12 challenge where they will face Washington State, Washington, Oregon State, and Utah.

First pitch on Friday is slated for 5 p.m.

JACQUELINE EBY/THE DAILY

Sophomore outfielder Hunter Haley hits the ball to right field during the game against Oklahoma State on April 1 at L. Dale Mitchell Park. The Sooners fell to the Cowboys 3-1.

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Walker Center Housing Office Couch Restaurants Cate Main The Bookmark 757 Avenue 2409 24 09 S Agnew Agn gnew ewAspAve AAve ve (405) 636-1486The Sooner Card Office (Oklahoma Memorial Union) (4 Norman, OK 773069 Student Media (Copeland Hall) Monday to Saturday 9:00-5:45 & Sunday 1:00-4:45 405.515.9111 405.515.911 crookedcrust.com crooke

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• Tuesday, February 10, 2015

OPINION

Kaitlyn Underwood, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/opinion • Twitter: @OUDailyOpinion

CLASSIFIEDS Students to speak to state legislature for OU J Housing Rentals

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Our View: Review the

specifics of Oklahoma’s legislative session with our handy guide.

Student representatives will lobby on behalf of OU Tuesday at the Oklahoma Capitol as part of Higher Education Day. The first session of Oklahoma’s 55th Legislature began Feb. 2. The starting of about 17 weeks of work for Oklahoma’s lawmakers. We hope Oklahoma legislators will bear our student advocates’ suggestions in mind as they move through the session, and we’ve included a few helpful reminders below to explain what exactly a legislative session entails. • Each legislature convenes in two sessions. The first session, which began last week, runs from the first Monday of February through the last Friday of May. This year that means the legislature SHANNON CORNMAN/AP PHOTO will convene from Feb. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin speaks during a legislative forum sponsored by The Associated Press on 2 through May 29.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, in Oklahoma City. • Each session sets agree on appropriathe session begins. This budget. The budget its own rules. These year, all bills had to be allocates funding for tion bills to allocate include various deadrequested by Dec. 12, countless state activistate funds across the lines, such as when proposals for bills must 2014, and all bills must ties from higher educa- government.

We know state govtion to infrastructure. be received. Each legis- have been introduced • In Oklahoma, the ernment can seem conlature also sets rules for by Jan. 22. • Bills and governor proposes his fusing and convoluted.

House commitresolutions are or her executive budHowever, we hope these tees to review Our View is not the legisquick reminders will get first.

The legislature bills and for exthe majority help you understand then develops its own lature’s main changing bills opinion of The Daily’s the Oklahoma legislastate budget, taking function even with the Senate seven-member into account the execthough the ture’s process throughfor review. editorial board wacky ones utive budget Governor out this session. • New bills garner a lot of Fallin outlined in her aren’t introattention. No, the legis- Feb. 3 State of the State duced throughout the address. Fallin and the Comment online at session. In fact, all bills lature’s main function must be received before is to decide on the state legislature will then OUDaily.com

™ & Š 2003 The Jim Henson Company

HOROSCOPE

By Eugenia Last

Copyright 2015, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

pick up additional skills. Keep asking questions until you have a better Good health and good fortune will go understanding of what’s being offered. hand-in-hand this year. Consistency LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Making and common sense will be key your home the backdrop for group in enabling you to improve your meetings will be beneficial and will financial situation. An interesting partnership will turn into a long-term allow you to inject your personal ideas commitment. Look for an opportunity, into the plan. Think about making an excursion, alone or with another. and take action.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Eats flies. Dates a pig. Hollywood star.

LIVE YOUR DREAMS Pass It On. www.forbetterlife.org

Previous Solution

Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard

Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- An unsettled financial matter should be taken care of swiftly. Don’t get annoyed with someone suggesting you need help. If you are accommodating, you will achieve your objective.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Put your skills to work by organizing an event. If you listen to the complaints being made, you will come up with a way to improve the situation you face, as well as your position.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- A partnership is in the stars. Networking will lead to an interesting conversation.

Good fortune will enable you to make the most of a financial contract or settlement.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Excess spending will tax your budget. Put all of your efforts into getting ahead professionally. Devotion to duty and dependability will raise your profile and lead to advancement.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -Through an agency or institution, you will find a worthwhile project or connection that offers excitement and adventure. The service you offer will bring monetary benefits.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- A risk will bring unanticipated results. Don’t give up on a project that you’ve been working on forever. You will receive help if you attend creative seminars geared toward entrepreneurs.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -Going the extra mile will result in added freedom and the opportunity to advance. Explain your intentions and show off your skills if you want to get the support you need to continue.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -You will not get the whole story unless you ask direct questions. Refuse to pay for someone else’s mistake. Get the facts straight before you confront friends, neighbors or colleagues.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Don’t let down your guard. Be aware that someone will try to ruin your reputation if you share your secrets.

Proceed with caution, and team up with those who are able to contribute as much as you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Your track record speaks volumes about you and your talents. You can achieve your goals by forming an alliance with someone from your past.

Don’t let responsibilities or insecurities hold you back.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You can raise your earning potential if you apply for a better position or

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FREE AD WITH OU.EDU EMAIL ADDRESS Anyone with an ou.edu email address can place their ad in the Classified section of The Oklahoma Daily at no cost. Simply email your ad copy to classifieds@ou.edu, along with name, address and phone contact information. Maximum 5 lines and 10-issue run per listing.

PLACE A PAID AD Phone: 405-325-2521 E-mail: classifieds@ou.edu

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Display Ad ............................................................................3 days prior Classified Display or Classified Card Ad Place your display, classified display or classified card ads by 5:00 p.m. 3 business days prior to publication.

YOU

are responsible for the world you live in...

take care of it

www.wildcareoklahoma.org

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker February 10, 2015

ACROSS 1 Gal’s guy, slangily 6 Enjoyed a fine meal 11 Worker who serves a queen 14 Letter through a filter 15 Turn on the dramatics 16 “___ be an honor�

17 Some nice soaks 19 Blossom 20 Did onethird of a triathlon 21 Dr. Sabin studied it 23 It goes around the world 27 ___ dog (zesty frankfurter) 29 Cedar tree 30 Sinks 33 Hot, glowing coal 34 Birthplace of Charles de Gaulle 35 Pod occupant 36 Turns on the waterworks 37 Jazz variation 38 Fake bedding item?

39 Full of trickery 40 Half a sawbuck 41 Engraved fabric

2/10

42 Held, as a dissolved substance 44 Ringlet producer 45 Corpulent 46 Sheens 47 Get-upand-go 49 “Arf!� or “Woof!�

50 Pub pitcherful 51 Tall plant with tiny white or pink flowers 58 Lancelot’s title 59 Foaming at the mouth 60 Licoricelike flavor 61 Call to the Coast Guard 62 Preoperative delivery of old 63 Part-time employees, for short DOWN 1 Black History mo.

2 Bird in a herd 3 Certain retriever, briefly 4 “Ad� add-on 5 Dream team pick 6 Exclude from practice 7 Muslim chief 8 “___ too shabby�

9 Suffix on ordinal numbers 10 Be unable to stand

11 Lover of books 12 Vanity case for milady 13 Edible root of the taro 18 Still life subject, perhaps 22 Prehistoric 23 Texas oil city 24 Shape anew 25 Early Frank Sinatra fans 26 Bad day for Caesar 27 Use a crayon 28 Endangered one’s cry 30 Was compatible 31 Eyeglass ___ (optometry patient) 32 Identifiers 34 Flood embankment 37 Babies’ protectors 38 Work with mail

40 Comped thing 41 Marsh denizen 43 Belt’s relative 44 Street part 46 High-tech surgery tool 47 Kind of production 48 Miscellany 49 Computer file measure 52 It may be modern 53 Cry of contempt 54 Ship’s dir., sometimes 55 Deadeye’s forte 56 1/6 of an ounce (Abbr.)

57 “___ just one of the guys�

PREVIOUS PUZZLEANSWER ANSWER PREVIOUS PUZZLE

2/9

2/9

Š 2015 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com Š 2015 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com

LOADING BBS By Gary Cooper

Tuesday, February 10, 2015 •

SPORTS

Dillon Hollingsworth, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports

NFL player’s charges dismissed Panthers defensive end’s football future uncertain Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Prosecutors dismissed domestic violence charges against Panthers defensive end and soon-to-be free agent Greg Hardy on Monday after they said the accuser in the case couldn’t be found.

The dismissal happened just as Hardy’s appeal in the case was set to begin.

Mecklenburg County district attorney Andrew Murray told the judge that officials attempted many times to contact the woman, but failed.

Murray said the woman had settled her civil suit against Hardy.

Hardy, whose NFL future is uncertain, left with his attorney and did not answer questions. Moments before court convened, Hardy appeared calm, tweeting that he would be giving away a pair of his game cleats to a fan who could name his favorite color, his favorite president and his favorite NBA player.

Hardy was convicted last summer of assault on a female and communicating threats in a case involving a former girlfriend. The Associated Press generally does not name victims of abuse.

Murray told Superior Court Judge Robert T. Sumner that law enforcement had taken “extraordinary” measures to find the accuser so that she could testify during the appeal. He said they took surveillance of her new address, attempted to find her at work and tried to contact relatives but couldn’t locate her.

WE

Murray said in a statement released after the proceedings that prosecutors spoke to the accuser in October and November and that “during those conversations the victim expressed that she did not want to participate in another trial.”

Murray said that the woman’s attorney, Daniel Zamora, also would not share information about her location.

Zamora could not be reached Monday for comment.

The accuser testified on July 15 that she was scared of Hardy and worried about her safety if she went to police.

She also testified that Hardy threw her in the bathroom and later onto a futon CHRIS KEANE/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS filled with guns. She also said Carolina Panthers NFL football player Greg Hardy, center, leaves the

“He looked me in my eyes and he told me he was going to kill me. I was so scared I wanted to die.”

THE WOMAN WHO TESTIFIED

he placed his hands on her throat and threatened to kill her.

“He looked me in my eyes and he told me he was going to kill me,” the woman testified on July 15. “I was so scared I wanted to die. When he loosened his grip slightly, I said just, ‘Do it. Kill me.’”

In his testimony, Hardy refuted that accusation.

He testified that he never hit nor threw the accuser, and didn’t threaten her. Hardy said the woman became angry when he wouldn’t have sex with her and he left the room to sleep in the living room.

Hardy’s NFL future remains uncertain.

Mecklenburg County Courthouse after his domestic violence charges were dismissed in Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, and it’s uncertain if the Panthers will try to resign him.

It’s also unclear if the NFL will hand down any punishment against Hardy based on his original conviction.

Hardy had faced a possible six-game suspension under NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s toughened stance on domestic violence following the Ray Rice ordeal.

League spokesman Greg A iello said in an email Monday to The Associated Press that Hardy remains on the commissioner’s exempt list.

“His status remains unchanged until we fully review the matter,” Aiello said in the email.

The Panthers released a statement Monday that read: “We are aware of the decision by the district attorney

OUR READERS WEEK Feb. 9-13 Yesterday’s Winners

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Biga copy selection, latest styles Each day, grab of The Oklahoma Daily and find the entry form printed inside. Take the original newspaper entry form (no photocopies or reproductions allowed) to one of our convenient campus locations and drop it into the box. Entries must be turned in before 4:30 p.m.

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LOCATIONS: Student Media (Copeland Hall) | OU Housing Office Couch Restaurants | The Bookmark | Sooner Card Office in OMU

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2409 24 09 S of Agnew Agn gnew ew Ave Ave (405) 636-1486 (4 The University Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

Monday to Saturday 9:00-5:45 & Sunday 1:00-4:45

to dismiss charges against Greg Hardy. Greg remains on the commissioner’s exempt list and the NFL has advised us to allow it to complete its review under the personal conduct policy. There is no change in his status at this time.”

Hardy, who goes by the nickname “Kraken” after a mythical sea creature, was a dynamic player for the Panthers in his first four seasons, recording 33 sacks. He had 15 sacks in 2013, helping Carolina win the NFC South championship with a 12-4 record.

Following that season, the Panthers put the franchise tag on him rather than allow him to walk in free agency.

Hardy made $13.1 million last season despite playing in only one game before being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list.

OU outfielder says running game key Sooner speaks with confidence about offense SPENSER DAVIS Baseball Reporter @Davis_Spenser

Oklahoma coach Pete Hughes is entering his second year at the helm in Norman, and he has a team that expects to go above and beyond its .500 finish from a year ago.

Hughes and several players were made available to the media Tuesday, discussing everything from starting pitching experience, to an improved locker room culture and even a new shortstop. This is part four in a five part series on what we learned from media day. Check OUDaily.com over the next few days for the rest of the series.

Sooners look to wreak havoc on basepaths.

Junior outfielder Craig Aikin said that athleticism should do something for the team’s activity on the base paths, as OU stole just 47 bases all of last season.

“We want to be an aggressive club. We want our ability to run in the back of your mind. If I’m on first base we want them to have to throw a fastball to Sheldon [Neuse] to keep me from stealing second. Most teams aren’t going to want to do that but you’re going to have to give us something. Either you’re going to give us second base or you’re going to give us a fastball,” Aikin said.

Aikin spoke with a certain amount of confidence, as if he anticipates creating a lot of trouble for the opposition this season, which should bode well for the Sooners’ offense.

Spenser Davis davis.spenser@ou.edu

JACQUELINE EBY/THE DAILY

Freshman infielder Niko Buentello slides into third base during the game against Seton Hall on Feb. 15, 2014. The Sooners beat the Pirates 8-2.

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• Tuesday, February 10, 2015

OU Student, TEDxOU 2015 speaker and slam poet

Victoria Bautista will kick off the event!

A REASON TO

A conversation with Kevin Hines, who attempted suicide at 19, and Kevin Briggs, the “Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge.”

SURVIVAL, COMPASSION, AND THE MIRACLE OF LIFE.

McCASLAND FIELD HOUSE TUESDAY, FEB. 10 7-8:30 PM

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