New NCAA rule proposal
Opinion: We support OU students Sports: Coaches in the Big 12 don’t agree about exercising their right to protest the CIA director’s on-campus speech. (Page 4) the rule, which could slow OU down. (Page 7) The University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice since 1916
W W W.O U DA I LY.C O M
2 013 PA C E M A K E R F I N A L I S T
T H U R S D A Y , F E B U R A R Y 2 7, 2 0 14
PRESIDENT’S DINNER
SCIENCE
CIA director speaks at dinner
New lab a ‘game changer’ for OU
Brennan answers questions about work at CIA, drones ALEX NIBLETT
Assistant Campus Editor
Donning a black suit and OU tie, CIA Director John Brennan took the stage for the President’s Associates Dinner Wednesday to discuss his job with the CIA and the organization’s duty to protect U.S. citizens. Hundreds of guests attended the dinner, where Brennan gave a speech and then answered questions from the audience. Brennan answered questions about drones during the informal question session.
“Each drone is remotely piloted … It presents tremendous capability,” Brennan said. Brennan also said that most of the pictures people see of women and children who’ve been killed or injured by drones are propaganda. Brennan’s visit to OU was met with opposition as student protesters held signs and chanted outside the Oklahoma Memorial Union where Brennan spoke. The protesters could be heard inside during Brennan’s speech and security closed the doors to the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom. Brennan acknowledged the protesters and said the ability to protest was what made the U.S. great.
Plans for fabrication laboratory to be considered for university campus AMBER FRIEND Campus Reporter @amberthefriend
BENNETT HALL/THE DAILY
Current CIA director John Brennan delivers a speech on the state of the organization in contemporary society in the Molly Shi Ballroom in the Oklahoma Memorial Union Wednesday evening.
PHILANTHROPY
SHAIDA TABRIZI Campus Reporter @ShaidaBee
The deadline for 15th Big Event volunteer applications is March 7, and the event’s coordinators are working to attract more than 5,300 volunteers before the deadline. This year’s Big Event will have OU students swarming the Norman and Oklahoma City metro area for landscaping, painting, singing to the elderly and completing various community-oriented activities on April 5, said Kathryn Hillis, economics sophomore and the event’s vice chair of public affairs. Last year, 5,300 people participated in the annual community service event and this year organizers hope to attract more volunteers, Hillis said. Organizers for the event, have planned several benefits and donation opportunities to attract new volunteers, including benefit nights at local restaurants and setting up donation stations on the South Oval, Hillis said. The Big Event executives will serve as car hops at Classic 50’s from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, with 10 percent of proceeds and all tips
going toward the cause, Hillis said. There will also be a benefit night at Chipotle on Campus Corner form 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Hillis said. The money received will fund operating costs and a special fund for one particular business that is chosen based on grant submissions, Hillis said. This special funding is awarded later in the semester, she said. Organizers are reaching out to students from various areas of study like engineering and art, as well as international students, to help them feel connected to their school and community, Hillis said. Students can sign up to volunteer on the Big Event website. Accommodations are available for disabilities and transportation needs.
SEE SCIENCE PAGE 2
“NO MORE DRONE WARS”
Big Event: More volunteers needed to exceed last year Businesses raise funds for event
Three OU faculty members are working to bring a fabrication laboratory to OU in an attempt to help people bring their projects to life through 3-D printing and other technology. Associate business professor Jeffrey Schmidt, engineering professor Zahed Siddique and IT analyst Jonah Duckles were inspired by the IT Store’s recent incorporation of 3-D printers for student use, a similar Tulsa facility
JESSICA WOODS/THE DAILY
Students protest the university’s decision to host John Brennan outside Oklahoma Memorial Union. One protester, sociology senior Jason Byas, explained the protest was against Brennan’s use of kill lists and torture.
Shaida Tabrizi shaida.monroe@gmail.com
How big is the Big Event? Last year more than 5,300 people volunteered for the BIg Event.
MIKE BRESTOVANSKY • CAMPUS REPORTER
Protesters: CIA director not welcome
P
rotesters shouted, “no more drone wars,” so loudly Wednesday night outside Oklahoma Memorial Union that attendees had to shut the doors to the President’s Associates Dinner. SEE DRONE PAGE 3
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
GOVERNMENT
Calling all experienced professors to apply Campus to capitol: students represent Applications for Gateway instructors ending soon MIKE BRESTOVANSKY Campus Reporter @BrestovanskyM
University College officials are accepting instructor applications for the college’s Gateway to College Learning fall semester course until Friday. Gateway to College Learning, commonly referred to as Gateway, is a freshman-only elective course that helps new students transition between high school and college life, said Lillian Miller, director of Freshman Programs. The course is divided into multiple different theme-based sections that students can choose based on their academic and career interests, Miller said. WEATHER Sunny today with a 20 percent chance of rain tonight. High of 55, low of 38.
These themes include “Gateway: Small Town Sooner,” for students coming to OU from smaller towns, and an array of Gateway classes focused on different academic pursuits, such as psychology and math, according to oZONE. “Being a part of Gateway allows students the opportunity to quickly interact with other incoming students who share mutual interests,” Miller said. “It also serves as a guide for students to navigate the institution and achieve their personal goals at OU.” University College officials select more than 65 different instructors each year to be Gateway instructors. These instructors represent a range of more than 30 disciplines and departments campus-wide, Miller said.
The professors come from many areas of campus including sociology, information technology, journalism, international studies and more, according to the University College’s website. “Instructors are trained to teach students about the process of learning and to assist them in their transition to the university,” Miller said. Applicants are required to have a master’s degree, as well as prior teaching experience. Applications can be found on the University College website. Mike Brestovansky mcbrestov@gmail.com
CONTACT US
INDEX
@OUDaily
Campus......................2 Classifieds................5 Life&Ar ts..................5 Opinion.....................4 S p o r t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
theoklahomadaily
OUDaily
OU alumni hold gov. positions MIKE BRESTOVANSKY Campus Reporter @BrestovanskyM
On one hand, there is Shane Stone — a political science major who will graduate in May. On the other hand is Jason Weger — a 31-year-old paramedic and administration graduate student at OU. Both OU students are running for public office this year, which adds
VOL. 99, NO. 110 © 2014 OU Publications Board FREE — Additional copies 25¢
them to a growing list of OU students who have run for office while at OU, said Jessica Jones, communications director at the OU College of Law. Law alumnus John Handy is running for State Senate. Emily Virgin, OU alumna, was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives while still at school. Another alumnus, Thad Balkman was recently appointed district judge for Cleveland County, Jones said. SEE GOV PAGE 3
2
• Thursday, February 27, 2014
Campus
OUDaily.com ›› State news
Paighten Harkins, campus editor Alex Niblett, assistant editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily
Oklahoma legislators are trying to add a new monument to the Capitol’s lawn.
SCIENCE: Fabrication labs can be used by architects, artists, engineers Continued from page 1 and the myriad of applications and possibilities. The three are working with many campus administrators and faculty members to propose a digital fabrication laboratory, or ‘fab lab,’ for OU’s campus. Fab labs, available in a handful of locations throughout the country, are workplaces that include 3-D printers, CNC wood mills, vinyl cutters, metal fabricators, a laser cutter and etcher and several kinds of electronics, according to the “White Paper” document released by Schmidt, Siddique and Duckles about the lab. The fab lab allows students to experiment with their ideas and become familiar with technology, whether it’s the 3-D printer that prints digital designs layer by layer in several different materials, the CNC wood mills that craft wooden products within minutes or the vinyl cutter that helps create signs or circuits. Daniel Pullin, Michael F. Price College of Business interim dean, said he supports the lab and the use of 3-D printing because of how they can shape the business industry. “3-D printing can collapse the duration between customer needs and satisfaction,” Pullin said in an email. “This is literally Schmidt and Siddique going to change my said they hope students can research and my eventually start their own businesses by making or deteaching.” signing cheaper products in the lab. Jeffrey Schmidt The fab lab can be helpAssociate business ful for students outside the professor business college, notably the fields of engineering, architecture and art, Schmidt said. Architecture students can create scale models of blueprints, artists can make prototypes of sculptures and engineers can make and alter designs, Schmidt said. Schmidt and Siddique also said the fab lab can change teaching styles. The two have talked about teaching classes together in the lab and plan to open the lab to other professors as well. “This is literally going to change my research and my teaching,” Schmidt said. Schmidt and Siddique’s class would be a cross-functional class to teach students how to work with different people obtaining different skills and, from a business sense, produce better products, Schmidt said. The lab would make it easier for OU to get more teaching and research grants to use the lab. Before the lab, classes and researchers would have to travel to the Tulsa lab to use their equipment. Since faculty and students must no longer travel, they’ll be able to get more grants, Schmidt said. Schmidt and Siddique said they hope the facility will be a resource, not only for OU students, faculty and staff, but also for Norman high schools, Oklahomans and citizens
Jessica Woods/The Daily
Entrepreneurship senior Grant Burke (front) and associate marketing professor Jeffrey Schmidt (back) listen to Daniel Pullin (right), interim dean of the Price College of Business, explain the college’s new 3-D printer machine. The college recently acquired the 3-D printer and hope to incorporate it into their curriculum for the business students.
from surrounding states. Schmidt sees the fab lab as a way to boost the local economy. As there are very few of these labs, people will come from hours away to use it and spend money at Norman businesses, restaurants, hotels and gas stations. “I think this is a game changer for the state of Oklahoma,” Schmidt said. Though plans for the fab lab are still in early stages, the goal is to station the lab either on or very near campus in a place that is easily accessible to OU and to the community, Schmidt said.
Associate Dean of Library Technology Carl Grant hopes Bizzell Memorial Library will hold the lab. However, OU’s Research Campus, located on David L. Boren Boulevard, is also being considered, partially due to easier parking for traveling visitors, Schmidt said. Schmidt and Siddique said the fab lab should be open within the next two years. Amber Friend ambermfriend@ou.edu
FOCUS ON A&S WEEK CELEBRATING OU’S OLDEST, LARGEST, & MOST DIVERSE COLLEGE
\THURSDAY / FEB, 27TH
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI LECTURES
W. ROGER LOUIS
VANCE RAYE
INA JAVELLAS
RAMEZ MALUF
My Life as a Historian: From OU to UT via Harvard, Oxford, Yale and a German Wife, 10:30 a.m., Heritage Room, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Presented as part of the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Lectures.
Pioneering Professional Social Work Practice: The Vital Role of Collaboration and Colleagues over the Career Spectrum, 1:30 p.m.,Community Room, Zarrow Hall. Presented as part of the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Lectures.
A Little Bit of Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing: Press Coverage of Courts in the New Media, 3 p.m., Heritage Room,OMU. Presented as part of the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Lectures.
What’s on (Arab) Television? 4:30 p.m., Heritage Room,OMU. Presented as part of the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Lectures.
BOOK SIGNING Saturday, March 1st
\ FRIDAY /
Barnes & Noble /// 590 Ed Noble Pkwy - Norman, OK 2:00-4:00pm
FEB, 28TH
Al Hawaayaj, Al Maghrebiyya: Moroccan Clothing and Tea, with Nistrine Slitine El Mghari; special lute performance by Kamel Aljabor, 10 a.m., Kaufman Hall 230.
Presented by the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures & Linguistics
- cas.ou.edu/focus-week -
Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, a CNN Hero Award recipient, will be accompanied by Reggie Whitten, co-founder of Pros For Africa, a local non-profit also formed by former OU All-Americans: Adrian Peterson, Roy Williams, Tommie Harris, and Mark Clayton, at the Norman store for a book signing of Sewing Hope which shares its title with a documentary film narrated by Forest Whitaker.
campus
Thursday, February 27, 2014 •
5
drone: Students make signs to protest CIA director’s visit GOV: OU Continued from page 1 students running The students staged their protest outside of the Union entrance facing Asp Avenue and directly underneath Beaird Lounge and the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom, where John Brennan, CIA director, was speaking. The protesters organized in opposition of Brennan and started shouting after the dinner when Brennan began to speak. The protesters were also holding signs proclaiming: “Snowden is a hero,” “Drone strikes create terrorists,” “Collateral damage is murder” and “John Brennan is not welcome.” “Brennan is responsible for escalating the United States military’s drone strike program,” said Neil Pruthi, economics junior and member of the Young Americans for Liberty. “Drone strikes kill civilians, as you can see from the sign.” Pruthi motioned toward his sign, which said “End drone strikes: 3,549 killed and counting.” Pruthi said that any male found dead after a drone strike, who is deemed between the ages of 15 and 80 years old, is considered a combatant. This means, said Jason Byas, president of OU ’s Yo u n g A m e r i c a n ’s f o r Liberty, that the number of reported civilian deaths is deflated, since many civilians are counted as combatants. Byas is protesting because he doesn’t agree with OU official’s decision to welcome Brennan to campus, which he believes implies they [OU] have disrespect
Continued from page 1
Bennett Hall/The Daily
OU President David Boren delivers a speech before welcoming CIA director John Brennan in the Molly Shi Ballroom in the Oklahoma Memorial Union Wednesday evening. Outside Oklahoma Memorial Union, protesters could be heard voicing their displeasure at Boren’s decision to invite Brennan to the President’s Associates Dinner.
for human life and dignity, he said. “The lives of the people he’s speaking to tonight would be completely disregarded if they were the victims of a drone strike,” Byas said. T h e p ro t e s t e r s s t o o d along the sidewalk to pass out fliers to passersby, many of whom are attending the dinner. The fliers are titled
“‘Patriot’ Visits OU” and list Brennan’s controversial policies and statements. “I want to break the narrative of unquestioningly respecting people with power,” Grayson English, co-founder of Students for a Stateless Society, said. “Brennan is... a very salient example of the problems with government officials not being bound by their own laws.” Anthropology sophomore
English said the protest was a joint effort between various student organizations, including Students for a Stateless Society, Young Socialists and Students for Justice in Palestine. While the majority of protesters are OU students, some are from Oklahoma City University or Norman High School. “I find it wrong that more people have died to
drone strikes than died in 9/11,” said Kolby Wilson, a Norman High School sophomore and member of the Young Socialists. Mike Brestovansky mcbrestov@gmail.com
Campus editor Paighten Harkins contributed to this story.
Tweets about the CIA director’s visit to campus
THE
BEST BALCONY
Stone, a democrat, formally announced his candidacy last week for the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, House District 89. He is running for the seat left vacant by Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City, who cannot run again because of term limits. Stone said that his life in the working-class districts of Oklahoma City qualifies him to represent those community members. “I started working in manual labor at 15,” Stone said. “I have a small business background, which I think is very important. So I understand what these people want, and I want to stand up for them.” Stone said if he is elected, he hopes to help change the state’s attitude toward the future of higher education. “We’ve s e en that Oklahoma is willing to make million-dollar cuts to higher education,” Stone said. “We need to put higher interests above special interests.” Meanwhile, Weger, who received his bachelor’s degree in 2012, is running for Oklahoma’s open U.S. Senate seat. According to his website, wegerforsenate.com, Weger, who is gay, wants to run in part because of the lack of diversity in the Republican Party. “I’m running because the leadership of the GOP represents a status quo that is not healthy,” Weger said. “Our party has a long history of touting smaller government involvement, but we haven’t seen a leader like that in a long time.” Weger said his experience as a paramedic has taught him the value of teamwork and leadership, two vital skills in saving lives, as well as politics. “Something I’ve learned is you cannot help anyone without a team,” Weger said. “So [paramedics and politicians] have a lot in common.” While Weger intends to take a team-player stance with Oklahoma politics, he said he plans to make Oklahomans’ voices and concerns his top priority. “When I’m in Washington, I won’t be beholden to anyone,” Weger said. “Not donors, not corporations, just the Oklahoman people. And I think I’m the only candidate who can say that.” All elections for the U.S. and State Senate and House of Representatives will take place on Nov. 4. The filing deadline for all candidates is April 11.
URGENT
SUmmer Financial aid Info for ou students!
FIVE $500 scholarships
have become available for summer 2014 Classes At ou! These scholarships have become available for Summer 2014 classes. Submit summer application by March 14, 2014. *Scholarship may be in the form of tuition waivers.
Just South of 4th Street on I-35 in Moore Movie Line:
( 405 ) 703-3777 • WarrenTheatres.com
For complete summer aid information, log into oZONE and go to the Money Tab, then go to the Summer Application link.
Thursday, February 27, 2014 •
OPINION
4
Kaitlyn Underwood, opinion editor Rachael Montgomery, assistant editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/opinion • Twitter: @OUDailyOpinion
editorial
Speaker for president’s dinner, questionable Our View: We applaud the students who exercised their First Amendment rights and protested CIA Director John Brennan’s speech at OU Wednesday.
put in positions of power so that citizens don’t have to make tough military decisions, we don’t believe it is OK to kill other citizens unwarranted. Even in cases of national security, it isn’t acceptable to kill citizens of CIA director John Brennan spoke other countries, because it’s basicalat OU’s President’s Associates dinly saying Americans’ lives are more ner Wednesday, but many are not valuable. pleased with Brennan’s presence Yes, the Senate confirmed Brennan and welcoming reception on camas CIA director in a 63-34 vote on pus. In fact, some students protested March 7, but not without a nearly Brennan’s Wednesday speech out13-hour long filibuster from Sen. side Oklahoma Memorial Union. Rand Paul (R-Ky). Paul deOne main grievance with layed Brennan’s confirmation The Our View Brennan is his role in develhearing to raise questions is the majority oping and maintaining the about U.S. drone policy, and opinion of U.S. drone program. the administration’s answers The Daily’s We applaud the student eight-member weren’t all that comforting. protesters for exercising their editorial board Paul wanted clear confirFirst Amendment rights and mation that drone strikes standing up for what they would not take place believe in, even if that differs from the against American terrorism susuniversity. pects on home soil. What he and Brennan’s visit is controversial the American public received was because he doesn’t have a squeaky a letter from Attorney General Eric -clean past. As President Barack Holder Jr. explaining that under exObama’s top counterterrorism advis- treme circumstances it might be “necer, prior to being named CIA director essary and appropriate” for the preslast year, Brennan helped develop ident to authorize the use of military the administration’s policy on CIA lethal force in the U.S., according to a drone strikes. During Brennan’s ten- Washington Post article. ure as counterterrorism adviser, the Considering Brennan’s past and the unmanned aerial aircrafts were used spooky possibility of the drone polito kill an estimated 1,577 people in cy he helped orchestrate being used Pakistan, 143 of whom were civilians, against U.S. citizens, it’s understandaccording to a CNN article. able that some OU students are not Although people like Brennan are happy about Brennan’s appearance
Jessica Woods/The Daily
Students protest the university’s decision to host John Brennan outside of Oklahoma Memorial Union. Protester and sociology senior Jason Byas explained that the protest was against Brennan’s use of kill lists and torture.
on campus. This isn’t the first time OU President David Boren has used his ties to the U.S. intelligence community to bring in speakers from the CIA. Boren, who served as co-chairman of Obama’s President’s Intelligence Advisory Board in 2009 and served on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence during his time as a senator from 1979 to 1994, had former CIA Director George Tenet give OU’s commencement speech in 2003.
Of course, Boren can invite whomever he would like to speak at the dinner; however, we support the student protesters raising concerns over the selection of Brennan. We should host guests whose actions the university believes in and emulates, and we aren’t so sure a CIA director responsible for helping develop the drone program is the most model guest.
Comment on this at OUDaily.com
letter to the editor
column
Studying abroad adds value to learning process
Five reasons for eating locally
photo provided
This close-up view of a globe shows the southern part of Europe and a small portion of north Africa. In the center of the photo is Italy, a popular study abroad option and home of OU’s flagship study abroad program, OU in Arezzo.
This letter to the editor is in response to the Feb. 2 opinion column “Most study abroad programs are a waste of time.
it will help create a better informed set of citizens. That way they cannot be lied to by governments. If you recall,students from France and I am a big fan of your student newspaper German sent our university anti-war proand usually don’t disagree with you. As a paganda because they didn’t like our invateacher, I am shocked you will make blansion of Iraq? Turns out, they were right to ket statements about (study abroad) being oppose it. The more informed our young a privilege of “well-off students.” I know, citizens are, the better our nation will be having made several personal recommenable to understand the world . Not everydations on behalf of (student) applications one hates us the way terrorists do, and most (to study abroad), some (applicants) come people love the U.S. People will find out from very small, literally one-street towns there is a lot more in common (between in Oklahoma and are very top notch stuthem) if we all open our eyes and see the dents from typical working class American world. families. Yes, ideally, studying in a foreign lanEvery one of them have come back with guage immersion program is best, but in great travel experiences and made friends the absence of that, we have a great idea with people from India, Dubai, Turkey, at work here. We cannot make future “inGermany, France, Italy, Argentina, Costa ternational business” leaders if they don’t Rica, Saudi Arabia, etc. They are sometimes know how the rest of the world thinks and the first in their families to venture outside acts. Our Price College of Business does a the United States. It adds incredible value great job of opening the eyes of our dynamto their learning process. ic students through these programs. Arguably, some trips are expensive, but I resent the one-sided commentary of some of them borrow money and also work your opinion column. As a teacher, I highly hard to earn the money (even working encourage my students to study abroad, if two jobs to pay for the trips), and there are they are able to. It helps break stereotypscholarship opportunities as well; it is not ing … even some faculty can benefit from just the wealthy who get to do this. studying abroad, considering some of the In the post 9-11 world, I unequivocally outrageous, uninformed views they have of support President Boren’s efforts to encour- the world outside. age students to study abroad. To see new places and see other nations, even if you are Mano Rawatte, Management information studying in English, will open our eyes, and studies professor
I
f you’ve ever been to assistant opinion editor for 37 percent of methane the Norman Music (CH4) emissions, which are Festival, downa large proponent in global town Norman or just warming. outside the confines of 2. Eating locally stimuyour home, then you’ve lates the local economy. probably noticed those We’re all aware of the major little food trucks that growth Oklahoma City and spring up around town. the surrounding areas are Rachael Montgomery They may seem sketchy currently experiencing, so rachaeljmo94@gmail.com at first glance, but believe why not help contribute to me, once you try what that growth? those trucks have to offer, your life will be 3. Most local restaurants specialize in one changed for the better. genre of food. Syrup is famous for its wonIn the past couple of years, several derful breakfast food and Big Truck Tacos locally owned restaurants have been for its spin on Mexican-style street food, so established in the OKC and Norman would you rather have a taco from a restauareas. While some, such as Scratch and rant that specializes in tacos or from one Tucker’s Onion Burgers, are not as popu- that “specializes” in tacos, hot dogs, sushi lar, others like Big Truck Tacos and Waffle and spaghetti? Champion are exploding with popularity. 4. You get more bang for your buck. You For example, Big Truck Tacos does not can walk in most locally owned restaurants even have a location in Norman, yet every with a $10 bill and walk out satisfied. I can now and again you’ll see a truck parked guarantee you won’t feel like you got ripped somewhere in central Norman just wait- off or that you’re going to be sick because ing to serve hungry customers. the food you just consumed was of the Aside from the obvious fact that the poorest quality. food from local restaurants is substantial5. Eating locally is hip. And who doesn’t ly better in terms of quality and taste than want to be hip? If someone asks you what the food from corporate restaurants, such your favorite restaurant is, wouldn’t you as Olive Garden or Chili’s, there are sever- rather stand out by saying you love to get al other factors that should persuade you the (insert favorite menu item) at your fato start eating locally. Here are the top vorite local hipster restaurant instead of five reasons why I think eating locally is in being generic and saying you love the endyour best interest: less breadsticks at Olive Garden? 1. Many local restaurants do not purchase food in bulk from factory farming operations but instead from local farmers Rachael Montgomery is a public relations sophomore. and markets. Factory farming accounts
The Oklahoma Daily is a public forum, the University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice and an entirely student-run publication.
Kyle Margerum Blayklee Buchanan Paighten Harkins Arianna Pickard Kaitlyn Underwood Tony Beaulieu
contact us
Editor in Chief Managing Editor Campus Editor Continuous News Editor Opinion Editor Life & Arts Editor
Julia Nelson Taylor Bolton Kearsten Howland Judy Gibbs Robinson
160 Copeland Hall, 860 Van Vleet Oval Norman, OK 73019-2052
phone:
405-325-3666
Sports Editor Visual Editor Advertising Manager Faculty Adviser
email:
dailynews@ou.edu
Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 250 words, typed and signed by the author(s). Letters will be edited for accuracy, space and style. Students must list their major and classification. To submit letters, email dailyopinion@ou.edu. Our View is the voice of the Editorial Board, which consists of eight student editors. The board meets at 5 p.m. Sunday to Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall. Board meetings are open to the public.
Guest columns are accepted and printed at the editor’s discretion. Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are their own and not necessarily the views or opinions of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board. To advertise in The Oklahoma Daily, contact advertising manager Kearsten Howland by calling 405-325-8964 or emailing dailyads@ou.edu. One free copy of The Daily is available to members of the OU community. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents by contacting The Daily business office at 405-325-2522.
Thursday, February 27, 2014 •
LIFE&ARTS
5
Tony Beaulieu, life & arts editor Luke Reynolds, assistant editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/life&arts • Twitter: @OUDailyArts
CLASSIFIEDS C Transportation
HELP WANTED
AUTO INSURANCE
Auto Insurance Quotations Anytime
Foreign Students Welcomed JIM HOLMES INSURANCE, 321-4664
$5,500-$10,000
PAID EGG DONORS. All Races needed. Non-smokers, Ages 18-27, SAT>1100/ACT>24/GPA>3.00 Contact: info@eggdonorcenter.com
J Housing Rentals HELP WANTED
Preparation in full swing Camp Crimson expected to be bigger than ever SARAH PITTS • LIFE & ARTS REPORTER
M
any new students get their first impression of OU from running through a terrifying spirit tunnel, competing with strangers who will soon be friends and dancing all night in costume in Oklahoma Memorial Union. Camp Cr ims on is the summer orientation camp for incoming freshmen or transfer students, and about 2,200 students are expected to attend next summer, according to camp director Zac Stevens. Camp Crimson has become so popular that it needs multiple sessions and requires planning to begin months ahead of the event. It’s only February, but Steven and crew are already mobilizing for what will be one of the most highly-attended camps ever. “You could say that preparation for Camp Crimson 2014 began as soon as Camp Crimson 2013 started,� Stevens said. “As soon as we begin camp, we start taking notes and coming up
with ideas to make the experience the following summer even more amazing.� Many students are already at work, with camp registration opening March 1, staff applications opening in October and small group leader interviews beginning in February. “As of now, crew, orienta-
“
re l at i o n s ju n i o r C h l o e Tadlock. Tadlock is also a Camp Crimson operations staff member and is preparing for camp early by attending a higher education leadership conference in Houston, Texas. “Our operations staff for Camp Crimson and our executive commit-
ser vice into all of the sessions. Camp Crimson is continually evolving to make it better for incoming students and help make t h e m e xc i t e d t o b e a Sooner, but for Stevens, one thing is always the same. “The thing that excites
tion guides and orientation staff are all working toward the selection of our small group leaders for summer 2014,� said human relations junior and Camp Crimson orientation guide, Kristen Cash. This year has had a rec o rd - b re a k i n g nu m b e r in small group leader applications, said business management and human
tee for Sooner Orientation Weekend are discussing schedule changes, coming up with new event ideas, either for creating new events or improving the ones we already have and making some of the preliminary arrangements for those events,� Tadlock said. One major change for camp 2014 is that the service session will be formatted more like the traditional sessions in July, Stevens said. Stevens doesn’t want to add more community
�
me most about Camp Crimson 2014 is the same thing that has excited me most about every other Camp Crimson I’ve been part of: seeing our current students all shining in their own way to help our incoming Sooners fall in love with OU,� Stevens said. Sarah Pitts s.elizabethpitts@ou.edu
By Bernice Bede Osol
Copyright 2014, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.
You will start fulfilling some of your dreams this year. The ability to see your efforts through will enable you to take on many new and interesting projects. Your concentration and intensity will bring you that much closer to your goals.
KELLY POWERS/SOONER YEARBOOK
TOP: Campers directed by Zac Stevens stand in a circle, sit on each others laps and attempt to walk as one big circle at last year’s camp. ABOVE: Campers built a human pyramid at last year’s camp.
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.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Don’t let uncertainty stop you from making necessary changes. Personal growth requires you to take one step at a time. Once you consider the pros and cons, you won’t be afraid to move forward. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You will become involved in an interesting new relationship. Unusual rewards will come your way as a result of offering your services to a worthy cause or deserving individual. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- By concentrating on love and the fun things in life, you will feel good about your future. Don’t let negative people drag you down. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Opportunities are coming your way. Indecisiveness or hesitation will end up being costly. Relentless pursuit of your goals and keen concentration will enable you to achieve the desired results. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You will make substantial progress if you listen to advice given to you. With the relevant information, you will be able to take control of the situation and forge ahead with confidence. LEO -- (July 23-Aug. 22) Money matters will weigh heavily on your mind. Pay off outstanding debts
Sell Your Stuff In The Classifieds!
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
Fax: 405-325-7517 Campus Address: COH 149A
DEADLINES Line Ad ..................................................................................3 days prior Place line ad by 9:00 a.m. 3 business days prior to publication.
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.
Do you know me?
Id wants talented individuals who want to gain experience designing ads for our premier publications: ESCAPE The Oklahoma Daily Sooner yearbook Apply now! studentmedia.ou.edu/jobs OU Student Media is a department within The University of Oklahoma’s division of Student Affairs. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. For accomodations on the basis of disability, call (405) 325-2521.
HOROSCOPE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014
Victorian home FACULTY/GRAD STUDENTS ONLY 5500 S.F. $1200/mo See oudaily.com ad for more info. 405-4147277
FREE AD WITH OU.EDU EMAIL ADDRESS
You could say that preparation for Camp Crimson 2014 began as soon as Camp Crimson 2013 started, ZAC STEVENS, CAMP CRIMSON DIRECTOR
HOUSES UNFURNISHED
After School Teachers Community After School Program now hiring part-time staff to work in our schoolage childcare programs in Norman Public Schools. Hours: M-F 2:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Closed for all Norman Public School holidays and professional days. Competitive wages starting at $7.75/hour. Higher pay for students with qualifying coursework in education, early childhood, recreation and related ďŹ elds. Complete application online at www.caspinc.org. Email brenda@caspinc.org
and remind others of what they owe you. You will be able to relax once you have a clean slate. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- By making some inexpensive and simple changes around the home, you can reduce your stress and calm your nerves. A comfortable and relaxing environment is essential to your health and well-being. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Don’t feel as if life is passing you by. Find an activity that motivates you to participate. Being active will renew your energy and help you rediscover your passion for living. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Someone may be withholding information. Ask direct questions that will reveal hidden secrets. Once that is determined, an answer will be found that will satisfy everyone. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Attend meetings or social gatherings conducive to learning valuable information about something you aspire to. An expert will provide you with a practical plan for advancement. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -Positive changes lie ahead. Discuss your future and your dreams with your loved ones. Now is an opportune time to seal contracts, close deals and finish up any incomplete assignments. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- You will be overwhelmed by the tasks expected of you. Discipline and courage will help you live up to your obligations. Be proud of your accomplishments.
Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker February 27, 2014
ACROSS 1 Many a homecoming attendee 5 Bacterial infection 10 Delighted expression 13 Goldfish relative 14 Diagram grammatically 15 Eugene O’Neill’s “___ Christie� 16 What every sales rep seeks 19 “... __ he drove out of sight ...� 20 “My fault!� 21 “It just doesn’t ___� 22 Arm bone 23 Cobbles, in a way 25 Main arteries 28 Group of six 29 Northern seabird 30 One who puts the punch in punch 31 “His Master’s Voice� co. 34 What college provides 38 “All right!� 39 Egyptinspired Vegas hotel 40 Look ___ (visit briefly) 41 Bathroom fixture 42 Bounce on one’s knee 44 Some appetizers
2/27
47 Contorted 48 “In memoriam� items 49 Aug. follower 50 “The Princess and the Pea� prop 53 Where the most important things are listed 57 Celebratory poems 58 Flooded 59 Abbey resident 60 Always, poetically 61 They’re left at sea 62 Orange or cherry DOWN 1 Feel the pain 2 Animal house 3 Sudden hankering 4 Dashboard abbr. 5 Some silverware 6 Buccaneers’ home 7 Gives guns to 8 Tire gauge meas. 9 “For ___ a jolly good fellow� 10 Battery terminal 11 Untie the knot? 12 Hinged door fasteners 15 Assisted 17 Coke or Pepsi, e.g.
18 About 30 percent of Africa 22 State whose motto is “Industry� 23 Happen again 24 Board member, for short 25 Covered with soot, e.g. 26 “Grapes of Wrath� character 27 Floor coverings 28 Wore 30 All the words in a language 31 Brie covering 32 “___ Hand Luke� 33 “Green Gables� girl 35 Run out 36 Trojan Horse, e.g. 37 Color lightly
41 Tub events 42 Bottommost areas 43 Initial poker stake 44 Small salmon (var.) 45 Bear with patience 46 Country east of Mali 47 Beauty’s beau 49 Appendectomy evidence 50 Crude, rude dude 51 White-tailed eagle 52 Actor Dick Van ___ 54 Maple fluid 55 Love-seat capacity 56 Clock standard, briefly
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
2/26
Š 2014 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com
REACH THE PEAK By Luke Cayon
6
• Thursday, February 27, 2014
LIFE&ARTS
Tony Beaulieu, life & arts editor Luke Reynolds, assistant editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/life&arts • Twitter: @OUDailyArts
EVENTS
Nerd alert: College Con comes to campus First College Con event will take place Friday in the Union
SAMA KHAWAJA LIFE & ARTS REPORTER
Modeled after nationally-popular movie, game and comic conventions such as San Diego Comic-Con— College Con will bring all things geek to the Union this Friday. Film and media studies senior and a UPB executive Patrick Vaughn is the founder of the event. Vaughn said the idea of College Con formed when he was brainstorming event ideas with his graduate adviser. They noticed how OU was home to a number of anime lovers, video gamers and comic book nerds. “There isn’t any event on campus, to our knowledge, that combines all these different groups under one nerd culture banner, so we just want to provide an outlet,” Vaughn said. So, College Con was born. Since this is the first year, UPB decided to forgo the registration procedure commonly done for comic conventions. Vaughn said that it might discourage some people from attending and organizers wanted to keep the convention open to everyone. “UPB is all about bringing people together,” said Jeremiah Stinnet, human relations sophomore and a core member of the UPB College Con committee. Other than that, College Con will be based closely on what actual comic conventions. “There are going to be booths set up so people can walk around and get a real convention feel,” Vaughn said. The booths mostly will be local gaming and comic shops around Norman and Oklahoma City, as well as panels on various topics, Stinnet said. Stinnet said Impact Props also will be holding a panel. Impact Props is a student group that focuses on bringing props from movies and video games to life, he said. Of course, no comic convention is complete without a video game section. Vaughn said companies such as THQ and Ubisoft will be present to show demos of their latest video games. Video gaming tournaments featuring games like “Super Smash Bros. Brawl” will be held in the union, Stinnet said. “We’re also giving away a PS4 during the convention,” said Khoi Trinh, University College freshman and UBP member. The contest will be based on drawing raffle tickets
Top: Mario from “Super Smash Bros. Brawl” Middle: Annie & Tibbers from “League of Legends” Bottom: Thor from “Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World”
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT CONGRESS
EPRESENTATIVE RSpring & LIAISONElection POSITIONS 2014 General Representative positions positions available districts: Representative availableininthe thefollowing following districts: ARTS
1 seat
seatV 4 seats seat 4 seats
$576 BUSINESS $70263+(5,& *(2*5$3+,& COMMUNICATION 6&,(1&(6
EARTH AND ENERGY %86,1(66
1 seat 1 seat 2 seats 1 seat 4 seats seat
EDUCATION &20081,&$7,21
&217,18,1* ('8&$7,21 ENGINEERING /,%(5$/ 678',(6
LIFE SCIENCES /$1*8$*(6
1 seat
1 seat
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY /,)( 6&,(1&(6 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE PHYSICAL SCIENCES
1 seat
1 seat 1 seat 1 seat
The Student Government Association (SGA) Spring 2014 GeneralinElections will take place on Tuesday, 1st, and Interested getting involved on campus and bringingApril the needs of your Wednesday, April 2nd. The following SGA positions will be peers to SGA Undergraduate Student Congress? There are positions open for election: for everything from Greek Affairs to Information Technology! There President/Vice President • Campus Activities Chair
is a position Housing for everyone! Check it out online, or pick up a copy in Center Student Association President OMU 181. President Student Bar Association
Election filing is currently open and will close Thursday, February 28th by 4:00 PM.
Applications are available in the Conoco Student Leadership Forms are available on the first floor of
Wing, OMU 181Center and and online the Conoco StudentRoom Leadership onlineat: at ou.edu/sga. KWWS WLQ\XUO FRP DP YU
Candidates must attend one of two mandatory meetings offered on the following
Applications aredates due at :00pm to or Thursday, make plans to February th have a proxy: 1) 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, MarchRoom 5th, 2014 Deborah Strong in OMU 181 2) 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 6th, 2014
If you have any questions, please contact Congress at Congress@ou.edu For questions, pleaseChair contact6HDQ %HQGHU Election Chair, Avik Mukherjee at electionchair@ou.edu Printing funded by SGA
PHOTO PROVIDED
Bigfoot holds up one of the many prizes available at College Con, an event hosted by the Union Programming Board. College Con will be held 6 p.m. Friday in Oklahoma Memorial Union.
GO AND DO OU College Con When: 6 p.m. Friday. Where: Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Beaird Lounge Info: The Union Programming Board will host the first ever OU College Con
that students can earn by winning gaming tournaments, Trinh said. The College Con is piquing the interest of the student body. Mariah Lee, University College freshman, said even though she isn’t a gamer she appreciates the idea of holding a convention here on campus. “It’s a way to branch out and make new friends with similar interests,” Lee said. “Hopefully (College Con) will be a very pioneering event,” Stinnet said.
Thursday, February 27, 2014 •
SPORTS
Julia Nelson, sports editor Joe Mussatto, assistant editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports
SPLIT
VIEWS
Will up-tempo offenses be forced to slow down? JOE MUSSATTO ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Two prominent coaches have backed a rule proposal that would slow the pace of college football, but a backlash among their peers has put the pending approval in doubt. Alabama’s Nick Saban and Arkansas’ Bret Bielema have championed the rule that would require offenses to wait for the play clock to hit 29 seconds before snapping the ball. If passed, defenses would be given 10 seconds to make substitutions and correctly match up before each play. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel will weigh the proposal March 6, and if approved, the rule would be effective this fall. Citing player safety as the primary reason behind the proposal, Saban and Bielema’s true motives in support of the change have appeared to be self-serving. Their fellow coaches have questioned both. Bob Stoops has voiced his disapproval of the rule, along with a number of notable coaches around the country: Texas A&M’s Kevin Sumlin, Washington State’s Mike Leach, South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier, Auburn’s Gus Malzahn and Texas Tech’s Kliff Kingsbury — all of which regularly run an up-tempo offense. Several coaches in opposition of the “Saban Rule,” as Spurrier dubbed it, view the proposal as a ploy by Bielema and the ‘Bama coach to bring back a traditional style of offense. The Crimson Tide typically run a slower brand of pro-style offense that still huddles, a growing rarity in today’s game. Saban wants others to do the same. Or as Kingsbury pointed out, the Alabama coach is tired of facing fast-paced threats. “The last three losses he’s had have been against up-tempo teams,” Kingsbury said on ESPN’s Outside the Lines. “I’ll leave it at that.” Saban’s most recent defeat came against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl in a game where the Sooners snapped the ball within the first 10 seconds several times. Stoops doesn’t see anything wrong with playing fast, he told The Oklahoman. “The offense is capable of operating without substitution, in all downs and distances,” Stoops said. “If they’re able to adjust to keep the same personnel on the field, they ought to be able to use whatever pace they want to. And the defense ought to be able to adjust.” Assistant athletics director of communications Pete Moris told The Daily that Stoops would be unable to comment until the Spring Media Session on March 6. Coaches against the rule haven’t been insensitive to health concerns but are unconvinced due to the lack of evidence connecting pace of play to player safety. Malzahn, Saban’s chief rival, told reporters that zero evidence exists, only opinions. If no evidence surfaces before next week’s ruling on the proposal, Air Force coach and NCAA Football Rules Committee chairman, Troy Calhoun, is doubtful a change will be made. “I think the only way that it can or it should become a rule is if it is indeed a safety concern. And that can’t be something that’s a speculation or a possibility,” Calhoun told reporters last week. Top left: Bob Stoops Bottom left: Cliff Kingsbury Top right: Bret Bielema Bottom right: Nick Saban
Do you have thoughts and views about issues affecting the university community? The Daily is searching for opinion columnists. Email dailyopinion@ou.edu to apply.
Are you on Twitter? Stay connected with The Daily
@OUDaily, @OUDailyArts, @OUDailySports @OUDailyOpinion
7
8
Sports
• Thursday, February 27, 2014
BaSEBALl
Softball
Hit it or quit it: Good pitching needed for Sooner baseball
Season opener Saturday at home
Assistant Sports Editor
Marry Nutter Classic breeds anticipation for a successful season Spencer Davis
Wrestling Beat Reporter
Joe Mussatto jmussatto@ou.edu
G
ood hitting always beats good pitching. That’s not how the phrase goes but it has been the tale of the new season for the Oklahoma baseball club. The Sooners (5-3) have been red hot at the plate, but its trusted trio of young starting pitchers has struggled. Following the departure of the squad’s two premier arms from a season ago, Jonathan Gray and Dillon Overton, coach Pete Hughes has drawn from the Fountain of Youth to shoulder the starts for the Sooners. Sophomores Adam Choplick and Jacob Evans along with true freshman Jake Elliott have started six of OU’s eight games. While each has pitched well on occasion, the three have combined for a 2-3 record matched with a 5.25 ERA. Hughes has confirmed his confidence in the inexperienced starting staff, but through the early goings of the season, the key to Sooner success has been at bat. Oklahoma’s lineup features five hitters batting north of .300 including juniors Taylor Alspaugh and Mac James who are averaging better than .400. The numbers are inflated due to the small number of games that have been played, but the OU lineup has already exceeded expectations. Before the season began, Hughes questioned where the power in his lineup would come from. Through eight games, Oklahoma has slugged eight homers — already 25 percent of the amount of long balls the team logged in all of 2013.
Jacqueline Eby/The Daily
Redshirt junior outfielder Taylor Alspaugh (center) raises both hands to high five his teammate and freshman infielder Sheldon Neuse after Neuse scores a run on Feb. 16. The Sooners flattened Seton Hall 16 to 5.
But over the squad’s last two contests, the Sooners were silenced at the plate and averaged just two runs per game. Without the cushion of support, OU’s young pitchers were unable to take control. With an underwhelming performance at the UCF Tournament behind them, the Sooners will square off against Manhattan, Santa Clara, Arizona State and Gonzaga in Surprise, Ariz. in a four-day tournament beginning Thursday. Oklahoma’s early season resumé is the strongest in the ASU Tournament field and the slate of games give the
Sooners a chance to show their worth outside L. Dale Mitchell Park. More importantly, four winnable contests will provide Choplick, Evans and Elliot with an opportunity to not only build confidence but also to erase any doubts about the starting staff. Good hitting will keep the Sooners competitive. Good pitching will win them games. Joe Mussatto is a journalism sophomore.
C College Con FREE PS4 Trivia | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Frist Floor Lobby Lobby, O Oklahoma Memorial Union. Swing by the UPB booth and nd answer some questions in the genre of comics for a chance to win a PlayStation 4! There’s ALWAYS SOMETHING at the Union. Presented by the Union Programming Board, upb.ou.edu.
Party in Our PJs! | 7 p.m. in Cate Main Social Lounge. Come to this midterm study party with Spanish tutors, peer editing for papers, and FREE food. Everyone is encouraged to wear pajamas, house shoes, etc. For more information, contact hcsa@ou.edu. Intramural Update: 5v5 Basketball Bracket Placement Meeting | 9 p.m. at the Huston Huffman Center Room 130. All teams with a 3-2 record or better and an appropriate sportsmanship rating during the regular season must attend this meeting. Contact Jonathan Dewhirst, (405) 325-6755, for more information.
Friday, Feb. 28 College Con | 6-8 p.m. in Beaird Lounge, Oklahoma Memorial Union. UPB is bringing the Comic Con craze to campus with College ge Con. The event will include video game tournaments, demos from local vendors, FREE giveaways and PRIZES including a PlayStation 4, and more! There’s ALWAYS SOMETHING at the Union. Presented by y the Union Programming Board, upb.ou.edu. FREE Movie: Thor: The Dark World | 6, 9 p.m. & midnight in Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Continue the bigscreen adventures of Thor and the gang as they battle and ancient nemesis. Watch the FREE screenings at 6, 9, & midnight before this movie is available on Blu-Ray/DVD. Presented by Campus Activities Council and The Union Programming Board. Women’s Gymnastics vs Illinois | 6:45 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center. Come check out one of the nation’s best gymnastics programs as they look to continue to make history at the Lloyd Noble Center against Illinois! Consistently ranked in the Top 2 all season they are not something you want to miss! Students get in FREE with ID. FREDTalks | 7 p.m. at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. FREDTalks is a new program that features distinct creativity-related topics suggested by the museum’s faculty advisory board. Each panelist will share short presentations during the lively forum, followed by Q&A. Light refreshments will be served. Panelists include the History department’s Dr. David Wrobel and the Geography and Environmental Sustainability department’s Dr. Darren Purcell. The program is FREE and open to the public.
Spenser Davis, davis.spenser@yahoo.com
Feb 27-Mar 2
Thursday, Thur hursd Feb. 27
Intramural Update: Soccer & Softball Entries | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Huston Huffman Center Front Desk. Coed 8v8 Soccer Entries are $30/team (FREE if all participants live in university housing). Coed Softball Entries are $30/team (FREE if all participants live in university housing). Contact Jonathan Dewhirst, (405) 325-6755, for more information.
The Oklahoma softball team (10-5) will play their home opener against Nebraska (9-5) on Saturday. The double header will feature a pair of top 15 teams before the Sooners see Arkansas Pine Bluff (1-4) on Friday. Coach Patty Gasso said on Tuesday that she expects pitcher Kelsey Stevens to start one game against Nebraska, and Georgia Casey to get the nod in the other. As for giving them run support, Gasso thinks that her hitters need to be more aggressive. “We’re getting ourselves into two-strike counts quite a bit, which automatically puts [us] at a disadvantage and it creates a defensive hitter” said Gasso. “I think we’ve been looking at hittable pitches just a little too much.” However, Oklahoma’s offense was better this past weekend. After two straight disappointing weekends to open the season, Oklahoma went 4-1 in the Marry Nutter Classic, only falling to No. 5 UCLA (16-0). The Sooners mercy-ruled two of their opponents, and managed to score at least six runs in every win this weekend. “I think we were much better this past weekend with that, than we had been in the past 10 games. We’re on to something for sure,” Gasso said. Junior Lauren Chamberlain, who at one point was on pace to break the NCAA career home run record this season, is hitting just .194 with one home run through 15 games. Chamberlain is still getting on base, as she leads the team in walks (19) and is second in on-base percentage (.482), but her power numbers have gone missing to start the season. “Lauren is just trying to do her job by finding her way on base” Gasso said. Gasso added that she wasn’t worried about Chamberlain and that her numbers would begin to resurface as she saw more live pitching in practice. Until then, Oklahoma will continue to ask Georgia Casey, Shelby Pendley, and Destinee Martinez to pick up the slack. Martinez was just named Big 12 Player of the Week for her efforts in the Marry Nutter Classic, as she compiled a .500 average to go along with seven RBI and seven runs scored in five games. On the season, all three players are hitting at least .325 and have combined for seven of the teams’ 13 home runs. First pitch against Nebraska will be on at 2 p.m. Saturday in Norman.
Saturday, Mar. 1 Movie Matinee: Thor: The Dark World | 1 p.m. at Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Watch the matinee presentation of the Thor sequel before it is available on Blu-Ray/DVD. Presented by Campus Activities Council and The Union Programming Board. Softball vs Nebraska | 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Marita Hynes Field. Your defending national champion OU Softball team FINALLY comes home to play in Norman. Come check them out and give them huge support as they look to defend their national championship. They face Nebraska in a home-opening double header. Men’s Basketball vs Texas | 3 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center. The Red River Rivalry comes to Norman on the hardwood as the Sooner Basketball team looks to get a season sweep, and an important win at home against Texas. A win here could place the Sooners in prime position for a Top 3 Big 12 finish for the first time since 2009.
Sunday, Mar. 2 Sunda Sun Softbal vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Marita Hyness Softball Field. The Sooner softball teams hosts their second straight double-header, this time against Arkanas-Pine Bluff as the Sooners are looking for a strong start to their home schedule! Students get in FREE with ID. Men’s Tennis vs Louisville | 12 p.m. at OU Tennis Center. The top 10 ranked OU Men’s Tennis team looks to continue their blistering start to their season with another home victory as they get into the last part of their nonconference schedule. FREE to the public. Oscar Watch Party | 6-11 p.m. at Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Come to the Union to watch the Oscars live on the big screen. FREE food will be provided including a chocolate fountain, mocktail bar, and more. Everyone is encouraged to dress up and there will be a competition for best dressed and best picture. Presented by Campus Activities Council. Contact cac@ou.edu for more information. School of Musical Theater - Junior Showcase | 8 p.m. at Pitman Recital Hall, Catlett Music Center. This performance is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please contact Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre, sbent@ou.edu 405-325-0538.
This University in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please contact the sponsoring department of any program or event.