The Vista March 23, 2006

The Student Voice Since 1903 University of Central Oklahoma

THURSDAY, March 23, 2006

Cadets train with Blackhawk helicopter

by Nathan Winfrey Senior Staff Writer

A UH60 Blackhawk helicopter landed on the UCO campus by the ropes course at Baumann Ave. and Second Street March 9 as part of a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps exercise.

“This is an annual thing,” said Cadet Joshua Hollman, economics senior. “It’s pretty unique. Not many companies get this opportunity but we make it happen.”

“It’s a valuable training tool for us, and it’s an opportunity for our cadets to meet other soldiers,” said Capt. Justin Covey, ROTC enrollment counselor.

“Even active duty soldiers rarely get the opportunity to train with helicopters.”

Hollman said the exercise is meant to realistically simulate deployment in a foreign area, and is preparation for a training program ROTC juniors go through at Fort Lewis, Wash.

“They will not only hypothetically face loading and unloading on helicopters, but they will in their training,” Hollman said.

“It helps in the leadership aspect of training and putting an aspect of realism in what we do here in the ROTC,” said Lt. Col. Stuart Jolly, Broncho Batallion commander and military science chairman. He said the more he can expose the cadets to every aspect of the Army, the better officers they will be in the end.

“They do about 33 days of what’s called the Leadership Development and Assessment Course,” Hollman said. “They will typically fly into their final exercise there.”

The helicopter was a troop transport on loan from the Oklahoma National Guard.

Jolly said he requested the helicopter through the state adjunct general’s office.

“Of course, they’ll do anything to support the school system,” he said. “They support

by Vista photographer Travis Marak

ROTC members, from left, Phillip Chapman, Eric Polland, Antoun Gully, Danniell Bullock and Joshua McCormick practice cover and concealment techniques during the Blackhawk helicopter landing on the east side of the ropes course March 9.

UCOSA divvies $350,000 for clubs' yearly budgets

by Trisha Evans Copy Editor The UCO StudentAssociation allocated more than $350,000 in student activity fees to 88 student organizations at its weekly meeting March 20.

Christina Petty, chair of the UCOSA ways and means com-

mittee, said the student organizations asked for more than $1 million in budget requests.

She said UCOSA had the same amount of money it had last year, but 18 new student organizations submitted budget proposals.

The Student Programming

by Vista photographer Brett Deering

Carson Wade, 6, is fitted with a flight helmet as he sits in the cocksee BLACKHAWK, page 4 pit of a Blackhawk helicopter March 6 on the practice soccer field north of Edmond Fire Station No. 1.

Board, which organizes campus events, like concerts and speakers, will receive the most money, $83,700, for the fall and spring semesters.

The Homecoming Board will receive $39,025 over the course of the next school year, while 25 organizations will receive less than $1,000 for their budgets.

The 2006-2007 budget appropriations bill passed the senate unanimously.

At the same meeting, the UCOSA senate unanimously passed a resolution to open the Central and University Suites cafeterias half an hour earlier to allow students who work at noon on weekdays time to eat.

Because he works, Doug Richardson, an author of the bill, said he has trouble using all of his meals per week.

“You’re basically losing money because you don’t have time to eat,” Richardson said.

Richardson said he wants the cafeterias to open at 11 a.m. instead of the 11:30 a.m., when they usually open.

“This isn’t going to have a whole lot of cost to this. It’s 30 minutes more,” Richardson said.

Trisha Evans can be reached at tevans@thevistaonline.com.

Disability Days schedule of events Blind Challenge 10 a.m.-3 p.m., March 27 Broncho Lake Participate and get free food.

Deaf Community Challenge 10 a.m.-3 p.m., March 28 Broncho Lake Participate and get free food.

Wheelchair Challenge 10 a.m.-3 p.m., March 29 Broncho Lake Participate and get free food.

Wheelchair B a s k e t b a l l Tournament 4 p.m.-7p.m., March 29 Wellness Center Participate and get free pizza.

Bricktown career fair to combat 'brain drain'

by Heather Warlick Staff Writer

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce will host a regional career fair 12:30- 4:30 p.m. April 5 at the Cox Convention Center.

More than 70 Oklahoma businesses and 19 Oklahoma universities will be represented.

The theme of the career fair is “Virtual Bricktown” and jobseekers will be treated to free food from Bricktown restaurants, like Abuelo’s and

Spaghetti Warehouse. There will be photo opportunities with “Hugo the Hornet” in a replicated water taxi. Sky Bar will provide music for the fair and free entrance to the club that evening.

Jennifer Seaton, manager of marketing and communications for the chamber, met with student organization leaders March 9 to promote the job fair among UCO students.

“Oklahoma needs to keep our graduates in Oklahoma.

Too many times, the compa-

nies at career fairs are from out of state, trying to recruit you to go elsewhere,” Seaton said.

All of the companies at the career fair will be hiring for in-state positions.

Among the companies that will be actively seeking new employees and interns are the Hornets, Dell, Inc., Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Century, Inc. Seaton said most of the businesses will be offering internships as well as full and part time positions, and

they are interested in all levels of students, not just those who are near graduation.

“We have great opportunities right here for our local students,” Seaton said. “We really want to prevent the ‘brain drain.’”

There are more than 4,000 business members of the chamber, and Seaton expects more than 100 of them to participate in the career fair. Since about 80 percent of the businesses in Oklahoma have fewer than 50 employees, Seaton said there

Grab your paddle! One Guy's Opinion: Bracket Fever Discover Arkansas' Mulberry River during the UCOREsponsored rafting trip March 31-April 2.

See Sports pg. 14

Vista sports columnist Matt Cauthron has finally found the secret to winning your yearly NCAA Basketball Tournament bracket pool, and it's not about making better picks.

See Sports pg. 11

Events focus on raising disability awareness

by Alex Gambill Staff Writer UCO will hold its yearly Disability Awareness days March 27-29 to give students a better understanding of what it’s like living with a disability.

This will be the fourth year for UCO’s Disability Support Services and the Student Programming Board to host the event.

Students can compete in a blind challenge from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 27 at Broncho Lake.

"We will blind fold you and put you through a maze,” said Kimberly Fields, assistant director of UCO Disability Services and chair of the event.

Fields said the program will teach students the barriers people with disabilities face everyday.

The Wellness Center will host a basketball tournament open to students, faculty and staff from 4-7 p.m. March 29. There will be free pizza for everyone who attends. To sign up for the tournament, call 974-2516.

“On Monday, from nine to three, there will be a mobile screening unit, free to the public, testing for visual acuity, hearing, glaucoma, blood sugar, blood pressure and bone density sponsored by Edmond’s Lions Club,” said Sharla Weathers, interpreter specialist for UCO Disability Services.

Sayer Brenner, general studies junior, will disc jockey for Monday and Tuesday’s events.

“Why I wanted to do Disability Awareness days was to give a little back to the community,” Brenner said.

Brenner has been a DJ for eight years and works for UCO Disability Services.

will be many small firms represented at the fair in addition to several Fortune 500 companies.

UCO student organization leaders gave Seaton feedback on their ideas and concerns for the job fair. Irvan Jie, from the Indonesian Student Association asked if there would be many opportunities for international students.

“I am sure that many international students will be interested in attending,” Jie said. Alex Gambill can be reached at agambill@thevistaonline.com.

see FAIR, page 4

No timetable for troop withdrawal President Bush says troops will still be in Iraq after he leaves office, and admits his political clout is dwindling

See World News pg. 7

2

Opinion

March 23, 2006

theVista Editorial

Photography

Matt Cauthron, Editor in Chief Courtney Bryce, Managing Editor Trisha Evans, Copy Editor Ashley Romano, Copy Editor

Brett Deering, Photo Editor Midori Sasaki Travis Marak

Advertising

News

Elizabeth Erwin, Ad Director Tyler Evans, Ad Designer

Nathan Winfrey, Senior Staff Writer Heather Warlick, Staff Writer Alex Gambill, Staff Writer Desiree Treeby, Staff Writer Mark Hall, Staff Writer

Cartoons/Illustrations Cary Stringfield

Secretary

Sports

Nancy Brown

Kristen Limam, Sports Editor Teddy Burch, Sports Writer Harry Gatewood III, Sports Writer

The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum

by UCO students, semi-weekly during the academic year except exam and holiday periods, and on Thursdays only during summer, at the University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034. Telephone: (405) 9745549. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.

EDITORIALS

Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.

Adviser Mark Zimmerman

LETTERS

The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, with

by BrettofDeering a maximum 150 words, Vista Staff Writer and must include the author’s printed name, title, major, classification and phone number. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters and does not publish anonymous letters.

Address letters to: Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 107. Letters can be e-mailed to editorial@ thevistaonline.com.

Cartoon by Cary Stringfield

Springtime is in full bloom

And that's not such great news for allergy sufferers

Callie A. Collins

The sun is shining, trees have suddenly burst into bloom, and flowers flourish on every corner. The first signs of spring usually conjure up childhood memories of flying kites or playing hopscotch, but allergy sufferers everyone share few pleasant experiences.

Hay fever, dust and plant pollen has adults and children alike retreating indoors during this most alluring of fair-weather seasons.

Asthmatic students may find themselves particularly irritated by the aforementioned culprits, and the rate of fatal emergencies related to the condition peaks during springtime, according to the National Institute of Health.

Most people who struggle with allergies are well aware of their condition and what specifically triggers annoying symptoms, like watery eyes, nasal congestion, hives and skin rashes. A lifetime pattern is usually observable among affected individuals, although new cases appear among adults with the annual emergence of certain weeds, mosses and pungent flowers. In response to the allergens’ presence, the immune system releases IgE antibodies and histamines into the blood stream, which in turn produce adverse symptoms in the respiratory and digestive systems.

The majority of patients seem to persistently battle a cold, characteristics of which are easily confused with the presence of allergies.

Quality of life and educational performance can decline with the constant parade of sniffles, facial tissues and home remedies; and

sinusitis, as well as ear infections, are also correlated to extended allergic responses.

While most allergies are merely irksome, they can become a serious health threat with the presence of lung disorders or an advanced allergic reaction that constitutes anaphylaxis. Severe complications that prevent breathing and swallowing; unusual swelling of the throat, lips, tongue or extremities; dizziness or unconsciousness when combined with more typical allergy symptoms are all motives for which immediate medical attention should be sought.

Periodic injections, prescription caplets, nasal sprays, eye drops, air filters, antihistamines and decongestants are among the many treatment options your doctor can help you choose. Preventing allergic reactions by modifying your current environment or lifestyle, regardless of the season, often proves a more effective alternative.

If you suffer from plant-related allergies, check the pollen count in your daily newspaper or sign up for a free report according to residential zip code at www.pollen.com/Pollen.com.asp. Avoid going out for extended periods if the day’s predicted average registers between eight and 12. If you must pursue outdoor activities like gardening or lawn maintenance, wait until afternoon as pollen is most prevalent between 5 and 10 a.m. Shower and wash your hair after working outside, and use the dryer instead of the clothesline to avoid pollen collection on fresh laundry. Stay away from neighboring freshly-mowed lawns and keep flower pots at a distance from your windows.

Buy a mattress cover and hypoallergenic pillow cases to ward off hay fever, the real cause of which is usually dust mites. Vacuum frequently to avoid accumulation of irritants and use a disposable face mask when cleaning.

For more information about prevention and treatment, consult the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology’s Spring Survival Guide online at www.aaaai.org/springallergy/2006/default. asp.

Callie A. Collins can be reached at ccollins@thevistaonline.com.

Letters & Corrections

For the Record In the March 9 issue of The Vista, in an article titled “Students hold fundraiser for Make A Wish,” it was reported that the Alpha Xi Delta fundraiser received donations from Sigma Kappa Epsilon, and that $500 had been raised for the Make A Wish Foundation. It was Sigma Kappa, not Sigma Kappa Epsilon, from whom the donation was received, and the event raised more than $1,000 for the foundation, Alpha Xi Delta’s Lindsay Spradling said.

If you’re a member of a campus organization, if you’re a faculty member or if you simply have something to say to the UCO community, The Vista wants to hear from you. If you have an idea for a “My Turn” piece for the editorial page, e-mail it to editorial@thevistaonline.com with your e-mail address and telephone number. You may also e-mail a ready-to-publish “My Turn” submission to editorial@ thevistaonline.com. Submissions should be between 300-500 words in length.

CAMPUS QUOTES:

Compiled and photographed by Travis Marak & Midori Sasaki.

What is your favorite thing to do in the spring that you can't do during winter?

“Picnic at the park.”

“Go to the lake, fish, wakeboard and go to the islands at Lake Texoma.”

“Hang around with friends outside.”

“Probably go to the lake, skiing and tubing.”

Tenia Hall

Steven Smith

Charles Mwangi

Andrew Wright

Child development, sophomore

General education, senior

Actuarial science, sophomore

Community health, freshman

News

March 23, 2006

UCOSA candidates announced President: Michael Goodman Vice President: Reg Aldrich Teara Flagg Jill Sallee

by Vista photographer Travis Marak

Members of the UCO Student Dietetic Association hand out apples and oranges for National Nutrition Month March 22 near Broncho Lake.

Online student body election will be held April 12.

Asst. professor's art lands in London museum

by Mark Hall Staff Writer

A UCO assistant professor’s art is on display in a London museum.

Charleen Weidell’s silver broad blade server, titled “Tart Server” is on display in the Victoria Albert Museum in London until April 6.

Weidell’s piece was made for Dr. Benton Seymour Rabinovitch, a collector of broad blade silver servers and was donated along with the rest of his collection to the museum. The piece is also displayed in a book published by Rabinovitch titled, “Contemporary Silver Part II: Recent Commissions, Designing,

Commissioning, Collecting.”

“Her work is very refined,” said Barbara Broadwell, who teaches foundation classes in the art department. “She does a wonderful job of completing the work.

It’s very detailed and finished.”

Weidell said she likes natural forms and patterns that seem spontaneous in nature.

“I use a lot of botanical imagery, but also landscape,” Weidell said. “Everything is so unique and so perfect in all its stages of transformation.”

Weidell was commissioned to make the server for Rabinovitch in 2000. She was paid $1,500 for the design and fabrication of the server. It was then added to a traveling collection that toured and

exhibited in locations in England, Scotland and the United States for more than two years before it was donated to the museum.

Weidell said the server was made through metal smithing, a technique that starts with a flat sheet of metal and is shaped with a hammer over steel stakes.

Weidell has been making jewelry and metal objects for nine years, and worked with glass for 12 years before that. She has been teaching jewelry/metal smithing and glass sculpture at UCO since fall of 2004.

“There are many students who are interested in working with metal as their primary media,” Weidell said. “Some students prefer small constructed pieces like

jewelry, and others prefer forming metal with the hammer.”

Weidell studied metal smithing at San Diego State University in California under Helen Shirk, a renowned metal smith, and Arline Fisch, a jeweler. She graduated with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Jewelry and Metal smithing from SDSU. Weidell’s latest work, a series of kiln formed glass bowls, is being displayed on exhibit at JRB Gallery in Oklahoma City.

“The next series will fuse my passions for metal smithing and glass kiln forming,” Weidell said.

Mark Hall can be reached at mhall@thevistaonline.com.

3

CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENTS n Campus Life will sponsor “Read and Lead,” a leadership book reading. The featured book, “The story of my life: An Afghan Girl on the other side of the sky,” and lunch will be provided. Space is limited. For more information call Emily Overocker at 974-3589. n President’s Club Executive Officers Applications are now available in the Campus Life office. President’s Club is responsible for the annual Children’s Christmas Party.

Applications are due at 5 p.m. March 24.

Interviews will be on March 27. Any student can apply. For more information contact Emily Overocker at 974-3589. n The Public Relations Student Society of America will hold a monthly meeting at 6 p.m. March 28 in Room 105 of the Communication Building. A panel of public relations professionals from 20 Hats PR Firm and the Adventure District will speak and answer questions. For more information call Stephanie Johnson at 401-4539. n The Student Dietetic Association is hosting National Nutrition Month 2006 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 24 in the Wellness Center and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 24, 28 and 30 in the Human Environmental Science Building. Games, prizes and brochures will be passed out. For more information contact Dawn Riden at 943-8345. n An informational meeting will be held for criminal justice majors interested in a paid practicum from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Room 211 of the Liberal Arts Building.

Candidates should be juniors with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Call Kathryn Williams at 974-5546. n A silent auction will be held March 20-24 in Suite 124, the Millennium Conference room in the Max Chambers Library. The auction will benefit the Teacher Incentive Grant-Multicultural Education. For more information call Gina Lopez at 974-5138.

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March 23, 2006

History department wins big at conference

BLACKHAWK from page 1 all of us out here.”

Jolly said he flew Blackhawks for 10 years at Fort Campbell, Ky. and in Germany.

“I love these things,” he said. “It’s the Cadillac of the helicopters. It’s a beautiful bird.”

Jolly’s Sunday school class from Waterloo Baptist Church was present. The children climbed in and out of the cockpit, trying on helmets.

Covey said he invited a group of elementary students and junior ROTCs from across the state to see a Chinook helicopter that will visit UCO March 24.

Cadets also completed confidence training on the ropes course, as well as activities held simultaneously at Arcadia Lake.

“This is their lab. This is what we do,” Jolly said.

“It’s the adventure part of the ROTC.” “UCO should be proud of their cadets,” Covey said.

“They’ve worked really hard to become one of the top programs in the nation.”

Covey encourages students going into their junior year to consider a month-long paid summer internship at Fort Knox, Ky., meant for students who did not participate their freshman and sophomore years. He said it focuses on adventure and leadership and is meant to pique interest in the ROTC program.

“It’s a neat opportunity.

They get money while they’re going to it, and it’s a guaranteed job as soon as they graduate,” Covey said.

by Alex Gambill Staff Writer

UCO’s national history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta, competed in a regional conference at East Central University in Ada March 3-4 and won more prizes for their research papers than any other university in Oklahoma.

UCO’s Rho Lambda chapter of Phi Alpha Theta won eight of 16 prizes awarded for papers from three categories in the annual contest. The categories included Oklahoma history, U.S. history and non-U.S. history.

Twelve students presented 15 papers. Megan Waller, Shbrone Brookings and Molly McLeod Mirll placed first; Jason Harris and Becky M. H. Windle placed second.

Melissa Brodt, Megan Stephens and Kim Penrod placed third.

Students received historical books of their choice for placing, said Megan Waller, history museum studies Alex Gambill can be reached at senior and secretary of Phi agambill@thevistaonline.com.

FAIR from page 1

by Vista photographer Brett Deering

Nathan Winfrey can be reached at nwinfrey@thevistaonline.com.

Alpha Theta.

“I wrote a paper on British, Chilean and Argentinean claims to Antarctica,” Waller said. Her paper, “The World Goes South: International Claims to Antarctica” won first place in the non-U.S. category.

Waller chose Roy Adkins’ book “Nelson’s Trafalgar” for her prize.

Dr. Jeff Plaks, associate professor of history and geography, said three graduate students won prizes for their papers on the Holocaust.

Plaks said a B average in 12 hours of history courses is the only requirement to be in the honor society.

Jason Harris, president of Phi Alpha Theta museum studies senior, said UCO’s chapter does well at competitions because of the historical research class required for history majors.

“In that class we learn how to research and write research papers,” Harris said.

A Blackhawk helicopter lands near the UCO ropes course March 9.

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be sure and bring plenty of resumes and to dress professionally.

A list of all the companies that will be participating in the career fair is provided at www. greatergrads.com.

Heather Warlick can be reached at hwarlick@thevistaonline.com.

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“but many companies don’t hire international students because they don’t know how to do the paperwork.”

Seaton assured him that she would take steps to educate Oklahoma companies on how simple the process is to hire an international worker.

Seaton said students should

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News

March 23, 2006

5

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World News

March 23, 2006

U.S., Iraqi forces trap gunmen during attack on police station

by Vanessa Arrington AP Writer U.S. and Iraqi forces trapped dozens of insurgents Wednesday during a two-hour gunbattle at a police station south of Baghdad, a day after 100 masked gunmen stormed a jail near the Iranian border and freed more than 30 prisoners, most of them fellow insurgents.

Sixty gunmen, firing rocket-propelled grenades and automatic rifles, attacked the Madain police station before dawn, police Lt. Col. Falah al-Mohammadawi said. U.S. troops and a special Iraqi police unit responded, capturing 50 of the insurgents, including a Syrian, al-Mohammadawi said.

Four policemen, including one commander, were killed and five were wounded, he said. None of the attackers were killed.

Madain, about 14 miles southeast of Baghdad, is at the northern tip of Iraq’s Sunnidominated “Triangle of Death,� a region rife with sectarian violence -- retaliatory kidnappings and killings in the ongoing conflict between Sunnis and Shiites.

In a highly publicized episode last April, there were reports that Sunni militants had seized 100 Shiites and threatened to kill them unless all Shiites left the Madain area. Iraqi security forces swept into the region and found no hostages.

In the capital, roadside bombs that targeted police patrols wounded at least six policemen, including four who work as guards at the Education Ministry, police said. Gunmen in western Baghdad attacked a truck carrying Shiite Muslim pilgrims returning from a religious commemoration in the city of Karbala, killing one, police said. Ten were wounded.

Also early Wednesday, gunmen killed three civilians transporting bricks on a country road outside the city of Baqouba northeast of Baghdad, police said. A roadside bomb then exploded when a police patrol

went to the site, wounding one officer, police said.

The body of a man wearing an Iraqi military uniform was delivered to a morgue in the southern city of Kut, a morgue official said. The man had been killed outside Madain, he said.

In the Tuesday attack in Muqdadiyah, about 100 gunmen cut phone wires and fired rocket-propelled grenades in a daring operation that freed 18 fellow insurgents who had been captured in police raids just two days earlier.

Police said 15 other captives were sprung in the assault on the Muqdadiyah lockup. Twenty Iraqi security men and at least 10 insurgents were killed in the attack.

In an Internet posting Tuesday night, the military wing of the Mujaheddin Shura Council, a militant Sunni Muslim insurgent group, purportedly claimed to have carried out the operation. The posting said the group killed “40 policemen, liberated 33 prisoners and captured weapons.� The claim was posted on the Iraqi News Web site and could not be independently verified.

With the telephone lines cut, the insurgents had 90 minutes to battle their way into the law enforcement compound before police reinforcements showed up from the nearby villages of Wajihiyah and Abu Saida, police said.

Muqdadiyah, on the eastern fringe of the Sunni Triangle north of Baghdad, is about 25 miles from the Iranian border.

By the time the insurgents fled, taking away the bodies of many of their dead compatriots, nearly two dozen cars were shot up and set on fire and the jail was a charred mass of twisted bunk bed frames and smoldering mattresses.

U.S. helicopters were in the air above the jail after the insurgents had fled. Police said there was firing into the air by residents, but it was not clear if the American aircraft were the targets. None was hit.

The insurgents whose incar-

AP

Iraqi policemen stand over the body of Ahmed Kemal, an Iraqi translator working for British forces, after an IED explosion killed him in Basra, 340 miles southeast of Baghdad March 22. ceration apparently prompted the assault were detained Sunday during raids by security forces in the nearby villages of Sansal and Arab, police said.

Both U.S. and Iraqi military officials had said last year that the area was no longer an insurgent stronghold, but Tuesday’s attack showed the militants still could assemble a large force, capable of operating in the region virtually at will.

The insurgency’s strength, spiraling sectarian violence and the continuing stalemate over forming a government in Iraq have led politicians and foreign policy experts to say Iraq was on the brink or perhaps in the midst of civil war.

With an increasing number of Americans calling for a pullout of U.S. forces regardless of the consequences for Iraq, a powerful group of U.S. senators met with interim Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari on Tuesday to discuss prospects for formation of a national unity government.

The Bush administration views that step as all-important in establishing peace and opening the way for the start of a U.S. troop withdrawal as early as this summer.

Al-Jaafari said he believed Iraq’s most difficult political hurdles had been crossed and predicted a new government would be ready in the coming

weeks. “I hope that the formation of the new government does not last beyond April,� al-Jaafari said after the meeting.

Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said: “April is fine, but it is necessary that this commitment be kept in order for there to be continued support for the presence of American troops in Iraq.�

The committee chairman, Sen. John Warner, a Virginia Republican, said decisions on the U.S. troop presence would be made not only by Bush, Congress and other leaders, but also by the American people -- a seeming allusion to declin-

ing U.S. popular support for the Iraq war.

Most mainstream Iraqi politicians do not want the United States to withdraw troops until the insurgency is defeated, although some more radical leaders, like firebrand Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, demand an immediate pullout.

In other violence Tuesday, a U.S. soldier with the 4th Infantry Division was killed by smallarms fire while patrolling the streets of western Baghdad, the military reported. At least 2,315 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.

OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD ATTENTION STUDENTS!!!!

Herbert S. Dordick Award for an Outstanding Mentor Please take a minute and nominate a faculty or staff member here at UCO who helped you as an undergraduate. This person should be one who made a difference to you and helped you make important educational decisions.

Fill this out, attach your separate letter, and turn into the UCO Foundation (Evans Hall 102) by MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2006.

Name: ________________________________________________________________

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Address _______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Home Phone __________________________ Work Phone:______________________ Your current status/years with UCO:_________________________________________

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Person you are nominating (must be current faculty/staff) ________________________ Name

Please attach a separate sheet to this form and in 250 words or less tell why you are nominating this person.

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A committee will choose the outstanding mentor from those nominated by UCO students. That mentor will receive a $500 cash award. The student nominating the mentor who is chosen will receive a $50.00 cash award. The student’s check will be mailed from the UCO Foundation office by June 15.

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This award made possible through the generosity of Phi Eta Sigma, Dr. Robert Epstein, UCO AMBUCS Club and the UCO Foundation.

The Outstanding Mentor for 2006 will be announced at the fall general faculty meeting.

)*()&3 5&45 4$03&4 (6"3"/5&&% 03 :063 .0/&: #"$, ** *Test names are registered trademarks of their respective owners. **Conditions and restrictions apply. For complete guarantee eligibility requirements, visit kaptest.com/hsg. The Higher Score Guarantee applies only to Kaplan courses taken and completed within the United States and Canada. †This offer applies only to enrollments for Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions Classroom Courses, 15-, 25-, and 35-hour Private Tutoring Programs, and Premium Online Courses in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and in Montreal and Ottawa, Canada. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. To be eligible, you must enroll between March 1, 2006 and March 31, 2006. Certain conditions apply. See redemption form for complete details. Redemption forms available at kaptest.com/rebate or at Kaplan centers.

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World News

March 23, 2006

7

Bush says troops will still be in Iraq when he leaves office

by Terence Hunt AP Writer President Bush said Tuesday that American forces will remain in Iraq for years and it will be up to a future president to decide when to bring them all home. But defying critics and plunging polls, he declared, “I’m optimistic we’ll succeed.

If not, I’d pull our troops out.”

The president rejected calls for the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, chief architect of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Listen, every war plan looks good on paper until you meet the enemy,” Bush said, acknowledging mistakes as the United States was forced to switch tactics and change a reconstruction strategy that offered targets for insurgents.

He also rejected assertions

by Iraq’s former interim prime minister that the country had fallen into civil war amid sectarian violence that has left more than 1,000 Iraqis dead since the bombing last month of a Shiite Muslim shrine.

“This is a moment the Iraqis had a chance to fall apart and they didn’t,” Bush said, crediting religious and political leaders with restraint.

The president spoke for nearly an hour at a White House news conference, part of a new offensive to ease Americans’ unhappiness with the war and fellow Republicans’ anxiety about fall elections. He faced skeptical questions about Iraq during an appearance Monday in Cleveland, and plans another address soon on Iraq.

Public support for the war and for Bush himself has fallen in recent months, jeopardizing

the political capital he claimed from his 2004 re-election victory. “I’d say I’m spending that capital on the war,” Bush said.

The White House believes that people appreciate Bush’s plainspoken approach even if they disagree with his decisions.

“I understand war creates concerns,” the president said.

“Nobody likes war. It creates a sense of uncertainty in the country.”

Bush has adamantly refused to set a deadline for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.

Asked if there would come a day when there would be no more U.S. forces in Iraq, Bush said, “That, of course, is an objective. And that will be decided by future presidents and future governments of Iraq.”

Pressed on whether that meant a complete withdrawal would not happen during his presidency, Bush said, “I can only tell you that I will make decisions on force levels based upon what the commanders on the ground say.”

White House officials worried Bush’s remarks would be read as saying there would not be significant troop reductions during his presidency. They pointed to comments Sunday

by Gen. George W. Casey, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, who said he expected a substantial troop reduction “certainly over the course of 2006 and into 2007.”

The Pentagon announced last December that U.S. force levels would be reduced from the baseline figure of about 138,000 to about 131,000 by the end of March. The total currently is 133,000. In late February the

AP

President Bush gestures during a news conference March 21 at the White House where he said there will be "more tough fighting ahead" in Iraq, but denied that the country is in the grips of a civil war three years after the U.S. invasion.

Pentagon told Congress that “it will be possible to consider” additional reductions as the political process moves forward and as Iraqi security forces gain experience. No timetable has been set for deciding on additional cuts.

More than 2,300 American troops have died in Iraq. At home, nearly four of five people, including 70 percent of Republicans, believe civil war will break out in Iraq, according

to a recent AP-Ipsos poll.

“I am confident -- I believe, I’m optimistic we’ll succeed,” the president said. “If not, I’d pull our troops out. If I didn’t believe we had a plan for victory I wouldn’t leave our people in harm’s way.”

Bush said U.S. forces were essential for the stability of Iraq and restraining al-Qaida in the Middle East.

“Their objective for driving us out of Iraq is to have a place from which to launch their campaign to overthrow moderate governments in the Middle East, as well as to continue attacking places like the United States,” he said.

Despite pleas from fellow

Republicans, Bush has rejected calls for a White House staff shake-up, saying he was satisfied with his aides. He did not rule out bringing in a savvy Washington insider, as some have suggested, but said, “I’m not going to announce it right now.” Aides said later he was not trying to signal any appointment.

Bush defended his administration’s warrantless eavesdropping program whose legality has been questioned by Democrats and Republicans alike. Putting his remarks in a political context, he said, “Nobody from the Democratic Party has actually stood up and called for getting rid of the of the terrorist surveil-

lance program.”

Bush accused Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold of “needless partisanship” for urging censure of the president for authorizing the surveillance program.

On the economy, Bush sidestepped a direct answer when asked whether he was concerned about rising interest rates. He simply said the U.S. economy was very strong. He expressed disappointment that Congress shelved his Social Security overhaul and said the system won’t be changed without the cooperation of Democrats and Republicans together.

8

entertainment

March 23, 2006

Jazz legend Corea performs at Jazz Lab

Rubem Dantas, percussionist, performs with Grammy-winning jazz pianist Chick Corea's band Touchstone March 20 at the UCO Jazz Lab.

by Vista photographer Travis Marak

by Heather Warlick Staff Writer Legendary jazz pianist, Chick Corea and his band, Touchstone, left the UCO Jazz Lab stunned after an evening of extreme jazz March 20. The concert marked the fourth anniversary of the Jazz Lab. The songs were from his new album, “The Ultimate Adventure,” and Corea described them as “tone poems.”

This must be what an acid trip sounds like, full of weird percussion and melodic madness from Chick’s keys.

Wall to wall people crowded the Jazz Lab. The stage was extended from its usual size to take up half the downstairs. Two massive percussion sets along with Chick’s Yamaha Motif B synthesizer and a super-sized Steinway & Sons grand piano dwarfed the five-man group but looked awesome.

The audience was as eclectic as they come, with UCO jazz students hanging over the upstairs railing for lack of seating while a clique of Chick fans waited for drinks at the bar.

Chick’s last two albums have been inspired by the science fiction and fantasy writings of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Composed almost like a soundtrack for Tom Cruise’s next movie, "The Ultimate Adventure" is based on scenes and characters from "The Arabian Nights." The songs have names like "Moseb the Executioner," "Three Ghouls," "City of Brass" and "King and Queen."

Chick’s keyboarding was amazing and the flute and soprano sax melodies provided by

Have a question?

Complaint? Opinion?

Jorge Pardo had the ambience of traditional jazz. The percussion, however, was what set this band apart from a typical fusion jazz ensemble. Tom Brechtlein played a monstrous trap set and Rubem Dantas played everything but the kitchen sink.

The audience was mesmerized as Auxi Fernandez, a classically trained Flamenco dancer, emerged out of nowhere about 40 minutes into the set, to dance her heart out with only the clapping of the band as her accompaniment.

Her percussive shoes pounded out intricate rhythms as her dance became more fervent, and the applause after her first dance was practically riotous. The formerly sedate audience was hooting, whistling and practically standing on their chairs in ovation.

The band came back with more of the psychedelic Spanish-style jazz that seems to be the hallmark of “The Ultimate Adventure,” featuring the Flamenco dancer for the rest of the show.

Bassist Carles Benavent brought a taste of funk to the otherwise progressive sound.

The versatility of all the players was impressive, especially Dantas’ percussion. He pounded on his body, bowed tambourines, shook bunches of house keys and played an assortment of noise making fruits and vegetables.

This style of jazz may not be for everyone, but Chick had the crowd at the Jazz Lab begging for more in a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes.

editorial@ the vistaonline.com

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Entertainment

'Hills' too gruesome for R-rating

by Nathan Winfrey Senior Staff Writer Just in time for the spring road trip season comes a remake of “The Hills Have Eyes,� a horror film that shows how bad things can get while traveling through a forgotten nuclear testing site, teeming with mutated hillbillies dysfunctional enough to rival even the cheap seats at a monster truck rally.

When a devious gas station attendant misdirects a vacationing American family into the territory of an inbred clan of mutated desert-people, the family’s sabotaged tractor-trailer threatens to become their tomb as they begin to fall victim to the ravenous locals who stalk them from the hills.

Shot entirely in Morocco, the remake joins “The Devil's Rejects,� “House of 1,000 Corpses,� “Wrong Turn,� “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre� and “Deliverance� in the growing subgenre of what I call “Arkansas horror,� a brutal, often violently sexual breed of films where hillbilly conspiracies trap unsuspecting passersby in a web of mutilation, rape

and cannibalism.

Don’t watch this movie if you’re not a horror fan. The dragging pace picks up about a half-hour in with a tortuous scene that’s probably as painful to watch as anything put to celluloid in the history of cinema, and your first instinct may be to leave the theater, nauseous and angry. A lot of people around me when I saw it opening night did just that, but I encourage you to stay and watch the family take revenge.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard cheering this loud in a movie.

There’s great satisfaction in watching spineless Doug (Aaron Stanford, “X2�) transform into a shotgun-wielding hillbillystomper a la Bruce Campbell when his baby is kidnapped by the slimy mountainfolk. You can’t help but feel a swell of patriotism when Doug drives an American flag through the neck of a monstrous yokel while on his grisly rescue mission, and dog-lovers will have one more reason to root for Fido when a mutt called Beast takes his bloody revenge on the hicks who killed his life partner, Beauty.

Alexandre Aja, writer/director of 2003’s foreign gore extravaganza, “High Tension,� breaks the string of abominable horror remakes assaulting our multiplexes and proves that he is capable of modernizing the 1977 classic from Wes Craven, creator of Freddy Krueger and the “Scream� franchise. Aja’s adaptation is more than faithful to its source material, with much of the remake following its predecessor to a T. Most of the points where it strays are for the better, such as introducing a seemingly deserted atomic test town and some colorful new degenerates. Some of Craven’s plot development sadly goes by the wayside, however.

The most memorable scenes from the original are intact, plus new ones have been added that should please any Craven fan or horror aficionado. Surprisingly, the remake was not watereddown as so many of its kind have been: no one neutered it with a PG-13 rating, there are no Top 40 hits on the soundtrack and no one in the cast was ever a star on “One Tree Hill.� This is true horror, the way our parents enjoyed it in the ‘70s, when

nothing was taboo, and no one cared about the preteen demographic.

Following the release of such hard-core movies as “The Devil’s Rejects� and “Hostel,� it’s becoming more and more clear that the Motion Picture Association of America needs to rethink its ratings system.

Something is wrong when a film as gruesome as “The Hills Have Eyes� is tagged with the same R-rating as the kid-friendly “Matrix� trilogy. The NC-17 rating exists, but studios are scared to use it because they think they will lose money. I think it needs to become a legitimate rating so parents can make a distinction. No one under 17 has any business watching this movie, anyway. “The Hills Have Eyes� is disgusting and foul, but it’s also inspired and masterful, and it’s a breath of fresh air for those of us who are dissatisfied with the latest, “horror�-labeled dreck spewing from Hollywood.

Nathan Winfrey can be reached at nwinfrey@thevistaonline.com.

March 23, 2006

9

'Failure to Launch' tops weekend box office AP -- “Failure to Launch,� a romantic comedy starring Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker, took off at theaters, debuting as the top weekend movie with $24.6 million.

Two remakes opened in second and third place. Disney’s family flick “The Shaggy Dog,� starring Tim Allen, was No. 2 with $16 million, and Fox Searchlight’s horror tale “The Hills Have Eyes� was No. 3 with $15.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. “Failure to Launch,� released

by Paramount, bumped off Lionsgate’s “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion,� which had been the No. 1 movie the previous two weekends.

That movie slipped to No. 5, grossing $5.8 million to raise its total to $55.8 million.

Reviews generally were poor for all three new films, but they overcame the weak critical reception to combine for a healthy $56.1 million. Still, they were unable to match last year’s top three, “Robots,� “The Pacifier� and “Be Cool,� which

combined for $64.4 million over the same weekend.

The top 12 movies this weekend grossed $92.4 million, down 10.7 percent compared to the same weekend in 2005.

After a strong start this year, Hollywood has slid back into a slump that persisted last year, when domestic attendance fell 7 percent compared to 2004.

While revenues are up slightly this year, factoring in higher ticket prices, attendance is down about 1 percent compared to 2005, said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. “You don’t want a repeat of what happened last year,�

Dergarabedian said. “It’s still early in the year to call it, but every weekend it’s down is chipping away at the advantage we had early on this year.�

The three new wide releases offered solid variety for audiences, with “Failure to Launch� drawing the date crowd, “The Shaggy Dog� grabbing parents and their children and “The Hills Have Eyes� bringing in horror fans.

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Entertainment

March 23, 2006

Violent and verbose, "V for Vendetta" scores victory

by Nathan Winfrey Senior Staff Writer

“V for Vendetta,” a brainstirring thrill ride from Andy and Larry Wachowski, the brothers who brought us the “Matrix” trilogy, takes us through a cross-section of dystopian near-future as imagined by comic book maestro Alan Moore.

After a totalitarian government subdues England, hope for the land of fish and chips, tea parties and Austin Powers comes in the form of V, a black-cloaked revolutionary in a bearded Guy Fawkes mask who assails his enemies with a storm of throwing knives and clever alliteration.

After V (Hugo Weaving, “The Matrix”) rescues Evey (Natalie Portman) from some ill-intentioned night watchmen, he gives her a front-row seat to the opening fireworks of his year-long campaign of subversion. Sympathizing with his cause, Evey joins V in his fight to restore England to the people.

First-time director James McTeigue certainly earns his wings here, after more than a decade of assistant-directing.

Years of working under the visionary Wachowski brothers have left their mark; it’s obvious who his senseis are.

Not since Agent Smith has Weaving portrayed a more

AP

Natalie Portman sports a new hairdo in "V for Vendetta," which opened March 17. Her character is imprisoned and has her long locks shorn in a scene disturbingly reminiscent of the images from the Holocaust.

iconic character. Though his face is never seen, his acting is never stiff or bland, nor

does he devolve into spastic, “Power-Rangers”-esque head jerking to show the audience that he’s the one talking.

Natalie Portman is great, thankfully borrowing more from her “Leon”-era acting style than her more recent “Star Wars” role. Her Evey is much like her character

Mathilda in “Leon,” and the idea of a wide-eyed corporate rat-racer being introduced to another world by a mysterious freedom-fighter storyline is not exactly new territory for the Wachowskis. If there was any question about their creative genius after the “Matrix” sequels left a bad taste in

just about everyone’s mouth, their masterful adaptation of Moore’s source material more than vindicates the duo for their missteps.

That’s not to say everyone’s pleased with the script. Many liberties were taken when turning the graphic novel into a screenplay, and purists will likely be dissatisfied, if not angry. Moore himself has publicly disassociated himself from this movie, but having not read his version of “V for Vendetta,” as I expect will be true for most people who see the movie, I thought the order of events and characterizations of V and Evey were perfect.

Though enjoyable, thoughtprovoking and timely, one must question if this was the best time for the studio to greenlight this movie, which some could argue glorifies terrorism. There’s a fine line between what V does and what “real” terrorists do. It’s meant to be entertainment, and I don’t think anyone’s going to go home and start planning their own attacks, but the obvious nods to modern political turmoil make the purpose of the movie seem more like finger-pointing than a fun night at the movies.

Of course, this movie is supposed to make you think, and there may not be a better medium to proselytize to the masses than one where everyone is seated in a dark room with their eyes glued to a screen, but the Wachowskis’ not-so-well-masked jabs are heavy-handed and contrived, and I think they rob the movie of some of its integrity.

When “V for Vendetta” was written in the 1980s, it was British Prime Minister

Margaret Thatcher who was in Moore’s allegorical crosshairs, but updates made by the Wachowskis, such as images reminiscent of Abu Ghraib and references to the Avian flu, just appear cheesy in the movie, mainly because the comparison the Wachowskis are trying to make between the Big Brother-esque future government and the Bush administration is just too obvious.

Agree with them or not, some extra finesse could have been used.

This is not a movie for everyone. “V for Vendetta” is a film made for moviegoers who want to take more from their trip to the theater than sticky shoes and a popcorn stomachache. If you go in expecting nonstop knife fights and futuristic sci-fi action, you’ll be disappointed or bored. This is not sci-fi. It takes place in the future, but only because the plot wouldn’t make sense if it were set in present-day. There are no death rays or robots here, and nothing hovers. The violence is extreme and somewhat bloody, but it’s served in small doses. Plot and character development certainly take center stage.

The plot isn’t hard to follow if you pay attention, but you may need to see it more than once to catch all the little things. If you have no idea what “vendetta” means, you’re probably in for a tough two hours. Pack a dictionary, because the guy next to you probably won’t know what they’re talking about half the time, either.

Nathan Winfrey can be reached at nwinfrey@thevistaonline.com.

Sports

ONE GUY'S OPINION

Winning your bracket pool isn't all about good picks

by Matt Cauthron Editor in Chief I’ve been a college basketball fan all my life, but I can’t remember being this excited for the second weekend of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. I can’t wait for the games to start tonight. It’s not that I’m especially fond of any of the teams still alive in the tournament. It’s that, for once in my 20-some years of entering a bracket pool, I actually have a shot to win it this year.

And I’m here to give you the advice that will help you win next year. No, it’s not a magical formula that will help you make better picks.

It’s much simpler than that.

Just enter a smaller pool.

Usually, like many basketball fans I fill out my bracket on “selection Sunday” and start looking around for someone’s office pool to enter. And usually, by the second weekend of the tournament, I’m finished.

In my experience, the people who win those office pools are always people who haven’t watched a minute of college basketball all season. They see Duke is a top seed; they’ve heard of Duke, so they pick Duke.

We basketball fans are too eager to out-think ourselves. We think we know too much. We know that a couple of 12-seeds always beat five-seeds. We know that all four one-seeds never make it to the Final Four. And unlike the non-fan in the office pool, we know that Duke is always a top seed and that they certainly do not always win the tournament.

So we take all that knowledge and fill out our brackets accordingly. Sometimes it works, but most times it fails miserably. Most times, we pick the wrong 12-seed to pull the upset and we pick the wrong one-seed to drop out early.

All those sleeper picks we thought were so clever end up destroying our brackets.

So this year, four friends and I decided to have our own pool. We raised the entry fee from the standard five gold stars to 20, just to make things more interesting. You may think 20 gold stars is too many to risk on a bracket of pure guesswork, but when you consider that you normally give your five gold stars away to some lucky-guessing schmuck, it’s not so bad.

The great thing about the smaller pool is not only that you have less people to compete against, but that you no longer have to pick against the non-fans. You get to pick against people with the same misguided biases you have, people who will out-think themselves as severely as you have done.

Somehow this never occurred to me, but I finally figured it out, and now I have a chance to win. But even if I lose, it was worth my 20 gold stars just to make the tournament infinitely more exciting. If I were in a large pool, I’d be doing OK, but I wouldn’t be in the lead. And I wouldn’t know that my closest competitor can overtake me if, say, Gonzaga beats UCLA this weekend.

And if that were the case, I wouldn’t be counting down the days until that game. I wouldn’t be checking the Internet every day for information on the two teams. I probably wouldn’t care very much at all.

So my advice to the basketball fans out there is to stop shelling out your hard-earned gold stars, only to have them taken away by the secretary’s grandmother. Enter a smaller bracket pool. You’ll increase your chances of walking away with the loot, but even better, you’ll make the tournament more entertaining for yourself by a long shot.

11

VISTA STAFF picks Teddy Burch Sports Writer

Kristen Limam Sports Editor

Matt Cauthron Editor in Chief

Final Four:

Final Four:

Final Four:

Duke UCLA Connecticut Florida

LSU Gonzaga Washington Villanova

Duke UCLA Connecticut Boston College

Championship:

Championship:

Championship:

Duke vs. Connecticut

Gonzaga vs. Washington

Duke vs. Connecticut

National Champion:

National Champion:

National Champion:

Connecticut

Washington

Connecticut

The Sweet 16 Seed, team and scores of men’s basketball round of 16 games (seeds in bold) National Champion

1 Duke

Connecticut team tm xx x1 Team (8) Kentucky (16) Albany

(8) G. Washington 74-61 (16) Southern 70-54

Team team tm xx x4 LSU (12) Texas A&M (13) Iona

58-57 80-64

87-83 72-59

Friday • 9:57 p.m.

Thursday • 7:10 p.m.

Atlanta

Washington, D.C.

Georgia Dome

Verizon Center

team tm xx x5 Team Washington (4) Illinois (12) Utah St.

67-64 75-61

Team Virginia team tm 67 xx x6 W.

11 Geo. Mason team tm xx x Team

(14) N’Western St. 67-54 (11) Southern Ill. 64-46

(3) North Carolina 65-60 (6) Michigan St. 75-65 Friday • 9:27 p.m.

Thursday • 9:40 p.m.

Team team tm xx x2 Texas (10) NC State (15) Penn

75-54 60-52

team x7 Team Wichita St. tm xx

Final Four Indianapolis

Team team tm xx x1 Memphis (9) Bucknell (16) Oral Roberts

72-56 94-78

Championship Game RCA Dome Indianapolis

Final Four Indianapolis

(8) Arizona (16) Monmouth

72-66 77-73

Team team tm xx x3 Gonzaga (6) Indiana (14) Xavier

Oakland

Oakland Arena

Minneapolis

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

(12) Montana (13) Pacific

69-56 88-76

Floridateam tm xx x3 Team (11) Wis. Milwauk. 82-60 (14) S. Alabama 76-50 Friday • 9:40 p.m.

Thursday • 9:57 p.m.

Team team tm xx x2 UCLA

Regionals

82-78 58-45

x4 Team Bostonteam Coll.tm xx

90-80 79-75

62-59 78-44

80-73 86-66

Friday • 7:10 p.m.

Team team tm xx x Bradley 13 (5) Pittsburgh (4) Kansas

(2) Tennessee (10) Seton Hall

team tm xx x1 Team Villanova

Thursday • 7:27 p.m.

(10) Alabama (15) Belmont

Matt Cauthron can be reached at mcauthron@ thevistaonline.com.

March 23, 2006

team tm xx x7 Team Georgetown

National semifinals

National semifinals

(2) Ohio State (10) N. Iowa

70-52 54-49

Regionals

SOURCE: NCAA

AP

<AP> NCAA M SWEET 16: NCAA men’s Division I basketball tournament round of 16 bracket; with related stories; 3c x 6 inches; 146 mm x 143 mm; JDG; ETA 9:30 p.m. </AP> Editors note: It is mandatory to include all sources that accompany this graphic when repurposing or editing it for publication.

12

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LIKE CARS? FASTLANES is now hiring lube techs. We fully train on all vehicle maintenance! We are a growing metro company with advancement and benefit opportunities. Come by 2220 S Broadway to apply. Limited positions available. YOU MAY ALSO CALL 405-844-8084. _______________________ NEED A JOB? Like to work in a cool atmosphere? Then swing by FASTLANES, the vehicle supercenter! We are a growing metro company with advancement and benefit opportunities. Come by 2220 S Broadway to apply. YOU MAY ALSO CALL 405-844-8084. ____________________ ATTENTION: Business and Management majors. FASTLANES, the vehicle supercenter is looking for individuals who have leadership skills. With new stores opening we are looking for people to grow with us. Good pay and possible health benefits. Come by 2220 S Broadway to apply. YOU MAY ALSO CALL 405-844-8084. ______________________ PART TIME help needed at local daycare 2:306:00pm. Must love kids. Please call 330-3077. ______________________ QUALITY individual needed to train for residential window cleaning. Must have resume, proof of enrollment, documented GPA of 3. or above, your own transportation, preferably a truck for hauling ladder. Potential earnings of $8-10/hr based on percentage plus mileage. Please call immediately: 340-3914. ________________________ PT JOBS - SENIOR Services of Oklahoma is looking for students to fill PT positions.

Several 9am-1pm shifts and 1:30-5:30pm shifts are available for Mon-Fri. We pay $10/ hr for energetic phone work educating senior citizens on healthcare issues. No experience is preferred; we will train. Business is located at 1417 NW 150th St in Edmond. Call 879-1888 to set up interview. Ask for Courtney Smith. _______________________ SHOGUN Steak House is taking applications for servers, bussers, dishwashers and hosts. Apply at 11900 N May Ave (S end of North Park Mall) after 5:30pm Sun thru Sat. _______________________ ***STUDENT WORK*** PT WORK-FT PAY Great Pay, Flexible Schedules Resume Builder, Scholarships Possible, Fun atmosphere Customer Sales/Service No Experience Needed Will Train. Call TODAY 405-751-1509 _______________________ THE OLIVE GARDEN at Quail Springs Mall is now hiring for servers, preferably for lunch shifts. Apply in person at 2639 W Memorial. ______________________ PEARL'S LAKESIDE has positions for FT and PTservers.Apply at 9201 E Lake Hefner, 748-6113. ______________________ KANG'S ASIAN BISTRO is now hiring server, hostess, delivery, bar. Apply at 2080 E 2nd St in Edmond. Call 285-8300. _______________________ ***STUDENTS*** PT WORK-FT PAY Flexible around class, all ages 18+, day/eve/ wknd, conditions apply, customer sales/service, 405-751-6018. _______________________ PART TIME help needed at bridal salon.

Friday afternoons and all day Saturdays. For an appointment to interview, call 752-0029. ______________________

Sudoku

BOOMTOWN Ballyards: The premier sports complex in Oklahoma, conveniently located in N OKC/Edmond is searching for energetic, reliable individuals to fill various openings for our upcoming seasons!

Call 405-749-8696 or email boomtownballyards@yahoo.com to get in the game! _______________________ NEED A JOB? Computer Technician position - Student with AutoCAD experience, full time or part time. Close proximity to UCO campus. PEREZ ENGINEERING, 341-9651. _______________________ NORTHSIDE YMCA seeking responsible, mature staff for Membership and Fitness. Must be able to work afternoon and evening shifts, as well as weekends. Applicants for Fitness Staff need current CPR. Applications available at the North Side YMCA at 10000 N Pennsylvania Ave., OKC. ______________________ SALES ASSOCIATE MARK'S SHOE ROOM is looking for a personable PT sales person for afternoons and Saturdays. Learn sales and merchandising techniques from the best in the industry.

Hours are flexible to meet students' schedules.

Call Kristy to schedule interview at 341-3321.

Come join our team! _____________________ GENERAL ASSISTANT position available with an established service-oriented company engaged in market research and development, 10-15 hrs/wk as available, Mon thru Fri. Must have own transportation. Hourly base pay plus mileage and extras. Excellent opportunity for entrepeneur-spirited person. Internet savvy a PLUS. Call 623-2857. _______________________ WE PAY up to $75 per online survey. www.myspendingcash.com _______________________ HELPNEEDED for house cleaning business. $8/ hr (cash), flexible hours, will work around school schedule. Call Sonya at 812-8054 or 752-0908. _____________________ EDMOND Shopping Ctr needs PT help for construction, clean-up and maintenance.

Can be full time for summer. Call 330-2555. ______________________ HARKINS Theatres, Oklahoma's most exciting and luxurious new theatre concept in Bricktown, is now casting for PlayCenter staff! Must be at least 18, 6 months of previous childcare experience, enjoy interacting with children, excellent guest service skills and MS Office knowledge helpful. You will enjoy flexible schedules and FREE MOVIES! Submit your resume with salary history to: showbizjobs@harkins.com or fax to 480-443-0950.

EOE ______________________ BE A DELL Student Rep, earn $12/hr. Make your own hours and gain amazing experience for your resume! Position starts immediately. Go to: Repnation.com/dell to apply. _______________________ PT/FT KENNEL technician needed immediately. Must love animals and have a good work ethic. Afternoons 4-7, weekends & holidays a must. Walk dogs, clean cat cages, general custodial and cleaning duties. 348-0808 Kathy. ______________________ PT HELP WANTED for fun and trendy childrens's store. Customer service skills are a must. Great experience for fashion merchandising majors, close to campus. Apply in person at 21 S Broadway in downtown Edmond. _______________________

PT TELLER - Seeking individual with previous teller or cash handling experience. Excellent customer service skills required. Hrs are M-F 1-6pm and Saturday 7:45-12noon. Apply at NBC Bank at 2800 NW Grand Blvd, OKC or fax resume to 405-840-8241.

The rules of Sudoku are simple. Enter digits from 1 to 9 in the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit.

So must every column, as must every 3x3 square. Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically, without guessing.

3

6

1

3

9 2 4 8 6 2 5 7 3 8 9 4 2 6 5 5 2 7 8 1 4 7 1 3 Puzzle by websudoku.com Last week's solution

1 8 5 4 6 9 2 7 3

7 3 4 2 5 8 1 9 6

2 6 9 1 3 7 5 4 8

3 9 7 6 2 5 8 1 4

8 1 2 3 7 4 6 5 9

4 5 6 8 9 1 3 2 7

5 2 3 9 4 6 7 8 1

6 4 8 7 1 2 9 3 5

9 7 1 5 8 3 4 6 2

Puzzle by websudoku.com

THE UNIVERSITY of OK Health Sciences Center research team needs participants ages 18-30, who have a parent with or without a history of an alcohol or drug problem. Qualified participants will be compensated for their time.

To see if you qualify or to learn more about the study, please call 405-552-4303. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. _______________________ CASABLANCA American Bistro - Exciting new restaurant located in north OKC is looking for servers, PT or FT with flexible working hour lunch or dinner. Apply at 13801 Quail Pointe Drive (May & Memorial) or call 924-3288 for appointment. ______________________ PT STOCKER needed at Kang's Wine and Spirits. Must be 21. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Please apply in person at 741 W Danforth in Edmond. No phone calls please. ______________________ DO YOU ENJOY children and being creative? Lifetouch Portrait Studio at Target is looking for PT help. Call 1-800-7364770, X432. Leave your name and number. _______________________ YOUTH DIRECTOR needed PT at Guthrie First United Methodist. For info, contact Rev. Charles Rettig at 405-282-4297, 9am-1pm. ______________________ LiT BAR GALLERY Rooftop in Bricktown OKC is now seeking motivated employees that are 21 years of age and older and eager to make money for the following positions: Cocktail server, doorman, barback. Please visit the website at www.lit-okc.com and call 602-6246 to schedule a time to fill out an application or come by in person after 5pm M-F. _______________________ PT POSITION for yard work and miscellaneous office. Edmond and NE OKC locations. Pay commensurate with experience. Call 427-1080. ______________________ PERFECT PT job for student. Local bakery needs help during weekend days. Experience helpful, but will train. Must be dependable and trustworthy. Call 359-8308. _______________________ NORTHSIDE YMCA is looking for energetic and organized person to be a part time Site Coordinator for Before & After School, and Summer Day Camp programs. 30 hrs/wk possible shifts include but are not limited to: 7-9am & 16pm, 40 hrs/wk in summer. Must be 21 and have 12 hours of education in field. Please apply in person today at 10000 N Penn, OKC, 751-6363. ______________________ NORTHSIDE YMCA & Bethany YMCA is looking for energetic and organized people to be summer day camp counselors. 40 hrs/wk possible shifts include but are not limited to 7am-6pm. Must be 18. Please apply in person today at 10000 N Penn, OKC, 751-6363. ______________________ EDMOND OFFICE has opening for a PT customer service clerk, afternoons & Saturday mornings. The applicant must be friendly and motivated. Please send resumes to Edmond South Tag Agency, 3216 S Boulevard, Edmond, OK 73013, www.edmondtagagency.com, fax 340-9089. ______________________ CHINA EXPRESS is now hiring cashier/waitstaff.

Please apply in person at 351 W 15th in Edmond. ______________________ TAMMY'S Wine & Spirits in Edmond is seeking PT helper, evenings 5-9.

Please apply in person at 151 E 33rd St. ______________________

NOW HIRING PT clerical assistant, 25-30 hrs/wk, starting at $8/hr. Work can be done evenings and weekends if necessary. We will work around your school schedule when possible. Basic math skills and computer skills are an absolute must. Please send resume to mc27@swbell.net.

EDMOND golf course is now hiring for snack bar and beverage cart help. Please call 340-4653. _______________________ PT CASHIER/general office position available M-F 12:15-6pm and every other Saturday 8am-4pm at Kennedy Tire & Auto Service, 530 W Edmond Rd, 341-8767.

Retail experience required. See Brenda. ______________________ the shoecity.com Immediate PT openings for customer service/shipping clerks and graphic designers for locally owned fast growing e-commerce. Must have basic computer skills, will train. Flexible around class schedules, must be available to work some nights and weekends. Apply in person at 13501 Railway Dr near Memorial and Kelly. Call 751-0862. ______________________ WESTIES SHOES has immediate PT/FT openings for sales people. Looking for energetic, outgoing salespeople with flexible schedules. Learn professional sales skills and fashion merchandising skills from a premier shoe store in OKC. Great pay and good hours, apply in person at 2150 W. Memorial Rd, Quail Springs Marketplace. Call 302-5150. ______________________ THE CATERING CO is now hiring PT servers. Looking for energetic students with positive people skills to complete our team of professional servers. Call 478-1500. ______________________ SCRAPBOOK store needs creative "scrapbooker" for PT retail sales.

Call Val at 749-2266 10-6 Tues-Fri. ____________________ PT TELLER - Seeking individual with previous teller or cash-handling experience. Excellent customer service skills required. Hrs are M-F 7:45am to 1pm and Saturday til noon. Apply in person at NBC Bank, 2800 NW Grand Blvd, OKC or fax resume to 405-810-1199. _______________________ COUNTY LINE BBQ is accepting applications for all positions. Apply in person MonFri, 9am-4pm at 834 W Danforth in Edmond. ____________________ CITY OF EDMOND Summer positions at Pelican Bay Aquatic Center: Lifeguard, Cafe & Cashier Staff, Water Safety Instructors. Golf Course, Parks & Recreation jobs also open.

Job info line 359-4648 www.edmondok.com Apply at 100 E First, Rm 106 ______________________ TOBY KEITH'S "I Love This Bar & Grill" is now hiring waitstaff. Apply in person Mon-Thurs 36pm at 310 Johnny Bench Drive, OKC Bricktown.

For Rent KENNEDY PLACE APTS 1,2&3 Bedrooms Across from UCO 341-7911 or visit our website www.kennedyplace.com ________________ BRYANT GROVE APTS 1, 2&3 Bedrooms 20 S Bryant, Edmond 341-2161 www.bryantgrove.com __________________

ONE BEDROOM APT Gas and water paid. NO PETS! Located near UCO. 1217 N Roosevelt, $340/mo plus deposit, 341-9651. ______________________ TOWNHOUSE for lease, 2 bed, 2 bath, kitchen appliances, washer/ dryer hookups, ceiling fans, lots of closet space. NO PETS! New building, 1 blk from UCO, 453 N Blackwelder, $650/mo, $500 dep. TENANT RESPONSIBLE FOR UTILITIES, 1 year lease, 341-9651. ______________________ DILLON PARK APTS-N of the football field, furnished, all bills paid, 1015 Chowning.

Call 285-5900. ______________________ LARGE 2 bed, 1 bath $525, deposit $250, NO PETS, walk to UCO, 1012 Chartrand.

ONE BED, one bath $375, dep $175, NO PETS, walk to UCO. FURNISHED apt, 1 or 2 bedrm, queen bed, dishes, TV, VCR, bedding, short term lease 3,6 or 12 mo, walk to UCO. ONE BED, one bath $375, deposit $200. No pets. Walk to UCO, 1012 Chartrand.

Chowning Heights Apts 844-5100, 208-2577 ______________________ UNIVERSITY VILLAGE APARTMENTS Small 1 bedroom $350 Large 1 bedroom $375 2 bedrooms $450 Gas & Water Paid 330-3711 ____________________ APT FOR RENT _ block off campus. Female student, all bills paid (except phone & cable). Call Glen at 787-6880, C-5901086 or Linda at 340-7623, C-590-1087. ______________________ COME HOME to your newly remodeled duplex! New carpet, new full size washer/dryer, attached garage, separate study.

Come home to Persimmon Ridge, 471-6145. ______________________ ONE BEDROOM apartment across from Old North. Washer, dryer, new appliances, $400/mo+$250 deposit, one year lease. Call 396-2013, leave message. ______________________ 2 BED, 2 BATH duplex, 2-car garage, 701 NW 137th, available immediately. Call 265-1103. _______________________ BRYANT SQ APTS, 1730 E 2nd St, only _ mile from UCO. $200 off your first month's rent! Hurry in!! 1 & 2 bedrooms available. Call 340-5387. ______________________ BAUMAN APTS, walk to UCO, 1 bed, 1 bath, $395/mo plus $300 deposit. Water paid. Call 769-9388, 677-7028, 216-9665.

For Sale VERY NICE 8 ft. dining table and 5 chairs. $395 neg, call 340-6800 after 6pm to see. _______________________ FOR SALE: 1993 Honda Del Sol with VTEC engine. Beautiful, black, sporty vehicle, runs great. $4995. Call 340-4613 or 340-5620. ______________________ SPACIOUS mobile home, 18x80, 3 bed, 2 bath, wood floors throughout, close to campus. Take over equity, Oakridge Estates, 601 Vista Lane #159. Call 249-7303.

13

Sports HOOPS

Sports briefings from the AP

from page 14 NSU defeated TSU in the 2003 regional finals and won the men’s basketball national championship.

In 1992, the UCO men’s basketball team became the first LSC team to win a regional title and reach the Elite Eight.

UCO loses seniors Mike Currin, Kentrell Gaddis,Aundrae Grayson, Jason Greene, Joe Kennerly and Marcus Steele.

“I’m sad it’s over,” Gaddis said, “but to my team mates, thanks for all the memories and to the fans thanks for coming.”

Harry Gatewood III can be reached at hgatewood@thevistaonline.com.

UCORE from page 14 between the U.S. and Canada,” Fieth said. “It is beautiful country and perhaps is the best backcountry canoeing you will find anywhere.”

The second trip is scheduled for early July and is planned to float the headwaters of the Arkansas River. The river begins in Leadville, Colo.

“We have done this portion of the Arkansas and depending on the amount of rain in the area, this trip can get exciting,” Bowen said. “It is always beautiful canoeing through the valleys of the Collegiate Mountains in Colorado.”

UCORE meets on Thursdays at 1 p.m. in Room 101 in the Wellness Center. The meetings are open to anybody who wants to attend.

Teddy Burch can be reached at tburch@thevistaonline.com.

FOOTBALL The NFL's most accurate kicker failed the Colts in the clutch. By signing Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis not only addressed that problem­—it also took a key piece away from nemesis New England.

Indianapolis has agreed in principle to a deal with Vinatieri, the team announced on its Web site. The Colts make the switch from Mike Vanderjagt—who misses the least—to the one

by Vista photographer Travis Marak who never misses when it matters most.

Vinatieri has hit two winning UCO's Anthony Bown, junior, tries to separate SWOSU's Bethea McKinley, left, and Michael Sampson in UCO's 87-73 win Feb. 15 at kicks in the Super Bowl for home. Brown scored 24 points in UCO's first-round regionals loss the Patriots. Vanderjagt's career accuracy rate is the best in the to Tarleton State March 11 in Bolivar, Mo. NFL, but twice in his career he missed critical field goals in the Men's Basketball Box Scores, March 11 playoffs.

UCO (17-13) One of those also hapPOS FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REBOUNDS AS ST BL TP Player pened to be his last kick for OF DE TOT Indianapolis.

In January, F 10-13 4-6 3 9 1 1 0 BROWN 12 24 0-0 G/F 2-7 2-3 2 7 9 2 1 0 6 BELT, S. Vanderjagt badly missed a 460-5 0-0 2 1 3 0 0 0 4 2-5 KENNERLY C 0-1 yarder in the closing seconds G 1-2 1 0 1 1 1 0 6 2-6 CURRIN 1-2 that would have forced overG 5-6 0 1 1 4 2 0 20 6-14 GADDIS 3-7 time with eventual Super Bowl 0-0 G 2 1 3 5 1 0 8 4-12 GREENE 0-4 champion Pittsburgh.

0-0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0-2 WILLIAMS G 0-2 NEW YORK (AP)—John 0-0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0-1 SANDBURG F 0-1 Abraham finally got what he 0-0 G 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0-3 KEMP 0-3 wanted when the Jets traded the 1 1 2 Team Pro Bowl defensive end to the 26-63 4-25 12-17 13 21 34 13 7 0 68 Totals Atlanta Falcons in a three-way TARLETON STATE (25-6) deal with Denver.

POS FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REBOUNDS AS ST BL TP The Broncos had to get Player OF DE TOT involved for the much-antici1-1 1 1 2 0 0 0 2 F 0-0 ARAGON 0-0 pated trade to finally take place.

5-12 F 3-6 2 7 9 2 0 3 15 DAVIS 2-6 F 2-8 4-5 1 0 1 1 1 0 8 GAMBLE Denver and Atlanta swapped 0-0 3-11 11-13 0 4 4 5 1 0 19 SHEFFIELD G 2-6 No. 1 picks, with the Broncos G 3-4 1-5 1 4 5 2 1 0 8 ATWOOD 1-2 getting the 15th overall selec0-0 0 2 2 1 0 1 6 G 2-6 MINTER 2-5 tion and the Falcons getting 1-2 G 3-4 0 4 4 0 1 0 8 JOHNSON 1-2 pick 29. Then the Falcons sent 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ROBINSON G 0-0 that pick to the Jets in exchange 3-4 3-5 2 4 6 0 0 0 9 WILLIAMS C 0-0 for Abraham, the player's agent 1 1 2 Team told The Associated Press.

22-51 8-21 23-35 8 27 35 11 4 4 75 Totals Atlanta also got middleround picks in 2006 and 2007 from Denver.

WILLIAMS: UCO women's basketball coach resigns from page 14 the program’s first full-time assistant coach before assuming head coaching duties from John Keely in 2004.

She served as a graduate assistant coach from 1990 to 1995.

“We were certainly glad to have her here for 17 years,” said Bill Farley, athletics director.

Farley said there have been about 24 applications submitted

March 23, 2006

from a diverse applicant pool that includes women and men, from college head coaches and assistant coaches to high school head coaches. He said he will begin interviewing next week and hopes to hire during the first week of April.

Williams was also UCO’s starting guard from 1988 to 1990. She held school and Lone Star Conference records for the most 3-pointers made in a sea-

son (65) and career (125) until 1995.

Williams served as the athletic department’s Senior Women’s Administrator and assisted the department in other roles. That position has yet to be reassigned.

Kristen Limam can be reached at klimam@thevistaonline.com.

The trade was expected to be approved by the league Wednesday.

IRVING, Texas (AP)—The Dallas Cowboys released left guard Larry Allen, likely cutting ties to one of the most dominant offensive linemen in NFL history.

Allen, the final player left from Dallas' most recent Super Bowl team, is going into his 13th season. No longer the steamrolling blocker he once was, Allen was due a $2 million roster bonus April 1. The move also saves Dallas about $3.5 million toward next season's salary cap.

SEATTLE (AP)—The Seattle Seahawks have agreed on the parameters of a new contract with San Francisco 49ers free agent linebacker Julian Peterson.

Peterson's agent, Kevin Poston, said the contract is for $54 million over seven years and includes $18.5 million guaranteed. The deal is worth $10 million in the first year, $18.4 million in the second and $23.5 million in the third.

The Seahawks had no comment.

PRO BASKETBALL PHILADELPHIA (AP)— Allen Iverson was back on the court for the first time since spraining his right foot nine days ago, and is expected to be in the lineup for the Philadelphia 76ers against Atlanta on Wednesday.

Iverson, the NBA's secondleading scorer with an average of 33.2 points, missed the last four games after he bruised and sprained his foot against Memphis on March 12.

GOLF VIRGINIA WATER, England (AP)—Tiger Woods said he will play the World Match Play Championship in England the week before the Ryder Cup, a grueling tournament that features one of the most impressive lists of champions in golf.

HOCKEY LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Los Angeles Kings fired coach Andy Murray and assistant John Van Boxmeer, one day after the struggling team lost for the fifth time in seven games.

General manager Dave Taylor said that John Torchetti will be interim coach.

The Kings (37-28-5) are tied with Edmonton for seventh in the Western Conference playoff race, but the Oilers have one more game remaining than Los Angeles DENVER (AP)—Colorado's leading scorer Alex Tanguay will be out for two-to-four weeks with a sprained right knee.

BASEBALL SARASOTA, Fla. (AP)— The Cincinnati Reds acquired catcher David Ross from the San Diego Padres for righthander Bobby Basham.

SWIMMING MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)—Leisel Jones broke her own world record in the 100-meter breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games, finishing in 1 minute, 05.09 seconds.

SPORTS

University of Central Oklahoma

UCO hoops' hopes dashed by Tarleton

Williams resigns coaching duties

The men's basketball squad comes up short in regionals, ending its season.

by Kristen Limam Sports Editor

by Harry Gatewood III Sports Writer

Shawn Williams, head coach of UCO women’s basketball team, announced her resignation March 9, effective immediately.

“I want to go back home File Photo and pursue other options that I have,” Williams said.

UCO's Earl Jones, junior, ties-up OU's Trey Blakely in his 6-1 decision Nov. 30, 2005. Jones and his The Garland, Texas, native teammates finished fourth at the NCAA Division II national tournament March 11 in Finley, Ohio. said she has always wanted to return there to be with her family.

UCO finishes fourth in nation

by Teddy Burch Sports Writer

Photo Services

Shawn Williams Williams said she is looking at a few high school basketball coaching positions in Texas.

Williams gathered a 24-30 record in two seasons as head coach. In her first season, the Bronchos went 17-10, their best season since 1992-93. The team faltered this year with a 7-20 finish.

In 1995, Williams became

See WILLIAMS, page 13

UPCOMING UCO HOME GAMES BASEBALL Friday, March 24 1 p.m. vs. ENMU (doubleheader)

Saturday, March 25 noon vs. ENMU (doubleheader)

SOFTBALL Friday, March 24 1 p.m. vs. East Central (doubleheader)

MEN'S GOLF

Monday & Tuesday, March 27 & 28

8 a.m.

KickingBird Classic @ KickingBird Golf (1600 E. Danforth Rd.)

WOMEN'S TENNIS Thursday, March 23 2 p.m. vs. Southern Nazarene

INTRAMURAL SPORTS Bowling & Billiards Monday, March 27 7 p.m. @ Boulevard Bowl (3501 South Boulevard)

Soccer Sunday, March 26 Games begin at 1 p.m. @ Fire Station Field

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2006

The UCO wrestling team finished fourth in the NCAA Division II national tournament March 11 in Finley, Ohio.

Top-ranked and undefeated Nebraska-Omaha won its third straight title with 117 points, 18.5 ahead of runnerup and No. 2-ranked NebraskaKearney. Shippensburg, Penn. was a surprising third with 66.5 points, followed by UCO with 64.5 points, Minnesota StateMankato with 63.5 points and Pittsburgh-Johnstown with 63 points.

“We lost some tough matches,” Shea Timothy said. “Some of the matches were close, and we felt that we could have won a few more than we did.”

The top-five finish was the 21st in 22 years for the Bronchos,

who went 14-3 in duals and won the Midwest Regional tournament this season.

The Bronchos also finished the season with six AllAmericans. Kyle Evans finished second at 141 pounds, Earl Jones finished third at 133 pounds. Shane Caruthers (125 pounds), Timothy (149 pounds), Cort Petersen (165 pounds) and Chris Finn (285 pounds) all finished sixth.

“We finished just about where we were projected to,” head coach David James said. “We were a little disappointed with our performance on the second day of the tournament, but overall for the year we improved seven spots in the rankings. All in all we had a good year.”

Nebraska-Omaha became the first team since 1995 to win three straight national titles, crowning three individual champions.

Cody Garcia, J.D. Naig and Les

Sigman all went to the winner’s circle, with Sigman gathering his fourth straight heavyweight title.

“Omaha is having a nice run right now,” James said. “We enjoyed a run very similar in the ’90s. When you are a national champion you find a way to win the close matches and this is what they are doing on a constant basis right now.”

The Bronchos return nine starters next season and will also have five All-Americans returning.

“With the number of starters returning who had 20 victories this year, we have reason to feel extremely optimistic about going into next season,” James said. “This is not just coach talk, we all feel good about the direction our program is taking.”

Teddy Burch can be reached at tburch@thevistaonline.com.

The Bronchos marched into the big dance but fell as soon as they took the dance floor for an upsetting end to the season.

UCO lost in the first round of the NCAA Division II South Central Regional, to second seed Lone Star Conference rival Tarleton State 75-68 on March 11.

UCO ended the season with a record of 17-12 with three of those losses coming from Tarleton State.

The Bronchos led the Texans on paper, but a low percentage of perimeter shooting kept the Bronchos from being productive.

“We played a good game, but we were 1-13 in the first half from the perimeter and most of our shots were wideopen 3’s,” said head coach Terry Evans.

UCO was only 4-of-27 from beyond 3-point range, shooting 16 percent.

“We got any shot that we wanted, we just couldn’t make any of them,” said Anthony Brown, junior forward.

Brown, the LSC North Division Newcomer of the Year, netted a game-high 24 points, with 20 coming in the second half on 10-of-13 shooting from the floor.

“The first half they forced Anthony to pass,” Evans said,

“but in the second half the team found ways to get him the ball.”

The loss marks the first time this season UCO committed less than 15 turnovers in a contest and lost.

Kentrell Gaddis, senior guard, was the only other Broncho to achieve doublefigures, adding 20 points. Only six Bronchos scored in the ballgame.

“Well, it was a good, hard fought game,” Gaddis said. “I think we played as well as we have in awhile. We led in everything except free throws, and I think that’s where the difference comes in.”

Tarleton earned 18 more free throws than UCO, converting on 23 of those attempts, with 11 coming in the last three minutes of the contest.

The Bronchos only made 12 total trips to the charity mark the entire second half.

Tarleton has the best LSC record from the past five seasons, going 134-31 and reaching the regional tournament all five years. The Texans are the first LSC team to win two regional titles, and they’ll be the first-ever conference squad to make back-to-back appearances in the Elite Eight.

“Going into the game, coach just wanted us to play our best game,” Gaddis said. “We were just focused on us and not so much on them. It was a good run.”

Northeastern State is the only other LSC team besides TSU to advance to the Elite Eight.

See HOOPS, page 13

Discover river rafting with UCORE

by Teddy Burch Sports Writer The UCO Outdoor Recreation Experience will be sponsoring a river rafting trip March 31-April 2 to the Mulberry River in northern Arkansas.

The Mulberry River is a free flowing stream without dams. The current river level is determined by the amount of rainfall received as well as the time of year. When warm weather arrives in late spring and early summer and the trees fill out with leaves, it takes a lot more rain to keep the river up than during November through March.

“Anytime you do a river trip you become water dependent and weather dependent,” said Kirby Junge, American Canoe Association instructor. “There should be plenty of water to put the boats in and have a great trip.”

Basic camping gear and a little planning ahead can make for a more enjoyable and comfortable river trip.

“A tent and a sleeping bag with good water shoes are needed,” said Fred Fieth, director of UCO Recreation Services. “The most important thing may be fast drying clothes and waterproofing the things that need to stay dry.”

Junge said that the trip is designed to experience the Mulberry River’s class I and sometimes class II river rafting and is open to anybody with an interest in river rafting.

“There are basically two types of class systems, the western system and the Grand Canyon system. They both are pretty close to the same,” said John Bowen, associate professor of chemistry.

Bowen said that in a class I the river is basically a flat river with a calm flow. A class II river is similar but with waves and a little bit faster flow. A class III river has bigger waves and requires maneuvering around rocks and large waves ,while a class IV requires much more maneuvering and becomes dangerous. A class V river requires maneuvering and involves a risk

BRONCHO SPORTS BRIEFINGS BASEBALL UCO won a string of four home games against Tarleton State March 10-12, including an 18-3 win March 10. The blowout featured hits by 11 Broncho players and 14 strikeouts by senior pitcher Jesse McGough.

On the road, the team lost 6-0 to Emporia State March 15, then dropped three of four games to Texas A&MKingsville March 17-18, Photo Services bringing them to 14-10 on Jesse McGough the season.

of injury or death.

“There is such a thing as a class VI, and they are tough to keep upright in. They are really for experts and the risk of life is extreme,” Bowen said. “I have done a class V in northern Colorado, and it is an intense experience.”

Bowen also is the owner of Wildness Guides and Outfitters in Laramie, Wyo. He leads groups on mountaineering and rockclimbing trips as well as white water rafting and cave exploration.

“We take all kinds of groups out,” he said. “We cover the very basics of survival to leading groups on ice climbing adventures in the Rockies.”

UCORE has scheduled two events during the summer break.

The first is a canoe trip to the Queitico National Park in Ely, Minn.

“The park consists of hundreds of miles of rivers and streams that make up the boundary waters

See UCORE, page 13

by Vista photographer Travis Marak

From left: UCO students Robbie Hersom, recreation management senior, Michael Morley, recreation management freshman, and J.J. Ashford, criminal justice freshman, participate in a UCORE-sponsored hike along the Buffalo National river in northern Arkansas March 16.

SOFTBALL The Bronchos went on a six-game winning streak March 8-13 at home, playing doubleheaders against Southern Nazarene, Southwestern Oklahoma and College of Saint Mary. Senior utility player Angela Stratton went .556 during the stretch, hitting 10-of-18.

The team then lost two in a doubleheader against Truman State March 15 in Edmond, bringing them to 11-6 on the Photo Services season.

Angela Stratton WOMEN'S TENNIS The women won their first match of the season March 18 against Nebraska-Kearney in Edmond.

The team won 8-1 in its first game as freshman Katie Eacret made her debut. The team competed with a full lineup for the first time this year, bringing their season record to 1-6.

MEN'S TENNIS Against Nebraska-Kearney March 18 in Edmond, UCO came out on top with a score of 8-1. The Bronchos are now 7-2 on the season.

INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL The All-School Championships were held March 9 at the Wellness Center. Taking the men's title were 'Mixed Sensations,' who beat 'Pounders' 89-75. The women's title went to the 'Incredibles,' who scored a 32-26 win over BCM. INTRAMURAL SPORTS Upcoming registration deadlines: Soccer: Thursday, March 23 Billiards, Bowling: Thursday, March 23 Wrestling: Tuesday, March 28 Golf, Sand Volleyball: Friday, March 31 To register, contact Becka Finley at 974-3143 or visit www.ucok.edu/wellnesscenter/i_home.htm.