See Page 12 for UCO Football Recap Volume 113, Issue 17
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Need a Free Ride? UCOSA Hires Uber Megan Prather @meganthefeline Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma’s students can download the Uber app and enter the code “UCORIDES” to unlock UCO’s safe ride option. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Student Association (UCOSA) spent $20,000 dollars on a partnership with the ride-share program Uber this fall to provide students with a free ride when they might need it. “Whether their plans involve a big night out or they just need a late night ride home from the library, a safe ride is now available at the tap of a button,” said David Brightman, Uber’s general manager. The idea of implementing a safe ride program at UCO has been discussed for the past four years, but UCOSA contacted Uber last semester and found funding to test out the program, according to Vice President of Student Life, Cole Stanley. “They [UCOSA] were thinking, ‘is there anything we could be doing to save even one life?’” Stanley said. UCOSA is funded by student activity See Uber on 6
Security Upgrades at UCO to Prevent Crime Elizabeth Spence @lizzlynn Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma has implemented new security cameras inside and on top of the Liberal Arts building in attempts to prevent crime.The indoor camera is located at the East end of the building, by the vending machines. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
The security system at the University of Central Oklahoma is getting a makeover for 2016 by upgrading old cameras in addition placing new ones around campus and upgrading the technology in our current system. After visiting the Newcastle Casino, UCO’s police department figured that the security system on campus needed to be updated, seeing as the small casino they visited houses 700 security cameras. “We came away from that [going], ‘that’s the kind of system we need,’” UCO Police Chief Jeff Harp said. The funding was a big component to the installation and selection of the security system. The university helped by supplying the police department with a small starter fund through the Office of Information Technology (IT). The rest will be funded by each building on campus. Each buildings is given options to the types of secu-
rity systems that are available. “We will help you design a system that we think is going to meet your needs,” Harp said. One thing that the police department is constantly aware of is privacy— the privacy of students and faculty on campus. Harp said that invading the privacy of a student or teacher is something that his officers always try to stay away from. “We are very consistent with creating a policy on where cameras could go,” Harp said. “We don’t want anybody to feel like they’re working under a camera.” The purpose of the cameras and security system is not to monitor students and faculty, but to keep the students and faculty safe. “We can’t have them in a locker room, dressing room, bathroom, and our policy articulates that really clearly,” Harp said. There are signs posted on the doors of the buildings where these security cameras are located. See Security on Page 9
CONTENTS
2
CONTENTS Campus News................................................3
Security..........................................................9
Scholarship.....................................................4
Substance Abuse...........................................11
OKYLP...........................................................5
Football........................................................12
Uber...............................................................6
Volleyball.....................................................13
Around Campus.............................................7
Bucking Broncho.........................................14
STAFF NAME AND POSITION
Kateleigh Mills Alex Brown A . Suave Francisco Cara Johnson Ta y l o r M i c h a u d Elisabeth Slay Elizabeth Spence E r i e c h Ta p i a Katie Standlee Megan Prather Queila Omena Peter Agnitsch Ike Wilcots Ryan Naeve Te d d y B u r c h
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r S p o r t s Re p o r t e r S p o r t s Re p o r t e r Photographer Advisor
Hundreds of flags were places in the ground on Sept. 9, 2016 near Broncho Lake to commemorate the lives lost in the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers. It has been 15 years since the terrorist attack in New York City. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
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The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer, and fall semesters In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both classified, online and print ads. Email your questions to: ucovista.advertising@gmail.com The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. 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. LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. 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. 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 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista1903@gmail.com.
CAMPUS NEWS
3
A Guide on How to Print on Campus Elisabeth Slay @Eslayslay Reporter
Printing at the University of Central Oklahoma can often be confusing for students due to location, price or rules. Some buildings on campus have different policies pertaining to printing and some do not offer the service at all. Generally, the most well known place students can print documents is at Max Chambers Library. The library has a computer lab on the first floor where students can print up to five copies for free, but they have to print one thing at a time. Students also have to have a valid UCO ID to print in the library. There is also a printer on each floor where students can print as many copies as they need for 10 cents a page. If they need to print several copies they can purchase a copy card at the circulation desk on the first floor. The library is the most popular place for printing. According to Service Desk Manager of the Office of Information Technology, Lora Motley, in the fiscal year from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 the library computer lab printed a total of 1,210,449 copies. The Liberal Arts building is perhaps the second location on campus where students do most of their printing. Located in Room 127, the Copy Center is on the first floor of the LAR. “Students can print whatever documents they need one at a time. On average on a weekly basis, students print 500 documents,” LAR Copy Center employee Alesa Tovar said. Students are able to print for free in the Nigh University Center computer lab with a valid student ID and they can also print five copies. The Nigh computer lab is responsible for a large number of prints last year that totaled to 416,148. Print Central is another place that offers printing in the Nigh on the first floor, just north of the elevators. It is UCO’s own printing shop that provides a student computer people can use to print as much as they need. “We charge for ... a regular sheet of paper, five cents a page, back and front, black and white. And 35 cents, same size for color,” Manager Cassandra Quik said. The Education Building also offers places to print free of charge, but have a few different policies than the library and the NUC. Room 112 in the EDU is an open computer lab where students can come to use a computer and print off school work. Room 110 also has printing but that classroom is reserved for students with classes in there only. “Each student may print up to 20 pages a day. If a student does not use their 20 pages a day, they cannot redeem the excess pages. College of Education and Professional Studies students are intended users of the EDU 112 lab,” Education Professor Jace Knox said. The Business Building is another location that can be used for printing but students can only copy and paste documents— they cannot print directly
A common scenario students face pertaining to printing on campus: Professor: “OK, you need to print enough copies of your assignment for everyone in the class.” *Student then heads to the library to print copies for the class presentation.* Student: “Hello I need to print 20 copies of this same document.” Library worker: “We have a five-page limit.” Student: “What?”
One of the more frequently used printing labs on campus is located on the first floor of the library. There are also printing labs in the Liberal Arts building, the Business building, and the Education building. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
In printing labs around campus, students will find these signs warning them against “printing abuse,” where they are only allowed to print five pages at a time. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
from the Internet. The document must be a legitimate paper for a class and students can print 10 free pages at a time. There are a few buildings that do not offer print-
ing at all, including the Center for Transformative Learning, Thatcher Hall, the Mass Communication Building and the Math and Computer Science Building.
4
SCHOLARSHIP
Focusing on The Bottom Dollar: A Private Institution's Philosophy Eriech Tapia @eriechtapia95 Reporter
With scholarships increasing over the last five years, recent state budget cuts have forced the University of Central Oklahoma to make cuts to scholarships and other areas. Most areas received a 20 percent cut this fiscal year, according to university documents. “This year, just because we had to make some very tough decisions across the board, we did not increase it [scholarships],” said Myron Pope, vice president for Student Affairs at UCO. “What we have tried to do throughout the years is to raise tuition waivers as tuition increases.” Two areas at the university received increases of 1.09 percent in tuition dollars, including athletics and miscellaneous tuition waivers, due to pre-made agreements between the university and students. “We had to make cuts in other areas to balance the budget,” Pope said. The largest cut was to Enrollment Management at $1.2 million dollars this year, received a 20 percent cut. The university budgeted $9.8 million during the last fiscal year for scholarships and fellowships, though with cuts around $600,000, it has caused the university to look into ways to help students. Currently, the university gives a 10 percent discount to most students who receive scholarships on average, but Pope said he is planning on an increase. “We are only at about 10 percent and we need to increase that,” Pope said. “What we have been talking about is how do we get more scholarship dollars to make sure that we are able to give discounts.” The Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, which is being discussed and reviewed by University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz’s cabinet, looks into ways for funding scholarships and student success. “We have been able to do what we have so far, due to this university team, to serve our students and fulfill our mission. That premise and that goal, I must tell you, will
Students walk around campus near Broncho Lake on Aug. 17, 2016. Only a certain amount of money is appointed to be awarded to students in scholarship, which continuously lessens with budget cuts. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
be challenged in FY 17, and very likely FY18, as the states investment in higher education continues acclimate,” Betz said at Fall Forum. At Fall Forum, University of Central Oklahoma Provost John Barthell, said that changes will have to happen with expected cuts this next year. “We are an institution that really has had to practically reinvent itself as a result of last year’s impact,” Barthell said. The plan was created before Betz arrived at the university and has not become a priority until now, Pope said, who has spoken with the president about the issue. “One of our goals is to develop and
have an up-to-date plan by the end of this year,” Pope said. Included in the plan would be ways to enrollment projections, retention of students, academic support, and a new idea of looking into unmet needs of students. Unmet needs are calculated from a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other grants, expected family contribution, and the cost of attendance, which is planned to be compiled by Institutional Research. Once the university calculates the unmet need, it will then allow the university to determine where best to spend its scholarship dollars, Pope
said. “If we get more scholarship dollars in the future, then we can apply them to the area that needs them,” Pope said. “We have more and more concern about unmet need.” Filling out FASFA is required at many colleges across the state, though the University of Central Oklahoma does not require students to fill one out, which may soon change, Pope said. If students fill out a FASFA, it could allow the university to save money when giving out scholarships, Pope said.
OKYLP
5
Youth Literacy Program Helps Local Students Lacey Williams
@lwilliams05 Contributing Writer
After opening its doors in 2014, the Oklahoma Youth Literacy Program (OKYLP) is now looking for volunteers for its after-school program. The program is designed to ensure that students succeed academically and has so many students now, that they are in need of more help in furthering their students’ knowledge. With a current ratio of eight students per leader, the OKYLP is looking to reduce that number to an average of four children per leader. “We actively work with each child as much as we possibly can … it just depends on how much help we have that day,” Gina Darby, a founder of the OKYLP, said. With a focus on writing and reading, the program has additional goals of picking up students from school, providing them with a meal, and building a positive learning environment for academic growth. “If everybody gave at least once a month or came in one day out of the month and said ‘I’m going to give this two hours today,’ you’ve added two more hours to their learning,” Darby said. In addition to providing one-onone tutoring sessions, volunteers are given the chance to help in the kitchen by cooking meals for the students and serving them. “College students can be a part of
Bettye Moulden, 68, of Oklahoma City, serves dinner to Xavier Jones, 11, from Oklahoma City, at the Oklahoma Youth Literacy Program on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016. Photo by Eriech Tapia, The Vista.
what we do. I think it’s important because they can build their volunteer hours,” Darby said. After recently deciding to spend her afternoons at the program, Ashley Means, 23, is a nursing student at the University of Central Oklahoma and said she enjoys giving back to the community with youth development.
“Education is very important and if the kid doesn’t have a good one, they’re going to be so far behind,” Means said. Beginning as a summer program, the OKYLP has evolved into a place where children go every day after school to receive help with homework before their parents pick them up.
Working on hoemwork at the Oklahoma Youth Litracy Program, Xavier Jones, 11 from Oklahoma City, has seen his grades go up since starting the program and is hoping to go to college one day. Photo by Eriech Tapia, The Vista.
The program was established after leaders of Impact Athletics noticed youth-athletes struggling to read and comprehend written contracts that they had to sign to play their chosen sports. “The whole concept started so that the players wouldn’t just be great athletes, but great in the books as well,” Darby said. From there, the program expanded. Destiney Davis, 14, who is involved in the program, said she joined after her brothers began attending. Her three brothers, who are a part of the football program, joined the Literacy Program and have seen an improvement in their academic skills. “Miss Gina is one of the football parents and used to come over to our house all the time, so I decided to start at the beginning of the summer,” Davis said. Davis, a student at John Marshall Mid-High School, found herself struggling with Algebra I. After receiving help through the program, Davis said she gained a new understanding of math and managed to significantly raise her letter grade. The foundation now serves roughly 25 students on a weekly basis ranging in age from around 3-14. For more information about the program and how to get involved, visit www. okylpokc.org or call 405-822-9900.
UBER
6
UBER Megan Prather @meganthefeline Reporter
(Continued from cover) fees, which every student pays for each credit hour they take, that the university receives at the beginning of each semester. Student activity fees also go to funding other areas of campus life. The allocation of student activity fees is broken down into four areas including athletics, allocations to student organizations, university wide projects (such as the UCO Debate Team and Kaleidoscope Dancers) and the Division of Student Affairs, which funds offices such as the Student Engagement Office and the Office of Greek and Sorority Life. UCOSA has a $138,256 budget that goes to the day by day operations of running organizations such as student workers as well as leadership conferences. UCOSA also allocates some of its budget to a “High Impact Program” fund which they use to accomplish large projects on campus. UCOSA has designated $20,000 of its “High Impact Program” money to test out the Uber program this fall.
Once that $20,000 used up, UCOSA will decide whether or not the program was successful enough to try to identify funds to keep the it going. “I think it’s great so students will have access to safe rides. I don’t have a car, so it’s also great for me if I need to go to Walmart or something, but don’t have time to walk,” UCO sophomore Amber Jackson said. Some students are less excited than others about the partnership because of how it’s funded. “I already disagree with the concept of being forced to pay student activity fees if they [students] aren’t going to participate in those activities,” UCO junior Foster Gibbs said. “And now I’m being told that my money is going to subsidize other students partying and drinking. Which of my personal behaviors do I have the right to expect other people to pay for?” Students can utilize the program Thursday through Saturday from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. However, the program will not be available any time classes are out of session, for example, New Years. Students can use Uber for a ride amounting to $20 free of charge within the designated zone which
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extends from Covell Road to the north, Interstate 40 to the south, and Interstate 30 to the east. Rides in excess of $20 or traveling outside of the designated zone will be charged to the card attached to the student’s Uber account. On the programs opening weekend, 495 students used their UCO promocode to sign up for the services and 120 rides were requested. The average cost of each ride was $10 bring-
ing the total amount of funds used opening weekend to about $1,200. “The members of UCOSA last year really wanted to look at things they could do to impact UCO students in a way that is tangible,” Stanley said. To use the program, students need to download the Uber app and sign up for an account using their UCO. edu email address. Enter the code “UCORIDES” to unlock UCO’s safe ride option.
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The University of Central Oklahoma’s Student Association designated $20,000 dollars to partner with Uber to test out the free rides program. Photo provided by Flickr.com
I-35 Frontage Road
AROUND CAMPUS
7
AROUND THE CAMPUS Monday, Sept. 12, 2016
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016
UCOSA: From 12:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m. the University of Central Oklahoma’s Student Association will meet for their weekly congress meeting in the Will Rogers Room located on the fourth floor of the Nigh University Center. QPR: From 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. in the Max Chambers Library Room 212, the UCO Peer Health Leaders, UCO Center for Counseling and Well-Being, and UCO Healthy Campus intiative are partnering to sponsor a QPR (question, persuade, refer) event for students, faculty and staff that is aimed at saving lives through suicide prevention.
PASSPORT TO GLOBAL KOREA: From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Pegasus Theater in the Liberal Arts Building, Korean American novelist Chang-Rae Lee will lead a discussion. The Kyopo Project, an Asian American portraiture that was featured in the Smithsonian, will also be featured. BSA: From 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. UCO’s Black Student Association will host an Open Mic Night in Constitution Hall in the Nigh University Center with the collaboration of Oklahoma City’s Ordinary People Lounge. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016
Tuesday Sept. 13, 2016 SPB: From 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. UCO’s Student Programming Board will be
by the Clock Tower for a Snapchat Geofilter contest where students can enter a design for the SPB Snapchat.
SAFE: From 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. UCO’s Student Alliance for Equality is
hosting a fall picnic in Plunkett Park where there will be pizza and games.
Friday, Sept. 16, 2016
BSA: From 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. UCO’s Black Student Association will be in
the Robert S. Kerr Room in the Nigh University Center for a Battle of the Sexes event where they will discuss controversial issues between men and women.
T:9.75 ‘’
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL: At 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. UCO’s Women’s Volleyball will play against Northwestern Oklahoma State University in
Hamilton Field House.
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8
The Forgotten of OK
FORGOTTEN
Cara Johnson @cara_johnson_ Photo Editor
Oklahoma is typically referred to by millenials as “boring”, “old”, and “the last place we want to be.” Our generation has lost touch with the traditions and history of the Heartland, and don’t see past the ever-changing weather and occasional stench of Purina dog food wafting over the city. Recently, I’ve found myself under the same impressions, stuck in the same rut of “anywhere but here.” But Oklahoma City is more than the sunshine going on downpour, and more than the dog food, and sometimes you have to get out of the same routine to be able to see the gems still hanging around in the city. From classic good food, to closed down staples, to old buildings still hanging around and reminding us of the past, Oklahoma is still a place with a lot of heart.
Right: The Victoria Building, built in 1901, is located on North Classen in Oklahoma City. Designed after London’s Victoria Station, it was one of the early victorian style buildings in Oklahoma. The building housed the famous Victoria Theater, which opened on July 4, 1928, showing films for 25 cents per person. Though the theater closed in 1953, it has since occupied a number of businesses, from simple offices to cafes. However, now the building remains predominately vacant, with only one tenant left on the strip. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista. Left: Milk Bottle Grocery, more famously known as the Braum’s Milk Bottle on Route 66, is a roughly 350-square foot building that once hosted a little grocery store. The store itself was built in 1930, while the milk bottle was built on top of it, of sheet metal, in 1948 as an advertisement for the company. Through the years, the building beneath the bottle has worn many hats, from the grocer to a cleaners to a BBQ shack. If there is a single Oklahoman who hasn’t seen this milk bottle, then it’s time to take a trip, remember, research, and appreciate the incredible history of this state. It can be found on North Classen in Oklahoma City. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
Below: Family-operated Brown’s Bakery has been a part of Oklahoma since 1946, baking up cakes, pastries, doughnuts, and other bakery goodies daily. Located in the Midtown Plaza district, Brown’s has never been the place to go for your fancy square doughnuts or gourmet, six-pound cupcakes, but it is the place to go for a taste of sweet, sweet history. While some prefer to go all the way to Norman for a bite of Hurt’s, there’s an iconic spot a little closer up the interstate. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
FORGOTTEN
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Right: Since 1910, Kaiser’s has been a staple on N. Walker Avenue in Oklahoma City. The old diner, known for their buffalo burgers and milkshakes, is one of the few diners that still cooks with gas, throws on some old-time tunes, and embraces the iron-tile ceiling that makes that early 1900s swank work just perfectly. Though it’s been under new ownership and management since 2014, the diner still keeps the original traditions, offering family recipe ice creams and confections. The historic burger joint is open almost every day, and is still one of the best spots in town, especially for those hipsters obsessed with the old days. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
Left: Some places, unfortunately haven’t survived the loss of interest in Oklahoma. The Charcoal Oven, off of the Northwest Expressway, opened its doors in 1958, selling Theta burgers, onion rings, and Suzy-Q-Fries. Now, after half of a decade, the burger joint has closed, and the iconic Route 66 Style sign has been removed. While the sign will be preserved with the Billborad Museum Association, the restaurant itself isn’t expected to be re-opened. At 84, owner David Wilson deserves a break, but nonetheless, Oklahomans lined up daily until the closing day to get one last taste of history. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
Getting out of the city, up the interstate to Guthrie, sits the Beacon Drive In Theatre on Division. The iconic family-owned and operated theatre, built in 1950, has been a staple of family fun and entertainment since it opened over a decade ago. In its busy season, the Beacon is open every night, showing single features for movie-lovers from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Through September and October, however, movies are only shown on the weekends, but can still be enjoyed. While it is a cash only operation, the theatre takes customers back to the days of blankets in the back of cars, popcorn from a little building in the back, and late nights of nothing but the big screen. With its old-time feel, family vibe, and classic style, the Beacon could quite possibly be the difference between “anywhere but here” and “let’s stay for a little while.” Photos by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
SWIPE RIGHT FOR SAFETY
The Rave Guardian App helps keep you safe on campus by giving you direct connections to campus safety, family, friends, and others you trust, you can feel safe anytime, knowing your Guardians are watching out for you. Set a Safety Timer Set a Safety Timer whenever you are are alone or in an unfamiliar place.
Connect with Guardians Invite family, friends, and others you trust to be part of your safety network.
Easier Emergency Communications Call UCO police for help and send text tips if you see something suspicious.
To download, search “Rave Guardian” in the App Store or Google Play Store.
Call UCO Police Services
Sign up with your UCO email address.
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11
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Alcohol, Marijuana, and Perscription Drugs:
UCO’s Top Abused Substances
Elizabeth Spence @lizzlynn Reporter
Crime on the University of Central Oklahoma campus is scarce, but when crime is committed on campus it comes in the form of substance abuse. The ruling substance on UCO’s campus is alcohol. “Alcohol has been, and will likely always be, the substance of choice for abuse on college campuses including UCO,” Jeff Harp, chief of UCO Police, said. “It is readily available everywhere and is relatively easy to obtain even if under 21 years of age.” “Intoxication causes poor decision making, danger of injury, inability to recognize risks and a lack of ability to manage multiple tasks such as the act of driving,” Harp said. Although it does occur, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) does not occur as often on the UCO campus as other campuses. UCO police officers recorded 11 DUIs this year. Sexual assault on college campuses has also come to the forefront of the 2016 election and is being addressed by the 2016 presidential candidates. “Sexual assaults most often have alcohol and/or other drugs as a contributing element to the crime,” Harp said. This could be a contributing factor in the ways that the candidates help to alleviate sexual assault
happening on college campuses such as UCO. If the topic of conversation moves to Controlled Dangerous Substances, then marijuana is the “drug” of choice. “Marijuana is the traditional drug that UCO Police has the most interactions with year in and year out,” Harp said. The legalization of marijuana for its medical use in 18 different states, such as Colorado, could lead students to be more accepting of the substance. “Oklahoma law prohibits growing it, cultivating it, selling it, distributing it, possessing it and using it in any form,” Harp said. “There may be a ballot initiative in November to legalize medical marijuana in Oklahoma but that will not make it legal for someone to possess and use it improperly while claiming a medical necessity.” This means that if students are found in possession of marijuana on campus there will be repercussions for their actions. “UCO has no tolerance for illegal use of alcohol or drugs of any form.” Harp said. “UCO students risk arrest and incarceration as well as disciplinary action by the university, which could include suspension or expulsion.” Prescription drug abuse is considered the same as marijuana, in the eyes of campus police, if the
Alcohol is typically the substance of choice among college students on campuses in America. UCO has a no tolerance policy for alcohol possesion on campus or UCO property. (Photo provided by Pixabay.)
prescription was not issued to the student. Taking prescribed medicine from parents or other students, even if the act is done in with no foul intent, it is still illegal and there are still consequences. “Prescription drug use and abuse is one of the largest health and safety
Prescription drug abuse is one of the top offender choices among college students for an easily accesible high. The penalty for prescription drugs is considered the same as marijuana possesion. (Photo provided by Pixabay.)
threats in the state and nation,” Harp said. “Overdoses of prescription medication resulting in visits to an emergency room for treatment outnumber by far overdoses of controlled substances such as heroin, cocaine, meth, etc. nationwide.” The image of prescription drugs could be seen as a harmless substance or drug but the reality of the situation is that they are more harmful than any of the substances considered dangerous in society today. “UCO police encounter illegal use of prescription drugs with much less frequency than we do marijuana, but it is still a problem for our campus, state and nation,” Harp said. “Over The Counter medicines are also abused, but reports to UCO police on this problem are not very high in number.” The University of Central Oklahoma police officers partner with other offices on the UCO campus; Residence Life and the Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention (ADAP) office assist in providing programming to UCO students. For more information or assistance with an educational program on drug and alcohol problem, students can contact UCO police station at 405974-2345 or the Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention office at 405-974-2215.
FOOTBALL
12
UCO Football Loses First Home Game
Running back Clay McKenzie, 23, dodges Pitt State in UCO’s first home game on Sept. 8, 2016. The Bronchos lost the game 31-45. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
Ike Wilcots
@ikewilcots Sports Reporter
Thursday night’s home opener for the University of Central Oklahoma’s football team was a tough one, as the Bronchos came up short against the Gorillas of Pittsburg State University 45-31. The game was an offensive showcase throughout, but the Gorillas picked up the intensity in the fourth to close it out and win their first game of the season. The Bronchos out rushed Pittsburg State with stellar plays from their two running backs, but it was the Gorillas 264 passing yards that caused havoc for the UCO defense. Junior running back Clay McKenzie was the first of the night to score as he ran in a 4-yard run for a touchdown early in the first quarter. After a 75-yard drive late in the first quarter, Senior quarterback T.J. Eckert scored an 8-yard run making the score 14-3 at the end of the first. The second quarter was more competitive from both sides as the Gorillas’ junior quarterback Thomas LePage threw an 8-yard touchdown to junior wide out Austin Panko making it 10-14. Later in the second, Pittsburg State kept it rolling with a 30-yard touchdown run by redshirt freshman Lorenzo West.
The Bronchos immediately bounced back with a 45-yard touchdown run by McKenzie making the score 21-17. McKenzie finished the game with two touchdowns and 82-yards. The Gorillas weren’t finished with the half, as they drove 80-yards down the field to set up a one yard touchdown run. As time was running out for the first half, senior kicker Seth Hiddink kicked a 48-yard field goal to tie the game 24-24 at half. The Bronchos started the third quarter with with a memorable breakaway 65-yard touchdown run
by junior running back Jake Gandara. Gandara finished with 95-yards in the game. Later in the third, Pittsburg State’s senior wide reciver Levi Copelin caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback LePage tying the score 31-31. LePage threw for 264-yards for the night. Late in the fourth Pittsburg State’s redshirt freshman Kiah Kintchen punched in a one yard touchdown. Senior kicker Chad Levin missed the PAT making the score 37-31 with 1:56 left in the game. This was the opportunity for the Broncho offense to go down and
score to take the lead, but quarterback Eckert threw a costly interception to the Gorillas’ senior linebacker Spencer Brown who returned it 25-yards for a touchdown. Pittsburg State tried and succeeded with a two-point conversion making the final score of the game 45-31. Eckert rushed for 110-yards adding a touchdown of his own for the night, while throwing for 174-yards with 2 interceptions. The UCO Bronchos (0-2, 0-2) will travel up to Hays, Kansas to face off against Fort Hays State University (1-1, 1-1) Saturday Sept 17.
Quarterback T.J. Eckert, 10, is tackled into the end zone, still scoring a touchdown for the Bronchos. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
13
VOLLEYBALL
Women’s Volleyball at Highest Ranking Ever Peter Agnitsch @PeteyPete33 Sports Reporter
UCO women’s volleyball came into their home opener on a hot streak going (4-0) in the Southeastern Oklahoma State Invitational, which the Bronchos only lost one set the entire tournament. Helping the Bronchos to the highest ranking in UCO volleyball history at no. 9 in NCAA division II. The newly ranked No. 9 UCO Bronchos hosted Oklahoma Baptist University for its home opener of the 2016 season. At the start of the first set the two teams were neck and neck with each other leading to a 7-5 score, but the then Bronchos went on a 6-0 run to make the score in the set 13-5 helping the Bronchos take control of the set and never looking back winning the set 25-18. Sophmore outside hitter Ijeoma Njenje played phenomenally in the first set by having 6 of her team high 9 kills in the game. The Bronchos dominated the second set with the help of senior outside hitter Taylor Bevis, who had a thunderous kill in the set making the score 17-8. Bevis also scored the final point of the set helping the Bronchos win the second set with ease 25-11. The third and final set was the most difficult for the Bronchos going
Fulani Petties jumps up to spike the ball during a home game against Oklahoma Baptist University on Wednesday, Sept. 7. The Bronchos won 3-0. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
back and forth with OBU, but the high powered UCO offense proved to be to tough for OBU to keep up with. Leading to UCO closing the set on a kill from Sophomore middle blocker Jordan Spence making the final The UCO offense was led by senior setter Katy Davis. Who helped set up the two kill leaders of the game Njenje and Bevis. Davis had a team high 31 assists with the next closest player
on the team only recording one. While Davis’s performance was geared toward the offense, Senior middle blocker Allison Barr and freshman defnesive specialist Dominique Lipai led the UCO defense. Barr having a team high of 4 blocks, while Lipari led the team in digs with a total of 12. With this win under the Bronchos belt they remain undefeated on the
season at (5-0) and look to carry their undefeated streak into the Tarleton State classic this weekend. The next chance to catch the Bronchos at home will be Friday Sept. 16 at 12 p.m. at Hamilton Field House in the UCO Crossover Tournament against Northwesern Oklahoma State University.
UCO’s first home volleyball game was on Wednesday, Sept. 7 in the Hamilton Field House. The Bronchos faced off against Oklahoma Baptist University and won 3-0. Photo by Ryan Naeve.
BUCKING BRONCHO
14
The Bucking Broncho:
The Greatest Athlete of Our Time May Be Serena Williams
A. Suave Francisco @SuaveFrancisco_ Sports Editor
How many athletes have actually been dominant in their respective sport for over a span of two decades? You may be able to think about a handful of athletes that played for 20-plus years, but how long were they in their prime? Serena Williams turned pro on Sept 24, 1995. It’s now 2016 and she is ranked No. 1 in singles. Unfortunately, if you ask the average sports fan who the most athletic and dominant athlete was, they wouldn’t say Serena Williams. Williams started her career well-respected. Everyone knew that she would be a special player one day when she beat some of tennis’ best in the mid-to-late 1990s. Following a few years of dominance, Williams finally earned that No. 1 ranking on July 8, 2002. She was just 20 years old. She reached that milestone before she could legally have a drink in America. With all the hype surrounding all the superior male athletes, why does Serena Williams often times go unnoticed? Tennis isn’t a widely popular professional sport in America, but shouldn’t a good-looking woman with an electric attitude and most importantly, unbelievable athletic ability get more attention than she’s gotten? Why are there still some people arguing that Maria Sharapova’s career has been better than Serena’s? If you
Serena Williams returns a shot to Karolina Pliskova, of the Czech Republic, during the semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
think that’s a ludicrous statement, then your head is probably in the right place. Currently, Williams holds the most major singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles combined amongst all male and female active players with 38, placing her fourth all-time and second in the open era. The list could go on. I’ll spare you the time. Just take my word for it, she’s been practically unstoppable. Williams could potentially be the best athlete we’ve seen in the past 20 years. With her clear dominance, this shouldn’t be a question anymore either...but it is.
Women tend to be subjected to underestimation in general, but especially in the athletic world. It’s just hard for some people to grasp that pound-for-pound. A woman can be just as or more athletic than a male athlete. To make things worse, Williams is a black woman. Knowing about the struggles the black community currently encounters right now in America, this topic is sort of a double-negative for Williams. Many do appreciate her talent, but more people should. Her “prime” has been a total of 14 years now. From her first No. 1 ranking to now, but
there are still comparisons between her and other tennis athletes in her generation. Even if we switch up, and compare her to men in other sports, Kobe Bryant for instance. Similar career, a well-respected athlete from the mid-1990s to 2016. Evaluating these players careers, you can still see where Williams’ greatness remains unmatched. Bryant played for 20 years and his last few seasons were below average. However, after 21 seasons Williams hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Even after a loss in the 2016 U.S. Open Semifinals, Serena looks and operates like she’s still in her mid-20s. Just as explosive yet delicate as ever. Maybe, just maybe, it is time to appreciate Serena’s greatness. Not talking about in certain circles, but everywhere. Williams has proved to be an elite athlete throughout most of my lifetime and a significant portion of yours. Get rid of that ancient mindset and come into 2016. There are women, black women, that are dominant athletes.
Serena Williams returns a shot to Karolina Pliskova, of the Czech Republic, during the semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
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