The Vista Nov. 6, 2017

Volume 115, Issue 12

the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017

Tragedy in Small Texas Town

Law enforcement officials work the scene of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, in Sutherland Springs, Texas. A man opened fire inside the church in the small South Texas community on Sunday, killing more than 20 and wounding others. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

The Vista

@TheVista1903 Staff Reports

Early Sunday morning in Southerland Springs, Texas, 26-year-old Devin Kelley opened fire on a small Baptist church, killing 26 people and injuring 20 others.

In the past five years, 32 mass shootings have occurred in the United States. Of those, 10 are said to have had prior signs of mental health issues. Another 19 other shooters had an unclear history regarding their mental health.

At a recent press conference, the event was described as the largest mass shooting in Texas history.

President Trump spoke about the Texas shooting on Sunday, calling the shooter “deranged.” He stated that this event wasn’t a problem with guns, but rather a problem with mental health.

“This was not a random act of shooting, this was a man who had some mental health issues, apparently, long before this,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said.

Mental health issues or not, 283 people have been killed due to mass shootings since the beginning of 2013.

The Wilson County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt said that Kelley walked down the aisle of the First Baptist Church and fired on victims ranging from 18-months to 77-years-old.

Tackitt also said that Kelley left the church and was pursued by two community members, wrecked his car and investigators believe he shot himself afterwards.

“It was terrible,” said Tackitt, describing the inside of the scene at the church.

Kelley, received a bad conduct discharge from the Air Force after being court-martialed in 2012 for assaulting his spouse and child.

Gov. Abbott also said there is a connection between Kelley and the church. Kelley’s mother-in-law is believed to have occasionally attended.

“He seemed like a nice guy,” said Claudia Varjabedian, the manager at the Summit Vacation Resort in New Braunfels, where Kelley had recently begun working as a security guard.

Freeman Martin with the Texas Deparment of Public Safety said Kelley did not have a license to carry a concealed handgun. The mass shooting stemmed from a domestic situation and that it was not racially or religiously motivated.

I Mustache You a Favor

Jameson Johns, design student at UCO, shows off his mustache. The mustache is approximately an inch and a half long on each side. (Cara Johnson/The Vista) A story on page 8.

Nov. 7, 2017

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CONTENTS

ASL Club...........................................................................3

Around Campus / Jesus House ...........................................4-5 Commissioner Resigns / New Major....................................6-7 Movember / HASA............................................................8-9 Humor Column....................................................................11 Basketball / Football.......................................................12-13

Contents

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.

For information or questions contact at: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com

Women’s Basketball / Wrestling......................................14-15

STAFF Peter Agnitsch Faith Kelly Austin Moseley Cara Johnson Megan Thele

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor

Christian Tabak Vy Luong Alejandro Gonzalez Jonathan Goudeau Dylan Brown

Reporter Reporter Reporter Sports Reporter Humor Columnist

Michelle Pennza Ryan Naeve Hayden Barzditis Teddy Burch

Graphic Designer Photographer Photographer Adviser

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.

ASL

Nov. 7, 2017

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Signs Show Need for ASL Club Megan Thele

@1bigtimenicole Copy Editor

The American Sign Language (ASL) Club at the University of Central Oklahoma is a new organization this semester that is trying to fill the void of ASL learning opportunities on campus. "[ASL Club] is an organization to spread awareness and appreciation of Deaf culture," said Erin Viviani, ASL Club president. "We create meetings and events to learn about communication and misconceptions [about Deaf culture]."

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, American Sign Language is a language for the deaf in which meaning is conveyed by a system of articulated hand gestures and their placement relative to the upper body.

One thing that ASL Club discusses at events is the difference between deaf and Deaf. According to the club's adviser Nicole Mercer, “Big D” Deaf refers to people who associate themselves with Deaf culture, which is more than just having a medical diagnosis of profound hearing loss. However, “Small d” deaf is the medical term, which means your hearing loss is severe and you try to associate more with hearing people than the deaf community.

The club offers bi-monthly meetings and larger events for students to learn more about ASL and Deaf culture. One meeting a month is dedicated to information about Deaf culture, and has included the history of deaf rights, technology that deaf people use and the struggles of the deaf community. The other meeting is an interactive signing night, led by the club officers.

Attendees of a Fall 2017 American Sign Language Club meeting learn sign. ASL at UCO is a new organization that provides opportunities for students to learn sign language. (Provided/ UCO ASL Club Facebook)

“Signing nights are where [students] learn sign language,” Mercer said. “They teach basic phrases, conversational pieces and play games to practice.”

In order to reach more students interested in Deaf culture, they have held larger Student Transformativve Learning Record (STLR) tagged events like Deaf Awareness Day, a movie night showing “Through Deaf Eyes” and participated in Disability Awareness Days.

During Deaf Awareness Day, students could learn information about the Deaf community and try reading

lips with headphones on. Viviani said reading lips is one of the ways a deaf person can communicate, along with sign language and sometimes speaking.

"If a deaf person speaks, that doesn't mean they can hear you," Viviani said.

There have also been Silent EatOuts, where a group goes to a restaurant or cafe and helps each other sign and build on what they know. Viviani said it helps them to learn actual conversation beyond basic phrases.

The next Silent Eat-Out is Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at Othello's in downtown

A unnamed group of UCO ASL Club meeting attendees stand in front of an “ASL ROCKS!” sign made for Deaf Awareness Day 2017. (Provided/ UCO ASL Club Facebook)

Edmond.

Mercer said there has been a strong interest on campus so far. Besides ASL Club, direct translation sign language classes for Speech-Language Pathology majors and a special education program ASL seminar, there aren’t many other opportunities for students to learn sign language or about Deaf culture.

According to Viviani, many of the 180 members have some kind of connection to the Deaf community.

However, students do not have to have a connection to join.

Viviani, who has known some sign language for most of her life, said it is helpful to know at least a little bit of sign language. It can help in communication with relatives, people at work or on campus.

The club started in the Fall 2017 semester, but plans and paperwork began in the summer. Viviani said she wanted to start the club after being part of one at Edmond Memorial High School and hearing that people had asked Disability Support Services why there wasn't an ASL club on campus.

ASL Club is planning more events and collaborations for the spring semester and students can join for $5. The last Signing Night of the semester is Nov. 7 from 5-7 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 202.

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Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017 Lessons in Leadership: Oklahoma State Representative of District 84, Tammy West, will speak at Lessons in Leadership at the University of Central Oklahoma. Lessons in Leadership is a speaker series that features leaders from around the world that discuss their leadership experiences. The event is from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Constitution Hall.

SPBe Wild: The Student Programming

Board is hosting an event that features wild animals that students can interact with. Students can hold the animals and learn facts about them. The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Broncho Lake Clock Tower.

Flash Mob Meditation: At 1:15 p.m. in

the Quad Fitness Room, representatives from the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will offer meditation, tai chi, yoga and relaxation.

UCO counselor Jeff Jones will lead the group every Tuesday.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 SPB Build-A-Broncho: UCO students can donate a children’s book in exchange for the opportunity to build a stuffed Broncho or other animal. The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m in the Max Chambers Library.

Women in Politics: This event is a brunch for UCO students to be able to hear personal stories from Representative Cyndi Munson and Senator Constance Johnson. Women in Politics will focus on bills and laws that directly relate to women in Oklahoma and how to make a difference in upcoming changes. The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 421 in the Nigh University Center.

Stickball Exhibition: The Chickasaw

Nation is sponsoring the stickball exhibition to teach UCO students how to play the game of stickball. The event is from 3-5 p.m. at Plunkett Park.

Non-Traditional Student Support Group: The group is hosted by the Center for Counseling and Well-Being to help non-traditional students find support at UCO. Attendees can talk and relate their life experiences with one another in order to help meet their personal needs. The group meets from 2-3 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center.

Nov. 7, 2017

Power Nap: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is providing a place for students to take a nap from 1-2 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center.

International Support Group: This

event is a weekly support group for international UCO students. The group meets from 4-5 p.m. at the UCO International House.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 2017 Stack-Up: The Physical Education Majors Club is sponsoring Stack-Up, a speed stacking competition that more than half a million people around the world participate in to set a Guinness World Record. The event is to help UCO students develop their hand-eye coordination, as well as help develop your brain.

Stack-Up is from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second floor in Wantland Hall.

This Month With SPB: UCO students are welcomed to stop by and learn more about the SPB events planned for November. The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nigh University Center by the food court.

CMS Fall 2017 Seminar: Dr. Jerry Shaw from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School will speak about “Aging and Cancer: Are Telmores and Telomerase the Connection?” The event is from 4-5 p.m. in Room 201of Howell Hall.

UCO Volleyball: The Bronchos face con-

ference foe Emporia State at Hamilton Field House. The match starts at 6 p.m.

Trauma Recovery: This workshop ad-

dresses topics like self-soothing, the mind and body connection, effects of trauma on relationships and healthy relationships. The event is from 2-3 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center.

Stress Paws: UCO offers students to take a pause from their stress by seeing therapy dogs.

The dogs are going to be in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center from 3-5 p.m.

Cutural Diversity Fashion Show: The Black Student Association is pairing up with other organizations to host a fashion show. The show is to educate students on what Halloween costumes can become cultural appropriation.

The event is from 5-8 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms.

Around Campus

Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 Adviser Network Breakfast: The Student Organizations office is hosting a breakfast covering important topics for campus organization advisers. The event is from 8-9 a.m. in the Cherokee Room of the Nigh University Center.

UCO Veterans Day: The event is to promote the academic and professional accomplishments of student, staff and faculty veterans at UCO. There are over 1,100 veterans on campus. UCO’s Veterans Day is in Ballroom A in the Nigh University Center.

Movie Night: The Native American Student

Association is hosting a movie night to celebrate Native American film. Anyone is welcomed to attend the event. Movie Night is 7-9 p.m. in the Heritage Room.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 UCO Women’s Basketball: The Bronchos go up against Northwestern Oklahoma State University at 7:30 p.m. in Hamilton Field House.

UCO Football: The Bronchos play MIAA rival Northeastern State for the President's Cup at 3 p.m. in Tahlequah, Okla.

Monday, Nov. 13, 2017 Mind Strength: This is an open group for students to learn skills and activities on enhancing awareness. The group meets from 12-1 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center.

SAF Budget Applications Informational: This is a training for UCO student

organizations to learn how to apply for funding next school year. The event is from 2-3 p.m. in Room 202 of the Nigh University Center.

Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Support: The Center for Counseling and Well-Be-

ing and Mosaic Mental Health are teaming up to offer a gender affirming therapy group for UCO students. The group allows attendees to connect with others having similar experiences.

The session is from 3-4:30 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center.

OrgSync 101: The event is a training session to learn how organizations can use OrgSync. The workshop is from 4-5 p.m. in Room 101A of the Administration Building.

Jesus House

Nov. 7, 2017

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The Giving Not Given Dylan Brown

@DylanTaylorBro Reporter

The Jesus House recovery program is struggling to obtain donations for their annual food basket giveaway with under a month left until Thanksgiving.

Last year, Jesus House was able to give away over 2,000 baskets full of Thanksgiving dinners, but they are now asking for support for their food basket giveaway.

The program counts on Oklahomans everywhere to dedicate their time and help in order to feed the homeless on Thanksgiving.

"What we do to prepare for Thanksgiving is a lot," said Michael Bateman, executive director of Jesus House. "Our big thing is the food basket giveaway that we do every Christmas and Thanksgiving, and our biggest donation event is our Thanksgiving one.

We give away about 1,500 baskets every year."

Jesus House sits on W. Sheridan in Oklahoma City. The orgnization is collecting donations to provide those in need with food for the holiday season. (Dylan Brown/ The Vista).

Jesus House is currently struggling to have the right amount of food to be able to feed those in need this holiday season.

"Right now, we have about two turkeys and about 30 cans of green beans and other vegetables," Bateman said. "We have been told that we have a lot of stuffing coming in here pretty soon. I know that Halloween just ended so people are gearing up for Thanksgiving now and we need help.”

According to statistics from the Homeless Alliance, in 2017 there was a total of 1,368 people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City every day. However, an annual report found that 7,000 Oklahomans are considered homeless.

"We need Oklahomans to step up," Bateman said. "Oklahomans always seem to step up around this time of year, they just need to realize that we are still here."

Jesus House typically receives

more volunteers than actual donations for the baskets they give away.

"Last year, we were inundated with about 2,000 turkeys all together," said Bateman. "That is not even counting the sides we received, so it usually turns out to be a lot of food."

The list of items needed for the baskets include: turkeys, mashed potatoes, chicken broth, canned yams and much more.

"It is about caring, it's about getting involved," Bateman said.

"It's about doing something good for someone else. We have people lined up in our food line every day that we help, especially on Thanksgiving. They are in the line, not because they want to, but because they have to. So, we just encourage people to give a little bit because it goes a long way."

Volunteer shifts for the Jesus House start Nov. 20 and information on how to sign up can be found at jesushouse.org.

UCO's Professional Development Sessions Alejandro Gonzalez @TheVista1903 Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma is hosting Professional Development sessions to train on-campus employees throughout November, with each being held by different departments.

“Thankfully, the university supports the continuous development of employees and that's really what our department is about," Petties said. "Our mission is to provide opportunities for staff, faculty and student employees to grow professionally.”

With the help of the Human Resources office and more specifically, the Professional Development Department, the sessions are promoted to faculty, staff and student employees.

The Professional Development Department researched partnership with other departments at UCO to make these sessions take place every month.

“We wanted to streamline the process between the departments

and UCO employees,” said Ryan Kolb, the training and development specialist and coordinator of Professional Development.

Each month, the Professional Development Department sends out a list with the scheduled sessions, which are aimed at enhancing and furthering the experience of being a UCO employee.

The Director of Professional Development, Fran Petties, explained that her department is trying to find a new means to connect and inform UCO employees about the many resources that are available to anyone who is interested.

“We wanted to find a way to promote on-campus training that is happening on campus and also to ensure that UCO employees are aware of the tools that they can use and take advantage of," Petties said.

The sessions range from topics of new employee training to banner finance. There are sessions that focus on technology, leadership, planning, finance and more.

“We usually highlight one online

course each month just to show the 24-hour service that is offered to employees, ” Petties said.

Some of these sessions will help enhance a better working experience and help in employees personal lives. A safety training session is being held Nov. 9 by the Tatum Vorpahl, coordinator of Safety Operations.

Those who attend to this session will learn about hazardous communication, fire safety and office safety.

“It’s not only designed to help

them become better employees, but also to become better people, leaders and family members,” Petties said.

The new employee training session, taking place Nov. 13, is arranged by the Professional Development Department. This session goal will inform new employees about all of the services, programs and procedures that the university has to offer.

“When the employees get better, the University gets better,” Kolb said.

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Nov. 7, 2017

Health

State Health Commissioner Resigns Christian Tabak @TheVista1903 Reporter

Oklahoma State Health Commissioner Terry Cline and Senior Deputy Commissioner Julie Cox-Kain resigned last week following accusations of financial mismanagement within the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) by the state Board of Health.

The resignations of Cline and Cox-Kain were accepted at an emergency meeting convened last Monday by the Oklahoma State Board of Health. The meeting addressed information received from an ongoing investigation by the state auditor that the department was grappling with financial loss, resulting from years of over-expenditure and fiscal mismanagement.

“OSDH is taking steps to address the problems head on and put OSDH back on sound financial footing. In addition to steps previously taken to address the shortfall, OSDH signed an engagement letter today for a special audit by the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector’s Office to address the issues that have led to the current financial situation,” the Board said in a statement.

The department’s Business Planning Director, Felesha Scanlan, also resigned in response to the investigation. In addition, the department has confirmed that General Counsel Don Maisch is no longer employed there.

Preston Doerflinger, the state’s secretary of finance, has been appointed to replace Cline as an interim director as the department handles the ongoing audit.

“The board takes these matters very seriously and is prepared to take all steps necessary to ensure that OSDH continues its important work in the area of public health,” said Board President Martha Burger.

The health department requested an audit in September to investigate a budget shortfall that has been ongoing since the start of Fiscal Year 2018. In a statement released at the end of September, Cline stated that the department was facing a budget gap of $10 million and the agency would be forced to reduce spending.

Following Doerflinger’s appointment as interim health commissioner, the figure was revealed to be dramatically higher, amounting to a $30 million shortfall that could eventually see the agency unable to pay its employees.

“Mr. Doerflinger has been holding

In this Oct. 13, 2014, file photo, Oklahoma’s health commissioner, Dr. Terry Cline, right, speaks during a news conference in Oklahoma City. Cline has resigned as Oklahoma’s state health commissioner after the board accused him of mismanaging the health department’s finances. The board voted at an emergency meeting Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, to accept Cline’s resignation and appoint its finance secretary, Preston Doerflinger, as interim commissioner. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

talks and meetings with managers and employees around the state as well as with the entire central office staff and during these meetings he has been discussing the challenges facing the department and what his plan is to address the current financial crisis,” said Health Department spokesman Tony Sellars.

Measures taken to offset the gap include the recent announcement to end funding for nine statewide child abuse prevention programs, as well as 25 health centers by Nov. 15. More than 1,500 employees are also currently being furloughed without pay one day per each twoweek pay period to reduce expenses and the agency announced plans to lay off 12 percent of its work force early next year.

Doerflinger has said he has spoken with legislators and is confident that they will approve additional funding before the situation reaches that point. Gov. Mary Fallin has promised to support the agency as it navigates its current situation.

“My office has enlisted the help of the fiscal staff of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the State Attorney General’s Office and the Office of the State Auditor and Inspector to look into the matter to immediately investigate and bring forth clarity to the situation and offer solutions to ensure proper fiscal management of

the State Health Department,” Fallin said. “It’s critical to restore confidence in the operations and delivery of public health services. We will work with every resource available to get the agency back on firm financial ground.”

On Nov. 2, Oklahoma State Attorney General Mike Hunter requested the state auditor’s office conduct a performance audit on the agency, which could lead to criminal charges being filed depending on the audit’s findings.

Auditing state agencies as a way to hold administrations accountable for funding mismanagement during the state’s ongoing budget crisis has been a prominent point for Speaker of

the House Charles McCall. McCall helped author House Bill 2311 during the 2017 legislative session, which went into effect Oct. 1 and calls for audits of state agencies every four years.

“The burden must be on the agencies to justify their programs and spending so we can ensure that those dollars are used first and foremost for the agency’s core missions,” said McCall, R-Atoka.

The state auditor’s office has said the ongoing performance audit will likely not be completed until February 2018 and will cost the state $100,000.

The Oklahoma State Capitol is located in downtown Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma State Health Commissioner and Senior Deputy Commissioner stepped down from their positions in October. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)

UCO

Nov. 7, 2017

New Gender and Sexuality Studies Major

Erika Williams @TheVista1903

Contributing Writer

Professors at the University of Central Oklahoma are working on a proposal to create a gender and sexuality studies major to further opportunities for students interested in the interdisciplinary study.

“The proposed program would examine the ways in which constructions of masculinity and femininity affect our political system, culture and history,” said Dr. Lindsey Churchill, director of The Center, a BGLTQ+ student center and UCO’s Women’s Research Center. “This program would also examine both national and international ideas about gender, sexuality and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.”

Churchill created the gender and sexuality studies minor, which was first offered in the fall 2015 semester. According to Churchill, 35 to 50 people enroll in the minor every semester. She is also one of the professors working on the major proposal.

“The proposed major would foster critical thinking, discussion and learning about gender through various interdisciplinary collaborations,” said Churchill. “All of these issues are so important to explore.”

If approved, the earliest gender and sexuality studies could be offered as a major is fall 2019.

“There are many steps that we need to go through to create this major,” Churchill said. “We

need department approval, college approval, university approval and then the approval of the regents. The process for creating a new major takes time as we have to go through many steps.”

Churchill said that many students with a gender and sexuality studies minor have gone on to graduate school, where the minor is appealing to multiple programs. She added that there are several career opportunities for students who major in gender and sexuality studies, including: coordinator of a women’s health clinic, executive director of a foundation, psychologist, public health educator and teacher.

Students who work with The Center started a petition to raise awareness. According to Stephanie Wooley, project coordinator for The Center, this petition has about 200 signatures.

“The students have been really excited about the prospect of it being a major and they’ve gotten behind that in a big way,” Wooley said.

The Center supports the gender sexuality studies minor by hosting an annual International Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference and housing a community library.

“The Center community library has over 5,000 books, materials and manuscripts dealing with gender and sexuality,” Churchill said. “Many of these books are rare and most are not found in any library in Oklahoma.”

If added, UCO would be the first college in Oklahoma to offer gender and sexuality studies as a major.

Lindsey Churchill poses in Evans Hall in 2016. Churchill created the gender and sexuality studies minor in fall 2015, and is working with other professors on the proposal to turn it in to a major. (Provided/Vista Archives)

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Nov. 7, 2017

Movember

I Mustache You a Favor

Peter Agnitsch @peteypete33

Editor-in-Chief

The University of Central Oklahoma's Movember team raises awareness and donations for mental health awareness, with it hitting close to home for some of its group members.

"I've dealt with depression, anxiety and things like that," said Charles Spells, UCO senior and former executive director of the Men's Programming Board. "I also want other people to realize it's OK to deal with these things and to be open about it and then go get help."

Caleb Cash, assistant director of Student Engagement and the adviser of the Movember team, has had his own experiences with testicular cancer when his grandfather was diagnosed in his late 70s.

"I want to help us get to the point where we are openly talking about it and having dialogue because my grandfather did not have a dialogue about it until it was already 'yeah, I have cancer so let's talk about it now,'" Cash said.

According to the American Cancer Society, there are about 8,850 cases of testicular cancer diagnosed and close to 410 deaths so far in 2017.

Young and middle-aged men are most commonly diagnosed, with the average age of diagnosis being 33.

Mentalhealthamerica.net states that over six million males suffer from depression a year and one in five adults experience a mental health problem each year.

The UCO Movember team and the Movember Foundation both raise their donations by growing mustaches and by being physically active.

Cash said the Movember team is looking to raise $1,000 this year.

Last year, the team raised close to $500 dollars for the Movember Foundation.

According to Cash, the team never sees the money and it goes straight to the Movember Foundation to help prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health programs.

In 13 years, the charity has funded more than 1,200 men's healthcare projects across the world. According to Movember.com, they will reduce the number of men prematurely dying by 25 percent.

"This is a way for us to learn more about it, and also educate men who are in college who need to learn more about it and how it affects their lives," Cash said.

The UCO Movember team and

Men's Programming Board was formed six years ago by Jarrod Mette.

"Men typically have a problem with expressing themselves and having deep conversations about issues that may be affecting them," Mette said. “I wanted to start the Men's Programming Board because I felt the majority of men on our campus could benefit from being informed on men's health issues," Mette said.

"I think our team has grown a lot from when Movember and Men's Programming Board was created," Spells said.

Men and women are welcomed to join the UCO Movember team. Men are encouraged to grow a mustache for the month and others who cannot grow a mustache can exercise or support those who are growing mustaches.

"You can do so much more by raising awareness, just sharing our message and also getting active," Spells said.

The Movember team hosts different events throughout the month.

Shave the Date was the first event where students started the mustache process by shaving before the month of November.

Cash said the event was at UCO so participants for the team could start growing their mustaches.

The team hosts educational events over prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health awareness.

"A lot of people aren't aware of men's health issues, so just being able to inform someone about what men's health issues actually are," Spells said. "I think that is unique and it's special."

According to the American Cancer Society, one out of seven men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In 2017, there have been 161,360 new cases and 26,730 deaths from prostate cancer.

The Movember team is working on making an active event for Movember.

"The plan is to work with other organizations to create some kind of activity where people are up and moving and not just sitting," Cash said.

Every year, the team has about 30 to 50 men on campus that participate in growing a mustache for Movember.

A man has his beard shaved by a barber. Members of the UCO Movember Team have shaved their beards or mustaches in order to regrow them for the month of November for awareness. (Provided/Pixabay.com)

HASA

Nov. 7, 2017

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HASA Celebrates Day of the Dead Vy Luong

@TheVista1903 Reporter

University of Central Oklahoma students had a chance to experience a Latin American holiday at the Dia de los Muertos event hosted by the Hispanic American Student Association (HASA) Nov. 2 in the Nigh University Center.

“Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico but also in other parts of Latin America,” said Angela Vega, HASA public relations officer. “It is celebrated to honor and remember the dead [as well as] loved ones who have passed away.”

The holiday takes place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. HASA has hosted the event at UCO for several years and hundreds of people attend each year.

HASA Treasurer Marylin Segura said the event costs around $3,000.

The organization did not have to fundraise, as a majority of their funds from student activity fees covered the celebration.

Segura said the holiday allows her to understand how blessed she is to have her loved ones in her life.

“It was a beautiful feeling to be able to share part of my culture with my fellow UCO Bronchos and those who came to support from the local

Two unnamed dancers perform a traditional Mexican dance during the 2015 Day of the Dead celebration in UCO’s Nigh Ballrooms. (Provided/Vista Archives)

community,” Segura said.

Vega said people usually celebrate it by setting up altars with pictures of passed loved ones, along with flowers, food and beverages. Therefore, HASA members prepared an altar to

honor the dead.

She said in Mexican culture, sugar skulls represent the dead, so HASA members had several activities highlighting their importance.

“We had a sugar skull decorating

Ryan Davis has his face painted like a candy skull during UCO’s 2015 Day of the Dead celebration in the Nigh University Ballrooms. (Provided/Vista Archives)

table where people could get a small skull made out of sugar,” Vega said.

“We had a coloring table where we had coloring sheets of sugar skulls.”

People painted their faces like skulls to show appreciation to the dead. They could try several traditional Mexican foods as well.

“We also had traditional 'pan de muerto,' which is bread of the dead,” Vega said. “The bread is sweet and made to look like as if it has bones to represent the dead.”

The event featured several traditional performances. Dancers taught attendees dance moves to let them experience the culture. Vocalists and musicians from the UCO community performed at the event.

“We had a lotería table where people played to win prizes. Lotería is the Mexican version of bingo,” Vega said.

Segura is Miss Latina UCO and hosted a coat drive that coincided with the event.

“It is important that others are aware of the hardships people face, like homelessness, because it is a huge issue in our communities and our nation,” Segura said.

The next event HASA is planning is a Dream Act Oklahoma immigration forum Nov. 29.

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Nov. 7, 2017

UCO

New Miss Native American UCO Crowned Left: Amanda Smith of the Seminole Nation dances across the stage of Constitution Hall on Sunday, Nov. 5.

Smith, with metal cans tied to her ankles, performed a variation of a stomp dance. Smith ran on a platform of moving from appropriation to appreciation. (Cara Johnson/The Vista) Right: Kakiley Workman of the Cherokee tribe recites a Native American story in Constitution Hall on Sunday, Nov. 5. Workman ran on a platform of intertribal unity on college campuses.

(Cara Johnson/The Vista)

Hiyuce Wilson, Muscogee tribe, is crowned Miss Native American UCO 2017 on Sunday, Nov. 5 in Constitution Hall. Wilson ran on a platform of social and medical reform for Native communities, as well as mental health. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)

Contestants of the Miss Native American UCO 2017 Pageant from left Courtney Steen, Savannah Anderson, Hiyuce Wilson, Kakiley Workman and Amanda Smith. Each contestant competed in four phases on Sunday, Nov. 5 in Constitution Hall. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)

Right: Previous Miss Native American UCO, Savannah Waters, lays the shawl on the shoulder’s of Sunday night’s pageant winner, Hiyuce Wilson.

Wilson is a freshman at UCO, studying History and Wind Performance with a specialization on Horn. (Cara Johnson/The Vista) Bottom: Treasurer of the Native American Student Association, Christian Tabak, tabulates the final scores of the Miss Native American UCO pageant on Sunday, Nov. 5 in Constitution Hall.

(Cara Johnson/The Vista)

Right: Former Miss Native American UCO Savannah Waters, right, stands with the 2017 pageant runner-up, Courtney Steen, on Sunday, Nov. 5 in Constitution Hall. Steen ran on a platform of addressing police brutality in Native communities. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista)

Savannah Anderson of the Cherokee tribe shows off her traditional Native American Dress in Constitution Hall on Sunday, Nov. 5. Anderson ran on a platform of increasing the representation of Native Americans in literature. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)

Humor Column

Nov. 7, 2017

11

Lanes Divide Left and Right

Warning: This is a Fictional Column Intended for Satire Oklahoma's new 'Left Lane Law' has many drivers concerned that the new law is a way to give left-handed people an advantage when driving.

However, the law that was passed requires Oklahoma drivers to not drive in the very far left lane, unless they intend to be passing other vehicles on the right side.

"It's called the right side for a reason," said Carl Wittleston, an Oklahoma resident who doesn't agree with the new law. "It's called that because it is the righteous side of the road. I don't know if these lawmakers know this or not, but right-handed people have rights, and this is taking away our right to drive wherever we please."

A recent rally was held in downtown Oklahoma City last week to protest the 'specialized treatment of left-handed people.' Unfortunately nobody showed up because the flier instructed people to meet on the 'right side of town' and many were confused if that meant directionally or morally.

"That was my fault, I should have made that clearer," said Wittleston. "There were people scattered throughout the city, I just thought it was a very clever way of making our point known."

Many right-handed people have begun calling out those in favor of the new law as 'Hand Haters.'

"These Hand Haters walk around thinking that right-handed people don't matter anymore," said Wittleston. "I could surgically remove my left hand and it wouldn't make a difference to me. That's because the right hand is the righteous hand, it is a plain scientific fact that nobody could deny."

"I surgically removed my left hand," said Austin Farraday, the lead scientist at the Edmond Ivy League College University. "This time, the experiment is going to whole new levels. To not be tempted to surgically re-attach my left hand, I threw it in the garbage. I am going to commit myself to this experiment by taking any options out of the equation."

The scientists at EILCU began a complicated experiment to see just how useful the left hand can be to a

(Provided/Pixabay.com)

person.

"The results? Well, I immediately noticed I have been left-handed all my life," said Farraday. "This was something that I did not realize throughout my life, it kind of just

(Provided/Pixabay.com)

was and I have never questioned it.

Needless to say, that was a difficult barrier during the entirety of the experiment."

Farraday found himself re-learning how to do many everyday tasks that

would have been easier had he still had his left hand.

"This experiment should have been done a different way, I'll be the first to admit that," said Farraday. "But then I realized, the experiment would work better if a left-handed person, like myself, had their right hand removed to really know if they can live without it."

Farraday surgically removed his right hand and re-attached it to his left arm and began the experiment.

"I'm going to be the first to admit, this didn't work from a science standpoint," said Farraday. "I guess there are nerve endings and stuff that don't match with the left arm and right hand. So, now I find myself with a lifeless right hand on my left arm. This experiment is over and I'm going to the garbage dump to look for my left hand."

Wittleston and many others are still fighting Oklahoma legislature to turn back the left lane law.

"The Hand Haters at the Capitol have left us with no other option," said Wittleston. "We are going to the right side of the capitol building and we are going to demand for them to shut-down the left side of all Oklahoma roads. This time, I'm going to specifically put in the flier that the east side of the capitol is the right side."

12

Nov. 7, 2017

Sports

SPORTS

UCO Ready to Take Charge Austin Moseley @Austin_Moseley Sports Editor

The University of Central Oklahoma men’s basketball team starts their season this Friday following an offseason that included several Division I transfers.

Last year the Bronchos finished 17-12, making it to the second round of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Tournament. This year, head coach Tom Hankins said he has high hopes for his team.

“I will be disappointed if we don’t make the NCAA tournament this year,” Hankins said.

Hankins said coming into this season they wanted to add more size to their team, as they struggled defensively at times with their smaller guards. Last year, the Bronchos were 7th out of 14 teams in the MIAA in defensive scoring, allowing 70.1 points per game. Hankins said that the transfers they added throughout the offseason will help the team make the next step defensively.

“All the guys that we’ve got this year have been a great fit,” Hankins said.

Anthony Roberson, a transfer from Texas State, said he joined UCO so he could be closer to his brother Andre Roberson, who is a guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, two weeks ago Roberson broke his hand during practice. Hankins said Roberson broke it when he got his hand caught while trying to fight through a screen, but they hope to get him back in early December.

When Roberson does return, Hankins is excited about the impact he can make on both ends of the floor.

“He’s a phenomenal defender, rebounder and he will be a very good scorer at this level,” Hankins said.

Roberson last played at Texas State, where he averaged 4.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

Some other additions over the offseason include Phabian Glasco and Marqueese Grayson. Glasco is a 6-foot-7 power forward/center who

Jake Hammond, No. 32, defends the home basket at the UCO vs. Central Missouri Men’s game at the Hamilton Field House on February 2, 2017. (Provided/Vista Archives)

transferred to UCO from Western Kentucky for his junior year.

“He’s going to rebound a lot for us and really help us defensively and score around the basket,” Hankins said.

Grayson, on the other hand, is a senior and transferred from the University of Albany. Hankins said Grayson is a great 3-point shooter and is capable of scoring in a variety of ways. The guard out of Tomball, Texas, averaged 4.8 points and shot 38.6 percent from the three-point line in 16.9 minutes per game.

The Bronchos also return several starters from last year such as Corbin Byford, Josh Holliday, Marquise Johnson, Jake Hammond and Jordan London. Byford is a player Hankins said he is happy to have back as he enters this year as a sixth-year senior after applying for an injury hardship

ruling.

This ruling allows a player to request an additional year if they suffered an injury that forced them to miss a significant amount of time.

Byford is a returning Second-Team All-MIAA who averaged 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

There are also a couple of freshmen that Hankins said to keep an eye out for. Jordan Hemphill and Kyle Keener are two newcomers Hankins said he expects to have an impact this season.

Hemphill is a 6-foot-5 guard from Arkansas who Hankins said he expects to have a great career at UCO. During his final year in high school, Hemphill won Class 7A West Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

Keener is a player Hankins said has made quite the impression over

the offseason. Keener is a 6-foot-7 forward from Sand Springs, Oklahoma who Hankins said they were considering red shirting. However, once they saw his performance on the court, Hankins said they could not afford to keep him off the floor.

“He’s played so well and his basketball IQ is so high,” Hankins said.

“When he’s in the game, good things happen.”

With these transfer players, and with incoming freshmen such as Hemphill and Keener, Hankins said he has a very unselfish, experienced and deep roster.

“If we can continue to stay healthy, we’ve got 10 guys that can contribute,” Hankins said. “If we can get everyone to buy in and be all about the end result of the team then I think we have a chance to be really, really good."

Sports

Nov. 7, 2017

13

Bronchos Become Bowl Eligible Jonathan Goudeau @Goudeau_jdg

Sports Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos are now bowl eligible after their 27-10 win against Washburn.

The Bronchos overcame turnovers early on in the game to advance to 6-4 on the season.

"I'm really proud of our defense today," head coach Nick Bobeck said. "This game didn't start out very pretty for us on offense, but our defense had their backs. The ball hit the ground too many times in the first half, but the defense just kept forcing turnovers to give us a shot."

The Bronchos’ defense forced seven turnovers, three fumbles, two interceptions and two turnovers on downs. Linebacker Colton Lindsey led the defensive charge, notching 11 tackles, including one tackle for loss that forced a turnover on downs at the UCO 1-yard line.

Defensive backs Stephan Robinson and Trent Ellis both had interceptions and defensive end Justin Stewart registered two sacks and a forced fumble. Linebacker Alex Figueroa had a strong game, registering seven tackles and one sack.

Offensively, quarterback Chas Stallard finished 29 of 37 passing, with 287 yards and two touchdowns through the air and 79 yards on the ground. Running back Bruce White finished as the Bronchos leading rusher, rushing for 81 yards on 18 carries. Wide receiver J.T. Luper led in receiving, hauling in 12 catches for 134 yards and a touchdown that tied the school record for receiving touchdowns in a season with 11.

H-back Daxton Williams, No. 88, runs the ball during the game against Washburn on Saturday, Nov. 4. The Bronchos won the game 27-10. (Scott Sewell/Washburn Sports Information)

Luper finished 22 yards short of the single-season record for receiving yards. So far this season, Luper has 95 catches for 1,456 yards and 11 touchdowns.

"He just keeps working hard and getting it done," Bobeck said. "He's such a hard worker and that makes up for a lot of what you see him doing."

Washburn struck first, hitting a 31-yard field goal after recovering a UCO fumble to take a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter. Following a missed 24-yard field goal by

Broncho kicker Alex Quevedo, the defense came up with their first turnover off a forced fumble by Omari Cole. Eight plays later, Stallard connected with wide receiver Josh Crockett for a 30-yard touchdown to take a 7-3 lead late first quarter.

The Bronchos forced another turnover on the next drive as Stewart's sack forced a fumble that he recovered. That resulted in a 39-yard Quevedo field goal to make it 10-3 early in the second quarter. Quevedo hit a 31-yard field goal on the following drive to give the Bronchos a 13-3

Running back Bruce White, No. 22, ran for 81 yards on 18 carries against Washburn on Saturday, Nov. 4. (Scott Sewell/Washburn Sports Information).

lead, which would be the score at the half.

The Bronchos’ defense started the second half strong as Robinson intercepted his team-high fourth interception of the season, that led to a 23yard touchdown pass from Stallard to Luper to make it 20-3 early in the third quarter. After a series of stops by both teams, Washburn scored their only touchdown of the evening as quarterback Blake Peterson hit wide receiver Carey Woods to make it a 10-point game, 20-10 with 6:27 left in the game.

The Bronchos sealed the game on the following drive as they went 75-yards in 12-plays that ended in a 1-yard touchdown run by backup quarterback Chandler Garrett. The touchdown gave UCO a 27-10 lead with 45 seconds left to finish off their fourth straight win and secure a winning season.

"Probably the defense," Bobeck said about what has keyed the fourgame winning streak. "We weren't getting off the field soon enough early in the season, and we weren't forcing as many turnovers. Those guys have really stepped up."

The Bronchos will look to make it five straight wins as they travel to Tahlequah to take on rival Northeastern State in the President's Cup, where they will try to extend the series win streak to four. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

14

Nov. 7, 2017

Sports

Bronchos Start Sooner Than Later Ryan Jackson

@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer

The University of Central Oklahoma women's basketball team lost in an exhibition matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners last Friday 86-64.

UCO women's basketball head coach Guy Hardaker said that going into the game they were not focused on the scoreboard, they were just focused on playing each possession and working on what they needed to do.

"I thought the girls fought them really hard," Hardaker said. "I was pretty pleased with our effort."

The matchup against the Sooners, held at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, was the final exhibition game for the Bronchos before they start off the regular season.

"We obviously have some issues that we need to address," Hardaker said. "That’s a real good basketball team down there and I felt that our girls didn’t shy away. I think it’s a growth in the right direction."

The only players to reach double-digits in points were junior guard Blake Blessington, leading the team with 17 points and junior guard Megan Hartness with 11 points.

The Sooners were not the only team that UCO faced during their preseason. The Bronchos also played junior college Connors State College and Newman University prior to playing the Sooners on Friday.

Coach Hardaker said he tried different offensive and defensive

Jesheon Cooper, No. 42, passes the ball to one of her teammates in UCO’s exhibition game against OU Friday night, Nov. 3.

(Hayden Barzditis/The Vista)

schemes during those games, but admitted that it was harder to do so against OU because they were faster and bigger than the Bronchos.

"We struggled a little bit offensively getting the ball moving," Hardaker said, "I think if we didn’t give up

so many layups in transition and so many offensive rebounds and we maybe could have kept it close. I just felt like they were probably six or seven points a period better than us."

With UCO's preseason over, they can focus on the regular season as

they travel to Durant, Okla. for the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA)/Great American Conference (GAC) Challenge.

In the tournament, UCO and Northeastern State University from the MIAA conference face off against Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Northwestern Oklahoma State University from the GAC conference.

The Bronchos face Southeastern Oklahoma on Friday Nov. 10 and then face Northwesten Oklahoma the next day.

"It's kind of a fun way to get a couple of games in," Hardaker said.

"Plus, it gives us some bragging rights from conference to conference. We're looking forward to it and to see where our team will be at that point. We got a whole week of practice and hopefully we’ll continue to get better."

Melinda Murillo, No. 22, drives to the net in UCO’s exhibition game against OU at the Lloyd Noble Center Friday, Nov. 3. The Bronchos lost to the Sooners 86-64. (Hayden Barzditis/The Vista)

`

Nov. 7, 2017

Sports

15

Wrestling Wraps Up Weekend Play Kurtis Johnson

@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer

The University of Central Oklahoma wrestling team opened their season this weekend, beginning with a Bronze and Blue game Thursday, followed by a duel with Oklahoma Wesleyan on Saturday, before wrapping up at the Oklahoma City Open on Sunday.

On Thursday in intersquad action, the Bronze team won 29-12 after they won eight of the 12 matches.

Five of the eight victories for Bronze were decisions, two were major decisions and the one and only fall in the match was Canon Randall pinning Von Gray at 1:31 in their 125-pounds match.

All team Blue victories came via decision.

Saturday’s action saw the Bronchos beat NAIA newcomers Oklahoma Wesleyan 51-0, pushing a school-record winning streak spanning three seasons to 26.

The Bronchos were led by Rio Zamora, Reid Rodich and Joel Dixon, who all scored first-period falls. Mason Thompson had a win by technical fall, Blake Dauphin won by major decision, and Zac D’Amico and Kyle Factor won their matches by shutouts. There were also three forfeits.

Dixon, at 197-pounds, provided the Bronchos with the quickest fall of the afternoon at 0:55, while Rodich, at 184-pounds, pinned his opponent at 1:40, and Zamora, at 133-pounds, had his opening period fall at 2:55.

Thompson wrapped up his 165-pound match with a 15-point technical fall 16-1 at 2:50, while Dauphin, at 141-pounds, scored a major decision with his eight-point victory 12-4.

D’Amico, at 125-pounds, scored a 1-0 victory thanks to an escape with 17 seconds left in the second period,

Noah McQuigg, blue, throws Tim Null, grey, over his shoulder Thursday, Nov. 2 during the Bronze and Blue Scrimmage at Hamilton Field House. Bronze won the scrimmage with an overall score of 29-12. (Hayden Barzditis/The Vista)

and Factor won his match by decision 3-0 in his 285 heavyweight after scoring a second-period escape and takedown.

On Sunday, six Bronchos captured medals in the Oklahoma City Open, hosted by Oklahoma City University at Abe Lemons Arena.

"In a tournament like this, there is a ton of experience to be gained," UCO Head Coach Todd Steidley said. "I think the younger guys did a good job of that. They worked hard and I'm proud of them. I want to say too [sic] that I'm really proud of Lucas and Gray for winning their brackets, and Rio and Rodich for

getting to the finals. We had a pretty good day out here."

In the freshman/sophomore division, Ty Lucas, at 149-pounds, and Heath Gray, at 184-pounds, both captured first place finishes after going 5-0, while Tanner Cole finished second in 133-pounds and Tracy Reeder in 157-pounds placed third with identical 4-1 records.

A pair of upper classmen, Rio Zamora, at 133-pounds, and Reid Rodich, at 184-pounds, wrestled in the open division of the tournament, where both finished in second place.

“We did really well at the OCU Open this week. A lot of the guys

who went are younger guys who will likely redshirt this season, so it was good for them to get on the mat and get that experience," Chris Brannick, director of sports media relations at UCO said. "And the older guys did really well too. Rio Zamora and Reid Rodich competing in the Open Division and getting second is a really good step for us this early in the season.”

The Bronchos are in action again when they return to OCU to face the Stars on November 15.

Next Year’s FAFSA is Now Available!

The 18-19 FAFSA is now available October 1.

APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE for OTAG.

Beginning 18-19 Oklahoma Promise students must complete the FAFSA each year.