INSIDE
THEVISTA University of Central Oklahoma
• Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 2 • Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 3 • Bronze and Blue . . . . . . . PAGE 4 • Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 6 • Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 7 & 8
The Student Voice Since 1903
WWW. UCO360.COM Study finds current college students study less than predecessors Adam Holt
WEDNESDAY • June 6, 2012
Endeavor Games
UCO seeking volunteers for Endeavor Games 500 athletes from around the world are set to compete June 7-10 Volunteers needed at sites across Edmond.
Staff Writer A study by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) suggests that college students of today study less than those of decades past. The NSSE is a survey where over 1,400 four-year colleges in the U.S. and Canada participate. The results of this survey are used to analyze student effort and use of time as well as how institutions deploy resources and organize curriculum. One finding of the NSSE is that today’s average full-time student studies 15 hours a week. This differs from the traditional idea of studying two hours for every one hour of class per week, which would equal 24 hours. Researchers have raised a number of theories to why this is. One idea concerns the rising cost of higher education and students taking on jobs to be able to pay for it. Archers take aim at practice targets June 10, 2011, at The Endeavor Games. Photo by Liz Boyer, The Vista Bruce Lochner, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Bryan Trude dom, so it is becoming more broad than as just a have the opportunity to qualify for the 2012 ParaStudent Counseling at UCO United States-only event. It is becoming a global lympics, beginning Aug. 29 in London, England. agrees with this assertion. Senior Staff Writer event.” Leatherwood cited the story of Jeremy Camp“I feel there is less economVolunteers are asked to work three to five hour bell, a 2004 Endeavor Games athlete who earned ic support for students,” said The UCO Wellness Center is searching for vol- shifts as the Endeavor Games hosts 11 events, for a sponsorship from his performance, who went on Lochner. to set the world record in discus at the 2008 Paraunteers for the 13th annual Endeavor Games, to athletes ranging from 3 to 63 years of age. Lochner also feels that toWhile volunteers will receive a T-shirt – and de- lympics in Beijing, China. be held June 7-10 on the UCO campus along with day’s generation of college pending on the hours scheduled, lunch – for some In addition, U.S. Paralympics will also be hoststudents are more likely to sites at Edmond North High School and the UCO the benefits of volunteerism extends far beyond ing clinics in several events prior to the start of Lake Arcadia Outdoor Adventure Recreation Cenhave different burdens to the material. the games in archery, ambulatory track, ambulacarry than those students in ter. For Trade and Industrial senior Michael Lopez, tory field, cycling, power lifting, rowing, sitting “The games is a sporting event for the physically the past. who volunteers with the U.S. Paralympic Sitting volleyball, shooting, swimming, wheelchair track “Today’s students have disabled,” Grant Leatherwood, Endeavor Games Volleyball team, volunteering for events such as and wheelchair field. media representative, said. “It’ s for any range of more complex lives. They are the games offers a chance for personal growth. “It’s not just the competitors, we need the voldoing more things,” he said. physical disability, it could be an amputation, it “It’s a sense of accomplishment, just to see and unteers,” Leatherwood said. “Without them, this could be a paralysis, anything like that.” “You see students who may Leatherwood said that the games were expecting help,” Lopez said. “When I volunteer, I really don’t event could not have happened for the last 13 be caregivers to a member of around 500 competitors from around the world know how to explain that feeling. How can you years.” their family, or have part-time Students interested in volunteering can register and were in need of at least 200 volunteers pri- explain it? I felt good just because I was able to or full-time jobs, and more help, and just to be able to see it.” online at www.ucoendeavorgames.com by clicking marily to work track and field events at Edmond who are in organizations.” The games will feature indoor and outdoor ar- on “Volunteer Registration.” Students with quesNorth, as well as drive athletes between event sites, chery, cycling, swimming, power lifting, table tions about volunteering can contact Coordinator hotels and Will Rogers World Airport in OKC. Continued on page 4 “Last year we had 37 states represented at the tennis, track and field, sitting volleyball, three-on- Channing Winblad at (405) 974-3142, or by email games,” Leatherwood said. “We also had athletes three wheelchair basketball and shooting sports. at ucoendeavor@uco.edu. from Puerto Rico, Turkey and the United King- Competitors who meet the age requirements will
State
New Medical Examiner office, ‘Master Lease Program’ on hold OK universities await Attorney General Pruitt’s opinion of the constitutionality of the program. Trevor Hultner
Staff Writer UCO and other universities across Oklahoma have halted planned building projects until the state Attorney General, E. Scott Pruitt, releases an opinion on the constitutionality of the “Master Lease Purchase Program,” which is described by the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education as being “a method of financing the acquisition of major personal and real property that will provide cost efficiencies in finance and administration.” The man who asked the Attorney General to give his opinion and put the program on hold was state Sen. Patrick Anderson, whose opposition to the program includes criticism of UCO adding the construction of the Medical Examiner’s Office to the Master Lease project list. “I believe there are some fundamental flaws in the manner in which the Master Lease programs have been established and are operated that make them unconstitutional,” Anderson, a Republican from Enid, said in a statement on May 10. “The original purpose of these programs was to allow colleges and universities to save money when purchasing copiers and computers, but has now ballooned to annual multimillion dollar requests.” Fellow state Sen. Clark Jolley, a Republican from Edmond, has been lobbying hard for relocating the Medical Examiner’s Office near UCO. He said in a telephone interview
on Friday that Anderson likely doesn’t have a problem with the Medical Examiner’s office being moved here. “I think he voted with me on passing the bill that’s bringing the ME’s office to Edmond,” he said. “I think, for him, it’s more of an issue with the constitutionality of the entire program.” This seems to pan out in some of Anderson’s other statements. “My only political interest is to protect the taxpayers of Oklahoma from what I believe is an unconstitutional issuance of debt,” Anderson said in a response to some of Jolley’s public statements on May 14. “I have challenged the Master Lease Program because it is used to issue millions of dollars of debt without a vote of the people or a vote of the Legislature – that clearly violates our state Constitution.” Jolley contends that, at least in the case of the relocation of the ME’s office, a vote of the Legislature was in fact cast. The State Medical Examiner’s office lost accreditation in 2009, due in large part to “poor facilities, poor equipment and a backlog of cases,” according to Jolley. In 2010, Dr. Collie Trant was replaced as Chief Medical Examiner by Dr. Eric Pfeifer. “To be honest, Edmond North High School’s science lab is better than what the Medical Examiner’s office has,” Jolley said, referring to the ME’s central office near OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. “The current location In this April 2010 photo, state senator Scott Pruitt address reporters at the Oklahoma can’t be retrofitted, and it can’t be remodeled.” State capital. Now the current Oklahoma state Attorney General, Pruitt will soon Also in 2010, Anthony Sykes, a state sena- release his opinion on the constitutionality of the Master Lease Purchase Program. Photo provided
Opinion
THEVISTA
Page 2
June 6, 2012 Signed Editorial
Pencils in the rain
THE VISTA 100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034 (405)974-5549 vistauco@gmail.com
The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, semi-weekly during the academic year except exam and holiday periods, and only on Wednesdays during the summer, 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, with a maximum of 250 words, and must include the author’s printed name, title, major, classification and phone number. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.
While reporting during a Westboro Church counter-protest last summer, a colossal grey-cloud sky burst, and torrential rain made shirts, shorts stick to skin. The posters of contention bent in the wind. A mass of bikers, veterans, children, and churchgoers crammed under shelter, while a select few fought the downpour. I was desperately seeking interviews, and I finally found a Vietnam veteran holding two American flags. He nodded with each question asked. His responses were slow. But in the middle of the counter-protest, in the middle of the downpour, he stared at the ink getting wet on the pages of my notebook. As his answers to my questions bled into a wasted watercolor, he told me something I’ll never forget. “You know after we went to space, NASA spent millions of dollars to make a pen that would write upside down. You know what the Russians did?” I shook my head and said no. “They used a pencil.”
With a pencil, a writer can make a mistake and quickly erase it. Pencils don’t bleed. Words written in pencil do not blend, do not distort. However time does cause words written in pencil to fade quickly. Using a pencil is like practicing journalism. Any mistake made in journalism must be fixed immediately. To erase the mistake, apologies must be written. Journalistic endeavors don’t blend with interest groups. The writing is free of bias. And like writing with a pencil, the work put into crafting a newspaper is forgotten the day after it hits the shelf. Journalists live for today. The best often go unnoticed. The worst often slant for political gain. It’s important to remember that journalism is a key to democracy. As I take over as Editor-In-Chief, I aim to not only continue a legacy left behind by the previous editor, but to also maintain our newspaper’s dedication to truth. While the writers and editors hold the
most responsibility for maintaining the truth, I also ask that students and faculty on the campus participate with the paper. The Vista’s strength lies in students and faculty that are quick to make information free and quick to correct wrongs. Feel free to write letters to editor so we can do our best work. I promise that The Vista will serve the interests of students, but never at the expense of the truth. Writing in pencil may fade quickly, but it keeps us current. Journalism makes us live for the day. I hope this paper keeps aid you in your quest of knowledge.
Josh Hutton Editor-In-Chief
The editorial is the opinion of one of The Vista’s management or editorial staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire paper, the University of Central Oklahoma or the Board of Regents for Oklahoma Colleges. Comment on this editorial at UCO360.com.
Address letters to: Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 730345209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to vistauco@gmail.com.
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STAFF
Management
Editorial
Joshua Hutton, Editor-In-Chief Ben Luschen, Managing Editor Sarah Neese, Copy Editor Chris Brannick, Sports Editor
Bryan Trude, Senior Staff Writer Josh Wallace, Staff Writer Mervyn Chua, Staff Writer Trevor Hultner, Staff Writer Adam Holt, Staff Writer Whitt Carter, Staff Writer
Graphic Design Michael McMillian
Advertising
Photography
Brittany Eddins
Kathleen Wells, Photo Editor
Circulation Joseph Choi
Adviser Mr. Teddy Burch
Editorial Comic Evan Oldham
Cartoon by Evan Oldham
Why are you taking summer classes? T.C. ROSS
DEVON YOUNG
CARRIE ATHERTON
PAUL GILMORE
Community Health - Senior
Community Health - Senior
Accounting - Sophomore
Science Education - Senior
“To get enough hours to graduate in May.”
“To graduate on time. I transfered and changed my major once.”
“So I can graduate sooner, that’s the main reason.”
“Loan money mostly.”
News
THEVISTA
Page 3
June 6, 2012
Government
Plan may prevent fraud in food program
Proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program may prevent fraud and ensure the provided credit is used things like food. Photo Provided
Josh Wallace
Staff Writer
On May 24, the Agriculture Department outlined its proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which would allot more power to states in order to combat fraud. SNAP fraud is estimated to cost taxpayers roughly $750 million each
year. The changes would affect assistance recipients who request replacement Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards three times or more in a year. Currently Oklahoma ranks among the top of the list when it comes to the percentage of people requesting replacement EBT cards more than three times a year along with South Dakota, Washington D.C., Wash-
ington state, and Minnesota. EBT cards are similar to credit or debit cards, issued with a personal identification number (PIN) required for purchases. Those who are approved for SNAP receive their benefits each month in an account tied to the card. The outlined changes would allow states to seek detailed explanations from recipients who request multiple replacement wcards. Failure to provide adequate explanation could result in being denied new EBT cards. Currently the state can request information from recipients upon their request for a replacement card but cannot deny issuing a new EBT card to those already approved for SNAP assistance. The new policy is aimed at stopping assistance recipients from selling their EBT cards. According to Mark Beutler, Communications Director for Oklahoma DHS, “Fraud varies from individual to individual; the more common way of committing fraud is known as ‘trafficking.’ Recipients sell the EBT card to a retailer, usually for 50 cents on the dollar in exchange for cash.” EBT fraud comes in other forms, such as sale among private individuals. According to a source who chose to remain anonymous, “They’ll sell the card til somebody gets the money, then they’ll cancel it. Run a little ol’ scam on somebody, give them the card, get the money, then cancel it the next day.” On top of getting the full value of the card at half price, individuals who buy the cards
are then able to buy SNAP approved foods from stores tax-free. Those selling their EBT cards for cash are then able to spend the money they received without restriction, and according to the anonymous source, “most of them use it to pay bills.” The Oklahoma Inspector General’s office reports that 3,500 SNAP complaints were investigated in 2011. Penalties for SNAP violations range from program disqualification — which could be permanent if caught trafficking benefits $500 or more — to repayment and possible jail time. As of April 2012, 276,491 Oklahoma households were receiving SNAP assistance, with a total of 603,888 individuals covered in the program. Over 30 percent of Oklahoma children are fed through SNAP benefits. Although costly to taxpayers, Beutler would add that EBT fraud accounts to less than one percent in overall SNAP benefits. He added, “Oklahoma is already very aggressive in its fraud prevention and detection tactics. We welcome any rule changes that will allow us to further prevent abuse of the system. SNAP is designed to put food on the table for our most vulnerable citizens, and any abuse will not be tolerated. “For those who may try to circumvent the process, we employ a number of tactics, such as electronic monitoring and undercover work. If you try to commit fraud, there’s a very good chance you will be caught and prosecuted.”
Little Miss Sunshine By Kara Stewart Do It Well Whatever you do, do it well. For most of us, that’s a variety of things, from sons and daughters, to significant others, to students, workers, basic members of society. Somehow I highly doubt that anyone can excel at each individual role, so let’s pick just a few and do them really well. For me, I excel at tossing my own entire cosmos into the crapper. And for those of you learning to acquire this skill, allow me to show you how it’s done. Unlike most gifted with a uterus, I am entirely incapable of basic relationships. For whatever reason, excelling at being a sorority sister, girlfriend, or any other basic female role is entirely beyond me. In fact, being a woman in general is nearly impossible. This is, in part, because I have no desire to learn how to become “good-looking” through devices that heat your hair into submission or squeeze the life out of you just to make you appear a size smaller. But that’s irrelevant. Being incapable of basic relationships just isn’t enough; you can’t stop there. It just doesn’t cut it for me: because if you’re going to excel at failing, you really have to go for it. Instead of reveling in this excruciating season called summer, my last entirely free week, or at least 68 hours of it, was
spent grinding away at a job in a maledominated industry. Not only is my job there insignificant, I sometimes enjoy wearing a skirt or other predominantly feminine clothing article so that I can especially feel inhuman for pennies on the ever-elusive dollar. One more push, and you should be successful at your attempt in failure. You’ve alienated your friends and family, you hate your job, what could be left? The education you’re so willingly climbing into debt for, of course! Why bother trying to squeeze in any time for school when you’re so busy trying to push aside everything else? Instead of grueling over this article to make sure it was picture-perfect, I decided to be one with the donkeys and ask for an extension since I’m so busy trying to make a space for myself in the locker room known as my job. You see, if you’re going to do something, you have to do it well. The next steps, of course, are to fail so successfully that you drop out of college, become homeless, and snort bath salts. Then maybe your next goal could be to excel as a zombie, like That One Guy in Miami. Just remember: whatever you do, do it well.
Comment on this column on UCO360.com Follow Kara on Twitter @kara_shae
Before the start of the summer semester, UCO switched its student email service to Gmail, Google’s email client. Reactions to the change have been mixed.
Campus News
changes to student email Michelle King
Contributing Writer
The newest member of UCO’s technology force has arrived, but students and faculty are receiving the news with mixed emotions. The email system was switched on May 5, and while it may be summer semester, the new system still managed to create a stir. “The old way was easier and more convenient to use,” said Erin Voss, a junior math major. For most students, the switch hasn’t meant too much of a difference yet. “I almost never check my (UCO) email,” said Jessica DeFiore, a senior psychology major. “I mostly communicate with other students through text. But I guess it does what it’s supposed to do.” Some students are embracing the change though. “I check my email two or three times a day, and I have noticed a change!” said Thomas Cody, a junior guitar performance major. “The only thing I have a problem with is that it’s an extra step to sign in. Not too bad, but annoying.” For faculty, the switch to Gmail still hasn’t happened. According to the UCONNECT homepage, faculty and staff email was switched over to Microsoft Outlook on a temporary basis,
instead of making the move to Gmail. “I use email on a daily basis,” Dr. Terry Clark said. “It’s the primary form of communication between faculty members on campus.” While switching student accounts to the new Gmail system was fairly straightforward for the IT department, moving faculty accounts will be a much bigger task. “Switching it over sounds like a really huge task,” Clark said. “But if I were given the option, I would switch over immediately, even if it only means extra storage.” The main concern being addressed right now is the ease of accessibility. “The number one problem we see right now is students with Android devices not being able to log in,” said Nick, a Central Tech store employee. Most students are frustrated with not being able to place their inbox on their homepage, and would like to see it streamlined with the rest of their UCO information before they totally embrace the change. “All I have is my phone,” Voss said. “I’ve tried Google accounts before, and they’re okay I guess, I just don’t like having to change when I’ve finally gotten comfortable and familiar with the old system. But I guess I will just have to adapt.”
News
THEVISTA
Page 4
June 6, 2012
Campus Life
University Relations hosts broncho pride competition Joseph B. Nickell
Contributing Writer With the summer well under way, many students and faculty members at the University of Central Oklahoma are on trips around the state, the country, and the world. The University Relations department at UCO is asking students, faculty and alumni not to forget their Broncho pride, throughout their summer journeys, with the “Bronze and Blue… Where Are You?” Competition. The competition started May 3 and ends August 3. It is open to anyone involved in the UCO community. Participants are to take pictures wearing UCO-themed shirts during their travels and upload the photos to UCO’s Facebook page. Faculty, staff and alumni have been directed to email their pictures to univrel@uco.edu. All entries will be placed in a collective album on Facebook. The person whose photo receives the most likes via Facebook will win a $50 gift certificate to the Barnes and Noble located in the University Center on UCO’s campus. “It’s a fun summer contest that is a great way for people to show Broncho pride and a pride in their school wherever they go,” Katie McClelland, University Relations Social Media and Web Marketing Coordinator said. “Its always exciting to be able to see a student or faculty member with a Central T-shirt on in England or Mexico. It really promotes a sense of community and brings everyone together.” University Relations is also encouraging students who are staying local during the summer to send in photos as well. “We want everyone to send in fun photos, even if it’s just at Pops on Route 66.” Phillip Dunford, University Relations employee said. “We realize a lot of people don’t have the opportunity to leave but that doesn’t mean they can’t show school spirit locally.” According to Dunford, during the competition many of the photos will be featured on UCO’s home page and some may even be used as “Central Image of the Week” on UCONNECT. Dunford commented on why University Relations chose a
Lt. Cdr. Steve Curry, 1992 UCO journalism graduate, sports a UCO T-shirt while running a 5K on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln. Photo provided
gift certificate to the Barnes and Noble on campus as the prize. “They do a good job working with the university. We wanted to have some kind of prize to give people an incentive. Barnes and Noble is right on campus and $50 goes a long way, especially when your buying books.” This is the first “Bronze and Blue… Where Are You?” com-
petition, but McClelland says if it garners a myriad of participation, it will become an annual event.
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Studying less ate student who also works in Tutoring Central in West Hall, concurs with the idea of a working student who does not have the time to study. “My aunt paid through school without any debt,” said Bell. “Today it requires working continually to not be in debt. It’s inevitable that you will be in debt.” Another possibility that may attribute to less studying is today’s research technology. In the world where Google can take you where you need to be in less than a second, the idea of searching through physical books has become less popular. Both Lochner and Bell feel this approach has its pros and cons. “Technology can be both facilitating and debilitating,” said Lochner. “It can facilitate research and have them in an electronic means. Create a better final product.” Lochner also sees a downside of research through our personal computer and the Internet instead of hitting the books. “The ease of communication erodes boundaries that were harder to cross,” he said. “Before cellphones we weren’t as interrupted, no Facebook to check. There were less distractions.” Bell speaks along the same lines. “I feel we have better distractions,” he said. “Social networking, entertainment, and it’s mostly all free. Look at YouTube, you can watch that for free for hours.” Bell also feels that using the Internet as your sole research tool instead of putting in extra time to read through books and physical media puts students at a disadvantage. “Using Google takes you straight to what your are looking for, and that’s great, but when you research through books you tend to cross-pollinate the ideas you are searching for with the added information you discover.
You are more likely to connect two ideas,” he said. Another theory being raised about today’s students is the most derogatory. Have students become lazier? Lochner does not believe this is the case. “I think laziness is equally distributed across all ages,” he said. Bell thinks there may be traction to the laziness idea, but in a different way than you might think. “I feel it is in our nutrition. It’s no secret that our diets today have less nutritional value,” he said. “That can seriously impair brain function.” For more information on Tutoring Central, call 405-974-2487 or visit them in the northeast corner of West Hall. For more information on the Student Counseling Center and their studying or other counseling services call 405-974-2215, or visit their office located on the fourth floor of the Nigh University Center in Suite 402.
For more information on the Student Counseling Center, scan the QR code below
Chesapeake to replace four existing directors OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Just weeks after taking a stake in Chesapeake Energy Corp., activist shareholder Carl Icahn has helped orchestrate a shake-up at the nation’s No. 2 natural gas producer. Chesapeake said Monday it plans to replace four of its existing board members in the next few weeks. The board has been under fire for recent corporate governance controversies and the company’s stock has plunged as natural gas prices hit 10-year lows. Chesapeake said the decision follows extensive talks with Icahn and the company’s biggest shareholder, Southeastern Asset Management. Icahn recently acquired a 7.6 percent stake in Chesapeake. In a scathing letter to Chesapeake’s board made public late last month, Icahn wrote that the board had failed its basic function of overseeing management in “dramatic fashion.” It’s been disclosed over the past few weeks that Chief Executive Aubrey McClendon was allowed to borrow money from a company that Chesapeake was doing business with and run a hedge fund that bet on oil and gas prices. The borrowings were related to a program that entitled McClendon to buy personal stakes in company wells. Icahn also recounts in the letter that he asked that shareholders be given representation on the board, but was rebuffed the next day. Now, a little more than a week after refusing, Chesapeake has relented. Icahn or a person he chooses will take one seat on the board. Southeastern Asset Management, which holds a 13.6 percent stake, will select three board members. A fifth board member is retiring. Michael Hall, a senior analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co., said the move “will go a long way in addressing the market’s lack of confidence around Chesapeake’s corporate governance and likely usher in a new culture of increased conservatism.” Icahn’s Chesapeake stock purchase was disclosed in a regulatory filing last month. He spent about $785 million for 50.1 million shares. Icahn is known for investing in companies and aggressively calling for change. Chesapeake, along with other natural gas companies, has been hit hard by falling natural gas prices. The Oklahoma City company’s shares have lost 26 percent so far this year. They rose over 6 percent to close at $16.52 Monday. Chesapeake has the added burden of a huge debt load, which Icahn pins on the board. Chesapeake’s plan is to sell oil and gas leases and other assets to raise money to pay down debt. Biju Perincheril, an analyst at Jeffries & Company, estimates the company needs to sell at least $7 billion worth of assets before the end of the year or risk violating the terms of some of its loans. Chesapeake is seeking a new board chairman after agreeing last month to strip Mc-
In this Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, photo, Aubrey McClendon, CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corp., watches the Oklahoma City Thunder play during an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City. Chesapeake said that it plans to replace four of its existing board members, including McClendon. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Clendon of that title. The company has agreed that the selection must be approved by Icahn and Southeastern Asset Management. “We are pleased that Chesapeake is being responsive to issues raised by us and many of the company’s other shareholders,” said Southeastern Asset Chairman and CEO O. Mason Hawkins in a statement. McClendon will remain as CEO and a board member. The selection of a new chairman will be made by June 22. “I am fully supportive of these measures and remain focused on executing Chesapeake’s strategy,” McClendon said in a statement. Chesapeake’s board will continue to have nine members.
Classifieds
THEVISTA
Page 8
June 6, 2012
CROSSWORDS
EMPLOYMENT
Camelot Child Development Center 3 Locations now hiring bus drivers and FT/PT teachers.We promote a very positive and fun atmosphere! Please call for specific openings: Edmond-749-2262 Quail-254-5222 Deer Creek- 562-1315
Help Wanted
Help Wanted Part-time jobs. Senior Services of Oklahoma is looking for students to fill part-time positions Monday-Friday. We pay $10/hour for energetic phone work. No experience is needed, we will train. Business is located at 1417 N.W. 150th St. in Edmond. Call 8791888 to set up interview. Ask for Megan Parris.
Handy Student. P/T Summer. Property and lawn maintenance, painting. Near UCO. Must be self-motivated, trustworthy, able to work unsupervised. Call 641-0712
For Rent Spacious, well-maintained apartments for rent just across the street from UCO Library. 1-bed $455 & two-bed $555. Tenant pays utilities. Call Joyce, 329-2338, Singh Realty
Advertise with the Vista Contact Kylie at 405-974-5913 or email your questions to vistamedia@ yahoo.com for rates.
RANDOM FACTS The creators of Gilligan’s Island named the S.S. Minnow after the FCC chairman at the time, Newton Norman Minow. Gracious though it may seem, it was actually a backhanded compliment: Minow famously called television “a vast wasteland.” A micronation is an invented country, not recognized by any other. One of the most interesting is the Principality of Sealand, on an ocean platform off the coast of England. They’ve got their own currency, stamps and passports, and have argued their right for sovereignty (and lost) several times in court. ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’, a # 2 smash hit for The Carpenters in 1970, was written and composed by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols as a commercial for a bank.
President Monroe was almost the second President to be elected unanimously (The first, and only, being George Washington). One elector, though, voted for John Quincy Adams, to make sure that President Washington was the only President ever elected unanimously. There are over 40 ships buried underneath the city blocks of the financial district of San Francisco. The abandoned gold rush ships and the wharves were buried when landfill was used to fill in Yerba Buena cove and create more land for the residents of San Francisco. On an episode of Saved by the Bell: The College Years, A.C. Slater learned his last name was actually Sanchez. His dad changed it 25 years earlier to get into the military academy. “He felt he had to hide his heritage to be accepted,” Albert Clifford explained.
In 1960, Joseph William Kittinger II jumped from an altitude of 102,800 feet as part of the United States Air Force’s ‘Project Excelsior’ and safetly parachuted back to earth. This record jump was made from an open gondola helium balloon. To this day, this jump set a number of records which still stand. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was created by former Wall Street Journal cofounder Charles Dow in 1896. Dow picked 12 important companies from a variety of industries from the U.S. Leather Company to the American Sugar Company. The only company still on the list today is General Electric. In 1914, Henry Ford doubled the daily wage for his factory workers (from $2.40 to $5) while cutting their daily work hours from nine to eight.
SUDOKU Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.40)
8
5 4
9
3 5 7
6
8
6
8
9
6
7
1
53. Nod, maybe
13. Bad lighting?
1. Acquire
54. “___ any drop to
18. South American
5. Caroled
drink”: Coleridge
monkey
9. Fractional units of
55. Branch
19. Carrot, e.g.
Greek currency
56. One of the armed
24. Eye
14. #1 spot
forces
27. J.F.K. overseer
15. Ticket info, maybe
58. Snacks
28. A long, long time
16. French romance
63. Not prone to wrin-
29. Inclusion of
17. Electronics boards
kles
30. Condescend
20. Type of cabbage
66. Door part
31. Grace word
21. Bow
67. Flight data, briefly
32. ___-guided
22. “The Matrix” hero
68. Sunburn relief
36. Breed
23. “___ bad!”
69. Banana oil, e.g.
39. Dilute
25. ___ few rounds
70. Bluster
40. Person dedicated to
26. Clinton, e.g.: Abbr.
71. Canine cry
pursuit of pleasure
27. Food source for
8
6
1
9
3
2 1
7
5
7 3
42. ___ bit
babies
Down
44. Plaintiff
33. Bang-up
1. Absorbed
48. Yorkshire river
34. “___ say!”
2. Almond
49. Closer
35. Beanery sign
3. Gulf V.I.P.
50. “Aeneid” figure
37. The “A” of ABM
4. ___ Station
51. Secret store
38. Choppers, so to
5. “Hurry up!”
52. Gold braid
speak
6. A hand
57. Greek cheese
41. House
7. Adam’s apple spot
59. “Don’t go!”
43. “Roots,” e.g.
8. Foreigner
60. Fit
45. “___ Cried” (1962
9. Produce milk
61. Carbon compound
hit)
10. Australian runner
62. Increase, with “up”
46. Cork’s country
11. Christmas flower
64. “Act your ___!”
47. Rude
12. Student getting one-
65. Gabriel, for one
51. Newspaper div.
on-one help
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Sports
THEVISTA
Page 7
June 6, 2012
Spring Recap
Bronchos finish spring sports on high note with All-American’s and one National Title
Macy McKay (9) slides in to third base during a softball game between UCO and Northeastern State University in Edmond, Friday, April 13, 2012. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista
Chris Brannick
Sports Editor Shortly after all of us packed up our dorm rooms, made our summer arrangements and rushed to the bookstore to sell back our gently used textbooks, some of UCO’s hardest workers were en route to Louisville, Ky. for the Division II National Championships. The UCO Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf and Softball teams all made the trip with hopes and dreams of bringing a shiny new trophy back to Edmond. UCO Softball put together a season that will not be forgotten this spring. An incredible 35-game winning streak was reached during
the Bronchos 46-9 campaign, best ever in the books at UCO. After winning the first two games of the World Series, the Bronchos were ousted by the University of Cal San Diego. Seniors Rachael Steverson and Nathalie Timmermans led the charge for UCO and got some help from freshmen Devyn Frazier. The three of them would be named to the All-Tournament team. The softball team re-wrote the record book this season while leading the country in numerous categories on the way. Timmermans blasted home run after home run, gathering 23 on the season. Senior Kacie Edwards would have broken the school record for home runs by hitting 19 however, Timmer-
mans was already ahead of her. Steverson also set a school record for wins, pitching her way to 28 on the season. The Men’s Golf team had enjoyed an extremely successful fall season, and though the spring didn’t turn out exactly how they’d hoped, the Bronchos were still going to the National Tournament in Simpsonville Ky., just outside of Louisville. The weekend got started on a good note for the Bronchos. The team put up a third place showing in stroke play, which was enough to advance to the weekend’s match play. The Bronchos were matched up with top ranked Barry University. The high note from the first half of the Men’s Golf Championships was junior Josh Creel taking the individual title. Becoming UCO’s first National Champion in Men’s Golf since 1996 when Dax Johnston took the honor. Match play started on a good note as well as UCO knocked off Barry 3-2. Senior Derek Franco led the team with a five stroke win and Dillon Rust and Josh Creel also picked up wins. UCO would lose a tiebreaker in the semifinals to Nova Southeastern the next day ending their season. The two teams each won two games and tied the fifth match but the tiebreaker went to Nova based on fewer strokes during the match. As for the other UCO golfers, the Lady Bronchos made the same trip with the same hopes of bringing a championship trophy to Edmond. UCO would earn an eighth place finish in the tournament behind the work of supersophomores Chaney Uhles and Taylor Neidy. Uhles shot a 76 in the final round of the tournament and earned every bit of her fifth place finish, shooting a 306. After bogeys on the first three holes, Uhles pulled it together and reeled off three straight birdies. Uhles’ finish went down as the best
individual performance in Women’s Golf at UCO. The Bronchos got more help from Neidy who shot a 78 in the final round, which was enough to pull her into a tie for 16th place. Neidy finished with a 318 tournament total. Despite Neidy shooting six over par, her consistent play on the back nine helped the team. Neidy played her last seven holes, one under par. Uhles would be named to the National Golf Coaches Association Division II All-American team, drawing second-team honors. Neidy and Uhles were also named to the NGCA All-West Region team. The two combined for three individual tournament wins this spring. The spring semester at UCO gave much reason to celebrate. The baseball team increased their win total for the second straight year. Women’s Tennis welcomed a grueling schedule, fighting through to a 15-7 record. Two seniors’ illustrious careers came to an end, and Eli Abramovic earned the South Central Region Player of the Year. For the first time, the UCO Women’s Rowing team made a trip to the National Tournament. The Bronchos fought hard, and after finishing third in a winner-only advances first day, the girls responded by shaving 30 seconds off their time in day two. That effort still left the Bronchos two seconds behind the final qualifying spot. As for Track & Field, sophomore Lacey Rhodes made it two for two when she earned her second All-American honor in as many seasons. The Bronchos watched another senior close her career in fashion when Alina Istrate set her 10th school record in early May. Now UCO will make room for six more All-Americans, three All-Tournament selections, two All-Conference selections, as well as a Player of the Year to go next to a National Championship trophy in Hamilton Fieldhouse.
Jared Wright (15) runs to third base during a game between UCO and Northeastern State University, Wednesday, April 17, 2012. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista
Freshmen Outfielder Kaylee Brunson (21) runs the bases in a game earlier this season. Photo Provided.
Senior Elizabeta Abramovic during a tennis match Feb. 18, 2011 in Edmond. The tennis team is coming off of a 17-9 mark during the 2010-2011 campaign. Photo Provided
Follow Vista Sports on Twitter @UCOVistaSports Freshman outfielder Devyn Frazier (7) in a game earlier this season. Photo provided.
Sports
THEVISTA
Page 8
June 6, 2012
Opinion
Golf
Full Timeout
Josh Creel claims individual title in men’s golf on playoff
By Chris Brannick Sports Editor
Remember the Alamo For a team to go 50 days without a loss, then turn around and lose three games in five days, you would have to think they lost their star player, right? Well, not exactly. The San Antonio Spurs actually are the healthiest team in the NBA by examination of the medical report. Yeah, they are old, but they are all healthy. So how do you lose three games in five days following a 20-game winning streak? It can’t be that you suddenly forgot how to win, can it? Analysts are quick to come up with excuses or reasons. For basketball fans in Oklahoma, those reasons are fascinating, and those excuses are few and far between. The Oklahoma City Thunder is “The” reason. Not because all streaks must come to an end, because that is true. We knew we could win one game. Game three was evident that the streak had to end. Games four and five were not. Even the Spurs were quick to rule out any excuses and say they just got beat. A more athletic ball club finally used their talents in a smart, methodical, chopping down a giant tree kind of way to defeat a Spurs team who could be compared to a rather old, but very successful, giant tree. The Thunder quickly became the best team in the NBA, a position they held for most of the season. Up until the Spurs began their incredible streak, the Thunder had been in first place, and those analysts all had made predictions of Thunder in the Finals. Then, down two games to zero, everyone turned on their predictions, myself included, and drew up another plan. Oh, how a week can change everything. This is now appearing to be a rollercoaster ride for those sports fanatics who love to predict the outcomes of games. Yeah, the Thunder can win. Wow, the Spurs are good, they might not ever lose! Man, the Thunder have got this, it’s over! Whatever the outcome, the Thunder have an opportunity to take this city to a place it’s never been before, and with that, they are quickly becoming “Most Popular” in Oklahoma. The football state we’ve been for so many years has, in the last few years, become known for Thundering Up in the summertime, and not because the typical season’s weather.
Junior Josh Creel tees off during the rain-shortened UCO Invitational at Gallardia Country Club Monday, April 2. Photo provided.
Whitt Carter
Staff Writer Since he was two, Josh Creel has been dreaming about winning championships. Twenty years and two months after winning the biggest tournament in his young life, Creel still maintains the same aspirations. Two weeks ago, Creel won the NCAA Division II Individual National Championship en route to leading UCO to a semi-final appearance at the 2012 NCAA Division II Golf Championship. Creel, a junior from Cheyenne, Wyo., defeated Colorado State of Mines standout, Jim Knous, in a one-hole playoff after both Creel and Knous finished the 54-hole tournament at 10-under, 206. “It feels really good,” said Creel. Although it may feel “good” to Creel now, the Colorado University transfer hasn’t even been able to bask in the glory of his win. “I actually had to leave the day that we got back for a tournament, so I haven’t been able to see anyone in Edmond or to celebrate yet,” said Creel. Creel fired a seven-under, 65 on day one of the tournament, followed by a two-under, 70 on the second day. Sitting in second on the final day, Creel carded a one-under, 71 to force the playoff with Knous, in which Creel won by making par on the par 5, 18th hole.
Along with his individual championship honor, Creel was awarded the Arnold Palmer Division II Player of the Year, something that he accredits to his teammates. “Having teammates like these guys; it’s great,” said Creel. “They all want to win and they are always competing, which rubs off on all of us.” Creel has played under former UCO golf coach and individual national champion, Dax Johnston, and current head coach, former PGA professional, Pat Bates— both of whom helped Creel with the difficult part of golf: mentality. “They are both, totally different guys,” said Creel. “Dax was intense and very fiery, whereas (Coach) Bates is more laid back, and sort of, likes to go with the flow. However, they, both, cannot be thanked enough. They helped me out a ton.” Since Creel arrived at UCO, his goal was clear as day: to be the best. “When I got to UCO, being a national champion was at the top of my list,” said Creel. “I struggled last year, but this year I made some adjustments and really prepared to peak at the end of the year.” “I guess, it worked,” Creel said, laughing. As Creel advances from his career at UCO, he’s trying to win some more, well-known tournaments. “I’ve always dreamed of winning major championships,” Creel said. “Since I was little, I would pretend like I was
walking off of the 18th green of a major championship, with people cheering for me.” Believe it or not, what was a dream for Creel could very well become a reality. Creel has begun his professional career, already. He will participate in mini tour events and qualifying events for the Nationwide and PGA Tours throughout the summer. Creel will also be attending Q-school (qualifying school) this upcoming fall, which is the route each player must take to achieve his or her “tour-card.” It will be a daunting task, no doubt. But recently removed from his national championship, Creel is aiming to continue the trend of winning. “My goals have always been the same: get on the tour and have a successful career as a professional golfer,” said Creel. “Ultimately, I want to win tournaments and win major championships.” What’s the tournament Creel desires to win, more than any? “Of course, The Masters,” Creel said. “I want to wear that green jacket one day.” Typical champion.
Follow Whitt on Twitter for more coverage of UCO Sports @WhittCarter
Baseball
Mark Harmon and friends visit UCO, raising money for charity with baseball game
NCIS star Mark Harmon autographs shirts before the baseball game at the 12th Annual Mark Harmon Celebrity Weekend at UCO on Friday. Photo by Trevor Hultner
Chris Brannick
Sports Editor Mark Harmon, star of the hit television show NCIS, and his friends came to UCO Saturday for the annual Mark Harmon Celebrity Weekend. Fans packed Wendell Simmons Baseball Field to cheer on Harmon
and support two local charities. The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic and Anna’s House were receiving donations this weekend, which featured a Bowling tournament and an auction on Friday night before the baseball game on Saturday. “Seeing the money go to something is what I like about what we’re doing,” Harmon said. The Oklaho-
ma City Indian Clinic recently completed a new Pediatrics Center with the money they’ve raised. “You can actually see, and touch, something,” Harmon also said. The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic takes care of Native Americans, regardless of tribal affiliation, within the Oklahoma City area. “We provide health care,” Andii
Tittle, Project Specialist said. Harmon has worked with The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic for four years. Anna’s House is working towards building a seven-house ranch in Arcadia, Okla. to assist with foster children between the ages of 0-5. Andrea Hawxby worked a table selling shirts and passing out information about Anna’s House and said she loved the weekend because all of the work Harmon and his friends do. “They care so much,” Hawxby said. Amy Coles, who was also helping, said, “It’s just everything,” while speaking about her favorite part of the weekend. “They do something for everyone, adults and family and kids. And they take care of their volunteers,” Coles said. As for the baseball game, hundreds of fans crowded the bleachers, after an hour-long wait for autographs, to see the Outlaws and the Bombers go at it. Harmon and the Bombers saw themselves in a hole early as the Outlaws, led by the former team doctor, Dr. Mike Wright, jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. Wright is an orthopedic surgeon who has been a supporter of Harmon and his charities for over 20
years. “Mark means the world to me,” Wright said. “He’s more dedicated than anyone to this cause.” Wright and the Outlaws were ahead 5-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning when Harmon started a rally that pulled the Bombers within a run heading into the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, the final inning, the Bombers finished the game in style with a walk-off RBI single and the Bombers won 6-5. Wright said the move to UCO from downtown Oklahoma City was due to a scheduling conflict. The game had been played downtown for its first 11 years. Wright later added, “We may have found a new home.” For more information on the Anna’s House Foundation, scan this code or follow this link: http://goo.gl/j1R4o