The Vista Sept. 22, 2011

Comedy

Hockey

Student comedian Brandon Patrick will be performing at the TKE house to raise money for St. Jude’s.

Page 4

UCO Hockey is heating back up for another season on the ice.

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SEP. 22, 2011 uco360.com twitter.com/uco360

THE VISTA

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA’S student voice since 1903.

REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE!

By M. A. Smith / Contributing Writer In keeping with the college’s motto “Bronze + Blue = Green,” UCO’s Sustainability department has made efforts to provide a cleaner, greener campus and encourages students to do the same.

“The program is currently involved with several projects aimed at reducing energy consumption, waste stream management, recycling and transportation,” said Timothy Tillman, sustainability coordinator.

“Some of our efforts include a strong recycling program, alternative transportation initiatives (like the) Bum-A-Bike, CityLink, Connect by Hertz, etc. and the use of 100 percent wind energy to power our campus,” Tillman said.

Many students have seen the newest additions around campus that Tillman has implemented to save money, recycle and make the college a cleaner place: the Big Belly solar compactor.

“The Big Belly solar compactor is a test unit, and they are designed to reduce the energy cost associated with emptying a trash can numerous times a day,” he said. “The unit has a solar sensor that detects the level of trash inside and then compacts it into a cube. Because it can compact up to 250 pounds, we only have to empty it twice a week.”

Tillman said the college also has plans for future changes that will help keep the campus greener.

“We are constantly researching and evaluating the latest innovations and technologies and how they can positively impact UCO,” he said. “We are in the process of researching a possible test of on-site wind and solar production, as well as creating a set of office/classroom benchmarking standards for sustainable practices.”

Tillman said the efforts are not up to UCO alone.

“Students are the key to maintaining that clean, healthy environment,” he said.

However, students don’t have to make big

steps to help. Little actions add up.

“It really doesn’t take a lot of effort to live ‘green’ at Central,” Tillman said. “Little things like dropping aluminum cans and plastic bottles in recycling bins rather than the trash help a lot. Riding a bike or the bus instead of driving makes a big difference, as does using a laptop to take notes instead of using paper.”

Local students said they try, whenever possible, to make changes in their habits.

“When I see trash on the ground, I pick it up and throw it away,” Mark Ingram said. “I also have a recycling bin at home that I use.”

“If a student throws trash on the ground, I tell them that they shouldn’t do that,” Kaylie Garner said. “I mean, that is just plain disrespectful.”

However, not every student shares these concerns. But, Tillman said they should.

“This is your home for the duration of your college career,” Tillman said. “Just like your home, you want it to be clean, healthy, safe and attractive. We can do a lot toward creating that environment, but it is up to each of us to keep UCO the beautiful place that it is.”

Being Green on Campus

Whether it is paper, bottles or just plain old unrecyclable trash, UCO has several ways and places students can reduce, reuse or recycle.

• Blue recycling bins are all over Central’s campus, split into aluminum and plastic containers.

• In most of the buildings around campus, paper products (such as computer paper, newspapers and flyers) can be recycled in the large, wheeled blue tubs.

• Starbucks allows students and faculty to use their own mugs and sleeves, cutting down on the amount of thrown away paper cups, plastic lids and cardboard sleeves.

State Legislature

MORE OPEN CARRY LEGISLATION MOVES FORWARD OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Lawmakers took aim on Tuesday at expanding gun rights in Oklahoma by allowing citizens to openly carry firearms, an issue that has become an emotionally charged one at the Capitol with differing opinions on just how far legislation should go.

Members of the Public Safety Committee took testimony from law enforcement, academics and proponents of expanded gun rights as they decided how to proceed with an open carry bill. Rep. Mark McCullough, who requested the study, said his plan is to take a strategic approach to expanding firearm rights that would include drafting a variety of bills on the subject.

“When the Legislature rolls around, we would have perhaps a buffet, a variety of well thought out pieces of legislation that we can choose from. Then it will be up to the majority caucus to decide what they want to go forward with as far as a gun bill, if at all,” said McCullough, R-Sapulpa. “This is a serious issue. It has constitutional implications and it’s obviously very popular in Oklahoma, but it also has serious public safety implications, and therefore it needs to be looked at very seriously.”

The Republican-controlled Legislature passed an open carry bill two years ago that would allow anyone with a concealed-carry permit to carry a firearm openly, but that measure was vetoed by then-Gov. Brad Henry, a Democrat. Earlier this year, with extended GOP majorities and a Republican governor, gun rights advocates were confident a bill would make it to the governor’s desk, but the measure got bogged down in the House Pub-

lic Safety Committee.

“Generally, when we have discussion and debate that pertains to constitutional or individual rights, those discussions tend to be spirited,” said House Speaker Kris Steele. “I think it’s a very healthy process.”

Steele said he expects to support an open carry bill that applies to those 21 years and older who have received some training and a permit.

“We want to make sure we’re responsible with any legislation,” Steele said.

Republican Gov. Mary Fallin expressed similar support for a “reasonable” open carry bill with restrictions.

“I support open carry. I’ve always been a supporter of it, but I do think you have to be reasonable about open carry,” Fallin said.

“Just as there are times when you can’t take open carry into airports or into areas of public buildings, we have to be thoughtful and reasonable about that.”

Some proponents for expanded gun rights believe there should be few, if any, restrictions on the carrying of weapons, which they perceive as guaranteed right under the U.S. Constitution.

According to the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association 43 states allow some form of open carry.

“It’s a matter of liberty. Our founding fathers were clear about that,” said Tim Gillespie of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association. “Over the years, we’ve put infringements on it.”

But the Oklahoma Constitution explicitly gives the Legislature the authority to regulate the carrying of weapons, said Oklahoma City University professor Michael O’Shea.

Continued on page 4

In this Sept. 7 file photo,Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, left, announced two new appointments to the commission that oversees the Department of Human Services, as former Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane, right, one of the appointees, looks on in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011. Governor Fallin has expressed support for a “reasonable” open carry bill with restrictions. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

WEATHER

By Sean Murphy / Associated Press

TODAY H 75° L 47°

TOMORROW H 85° L 57°

More weather at www.uco360.com

DID YOU KNOW? Cheerios were originally called Cheerioats but switched after a trade-name dispute with Quaker Oats.

OPINION

2

SEP. 22, 2011

THE VISTA 100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034 (405)974-5549 editorial@uco360.com

What do you think of Facebook’s new layout?

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.

SAMANTHA NOLAN

STORMY LEE

TIERAH BROOKS

Undecided - Freshman

Biology - Freshman

Architecture - Sophomore

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 150 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.

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 e-mailed to vistauco@gmail.com.

STAFF

Management

Editorial

Cody Bromley, Editor-In-Chief Christie Southern, Managing Editor Brittany Dalton, Copy Editor Trey Hunter, Sports Editor

Samantha Maloy, Senior Staff Writer Chantal Robatteux, Senior Staff Writer Ben Luschen, Staff Writer Chris Howell, Staff Writer Josh Hutton, Staff Writer Trevor Hultner, Staff Writer Bryan Trude, Staff Writer

Graphic Design Anthony Murray

Advertising Kylee Turner

Photography

Circulation

Garett Fisbeck, Photo Editor Liz Boyer

Troy Fisbeck

Adviser Mr. Teddy Burch

“I didn’t even know there was a new one. I don’t even log on that much.”

“I looked at it on my phone and saw all the comments about it, but I didn’t even see a difference.”

“I think it’s crazy, there’s a Facebook in the upper right corner, so you can Facebook while you Facebook.”

LEWIS TRAN

MATT MCCULLY

MASHAWN COPELAND

Psychology - Freshman

Business Management - Sophomore

Physical Education - Junior

Editorial Comic Evan Oldham

Editorial

A GAY DAY FOR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN Won’t ask, don’t need to tell. Welcome to the next age of the American military.

For far too long, the U.S. has discriminated against homosexuals serving in active military service and the “silk curtain” came down at 12:01 a.m.

The military bans lots of things. From certain types of THCenriched potpourri to certain types of dogs on military bases, the sales of specific military-themed video games in military base stores, all the way to a Soulja Boy album. There’s one thing most of these bans have in common: they’re frivolous.

The military is a mostly autonomous organization that takes pretty good care of itself, but that’s not to say they aren’t at least a little bit stuck on decisions of Congress. When it came time to ditch Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the previous military policy that granted homosexuals the ability to serve in active positions provided they kept their sexual orientation to themselves, the military conducted surveys and tests to see if change would be a good one. They found no fault with eliminating the decade-old policy, but politicians couldn’t help themselves to muddy the mess.

John “get off my lawn” McCain, the Republican who once squared off against Obama for the presidency, once famously said that if the Army said it was time to repeal the policy, he’d be all for it. Funny how his tune changed when the Army said it was time. When the bill was being discussed in the Senate, McCain said it would “harm the battle effectiveness which is so vital to the survival of our young men and women in the military.”

Apparently, McCain is out of touch with the men and women who serve in our modern military.

Gen. Raymond Johns, commander of Air Mobility Command, recently told reporters that the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is being taken rather well within the Air Force.

“It really hasn’t come up in any significant conversation,” Johns said. “It’s not a big deal.”

As the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole. Maybe it should be updated to say there’s no such thing as a homophobe in one.

Now, the only thing left holding this writer from joining the service is the Army’s ban on toe shoes, like Vibram’s FiveFingers.

If we are fighting for freedom, my toes should be free too.

“I don’t like it. I like things simple, but the layout is so simple it’s complicated.”

“I didn’t know there was a new one.”

“I didn’t get a chance to look at it, but I heard it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”

The Vista invites and encourages letters to the editor.

Submitted letters are subject to editing for clarity, space and libel. Address your letters to : Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034-5209 Letters may also be e-mailed to vistauco@gmail.com or delivered to the Editor in person in Communications Building Room 131.

By Evan Oldham / Cartoonist

NEWS

SEP. 22, 2011 Fundraiser

Opinion

‘COMEDY FOR CANCER’ TO HELP ST. JUDE’S CHILDRENS HOSPITAL

By Josh Hutton / Staff Writer On Sept. 27, the fight against cancer will gain an unlikely ally: comedy.

UCO’s Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity chapter will be sponsoring Comedy for Cancer, a philanthropic effort with all proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, taking place at the Nigh University Center. Comedy for Cancer begins at 7:30 p.m. and will run until 10:30 p.m.

TKE’s very own Brandon Patrick, a senior and journalism major, will be headlining the event. Patrick enlisted five fellow comedians to open the event. Zach Smith, Jake McKenzie, Nathan Joyner, Spencer Hicks, and Stan Sillman; each is set to deliver 10-25 minute sets. Patrick concludes the ceremony with a full- Tau Kappa Epsilon brother Brandon Patrick helps sell tickets in advance for length routine, which will be recorded the “Comedy for Cancer” benefit. Photo by Liz Boyer, The Vista “The guys at the show are all people Patrick claims. and released as the comic’s first album.

“On the record, I’d like to contend Why did Patrick choose UCO to record I’ve performed with at the Loony Bin and open mics.” Comedy for Cancer will with that statement,” Joyner teased. his debut album?

McKenzie began contemplating stand“It was a huge venue and I could reach also feature cleaner acts. Nathan Joyner, out to what I thought would be my true one of the opening acts, was a finalist in up in high school while participating in target audience. I also just wanted to the Loony Bin’s Funniest Person in OKC competitive speech.

“I was 16 at the time and I lived in have an album out, once you have a competition.

“There are quite a few of us that work Tulsa where they were just opening product people are more excited about giving you opportunities,” Patrick said. pretty clean. I work pretty clean. Jake up their first comedy club,” he said. “I “I’ve personally had lots of relatives suf- works pretty clean. We’re not as crazy heard there was an open mic night so fer with cancer, and besides, philanthro- as Brandon,” Joyner explained. Joyner I went there and did my speech and it has done standup for three years. “I am got a pretty decent response, I’ve been py looks good.”

The show does warn audiences of the unfortunate elder statesman of Okla- writing and performing comedy in some homa City. These guys are feral, young form since then.” adult content.

McKenzie, like most comedians, has “I can’t be censored,” Patrick joked. men. I’m 27. This is the last chance,” Joyner mused. had his fair share of embarrassing mo“You can’t hold this back.”

Joyner compared the Comedy for ments.

Patrick prides himself on raunchy “A guy, who comes out to the shows comedy, citing comedians such as David Cancer group to a family. “I’m the flaky a lot and had seen me perform several Cross, Anthony Jeselnik and Patton Os- cousin,” he said.

Patrick likened himself to “the touchy times, started yelling out my punchlines wald as inspirations. right before I said them. It was really “My routine focuses on breast cancer, uncle.”

“I guess I would be the stepbrother embarrassing because I would spend all rape, abortion, and that lunch lady who molested me in Catholic school,” he because why not?” Jake McKenzie said. this time and energy building the jokes McKenzie explained he has seriously up, then pause for comedic timing, only sported.

Patrick has spent the last two years pursued comedy over the last nine to have the punchline blurted out,” he months. devoted to stand-up.

Continued on page 5 “Jake is the funniest one in the show,”

College Rankings

UCO RANKED TOP PUBLIC REGIONAL UNIVERSITY IN OKLAHOMA

By Chris Howell / Staff Writer UCO has been ranked the top public regional university in Oklahoma, and is on its way to becoming a ‘tier one’ school, according to the findings of a U.S. News and World Report.

However, there are only three other public regional universities in the state: Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Northeastern Oklahoma State University and Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and of these, only SWOSU qualifies as a tier one school.

A university or college is generally considered ‘tier two’ because it is a specialty school that does not use the ACT or SAT for first time, first degree seeking applicants, or there is not enough information to fairly rank the school.

“It’s the first time UCO has ever been ‘tier one,’ which is the most important part. A couple of years ago U.S. News restructured the various tiers, and it’s always been difficult for Oklahoma institutions to get out of tier four and tier three; the reason for that is we are grouped with the western states, but all of our athletics and accreditation is not western,” Don Betz, president of UCO, said.

As part of the ranking system, U.S. News and World Report includes peer assessment of institutions from other college presidents, provosts and deans of admissions. This assessment is 25 percent of the score for regional universities and colleges.

The difference between a national and regional university is that a regional university offers few, if any doctoral programs, and typically less research-oriented.

UCO’s overall score was 25 out of a possible 100 points, ranking them at 32nd out of 37 top public regional schools in the West.

The other three quarters of the final score are determined by statistical analysis, with 25 percent determined from retention rates, based on freshman retention and the six year graduation rate. In this category, UCO scored 36 percent. Another 20 percent of the score comes from student access to faculty, which factors in class sizes, faculty salary, and other statistics.

For the remaining portion of the score, 15 percent comes from financial resources, 10 percent comes from the financial resources of the university, and the last five percent is rounded out by the alumni donation rate.

“There is a western states accreditation agency, but we are part of the Higher Learning Commission, which is North Central Association[of Colleges and Schools],” Betz said. “Essentially, every year when I’m asked to fill out these forms, I’m filling them out for institutions that are not in our region.

They’re all west.”

For the peer assessment, the only states in the western clas-

3

sification that border Oklahoma are Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico. The western classification even contains colleges in Hawaii and Alaska. Oklahoma borders two states in the Midwest classification and one in the Southern classification, but receives no peer reviews from those states.

“This ‘tier one,’ the reason it’s important is that we’ve never been in tier one before, which means that there has been some growing awareness of UCO outside of the state and in the western states,” Betz said. “Nobody from around this region voted except for Oklahoma people.”

The ranking reports that people who apply to UCO also tend to apply to the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. While the ranking system reported that UCO had a 22-to-1 student to faculty ratio, a recent press release from UCO indicated that UCO had a 19-to-1 ratio.

According to the report, the average member of the UCO’s graduating class of 2010 had $19,820 dollars in debt.

“We are going to petition U.S. News and World Report to reposition Oklahoma in their review, to put us more with our sister states, so we can get an accurate review,” Betz said.

“When that comes, I am confident that UCO and other regional institutions will move up in ranking.”

The report is available at http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges.

To see UCO’s ranking on US News and World Report, scan this Barcode

goo.gl/Lfkrk

OFF THE RECORD By Brittany Dalton Fuel the Fire My last column may have been laden with show tune accolades, but I must write for a different purpose today. After all, “everybody has to write out of rage sometimes.”

I find that the best cure for writer’s block has nothing to do with classical music or quiet places; there is no correlation between the amount of caffeine I guzzle and the quality of my writing. I’ll share what works for me, although I can’t offer a guarantee that the same will do for you.

Get really, really pissed. Let people get on your bad side. When a ‘friend’ dissolves a friendship in a text, do a few things in sequence.

Delete that person’s number first, to avoid a rageriddled retort or call to fight. Next, go to your Facebook, your Twitter, your social medium of choice: wipe it clean. Erase every speck of proof that person ever existed to you.

Allow yourself to be upset, over “what was but will never be.” Shroud yourself in black, or choose whatever method of mourning suits you best.

But then get over it. More so than that, get angry. Fuel the fire, then burn that mother down. If there is property at stake, get it back. And give it back. Put the CDs, the jerseys, the Christmas sweaters out on the lawn. If that person wants their junk, they can come and get it.

There’s no need for them to knock on the front door and plead their case; there’s no reason for you to lower your standards. Sticks and stones shouldn’t break your bones, so don’t break down your walls to appease another soul.

Just remember this: so-called friends and lovers will come and go, but rage is the gift that keeps on giving.

I may not remember the sweater my first boyfriend bought me for Christmas, but then again, I can neither confirm nor deny that I donated it to Goodwill to get it out of my house. On the other hand, though, I distinctly remember the reasons why that number is no longer in my phone.

In just the past week, I’ve lost what could only in loosest terms be referred to as “friends,” over things as absurd as makeup, moms and men. To address those individuals in one sentence: I will never insult myself or my passions to make you happy.

Happiness may be a warm gun, but you can’t pull the trigger if I never hand it over.

The best advice I can give you, when afflicted with social upheaval, is to protect yourself with a healthy dose of “I don’t give a damn.”

It may take time, but done right, you can condition yourself to adapt to any pressing social dispute. I guarantee you, you can get over your Sarah. You can get through biology class without coming to blows with your partner. No matter the situation, try these few simple steps and I promise you will get walked on no more.

Just remember, your ultimate responsibility is to yourself.

Never back down. Never give in.

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NEWS

SEP. 22, 2011

Finance

PAYMENT PLANS LET STUDENTS PAY IN PIECES

Ja n u a r y

M ay

M a r ch

F e b ru a r y

April

Graphic by Anthony Murray, The Vista

By Bryan Trude / Staff Writer Students at a private college in Virginia have a new option to deal with the prohibitively high expenses of a college education.

Randolph-Macon College (RMC) is a 181-year-old Methodist liberal arts college in Ashland, The institution, which has an enrollment of just under 1,200 students, is now offering incoming freshmen what they call a “Four Year Degree Guarantee.”

Under the terms of this plan, beginning with the Fall 2011 semester, new students at the college receive a written guarantee that the student will graduate within four years, according to a press release written by Anna Marie Lauranzon, RMC director of marketing and communications.

The release stated that if the student does not complete their degree within four years but were continuously enrolled and maintained good academic standing, then the school will pay the costs of continuing their education until they graduate.

While UCO does not offer such a guarantee, Executive Director of Student Financial Services Drew Duke says that Bronchos have plenty of options if they have difficulty paying their school bill. “[At UCO], students who miss the due date will get a late fee, but after that they can just pay for it,” Duke said. “We will

never drop a student from a class they are enrolled in because of problems paying.”

Under UCO policy, students who cannot pay by the due date for the semester, which is generally the Friday prior to the start of classes, are assessed a $40 late fee. To encourage students to get the bill paid, the school also begins adding a monthly 1.5 percent interest charge of the unpaid balance approximately six weeks after class starts.

“It makes sense for students to pay whatever they can before that [date], whether they can pay it all or not because it would reduce that interest assessment,” Duke said. “Having an outstanding balance would affect a student’s ability to enroll in the next semester, but they would still be able to keep the classes they already have.”

UCO’s non-withdrawal policy for billing was enacted in the early 1990s. Prior to that, the university’s policy was what Duke referred to as “getting cancelled twice.”

Under such procedure, students who missed the first deadline were un-enrolled, but were allowed to re-enroll. If a student missed a second deadline two weeks later, they were unenrolled for the semester and a “W” would be entered onto their transcripts for their classes.

“I think the school’s current policy is fair,” Dheepak Jayakrishnan, general business MBA candidate, said. “If you are coming here to study, you should meet all of the requirements,

including paying your bill on time and meeting your deadlines. It is a good way to teach students responsibility.”

As for UCO’s future policy, Duke stated that the university is always looking for new ideas.

“I don’t think we’re considering [RMC’s] plan,” Duke said.

“We as an institution are always looking at ways for students to be retained. Inevitably, money is one of the reasons students drop out of school, and we are concerned about that.”

One of those ways Duke mentioned is an exception process available to students through his office which, if they win their appeal, would allow students with outstanding balances to enroll for the next semester.

This allows students who, for example, still owe for fall but are scheduled to graduate in spring to continue their education despite the balance. There are other circumstances that warrant such an appeal.

“Each case is handled individually on its own merits,” Duke said. “It’s a balance between the welfare of the student and the institution’s best interests.”

For more information on billing and payment, or to inquire about financial exceptions, contact the Student Financial Services Office at 974-2727, by email at osfa@uco.edu, or visit the office in room 136 of Nigh University Center.

Sustainability

MOVING PLANET GETS UNDER WAY SATURDAY

By Chris Howell / Staff Writer For those interested in art, health and sustainability, Sept. 24 will be an opportunity to pursue those interest.

UCO, along with Transition OKC, Sustainable OKC and the Sierra Club, is sponsoring Moving Planet OK, an “action-art festival” set for Saturday, according to the website for the event.

Registration for the event will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Womb Art Gallery, on 25 NW 9th St. This event is part of the Moving Planet Day, a global event that challenges the world to move beyond fossil fuels. The goals of this event are a little less grandiose.

“Basically, each community [that participates] picks a goal that they want to achieve and raise awareness for. In our case, it’s Oklahoma’s abysmally low ranking in health and sustainability stats,” Tim Tillman, sustainability coordinator at UCO, said. “We want to become a top 10 state. In order to raise awareness for that, we are going to have a small event, starting at the Womb. And then we’ll have a bike, walk and parade to City Hall where we’ll have an art installation.”

According to Tillman, each participant will get to hang his or her own piece of art on the City Hall lawn.

“Then we’ll reverse the route and go back to the Womb,” Tillman said. “There’ll be lunch, live music and a lottery. At one o’clock we’ll auction off the art piece and the proceeds are going to benefit Closer to Earth.”

Tillman was a part of the organizing team for the event. Closer to Earth is a “a non-profit group empowering youth through urban organic gardening,” according to Christine Patton, co-chair of Transition OKC. The parade portion of the walk will be about two miles. Organizers encourage participants to decorate their clothes, bikes and props to symbolize the solution for a cleaner environment and better fitness.

“It’s a big awareness raising event to show people that you can get around Oklahoma City by bike or walking, you don’t have to drive an enormous SUV,” Tillman said.

Oklahoma is ranked seventh highest in rates of obesity, with Mississippi ranked first in a 2011 study by Calorie Lab. Oklahoma City was ranked 49th out of the 50 most populous cities in America in sustainability, according to a national survey by Sustain Lane.

The music will be provided by 13 Seeds, a local band.

The website for the wider Moving Planet Day claims the event draws inspiration from the “people power” of the democracy movements in Egypt and elsewhere. The organizers hope the event will make governments and leaders legislate action on climate change, which they feel has stalled since the UN Climate meetings in Copenhagen in 2009 failed to produce any significant agreement.

“We [UCO] are a sponsor but we are also very engaged in the event itself,” Tillman said.

“We are a very walkable, very bike-able campus...and this is just one more way we can reach out to the larger community and go, this is how we do it at UCO, and it’ll work here, too.”

The other sponsors’ website can be found at http://goinglocalokc.com, http://www.sustainableokc.org/ and http://www.sierraclub. org/

For more informtation about goinglocalokc, scan this tag

Central HomeComing Sept. 24-oCt. 1 SatUrDaY, SeptemBer 24 7 pm Concert at plunkett park Featuring Chris Cagle & chuck wicks

tUeSDaY, SeptemBer 27 5 pm 5k broncho stampede 6 pm carnival at plunkett park

FriDaY, SeptemBer 30 11:30 am alumni recognition Ceremony 6 pm Cheer & Dance at Hamilton Field House

Saturday, october 1 goo.gl/OUKU5

10 am homecoming parade 12 pm tailgate party at Wantland Stadium 2 pm Football game at Wantland Stadium For more information Please Contact: Alumni Relations • (405) 974-2421 • uco.edu/alumni or Campus Activities • (405) 974-2363 • uco.edu/homecoming

NEWS

SEP. 22, 2011

5

Liberal Arts

TELEFUND IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS

NEW BOOKSTORE OPENING SOON

By Shannon Moham / Contributing Writer The College of Liberal Arts is in need of student volunteers to participate in their second annual Central Telefund event, taking place Oct. 4-6 from 4 to 8 p.m.

The Telefund is specific to Liberal Arts students at UCO and is designed to help UCO alumni re-connect with the university.

Liberal Arts students call UCO alumni, update their contact information and tell them about ways they can get involved with and support Liberal Arts students and programs.

Director of Development for Liberal Arts, Lisa Antonelli, spoke about the benefits of the Telefund for students.

“The Telefund is a great way for alumni to pay it forward,” Antonelli said.

“They are in a unique position to tell students what life is like after graduation. They are willing to open doors for internships, jobs, and networking.”

Tiffany Barksdale, project coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts, is also hopeful about the turnout for volunteers at this year’s event.

“Last year we had 28 volunteers and this year we would like to have 40,” Barksdale said.

Volunteers will be eligible to win gift cards and other prizes throughout the event. There will also be a drawing every hour for participating student organizations.

“Student organizations that participate will be entered in a drawing for a $2,500 grant toward a speaker of their choice,” Barksdale said. “So I encourage student organizations to apply.”

For more information on how to become a volunteer, contact the Liberal Arts Development Office at 974-2522 or ladevelopment@uco.edu

Half Price Books, located on 1159 E. Second Street in Edmond, is hosting a children’s spelling bee Oct. 5. For every word spelled correctly the store will donate $1 to Oklahoma City Metro Literacy Coalition . First place wins $100 HPB Gift Card and $200 gift card for their school library. Second place wins a $50 HPB gift card. Third place wins a $25 gift card. Deadline for entering the spelling bee is Sept. 26. Registration is limited to the first 50 children, fourth through eight grade. Photo by Trevor Hultner, The Vista

Career Services

Continued from page 1

CAREER FAIR NEXT WEEK OPEN CARRY

By Jessica Brewer / Contributing Writer Come one, come all who are ready to begin their future career: to UCO’s Fall Career and Internship Fair, on Sept. 28 in the Nigh University Center.

Unlike the one currently taking place at the Oklahoma Fair Grounds, there is neither fattening, artery-clogging sweets nor gutwrenching, unstable rides at this fair. At this fair, students will find possible job openings and internships at several large surrounding companies.

Most companies and organizations hire summer interns the fall before; those interns are found at events such as these.

The fair will take place on the third floor of the Nigh, in the Grand Ballroom. This event is open to UCO students of all levels, to UCO alumni, and to the public. The event is completely free of charge to all. The only requirement is that everyone arrives in business casual attire.

“We have turned a few people away at the door. UCO has a reputation,” Stephanie Scott, coordinator of Internships and Career Services, said about the attire requirement for the event.

While the fair is open to all students, freshmen are encouraged to volunteer for the fair in lieu of actually participating, because most are not at the very brink of graduation or seeking a career in their area of study. Of course, volunteering is not required and freshmen are welcome to attend if they feel compelled to

do so.

“You can speak directly to recruiters,” Scott said. She sees this as the biggest benefit of attending the fair.

Aside from face time with actual representatives from each company, attendees are welcome to drop off hard copies of their resumes.

The roster of attending companies includes some new names this year. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is seeking interns for its expanding program. Chesapeake is looking specifically for accounting students. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is on the hunt for criminal justice majors. Even the Girl Scouts of America will be at the fair, seeking young women for a paid internship.

There are also several companies returning for this year’s fair. The returning group includes Trinity Resources, Walgreens, Target, DHS, Gordman’s, Maurices, and many others.

The Career and Internship Fair begins Wednesday at noon and will continue until 4 p.m. There is no pre-registration required; attendees will simply sign in at the door. Once signed in, students are not required to stay the duration of the fair. They may come and go as they please. The only requirement for attendance is that each person must fill out an evaluation at the end of their visit.

As per Title XI, Chapter Three, Section 100 of the UCOSA Statutes, “The Executive Branch, under the direction of the President, as a whole or separately, along with the Senate, under the direction of the President Pro Tempore, and the House of Representatives, under the direction of the Speaker of the House, shall publish bi-weekly reports to The Vista.” Violation of that act will be punishable by appropriate authorities and measures as set forth in the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association constitution, statutes, and University policy.

In the interest of transparancy within our student government, as space allows, The Vista will gladly run these bi-weekly submissions.

By Lacie Larschan / President Pro Tempore UCOSA Senate This week in the senate we spent most committee meetings during the senate but of our time in committees outlining goals in the future these meetings will take place and figuring out the technical details of separately to allow more time for the remeeting times and chair persons. The five sults of the committees to debated and votcommittees include Rules & Oversight, ed on. My personal goal for this year is to Academic Affairs, Student Life, Clean & have many small projects that improve livGreen, and External Affairs. Some ideas ing central. I believe that the small changes that came from these meetings were en- will add up to a more tailored university hancing the online enrollment process, off experience. campus service projects, and several ways If you would like to attend Senate meetto encourage activity outside of the senate. ings as a non-voting observer, please do!

This semester as a whole we are striving Meetings are held every Monday at 1:00pm for committees to be the fuel of the sen- in the Nigh University Center room 300. ate. The UCOSA senate in years past has For any questions concerns or comments not had very developed or effective com- feel free to contact me at llarschan@uco. mittees, but this is the best way to have edu, or swing by the UCOSA office (NUC a range of ideas focused on completing 148). goals. Next week we will continue to have The Vista has not recieved any updates from the Office of the UCOSA President nor the UCOSA House of Representative

O’Shea said lawmakers have a variety of options to pursue. One would be to expand the current concealed carry law to clarify things such as carrying on private property, involuntarily displaying a weapon and prohibited places. Another option would be to legalize open carry by those with a concealed carry permit, and a third would be allowing anyone over the age of 18 to openly carry a firearm without a permit.

Some law enforcement officials have expressed concerns about whether allowing people to openly display weapons in public is a good idea.

“We are not particularly in favor of open

carry,” said Stacey Puckett, executive director of the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police. “We believe if people want to carry a gun, they certainly should be fingerprinted, have a background check and training and meet certain licensing requirements.”

Rep. Sue Tibbs, chair of the House Public Safety Committee, said she supports some requirement for training and licensing of anyone who wants to openly carry a weapon.

“I think we should stay with the concealed carry permit and go through that process so that someone is at least familiar with the weapon they’re carrying,” said Tibbs, R-Tulsa.

Continued from page 3

CANCER said.

“So, I was just repeating what everybody just heard. Finally I said ‘If anybody is curious about my punchlines they’re being simulcast from this table seconds before I say them.

Thank you so much sir for ruining my show!’

That shut him up but I was too distracted to perform well at that point.”

Patrick, Joyner, and McKenzie hope to see a successful event.

“I want people to leave saying, ‘I didn’t expect to laugh at that’. With my comedy I think people are initially with me. They just don’t know it,” Patrick said.

“I hope everyone there finds themselves exposed to great local comedy that’s accessible,” Joyner said.

McKenzie said he would like everyone to leave with faces hurting “from laughing too much.”

Advance tickets are still available, for $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Tickets are available for purchase at the TKE house on Ayers, and they will be sold in the Nigh University Center leading up to the event. The event also sports a Facebook page if potential attendees need more information from the sponsors.

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6

CLASSIFIED

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted Part-time stocker. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Apply in person at North Oaks Wine and Spirit, 1283 West Danforth. No phone calls.

S h o g u n Steakhouse

EMPLOYMENT FUN FACTS

UCO Hockey is looking for national anthem singers for home games.

Email sgordon@ucohockey.com by Tuesday.

Research Volunteers Needed Researchers at OU Health Sciences Center need healthy volunteers ages 18 to 30 who have a parentwith or without a history of an alcohol or drug problem. Qualified participants will be compensated for their time.

Call (405) 456-4303 to learn more about the study and to see if you qualify. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

Help Wanted Now Hiring part and full time cashiers and cooks for convenience store, I35 and Covell.

Please email Brandi at davisbrandi82@gmail. com.

FREE

Other Honda 1988 GL1500 motorbike for free, if interested contact: brown. tracy42@gmail.com

CROSSWORDS

Those few folks who have survived a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge report that it takes about four seconds to hit the water, which is plenty of time to re-think and regret the decision.

We have Thomas Jefferson to thank for mac’ n’ cheese: he brought home a macaroni-making machine in 1789 after serving as ambassador to France.

Looking for conscientious workers. Part-time The great victory of servers, bussers, & bar- Andrew Jackson over tenders. No experience the British at the Battle necessary. of New Orleans happened after the cease-fire was declared (but not ratified) and the War of 1812 was over. Because Private Golf Club communication took so long no one realized it Looking for friendly, until Jackson wiped out energetic people. Bar- the British. tenders, banquet staff and wait staff in the Golf- Signs such as those that ers Grill at River Oaks state “Not Responsible Golf Club. We have full- for Your Car or Its Contime and part-time posi- tents” carry no weight in tions so come join our court; they are posted team! Will train!! simply to discourage Located just a few min- people from pursuing utes from UCO, apply in any legal action. person at 10909 Clubhouse Road, Edmond The term “paparazzi” OK or email david@riv- comes from Paparazzo, eroaksgolf.com a fictional freelance photographer in the 1960 Fellini film La Dolce Vita.

Help Wanted

SEP. 22, 2011

The first Star Wars movie (A New Hope) was originally given a movie rating of G. That was, until they added the burning corpses of Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru.

The rating was quickly changed to PG. The genetic mutation that causes red hair also causes redheads to be more resistant to anesthesia. They can require up to 25% more than patients of other hair colors.

A large percentage of the budget for Monty Python and the Holy Grail was donated by members of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.

Although both aardvarks and anteaters feed on ants, they’re members of different families and live in different areas of the world.

If your doctor says he’s going to perform an auscultation on you, don’t worry; he’ll just be using his stethoscope.

Neil Armstrong’s astronaut application arrived a week past the deadline.

A friend slipped his form into the pile before anyone could notice.

The popular dice game known as Yahtzee was created by a Canadian couple who played it aboard their yacht — hence the name.

Across

Down

1. Gyro wrappers 6. Goya’s “Duchess of ___” 10. Become unhinged 14. “Haste makes waste,” e.g.

15. Function customarily served by another 16. Blue hue 17. Joined together again 19. City on the Yamuna River 20. Keen 21. Football playing field 23. Male hormone 25. Magical drink 27. “Dear” one 28. “___ Ng” (They Might Be Giants song) 29. “Buenos ___” 32. “___ go!”, slang 36. Words interpreted two ways (2 wds) 40. Any Platters platter 41. “Cut it out!”

42. Common deciduous tree 43. ___ v. Wade 45. Wanderers 48. Reinforcement 53. Woman who receives patron’s support 54. Kvetch 58. Bringing up the rear 59. Malign 61. Hip bones 62. ___-friendly 63. Member of Quechuan people in Peru 64. Beach shades 65. ___ Station 66. Cast out

1. Legal prefix 2. Bad day for Caesar 3. Boor’s lack 4. Rabbitlike rodent 5. Pliable plastic explosive 6. “Aladdin” prince 7. Fast talk 8. Fermented alcoholic beverages 9. Examinations of financial accounts 10. Carpet runner holder 11. The “N” of U.N.C.F. 12. Composer Copland 13. 747, e.g.

18. Near 22. Condescend 24. Attempts 25. Carbon compound 26. Extol 28. “Much ___ About Nothing” 30. Amazon, e.g.

31. Backgammon piece 33. Put one’s foot down?

34. After-dinner selection 35. “Don’t ___!”

37. Catholic clergy’s caps 38. Freetown currency unit 39. Word derived from person’s name 44. Small dish for serving poultry product 46. Bully 47. Equipping with weapons 48. Divided 49. Start of a refrain 50. Pine sap derivative 51. Bait 52. She had “the face that launched a thousand ships” 55. Defensive spray 56. Flight data, briefly (acronym, pl.)

57. Cost of living?

60. Ashes holder

SUDOKU Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.42)

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SEP 20 CROSSWORD ANSWERS

A plugin for your campus news.

SPORTS

SEP. 22, 2011

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Central Hockey

CENTRAL HOCKEY OPENS SEASON FRIDAY

By Bryan Trude / Sports Writer The UCO Hockey Team will open their season 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 at Artic Edge Ice Arena, 14613 N Kelly Ave. The Bronchos will be taking on the Purple Eagles of Niagara University, a private university travelling to Edmond from Niagara, N.Y. “We’re going to fall back on defense, mainly.

If you have a strong defense, you’re going to have a strong core,” head coach Craig McAlister said. “That gives you a place where you can do a little bit, you can create turnovers, get into that zone where you have an odd man advantage leaving the zone.”

A young team, the Bronchos return only seven seniors compared to 11 sophomores.

However, they add 12 new freshmen, including a brand new goaltending corps of Brett Patchett of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada; Tory Caldwell of Oliver, British Columbia, Canada; and Zdenek Zavadil of the Czech Republic.

Although a permanent captain will not be selected until the following week when UCO hosts Texas A&M, McAlister is looking to those seven to step up and provide leadership in the locker room, a challenge Edmond native Luke Ward is up to the task for.

“I wouldn’t say I was a team leader in the past, but last season I was a pretty integral part of our offensive system,” Ward said. “If Coach wants me to take a leadership role, I’m perfectly fine with it, I have no problem doing it.”

One threat McAlister said his team was preparing for was Purple Eagles forward Jeff Hannan who, despite only playing in 17 games last season, remains a persistent scoring threat. “[Hannan] is a particularly gifted athlete,” McAlister said. “We have to know where he is on the ice at all times, his line carries Niagara.”

Another notable weapon in the Purple Eagles’ arsenal is senior goaltender Chris Noonan, who comes into the season carrying a .903 save percentage.

“You put your checking line out against a line like [Hannan’s],” McAlister said. “They grind everything they do, and they will grind you out. If you put your best line out against those guys, they’ll just grind you out and they will make it very hard to get to the net.”

A club sport at Central, the hockey team is supported by corporate sponsors and fan involvement. Student tickets to both Friday’s

Luke Ward during a practice at Arctic Edge in Edmond, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011. Photo

by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

game and Saturday’s second game against Niagara are $5 each with a UCO ID. Students can also buy a season pass for student section seating for $25.

“Playing hockey at UCO is different than I

expected, but it has grown a lot the past few years,” Ward said. “Our fan base has doubled, it’s been a pretty tremendous experience. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Opinion

UCO HOCKEY DESERVES MORE SUPPORT FROM SCHOOL

By Bryan Trude / Sports Writer Folks only have to step outside the hall of their choice and look around to know that the UCO Bronchos support their own.

The profile of the school is on the rise. Thanks to the hard work of the administration and the UCO Athletics department, the school is on its way to a spot in a prestigious Division II conference in the MIAA, leading to more exposure and more prestige for Central.

The problem with that, however, is that one of UCO’s most noteworthy programs, a program that makes the Bronchos’ name a feared and respected one in the halls of schools such as OU, Texas, Penn State and Navy, does so in the shadows.

Their stands are packed every night they play, their fans some of

the most enthusiastic on campus.

However, their players receive no help, no scholarship dollars from the school they fund with their tuition dollars, many of them at hyperinflated out-of-state rates.

Their coach is not a man who draws a nice paycheck, with a humble office in some corner in Hamilton Fieldhouse. He spends his days running a pharmacy in Yukon; he works with his young recruits in an ice rink complex set in the middle of an industrial district, late at night after everyone else has gone home and kicked their feet up.

For the players and coaches of the UCO Hockey program, though, it’s just for the love of the game.

Football, the prize horse in UCO’s stable, continue their whirlwind tour of mediocrity, padding the win columns of every team who agreed

to play them so far, and the team continues to collect dollars and support from Athletics to do it, because this is Oklahoma. Football is what we do.

Meanwhile, the Central Hockey team has played a significant role on the national stage for years now, advancing to the semifinals of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I in 200910. They bring in recruits from places as far from Edmond to the Czech Republic, and they don’t do it with the promises of a taxpayerfunded education like the football players, who suffered their first shutout since 2007 against Angelo State.

Now, there are plenty of valid arguments as to why hockey is better off as a club sport, not receiving scholarships. To make the hockey

team a non-club sport would submit the UCO Athletics program to a much higher budget, requiring them to start up even more programs to satisfy the requirements of Title IX. By design, ACHA member programs like UCO receive no scholarships and generally very little in funding from the universities they play for. The quality of play within the ACHA and the prestige of many of its member clubs is unrivaled by anything the NCAA has to offer.

In the end, that means it’s up to the students, those UCO Broncho fanatics, to support this prestigious group of ambassadors for Central around the country. When the puck drops on the hockey season Sept.

23 at Artic Edge Arena against Niagara University at 7:30 pm, the students these Bronchos play for need

to open their wallets and pack those stands, making that rink a veritable sea of bronze and blue.

This program depends on the financial support of the UCO student body to survive, to continue what they do and spread the name “Central Oklahoma Bronchos” around the country, making it a name to be feared and prepared for.

It’s the students who make it possible for OU players to go to sleep, and have nightmares of men with names like Adam Hull, Don Geary, Patrick Biron and Zdenek Zavadil.

Come out to the games, fill those stands, support these unsung warriors of the ice, and show these players just what they mean to this school.

It’s the least we can give them.

Sports Opinion

VISTA SPORTS PREDICTIONS: NFL WEEK 3 Two weeks in, and the NFL season is now in full swing. Our panelists are currently picking at an average of 62.5%, and “The Huddle” outpicked The Vista with an average of 75% right to The Vista’s average of 68.5%

NFL Week 3

Trey Hunter Vista Sports Editor

Bryan Trude Vista Sports Writer

Garett Fisbeck Vista Photo Editor

Amber Pyle Vista Sports Writer

Terry Fox UCentral’s “The Huddle”

Kyle Renfrow UCentral’s “The Huddle”

Courtney Landsberger UCentral’s “The Huddle”

Texans @ Saints

Saints

Texans

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Giants @ Eagles

Eagles

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Eagles

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Eagles

Jaguars @ Panthers

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Jaguars

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Patriots @ Bills

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Dolphins @ Browns

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49ers @ Bengals

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Broncos @ Titans

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Lions @ Vikings

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Ravens @ Rams

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Jets @ Raiders

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Chiefs @ Chargers

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Cardinals @ Seahawks

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Falcons @ Buccaneers

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Packers @ Bears

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Steelers @ Colts

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Redskins @ Cowboys

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Last Week’s Picks (W-L)

12-4

12-4

9-7

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Season Picks (W-L)

23-9

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8

SPORTS

SEP. 22, 2011 Central Volleyball

Opinion

VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS

LONG ROAD AHEAD

By Trey Hunter

Vista Sports Editor

We All Fake It ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown, hosted by Chris Berman, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, Chris Carter and Mike Ditka, features a blooper-filled section titled “C’mon Man!” Each one of the hosts chooses a play from the weekend and give their hilarious take on why that particular play should make us all laugh. This is one of the best parts of the show, but somehow they have missed a few plays recently that make each one of us, as fans, scream, “C’MON MAN!” This week’s Monday Night Football matchup featured the St. Louis Rams versus the New York Giants at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Rams, who run a quick, hurry-up offense led by quarterback Sam Bradford, were faced with something that has perplexed NFL referees for many years now: fake injuries.

The Giants’ Deon Grant helplessly flailed to the ground after a play from scrimmage by Bradford and the Rams. Innocent enough. However, the thing that caught everybody’s attention was the fact that Grant wasn’t touched by a soul around him, and if he was, it was a minor tap by one of his teammates trying to lineup after breaking the defensive huddle. It was obvious.

There was nobody around that could have caused him to look like a pee-wee backup whose mom just had a heart attack from watching her son go down. Bradford, one of the quietest players to ever lace up cleats even commented that it was a ploy to slow down his no-huddle offense. So what does the NFL do about this situation?

There are already rules in place for injuries that stop the clock, but these rules are set up for the last two minutes of each half. If an injury occurs in the final minutes, the defensive team is either charged a timeout, or there is a 10-second runoff of the game clock. Nothing is in place for something like this happening during the rest of the game.

This needs to change.

The argument for the NFL putting rules in place for such an occurrence is heavily in the favor of the so-called “floppers.” How can anybody determine whether a player is actually writhing in pain or if they are faking it to give their team a breather? In all reality, you can’t. You would have to be a mind reader to make that call, but you don’t have to be John Edward to see the obvious. The NFL needs to let their referees make a discretionary call in these circumstances.

Major League Baseball lets their umpires make their own judgments in certain situations, why can’t the NFL? Now, how do we penalize the players trying to illegally slow down their offensive counterparts? Hit them and hit them hard. It should be at the very least a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with the embarrassment of showing the play over and over again on the big screen and the television sets across America.

The penalty wouldn’t even be the reason most players would quit aimlessly flopping around the field, the embarrassing replays would. NFL superstars certainly don’t want their reputations scrutinized by the fact that they look like Vlade Divac trying to guard Shaq in the NBA’s 2002 Western Conference Finals.

The NFL usually gets things right when it comes to onthe-field penalties and conduct that makes their league, as a whole, look bad. This is one of those situations that they need to look at and make corrections. If they don’t, there could be a lot of people screaming, “C’MON MAN!”

Bella Romero, a sophomore volleyball player for UCO, poses for a photo at Hamilton Fieldhouse, Monday, Sept. 19, 2011. Romero has accounted for 490 of UCO’s 581 assists this season. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

By Amber Pyle / Contributing Writer Returning to the court after a year off, sophomore Bella Romero joins the Central volleyball team in hopes of becoming the team’s top setter.

In 2009 Romero assisted the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore in a 24-7 record, personally finishing the season with a team high of 1,004 assists averaging 10.4 assists per set. She also contributed 184 digs, 43 kills, 32 service aces and 23 block assists.

Deciding to take the 2010 school year off, Romero focused on where she was going for her remaining college career. This led her to UCO, where she has laid a new foundation for herself.

“It has been pretty tough here after taking off a year. Coming back is hard since you’re not in playing mode,” Romero said. “Getting back in routine and dealing with school and work, has been a big test to see if I can do it again.”

Romero spent her summer assisting with high school volleyball camps in her home state of Texas and venturing to the east coast of Virginia to work alongside her sister as a camp coach.

“Being able to coach some over the summer has helped me see different ways I need to improve,” Romero said. “It reminds me that I need to be improving all of the time. There’s just no room for error.”

With the 2011 season well on its way, Romero has tallied

up 447 assists, bringing her average to 9.12 assets per set. She has also totaled 105 digs, 19 kills, eight service aces and 17 block assists.

“It’s been fun getting back on the court again. I get to play a lot so I try hard to take a leadership role without over powering it,” Romero said. “We are a good team and it’s nice to learn from each other and watch us build as a team.”

Romero is a Biology major with plans to move on to a preveterinarian program after graduation.

“I’m still feeling out what all this school has to offer. I hope to get more involved with the biology groups next semester and see where that takes me,” Romero said. “Being out there on the court gives you motivation to do well in the classroom.

I think of volleyball as my job and I have to do well at my job to gain the benefits of my education.”

“I have two goals at this point, to become a vet and to see our team find its chemistry this season,” Romero said. “While remembering the first one I work harder at the second one.”

“Since we don’t have a conference this year it’s just us trying to get in a flow with each other, we are a young team and I think it makes it easier learning how each other plays,” Romero said.

“Its easy for older teams to get set in their ways so I’m glad we get to start learning about each other together,” she continued. “I know we can succeed and show everyone we can be in a harder conference. Coach pushes us because he knows we can do it.”

From Bronchosports.com

UCO WINS SECOND STRAIGHT Another week, another win for the powerhouse Central Oklahoma men’s golf team.

The No. 5-ranked Bronchos captured their second tournament title in as many tries Tuesday, strolling to a runaway 26-stroke victory over No. 3 Abilene Christian in the Dornick Hills Classic while placing four individuals in the top eight.

UCO shot a one-under-par 279 Tuesday to finish three trips around the par-70 Dornick Hills Golf Club with an 858 total.

ACU was second in the 13-team event at 884, followed by St. Edward’s (886), Arkansas-Fort Smith (895) and Cameron (897).

“Yesterday the course played difficult and we were fortunate to be leading by eight,” said first-year head coach Pat Bates.

“Our goal today was to shoot under par and we were able to

achieve that, which was great.

Senior standout Andrew Green led the onslaught with the second individual title of his stellar career, shooting a closing even-par 70 to finish at one-under 209 for a three-shot win over West Texas A&M’s Ben Hargis.

Dillon Rust had the best round of the final round with a two-under 68 and finished third in the medalist race at 213, while Baer Aneshansley came in fourth at 216 after a 70 and Josh Creel tied for seventh at 220 with a final-round 71.

Logan Waresback rounded out the UCO team with a 79 and Trevor Stafford shot 76 playing as an individual.

The Bronchos continue their fall schedule next Monday and Tuesday at the Northeastern State Classic.

Central Football

BRONCHOS RENEW RIVALRY WITH SWOSU

By Trey Hunter / Sports Editor The Central football team heads to Weatherford, Okla. to battle Southwestern Oklahoma State Saturday for their fourth straight road game to open the season.

The Bronchos are 0-3 with losses to North Alabama, Southeastern Oklahoma Sate and Angelo State (Texas). Their tough test of road games won’t get any easier against the Bulldogs. SWOSU enters the game with a 2-1 record with wins over Northwestern Oklahoma and Henderson State (Ark.). SWOSU’s offense is led by quarterback Dustin Stenta. Stenta is averaging nearly 303 yards per game through the air and has four touchdowns compared to two intercep-

tions. His efficienc rating is 124.6 and his completion percentage is 65.3.

The Bulldogs’ running game is the strong point of their team. They are rushing for nearly 303 yards per game on the ground and split carries between three runners: Bruce Hatton, Eric Charles and Esau Bauknight. Hatton and Charles each average over 65 yards per game, while Bauknight tops out at 98.7 per game.

The Bronchos will have to step up both on offense and defense. Quarterback Ethan Sharp, who averages 266.3 yards per game, has played well, but in the Bronchos’ three losses it hasn’t been enough. Running back Josh Birmingham still has firepower running the ball, but will have to bounce back from his 38-

yard performance last weekend against Angelo State.

UCO’s defense has caused their offensive counterparts to play from behind most of the season. They are giving up nearly 200 yards per game on the ground and 222 yards per game through the air. They will have to tidy up their game in both categories if they hope to leave Weatherford with a victory.

The Bronchos know what they have to do to come out of this matchup with a victory. They have to overcome the fact that they are playing their fourth straight road game and step up on both sides of the ball.

PREDICTION: UCO 28 SWOSU 24

WATCH AND LISTEN Central Oklahoma vs. Southwestern Central Oklahoma www.1340thegame.com www.uco360.com Southwestern Oklahoma State mms://mediasrv.swosu.edu/livestream Other Media I Heart Radio App: Oklahoma City Stations