The Vista April 13, 2021 by The Vista

the

Volume 118, Issue 23

VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, April 13, 2021

President-elect Shannon brings experience

INSIDE

Single Dose Vaccine

Dr. Dale Bratzler speaks to the Vista’s Ty Wallace on the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine. See Pg. 4

Newly elected UCOSA Vice President DeLauren Diaz, left, and President De Shannon pose with “Hooves Up” in front of Old North. Diaz and Shannon won the election uncontested last week. (Provided/De Shannon)

Softball & Baseball UCO’s softball and baseball teams brought home wins last week. See Pg.6-7

Filmmaker Panel

UCO Melton Gallery hosts a filmmaker discussion panel in collaboration with the OKCine Latino Film Festival. See Pg.8

Bryce McKinnis @McKinnisBryce Managing Editor

De Shannon and DeLauren Diaz were named UCO Student Association President and Vice President, respectively, for the 2021-22 school year, UCOSA announced in an Instagram post Wednesday. Shannon and Diaz ran uncontested, receiving all of the 266 votes cast last Tuesday. They will be sworn-in Monday. Shannon, a junior forensic science major, has served as chair of Congress during the 2020-21 school year.

Juniors crowned as new international royalty Amanda Siew

@amandasiewyk Contributing Writer

Around Campus Check out this week’s events for Jazz, Opera, and more! See Pg. 2

University of Central Oklahoma juniors Andre Choong and Precious Kameni were crowned Friday night as the 2021-2022 king and queen for the 21st annual Mr. and Miss UCO International Pageant. Choong and Kameni represented Malaysia and Cameroon respectively in the pageant at Constitution Hall. They each received a $1,600 tuition waiver scholarship, a crown, sash and plaque for winning their titles. Continued on Pg. 3

Also a junior, Diaz is studying psychology. She started the school year as secretary before being promoted to vice chair of Congress at the start of spring term after the former vice chair resigned. “My previous experience as Chair of Congress will assist me in the executive branch by carrying over knowledge of how UCOSA operates, preexisting relationships with the administration and how to effectively communicate the wishes of the student body to the many offices around campus,” Shannon said. Shannon said his primary goal is a

“potential transition back into a preCOVID-19 era.” “This depends on the direction that the school will take,” Shannon said, “but if there are less restrictions, I hope to help be a transparent and effective voice between the students and administrators. “Some students have not seen a different collegiate experience, and I want to help them and all students with that transition,” Shannon said. Shannon also hopes to make UCOSA a “familiar face for students to feel comfortable expressing their concerns.” Continued on Pg. 5

UCO COVID-19 DASHBOARD Active UCO COVID-19 Cases:

Recoveries: 859 Total Cases: 866

Self-Reported COVID-19 Vaccinations:

1,108 Students: 534, Faculty: 263, Staff: 311

Statistics are based on information via the UCO online COVID-19 dashboard as of Monday, April 12. COVID-19 vaccinations can be self-reported following a community member’s final dose of the vaccine. Community members can also self-report intent to NOT receive a COVID-19 vaccination. All self-reports can be made via the UCO Vaccine Clinic webpage. COVID-19 infection reports can be made via the UCO COVID-19 self-reporting tool on the online dashboard.

2 | The Vista

April 13, 2021

via Zoom. Find the link on the UCO events page. Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Career Doctor - Interviewing: From 3 to 4 p.m. on Zoom, learn what to do before, during, and after a job intrview to impress prospective employers. Vist the UCO Events page for the event URL. FACS - David Forbat and Friends: At 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, the UCO School of Music's Faculty Artist Series is showcasing faculty musician David Forbat and Friends to generate scholarship funds for music students in financial need. Entry is $10 and doors will open at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Jazz Combos Concert: At 7 p.m., the Geib Reb Combo, 5th Street Strutters, and Jazz Composers COmbo will perform at the Jazz Lab. Tickets are free for students with a valid ID, and $18 for all others. Face coverings are required per university policy. Thursday, April 15, 2021 Jazz Combos Concert: At 7 p.m., the Hardman Rep Combo and Lab Central Station Combo will perform at the Jazz Lab. Tickets are free for students with a valid ID, and $18 for all others. Face coverings are required per university policy. Friday, April 16, 2021

Lunch at the Lab: From 12 to 1 p.m. outside of the Jazz Lab, UCO jazz group the 5th St. Strutters will play a free concert. Tables will be socially distanced for viewers to bring lunch and enjoy.

Antirascist Assessment for the Classroom: From 1 to 2 p.m., the Antirascist Pedagogy Working Group will host a virtual learning opportunity. Attendees can register and find the Zoom link via the UCO events page.

Adulting 101 - How "Intelligent" Are You?: At 3:30 p.m., join this Zoom event to learn how to increase your emotional intelligence in the areas of self-awareness, self-regulation, social skill, empathy and motivation. UCO HR Society: From 6 to 7 p.m., the UCO HR Society club will meet

Forensic Science Spotlight: From 1 to 2 p.m., students interested in Forensic Science will have the opportunity to meet a faculty member, see a classroom, and tour the Forensic Science Institute. Sessions will last one hour.

Around Campus

Guest Speaker Dr. Elliott Currrie - A Peculiar Indifference: The Neglected Toll of Violence on Black America: At 2 p.m., professor of Criminology, Law and Society at the University of California, Irvine Dr. Elliott Currie will speak on his newest book. The event will take place via Zoom, and the link can be found at calendar.uco.edu.

this event via their Facebook page.

UCO Opera - Cendrillon: At 7:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Hall Theatre, the UCO Opera will perform CENDRILLON, an operatic take on the classic fairy tale Cinderella. Per university policy, face coverings will be required.

UCO Opera - Cendrillon: At 2 p.m. at the Mitchell Hall Theatre, the UCO Opera will perform CENDRILLON, an operatic take on the classic fairy tale Cinderella. Per university policy, face coverings will be required.

Summer/Fall Priority Registration Ends. Global Leadership Ambassador Application Closes: Applications close at 11:59 p.m. International Student Council Application Closes: Applications close at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021 ISC - Vietnam Student Association Presents: Into the Myth of Mountain and Sea: From 6 to 7 p.m. at the International House, the Vietnam Student Association will live-stream

To submit events for next week’s Around Campus, please email thevista@ucentralmedia.com. Include the title of your event, time and place, and a brief description. Descriptions are subject to editing.

the

VISTA

Staff

Jacob Silva Cory Bryce McKinnis Lyric Peterson Tanner Laws Christina Bass Demetri Cruse Lilli Meyers Amanda Siew Ty Wallace Cynthia Faulkner

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Digital Media/Copy Editor Photographer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Adviser

Advertise with us! The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com

Monday, April 19, 2021

Last day to drop Spring Block II courses. Title IX & Dine: From 4 to 5 p.m. in the NUC Ballroom A, or via Zoom, join UCO's Title IX Coordinator Paul Goertemiller to learn what the Title IX process is, what rights you have, and the reporting process.

Front Pg. Teaser Photos, from top: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin Provided/BronchoSports Provided/Pixabay Provided/Vista Archives

UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903 The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.

EDITORIALS

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

LETTERS

The Vista encourages letters to the

editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.

ADDRESS LETTERS TO:

Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista@ucentralmedia.com.

International Pageant

April 13, 2021

The Vista | 3

Juniors crowned as new international royalty Continued from Pg. 1

Choong also won Best in Talent and Mr. Congeniality. “It was kind of unexpected because I have never joined a pageant before,” Choong said of winning his new title. “I was really shocked because I wasn’t expecting anything at all, but I couldn’t have done it without everybody who supported me and the other contestants who have grown to be a family.” Having struggled with body image issues, Choong chose “Loving the Image” as his platform to empower others who may face the same struggles. “People like me who are on the ‘fluffier’ side have a lot of disadvantages,” Choong said. “For someone of my size to win the pageant, it was very, very surprising. “I want to use my platform to inspire others to love themselves no matter what color, what religion, what race or how big you are.” “A lot of emotions” was what Kameni said she felt when her name was called for Miss UCO International 2021-22. “Usually, the people who win Miss Congeniality and the other awards would win the title, so I was sitting in the back doubting myself,” Kameni said. “I was thinking “Did they forget me?” and then they called my name, and I was crying.” As a person of color, Kameni said she wants to advocate for other people of color through her platform “Speak Up.” She said her passion to speak up came from the treatment of Black people in the United States. “Before I came to Oklahoma, my brothers always told me that Oklahoma was a redneck state, and ‘there’s going to be people who won’t treat you nice,’” Kameni said. She added she was particularly inspired following the death of George Floyd and the on-camera arrest of

Malaysia’s Andre Choong is crowned as the 2021-22 Mr. UCO International by former Mr. UCO International Trung Vu from Vietnam. (Amanda Siew/The Vista)

From left, newly crowned royalty Andre Choong and Precious Kameni pose next to pageant director Samantha Vu-Tran and 2020-21 international royalty Giannina Albines Chavez and Trung Vu. (Amanda Siew/The Vista)

CNN journalist Omar Jimenez. “The way Black people are killed and treated, we’re not given the same opportunities or advantages as white people,” Kameni said. “I told the judges ‘that could have been my brother,’ and it was really scary. “It’s really not fair that they’re experiencing so much hate. We only have one race, and that is human.” Choong and Kameni will replace the now former 2020-2021 Mr. and Miss UCO International, Vietnam’s Trung Vu and Peru’s Giannina Albines Chavez. Nine contestants competed in this year’s pageant, of whom four were male and five were female. They represented Brazil, Cameroon, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea and Vietnam. To win the title, the contestants were judged based on their talent, evening wear, onstage questions, and individual preshow interviews with the judges. First runner-up was awarded to Brazil’s Pedro Santos and Japan’s Yuyu Yoshida. Khuong Le from Vietnam and Wei Nah Long from Malaysia won second runner-up and the People’s Choice. Long also won Miss Congeniality. Jiyoon Jeon from Korea was awarded with Director’s Choice. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UCO International Student Council had to abandon their traditional method of holding the pageant fully in-person on campus. The pageant was held in person this year but with a limited number of attendees, which included five guests for each contestant, university officials, UCO and local royalty members and the judges. Those attending were required to sit socially distanced

Andre Choong from Malaysia (left) and Precious Kameni from Cameroon pose as the 2021-22 Mr. and Miss UCO International. They were both crowned at the 21st annual UCO international pageant Friday night at Constitutional Hall. (Amanda Siew/The Vista)

in Constitution Hall and wear face masks as per UCO’s COVID-19 policy. The general public was not allowed to attend the pageant in person and was directed to watch a Facebook livestream of the night’s events instead. “I found it challenging not only doing a hybrid format but also making sure that everyone involved was safe during rehearsals as well as the show,” said Samantha Vu-Tran, the pageant’s director. This was Vu-Tran’s third year of directing the international pageant. To ensure the contestants’ safety, Vu-Tran said she had to come up with

choreography that would keep them socially distanced. The contestants were also required to wear face masks at all times, including wearing clear ones on stage. She added that she, alongside backstage crew members, had to disinfect and rotate microphones during the onstage question portion of the pageant. “It was a lot more work for me, but my main priority was keeping my contestants safe and healthy,” Vu-Tran said. “I am truly honored that I get asked to come back and direct each year and, yes, I am coming back again for next year’s pageant.”

4 | The Vista

April 13, 2021

Vaccine/VA Hospital

Vaccine expert says “one and done” J&J vaccine has advantages Ty Wallace

@HALTexe Contributing Writer

With COVID vaccines becoming more and more available to Oklahoma residents, there has been some confusion with the vaccine options presented. Many people seem hesitant about the effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and other single-dose vaccines. To describe how these vaccines work, most need to know how the COVID-19 virus functions. The virus is a coronavirus, which is not the name of COVID-19, but the category of viruses it falls under, surprisingly, the common cold is also a coronavirus. According to Lisa Mragakis, M.D, M.P.H., the senior director of Infection Prevention at Johns Hopkins, the “corona” in coronavirus means crown, which refers to the shape of the virus itself. The crown shape is made of

A Northwell Health registered nurses fills a syringe with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at a pop up vaccinations site the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center, Thursday, April 8, 2021, in the Staten Island borough of New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

spike protein, which allows the virus to attach itself easily. Dr. Dale Bratzler, chief COVID officer at OU, pointed out how single and two-dose vaccines differ, saying that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses an inactivated virus, so that it is not able to replicate in the body. Within that virus is a section of DNA carrying genetic code with instructions on how to make spike protein. The body takes this information and eventually brings it into the immune system’s memory. Dr. Bratzler noted that vaccines for HIV, Ebola and the flu have all functioned like this. “The other two vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) skip a step or two and directly take the mRNA that is used to make a cell produce spike protein, coat it in a small lipid nanoparticle, and then inject it,” Bratzler said. Becoming “fully vaccinated” does not occur until two weeks after your final dose, whether that is your second Moderna or Pfizer dose, or your first and only Johnson & Johnson dose as immunity takes time to build. “The efficacy of prevention of hospitalization, COVID-19 complications, and death is the same with all three vaccines,” Bratzler said “There are a couple of advantages for the J&J vaccine... it is much easier to store. You keep it in a regular refrigerator and an unopened vial can be kept for three months. So that will make it easier to handle in some settings like

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt gives the thumbs up after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following a news conference about opening vaccine eligibility, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

rural communities... As to populations that might benefit – some people don’t like getting shots, so this vaccine is ‘one and done.’ Also, it will be useful for populations of patients who are difficult to reach (e.g., homeless populations, people without good transportation, people who can’t take a lot of time off to get their shot).” Dr. Bratzler also spoke on the unknowns of the vaccines available, saying that Pfizer and Moderna would most likely provide protection for about six months, but could possibly

function longer. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is expected to function similarly. “At this point, I still recommend that people get the first vaccine that they can. We cannot get to herd immunity to slow the spread of this disease until we get enough people vaccinated. We do not know if in the future we will have to take booster doses to provide additional protection or to address variant strains of the virus in the future.”

VA hospital attributes fewer COVID patients to vaccination effort Lilli Meyers Contributing Writer

During the major surges of COVID-19, nurses working at hospitals had to adjust to a new way of work-life. Heather Niemyer is a nurse at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System. During COVID, her medical surgery unit was transformed into a unit for COVID-19 patients. “During COVID surges that happened in August and again in November the med surge unit at the VA where I work was converted into an all COVID unit,” Niemyer said. “A team of infection control experts came in and negatively pressurized our hallway and sequestered it off with a tarp.” The medical surgical unit provides individualized attention to patients who are in the hospital for illness, surgery, or testing and observation. “Being in med surg meant that we didn’t have incubated patients or critically ill patients, but we did have patients on high flow oxygen and

patients that needed breathing treatments,” Niemyer stated. Niemyer said the administration at the VA hospital has been good about communicating their COVID numbers every week with a weekly update from their director. Since the major spikes, the COVID numbers at hospitals have gone down in Oklahoma. “At this time our census is down in terms of COVID patients and admissions to the hospital,” Niemyer said. The medical surgery unit at the VA is no longer a COVID unit. The hospital has now been able to establish one main ICU floor as a COVID unit. The VA also had a mobile unit outside in their parking lot to accommodate all COVID patients, but there is no longer a need for that. Now that vaccines are available to all Oklahomans, Niemyer is optimistic their COVID numbers will stay down. “Every time I’m down in our north entrance area where they’re offering vaccines to our veterans, it’s crowded with people lining up to get the vac-

cine and I think that’s a huge reason why our COVID numbers have gone down,” Niemyer said. As of now, there are no requirements at the VA for nurses or staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine. “There are still some nurses that have vaccine hesitancy because it is so new. The majority of the people that I work with have received both doses of the vaccine at this time,” Niemyer said. The VA was lucky in their nurse-topatient ratio. On a normal day four to one patients to nurse was normal. “Thankfully we were never overwhelmed at the VA. I know that was not the case in some facilities, so we were very fortunate,” Niemyer said. During the major spikes of COVID, the patients were not allowed to have family members in the hospital with them. All the support that family members once provided for the patient at their bedside now falls on the nursing and support staff. “At work as a nurse we tend to take for granted and underestimate the val-

ue of having loved ones at the bedside of our patients,” Niemyer said. “The value comes in different ways. It’s everything from helping the patient eat a meal if they need assistance, to being there to support them mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.” According to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, these groups are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine at VA health facilities: • All Veterans • Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans • Caregivers of Veterans (family member or friend who provides care to a Veteran. Caregivers may help a Veteran with personal needs like feeding, bathing, or dressing. They may also help a Veteran with tasks like shopping or transportation.) • Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits

April 13, 2021

UCOSA/Addiction Counseling

President-elect Shannon brings experience

The Vista | 5

UCO program named in top 50

Continued from Pg. 1

Sitting UCOSA President James Limbaugh said he was relieved to know that UCOSA “will be in good hands.” “I have seen [Shannon and Diaz’s] work ethic first-hand,” Limbaugh said. “Their vision and determination will lead them to success in their new positions. “Our student body is beyond lucky to have them running the show,” Limbaugh said. The post also announced the results of senatorial elections. For the college of liberal arts: Josh Chao, Emily Grim, Beyonce Hammond, Tyler Owens and Sakinah Smith. For the college of business: Tyler Garcia, Lauren Harman, Makayla Freeman, Siamyra Wilson and Johny Hayes. For the college of fine arts and design: Trinity Davis, Bear Harlow, Alexis Howry. For the college of education and professional studies: Thi Vuong, Kyiv Woodson, Lauren Berry, Robert Merchant, Mary Grace Robertson, Zayne Trimm, Ari Morgan and Amariah Sheffield. For the college of math and science: Clare Jordan, Joshua Valdez, Bonnie King, Jakob Carlson, Caleb Miller and Jasmine Cooper. For on-campus living: Lukas Byfield, Jacob Moralez, Hannah Scarier and Austin Doepke. For off-campus living: Keely Dooley, Callie Hambrick, Alexxa Lewis, Taylor Allyn and Saul Perez. “I want the senators to be proactive with their voice and push legislation that they are passionate about,” Shannon said. “I will be receptive to their ideas and offer any advice I can offer to make the legislative process sound.”

The University of Central Oklahoma Addiction Counseling masters program ranked in the top 50 programs in the nation. (Provided/ Pixabay)

Christina Bass

Contributing Writer

Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling is assisting students to develop their skills in the therapeutic areas and social advocacy for better treatments and facilities. The graduate degree will also promote sound research supporting proper advancements in the treatment of the debilitating diseases of substance abuse and dependency. According to the Addiction Center, almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction like alcohol, cocaine, opioids or other substances. Only 10% of addicts receive any type of treatment. More than 90% of people who have an addiction started to use substances before they were 18 years old. Across the nation, Addiction Counselor ranked the top 50 addictions

counseling master’s degree programs and the University of Central Oklahoma was ranked 44 out of 50 for 2021. All the programs were ranked by retention rate, graduation rate, cost and student-to- faculty ratio. UCO has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1 in the addictions counseling program according to the Addiction Counselor. “We are a smaller program where we get to know our students very well and every instructor is a licensed therapist,” said J. Keith Killian, D.O., LADC-MH, director of the addictions counseling program at UCO. Career opportunities with this degree include, substance abuse counselor, social services manager and mental health counselor. “Almost 100% go on to work as an addiction therapist,” Killian said. According to Killian, an addictions counselor can make $60,000-$70,000

a year as a starting salary and most students have a job after graduation. The requirements for admissions includes, an online application for admission, official copy of undergraduate and graduate transcripts. A student will need a minimum of 2.75 GPA overall or 3.00 GPA in the last 60 hours attempted and completion of 18 hours in substance abuse studies or behavioral science with a GPA of 3.00. Applicants must submit a one-page paper at the time of applying stating, “Why I will be successful as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor”. Applicants must have three letters of recommendation. One of the letters of recommendation is required to be from a licensed drug and alcohol counselor or the equivalent licensure from another state.

6 | The Vista

April 13, 2021

Baseball

The University of Central Oklahoma baseball team kneels on Wendell Simmons Field before a game on Sunday against Northwest Missouri State University. (Ravin Ray/The Vista)

Chos capture series against Northwest Mo Ravin Ray

@ravinrichelle Contributing Writer

The Bronchos baseball team had a rough opening game Saturday against Northwest Missouri losing 12-8. This only fueled Central to come back in the second and third games to win the series 2-1. UCO head baseball coach John Martin said they have to be ready as opportunities come. “Just trying to play the same way everyday,” Martin said. “We just have to keep playing and getting ready for the moment we step foot on the field to make some plays and just making sure our guys stay ready to go,” Martin said. In the first game early Saturday, UCO scored 4-0 in the second inning but Northwest answered two innings later with three runs. Then by the top of the fifth, Northwest drew seven on the scoreboard to go up 10-5. Central answered with just three more in the bottom of the eighth to bring the final score to 12-8. Philip Scott, a senior third baseman, was a difference maker for UCO getting on base all three games. “I just wanted to put the ball in play. I knew they were gonna throw into me and so I just tried to get the barrel to it and just hit it hard and it felt good.” Scott batted 3-for-5 with a home

Brendan Ezell, left, and Shane Nixon, right, fist bump each other before the national anthem at Sunday’s game. The Bronchos defeated Northwest Missouri State University 7-3. (Ravin Ray/The Vista)

run, a double and a single in the final game Sunday. UCO went through its entire pitching lineup Saturday and Sunday and ended Sunday’s game with Jacob Bailey throwing a scoreless inning and multiple strikeouts. “Yeah I think it was a really good team effort,” Scott said. “We hit a lot of balls hard. And our pitchers kept us in the game and threw a lot of strikes.

And our defense made a lot of plays, and I think we just wanted to come back off that Oklahoma Christian loss earlier this week and win the series.” Another player with a home run in the final game was senior shortstop Kyle Crowl. Crowl said: “It was a big win for us because we scored about six runs in the eighth in the second game and that was a big momentum builder

and something we need to build off of. Today I thought we had a better approach to play and scored almost every inning and that’s something we need to do going into every series.” UCO takes a break from MIAA play Tuesday to play Southeastern in Durant. The Savage Storm are 13-13 on the season and 9-12 in the Great American Conference.

Positive test ends Broncho’s spring campaign football season. The Bronchos won their first spring game against Southern Nazarene University Crimson The University of Central Oklahoma Bron- Storm 30-26 two weeks ago. That victory was chos football team canceled their final spring the Bronchos first game in nearly 500 days due exhibition game against Oklahoma Baptist to the COVID-19 pandemic. University Bison this past Saturday just a few The Bronchos have no plans to reschedule hours before play was to start due to health and the game and will go into the offseason. They safety protocols. will open the 2021 football season with a home The Bronchos had scheduled two spring exhi- game at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Wantland Stadium bition games due to the cancellation of the 2020 against Missouri Western State University. Rudy Barnes

Contributing Writer

Stephon Brown scored a go-ahead touchdown to lift UCO past SNU on March 27. (Provided/BronchoSports)

Softball

April 13, 2021

The Vista | 7

Broncho Bombers win three MIAA games

Chos sweep Northwest Mo before splitting matches against MoWest Rudy Barnes Contributing Writer

The No. 18 ranked University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos women’s softball team finished this week’s Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association league play with two road doubleheaders ending the weekend 3-1. Friday The Bronchos traveled to Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats to play a doubleheader. Game 1 Bronchos junior Corrina Rivas pitched seven scoreless innings with only four hits in a 7-0 win. The game was scoreless through the first four innings as Rivas was working her magic in the circle. Rivas was dominant in her appearance as she struck out four, allowed four hits and zero walks. This performance marks Rivas’s seventh complete game for the season giving her a 12-3 record. The Bronchos started scoring in the fifth inning as Shayla Harper drove in a run on a sacrifice fly. The next batter was Jacee Minter who, with two runners on base, blasted a three run home run to left center field to end the inning with the Bronchos up 4-0. “Corrina has been pitching well all season and she threw another great game today,” Bronchos head coach Cody White said. “It took us a while to get the bats going, but Jacee gave us a big spark there.” The Bronchos was able to add three runs in the seventh to defeat the Bearcats with a final score of 7-0. The Bronchos improved their record to 22-7 overall record and 11-2 in MIAA. Game 2 The Bronchos clutched up and scored three runs in the ninth inning to break the 5-5 tie and beat the Bearcats 8-5 for the series sweep. The Bronchos brought in sophomore pitcher Bailey McKittrick in the third inning while down 5-0 to the Bearcats. McKittrick threw six scoreless innings in her relief, and Rivas relieved her in the final inning for the save. “It looked like we were done, but our girls didn’t give up,” White said. “Bailey came in and did an amazing job keeping us in the game until we got the bats going.” The Bronchos were down 5-0 until Brighton Gilbert brought in a run on a single, and Tarin Bailey McKittrick tosses a pitch at Broncho Softball Stadium. The sophomore righty from Moore threw six scoreless innings in relief against Northwest Missouri on Friday, helping UCO overcome a 0-5 deficit to capture the game 2 win and series sweep. The Bronchos enter a four-game road trip at Emporia State and Washburn, respectively, with a 13-3 MIAA record. (Provided/BronchoSports)

Mikayla Rutland prepares to field a ball at Broncho Softball Stadium. The Bronchos swept in-conference foe Northwest Missouri State on Friday before splitting games against Missouri Western on Sunday. (Provided/BronchoSports)

Dubler brought in another run on a base hit. Harper brought in another two runs on a single into left field. The fifth run came in on a fielding error. The score remained tied at 5-5 until the top of the ninth in extra innings. Minter scored the tie-breaking run on a Bearcats wild pitch. The Bronchos added two extra runs to add to the lead, and Rivas came into the bottom of the ninth for her first save to secure the 8-5 victory. The Bronchos finished the series with a 23-7 overall record and 12-2 MIAA. The Bronchos added two more wins on their overall series against the Bearcats for a 35-11 lead. The Bronchos have won the last five meetings. Sunday The Bronchos played a road doubleheader against the Missouri Western State University Griffons that was canceled the day before due to weather. Game 1 Despite a Bronchos seventh inning comeback attempt, the Griffons allowed only one run to take the 3-1 victory and the first game of the series. The Bronchos were only able to get three hits off

of the near perfect pitching of the Griffons. “Missouri Western has a really good pitching staff and they shut us down pretty good,” White said. “We tried to make a little rally at the end but fell short.” The Griffons recorded a 3-0 lead with a run in the first followed by two runs in the sixth inning. The Bronchos remained scoreless until the seventh inning when Harper was able to draw a walk to advance to first base. Then Minter hit a double to bring Harper in for the score to give the Bronchos their only run of the game. Hazel Puempel hit a big single to advance runners to the corners with no outs. The Griffons were able to regain composure to stop the drive with a strikeout and a double play for the 3-1 victory. Game 2 Pitcher Kylee Lynch allowed only one hit as the Bronchos won 4-0 to take the 1-1 series split against the Griffons. Lynch recorded a career high eight strikeouts while retiring 16 consecutive batters. She maintained a no-hitter until the final inning while getting her 10th win of the season. “I can’t say enough about how well Kylee pitched,” White said. “She was dialed in and gave us a great performance after losing the first game.” The Bronchos overcame their missed scoring opportunities in Game 1by scoring a run in the second inning from Dobson to take a 1-0 lead. The Bronchos added two runs in the fifth by Brighton Gilbert and Amelya Huggins. The final run was scored in the sixth inning by Dobson off of McKittrick’s sacrifice fly to give the Bronchos the 4-0 lead and victory. The Bronchos finished the weekend with a 24-8 overall record and 13-3 MIAA record. The Bronchos maintain their series lead against the Griffons 21-19. The Bronchos play two more road doubleheaders this Friday against Emporia State University and Saturday against Washburn University.

8 | The Vista

April 13, 2021

Film

Melton Gallery hosts filmmakers panel

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Melton Gallery, in partnership with the OKCine Latino Film Festival, will host several events throughout April that celebrate Latinx films as part of “The Spaces Between” exhibit currently on display at Central’s Melton Gallery. Pictured, Xóchitl, a young indigenous craftswoman from the Hidalguense Huasteca in Mexico featured in Roberto Salvador Rodriguez’s short film, “¿Como Vuelan Las Flores?” (Provided/University Communications)

Demetri Cruse

Contributing Writer

Directors gathered to talk about their films that they have been working on in a recent panel that was hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma Diversity and Inclusion Department in collaboration with OKCine Latino Film Festival, which was aired live on Instagram and at the Melton Gallery. The Filmmaker’s Panel Discussion focused on showcasing five films made by directors who are part of the Latin American culture. Matias Munoz Rodriguez, Justin Zimmerman, Edith Rodriguez, Roberto Salvador Rodriguez, and Sharon Arteaga directed the movies that were shown in the panel. Guests were able to view the dis-

cussion panel via Instagram live and in-person to watch previews of the films and ask questions to each of the directors involved. The organizer of the discussion panel and curator of the Melton Gallery, Veronica Cianfrano, said they discussed the Latinx filmmaking industry and the important role that OKCine Latino plays in the Latinx community. “This panel discussion is intended to be an opportunity to examine more closely the connecting themes evident in the films and photographs in the exhibition as well as getting personal insight from the filmmakers about what their individual intentions were when making their individual films,” Cinfrano said. “Each of the films selected from

OKCine Latino represent a different aspect of Latinx experiences.” Cianfrano has had previous experience hosting discussion panels in the Melton Gallery. “This has been my third discussion panel I have had in the exhibition” Cianfrano said. “Ever since the first discussion panel, we have been using Instagram live to communicate with people virtually.” People may still come in person, but there is limited capacity. The films that were showcased in a screening during the discussion panel were: “We Were Kids” by Matias Munoz Rodriguez, “The Other Border” by Justin Zimmerman, “Home: Joselyn’s Story” by the Representation Project, “PRIDE” by Edith Rodriguez, ¿Como Vuelan Las Flores?” by Ro-

berto Salvador Rodriguez and “Plane Pretend” by Sharon Arteaga. The directors answered questions about their films on Instagram live after the screening. Sharon Arteaga and Justin Zimmerman gave more insight about what their films were about and what made them want to make a film based off their storytelling. Arteaga said, “My film is about a character named Pilar along with her brothers excited to take their first flight but at the same time they must hide their excitement, or they will risk everything. “What made me make a movie like this is I wanted to capture an emotional feeling when someone is about to go on a flight or a trip.” Zimmerman said when making his film he wanted to go “deep” in his storytelling. “My story is about a high school student named Gerardo Hernandez, raised in the United States since 6 months of age, was one of over 100 undocumented workers arrested by ICE in Ohio on June 5, 2018,” Zimmerman said. “Gerardo spent almost two months in prison before being released and is now scheduled to be deported. The movie is his American story, told through intimate interviews with Gerardo and his sister Karime.” Patrons can find the latest information on Latin Film Culture and film screening locations online at OKCine Film Festival. OKCine outdoor Latino film screening event is free on April 30 at 7:30 9:30 p.m. at Plunkett Park. Patrons can follow the event at Melton Gallery at UCO. For more information on future discussion panels and the Melton Gallery, contact Cianfrano at 405-974-2432 or visit the Melton Gallery website.