The Vista April 23, 2019 by The Vista

Volume 117, Issue 12

the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Rights Championed at First Amendment Day Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Editor-In-Chief

In recognition of the importance of free speech and the First Amendment on college campuses, the University of Central Oklahoma will host its First Amendment Day on April 25. “This conference will define what the First Amendment means to students on college campuses,” said Erin Barnett, conference co-director. “There are going to be many informative panels and speakers who are champions for it and defend it to the best of their ability.” Topics covered throughout the daylong conference will include freedom of expression on college campuses, the First Amendment rights of teachers, the importance of the First Amendment to free speech and other topics geared at generating critical discussion on the First Amendment. The keynote speech, delivered by

The First Amendment freedoms are at the heart of the First Amendment Day Conference hosted on April 25, 2019. Designed as an event to educate college students on First Amendment rights, the conference will feature speakers, panels and more activities that center on how the First Amendment is a vital right for everyone. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)

UCO graduate and Pulitzer Prize finalist Rob Rogers, will focus on the First Amendment and how it relates

to satire. Rogers gained nationwide attention when he was fired from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for his sa-

tirical columns on President Donald Trump. Continued on Pg. 3

Guillen Crowned Miss Latina UCOSA Votes in Changes to UCO 2019 at Cultural Pageant Congressional Seat Allocation

Yi Wen Wong

Vy Luong

Priscilla Guillen was crowned Miss Latina University of Central Oklahoma 2019-20 during the annual Miss Latina UCO Scholarship pageant on April 20 in UCO’s Constitution Hall. “I feel honored and humbled,” Guillen said. “I am overcome with happiness.” Guillen is a sophomore double majoring in economics and finance with a minor in political science. She rep-

The University of Central Oklahoma Student Association passed a bill on April 15 to change the apportionment of senators in the student congress to more accurately reflect the student body from year to year. CB 19-209 was written by UCOSA Congressional Chair Tate Atkinson and Sen. Emma Sawyer. The bill amends the UCOSA statutes over apportionment, which has been a point

@TheVista1903 Reporter

@vy169 Reporter

Continued on Pg. 8

Adriana Gonzalez poses in evening wear at the 2019-20 Miss Latina UCO pageant in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Yi Wen Wong/The Vista)

TECH NEWS

Samsung Fold Release Delayed for Improved Screen Protection See Page 6

UCOSA Chair of Congress Tate Atkinson, left, and President-elect Emily Grim, right, preside over the UCOSA meeting. (Lauren Morris/The Vista)

Continued on Pg. 5

BRONCHO SPORTS

McKittrick Is UCO’s Latest Freshman Softball Sensation

See Page 13

the

April 23, 2019

VISTA

Contents

CONTENTS

First Amendment/Legislation.................................................3 Around Campus ...................................................................4 UCOSA/Votes.............................................................5 Samsung/Carry Bill..............................................................6 .......................................................................8 .........................................................................9 .........................................................................11 Sweep................................................................12 Throws..............................................................................13 Bucking Broncho.................................................................14 Snapped...................................................................15

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

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STAFF Christian Tabak Katie Standlee Jonathan Goudeau Tanner Laws Megan Thele Skyler Baldwin Vy Luong Michelle Pennza Yi Wen Wong Lauren Morris Madison Bolton James Jackson Derek Parker Samantha Karbelk Gerald Leong Teddy Burch Alex Brown

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Co-Copy Editor Online Editor Design Editor Reporter Reporter Reporter Sports Reporter Sports Reporter Photographer Photographer Adviser Advertising Specialist

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On the Cover: Left: The Samsung Galaxy Fold smartphone is seen during a media preview event in London, Tuesday April 16, 2019. Samsung is hoping the innovation of smartphones with folding screens reinvigorates the market. (AP Photo/ Kelvin Chan) Right: University of Central Oklahoma pitcher Bailey McKittrick pitches during an April 11 home game against Central Missouri University. McKittrick is 16-1 on the season. (Samantha Karbelk/The Vista)

First Amendment/Legislation

April 23, 2019

Rights Championed at First Amendment Day Continued from Pg. 1

Along with educating students on the First Amendment, conference co-director Trevor Stone said he hopes it motivates students to be more involved and engaged with the freedoms they are guaranteed under the First Amendment. “I think this will give journalists a sort of militia to help them fight the powers of injustice here and internationally who are attempting to discredit and silence the voices of journalism,” Stone said. “I’m not saying start a war, but social media and words can be a powerful weapon when wielded accompanied with knowledge and the willingness to understand differing ideas from your own.” The event was announced by UCO President Don Betz to occur in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. The event is largely student-run, led by Barnett and Stone, and advised by Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame Director Joe Hight. A special unveiling of a First Amendment display will be held in the Mass Communication Building at 2 p.m. The display will be a new

Former University of Central Oklahoma president W. Roger Webb is one of the recipients of this year’s lifetime achievement awards at the 50th Journalism Hall of Fame. (Provided/Journalism Hall of Fame)

permanent feature outside of Mass Communication Room 120. To increase participation, the event also featured contests for student organizations to submit poster presentations and individual students to submit essays. Prizes for both categories include cash prizes and plaques for first, second and third place. “I think the contests are a good way for people to not only prove their knowledge for financial and academic gain but also challenge themselves to

Legislation Proposed to Improve Nursing Home Quality of Care Jorge Gil

@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer

In Oklahoma, the number of licensed nursing homes has been on a decline, with less than 300 left in the state. However, two bills passed at the Capitol are in motion to improve the quality of care in nursing homes. House Bill 1902 and Senate Bill 280 were both written to improve the quality of care in nursing homes in Oklahoma and are virtually identical. The two bills are likely to be combined into one piece of legislation for deliberation. Medicaid in Oklahoma reimburses $150 per day per resident, which is $23 less than the average daily amount it takes for nursing home care. Oklahoma is ranked 48th in the quality of healthcare measures among nursing home residents. “Taking great care of the residents in our nursing homes is a moral and civic duty,” said Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan. “But this

requires additional funding. With better pay and better training, staff will be able to provide better care to the residents in these facilities.” The decline in nursing homes has also stemmed from people going to live at nursing homes later in life, which has caused the price of care to increase dramatically. Some individuals are also deciding to stay at home and not move to a nursing home. Others are opting to have nurses come to their home and have their basic medical needs taken care of from their homes. Nursing homes have also closed because they could not afford the quality of care they needed to provide for their residents. Some owners of nursing homes would rather close than not provide the proper medical attention needed. The senior population will double in the coming years, according to Senior Living. The Population Reference Bureau projects that in 2026, nearly 100 million Americans will be 65 or older. This reflects the senior population more than doubling over 40 years.

expand their thinking and knowledge of not only the First Amendment,” Stone said. “Maybe along the way they will learn more about the Constitution in its entirety and, even further, the creation of our country and how it was planned to work.“ Alongside the event, the Journalism Hall of Fame will induct nine Oklahoma journalists and present two lifetime achievement awards at its annual banquet and induction ceremony. The lifetime achievement awards were introduced last year and will be presented to former UCO President W. Roger Webb and current UCO President Don Betz. “They have shown a commitment to First Amendment and press freedoms throughout their careers and have spotlighted the important role that the press plays in our democratic society,” Hight said. “Dr. Webb is responsible for relocating the Hall of Fame at the Nigh University Center and its yearly support. Dr. Betz has maintained that support and also committed to establishing a Hall of Fame museum and improving its presence as a statewide institution.” Hall of Fame inductees for 2019 include M.J. Alexander, internationally

Current University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz is a recipient of one of two lifetime achievements for the 2019 Journalism Hall of Fame. (Provided/ Journalism Hall of Fame)

recognized journalist; Mary Bishop-Baldwin, Tulsa World assistant editor; Brian Blansett, owner of the Tri-County Herald; Ziva Branstetter, The Washington Post’s corporate accountability editor; Chris Casteel, The Oklahoman’s news director; Bob Dotson, retired NBC- TV correspondent and author; Wayne Greene, the Tulsa World’s editorial page editor; Griff Palmer, former New York Times reporter; and Timothy E. Talley, political reporter for The Associated Press.

April 23, 2019

Around Campus

The University of Oklahoma’s Association of South East Asian Nations performed a traditional song at ASEAN Night at the University of Central Oklahoma on April 17 in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Vy Luong/The Vista)

Tuesday, April 23, 2019 OSSAA All-State Jazz Concert: The University of Central Oklahoma is hosting the 2019 OSSAA All-State Jazz Contest all day in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms. SPB - DIY Succulent Magnet: The Student Programming Board will host a DIY activity from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the ClockTower near Broncho Lake. Student can make magnets that will be capable of holding succulents. Labyrinth Presentation: All faculty and staff are invited to attend a presentation on the impact and history of the UCO’s labyrinth that is located on campus. The presentation will be at 3 p.m. in Room 16 in the Health & Physical Education Building. The presentation will end with a group labyrinth walk on the campus labyrinth which is in the Heartland Plaza next to the Y-Chapel. Smart Recovery: Those in recovery can attend this meeting in Nigh University Center Room 322 from noon to 1 p.m. where they can learn how to achieve and maintain a positive lifestyle. Attendees will learn how to manage thoughts and how to cope with stress.

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 KHS Symposium: The College of Education and Professional

Studies will host the Spring 2019 Kinesiology and Health Sciences

Symposium from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wantland Hall Gymnasium. The event will feature presentations from KHS students, including posters, papers, table-top displays and round-table discussions. The event is STLR tagged under the Research, Creative and Scholarly Activities tenet. Library Flash Sale: The Max Chambers Library will be hosting a sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the library basement. The sale will be on all academic areas and maps. Making Peace with Food: This free and confidential group meets from 3-4 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 328. The group will discuss and focus on the affect regulation approach to eating disorders and will teach how to handle stress triggered by food. UCO SAAC Kickball Tournament: The Student Athletics Advisory Council will host a charity kickball tournament from 7-10 p.m. in Wantland Stadium. All UCO students are free to attend. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Make-AWish Foundation.

Thursday, April 25 2019 LLSC 11 Information: The Language and Linguistics Student Conference Committee and the Language Society will host an informational table from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the College of Liberal Arts lobby. Members of both organizations will be avail-

able to provide more information on the the 11th Annual Language and Linguistics Student Conference and how to submit papers. Last Meeting of the Semester: The American Sign Language Club will host their last meeting of the semester from 1-2 p.m. in Room 320C of the Nigh University Center. The event will feature free pizza and the chance to review sign language with games and trivia. The Mindful 8 - Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: The Mindful 8 is an eight week stress reduction program based on mindfulness that helps participants better concentration, sleep and stress management. The group will meet from 3:30-4 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 328. Pakistani Cultural Night: The Pakistan Student Association will host a Pakistan Cultural Night at 6 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Constitution Hall. There will be cultural performances, a fashion show and authentic food afterwards. Korea Night: The Korean Student Association will host a Korean Night from 7-9 p.m. at the International House Ballrooms. There will be cultural booths, performances, and free authentic food. Arabian Night Overseas: The Arab Student Association will host an Ara-

bian Night Overseas at 7 p.m. in room 300 in the Nigh University Center.

Friday, April 26, 2019 Chill Skills: This group works to reduce conflict in your life: identify triggers, patterns and purpose of anger and gather more tools for enhancing communication, boundaries and healthy relationships. The group meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322. SPB: The Final(s) Countdown: The Student Programming Board is hosting a relaxing event to kick-off into finals week from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m at the Blue Tent. Students can make slime, use massage chairs, massage therapists, recruiters to help with resumes, free food, and swag giveaways. LGBTQ Support: From 1-2 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will host a support group for those considering coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, and those who have recently come out. Anyone who identifies as LGBTQ, is questioning or unsure can meet and talk about various topics. A Life Worth Living: This group works on skills for improving boundaries and strengthening healthy relationships, enhancing sense of self and ways to manage distress. The group meets from 2-3 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 328.

UCOSA/Votes

April 23, 2019

UCOSA Meets for Funding, Leadership Nominations Lauren Morris @TheVista1903 Reporter

Nominations for the student body congress leadership were held and six congressional bills on funding and the congressional election process were brought to the floor and passed during the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association’s April 15 meeting. Sen. James Limbaugh was nominated for chair of Congress, Sen. Emma Sawyer and Sen. Ethan Clark were nominated for vice chair, and Sen. Dillon Rasberry and Sen. Dakota Gann were nominated for secretary. While senators were nominated for the positions, voting will be held at a later meeting. The six bills that were passed were CFR19-211, CFR19-212, CFR19213, CB19-208, CB19-209 and CR19-208. CFR19-211, written by vice president elect Christian Coleman, gave the Arabian Student Organization $3,000 to host a cultural night. Several countries in North Africa and the Middle East are under the Arabian Student Organization, and the money would be used to order food and per-

formers for the event. Authored by Limbaugh, CFR19212 provided the budget for the FY20 student activity fee allocations for all student organizations. Sixty-two organizations fall under the budget with a total of $125,493 being allocated between them. CFR19-213, also written by Limbaugh, gave the Students for Sustainability $3,795 to travel to a sustainability event in Washington state and gave Sisters Inspiring Sisters Through Academic Success $500 for food and programming. In CB19-208, Sawyer introduces legislation that will change when the UCOSA Congressional rules will be posted and when the filing period for the senate elections would begin. The rules will now be posted the day that filing opens, which will be the Monday before the first full academic week of the fall semester and it will end at 5 p.m. on the first Monday of that September. “Recent history has set the precedent that student body representatives are neither elected or go through a vetting process,” CB19-208 read. “We believe that one of the biggest hurdles to electing student representatives is following the current election

UCOSA’s Sen. Emma Sawyer proposed CB19-208 to the rest of congress during the meeting on April 15. (Lauren Morris/The Vista)

guidelines.” CB19-209 was an amended version of the bill CB19-206, which had been tabled indefinitely. The amended and passed version of the bill will split up the allocation of student congress representatives as: five seats for on campus residents; five seats for off-campus residents; 28 seats divided up by academic college; two seats for the International Student Council, the Sports Club Council, Diversity Round Table and Student Engagement Council; and

two seats to the graduate college. Written by Student Body President-Elect Emily Grim, CR19-209 was created to have Congress approve Grim’s choices for the members of her executive cabinet. “We tried to kind of merge people who have knowledge and can bring different experiences to UCOSA,” said Grim. “as well as people who already have shown that they care a lot about the student association and the students on campus.”

UCOSA Votes in Changes to Congressional Seat Allocation Continued from Pg. 1

of discussion for several previous presidential administrations. The previous legislation allocated 48 seats in the UCOSA Congress to be divided as 24 seats for various residential situations and 24 divided by academic college. Besides adjusting the number of seats for residential situations to 10 and academic colleges to 28, the new bill also gives two seats to the graduate college and two seats for each of the four councils that receive UCOSA funding. “[We] wrote this bill in conjunction with input received from several leaders within UCOSA and from comments and concerns that we had heard from student senators,” Atkinson said. The new bill ruled that only 10 seats are reserved for residential situations, with five seats for on-campus students and five seats for off-campus students. One major change of the bill is establishing the formula to calculate the number of seats each academic college will have. The number of seats each undergraduate college has will now be based on how many students are enrolled in each, according to numbers from the UCO Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Sen. James Limbaugh addresses the rest of the UCOSA congress during the meeting on April 15 where six bills were passed and nominations for congressional leadership were announced. (Lauren Morris/The Vista)

“I wanted to make sure that going forward when, hopefully, student representatives are elected, they will represent the student body proportionally,” Atkinson said. The past system clearly outlined how many students from each college would be appointed as senators, according to Atkinson. However, with the changes in enrollment each year, the number of senators did not repre-

sent the proportion of students in each college. “Our new method incorporates a method for us to adjust these numbers on a year to year basis without a legislative change,” Atkinson said. The second major change in the bill is to give two seats for each of the four councils received fundings from UCOSA, including the International Student Council, Diversity Round Table, the

Sports Club Council and the Student Engagement Council. Each council will appoint its own student senators to fill in those seats. “I had been approached by many student leaders from the different councils asking that we create a special seat for just their members,” Atkinson said. Atkinson said those individual councils rely on UCOSA for their appropriation of student activity fees and for making governing rules for all students organizations on campus. “I think it is important that each council has a spot at the table so that we can take into account their individual needs. [Therefore] we can continue to represent them more accurately,” Atkinson said. ISC President-elect Han Seth Lu said that the change will help them to resolve multiple issues about UCOSA that they have had in the previous year. “We have more international student senators in the congress, which mean more voices of international students will reach through these senators in UCOSA student congress,” Han said. “I really believe that UCOSA will be able to get more international students engaged.”

April 23, 2019

Samsung/Carry Bill

Samsung Galaxy Fold Postponed

Flip phones are back in town, but with a twist. For anybody who did not want the hassle of carrying a smartphone and a tablet, the Samsung Galaxy is here for you — or so we thought. According to Samsung, the $2,000 Galaxy Fold is now delayed, just days before its original release date of April 26. “We want our customers to have the best experience possible which is why, after initial feedback, we have decided to delay the release of the category-changing Galaxy Fold to make sure it measures up to the high standards we know you expect from us,” Samsung said in a press release. “We plan to announce the [new] release date in the coming weeks.” The Galaxy Fold is designed with two screens, one on the back of the phone and one on the front that folds into one big “tablet-sized” screen.

I have always been skeptical about the new idea of folding screens, and not to gloat, but I can say my concerns were warranted. There have been multiple reports from product reviewers such as Marques Brownlee, Mark Gurman and Steve Kovach showcasing their new Galaxy Folds disabled after a short time of use, some after just a day. YouTuber Brownlee stated that his issue, along with other product reviewers, came by removing the plastic screen protector during his product review on YouTube. “I started peeling from the bottom where it’s easiest to take a fingernail under the screen protector,” Brownlee said in his ‘The Broken Galaxy Folds: Explained!’ video. “I start peeling it up and after a few seconds, you realize it’s more glued than a normal

screen protector and by the time I get to an area the size of a dime in like five seconds the whole screen just goes black.” According to Desmond Smith, content director at T-Mobile, there is a sticker warning displayed on the screen that reads, “The main screen includes a special protective layer. Peeling off the protective layer or using any adhesives on the main screen, such as screen protectors or stickers, may cause damage.” However, according to Brownlee, none of the initial product reviewers were given this warning nor had it displayed on their Galaxy Fold device. Now, for anyone saying, “All you have to do is not remove the screen protector and you will be fine.” Don’t forget that after a while, dust and other material may eventually get under

the plastic that will start to remove the screen protector itself over time. Also, it’s not just the screen that’s the problem; Samsung’s report states other issues. “Initial findings from the inspection of reported issues on the display showed that they could be associated with impact on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge. There was also an instance where substances found inside the device affected the display performance,” the report said. Basically, if you’re the type of person who removes the plastic screen protector from your new phone, the new Samsung Galaxy Fold is probably not the right device for you. For those who were looking to downsize to one device, I would recommend buying a carrying case for your tablet.

Teacher Carry Bill Passes the House of Representatives Jeff Elkins

@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer

Oklahoma House Bill 2336, also known as the Teacher Carry Bill, would give any teacher in the state who was licensed to carry the option to bring their licensed firearm into schools. Under current laws, teachers can carry in Oklahoma schools if they are certified as armed security guards or reserve peace officers. Both of those training courses take 240 hours to complete. If HB 2336 were to become law, that training would not be necessary. State representative and former law enforcement officer J.J. Humphrey, who supports the bill, said he is concerned with rural areas and their lack of available security resources. “Some of the municipalities I represent would be in serious trouble if there was an armed assailant at one of the schools in those areas right now,” Humphrey said. “The response time for officers to get to some of the schools is 20 to 30 minutes.”

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, surrounded by legislators, answers questions after signing a permitless carry bill into law Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, in Oklahoma City. With the new law, Oklahoma residents will be able to openly carry firearms without a background check or training. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Humphrey said the Antlers Police Department, in particular, would have their hands full in the event of a shooter at school far away from the police station. “The schools in this area can’t afford metal detectors or other alternatives, so it’s important that the students are protected in this way,”

Humphrey said. “All it takes is a few teachers and who are comfortable carrying to be prepared for it in the event it happens.” Edmond resident and retired Oklahoma school teacher Kathy Irion said she feels that there has to be another way. “I worked with a lot of teachers

during my career that I would not be comfortable if they carried a gun,” Irion said. “I just think money could be found in rural areas for preparation of an event like this where teachers are not walking around with guns.” University of Central Oklahoma alumnus Cody Sullins said he is wary of the idea of teachers carrying guns with minimal training. “If there is no extensive training required, then having a bunch of panicky people with guns can easily make things worse, not better,” Sullins said. “A solution I would lean more toward would be armed security at schools. Hiring someone who already has the required training and skills is quite a bit more simple than trying to train people who didn’t sign up for it.” So far this year there have been nine school shootings reported in the United States. In 2018, there were 24 school shootings where at least one person was either killed or injured. HB 2336 already passed in the House of Representatives and now awaits a Senate vote. If it passes there, it will reach the desk of Gov. Kevin Stitt to be signed into law.

April 23, 2019

Guillen

Guillen Crowned Miss Latina UCO 2019 at Cultural Pageant Continued from Pg. 1

family is from Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Her platform is “Increasing Voter Registration through Educational Workshops.” She is a member of Generation Citizen, a student organization that empowers students to become engaged citizens through classroom projects and a specialized curriculum. This is also what she hopes to accomplish through her platform. “With the help of their educational tools and resources, I am confident that I can educate, inspire and motivate people to register and vote,” Guillen said. “I also plan to return to my high school and other high schools in Oklahoma City, Del/Midwest City, Moore, Norman and Edmond to speak to high school seniors about their right and duty to vote.” This is the second year Guillen has participated in Miss Latina UCO. She said she decided to participate again so that she could grow her platform and continue to work on it so that it was successful. In the talent portion of the competition, Guillen performed a monologue about the importance of voting and

Lisbeth Espino, Miss Latina UCO 2018-19, right, crowns Pricila Guillen as Miss Latina UCO 2019-20 at the Miss Latina UCO

2019-20 pageant on April 20 in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Vy Luong/The Vista) making an impact on communities. She performed the monologue in last year’s pageant as well but said she did it again because of the impact it had. “My goal is to become the first female Secretary of the Treasury and winning this award has boosted my confidence that I can accomplish anything,” Guillen said. “I want my com-

munity to know that I will work every day tirelessly to make sure every action I take is to grow our presence and make a lasting impact. I am proud to be Latina.” Besides being crowned, Guillen received the Lucy Perez Best Interview Award. “To all the girls, I am so proud of

each and every one of you, regardless who wins you are all queens in my heart,” said Miss Latina UCO 201819 Lisbeth Espino in her farewell address. “To the new queen, you are about to begin an unforgettable journey.” Guillen received a sash and $1,600 tuition waiver for winning the crown.

Miss Latina

April 23, 2019

Miss Latina UCO 2019-20 Cultural Pageant

Top: From left to right, Adriana Gonzalez, Gianella Albines-Chavez, Deyanira Fuentes, Priscilla Guillen, Lisbeth Espino, Beronica Rico and Ana Paige pose for a photo on April 20 at the Miss Latina UCO 2019-20 pageant in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Evonne Wong/The Vista)

Middle Left: Gianella Albines-Chavez plays soccer on stage at the Miss Latina UCO 2019-20 pageant on April 20 in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Evonne Wong/The Vista)

Middle: Deyanira Fuentas performs with her handmade gown on April 20 at the Miss Latina UCO 2019-20 pageant in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Evonne Wong/The Vista)

Bottom Left: First runner up Deyanira Fuentes performes a Folkloric dance during the Miss Latina UCO 2019-20 pageant on April 20 in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Evonne Wong/The Vista)

Middle Right: Ana Paige showcases her traditional clothing on stage during the Miss Latina UCO 2019-20 pageant on April 20 in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Evonne Wong/The Vista)

Bottom Right: Second runner up Beronica Rico presents a monologue during the Miss Latina UCO 2019-20 pageant on April 20 in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Evonne Wong/The Vista)

April 16, 2019

???

Rail Spur District

April 23, 2019

New Rail Spur District Proposed for Edmond Madison Bolton @TheVista1903 Reporter

Renovations may be in store for downtown Edmond’s proposed Rail Spur District if a city council vote spurs further action into implementing the plan. “The Rail Spur project is going to be north of Edmond Road, just west of the railroad tracks and east of Santa Fe Drive,” said Janet Yowell, executive director of the Edmond Economic Development Authority. The district’s location by the railroad tracks led to the ideation of the name. A spur is a secondary track used by railroads to allow customers at a location to load and unload rail cars without interfering with other railroad operations. According to Yowell, this project has been in the works for several years with the help of business associates Chip Fudge and Brandon Lodge, who named the district. “The project will consist of four restaurant concepts. One fine dining, one brewery and two other casual din-

Edmond’s Ice Cream Company and Creamery is at the heart of a newly proposed district for the city, the Rail Spur District. Located near the city’s railyards, the new district highlight some of the city’s historic connections. (Samantha Karbelk/The Vista)

ing concepts,” Yowell said. “Two of these restaurants will be redevelopments of historic sites from Edmond’s original ice house and creamery businesses.” The buildings where Edmond’s Ice Company and Creamery used to reside have been around since 1909, according to the Edmond Historical Society. As a result, Fudge had to receive approval from the National

Park Service for renovation because the two buildings are on the historic preservation list. “It is very expensive to finance historical renovations of properties. The developers are applying for historical tax credits which helps to reduce their costs,” Yowell said. “They have strict regulations they have to follow.” Yowell said the community has been very supportive of this ongoing

project. For example, the City of Edmond is providing up to $700,000 in incentives that will put in 99 parking spaces, largely along Second Street. “The project has been very well received,” Yowell said. “The public investment is needed to make the finances work and the public benefit is additional parking, sidewalk and alley improvements.”

April 23, 2019

Sweep

SPORTS

Baseball Runs Home Series Sweep

University of Central Oklahoma pitcher Dylan Hall prepares to throw a pitch during a home game earlier this season at Wendell Simmons Field. Hall threw for a school record 14 strikeouts in a complete game against Fort Hays State University. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)

Marcus Powell

@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer

The University of Central Oklahoma won a three-game series against Fort Hays State University April 1820 where Dylan Hall threw a school record 14 strikeouts in a complete game. “Dylan was great tonight. It’s fun to watch a kid have a night like this when he can throw nine innings and hardly give up anything,” said head coach John Martin. Thursday was Hall’s first complete game of the season. The junior right-handed pitcher completed the entire game on 106 pitches. He allowed a double to the first batter he faced before retiring the next 19 batters. He gave up his only walk of the game in the top of the seventh, allowed a single and then

a solo home run in the top of the eighth. Hall also recorded a season-high 14 strikeouts, tying Jesse McGough for the most in one game in UCO history. He has two games with 11

“Dylan was great tonight. It’s fun to watch a kid have a night like this when he can throw nine innings and hardly give up anything.” John Martin

strikeouts and two games with 10 strikeouts to go along with Thursday’s game. Hall’s 95 strikeouts this season ranks him third on Central’s all-time list. The second game started out slow for the Bronchos as the Tigers took an early lead in the first inning. Central got the win with a score of 7-3. Gabe Littlejim picked up a win in his first outing in nearly a month, striking out six in six innings of work. He allowed three runs and three hits, all in the first inning, and two walks. “I’m glad the team responded after being down early and showed they had Gabe’s back,” Martin said. “Gabe did a good job today once he settled in and helped us win another series.” Central scored one run in the second, third, fifth and sixth as they inched into the lead. The Bronchos

added three in the eighth. It was all Broncho’s during Saturday’s game as UCO drove in 11 runs during the sixth inning, run-ruling the Tigers. Brayden Nelson was awarded the win Saturday. He threw five innings, allowing just two hits and one run, and struck out eight, not issuing a single walk. Nelson is now 4-0 on the season. UCO improved to 27-14 with the win and is now 17-10 in MIAA play. The Bronchos will make two short road trips Monday and Tuesday for non-conference games at Oklahoma Baptist University on Monday and at East Central University on Tuesday. UCO will then return to MIAA play to host Washburn University Friday-Sunday in their final regular season homestand of the 2019 season.

Throws

April 23, 2019

McKittrick Throws Into Record Books

University of Central Oklahoma pitcher Bailey McKittrick throws during a April 12 home game against Southwest Baptist University at the Broncho Softball Field. McKittrick threw the fifth no-hitter by a Broncho in the past 30 years against rival Northeastern State Univeristy. (Samantha Karbelk/The Vista)

James D. Jackson @JamesDJackson15 Sports Reporter

Bailey McKittrick stood in the pitcher’s circle, even in the count, 2-2, with the final batter. Her only goal was to keep the ball in the infield as head coach Cody White had instructed. The final pitch left her hand and hit the catchers mitt, as a strike, without a swing from the batter to close the game to give the Bronchos their 30th win of the season. The Bronchos stampeded toward McKittrick and embraced her as it was the biggest out she had ever recorded. As a freshman, McKittrick had just completed the fifth no-hitter by a Broncho in the past 30 years as the University of Central Oklahoma topped Northeastern State University 8-0 in five innings of play. “I think it’s definitely special,” McKittrick said. “You know they’re not easy to come by for sure. It’s really special to me, and as well as the team, to be able to do that. I think it’s pretty cool, just the fifth player in UCO history to do it, especially as a freshman.”

In the past 30 years, she is the only true freshman to throw a no-hitter. “I warmed up decent,” McKittrick said. “I didn’t really think anything about throwing a no-hitter or anything like that. Just when we got out there I kind of had a rough first inning, I would say, and then after the first inning things settled back down, I just felt confident again.” McKittrick started the game by hitting the first batter, negating a possible perfect game. She then proceeded to retire the next 15 batters. With her performance, she was named Pitcher of the Week for the third time by the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. “It just means so much,” McKittrick said. “Having major back surgery before I came to UCO and not knowing if I will be able to play softball anymore to throwing a no-hitter against one of the better teams in our conference, it means so much to me. It really does.” Before the season, McKittrick said she battled with a bulging disc that caused a ptotic nerve in her left leg to “go absolutely crazy.” It was to a point where the pain was so bad she

had to have surgery in June, just before her arrival to UCO. Due to the surgery, she was out three to four months before she was even able to pick up a softball. Her only focus was on walking again. Now, on the No. 2 ranked softball team in Division II, McKittrick is 16-1 on the season. She credits a majority of her individual success to her teammates and coaches.

“I will tell people this endlessly I have never played with a group of girls like at UCO; I’ve never been coached like this either,” McKittrick said.“UCO is definitely super special, the girls I’m playing with are special and I think that’s why we have had this much success this year. We play as a team, we’re all on the same page. It’s just really special.”

University of Central Oklahoma pitcher Bailey McKittrick runs on the field during a April 12 home game against Southwest Baptist University at the Broncho Softball Field. McKittrick is the only true freshman to throw a no-hitter in the past 30 years and has been named MIAA Pitcher of the Week three times. (Samantha Karbelk/The Vista)

April 23, 2019

Bucking Broncho

Thunder Consistently Inconsistent

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots as Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) defends in the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball firstround playoff series Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

After a commanding win on Friday, the Oklahoma City Thunder dropped game four of their firstround series against the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday, 111-98. After they were unable to capitalize on a must-win game, the Thunder find themselves down 3-1 and headed back to Portland. Does Oklahoma City have what it takes to come back from a 3-1 deficit? Oklahoma City’s main problem throughout not only the series versus Portland, but the entire season, has been inconsistency. To start the season, the Thunder lost four straight, including two bad losses to the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings. They then proceeded to go 16-3 in their next 19 games, a testament to the upand-down rollercoaster of a season OKC has had. The Thunder held just about every single spot in the West at one point or another. After heading into the All-Star break as a white-hot three seed, they finished 11-13 following the break. They finished as

the six seed and were paired with the Blazers for round one. The Trailblazers were the best matchup the Thunder could have asked for and were even on the opposite side of the bracket from both the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. OKC swept Portland in the regular season, and the Blazers even lost their starting center and one of the top players on their team, Jusuf Nurkic, to injury just before the playoffs. It seemed as if OKC had finally gotten some luck. However, to begin their series with Portland, they had a historically bad shooting night, shooting 5-33, just 15 percent from three. They dropped game one 104-99 and looked to bounce back in game two. After hearing “The Thunder can’t shoot this bad again” after game one, the Thunder proved the doubters wrong, shooting 5-28 from three in game two, increasing their threepoint percentage just 2 percent and losing 114-94. OKC bounced back big in game three, surprising everyone with a

120-108 win, including terrific performances from Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Then, in true Thunder fashion, OKC lost game four after failing to capitalize on a poor first half from Damian Lillard, losing 111-98. The short answer to ‘Can the Thunder come back down 3-1?’ No, they cannot. OKC has just been too inconsistent this season, and 82 games isn’t a small sample size by any means. They’ve shown time and time again they have the ability to hang with the best or lose to the worst. Even if they could string together a couple of good games, one bad game would be intermingled in. OKC’s inconsistency is a problem that will need to be addressed following the playoffs, whether it be in exit interviews, preseason trades or a look at their very own inconsistent superstar, Russell Westbrook. The Thunder now head back to Portland to play game five on Tuesday at 9:30 p.m.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) goes to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) defends in the second half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Oklahoma City. Portland won 111-98. (AP Photo/ Alonzo Adams)

Snapped

April 23, 2019

Softballs Home Winning Streak Snapped Ryan Dunn

@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer

The No. 2-ranked University of Central Oklahoma split their series against Washburn University on Saturday evening in a Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association doubleheader. UCO had their first home loss this season in game one of a two-game series against Washburn. The loss snapped the Bronchos’ 20-game home winning streak. The Broncho’s had six hits in game one. Bailey Thompson accounted for three of those with a single, double and triple. Central got on the board in the third when Thompson hit a triple to right field and found her way home on a Halley Randolph sacrifice-fly to short left field. Thompson’s triple moved her into second place for most triples on UCO’s single-season list. After tying it up in the fifth, the Ichabods took the lead in the top of the seventh and scored on a fielder’s choice, followed by a three-run home run that clinched the win for

Washburn. “We didn’t do the things we needed to do and just didn’t play well enough to win,” said head coach Cody White. “We’ll make some adjustments and hopefully will play better.” Central responded in game two. JoBi Heath helped the Broncho’s take home the win as she hit a tworun walk-off home run to edge Washburn, 4-3. “I don’t know what else you can say about JoBi,” White said. “She’s a warrior. She’s come through for us throughout her career so it shouldn’t be surprising that she did it again, but it was a big-time hit in a big-time situation.” Washburn was on track to complete a doubleheader sweep after taking a 3-2 lead into the seventh in UCO’s final regular season home game. Thompson mounted the comeback with a double down the left and she moved into third on Randolphs’ sacrifice bunt to set the stage for Heath. Heath took two balls before hitting the third pitch to left field that cleared the fence. It was Heath’s 11th homer this season and the 39th of her career.

The University of Central Oklahoma softball team gathers during a April 12 home game against Southwest Baptist University at the Broncho Softball Fields. UCO split a two game series with Washburn University. (Samantha Karbelk/The Vista)

Lauren Gibson earned the pitching win after coming in relief in the seventh inning. “Our offense struggled all day and we’re fortunate to get out of here with a split, but we’ll take this win and celebrate it,” White said. UCO moved to 38-4 on the sea-

son and 20-2 in conference play. The Broncho’s wrap up their regular season next weekend with back-to-back doubleheaders at Missouri Southern State University and Pittsburg State University. UCO needs one win to clinch a share of the MIAA title and two wins to claim the title outright.