The Vista August 27, 2019

Volume 117, Issue 2

the

VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

Murdaugh Moves In After Mold

vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, August 27, 2019

SPORTS

Schedule Breakdown See Pg. 12-14

EDMOND

Murdaugh resident Maya Williams unpacks her belongings in her dorm room on Aug. 26. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)

Haley Humphrey @HaleyBHumphrey REPORTER

The University of Central Oklahoma Murdaugh Hall residents who relocated to other residence halls on campus due to mold being found in

the facility were able to move in to their rooms at 1 p.m. on Monday.

Less than 300 students were moved while the mold was being cleared and final air checks were made, according to Adrienne Nobles, assistant vice president for University

Communications. The mold found was classified as part of the Penicillium/Aspergillus fungi group.

This type of mold is not toxic like Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold, but can cause some illnesses to develop in people, according Continued on Pg. 9

So Long, UCO’s President Gives Opening Remarks Feisty Feathered Friends

Oklahoma Heat Waves COMMUNITY

See Pg. 7

Jeff Elkins @JeffElkins12

MANAGING EDITOR

One of the first things returning students likely noticed last week was the absence of a certain flock of fowls we feel so fondly for.

Since just after the turn of the millennium, the University of Central Oklahoma campus has been a suitable home to the Canada goose.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) are a non-migratory subspecies that has adapted to survive in urban environments.

“This subspecies is drawn to areas where there is water nearby and an abundance of grass to graze on,” said Josh Richardson, migratory game bird biologist for ODWC. “With Canada Continued on Pg. 10

No More News For Starbucks Stores

See Pg. 6

RANKINGS From left, UCOSA Vice Chair Emma Sawyer and UCOSA Chair James Limbaugh watch UCO’s President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar as she delivers her opening remarks about the upcoming legislative semester on Aug. 26 in the Will Rogers Room of the Nigh University Center. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)

Lauren Morris @Vista1903 ONLINE EDITOR

On Monday, President Neuhold-Ravikumar gave an opening remark to start off the semester for the UCO Student Assocation. The new sena-

tors, as well as the new officers, had just sworn into their positions. She said how she was excited to see the energy of the students, as to her, summer had felt empty.

“You are a bright spot in my day,” she told the students. “It is such a joy for me to walk the sidewalks.”

Bronchos Shutout in Soccer See Pg. 15

B2

the

August 27, 2019

Contents

VISTA

Content

Abortion.....................................................................3 Around Campus...........................................................................4 Campus Chat...............................................................................5 Study Tour. ....................................................................................6 Heat Advisory...............................................................................7 Murdaugh Move...........................................................................9 UCO Geese................................................................................10 Games Page...............................................................................11 Football Schedule Breakdown...............................................12-14 Soccer/Volleyball....................................................................15

THE VISTA

Staff James D. Jackson Jeff Elkins Derek Parker Tanner Laws Megan Thele Lauren Morris Michelle Pennza Christian Tabak JaNae Williams Haley Humphrey Gerald Wing Yi Leong Samantha Karbelk Teddy Burch Alex Brown

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Online Editor Design Editor Senior Reporter Reporter Reporter Photography Photography Adviser Advertising

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.ads@gmail.com.

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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

On the Cover: Top: UCO Football scrimmage on Aug. 12. (James D. Jackson/The Vista) Top Middle: Karington Johnson enjoys a popsicle during Stampede week Bottom Middle: The Starbucks in the Nigh Center of the University of Central Oklahoma. (James D. Jackson/The Vista) Bottom: UCO’s Kelsie Eason battles for the ball during the Bronchos scrimmage against OCU on Aug. 20. (James D. Jackson/The Vista)

Abortion Access

August 27, 2019

3

State of Access: Abortion In Oklahoma JaNae Williams @janaebwilliams REPORTER

Alabama and other states’ recent passing of strict anti-abortion legislation has thrust the issue back into the political spotlight.

Oklahoma lawmakers and reproductive rights groups are working to limit or increase access based on where they stand on the issue.

Oklahoma currently has three surgical abortion centers, compared to 18 in 1982. The three open today are located in Oklahoma City, Norman and Tulsa.

Trust Women Foundation’s South Wind Women’s Center in Oklahoma City opened in 2016. The process for becoming a licensed facility in Oklahoma was lengthy, according to Katie Knutter, advocacy director for Trust Women.

“Oklahoma City had actually lost their only abortion provider and at that time we decided ‘OK, then that is a place we can go and provide care,’” Knutter said. “So, we started the process of opening this clinic, which we ultimately started seeing patients in September 2016, but that process took over two years.”

Regulations exist for nearly every physical aspect of the building for abortion providers in Oklahoma.

Laws also dictate specific signs that must hang inside facilities.

“They have passed a lot of facility requirements in the state, which is typically what are known as TRAP laws, which are Targeted Regulations for Abortion Providers,” Knutter said.

Planned Parenthood Action Fund lists four categories that TRAP laws commonly fall under on their website: building requirements, hospital relationships, location requirements and reporting requirements.

These laws prohibit more clinics from opening, further decreasing access. Obstacles extend beyond physical center regulations to the process and the women involved.

A Planned Parenthood clinic is seen Tuesday, June 4, 2019, in St. Louis. On Monday, June 10, 2019, a judge in St. Louis issued another order allowing Missouri’s only abortion clinic to continue operating. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Staff members are given state-mandated scripts that must be read to patients. These statements contain information including risks involved with the procedures and those associated with giving birth.

This list of risks is created by the state according to its own guidelines.

“This past year we saw a bill passed that requires doctors to tell women they can reverse a medication abortion by taking a type of hormone, and it’s just not true,” said Danielle Williams, executive director of the Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice.

In Oklahoma, women must wait 72 hours between speaking to a provider and having an abortion. Abortions 21 weeks and six days after a woman’s last menstrual cycle are illegal.

There are numerous other laws that limit abortions and dictate who must be involved in the decision, according to Knutter.

“Abortion is already highly restricted here,” Knutter said. “They really have passed almost everything that they can legally pass at this time.”

Oklahoma did not join the nine states with heartbeat bans limiting procedures after six weeks. However, recent years have seen other attempts

Pamphlets are shown in the clinic of Planned Parenthood of Utah Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

at legislation against abortion procedures.

“The most disturbing of all of that are some bill sin the last few years that we’ve seen that would criminalize, not just doctors or providers, but women,” Williams said. “There have been some proposals to call abortion first-degree murder, which in the state of Oklahoma, of course, is eligible for the death penalty.”

Senate Bills 13 and 195 were among 11 restrictive measures introduced in the 2019 legislative session. Both sought to outlaw abortion completely.

SB13 is the total abortion ban that sought to criminalize abortion, classifying it as a homicide. Neither bill had language to offer concessions for rape or incest. However, SB195 did offer a concession for the life of the mother in specific circumstances.

“The most effective and worst attack so far on abortion access is just misinformation,” Williams said.

The OCRJ works to provide Oklahomans with comprehensive, factual information regarding reproductive health and choices. One way the organization does this is through their ‘How to Get an Abortion in Oklahoma’ Zine, a free guide with information and resources that is updated annually.

In providing education, Williams said that she isn’t looking to alter anyone’s mindset, deny their personal feelings or change their beliefs on the topic of abortion. OCRJ advocates for access and the right of others to choose.

“It’s when those people who hold those ideas try to limit what other people have the right to do, is where we have a problem,” Williams said.

“It’s just a matter of not giving space for those ideas to control what women have the right to do.”

Several states have passed legis-

lation designed to take effect in the event that Roe v. Wade is overturned.

These laws would outlaw abortion should a new ruling return the decision to the states.

Trust Women functions in both a healthcare and political action committee role. Knutter said the organization is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those it is serving.

“We’re really working to educate the population about what will these restrictions actually do and what would the reality be like if abortion was not available here,” Knutter said. “We’re really working to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

The Guttmacher Institute points to a sharp decline in the number of deaths caused by abortions since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. A trend overturning the decision could lead to a reversal, according to Guttmacher Institute and Planned Parenthood Action Fund research.

“If abortion was illegal, people are going to be put into very unsafe situations, so that’s why we need access to safe legal abortion,” Knutter said.

“People can just start to talk about that, make it a little bit less taboo.”

A total ban would mean the center having to determine how to continue providing its numerous other services, according to Knutter.

Trust Women provides a variety of care for women, including gynecological services and access to birth control. However, their impact on the community extends to others as well.

“Our biggest, kind of, second patient population that we see are transgender patients who are coming to us mainly for hormone therapy to help them transition,” Knutter said. “So, we typically have a whole second day a week that we just see transgender patients and sometimes two days a week, just depending on the schedule.”

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August 27, 2019

Around Campus

Mandy Woodward, left, and Michayla Hambrick spray water soakers during the Stampede Week Night Event: Water World on Aug. 19 at Plunkett Park. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)

Tuesday, August 27, 2019 SAFE Ice Cream Social: Students are invited to join Student Alliance For Equality (SAFE) for their “Welcome to the Family” ice cream social from 6:30-8 p.m. in theNigh University Center Will Rogers Room 421. SAFE will celebrate the new academic year and discuss their programs and future plans.

Pop In! With the Women’s Outreach Center and The Chickasaw Nation Recruitment and Retention Center: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 113, students are invited to join the UCO Women’s Outreach Center and the Chickasaw Nation Recruitment and Retention Center for the scoop on upcoming events and programs. There will be snacks.

STLR Student Ambassador’s Fall 2019 Kickoff Meeting: From 6-7:30 p.m. in Nigh University Room 201, Student Transformative Learning Record is hosting an event with a presentation about the organization to all ambassadors.

Student Programming Board Meeting:

Students can come to SPB’s first meeting of the semester to learn more about the organization, how to join and events for the semester. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 202.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 Medieval Society Presentations: At the southwest corner of Plunkett Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Medieval Society will present their student research projects.

placed by Handshake. Students will be able to set up accounts, make an appointment with someone from the Career Development Specialist team and pick up free swag items.

Wesley Foundation Worship at Blue Tent: Wesley Worship Band is playing from 6-7 p.m. at the Broncho Lake Blue Tent. If conditions become unfavorable, the event will take place at Edmond First United Methodist Church.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Meet Chaos Brunch Social: In Nigh University Center Room 320C from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Central Chaos will host a brunch social to promote their organization. Attendees can meet current members, as well as receive information about becoming a member through tryouts.

Medieval Society Meeting: From 4-5:30 p.m. in Liberal Arts Room 228, the Medieval Society will hold their first meeting where they will review the history of the society at UCO. Students can about how to take part in Living History events, craft workshops and the Medieval Fair in April 2020.

Handshake Tabling: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by the Clocktower at Broncho Lake, the Career Development Center and Career Development Ambassadors will be on site to teach UCO students about the new career database platform they are using. HireBronchos has been re-

Asian American Student Association Cultural Game Night: AASA is hosting a game night in Nigh University Center Room 301 as a part of the Diversity Round Table’s “Welcome to the Fam Week!” AASA will play games that align with their nation’s traditions and culture.

Friday, August 29, 2019 Full Term Drop with Refund Ends: This is the last day to drop a full term class with a refund. Contact Onestop@uco.edu for more information.

Soccer Club Practice: From 6-7:45 p.m at Plunkett Park, this practice will serve as a try-out for those interested in making the team. If conditions become unfavorable, practice will be held at the Oklahoma City Sports Center.

Hispanic American Student Association Trivia Night: As a part of “Welcome to the Fam Week!” from 4-6 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Heritage Room 326, HASA will host a trivia game based on different Hispanic support services around campus. They will partner with speakers from the Hispanic Success Initiative, La Meta and the Latino Faculty and Staff association.

Monday, September 2, 2019 Labor Day: UCO will not have class next Monday for the national holiday, and university offices will be closed.

Campus Chat

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August 27, 2019

Opinions From UCO Students

Should the man pay for the first date?

Michael Mariani (senior): “I usually do because that’s how I’ve always been taught, but I don’t think it has to be that way.”

Haley Harris (freshman): “Yes, for sure. I feel like it’s common courtesy.”

Robert Merchant : “Honestly, yeah, it’s the gentleman move. I mean it’s a very respectable thing to do. You’re tyring to ge the lady aren’t you?”

Tyrone Veeraprame (sophomore): “I always do, it’s just something you do.”

Rachel Jackson (freshman): “Yes, because they should.”

Carson Clay (freshman): “Definitely the guy, it shows his manhood and respect for women and that’s just the courtesy thing to do.”

Yuzhu Feng (freshman): “Yes, it’s sort of like your duty.”

Jesus Estrada: “Yeah, if he likes her, yeah ... I don’t think the woman should pay, I always pay.”

In Case You Missed It: UCO Campus News Briefs Comedian Joel McHale telling a joke on stage in the Hamilton Field House.

McHale came to UCO to tell jokes that included subjects such as the Murdaugh mold and the “H” in Bronchos, while also featuring some material from his new special, “Joel McHale: Live from Pyongyang”. McHale’s appearance was provided by a collaboration between Student Programming Board and Stampede Week, which is put on by New Broncho Orientation. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)

Wake Up in Wantland went from 9 p.m. Aug. 17 to 1 a.m. Aug. 18 in Wantland Stadium. Students could enjoy multiple activities including playing video games, riding carnival rides, taking photos and dancing. The event was put on by Stampede Week, which is put on by New Broncho Orientation. (Megan Thele/The Vista)

UCO Athletics held a Fall Sports Rally on Aug. 22. The UCO Booster Club and Fall sports teams such as football, volleyball, cross-country and soccer came together and participated in events on the Wantland Stadium field. The players played soccer, dodgeball, tug of war, giant Jenga and connect four, while being served hotdogs and watermelon. (James D. Jackson/The Vista)

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August 27, 2019

Starbucks

No More News For Starbucks Stores Haley Humphrey @HaleyBHumphrey REPORTER

In an effort to adapt to changing customer behavior after almost two decades, Starbucks will no longer sell national or local newspapers at their stores by September.

According to the New York Post, Starbucks wants to prevent their customers from taking a paper without paying for it beforehand to reduce lost and stolen goods, or “shrinkage.”

An employee who has worked for Starbucks for four years said he has sold very few papers to customers. He estimated selling less than 15 throughout his time as an employee and said he had not witnessed customers leaving the store with a paper they didn’t pay for.

“If someone grabs a paper, they normally read it and leave it on the table they [were] at for us to pick up.”

The employee also said the Starbucks he works at typically sells more papers in the mornings than any other time of the day.

Starbucks will also remove certain shelving fixtures that display whole-bean coffee and select grab-and-go snacks, according to a Starbucks spokeswoman.

The coffee shop giant has sold the New York Times since 2000 and the Wall Street Journal and USA Today since 2010 at their 8,600 locations.

Desiree Hill, professor of Mass Communication at the University of Central Oklahoma, is a frequent patron of Starbucks. Hill said she has never bought a paper from Starbucks; however, she is a digital subscriber to the Times and the Washington Post.

“An informed public is important to the American ideal of democracy,” Hill said. “Starbucks could have easily continued selling newspapers in its coffee stores.”

Mark Codner, editor of The Edmond Sun, said he has purchased a newspaper from Starbucks before.

Codner does not regularly visit Starbucks, however, he said he could not believe any coffee shop would stop selling local newspapers.

Codner, like Hill, said he believes coffee and newspapers go

The Starbucks on Second Street in Edmond. Starbucks announced that they will no longer sell local and national newspapers in their stores. (Serene Russell/The Vista)

together.

“I’ve always believed that a retail establishment of any kind should support the community that supports them,” Codner said. “There’s nothing that says community better than a local newspaper sitting on a table with a large photo of a local person or entity of interest.”

According to Pew Research Center, newspaper circulation has declined since 1940. The center’s most recent statistics of 2018’s total circulation of papers in the U.S. showed an 8 percent decrease on weekdays and a 9 percent decrease on Sundays compared to 2017’s estimated total.

Further research from the center indicated digital circulation has increased.

By using the Alliance for Audited Media, an organization that audits circulation numbers of the largest U.S. newspaper, Pew Research found that digital circulation in 2018 rose 6 percent on weekdays and 8 percent on Sundays. For example, the Times’ digital circulation increased by 27 percent and the Journal increased by 23 percent, according to the center’s study.

“News technology is evolving and has since the time of the printing press, telegraph, color television, the Internet and into the future,” Hill said. “We are gravitating to less and less paper use, but for the present time, there are still individuals who prefer paper. We

should keep re-evaluating where we’re at with this.”

Codner said he agreed that there are many readers who want print.

“There’s demand there and the local newspapers that can continue finding creative ways to circulate their print product will survive,” Codner said. “Many local newspapers have already taken the big hits in circulation and are now successfully providing the mix of digital, social and print that readers demand.”

Hill said that paper is one of the ways to get news out when there’s no power, citing the recent power outages in New York City and Hurricane Barry coming onshore in Louisiana.

“I think news providers should always be thinking about how to provide news when emergencies occur,” Hill said.

In addition to emergencies,

Codner said newspapers are the main source of information that is circulated on social media and the Internet. If print ceased to exist, accurate and ethical information would not be available online, Codner said.

“If newspapers are gone, you’ll only have left the 30-second blip of news on broadcast. Or even worse you’ll only have content from public relations firms, unchecked government agencies, information gathering algorithms, robots and opinionated talking heads,” Codner said. “This would be a nightmare for society.”

Another problem for new media consumption is the ideology of “free” news, according to Hill and Codner.

While the news industry has inherently perpetuated this belief among many consumers, Hill said it “costs money to cover the White House, war zones, natural disasters and Russell Westbrook.”

“People will buy their coffee and surf the Internet, getting information for zero dollars,” Hill said.

“Howard Shultz, owner of Starbucks, would never give his coffee away for free every day.”

Codner said the biggest issue the media faces “is a lack of real readers and apathetic readers.”

With the click of a link or button, readers today want their news visually or by reading a sentence or two, Codner said. However, to truly understand the why and how of a story, readers must be willing to digest the entirety of an article.

“You can’t rely on a social post and the ensuing comments made by the public to truly understand what is happening in your community,” Codner said.

UCO students in the Nigh University Center Starbucks. The company is making changes to adapt to consumer behavior, including removing newspaper sales from stores. (James D. Jackson/The Vista)

Heat Waves

7

August 26, 2019

Oklahoma Heat Waves: It’s Only Getting Started Kyle Tangco @kyle_tangco CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The state of Oklahoma, alongside Kansas and Texas, will annually see additional 30-60 days that are above 100 degrees in the late 21st century, due to rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2018 assessment by the U.S. Global Change Research Program.

State Climatologist Gary McManus said that current temperatures in the state have been mild.

The worst heatwave on record occurred in 2011 and accounted for 43 heat-related deaths in the state. The second worst heatwave occurred in 2016, with only 21 deaths, according to an official from the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

“We haven’t been too bad this year so far,” said McManus, “But when we get into the heat index, there have been a couple of week-long periods where it got pretty nasty heat index values, 110-115 across some areas, and from 105-110 on other areas.”

McManus said that trends in heatwaves vary every year, depending on the amount of rainfall and humidity each season gets. He also said that Central and Eastern Oklahoma tend to have the worst heat index values.

When asked if current heatwaves will be worse in the next five years, McManus said that it would take decades for heatwaves to become more severe.

“Five years is probably too quick to say with any degree of certainty about those worsening,” said McManus.

While research predicts drastic heat conditions to take place in the far future, hospitals within the metro area have been active to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

EMSA issued its fifth heat alert last week that was predicted to end on Aug. 22. Ambulances responded to 41 heat-related emergencies since its

Tisha Davis with the UCO Health & Wellness Clinic shades herself with an umbrella to escape the afternoon heat on Aug. 20. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)

advisory.

“When we have five heat-related emergencies where the caller specifically says the heat is a factor, we then issue our EMSA heat alert,” said public information officer, Laura O’Leary.

This summer, EMSA has responded to 240 patients who suffered a heat-related illness, with the highest numbers reported in their first heat alert that lasted from June 27-July 12.

Eighty-seven patients were accounted for during the advisory.

Other medical facilities, like The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, tend about three patients a day who suffer a heat-related illness.

“We normally see about two or three a day that come in, and that’s just here at the pediatric-- that’s birth to 18 years of age,” said Dr. Ryan Brown, M.D., “The adult hospital has probably seen more numbers than that.”

Recent newsroom reports from the OSDH say that children 4-years-old and younger are at a high risk of receiving a heat-related illness. OSDH officials also say that adults, 75-yearsold and up, have the highest heat-related death of any age group.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health posted a newsroom article about the dangers of high temperatures, with safety tips to prevent heat-related illnesses.

According to the article, over 600 people die from heat-related illnesses in the United States, annually. From 2010 to 2017, 145 heat-related deaths occurred in Oklahoma; 70 percent of those deaths were male.

“A lot of times when you see these folks outdoors, men are doing physical labor,” Brown said. “Men maybe are working on the house, building a fence, maybe doing some more phys-

ical activity.”

Brown said that solutions to prevent an individual from having a heat-related illness include staying hydrated, using sunscreen, wearing hats, taking frequent breaks, and staying in the shade. Moreover, Brown mentions that wearing less clothing in the summer is actually harmful to an individual, as it exposes more skin to the heat.

“It’s not so much that dressing less helps you more, it actually can be more detrimental. You just need to stay cooler, hydrate, wear a hat, and fan off,” Brown said.

Antonio Thomas, team lead at Top Golf, fans himself for relief from the heat on Aug. 20.

(Tanner Laws/The Vista)

Murdaugh

August 27, 2019

9

Murdaugh Moves In After Mold continued from pg. 1

to the College of Environmental Science and Forestry. For instance, ESF said that high levels of Penicillium can cause asthma in children, and some species of Aspergillus can cause lung infections in people with weakened immune systems.

The mold was uncovered by resident assistants who were conducting a final check of the building Aug. 9, the day before students moved in, Nobles said.

A leak in Murdaugh’s plumbing caused the mold and UCO’s maintenance team determined the leak Students were finally able to move in Murdaugh Hall on Aug. 26 after being relocated due to mold. (Tanner Laws/The Vista) ly estimation is somewhere between [Welcome Home Week] activities and “I’d rather be here,” Dishface said, caused the issue upon investigating. bonding time.” referencing his move back in to Mur“The mold was discovered in ap- $50,000 and $100,000.

“The budget for these repairs will Incoming freshman Abby Wright daugh. proximately one-third of the rooms All affected residents were continuthroughout the building,” Nobles said. come from the Housing maintenance had to move into West Hall and she “It was not isolated to a single area of budget,” Nobles said. “Housing at was “super annoyed at first” by her ally updated with emails from Housthe building, nor was the plumbing UCO is a self-funded operation, so experience. However, Wright said the ing staff as to when they could move funds will not come from tuition rev- UCO Housing and Dining staff have back in. issue.” “been very helpful.” Wright said she Each student that had to move to a Certified Commercial Restoration, enue or student activity fees.”

Some residents who initially moved planned on moving back into Mur- different hall on campus has the opa water damage repair company, is tion of staying in the room they were working to remove the mold and en- into Murdaugh were concerned when daugh once it re-opened.

Jayden Dishface also had to relocate moved to, or they can move back to sure the building is sanitized. Nobles they found out they had to relocate to to West Hall and described his expe- Murdaugh, Nobles said. If a student said UCO’s maintenance teams are other halls around campus.

Maya Williams said a big thing for rience there as being “pretty messy.” chooses to stay at a relocated hall, working to correct the plumbing issue.

While the cost for the repair is still her and some of the other residents Dishface said some shower heads they will pay the same monthly cost as if they were at Murdaugh. undetermined, Nobles said the ear- was that they “missed out on all of the were missing in the bathrooms.

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August 27, 2019

Editorial

So Long, UCO’s Fiesty Feathered Friends continued from pg. 1

geese, you have birds that set up territories. As time goes on, their numbers grow and you run into issues with birds and people.”

I have been a student at the main campus of UCO for six years and I can only recall one unsavory encounter with the cobra chickens.

Years ago I was walking out of the Business Building while stuffing a notebook in my backpack and when I turned my head around to look forward, I tripped over a goose. The goose hissed aggressively as if to tell me that he did not care at all. In that moment, I realized this goose definitely was not Canadian, because it would have politely said sorry if it was.

After I got to my feet, I briefly scolded the goose that stood before me and went on my way. In retrospect, I should have paid more mind to my surroundings and I have no hard feelings about that situation. It has been about five years since that day and the biggest issue since then has been simply avoiding their poop, which in moderation can contribute to soil fertility by adding nutrients.

Having a story about a friendly or unfriendly encounter with these geese

A gaggle of Canada geese on UCO’s campus last fall. The geese were relocated from UCO’s campus to wetlands over the summer. (Megan Thele/The Vista)

is so commonplace it seems to be somewhat of a right of passage for students.

“I would always see people sitting around the pond on the steps, but if the weather was too nice, no one could be there because of the geese,” said former UCO student Josh Davis. “I really did avoid walking by the lake for real. I can recall a few times on campus when I heard girls screaming and I look over and see them running from geese.”

All subspecies of Canada geese are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under this act, it is illegal to take, transport, sell, buy or trade a migratory bird or their parts. Concentrations commonly congregate on college campuses across the country and because of this act, options for their removal are

limited without a federal permit.

According to Adrienne Nobles, assistant vice president for Communications, the university worked with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation over the summer to safely and humanely relocate the UCO geese to a conservation area with wetlands in the state.

Due to federal guidelines, the ODWC deferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement the relocation.

“We aren’t sure of the exact location, but they will be safe and have plenty of room to grow their families,” Nobles said. “We know some will be sad to see them leave the Broncho nest. This was done in the best interest of both the geese and the campus community.”

Nobles cited hostile interactions and

sanitation as reasons for their removal.

“They have grown in numbers over the years on campus to a point where maintenance and clean-up had become quite difficult and their nesting would increasingly block access to building entrances and lead to protective, aggressive behavior toward people walking on campus,” Nobles said.

My fellow Bronchos, we can take solace in the fact that our bird bros were supposedly removed in a humane manner. If their removal was facilitated solely because the university had a problem with ‘Canada gooses taking Canada deuces’ as they say in Letterkenny, I would be incredibly disappointed in my university. However, history shows that this is not the case.

Over the years, I have heard rumors of students feeding the geese things they shouldn’t, among other things and I think it’s best that college students are not these birds urban overlords. Their numbers had indeed grown exponentially since I was a freshman and they would not have left without intervention.

Today, we mourn the loss of our feisty feathered friends, but know they’re literally in a better place talking sass in the grass.

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August 27, 2019

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Games BUFFALO CASPER DOVER GULFPORT LINCOLN MADISON MIAMI MISSOULA MOBILE SAN DIEGO SPOKANE ST. LOUIS TUCSON TULSA WORCESTER

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Despite your Aries penchant for wanting to tackle a problem head-on, you might want to take a little more time to see how a current situation develops.

It could surprise you.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Taking on the role of peacemaker in a disruptive environment is a challenge. But you can do it. Just continue to have the same faith in yourself that so many others have in you.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Although your work schedule keeps you busy, you should make time to start preparing for that important upcoming family event you’ll want to celebrate in a special way.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Home is where the Moon Child wants to be early in the week. But by week’s end, a chance to travel raises her or his excitement level, and that of the lucky person who gets to go along.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Be careful not to be a copycat when dealing with someone who uses unfair or even unkind methods to reach a goal. As always, do the right thing the right way, and you’ll win in the end.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An offer could have many good things attached to it that are not apparent at first glance, including a chance to move into another career area. You might want to check out its possibilities.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) With responsibilities surging both in the workplace and in the home, it’s important to prioritize how

CROSSWORD

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Starry Words Word Search

(Week of Aug. 27, 2019)

you deal with them. Be patient. Pressures will begin to ease starting early next week.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A positive reaction to a suggestion could indicate that you’re on track for getting your message to the right people. Devote the weekend to catching up with the special people in your life.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A new attitude from those in charge could make things difficult for you unless you can accept the changes without feeling as if you’re being pressured into doing so.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Family matters once again dominate much of the week. But don’t neglect your workplace duties while you deal with them. An offer to help could come from a surprising source.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A difficult workplace situation begins to ease, but there still are matters that need to be dealt with before it’s fully resolved. There’s also a more positive turn in domestic relationships.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Don’t let yourself be rushed into making a decision about an intriguing financial arrangement. Asking questions and checking it out now could pay off in a big way later on.

BORN THIS WEEK: You might have a tendency to be more than a bit judgmental, but others understand it comes from a warm, loving heart. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

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August 27, 2019

Football Preview

UCO 2019 Football Schedule Breakdown

The UCO football team running out on the field before a game in 2018 with sophomore reciever Mekail Hall leading the charge. The Bronchos begin their season Sept. 5 against Pittsburg State University at Wantland Stadium at 7 p.m. (Vista Archives)

The University of Central Oklahoma football team is coming off an 8-4 season, winning six of the last seven games, including their win against Angelo State University in the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas bowl, 41-34.

UCO is coming off two back-toback eight and four seasons, both ending in bowl game victories. The Bronchos have played in four bowl games in the past five years and are

one of the winningest Division II programs in the nation.

For the second consecutive season, UCO will start against the Pittsburg State University Gorillas. The game is set for Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Pittsburg State posted an 8-3 regular season record in 2018, giving them the third best record in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, one spot ahead of the 7-4 Bronchos.

While the two teams had nearly identical records, the only difference was PSU getting the best of the Bronchos with a 21-7 win in 2018’s season opener. This was the second lowest scoring game for the Bronchos in the 2018 season.

UCO’s offense struggled in the first half against the Gorilla defense in the previous season as UCO posted a three and out on the first three pos-

session. After running just four plays on the fourth possession, they went three and out again on the next drive.

They finished the first half on just 26 plays, earning four first downs and 61 yards of offense.

Pittsburg State will return 13 players who started six or more games in the previous season, seven on offense and six on defense. Three of the returning players received recognition on the 2018 NCAA Division II Don Hansen Football Committee All-American team: defensive lineman Simanu’a Thomas, who also earned second-team All-American honors; offensive tackle Ryan Dodd; and Morgan Selemaea.

Selemaea recorded 50 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception and six pass break-ups in the 2018 season. Thomas, who started all 11 games for the Gorillas in his

junior season, recorded 41 tackles, 19 on his own, a team leading 13.5 tackles-for-loss and six sacks. Dodd assisted on the offensive line in his junior year as the Gorillas finished the 2018 season ranked 20th nationally in rushing.

However, the two teams last season were nearly identical in scoring offense and defense. PSU was third in scoring offense last season, averaging 30.4 points a game, and fourth in defense scoring, giving up an average 21 points per game. The Bronchos were fourth in scoring offense, averaging 30.3 points a game, and third in defense, scoring at 20.1 points per game.

The most recent victory UCO had over Pittsburg State was on November 14, 2015 as they topped the Gorillas 41-39 in the final game of the season.

UCO will then travel to Nebraska on September 12 to try an avenge a heartbreaking 31-27 loss against University of Nebraska-Kearney. The Bronchos had a chance to win it late on the final drive but UCO quarterback Keats Calhoon was unable to connect with Dustin Basks, who had 11 catches for 136 yards that night.

Despite the last offensive play for the Bronchos, head coach Nick Bobeck pointed out other openings the Bronchos had that they did not take advantage of that decided the game.

“There were multiple opportunities for us to separate where we didn’t separate,” Bobeck said. “Ball security is huge in football games like that. We had an opportunity to score a touchdown and we had to

kick a field goal. It’s not one thing, it’s a combination of things that get you beat.”

UCO kicker Alex Quevedo was 2-2 on the night, connecting once from 30 yards out and then again from 31. The first field goal came on the heels of a kick return that gave the Bronchos first and 10 at the Lopers 28-yard line, and the second on a 14 play, 61-yard drive that resulted in a dropped pass in the endzone.

The Lopers finished in eighth place, four spots below the Bronchos, in the MIAA in the 2018 season as they finished with a 5-6 record. Nebraska-Kearney finished ahead of the Bronchos in a majority of defense categories. In total defense the Lopers only allowed 327.8

yards per game while UCO averaged 356.9 yards.

The Loopers graduated and will have to replace wide receiver Trey Lansman, defensive end Tye Spies and center David Squiers, who both received 2018 All-MIAA honorable mention honors. Malik Webb, who also graduated, received All-MIAA honors in 2017.

Nebraska-Kearney will return two seniors who earned 2018 first-team All-MIAA honors: inside linebacker Sal Silvio, who currently has 234 tackles; and running back Darrius Webb, who had a 998 yard rushing season and led the MIAA in rush average per game with 90.7.

The Lopers will also return 2018 second-team All-MIAA honorees

safety Dallas Vaughn, who recovered three fumbles returning one for a touchdown, and wide receiver Montrez Jackson, who recorded 18 catches, 397 yards and one touchdown in 11 games.

Oct. 14, 2017 marks the Bronchos last win over the Lopers as they won 27-13 at Wantland Stadium.

Football Preview

August 27, 2019

The Bronchos will return home to battle the Lincoln University Blue Tigers who recorded a 3-8 record in the 2018 season. The Bronchos have

battled Lincoln twice, in 2012 and 2013; both outcomes were wins for the Bronchos. In 2012, the Bronchos won 56-25 and then 49-42 in 2013.

As Lindenwood University left the conference and joined the Great Lakes Valley Conference, Lincoln decided to return to the MIAA in for the 2019 season. The MIAA accepted to get back to 12 teams.

Lincoln will be leaving the GLVC. In their five years with the GLVC, the Blue Tigers won just three conference games, posting an overall record of 3-35. From 2015-2018 Lincoln lost 29

straight conference games before defeating the Southwest Baptist University Bearcats 28-13 in a home game on Sept. 22, 2018. In the 2018 season, the Blue Tigers posted two wins in conference play, their most ever.

The Blue Tigers posted an overall record of 9-45; 75 percent of their wins came by non-conference opponents. However, joining the MIAA has left the Blue Tigers without the ability to host a non-conference schedule because the MIAA holds 12 teams, whereas the GLVC held eight. Lincoln has played a game with other histori-

The middle of the Bronchos schedule will be the toughest of the season.

The Bronchos will face Northwest Missouri State University on Sept. 28 at the Bearcats home in Maryville, MO. The Bronchos beat the Bearcats for the first time last year since joining the MIAA in 2012 and look to do it again.

The Bearcats will be celebrating family weekend and the Bronchos hope to make it a bittersweet day for

NWSU. Northwest Missouri will be one of the Bronchos toughest tests of the season, as they finished with a 10-2 overall record last seaosn and are ranked No. 1 in the MIAA Preseason Media Poll, and No. 1 in the coaches.

Last year, the Bronchos upset the then No.4-ranked Bearcats 31-21, taking an early first quarter lead and never relenquishing it. UCO won the battle in total yards, passing yards,

yards allowed, and time of posession; factors that will certaintly play a role in this years contest.

This year, the Bronchos will yet again need to put together another complete game in order to pull out another win against NWMSU. If the Bronchos can secure backto-back wins over the top team in the conference, it should cement their status as a top team in the MIAA.

On Oct. 5, the Bronchos will face off against the defending Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association champions Fort Hays State University. Fort Hays State has won the last four meetings between the two teams and the Bronchos look to end that streak in the homecoming matchup.

The Tigers have outscored the Bronchos 110-73 in the past four

meetings. The last win for the Bronchos came in 2014 when they won 26-7 to open up the season.

Starting quarterback Will Collins will return for his junior year at UCO and will certainly be looking to avenge last year’s shutout loss to the Tigers.

Last season the Bronchos were shutout for the only time all season, losing 15-0 to the Tigers. The silver lining within their loss last

touchdowns last year against UCO. UCO’s quarterback Will Collins and running back Clay McKenzie combined for 475 yards in the meeting between the two. With McKenzie graduating, the Bronchos will most likely look to sophomore Saboor Daniels to carry the load on the ground.

The Mules hired BJ Campbell, Montana Technological University’s defensive coordinator, as their defensive coordinator in March. Campbell had a successful run at MTU where

they had a 35-29 record. The Mules hope that the addition of Campbell will bring the same success he had at Montana Tech to Central Missouri defense.

CMU is ranked No. 5, just one spot below UCO in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, and No. 4, just one spot ahead of the Bronchos, in the MIAA Preseason Media Poll.

Despite how similar the teams are. if UCO makes a big jump this year, this game should be chalked up as a win for the Brochos.

In Week 7, the Bronchos will play their fourth home game against the Missouri Western Griffons. In UCO’s short time in the MIAA what looks like a rivalry has already begun with MWSU. Last year, the Missouri Western outgained UCO 418 to 229 in total yardage, but the Bronchos managed to sneak away with a 17-16 victory on their homecoming. Central went into the half with a big 17-0 lead, scoring both their touchdowns off of turnovers. In the end, the Bronchos

defense got the job done, getting a huge stop at the end of the game. After a defensive stand, Jordan Stafford tipped a 45-yard field goal attempt to give the Bronchos the ball and the win.

This year, the Bronchos will need to put together a complete offensive game to come away with a victory, as a scoreless second half might not bode well for the Bronchos this year.

Missouri Western will be returning 13 starters in total after finishing 7-5 on the year last year, and will be

After celebrating their own homecoming, the Bronchos will head to the University of Central Missouri on Oct. 12 to face the Mules for a homecoming of their own.

The Bronchos are 2-5 against the Mules since entering into the MIAA in 2012. UCO has won the last two meetings between the teams, including last year’s 33-26 win.

The Bronchos defense will hope to have an answer for CMU’s running back Devante Turner. Turner rushed for 116 yards and scored three

13 cally black colleges and universities at least once every year since 2013, but will not be able to schedule any this year.

Lincoln’s head football coach Steven Smith resigned on May 15 to pursue opportunities in professional football. The Blue Tigers will start the season with interim head coach Malik Hoskins.

UCO and Lincoln have only played a common opponent in one season and that was Southwest Baptist in 2012. Both teams lost to the Bearcats.

season, was that the Bronchos didn’t allow a touchdown. This year, if UCO can continue its defensive strengths against the Tigers last year, mixed with an experienced returning offense, it will be one of the games of the season.

Look for the Collins and the Bronchos offense to be the key factor in this year’s matchup.

another tough test for the Bronchos down the stretch.

Missouri Western is ranked No. 7 in both the MIAA Preseason Coaches and Media Polls. Barring a massive jump form the Griffons this year, the Bronchos should start the easiest part of their schedule this week. If UCO can’t pullout wins against Northwest Missouri, Fort Hays State, and Central Missouri in the prior weeks, they should have a nice little momentum swing this week.

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August 27, 2019

Football Preview

On Oct. 20, the Bronchos will play the Washburn Ichabods in Topeka, Kansas. If UCO happens to slip up against Central Missouri or Missouri Western, Washburn should be a great bounce-back game for the Bronchos.

Last season, the Bronchos had one of their best games both offensively and defensively with a 34-0 win.

UCO finished with 411 total yards of

offense on the day, with 282 through the air and 129 on the ground. After going up 10-0 in the first quarter, the Bronchos took a slight dip in production in the second quarter, but came back strong in the third to finish the second half of with 21 points.

Central also pitched their first shutout of the season. The shutout over Washburn was the first of a

three-game stretch of holding their opponents scoreless.

With a consistent offensive game plan, the Bronchos should be able to cruise to another victory this year.

Washburn was ranked No. 8 in both MIAA Preseason Coaches and Media polls after finishing 5-6 in the 2018 season.

In the home-stretch of their easiest time of the year, the Bronchos will play Missouri Southern, another one of their most complete wins of the 2018 season with a 31-0 score.

Central outgained MSSU 472 to 209, another dominating performance they’ll look to replicate this season. the Bronchos uncharacteristically rushed for more yards than they threw, rushing for 245 and throwing for 227. UCO also held the Lions to

just 53 passing yards, a vital stat in keeping them scoreless. This was just one oftheir three end of the season shutouts. Central will look to repeat this stretch of games in the 2019 season as well.

This year, look for The Bronchos secondary and running backs to be huge factors again. There arent too many scenarios that end with a Lion win.

Missouri Southern is returning just

9 starters from last season squad, with All-MIAA defensive linemen Levi Marlay and punter Riley Hathorn MSSU finished 1-10 last season, so a win over the Bronchos looks out of reach, Central should roll into their game with Northeastern State with some momentum before finishing up against rival Emporia State.

In both the MIAA Preseason Coaches and Media Polls, Missouri Southern finished ranked No. 10.

The 10th and 11th games could prove to be make or break for the Bronchos if the rest of the season doesn’t go as planned. Capping off the season with big wins against Northeastern State University and

Emporia State University could be huge for UCO’s morale heading into what could be a bowl appearance, or better yet send them bowling.

UCO will play their last regular season home game against intra-state rival the Northeastern Riverhawks. Last season Northeastern proved to be no match for the Bronchos, with Central winning 62-0, their largest win difference of the year by far. UCO amassed 581 total yards in the contest, scoring eight total touchdowns.

Will Collins completed 12 of 21

attempts for 278 yards passing and threw two touchdowns to Mekail Hall and one to Izaiah Jackson. Justin Curry led the Bronchos rushing with 157 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries, with Clay McKenzie following close behind with 87 yards and two touchdowns on 22 attempts.

On top of their terrific offensive performance, the Bronchos held the Riverhawks to just 159 total yards in their third and final shutout of the season. Langston Underwood led the way with six total tackles, with Kahewai Kaaiawaawa and Dillon Hall

close behind with five each. Central also intercepted the ball three times.

Barring an unforeseen meltdown from the Bronchos and an incredible jump from NSU, it will be hard for the gap to shorten that much in just one year. It’ll be hard to bet on the Riverhawks for a while, who went 0-11 in the 2018 season, with their worst loss of the year coming to UCO. If the Bronchos can take care of business on both sides of the ball, Week 10 should be a good momentum boost heading into their final game of the season.

The last game of the season should prove to be much more interesting for the Bronchos, as they play the Emporia State Hornets, who narrowly defeated UCO in a heartbreaking 35-28 thriller in the final 2018 regular season game.

The Bronchos outgained the Hornets by 50 total yards, but couldn’t capitalize on key moments to steal the game away. They finished with 260 rushing yards to ESU’s 169, but finished with 265 passing yards to

the Hornets 306.

Last year, Central’s offensive production kept them in the game. This year, if the Bronchos want to finish off the season with a big win, they’ll need to limit ESU’s offensive production, especially through the air.

Players like Daniel Baughman and O’Shay Harris will be key players in the final game of the season. Harris was one of two players to earn All-American honors last season, and will be returning for his senior

season. He primarily played safety, but has shown he has the ability to play cornerback as well.

Baughman, a defensive back who played in all 12 games for the Bronchos in 2018 as a redshirt freshman, will look to show huge improvement in his sophomore campaign. Alongside Harris, the two could be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks in the upcoming season.

With more experience in the secondary, and what could be an even

better offense, the Bronchos should be the team to beat in the matchup versus Emporia State this year.

Soccer/Volleyball

August 27, 2019

15

Bronchos Shutout OCU in Soccer Scrimmage

James D. Jackson @JamesDJackson15 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The No. 9 ranked University of Central Oklahoma soccer squad shutout Oklahoma Christian University 5-0 in their scrimmage at Tom Thompson field Tuesday afternoon.

“Every scrimmage you’re just trying to learn something,” said head coach Mike Cook. “Right now we’re trying to get more fit. We really don’t feel like we’re fit enough. So, we’re trying to get some fitness out of it.”

The teams played four 20-minute periods in the scrimmage. UCO scored at least one goal in all four periods. Defensively, MIAA Goalkeeper of the Year and All-Region Selection Kelsi Gibsononly had to make two saves, both in the second half. OCU only have one shot, none on goal, in the first half while the Bronchos had 10 shots.

Asha Haile would score the first goal of the night for UCO off the corner kick early in the match on a ball to the bottom left corner of the net on the assist from Kelsie Eason.

Katie Tullis scored off the corner kick in the second period, again to the bottom left of the goal. The third period began with a pass from Haile from the left side of the box

Katie Gasaway handles ball during scrimmage on Aug. 20. The University of Central Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma Christian University 5-0. (James D. Jackson/The Vista)

passed a diving goalie to Katie Gasaway, which led to an easy goal that she tapped in to the middle of the net.

Haile would gain another assist in the period when she passed it from the other side of the box to Katy Tullis who was able to tap it in as well.

Although Haile recorded two assist, Cook said her best quality is scoring goals.

“Aisha is a goal scorer. She’s more of a goal scorer than she thinks, she scored 18 last year and I think she could have scored 30 as well so that’s what we need out of her,” Cook said. “She’s a senior, we’re tell-

ing her, ‘hey Katie’s [Killion] gone, there’s a void there, step in and take that.’ She’s got that potential, she’s a good player, got to get that hunger for the goal and take shots.”

The Bronchos no longer have All-American Katie Killion who was named Conference Commissioners Association Ron Lenz National Player of the Year so Coach Cook says they will look elsewhere to make up Killion’s production.

“I don’t think we’re going to find someone that’s going to score 30 goals,” Cook said. “But if we can find a couple people that can make it up; 20 goals whatever, that’s what we’re trying to do. Find people that

can step in and make the system still work.”

Kaylee Collins scored early in the final period with a left footed kick to the bottom left side of the goal.

The Tuesday afternoon scrimmage was the Bronchos second of the season. UCO will have one more scrimmage on Saturday at 7 p.m. and then they will battle Dallas Baptist University(DBU) September 5 at 1 p.m. for the season and home opener. DBU is ranked No. 17 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Preseason Poll.

UCO has not played DBU since 2013, when they lost 2-1.

“Kelsi Eason is one of our leaders,” Cook said. “Kelsey Gordon was not here she’s one of our senior captains who plays in the back she was an all-American last year as well. Again, we need, not just seniors, we need returning players to step up and lead and to show the new players how we play, how we want to play, how we work, right attitude those kinds of things.”

UCO posted a record of 22-2, the best in school history, last season and advanced to the Central Regional Final where they fell to Central Missouri4-3 in overtime.

During the season the Bronchos also went on a 16-game win streak, the longest in school history.

UCO Volleyball Ranked No. 22 in AVCA Preseason Poll James D. Jackson @JamesDJackson15 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The University of Central Oklahoma volleyball team has been ranked No. 22 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s preseason NCAA Division II national rankings that were released Aug. 20.

This is the 55th consecutive appearance in the top 25 poll for UCO. “I feel great about it, but I think it’s an indication of our past successes and teams and players,” said head volleyball coach Edgar Miraku. “It’s the preseason, all the committees looking at it are judging based on last year’s stuff. Because they don’t have anything for this year. I think it’s good recognition, don’t get me wrong, for the program… it just doesn’t necessary reflect on anything on our team this year. This team’s got to also work hard and earn it as well.”

Last season the Bronchos finished 23rd in the national rankings after posting a 27-7 overall record and third in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association with a 14-4 record.

Washburn University, an MIAA member, was the fourth ranked team as they received two first place votes. The Bronchos will battle them in the Hamilton Field House on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. and in Topeka, Kansas Nov. 1 at 6 p.m.

University of Tampa, the defending national champion, is the No. 1 ranked team in the country. They received 43 first place votes. UCO is not scheduled to meet them in the regular season.

On Saturday, the Bronchos played an exhibition match against the University of Tulsa, who were placed as fourth in the Division I 2019 American Volleyball Preseason Poll.

“It was very beneficial in terms of getting lots of play time and

getting literally all 18 players involved and playing,” Miraku said in a written statement. “It also served well in terms of getting rid of some pre-season nervousness. We had the opportunity to experiment with five different line-ups where we can see not just different players in specific positions (several in more than one position), but also we were able to see certain ‘court relationships’ where certain players play next to others and how that can grow or change by creating more synergies, communication, etc.”

This season, UCO ranks in the bottom half of the 11 teams in the MIAA in number of juniors and seniors on the 2019 roster. UCO will return one senior and five juniors.

Miraku was able to bring in eight freshmen for the 2019 season, doubling his recruitment from 2018 where he brought in four.

Miraku has coached the Bronchos to over 25 wins in each of the last five seasons. He has an overall

182-55 record over his seven years at UCO.

UCO head volleyball coach Edgar Miraku attending the UCO Athletics Fall Sports Rally on Aug. 23. (James D. Jackson/The Vista)