The Vista Aug. 29, 2017

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Volume 115, Issue 2

the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Baseball Donation Falls Apart

University Not Alone in Endowment Falling Through

Austin Moseley @Austin_Moseley Sports Editor

A $13.5 million donation fell through, after the University of Central Oklahoma announced the anonymous donor would be unable to meet the expectations of the agreement. The money was going to fund a new baseball stadium, while also allocating some money toward scholarships for student athletes. This isn’t the first time a university has lost a major donation. see “Donation” on page 13

Bleachers from the UCO Baseball Field remain broken down behind the press box. A donation of $13.5 million for a new baseball stadium recently fell through, leaving the university without the money for a new facility. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista).

Kevin Freeman Takes UCOSA Opening Session UCO Athletics Reins Peter Agnitsch @peteypete33 Editor-in-Chief

The University of Central Oklahoma announced Kevin Freeman as the new acting Athletic Director effective immediately. Freeman will still serve as Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer. Kevin's Experience will bring stability and continuity for both our athletics staff and student athletes as the university conducts a search for a new director, according to Centralities released Aug. 25, 2017. Freeman is a member of the UCO Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a three time All-American in wrestling at UCO. Freeman, Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer holds the responsibilities of business services, campus enterprises facilities management, transportation, and police services. From 2006-2008, he served the role of Assitant Athletic Dircetor for Business.

Aug. 22 - Press Release over UCO Re-Set Fundrasing Efforts for Baseball.

Aug. 23- Joe Muller resigns as the University of Central Oklahoma Athletic Director. Aug. 23 -Presidet Betz Holds Meeting over Athletic Director’s resignation. Aug. 25- Kevin Freeman named Acting Athletic Director.

UCOSA advisor Cole Stanley swears in the new UCOSA leadership at the Opening Session on August 28, 2017 in the Carl Albert Room of the Nigh University Center. (Kateleigh Mills/ The Vista).

Kateleigh Mills @kateleighsuz Online Editor

The University of Central Oklahoma's Student Association gathered in the Nigh University Center's Carl Albert Room to have opening session for the State of the Campus Address and what they would like to work towards for this year. The UCO Student Association Leadership, which consists of congressional leadership and the executive cabinet, were sworn in by UCOSA advisor Cole Stanley at the start of the meeting. The new lead-

ership consists of UCOSA President Stockton Duvall, Vice President Madison Richard, Congressional Chair Remington Dean, Vice-Chair Kalina Popova and Secretary Mario Figueroa. "All of you share something in common," President Betz said. "You wouldn't be in this room, I believe, if you didn't have some sense about service. What you are, are representatives." Betz said as a UCOSA representative, members are to venture out across campus to understand what

See “UCOSA” on Page 6


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Staff

STAFF Peter Agnitsch Elizabeth Spence Austin Moseley Cara Johnson Megan Thele Kateleigh Mills Michelle Pennza

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor/Reporter Online Editor Graphic Designer

Christian Tabak Faith Kelly Nate Baldwin Jonathan Goudeau Dylan Brown

Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter

Ryan Naeve Hayden Barzditis

Photographer Photographer

Teddy Burch

Advisor

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VISTA

The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained. EDITORIALS Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO. LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters. Address letters to: Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to vistaeditorletters@gmail.com.

Retractions

• In the Aug. 21 issue, the Vista stated in The Cyndi Project, we wrote that Representative Munson wrote legislation against Alzheimer’s patients, when it was for Alzheimers patients. • In the Aug. 21 issue, the Vista stated the 3OH!3 concert would be 6-8 p.m. when it was supposed to be from 7-10 p.m.


Professor

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Professors Earn Lime Light

UCO Students Vote to Recognize Faculty at Football Games Christian Tabak @vista1903 Reporter

With the start of University of Central Oklahoma’s fall 2017 football season, the UCO Athletics Department is providing students with the opportunity to see their favorite professors recognized as Professor of the Game during each of the team’s five home games. Beginning with the college of Liberal Arts, students are provided with the opportunity to vote for their favorite professor from one of the university’s five colleges in a weeklong email survey held prior to each home game. The professor with the most votes will then be recognized during a time out in the game as a way to show appreciation for the support professors provide student athletes, according to UCO football coach Nick Bobeck. “We take a great deal of pride in how our student-athletes perform in the classroom. Recognizing a Professor of the Game allows us to show our gratitude to those outside of our program that are investing in these young men. We ask their professors for assistance in tracking the progress of our student athletes and they are more than happy to help us,” Bobeck said. Voting has already begun for who will be recognized from the College of Liberal Arts during the Bronchos first home game of the season versus Missouri’s Lindenwood University Aug. 31. With both students and faculty excited for the season, Dean of Liberal Arts, Catherine Webster said the practice is one that makes her proud to be a Broncho. “The enthusiasm generated by the students around the faculty recipients is authentic and robust. It’s terrif-

ic that each of the colleges gets its chance over the course of the season, too, but I will admit that I’m selfishly pleased that Liberal Arts is up first,” said Liberal Arts Dean Catherine Webster. While academics and sports are often seen at odds with one another from the outside, college athletes are still required to maintain a specific GPA to retain their spot on their respective teams. Ceremonies such as Professor of the Game not only allow the opportunity to recognize professors for their role in supporting student athletes, but also the role of academics in college sports, according to Chris Brannick, director of sports media relations at UCO. “In athletics, academics come first. The goal for all of us is to graduate every one of our student athletes. So, we think it’s important to honor the professors who teach these young men and women and play a very important role in getting these students to graduation,” said Brannick. The concept for the Professor of the Game tradition originated three years ago with Coach Edward Miraku’s women’s volleyball team as an initiative to improve connections between student athletics and the university’s academic departments. The women’s softball team ranks 18th in NCAA Division II. The team has maintained a 3.5 or higher GPA for the last five years. Allowing professors, the opportunity to see that the athletes work hard both on the court and in the classroom was a major goal, according to Miraku. “Sometimes athletics general, depending on the mindset and background of the individual, tends to come across the wrong way. That also varies from campus to campus and sport to sport, but one way we thought to help bridge that gap was

Wantland Stadium’s gate D is one of the main entrances into the football stadium. The 2017 football season is set to begin Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista).

to have professors sit in on everyone of our home matches,” Miraku said. With fifteen home games, this allowed for each member of the volleyball team to honor a professor during a match. It also allowed professors an opportunity to see how much effort the athletes put into both athletics and academics, with professors arriving before the matches to see the warm-ups and preparations. “It’s not just the match, the hour and a half or two and a half hours. They’ll show up before the warmup, hear every talk and speech the coaches give. They’ll be on the bench during warm-up and really go through the whole process so it’s not just a come in, watch the game, and leave type thing,” Miraku said. The initiative proved to be a suc-

cess, with last year’s season featuring a professor for every home game and even more who wanted to participate but were unable to be accommodated due to the limited number of home games. With the success of the practice with Miraku’s team, other teams have begun to take interest in Professor of the Game as well. The recognition of professors as well as the academic struggles and success of athletes is an important part of UCO athletics, according to Brannick. “I believe it fits within UCO Athletics programming and mission because that is the same as the university’s,” Brannick said. “The Central Six is just as important to us as it is to any college or any other department on campus.”


Around the Campus

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AROUND THE CAMPUS

Around the Campus is a weekly compilation of events happening across and around the University of Central Oklahoma’s campus. Please note that the time and place for events are from OrgSync and Centralities could change depending different factors.

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 Disability Support Services: Dis-

ability Support Services will have a grand re-opening and open house from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Room 305. UCO departments and community members will be at the event to answer any questions. The event will also have snacks, drinks and door prizes. The event is open to the UCO community.

Leadership Central: Leadership Cen-

tral will meet from 9:30-10:45 a.m. on the following Tuesdays in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall for its annual Lessons in Leadership speaker series. The event is open to the UCO community. For updated speakers and schedules, visit Lessons in Leadership. For questions, call 405-974-5560 or email leadershipcentral@uco.edu.

Be Broncho Fit!: The Be Broncho Fit Employee Wellness Coaching Program informational meeting will be held at 5:15 p.m. in the Wellness Center’s Room 127. Those who have participated in the past do not need to attend an informational meeting, but should contact Larissa Boyd, Ph.D., at lboyd6@uco. edu or 405-974-5304 to complete paperwork. SAFE’s Back to School Meeting:

The Student Alliance for Equality (SAFE), UCO’s LGBTQIA+ student organization, will host a back-to-school celebration and “coming out” party for its new logo at 7 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Heritage Room (Room 326). For further information, contact SAFE faculty adviser J. David Macey at 405974-5922 or dmacey@uco.edu.

ECC Seeking Volunteers: The Ed-

mond Community Chorale (ECC) is seeking volunteers for its fall concert. Rehearsals will be from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings in Room Music Building’s Room 135. For more information, visit the ECC website at edmondcommunitychorale.org or email info@ edmondcommunitychorale.org.

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 The Gathering: The Gathering of Students is an event to welcome Native American students to connect them to peers as well as faculty and staff. The event will be from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. in Plunkett Park. The event will have music, activities and food and is open to the public. For more information contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 405-9743588 or odi@uco.edu. Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017 Event: Visiting Fulbright scholars from Iraq will host Iraqi Night at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at the International House Ballrooms located at Central Plaza. For more information, contact Jared Scism at 405-974-2131.

UCO’s Community Responding to International Students Program (CRISP) seeks families interested in being paired with Central’s international students by Wednesday, Aug. 31. Mitchell Education Center Grand Opening: The College of Fine Arts and Design will host the grand opening of the Mitchell Education Center beginning at 1 p.m. Aug. 31 in the auditorium of Mitchell Hall Theatre. After, there will be free tours. Refreshments will be served. UCO Football: Opens up their 2017 season against Lindenwood at 7:oo p.m. at Wantland Stadium


Edmond

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Edmond City Metro Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 Dr. Hong Zhu et al: String Chamber Music Plus: At the UCO Jazz Lab,

the doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m., it is $10 for entry and free with a UCO student I.D.

Dr. Sam Magrill and Dr. Mira Magrill: M&M: The doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m., it is $10 for entry and free with a UCO student I.D.

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 Edmond Farmer’s Market and Junior Market: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

The Annual Edmond Farmer’s Market & Junior Market runs every Wednesday through mid-August. It is a family friendly environment where you can purchase regionally grown produce, Made in Oklahoma food items and items made or grown and sold by local youth.

Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017 The Patriarch Craft Beer House:

Live music will be from Edgar Cruz from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. must be 21 or older to attend.

Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 The Patriarch Craft Beer House:

Live music will be from Jamie Bramble from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. must be 21 or older to attend.

Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company: At the UCO Jazz Lab, the doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m., it is $10 for entry and free with a UCO student I.D. Shortt Dogg: At the UCO Jazz Lab, the

doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m., it is $10 for entry and free with a UCO student I.D.

The Power of Children: Making a Difference: Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. to 5

p.m. and Sat. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., this exhibit is touring the United Stated through 2020 and highlights the power that world, action and voice can have in the face of hatred, racism and discrimination, at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum.

The Patriarch Craft Beer House:

Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 Slide Outta Summer: Held at Mitch park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Wind down your summer with us at this ALL AGES (must be 4 years of age to be on the inflatables, we will have other free activities for younger kids) event in our ‘back yard’ at Mitch Park. We will have 9 inflatable water slides, DJ Shorty B (so you know there will be DANCING!) and food trucks (PLP Food Truck and Kona Ice OKC)! Cost for a wristband that will allow you to slide all day is $5 per slider and food is for purchase from the trucks. This means no outside food or drink :). Starting about Aug 22, you can purchase wristbands at the MAC building in Mitch Park. This way you can avoid lines and the ONLY way you can pay with a card - CASH ONLY the day of the event.” The Patriarch Craft Beer House:

Live music will be from Joe Mack from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. must be 21 or older to attend.

Edmond Farmer’s Market: Festival Market Place & Plaza: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. the annual Edmond Farmer’s Market runs every Saturday mid-April - October. The market is located on 1st Street, one block west of Broadway in Edmond. It is a family friendly environment where you can purchase regionally grown produce and Made in Oklahoma food items.

Smilin’ Vic: At the UCO Jazz Lab, the doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m., it is $10 for entry and free with a UCO student I.D. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017 UCO JAZZ LAB: The doors open at

7 p.m. and the concert for Dr. Peggy Moran with Conlon & Clewell starts at 7:30 p.m., it is $10 for entry and free with a UCO student I.D.

Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017 Edmond Farmer’s Market and Junior Market: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

The Annual Edmond Farmer’s Market & Junior Market runs every Wednesday through mid-August. It is a family friendly environment where you can purchase regionally grown produce, Made in Oklahoma food items and items made or grown and sold by local youth.

Live music will be Edgar Cruz from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. must be 21 or older to attend.

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 The Patriarch Craft Beer House:

Live music will be Bob Powers from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. must be 21 or older to attend.

Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 Broadway Tonight: Banford Marsalis Quartet: In Mitchell Hall Theater, doors open at 7:30 p.m. and it’s $45 for entry. The Patriarch Craft Beer House:

Live music will be Chavez Soliz from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. must be 21 or older to attend.

Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017 CMSA 5K Run: The run is being held at Mitch Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the money from the run will go towards scholarship and equipment funding for student musicians, $30 for entry. Edmond Farmer’s Market and Junior Market: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

The Annual Edmond Farmer’s Market & Junior Market runs every Wednesday through mid-August. It is a family friendly environment where you can purchase regionally grown produce, Made in Oklahoma food items and items made or grown and sold by local youth.

Faith, Family, Friends 5K Run: The run is being held at Mitch Park from 8 a.m.. to 12 p.m. and the money from the run will go towards Charities to benefit from race proceeds are Kanakuk Camps, Make-a-Wish Foundation and YMCA Sports., $5-$40 for entry. The Patriarch Craft Beer House:

Live music will be Justin Joslin Band from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. must be 21 or older to attend.


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Edmond

UCOSA Opening Session, Continued students think, know and want. He said, if done right, UCOSA can understand how to fix issues and work with the UCO Administration to make solutions occur. Betz said that UCOSA members should work to have the students trust that they will represent them, adding that UCO is dedicated to being a place of tolerance. "What we are trying to do at this university in our own way is to grow a whole state and country full of productive, creative, ethical and engaged leaders and citizens actively involved," Betz said. "If you choose to be a representative then do it with your whole heart and all of your energy." Betz finished his speech by telling UCOSA members that they aren't meant to push paper, but rather that they are to become more approachable and more transparent. Duvall began his State of the Campus Address talking about improvements to the UBER program that began two years ago under then UCOSA President Austin Sheehy. The improvements extended the

program to offer 24-hour rides to accommodate international students or on-campus students who might not have a car. Duvall said during the summer he met with several departments across campus to understand their needs. He said one of the main priorities of UCOSA this year would be to gather more congressional leadership who represent all the different points of view and organizations on campus. "We need to make sure we are intentional to reach out to students," Duvall said. "It is important for us to make sure they know who we are." Duvall said that the Bronchos Helping Bronchos program which helps provide students services saw an increase in their budget from $10,000 to approximately $35,000. He said other installments included each college adopting a College Advisory Board that is intended to get student voices involved when with items such as fee increases. Duvall said that another goal would be to get more UCO students at the State Capitol to tell legislatures why UCO and higher education is important to

University President Don Betz addresses UCOSA at the Fall 2017 Opening Session on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017 in the Carl Albert Room of the Night University Center. (Kateleigh Mills/ The Vista).

them. "It is going to be tough for our University to get another hit, another cut," Duvall said. Dr. Myron Pope, the vice-president for Student Affairs, spoke at the session and encouraged UCOSA members to partner more with organization on campus to do projects like the Clara Luper Room, where UCOSA partnered with the Black Student Association to create the first conference room in the Nigh University Center to be named after an

African-American. "This institution is only going to get better because of you," Pope said. Congressional Chair Dean wrapped up the session with dropping Robert's Rules from congressional meetings and encouraging members to bring in anyone who might be interested in joining UCOSA. The next UCOSA meeting will be on Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. in the Nigh University Center's Heritage Room (Room 326). Applications are online to join UCOSA on their OrgSync page.

GloRun Shines Bright in Edmond Faith Kelly @vista1903 Reporter

The Recovery Center in Oklahoma City held its sixth annual GloRun at Mitch Park in Edmond, raising money to bring awareness towards the organization and addiction. TRC is a nonprofit organization that helps people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, and has been open for 37 years. TRC is made up of one facility on 25th and Classen in Oklahoma City. It is a 48-bed medical facility and all the treatment programs TRC provides are housed there. “[TRC] provides medial detox, outpatient care, outpatient medically assisted detox and residential treatment,” said Elizabeth Epely-Sanders, assistant for fundraising and marketing for TRC. Epely said the mission of TRC is to change the lives of those suffering from addiction. Since TRC is a nonprofit organization, how people pay may depend on their income. Epely said some have insurance, and state funding may help people who can’t afford it.

TRC’s website provides details about who funds them. “TRC is certified by Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to operate as Comprehensive Community Addiction Recovery Center.” Epely said the GloRun and a Voices of Recovery spring luncheon are two events that are held in order to raise money for TRC. “All money from the GloRun goes to help TRC continue to serve our clients,” said Epely. Tickets are available to anyone for the annual luncheon and GloRun. The GloRun tickets this year ranged from $35-$45, depending on when the participants bought the tickets, and the theme was “Glow Bright for Recovery.” Epely said the GloRun helps TRC raise awareness toward addiction. “A lot of addiction knowledge is stigmatized. There is a stigma for people who have a substance abuse issue, and that negatively affects people who need treatment," said Epely. "Some of our goals include breaking down walls that are naturally in place about addiction.” According to Epely, TRC has an alumni program for people who have

received help from them in the past and a large number of the alumni helped to set up the GloRun. “The GloRun is a great family event and gives opportunities to get together and bond, which is great for building a sober community,” said Epely. 216 people were registered for this year’s GloRun, which Epely said was about an average number of people participating, in comparison to the last couple GloRuns. TRC provided glow-sticks and glow-

paint for runners. The track was set up with two 20-foot black-light tunnels. The GloRun was held from 6 pm to 10 pm on August 26. Sponsors of this year’s GloRun included Shirley Electric, Eibe Bailly, Banc First, Ocarta, Road ID, Ozarka, Coca-Cola, Cumulus radio, Oklahoma T-shirt Company, Postcards Direct and Red Coyote. Epely said TRC hopes to plan more events in the future.


Donation

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Baseball Donation Falls Apart, Continued tion. Portland State University had a $100 million donation fall through just two years ago. “Something about this is just not right,” Mark Rosenbaum, member of the Portland State University (PSU) Foundation board and President & CEO of Rosenbaum Financial said. In 2015, Portland State University had an anonymous donor who pledged $100 million to the university. The would be donation was the highest amount ever for Portland State, as they readied to roll out the red carpet to announce the record donation. But something seemed off. After a conference call that Portland State University had with their donor, Rosenbaum said he started to become suspicious of the donors actual intentions. “The way he was discussing things did not resonate with me in terms of past conversations I’ve had with any donors in any circumstance,” Rosenbaum said. Rosenbaum said the donor started to make an unrealistic set of changes and wanted to add even more money to his donation. Everything was

different with this donor and from a business and philanthropy perspective, Rosenbaum just didn’t think it rang true. After doing a little more research about their donor with various databases that estimate the capacity of a donor, Rosenbaum and PSU saw the $100 million donation crumble right in front of them. Six weeks after PSU was told they would receive a donation that would change their university forever, it hit them that no money was coming. The money that was going to help all students at PSU vanished after learning the donor never had the money to begin with. Rosenbaum said he thinks officers don't expect someone to make a such a claim that they can't act on. “You spend your whole life trying to create donors and then you have somebody who’s totally fraudulent, it’s an anomaly for sure," Rosenbaum said. Rosenbaum said he thinks their donor had a mental illness, which contributed to his want of donating an unrealistic amount of money to PSU.

UCO Baseball players gather on the pitcher’s mound during a practice on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017. The university recently lost a $13.5 million donation to construct a new baseball field. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista).

“I think there are just some people around that really frankly may have a strong desire to be able to impact their community," Rosenbaum said. "But there’s just this disconnect somehow between their personal reality and what can be accomplished." After the public learned about the fallout of the donation, Rosenbaum

said there was a difficult stage of having to reassure everyone about the abilities, reputation and the effectiveness of their organization. “It was just a really unfortunate set of circumstances where someone from the outside raised the expectations of a group of folks and then left everything flat.”


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Harvey

Hurricane Harvey Devastates TX

A traffic sign reminds motorists to prepare for Hurricane Harvey on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Houston. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting Harvey will become a major hurricane to hit the middle Texas coastline. (Godofredo A. Vasquez/ Houston Chronicle via AP)

ABOVE: This satellite image provided by NASA on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017 shows Hurricane Harvey off the Gulf of Mexico. Harvey intensified as it steered toward the Texas coast on Friday, with forecasters saying it had strengthened to a Category 2 storm with the potential to swamp communities more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) inland. (NASA via AP) RIGHT: Martin Quintanilla fills sandbags as he and other residents prepare for Hurricane Harvey, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)


Harvey

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Rain is blown past palm trees as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Harvey intensified into a hurricane Thursday and steered for the Texas coast with the potential for up to 3 feet of rain, 125 mph winds A truck is submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday, Aug. and 12-foot storm surges in what could be the fiercest hurricane to hit the United States 27, 2017, near downtown Houston. The remnants of Hurricane Harvey sent devastatin almost a dozen years. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ing floods pouring into Houston Sunday as rising water chased thousands of people to rooftops or higher ground. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

A boat lays on it’s side almost completely underwater after Hurricane Harvey hit a harbor in Port Lavaca, Texas, on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. (Ana Ramirez/The Victoria Advocate via AP)

A couple walks their dog along Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast late Friday as a Category 4 storm, damaging buildings and leaving tens of thousands without power. (Nick Wagner /Austin American-Statesman via AP)



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Humor Column

White House Maid Leaves Too “Zune”

Warning: This is a Fictional Column Intended for Satire

Fifty-two-year-old White House staff member Linda Reiter gave her letter of resignation Friday after a series of troubling disputes between herself and other members of the staff occurred. “I just couldn’t take it anymore, my colleagues show me no respect and if I can’t do my job properly then I can’t do my job at all,” said Reiter. “It’s simple, when you use the last of the Windex, you get a new bottle from the closet and put it on the cart. How hard is that? And that's just one of many problems.” Mrs. Reiter has worked as a maid at the White House for 32 years and has never had problems with any of her co-workers until now. The cleaning company she works for, ‘Mopes with Mops’, recently added her to a new crew to work for the White House. “It was when someone stole my MP3 player, that was the last straw off of the broom for me. I was done,” said Reiter. “Yeah, I know Randy took it, just last week he was telling me how much he loves my Microsoft Zune.” When trying to contact ‘Mopes with Mops’ to ask them about the 'Zune incident' they said to contact

the White House itself since it happened in the locker room on location. The President had no comment on the issue because it was not possible to contact him and no effort was made to contact him. “Yeah I took it,” said ex-co-worker Randy Eger. “It was funny, she was looking everywhere for it. Just don’t tell her I took it, put this off-the-record as they say in the newspaper biz.” “Randy was a pretty bad co-worker but not as bad as Betty, she was the worst,” said Reiter. “She is 92 years old. Why would they hire a 92-yearold woman for any job? She will literally stop everything, talk to me at one-word-per-minute, not have a point to her story, and then ask me what it was that she was doing.” “No I don’t remember a Linda Reiter,” said ex-co-worker Betty Simpson. “I do remember a Linda Smith. Or was it Lisa Smith? Anyways, Lisa Smith and I would stand outside of the hardware store. I think it was called ‘Samson’s Hardware’ or it might have been called ‘Solomon’s Hardware.’ I think it was ‘Samson’s Hardware’ and we would stand outside of that store because José Ricardo worked the night shifts moving

A double rainbow is seen over the White House during a rainstorm, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

lumber into the trucks. No, it was Jimmy Carlton, that’s who I’m thinking of. Yes, Jimmy Carlton worked at his parent’s ice cream store. Wait, what was I just doing?” Reiter has been a member of the cleaning crew staff at the White House for most of her life, leaving the job was the most difficult decision she has made.

The newly renovated staircase of the South Portico porch of the White House are seen in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, during a media tour. The new steps are made of limestone from Indiana. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

“It was my life; it was all I knew. What am I supposed to do now?” asked Mrs. Reiter. “I’m talking about my Microsoft Zune, I put all my music in that thing. I could hold almost 100 songs on it and I had downloaded ‘Maid in Manhattan’ on it too.” ‘Maid in Manhattan’ is a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez in which a Senatorial candidate falls for a hotel maid, thinking that she is a socialite, until he sees her trying on a wealthy woman’s dress. “There is this scene where Lopez sits on a newspaper that has the main guys face on the cover and she says ‘Oh it looks like I’m sitting on your face,” said Reiter. “It is such a hilariously good movie and J-Lopez is the best actress.” Since resigning from the White House Staff, Reiter has plans to start her own cleaning business. "Oh I remember Linda Reiter," said Betty. "She was so nice. Hold on, I'm thinking of Laura Ray. Yes, Laura Ray and I spent many days standing outside of 'Sauron's Hardware' because there was a handsome man named Julio Rodríguez who worked there. This handsome man, Jimmy Rodríguez would lift the lumber into the trucks at the store. Or was it an ice cream store? Wait, what was I just doing?"


Football

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Bronchos Look to Muffle Roar

UCO Opens 2017 Season Against Lindenwood Jonathan Goudeau @goudeau_jdg Sports Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma looks to start off on the right foot this season against Lindenwood, Tursday at Wantland Stadium. The Bronchos faced Lindenwood in last years season opener, losing 49-26. "Last year we turned the ball over six times with two of them being returned for touchdowns," Head Coach Nick Bobeck said. "We have to do a better job with that." Lindenwood comes into the game under the direction of first-year head coach Jed Stugart, who is fresh off of a seven-year stint as the head coach of Sioux Falls University, where he compiled a 65-17 record and has a career record of 91-24. "They're a very well coached football team," Bobeck said. "Change brings a renewed sense of optimism so they're going to be ready to go." Although the Lions had a balanced offense last season, expect them to run the ball early and often as Stugart produced the third best rushing offense in the country last season. "We have to do a great job against the run," Bobeck said. "We have to eliminate chunk plays and make them drive the field, giving us a better chance at creating turnovers."

The UCO Football ticket booth is located at the southwest corner of Wantland Stadium. The Bronchos’ first game will be hosted in Edmond, Okla. on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista).

The Lions quarterback situation is still up in the air as three candidates are vying for the job, but Broncho coaches believe it will be redshirt junior Najee Jackson, who was named a team captain last week. Whoever is starting at quarterback will be trying to get the ball in the hands of star

wide receiver Kendell Sparks. Sparks earned third-team all-MIAA as both a kick and punt returner last season and led the MIAA in receptions per game. "He's a talented kid," Bobeck said. "We have to do a great job on the back end defending him."

The Bronchos football team celebrates after a touchdown during a Sept. 24, 2016 football game at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Okla. The 2017 season is set to begin Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017. (Provided/ Vista Archives).

Last year the Lions gave up 495.2 yards per game, second to last in the MIAA, while also allowing their opponents to score 34.4 points per game. Bobeck said the Bronchos will look to establish the run game early to help set up the passing game. Look for duo senior running backs Clay McKenzie and Jake Gandara, who combined for 1,391 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, to get the ball often early on. "We have to be able to run the ball," Bobeck said. "We have to put Lindenwood in a situation where they have to start making decisions opening up the passing game and chunk plays for us." If the run game gets going as planned, Bobeck said to look for senior quarterback Chas Stallard and a veteran receiving core, led by senior Josh Crockett, to pick up the chunk plays that the coaches are looking for. "We have to get Chas started," Bobeck said. "He has to have some success early." The game between UCO and Lindenwood starts at 7 p.m. at Wantland Stadium. "We're going to put a really good product out on the field," Bobeck said. "It will be a lot of fun."


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Crockett Prepared to Take Off Nate Baldwin @nbaldwin05 Sports Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma Football season kicks off Thursday as they take on Lindenwood University, while Senior Wide Receiver Josh Crockett will begin his final season in a Broncho uniform. “I feel good about it, everybody is in a positive direction,” Crockett said. The fifth year senior looks to have a break out year in 2017 after racking up over 700 receiving yards and hauling in five touchdowns a season ago. Over the offseason Crockett says he has been focusing on tracking the deep pass better and learning how to use his size and strength more. “Coach Jackson has done a great job helping me work with using my body.” The threat of Crockett deep down the field was shown last season as he produced multiple plays over 50 yards. “I’m just doing the things I’m taught in practice,” Crockett mentioned. The aggressiveness Crockett plays with is what he believes helps him be successful, “That’s what I am, that’s what the coaches tell me everyday.”

Wide receiver Josh Crockett, 6 , takes a hit during the Sept. 24, 2016 football game at Wantland Stadium. (Provided/ Vista Ar-

With 1,245 yards receiving in his career Crockett is just 431 yards away from cracking into the top 10 in UCO All-Time Career Receiving

Yards. “That would mean a lot, especially to go down in UCO history,” Crockett admitted. “But I have to give credit to my quarterbacks, my

Wide receiver Josh Crockett, 6, runs the ball during a football game on Sept. 24, 2016 at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Okla. (Provided/ Vista Archives).

offensive line, and my coaches.” In addition to Crockett’s production in the pass game, he also adds another dimension to the return game. Kick returning effects the field position of the offensive drive. Crockett was able to pick up over 550 yards, averaging 24.6 yards per attempt. “Kick return has been one of my favorite things in football,” Crockett said. “The lights on with the crowd, it’s time to go.” As a veteran on the team Crockett is willing to do whatever is called upon him, which includes stepping up as a leader. Whether it is on the field being vocal keeping the energy high or looking after the younger players. “We all went through a red shirt year, it’s tough.” With a clean slate Crockett wants to show this team is different, “last year was just a rough year.” He believes this season the team will do a better job of not beating themselves and controlling their own mistakes. With the season just around the corner Crockett says the Bronchos are taking everything, “week-byweek.” Focusing on what needs to be done currently, for the long run. With the goal of a conference and national title set, Crockett says he’s taking everything step-by-step. “Just trying to play football and enjoy the game while I still have a little of it left.”


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The Bucking Broncho Mayweather Wasn’t the Only Winner of the Night Nate Baldwin @nbaldwin05 Sports Reporter

The biggest fight of the Century (so far at least) finally happened over the weekend and although one man walked away with the victory, everybody involved left taking some kind of a win with them. After the 10th round TKO by Floyd Mayweather the Boxing and MMA worlds saw what they were expecting, one of the greatest poundfor-pound boxers to triumph over a first timer. Yet, what many did not see was just how well Conor McGregor was able to perform. Only a fraction of the world’s population, outside of Ireland, gave McGregor a real chance. The thought of an MMA fighter stepping into a boxing ring for the first time against someone with the talent of Mayweather sounds like a joke, on paper. But this fight didn’t happen on paper, it happened in the ring, and anytime two men square off anything could happen. Let us give Mayweather his due credit for his performance in the fight. For the first time since anyone younger than 20 could remember, he didn’t spend the entire time running. He had a gameplan and stuck to it, eventually giving him the victory. Again, was anyone really surprised about the outcome? Most experts didn’t even have McGregor getting through sixth round. The surprise came from the ability McGregor showcased in the fight, specifically in the first four to five rounds. The footwork, head movement, and timing were not that of a beginner. Landing more punches than anyone thought, including Las Vegas. The over/under for McGregor’s landed punches was set at 29.5, meaning one could bet he would finish with less or more than 29.5 punches landed. The Sportsbook in Las Vegas determines the number; usually they are correct or at least close. Well he connected 111 times, with two rounds remaining no less! A slight improvement than the 29.5 that was expected; that’s more than Manny Pacquiao’s mere 80 from his fight, one that made it through all 12 rounds. What set this fight apart from many of the others in Mayweather’s career

Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, speaks with Conor McGregor after a super welterweight boxing match Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, fights Conor McGregor in a super welterweight boxing match Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison) was how he was able to get the victory. Knowing if he maintained his distance McGregor had a better chance at catching him. So instead he became the aggressor and kept the fight in close, something he said he would do, but who actually believed it at the time? As McGregor began to wear down is when we saw what made Mayweather so successful. Giving flurries of punches to McGregor before being stopped in the 10th. Whether the referee should have called the fight at that moment or waited for the round to end is a discussion on its own. I don’t think it

would have made much of a difference at that point in the fight, both fighters showed the world what they wanted us to see. McGregor stepped up and did what no one else has been willing to attempt, and earned a lot of respect in the process. He fought one of the greatest boxers in a boxing match and hung around. Mayweather on the other hand accomplished the feat of going 50-0 in his career. Passing Rocky Marciano for the best record all time. In the end, everyone involved with the fight in some form or fashion won that night. Yes, McGregor lost

in the ring, but he didn’t lose. He earned a lot of people’s respect, including Mayweather’s; plus with both fighters earning over $100 million, I think they’re doing just fine. Most importantly us the fans won. We got to see a fantastic fight between two of the best and actually competing with each other. After all the hype and expectations, the fight actually lived up to everything that was said, which is a rarity nowadays. It’s too soon to speculate on the futures of the fighters and their respective sports, but one thing is certain, the world of combat sports




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