The Vista Feb. 12, 2019

Volume 117, Issue 4

the VISTA

ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

“Our Words, Your Voice.”

UCO Names First Female President Lauren Morris @TheVista1903 Reporter

Patti Neuhold, the University of Central Oklahoma's vice president of Finance, was announced as the university's 21st president by the Regional University System of Oklahoma last week.

As the Vice President, Neuhold currently runs the departments of Planning and Budget, Financial Services, Human Resources, Purchasing, Payment Services and Travel, and is also the staff senate liaison.

Neuhold has been a part of the UCO administration since 2007 and received the Presidential Award in Applied Leadership “for strong fiscal leadership in challenging times” from UCO in September 2018.

“I believe that Patti will serve the UCO community, the metro and the state with energy, insight and dis-

tinction,” said current President Don Betz. “I will work closely with her throughout the transition. I am delighted, and I sincerely look forward to the successful future of the university under her leadership.”

Neuhold said she felt honored and grateful when she found out she had been chosen as the next president.

“I’m here because I love UCO,” Neuhold said. “That’s an unchanging thing for me. This has been one of the best decisions of my life, to come to UCO.” Moving funds as smartly as possible is one of Neuhold's goals to prevent tuition from rising.

“The rising cost of tuition, the declining support from the state, those two things are causing some budget challenges for us and we need to make some adjustments on how we are allocating our resources internally to make sure we are serving our students most effectively,” Neuhold said.

Neuhold is currently working on a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. As a student herself, she said she thinks it brings her an insight into want a student body would want.

“I know a lot of the challenges that some of our students are handling right now,” Neuhold said. “I’m doing most of [my education] through distance learning as well, and so it’s been an important thing for me on how I balance work, how I balance my family life, how I balance school work in general. But it’s exciting. I think it’s a great way for me to relate to students right now.”

Neuhold cited her skills as problem solving, cooperating with others and innovative thinking. She said the abilities that have helped her in the finance office will transfer to her future role as president.

Continued on Pg. 6

The Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents has named Patti Neuhold as the University of Central Oklahoma’s 21st president. Neuhold will replace Don Betz, who will retire in June. (Provided/UCO Photo Services)

University Address Budget Shortfall Oklahoma Listed as High Priority with Faculty Retirement Incentives in New Study on LGBTQ+ Equality Christian Tabak

Katie Standlee

@CaffeineWallace

@katiestandlee Managing Editor

Editor-In-Chief

A new voluntary separation initiative is being implemented by the University of Central Oklahoma to address an expected budgetary shortfall for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Announced last week, the initiative would provide an incentive for eligible employees to retire or otherwise voluntarily separate from the university while receiving a lump sum equal to 50 percent of that employee’s salaContinued on Pg. 3

A worker assists a student at the university’s current One Stop in the Nigh University Center. (Regan Rosson/The Vista)

A performer interacts with the audience at the 2018 Edmond Pride on Oct. 20. at Hafer Park (Shelby Love/The Vista)

Oklahoma has been ranked among 28 states in the lowest category for LGBTQ+ equality in the 2018 State Equality Index released by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Equality Federation Institute on Jan. 31.

This study is specifically focusing on the lack of state laws and policies that impact LGBTQ+ individuals and Continued on Pg. 6

CAMPUS NEWS

BRONCHO SPORTS

UCO Celebrates Year of the Pig at Lunar New Year Celebration

UCO Football Announces 2019 Signing Class

See Pg. 8

See Pg. 13

2

the

Feb. 12, 2019

VISTA

CONTENTS Construction/Incentives..................................................3 Around Campus ...................................................................4 UCOSA/Racism...............................................................5 First Female President............................................................6 Year of the Pig......................................................................8 Traffic Construction.............................................................10 Sgt. Maj. Rodgers................................................................11 Dietar y.................................................................12 Signs................................................................13 Sweep............................................................................14 Strong/Upset...................................................................15

THE VISTA

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

EDITORIALS

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

LETTERS

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.

On the Cover: Left: Attendees at the Lunar New Year Festival had the opportunity to take selfies with a Lunar New Year themed background. (Vy Luong/The Vista)

Right: University of Central Oklahoma football team gathers before a game this past season. They signed 21 high school players on a national signing day.

(Gerald Leong/The Vista)

Contents

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

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

Advertise with us!

The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters.

In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads.

For information or questions contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com

Construction/Incentives

Feb. 12, 2019

3

Phase II of Traffic Construction Underway Katie Standlee @katiestandlee

Managing Editor

Edmond’s second phase of construction for the “Intelligent Transportation Systems” began last Monday, which will ensure that 22 additional intersections receive upgrades to help alleviate traffic and speed up emergency personnel's ability to respond to emergency situations quicker.

“Eleven miles of fiber optic cable will be installed connecting 22 intersections to the Traffic Management Center,” said Tom Minnick, traffic planner for the City of Edmond. “The improvements for each intersection includes a battery back-up system, audible pedestrian crosswalk system, CCTV cameras, infrared detection system, grounding/lightning system, emergency pre-emption system and flashing left turn arrows at some locations.”

There are four overall goals in the various phases of the ITS construction: improve safety and mobility; enhance safety; increase agency efficiency; and support state and regional ITS goals.

Minnick said there are currently 101

traffic signals in Edmond, and during Phase I, 22 intersection received upgrades in 2014-15. Phase III is currently under design and will include at least another 22 intersections.

In Phase II, the 22 additional intersections that will receive upgrades include intersections on Broadway, Danforth Road, Covell Road, and Santa Fe Avenue.

Another goal in Phase II is to install traffic signal controllers that will have the capability of sharing information to vehicles traveling through intersections as long as those vehicles are able to accept that information.

“One of the biggest trends in transportation right now is connectivity,” Minnick said. “Wirelessly connecting our vehicles, roads and mobile devices will provide tremendous benefits to the transportation system in terms of safety and mobility.”

Minnick said all of the various phases of the ITS project will upgrade the existing Opti-Com Emergency Pre-Emption system at each signal light, which allows authorized Fire Department Vehicles to receive a green light for the direction they are traveling. He said this will help reduce response times in emergency

Vehicles stopped at the stoplight on 2nd and Bryant. Phase II of Edmond’s construction, “Intelligent Transportation Systems” began last Monday, and will make updates to 22 more intersections. (Sarah Jekel/The Vista)

situations.

Since the construction began in 2014, there have been multiple changes to several streets as a result of ITS being in use.

“The 2018 travel time is down slightly from 2008 on 2nd Street during the lunch hour while the traffic volumes have increased slightly,” Minnick said. “In 2018 the 22 intersections along 2nd Street logged 1.3 billion occurrences to the Traffic Management Center. The engineers changed or modified signal timings 6,911 times.”

Minnick said construction of Phases I and II had a total cost of $9,793,397; the federal share was $7,834,718 and the City of Edmond’s share was $1,958,679.

Over the last several years, Minnick said a dozen groups and/or organizations have toured the facilities and have seen first-hand how the system operates, and all have given positive feedback.

Phase II is expected to be finished approximately a year from the start date, and is contracted by Traffic Signals Inc. from Edmond.

University Address Budget Shortfall with Faculty Retirement Incentives Continued on Pg. 8

ry upon leaving.

After a decline of state funding and enrollment over the last five years, UCO’s President Don Betz said that the measure was implemented as a way for the university to better improve the management of their resources for the next fiscal year.

“The time has come for us to look even more intently at ways to reduce our expenses beyond operating budgets,” Betz said. “In an effort to generate savings for the next fiscal year and beyond, the university will be offering an incentive to eligible faculty to retire or otherwise voluntarily separate from the university.”

To be eligible, employees are required to be full-time faculty members who are in good standing and have either worked at the university for at least 20 consecutive years or are at least 62-years-old. Eligible employees were contacted via email and letter by Feb. 8 and will be contacted by the Human Resources Office over the phone no later than Feb. 15.

The university has previously worked to avoid cutting full-time positions or encouraging early retirements, focusing instead on elim-

inating vacant positions, reducing departmental operating budgets and utilizing one-time revenue sources during last March’s unexpected mid-semester budget cut of approximately $260,000.

“We have worked diligently to save funds that made this incentive possible,” said Patti Neuhold, the university’s chief financial officer. “Our focus on protecting our classrooms during challenging financial times has been successful but we know that as our state's investment in what we do remains static, the cost of business continues to rise placing increased pressure on our budget.”

While the university received approximately 60 percent of its budget from state funding more than 10 years ago, continued state budget shortfalls have reduced state support for UCO to around 20 percent. As the State Regents for Higher Education continue to have their budget reduced or maintained, UCO remains one of the least funded universities in the state.

A decline in credit hour production of 403,901 in FY2013 to a projected 358,000 in FY2020 has created an additional financial strain. Enrollment at UCO has declined by 8 percent over the last five years, a problem that Betz

The University of Central Oklahoma is implementing a voluntary seperation initiative that would provide employees with new retirement plan options. (Vista Archives)

previously has said the university is looking to address through a strategic enrollment initiative as well as possibly expanding UCO’s demographic focus outside of traditional students.

The initiative is the latest measure being developed by the university’s budget office to address a variety of issues that Betz said are not only impacting UCO, but universities across the nation.

“Savings from salaries will be used to help offset the gap in our FY20 budget created by the decline in enrollment, ensure no gap in health insurance benefits between leaving the classroom and entering retirement

and allows retiring faculty to return to the classroom in the fall as adjuncts if they choose,” Betz said.

Currently, Neuhold said there are 42 faculty members eligible for the separation initiative. With this measure in place, she said it had the potential to save the university $4.2 million over the next five years.

“This year's budget was developed last spring with a decline in enrollment in mind, while this incentive is planning for the future,” Neuhold said. “This incentive is a positive way to simultaneously reward the dedication of our faculty and effectively manage our resources.”

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Feb. 12, 2019

Around Campus

Vietnamese Student Association members present an informational booth featuring how Vietnamese celebrate Lunar New Year and the meaning of traditional Asian zodiac signs at the Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 8 held in the Nigh University Center’s Grand Ballrooms. (Vy Luong/The Vista)

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2019 Language Society Valentine’s Sale: The Language Society of the University of Central Oklahoma will host a Valentine’s Day Bake Sale from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the College of Liberal Arts. The proceeds will go to benefit the Language Society in hosting their 11th Annual Language and Linguistics Student Conference in November.

IX Reasons Why: Join the American Association of University Women @ Central and the University of Central Oklahoma’s Title IX Coordinator, Adrienne Martinez, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 304 for a discussion on why Title IX matters for university students.

Heroes of Heritage Veteran Speaker Series CSM (Ret) Steve Rodgers: The University of Central Oklahoma Office of Veteran Student Services will host Command Sergeant Major Robert Steven Rodgers for their Heroes of Heritage Veteran Speaker Series from 1-2 p.m. in the Quad Room 111. Rodgers will be discussing overcoming challenging situations, overcoming disadvantages and finding pathways to success, growing into a leadership role and his global experiences. The event is STLR tagged.

Life Skills Around Eating: This free and confidential group meets from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 328. The group will discuss and focus on the affect regulation approach to eating disorders and will

teach how to handle stress triggered by food.

Room 322.

Don’t Touch My Hair: The Black Student Association will host a discussion on the history and significance of African-American hair from 4-6 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 201.

Getting Unstuck: This educational based group is designed to help students learn and adopt abilities to tackle the problems in living that get them stuck while navigating life. The group meets from 3-4 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322.

Founder’s Day Celebration: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will host a Founder’s Day celebration in recognition of the founding of the of the NAACP on Feb. 12, 1909.

African Student Association General Meeting: The African Student Association will host a general meeting from 4-6 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 314.

Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 Valentine Day Bake Sale: The Central Council on Family Relations is selling Valentine’s Day themed treats and handmade cards from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. in the Human Environmental Services Building.

Passport to SPB: The Student Programming Board will provide students with the opportunity to take a photo with with Instagram’s SPB Selfie Frame and post it to social media from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the ClockTower. Participants will also receive a free water bottle with stickers and promo items.

Non Traditional Student Support Group: This group is designed to help non-traditional students find support at UCO with others students who can relate to your life experience and share resources to help meet personal needs and ensure success at UCO. The meeting is from 2-3 p.m. in Nigh University Center

SPBe in Love with 3D Pancake Art: The Student Programming Board will provide students the opportunity to create pancakes or waffles for Valentine’s Day from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 Valentine’s Day with a Trebuchet: The Medieval Society at UCO will bring their 21-foot-tall trebuchet on to campus for a building, teaching and launching demonstration. The event will include the assembly of kick balls across Plunkett Park from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Stress Paws: Come take a stress “paws” with therapy dogs from 3-5 p.m. on the Nigh University Center fourth floor.

The Mindful 8 - Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: The Mindful 8 is an eight week stress reduction program based on mindfulness that helps participants better concentration,

sleep and stress management. The group will meet from 3:30-4 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 328.

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Chill Skills: This group works to reduce conflict in your life; identify triggers, patterns and purpose of anger; gather more tools for enhancing communication, boundaries and healthy relationships. The group meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322.

UCO Tennis vs Cowley College: The University of Central Oklahoma tennis team will face off again Cowley College from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Broncho Tennis Courts at the UCO campus.

LGBTQ Support: From 1-2 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will host a support group for those considering coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, and those who have recently come out. Anyone who identifies as LGBTQ, is questioning or unsure can meet and talk about various topics around sexuality, gender and other life issues.

A Life Worth Living: This group works on skills for improving boundaries and strengthening healthy relationships, enhancing sense of self and ways to manage distress. The group meets from 2-3 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 328.

UCOSA/Racism

Feb. 12, 2019

5

UCOSA Kicks Off Spring Legislative Session Lauren Morris @TheVista1903 Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma Student Association held their second meeting on Feb. 4, where they passed two bills to approve funding for a retirement celebration of President Betz and the appointment of new senators to Congress.

CFR19-201 was a one-time payment for a celebration that would plan to honor President Don Betz and his upcoming retirement. The payment was for a total of $14,500, with $5,500 going to a community celebration, $5,000 going to commemorative items and entertainment and $3,500 for food and setup. Funding would also fund the installation of a tree plaque outside the Donald Betz STEM Research and Learning Center, which was opened this past November.

The details of the specific event have not been developed yet, but UCOSA Secretary Jordan Medaris said it will take place before Betz’s retirement.

CR19-201 appointed 21 new senators to the UCO Congress. The senators are: Blake Aguirre, Kiyana Akins, Fartun Ali, Meryem Assaoui, Cayce Batcheller, Evan Bostic, Cash Deitz, Day’Quann Kay’Shay Ervin, Breely Fresco, Dylan King, Rose Nasihatkon, Chandler Prough, Thalia Rodriguez, Kamron Speed, Brianna Stevens, Joshua Myles Phillip Swann, Shi Zhe Ting, Jada Wells, Micah Wilson, Tatum Wilson and Ashley Wools.

From Left: UCOSA Vice Chair Jordan Medaris, UCOSA Chair Tate Atkinson, UCOSA Secretary Emily Grim, Alex Russell and Kevin the Greyt. Russell discussed the new Broncho Barkers program to bring more therapy dogs to campus at the UCOSA meeting last Monday. (Lauren Morris/The Vista)

Guest speaker Alex Russell talked about Broncho Barkers, a new program that would increase the number of therapy dogs on campus. Currently, Russell owns the only campus therapy dog, Kevin the Greyt.

Russell said that the use of Kevin has made a large impact on campus, with over 1,000 students, staff and faculty requesting to use the campus’ therapy dog service. She said she has had to deny almost half of the requests due to time constraints on her part.

“I have a full-time job and can’t take Kevin everywhere,” Russell said.

As a result, the university wants to expand the number of therapy dogs this semester from three to five dogs.

In order to get the right dogs, they will conduct an application and interviewing process. Faculty and staff are the only ones allowed to apply for their certified therapy dogs to join the program, but students can sign up to be on a small Broncho Barkers Advisory Board to help make decisions on approving dogs and their owners.

Dr. Brenton Wimmer, the assistant director of Transformative Learning Assessment, also spoke at the meeting about An Afternoon with Jon

Meacham, which is part of the President’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

Meecham is a presidential biographer, a Pulitzer Prize winner and New York best-selling author. His 2018 book, “The Soul of America: The Battle for our Better Angels,” was chosen for the UCO Book Club by President Betz.

The event will take place from 2-3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall on Feb. 27. Tickets are free, but required for entry.

The next UCOSA meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the NUC Will Rogers Room 421.

Diversity Round Table Responds to Racism Scandals Dustin Pierce @TheVista1903

Contributing Writer

Last week, the governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, found himself embroiled controversy over his right to govern the state after a picture of Northam with his face painted black surfaced from a 1984 medical school yearbook.

The citizens of Virginia are torn on whether or not Governor Northam should step down from office, according to new polls released this week from VOX. The majority of black voters in Virginia still support him.

According to the poll, roughly 58 percent of African-Americans say that Northam should stay in office and 46 percent of white people agreed as well.

While Virginia is dealing this controversy with the governor, Oklahoma has been dealing with its own blackface problems in Norman. In late January, a video was posted on Twitter of two girls attending the University of Oklahoma, with one girl in blackface saying the N-word to the camera.

A few days later, another student was caught on camera walking near campus with his face painted black.

After the second blackface incident, the OU Black Student Association held two rallies on campus where hundreds of students marched to bring a call to action.

Riley Limke, a student at OU, said he believes that the blackface incidents are a bigger issue than what most people think.

“It’s building on historic derogatory pictures,” Limke said. “Early theater and cartoons exploited black people

with things that were made to make fun of their race.”

Limke said he feels conflicted about OU’s attempts to bring awareness to the incidences by marching on campus.

“I don’t think this behavior should be happening and the two marches brought awareness to the fact that this still is happening, and I fully support it,” Limke said. “Then again, they are giving that guy the attention he is looking for.”

Jordan Broiles, president of the Diversity Round Table at the University of Central Oklahoma, said he is tired of seeing things like this happen.

“As a black person in America, it’s tiring having to once again educate white society on derogatory expressions,” Broiles said. “We are tired of the meager responses from institutions and want to see some changes

occurring. We’re immune to the ‘I’m sorry’ press releases and expect institutions to create policies or programs that actually address the issues.”

In a country with different ethnicities, Broiles sees the word “diverse” as a word that society has not addressed the complexity of, and it could help solve the remaining problems of racism.

“As a society, we get so caught up in this word, ‘diversity,’ or ‘diverse,’ not truly addressing the complexity of it,” Broiles said. “Diversity to me is very surface-level. Yes, we’re a diverse country, but are we inclusive?

Are we equitable? Institutions need to stop banking on the word diversity and start owning and implementing equity policies.”

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Feb. 12, 2019

Female President/LGBTQ+

UCO Names First Female President Continued from Pg. 6

nance office will transfer to her future role as president.

“The great thing about how we operate here is that we have a collaborative conversation around our budget…and that will continue, no matter what role I play,” Neuhold said. “Just because I change seats doesn’t mean I change philosophies.”

Neuhold also said she is going to be student-focused in her plans for the university.

“We have found that students who get engaged early in their college careers are far more likely to succeed,” Neuhold said. “They find those support systems that are available to them, they find connections with oth-

er people.”

Neuhold will be UCO's 21st president and the first female to hold the title at this university. UCO will be the largest four-year university in Oklahoma to have a female president.

Lindsey Churchill, the director of the Women's Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center on campus, said that having a female president will be groundbreaking.

“A female president is actually an institutional breakthrough,” Churchill said. “We’re in the minority by doing that. So I think that’s really exciting that we have been able to move to the forefront with this."

President Don Betz will retire June 30, 2019 after eight years in office.

University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz works in his office in Old North.

Betz, who has been UCO’s president since 2011, announced his retirement last summer and will officially retire on June 30, 2019. (Provided/Vista Archive)

Oklahoma Listed as High Priority in New Study on LGBTQ+ Equality Continued from Pg. 1

their families in Oklahoma and the other 27 states that received a similar ranking. Each state has received a scorecard that rates states based on parenting laws; hate crimes and criminal justice laws; non-discrimination laws; religious refusal and relationship recognition; youth laws; health and safety laws; and annual progress.

According to the study, the results are meant to assess how well states are protecting LGBTQ+ individuals and their families from discrimination, because there are currently no comprehensive civil rights protections for LGBTQ individuals at the federal level.

“I think it’s important for Oklahomans to continue move to forward to work for a state level anti-discrimination policy, that includes both sexual orientation and gender expression and identity,” said David Macey, UCO assistant vice president for Global and Cultural competencies. “A number of states have such policies, a growing number; some Oklahoma organizations and institutions and many private organizations in the state already do, UCO does.”

Oklahoma, along with the other 27 lowly ranked states, are ranking in the category, “High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality,” and according to Oklahoma’s scorecard this is due, in part, to a lack of laws and policies.

However, the state is also ranked as having bad bills present or proposed.

These are bills that restrict protections, equality and or civil rights for LGBTQ+ Oklahomans.

According to the annual reports section of the State Equality Index scorecard, there has been a spike of bad bills that were introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature, with 30 introduced in 2016 and 22 in 2018. According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Oklahoma’s adoption law was one of the bad bills that was introduced last year, which the scorecard indicated as “anti-LGBTQ.” Macey said there are several ways to look at this ranking for Oklahoma. As a member of LGBTQ+ community and an active campaigner for LGBTQ+ civil rights, Macey said the ranking is disappointing. However, Macey said he is also aware of the tremendous amount of positive change that has taken place over the last two years.

“I think we are making progress,” Macey said. “I think that this ranking from the Human Rights Campaign is probably more than anything a reminder and a challenge that we need to not just sit back and say the battle is won, but say we really need to continue working for equal civil rights for all Oklahomans of all sexual identities and gender identities and expressions.”

According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation there are roughly 10 million LGBTQ adults in the U.S., or roughly 4.1 percent of the population. A study done by the Williams Institute in 2017 shows that 99,000 LGBTQ individuals live in Oklahoma and there are 6,100 samesex couples.

“I think this is a very disturbing ranking since marginalization and

discrimination/non acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals is linked to many negative health outcomes, including increased risk of suicide,” said Lindsey Churchill, director for the Women’s Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center at UCO. The results of the study show that in 30 states, LGBTQ+ individuals remain at risk of being fired, evicted or denied services because of who they are. According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, as a result of this finding, the incoming pro-equality majority in the U.S. House of Representatives has made the Equality Act a top priority.

The House of Representatives’ Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) and Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Equality Act in 2017.

According to the Equality Act, H.R. 2282, this legislation would provide LGBTQ+ individuals with non-discrimination for protections for employment, housing, public facilities and services, education, credit and jury service. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to begin considering the Equality Act soon.

According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the legislation also amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination in public spaces and services and federally funded programs on the basis of sex and would update the public spaces and services covered in current law to include retail stores, services such as banks and legal services, and transportation services.

“On a very basic level the state

could enact laws to protect against discrimination and open up adoption so we can serve the thousands of children in Oklahoma who would appreciate a loving home,” Churchill said.

Macey said he thinks in many ways UCO is the most LGBTQ+ inclusive and supportive institution of higher learning in the state, but there is still work to do. He said right now they are in the process of making UCO’s facilities, policies and programs more inclusive.

Another measure Macey said will be introduced at a later time is a change that will be more inclusive of transgender individuals. Students will be able to indicate their chosen name and preferred pronoun in Ellucian Banner, often referred to as Banner

by UCO faculty and staff, the university’s database system that provides critical data for all student and university information.

For students who want to get involved in making change happen in the state, there are a number of organizations in the state and on campus that focus on that end.

“A good starting point on LGBTQ+ issues would be to connect with the Student Alliance for Equality, our student LGBTQ+ group; to connect with UCO’s LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association; and also to work with the Women’s Outreach Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which will be able to provide lots of information and resources and networking, and is already working on a number of these issues,” Macey said.

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Feb. 12, 2019

Year of the Pig

UCO Celebrates the 2019 Year of the Pig

Top Left: The panda, Asian American Student Association mascot, interacts with attendees at the Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 8 held in the Nigh University Center’s Grand Ballrooms. (Vy Luong/The Vista)

Top Right: UCO student Thuy Nguyen, right, receive a red pocket containing lucky money at the Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 8 held in the Nigh University Center’s Grand Ballrooms. (Vy Luong/The Vista)

Middle: From left to right, Truc Lam, Robert Ellis, Vi Pham and winner of the contest, Alex Geiss compete in an eating contest at the Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 8 held in the Nigh University Center’s Grand Ballrooms. This was the second year the contest was held, with Native American Student President Savannah Anderson winning last year’s competition. (Vy Luong/The Vista)

Bottom Left: Asian American Student Association members Vinh Thai, left, and Brytni Howard host a Vietnamese bingo game during the Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 8 held in the Nigh University Center’s Grand Ballrooms.

(Vy Luong/The Vista)

Bottom Middle: From left to right, Sophia Cuyo from Philippines, Jia Xuan from Malaysia and Han Seth Lu from Myanmar are representing ASEAN Student Association at the Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 8 held in the Nigh University Center’s Grand Ballrooms. (Vy Luong/The Vista)

Bottom Right: Vietnamese Student Associations members Thuy Nguyen, left, and Anh Dinh perform a Vietnamese contemporary dance during the Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 8 held in the Nigh University Center’s Grand Ballrooms.

(Vy Luong/The Vista)

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Feb. 12, 2019

Traffic Construction

Sgt. Maj. Rodgers

Feb. 12, 2019

11

Speaker Series Presents Sgt. Maj. Rodgers Madison Bolton @TheVista1903 Reporter

In honor of Black History month, the University of Central Oklahoma's Veteran Student Services will host Sgt. Maj. Robert Steve Rodgers for their the Heroes of Heritage Veterans Speaker Series today from 1-2 p.m.

The event, which will be held inthe Quad Room 111 and will highlight overcoming challenging situations, overcoming disadvantages and finding pathways to success, growing into a leadership role and Rodgers’ global experiences.

“Rodgers is coming here to speak to these students as part of a program that we started last fall called Heroes of Heritage,” said Kennan Horn, director of UCO Veteran Programs.

Since this program started, Horn said the program has welcomed successful veterans to come speak, during the months of the year when we honor particular heritages.

“I immediately thought of Sergeant Major Rodger, and the reason why is he was my first sergeant when I was a battery commander, years ago,” Horn said. “There's guys that you serve with that are fine soldiers, and then there are those ones that are exceptional type people, and I don't mean just as a solider I mean an exceptional person.”

Growing up in small town Camden, Arkansas Steven Rodgers said he ex-

perienced segregation every day.

“All the blacks lived on one side of the town and and the whites lived on the other side of town,” said Steven Rodgers, retired command sergeant major, ”there were no other races.”

When Rodgers was in seventh grade his school became desegregated. Both sides were not open to the new change.

“It was a pretty rough first year,” Rodgers said. “I was in the mindset, just like any other black kid in the neighborhood, that we didn’t want these changes, we were happy where we were.”

After a year though Rodgers said things smoothed out, and a few years later he went to go visit his mother in Seattle, Washington.

Rodgers could not believe it, stepping into an environment where where there were many different races, everyone was treated equally, and schools had been desegregated for years. He packed his bags and moved from rural Camden to big town Seattle immediately.

Experiencing a multicultural city like Seattle made Rodgers realize how important diversity really was.

Although leaving behind Camden, he still faced racism for many more years.

After a few steady jobs, the economy went down hill, but Rodgers was determined to receive his education, and decided to join the United States Army in 1977.

“Something that I always preach to

my soldiers growing up is, one of the best investments you can make is an investment in your education,” Rodgers said.

By the time Rodgers had joined he said there was a time when the Army G.I. Bill had gone away, but if he stayed on active duty the Army would pay for 75 percent of his tuition.

“That was the driving factor that really kept me in the Army,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers graduated with a degree in Human Resources Development in 2002, and later on received his masters as well.

Rodgers spent 33 years in the Army.

“I went from a private E1, the lowest ranking soldier in the whole battalion, to the senior most NCO in the air defense artillery branch,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers said there were many blind struggles that he went through.

“One good thing about being in the military is I got to move around to different duty stations, and meet many different people,” Rodgers said.

“I overcame a lot of the obstacles that way.”

Rodgers was moved to one unit in particular during his 33 years, where he was told by some of his peers that he was not welcomed.

“This is the United States Army, How can they run me out?” Rodgers said. “But that was their plan, and it happened.”

He was later placed at another battery with a lot of other black soldiers.

Veteran Richard Hensley and Stephen Hensley tour the Korean War Veterans Memorial as part of Honor Flight Huntington on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in Washington, D.C. (Sholten Singer/The Herald-Dispatch via AP)

Sgt. Maj. Robert Steve Rodgers is speaking at the Heroes of Heritage Veterans Speaker Series Feb. 12 from 1-2 p.m. in the Quad Room 111. (Provided/Veteran Support Services)

“It was evident what was happening,” Rodgers said.

He was a hard worker though, with good records and was later promoted to first sergeant.

“I actually went back to that same unit, but this time I was promoted to first sergeant. It was quite something to see,” Rodgers said with a chuckle.

There are many hidden struggles coming up the ranks in the Army, said Rodgers. He is glad to say that times have changed, and he never sees them anymore.

During his time as Air Defense Artillery Center Branch and Fort Bliss Command Sergeant Major Rodgers said he always made it a goal to make sure everyone was treated equally.

“A lot of times my staff would travel with me, and one thing I always noticed is if a unit wasn't diverse, something was wrong,” Rodgers said.

“Because the way the Army is laid out and the way they do promotions, there is no way that you should have a unit that is not diverse.”

The biggest thing Rodgers said he has learned through all of this is to not carry hatred, ever, no matter what.

“You can't let an individual or a situation change your way of thinking about something, you have to be open minded,” Rodgers said. “No one was born hating anyone, its something that was taught to them.”

Its important, Rodgers believes, to set a good example for children, to not teach them to hate.

“You find out if you look past how a person looks or how they speak, you find out so much more about them, just accepting them for who they are,” Rodgers said.

12

Feb. 12, 2019

Dietary

Dietary Fads Examined by UCO Health Experts Madison Bolton @TheVista1903 Reporter

Nearly 35.7 percent of adults ages 20-39 years are considered obese, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With so much emphasis put on weight and healthy living, many people turn to “quick-fix” or fad diets that promise rapid weight loss and a new waistline in a short amount of time.

Now a month and a half into the new year, three diets specifically have been trending: Keto, Arbonne and 5:2 (or fasting diets). if all 3 are fasting, can we say “three fasting diets have been trending”??

Keto, or Ketosis, is a low-carb, highfat diet.

“You cut down on carbs and up your fats and this gives you energy to burn off during your work out,” said Jordan Vanover, personal trainer and business entrepreneur.

Vanover owns his own gym in Moore, The House of Power, and also owns his own meal prepping business.

Vanover said Ketosis has been around since the 1960s, and he has several clients that are on Keto.

Ketosis takes out carbs, a macronutrient found in fruits and vegetables.

Many fruits and vegetables are not allowed on Keto, such as bananas, apples, grapes, potatoes, corn, carrots and cherry tomatoes, because they are high in carbs.

Katy Soper, a certified dietitian who over sees the dietetic internship program at the University of Central Oklahoma, said fiber content in these fruits and vegetables is very important.

“It’s really about giving our bodies what they need and when we’re just doing one macronutrient instead of a variety of them, we could be missing something in our diet,” Soper said.

Tina Launer, a registered nurse, started Keto in the beginning of March last year and in 6 months she lost 45 pounds. She claims she was never hungry and barely ever exercised.

“It’s very easy, it just takes a little planning and I rarely cook, said Launer, “I felt this diet was easy when I went out to eat and if I needed a snack.”

She is no longer on Keto though, due to discipline, she admits she was too tempted by sugary foods.

5:2, better known as the fast diet, entails that five days of the week are normal eating days, while the other two restrict calories to 500–600 per day.

“Now your normal five days does not mean you get to eat processed foods, or high sugar, it just means you are not restricted in your calorie in-

take,” Vanover said.

One of Vanover’s clients has been on the 5:2 for 15 years, and his brother has been on it now for two months.

“It all depends on your lifestyle; my brother has been on 5:2 now for two months and on his two days, his restricted calorie intake is under 1,700,” Vanover said. “He exercises six days a week, and does basketball and cross fit; he’s lost 15 pounds.”

Vanover said that if his brother’s calorie intake was any lower on those two days, it would be detrimental to his body.

“Activity has to come into play when it comes to any diet that cuts your calories, carbs or fat,” Vanover said.

However, Vanover does not recommend this diet or lifestyle change to anyone who has a weak mindset.

“It is extremely rare for people to be on that diet and stay with it,” Vanover said. “It doesn’t promote kicking addiction to sugary, processed foods.”

Soper, however, believes that 5:2 is still not sustainable.

“Anytime we have that all or none thinking, it can be very dangerous because it sets us up for binging,” Soper said.

Arbonne promotes a 30 day lifestyle change on their website, cutting out dairy, wheat, sugar, soy, any artificial flavors or coloring and processed foods. Equipped with teas, supplements, energy boosting fizz sticks and meal replacement shakes. not a complete sentence “Arbonne has the cleanest protein on the market right now; it’s fantastic, way overpriced, but very clean,” Vanover said. “The Arbonne cleanse is just temporary though, it is not a lifestyle change.”

Vanover said the Arbonne craze has been growing among college students for several months now.

“If someone is drinking their Arbonne meal replacement shake and taking their supplements, instead of eating McDonalds, they’re gonna lose weight,” Vanover said.

On their website, Arbonne promotes a meal replacement shake in the morning; adding a scoop of green balance supplement to your water or juice for lunch; and for dinner, eating a balanced portioned dinner with vegetables (1/2 plate), lean protein (1/4 plate), good fats (1/8 plate) and complex carbs (1/8 plate).

“These cleanses set you up for binging later,” Soper said. “On day 15 they’re gonna be talking about what they’re gonna be eating on day 31.”

The protein shakes Arbonne sells come in many different flavors, but Soper said it is highly unlikely that

someone is going to drink shakes for the rest of their life.

There are multiple new meal replacement shakes on the market, according to Vanover, but past companies have run into problems after years of being out on the market.

“There is nothing that has come out yet against vegan protein because its too new in the market,” Vanover said.

“Soy Protein came out and was like the best thing, but then they discovered all of these side effects and how it was bad for men. So then Whey Protein comes out, with no product waste and it was seen as the best thing ever, and now it’s terrible for your kidneys.”

Overall, Vanover said he believes all “fad” diets, besides meal replacement shakes (Arbonne), will work if you stick to them.

“If you find a diet that fits with your lifestyle the best, and you can eat like that for the rest of your life, it can

work,” Vanover said. “These so called diets are completely sustainable, it’s just up to you to make that lifestyle change and stick with it.”

Soper overall promotes the ‘My Plate’ plan.

“The overarching is that none of these are sustainable; when you start doing any fasting or keto, these are not a lifetime sustainable diets,” Soper said. “It’s hard to sustain because life happens, a birthday party, an event, a holiday.”

According to Soper, this reason is why dietitians promote the ‘My Plate,’ a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and low fat diary.

“The ‘My Plate’ is sustainable, you can eat that in your own home or in a restaurant,” Soper said. “It’s balanced and gives a person the protein and fiber they need.”

Signs

Feb. 12, 2019

13

SPORTS

Football Signs 2019 Class

The University of Central Oklahoma football team gathers for a picture after their 41-34 C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl win over Angelo State University. The Bronchos signed 30 players with 21 coming on national signing day. (Provided/BronchoSports)

Jonathan Goudeau @Goudeau_jdg Sports Editor

The University of Central Oklahoma football team carried their recent success from last season into the recruiting trail, signing 21 high school players on national signing day.

“National signing day is always exciting, breathes new life and brings excitement about the future,” said head coach Nick Bobeck. “We are very thankful for the trust earned from our signees, their families and coaches.”

All 21 players signed are from Oklahoma, with 12 offensive players and nine defensive players. The Bronchos signed eight defensive backs, more than any other position, and five offensive linemen. In addition, nine junior college transfers signed during the early signing period in December bring the class to 30.

“They will do a great job representing the University of Central Oklahoma on and off the field,” Bobeck said.

“Recruiting is about creating competition and athletic diversity within the program. We believe we were able to do that at every position.”

Size, strength and nastiness were the focal points of the class, with only one offensive lineman weighing under 270 pounds. The headliners of the class are Enid running back Will Phillips and Westmore athlete Layne Grantham. Philips turned down an offer from Eastern Michigan University, a Division I program.

“Will is a young man we targeted early in the process,” Bobeck said.

“He is a big back that plays with great pace and has the ability to finish in the open field. His ability to make plays in the passing game is unique for a back of his size.”

Grantham turned down offers for Division I programs Air Force, Army, University of Ohio and Utah State University. He is listed as an athlete, which means he does not comes in with a specific position after playing both offensive guard and defensive tackle in high school. “[Grantham is a] talented kid that could play either side of the ball,” Bobeck said. “Shows nice pop and uncommon flexibility for someone his size. We had him in camp this summer and loved his ability to pick things up. [He is a] physical kid that

can really recreate the line of scrimmage.”

Among the junior college transfers, Bobeck likes what wide receivers

“Recruiting is about creating competition and athletic diversity within the program.

We believe we were able to do that at every position.”

Nick Bobeck Amonte (Preach) Phillips from Scottsdale Community College in Arizona and Joshua Moore from Coffeyville Community College in Kansas bring to the team.

“Preach will create more compe-

tition at an already talented position group,” Bobeck said. “[Joshua] is versatile in his skill set and will create immediate competition in the receiver room.”

Defensive linemen Corey Brown Jr. from Arizona Western Community College, Richerd Desir-Jones from Coffeyville Community College and Devon Bajek from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College will all have a chance to make an impact as the Bronchos lost four defensive ends and one defensive tackle to graduation.

“They will provide immediate competition at a position that we lost several key contributors,” Bobeck said.

Rounding out the group is linebacker Kyshaun Smith from Kilgore College in Texas, who is also expected to compete for playing time. “[Smith is an] extremely athletic player that can function in space or in the box,” Bobeck said. “He also adds a pass rush dimension to our defense that we lost with graduation. We expect him to compete immediately this spring.”

14

Feb. 12, 2019

Sweep

Bronchos Hits In Weekend Sweep

University of Central Oklahoma pitcher Colton Croft throws during Sunday’s home game against Arkansas Tech University at Wendell Simmons Field. Croft struck out four batters and earned his first career win. (Provided/BronchoSports)

Derek Parker @D_Park2

Sports Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma baseball team won four out of four games this weekend, sweeping Arkansas Tech University and moving to 5-2 on the year.

The Bronchos began their weekend with a close 7-6 win over the Wonder Boys.

Pitcher Dylan Hall made his second start of the year on Friday and

moved to 2-0 as he struck out six.

Brayden Nelson threw two scoreless innings before Junior Obeso’s eighth inning, and Josh Rutland earned his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning.

Crit Williams and Ryan Harrell led the Bronchos at the plate on Friday with three hits each, with Williams having a couple RBI’s in the process.

“We fought hard today,” head coach John Martin said. “We did a good job of coming out strong early

University of Central Oklahoma outfielder Taylor Avila throws the ball after fielding it during Saturday’s home game against Drury University at Wendell Simmons Field. The Bronchos won 7-1. (Provided/BronchoSports)

and getting the lead and then did a good job of staying calm when Arkansas Tech made their rally. Today overall was a good performance by the guys.”

Saturday went well for the Bronchos, as they outscored their opponents 17-2 on the day.

Central began the day with a 7-1 win over the Drury University Panthers.

Landon Bond started the day off for Central and allowed just one run in 5 2/3 innings. Tyler Medina picked up the win, however, as he entered the game down 1-0.

The Bronchos best inning would be in the sixth, when poor pitching from Drury blew the game open and allowed the Bronchos to score five runs. Paul Kropf hit his second home run of the season in the eighth inning to give the Bronchos their last two points.

Central won their second game on Saturday, defeating Arkansas Tech again by a larger margin.

Gabe Littlejim earned his first win at UCO on Saturday, throwing seven innings, strikings out eight and allowing one run. Brad Stephens took the mound in the eighth and allowed two hits in the two remaining innings.

Brice West went 4-for-4 at the plate, posting two singles and two doubles in the 10 run effort. UCO finished with 11 hits Saturday night.

“We did a good job of being pa-

tient and drawing walks, and when we had runners in scoring position, we did something about it,” Martin said. “Pitching was really good tonight too. Two games today and we gave up one run in each game.

That’s a good day on the mound.”

The Bronchos completed the sweep on Sunday, beating Arkansas Tech 7-5 to finish 4-0 on the weekend.

Redshirt freshman Colton Croft earned his first career win, striking out four and allowing four earned runs on seven hits. Obeso and Rutland came in relief, with Obeso allowing one hit and one run, and Rutland getting a save, striking out one in the ninth.

UCO got ahead 7-0 early and had to fight to keep the lead.

“We were fortunate to get a big lead early and our pitching was really good early as well,” Martin said.

“But we really didn’t play very well today. We made a few mistakes that cost us some runs and we are fortunate to get out of here with a win.”

Taylor Avila went 3-4 at the plate Sunday, with a two-run homer and another RBI. Brock Ruminer and Harrell both finished the day 2-for3.

The Bronchos head to Durant, Oklahoma on Tuesday to face off against Southeastern Oklahoma State University at 1 p.m.

Strong/Upset

Feb. 12, 2019

15

Softball Starts Home Tournament Strong James D. Jackson @JamesDJackson15 Sports Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma swept through the first three games of the Raising Cane’s Softball Festival on Saturday and Sunday as the Bronchos improve to 7-1 on the season.

On Saturday the Bronchos defeated Southern Nazarene University, 11-8 and Cameron University, 8-4. “ We picked up two good wins today,” said head coach Cody White after Saturday’s games. “We came up with some clutch hits and I thought our pitching was pretty good.”

Against the Storm, the Bronchos fell behind 4-1, as they gave up three runs in the top of the first inning by a home run and another run in the third by a single.

However, in the bottom of the third, the Bronchos would strike back with five runs of their own. After Bailey Thompson was hit by a pitch to start the inning, JoBi Heath knocked her in with a double down the left field line.

Heath would then score on an error and Casady Webb would knock in Carli Jones with a ground ball to second base. Hazel Puempel would score the final runs of the inning with a two-run double to right field to give UCO a 6-4 lead.

University of Central Oklahoma utility McKenzie Carney hits the ball during Sunday’s home game against Texas Woman’s University at Broncho Softball Field. UCO won 10-7. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)

In the fourth, Allie Eicher would record three RBI’s with a double to left center to knock in Dobson, Mckenzie Carney and Heath. Puempel would then record two more RBI’s with a triple to left field, scoring Brighton Gilbert and Eicher.

After the Storm would score two runs in the fifth and seventh respectively, Bailey McKittrick closed the game with a strikeout.

Against Cameron University, UCO jump-started to an early 8-0 lead in just three innings behind a pair of home runs by Heath and Randolph.

Starting pitcher Sydney McLeod, against the Aggies, would go the dis-

tance, recording seven strikeouts.

On Sunday, UCO defeated Texas Woman’s University 10-7 as the Bronchos recorded 12 hits.

“It wasn’t a pretty game by any means, but we found a way to get it done and I like that about this team,” White said. “These girls just keep battling. We came up with some big hits in key situations.”

The Bronchos again fell to a 4-1 deficit before rallying in the third inning to take a 5-4 lead with a grand slam by Jones.

Texas Women’s would then counter with three runs in the fifth inning to take a 7-5 lead. UCO would then

tie it with RBI double coming by Randolph and RBI single by Dobson.

In the sixth with the game tied, Heath would double to right center.

Jones would score her with a double to left-center and Dobson would record an RBI single all to give the Bronchos the lead for good.

The Bronchos will finish the tournament on Feb. 11 as they battle Southeastern Oklahoma State University at noon and East Central University at 2 p.m. They will then start the UCO-OC Invitational Friday as they’ll host Northwestern Oklahoma State University at 11 a.m. and Newman University at 1 p.m.

Wrestling Uses Final Push In Upset Ethan Hummingbird @TheVista1903

Sports Reporter

University of Central Oklahoma wrestler Colton Looper executes a take down during a match earlier this season. He had a decision win Sunday. (Provided/ BronchoSports)

The No. 12-ranked University of Central Oklahoma used a dual-ending four-match winning streak to cap off the 27-9 upset of No. 6 Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri on Sunday afternoon.

“Our guys really got after it today,” head coach Todd Steidley said. “We worked them really hard this week, but they came out with a lot of energy and wrestled hard. That was a big win over a really good team.”

UCO won seven out of the 10 matches to improve to 11-4 overall and 3-1 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association action.

The Bronchos received decision wins from 133-pound Noah McQuigg, 141 Nate Keim, 157 Ty Lucas, 184 Heath Gray and 197 Colton Looper. Ty Lucas earned a major decision at 157, Devin Crawl picked up a pin at 174 and Greg Wilson got the heavyweight win on a technical fall.

Lindenwood took the first match of the day to grab an early 3-0 lead before McQuigg responded with a first-period takedown and two-point near fall in his match against No.9ranked Tanner Hitchcock. McQuigg would go on to win 6-4.

Keim won 8-3 to put Central up for a moment before the Lions came back with a win of their own to tie it. Lucas took back the lead for good for the Bronchos with a 10-2 major decision at 157.

Lindenwood would take the next match at 165 before a Crawl pin at 174. The second-ranked Gray would follow that up with six takedowns in a 17-11 victory.

Looper won his match 1-0 on a second-period escape that earned him the only point of the match. Wilson ended the day for UCO with four nearfalls in a dominating 18-0 first-period technical fall.

“Our guys really got after it today.

We worked them really hard this, but they came out with a lot of energy and wrestled hard .”

Todd Steidley UCO will wrap up their fall dual schedule on the road against University of Central Missouri on Monday at 7 p.m.