The Vista Feb. 18, 2020

Volume 117, Issue 18

the

VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Erica Burkett Crowned Miss Black UCO Ahvonnah Viney @TheVista1903

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Eight contestants at the University of Central Oklahoma participated in the 36th annual Miss Black UCO pageant.

Former Miss Black UCO 2019, Jesujomiloju Olayinka, crowned Erica Burkett as her successor.

The pageant promotes students embracing their diversity and showcasing the talents as African American women at UCO. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted the annual pageant on Feb. 15 in the Nigh University Center Constitution Hall. Burkett also won Miss Congeniality, the Jackie Shaw Photogenic Award and the Sheryl Sims Talent Award.

As an overall winner, Burkett received $1,600, a sash and a platform to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease

and dementia.

“My platform, Memories That Matter, was birthed out of my grandfather’s passing from Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Burkett said. “I want my peers on campus to not only be aware of Alzheimer’s and dementia, but to be more aware of what they bring to this campus.”

Burkett said she felt that her confidence has flourished although she is a musical theatre major, and her focus has shifted from just music to encouraging others of diversity in a broader spectrum, as well as reminding others of the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Domonique Bruner was named runner up for the pageant and Kristi Rose was first runner up. Rose also won the Lindel Walls Award and Tyshael Friday won the People’s Choice Award.

“I am just so blessed that I even got the opportunity to compete with these amazing girls and it wasn’t always about the crown for me, it was Continued on Pg. 8

Erica Burkett poses with the crown after winning Miss Black UCO 2020. Eight contestants competed for the crown inside Constitution Hall on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2020.

(Cici Simon/The Vista)

Making Sense out of Dollars: Where Does Your Money Go? Maury “Kevin” Blair @mauryb007

REPORTER

A collection of pennies spills out of a glass. Tuition and fees provided 72.5 percent of UCO’s operating revenue during fiscal year 2019. (Provided/Pixabay)

CAMPUS CHAT

SPORTS

Undergraduate students at the University of Central Oklahoma are likely to pay 49 percent less than the average tuition per credit hour among four year colleges and universities in Oklahoma.

As one of the 34 four year institutions in Oklahoma, UCO tuition ranks 16th in the state for affordability, according to collegecal.org.

The fundamentals of tuition for students start with financial aid, which, if possible, is applied at the beginning of

the semester. Whatever the remaining balance, it is due immediately. If able, students pay the balance automatically. If not, then the balance is broken into monthly payments for students to pay in full by end of the semester, including fees.

Tuition and fees provided 72.5 percent of the university’s operating revenue during fiscal year 2019, according to an audit published July 1 and provided by Adrienne Nobles, UCO’s vice president for Communications and Public Affairs.

“The President’s Cabinet and other key campus leaders are already working on developing the budget for next Continued on Pg. 3

AROUND CAMPUS

STATEWIDE

Student Thoughts on Overwatch League Native American Student Oklahoma House See Pg. 12 See Pg. 7 See Pg. 5 Abortion Bill Association Democrat Caucus

See Pg. 6

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the

February 18, 2020

Contents

VISTA

Content

State Questions Explained...........................................................3 Around Campus...........................................................................4 Campus Chat...............................................................................5 House Dem Caucus......................................................................6 NASA Handgame/NAACP............................................................7 Miss Black UCO............................................................................8 Miss Black UCO Photos................................................................9 Lt. Lanning..................................................................................10 Games....................................................................................11 Overwatch League.....................................................................12 Basketball..............................................................................13 Softball......................................................................................14 Bucking Broncho........................................................................15

Staff

Jeff Elkins Haley Humphrey CiCi Simon Megan Thele JaNae Williams Kevin Blair Lauren Morris Chelsye Bacon Gerald Leong Teddy Burch

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

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Reporter Reporter Reporter Photographer Photographer Adviser

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.

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.

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Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131.

Letters can be emailed to thevista.ads@gmail.com.

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On the Cover: Left: First Chair Matthew Dye plays a solo with his ensemble. The ensemble played renditions of music by Duke Ellington and Benny Carter on Feb. 13. (Cici Simon/The Vista) Left Middle: The logo for the first person shooter game Overwatch is pictured. The Overwatch League week 2 took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Provided/Wikimedia Commons) Right Middle: The game pieces for a Native American game called Handgame sit in a tray. The guessing game predates history. (Provided/Wikimedia Commons) Right: A donkey, the Democratic party logo is pictured. Oklahoma House Democrats released their 2020 agenda at the Capitol on Feb. 10. (Kevin Blair/The Vista)

Making Sense of Dollars

February 18, 2020

3

Making Sense out of Dollars: Where Does Your Money Go? Continued from pg. 1

year,” Nobles said. “This involves an analysis of mandatory cost increases; trends in enrollment (including headcount and credit hour production); priorities, needs and other requests from colleges and departments; state economic conditions; and likely appropriation scenarios from the state, among other things.”

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) formally approves the budget for the state’s public colleges and universities, according to Nobles.

“We weigh carefully any proposal to increase tuition and/or fees, understanding our students and their families work hard to cover the costs of their education,” Nobles said.

Tuition is the cost of instruction in dollars per credit hour. Such costs include salaries, wages and fringe benefits, according to the University Factbook for 2018-2019.

The cost of college or university courses is determined by the number of credit hours awarded for the completion of the class. Usually, one credit hour represents one hour of in-class instruction per week for the semester (16 weeks total) in a specific subject.

Therefore, the cost of one course is determined by multiplying the number of credit hours the class is worth by the total tuition and mandatory fees per credit hour.

“Our goal is to settle on a budget that allows us to offer superior quality in instruction and experience at cost that remains competitive, providing value to our students,” Nobles said.

“At the same time, we also work to in-

UCO’s Bursar Office, located on the first floor of the Nigh University Center, handles students’ financial bills. The cost of college varies per student and how many hours they enroll in each semester. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista)

crease the amount of tuition waivers and other financial support for our students.”

For example, an Oklahoma resident undergraduate at UCO has a tuition rate of about $222.85, according to the UCO Tuition and Fees website.

The mandatory fees are about $35.55, resulting in the $258.40 total per credit hour. By multiplying the total and the 16 weeks, students can find their approximate average tuition cost of $4,134.40 before financial aid or scholarships.

The following scenario depicts the cost to an incoming freshman for one semester, based upon tuition and fee costs effective as of July 1, 2019.

An Oklahoma resident UCO freshman commuter student enrolling in nine on-campus hours and three

online hours during the 2019-2020 school year can expect to pay approximately $4,158.20 in tuition and fees for their first semester, according to the tuition calculator found on the university’s website.

In the example above, the student pays $2,674.20 tuition for 64.3 percent of the cost, and another $1,484.00 in fees.

Fees make up 35.7 percent of the cost to the student. On average, these include 12 credit hour enrollment fees at $432; college facility and enhancement fees at $612; online course delivery fees at $180; undergraduate application charges at $50; a student ID charge of $15; and an annual parking permit at $195.

Tuition and fees can also vary from one student to another depending

The above graph breaks down how much a hypothetical UCO student pays for current tuition and fees. (Data: UCO tuition calculator)

upon their respective colleges.

College of Business courses, nursing courses and speech and language courses assess costs of $16.35 per credit hour. Pathology and professional teacher education courses assess $5.00 per credit hour.

College facility and enhancement fees are assessed per credit hour and vary depending upon the college, from $1.12 for the Jackson College of Graduate Studies to $156.73 for the Academy of Contemporary Music.

Enrollment fees are $35.55 per credit hour and include: a $2.50 per credit hour library fee; a $6 per credit hour technology fee; a $6.62 per credit hour student activity fee; an $8.88 per credit hour athletics activity fee; and an $11.55 per credit hour facility fee.

The university also charges instructional fees for golf, bowling and other similar courses.

Parking fees are considered additional, as are late enrollment charges, late payment penalties and - when it is time - a graduation fee.

For more information on how tuition and fees are assessed, refer to the tuition and fees page and the tuition calculator on the university’s website.

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February 18, 2020

Around Campus

First chair alto sax Matthew Dye plays a solo during the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Ensemble Concert. Five groups performed, including Midwest City High School Jazz Ensemble, University of Central Oklahoma’s Jazz Ensemble groups one through four and Tulsa Union High School. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 Big Pink Golf Car Rides: From 8-10 a.m. near Old North, Big Pink will be giving free golf car rides to anywhere on campus.

Baseball vs. Northwestern Oklahoma State: The Bronchos baseball team will take on Northwestern Oklahoma State University at Wendell Simmons Field at 5 p.m.

S.I.S.T.A.S. Through History: From 7-9 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 320C, Sisters Inspiring Sisters Through Academic Success will host a trivia night and all questions are based on African American women in history. This will give a chance for students to show what they know and learn something new .

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 Criminal Justice Club Meeting: From noon to 1 p.m. inside the Nigh University Center Will Rogers Room 421, UCO’s Criminal Justice Club will have its general body meeting.

Delta Zeta COB Movie Night: From 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Delta Zeta House located at 909 N. University

Drive, sorority Delta Zeta is inviting potential new members to join them for popcorn, face masks and movies.

NAACP Week - Founders’ Feud: From 6-8 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Henry Bellmon Room 314, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will host Founders’ Feud. Just like the game show Family Feud, NAACP will have a game show that groups students together to test their knowledge of the NAACP and its founders on their Founders’ Day. The event is STLR tagged for Global and Cultural Competencies and Service Learning and Civic Engagement.

Thursday, February 20, 2020 Black Girl Magic: From 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host the Black Girl Magic Celebration. This is a conference that encourages unity and fosters an empowered sense of self. There will be discussions centered on the history and experiences of black women. Because the conference provides a medium to have an in-depth discussion about issues facing this demographic specifical-

ly, it provides an experience beyond discipline knowledge. The event is STLR tagged in Global and Cultural Competencies, Leadership and Service Learning and Civic Engagement.

Film Screening: “Get Out:” From 3:30-6 p.m. inside the Liberal Arts Building Room 228, Phi Alpha Theta is watching the 2017 Jordan Peele movie “Get Out.” A discussion will shortly follow.

Friday, February 21, 2020 Baseball vs. MSU Denver: The Bronchos baseball team will take on Metropolitan State University of Denver at Wendell Simmons Field at 3 p.m.

Softball vs. Midwestern State: The Broncho softball team will take on Midwestern State University in the UCO-Oklahoma Christian Classic at the Broncho Softball Stadium at 4 p.m.

Hockey vs OU: Beginning at 7 p.m. at Arctic Edge, 14613 N. Kelly Ave., UCO’s hockey team will take on the University of Oklahoma.

Multicultural Education Institute: The 37th annual Multicultural Educa-

tion Institute will be held at 5 p.m. in the NUC. The theme will be “20/20: Focusing on Unity,” current and future teachers, paraprofessionals, bilingual professionals and high school and college students will have the opportunity to learn the latest strategies to help improve educating Oklahoma’s increasingly diverse communities. This year’s institute will also hold sessions on Saturday offering cultural competency training for community organizations. For more information, contact Rachel Baugh at rbaugh@uco. edu or (405) 974-5408.

The Groove Merchants: The Groove Merchants band will be at UCO’s Jazz Lab to play their original music and popular hits beginning at 8 p.m. There is a $20 cover charge.

Monday, February 24, 2020 JUUL and The Media - How Tobacco Companies Are Targeting You: From 3-4 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Cherokee Room, the Peer Health Leaders will have a presentation and panel discussion providing insights on the ways tobacco companies use marketing to sell their products. There will be an opportunity to ask questions anonymously.

Campus Chat

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February 18, 2020

What are your thoughts on the bill to criminalize abortions?

Ashley Ford, Sociology Human Services, senior: “I believe that abortions are still going to happen but in a more unsafe way. So, I personally don’t agree with it.”

Andre Choong, Marketing, sophomore: “I need to be honest. It doesn’t make any sense. Women, it’s their own body. It’s up to them.”

Telena Villa, Child Development, freshman: “I understand both sides, yet I am against it because we don’t know every woman’s story. We don’t know why they’re getting it. They might not be able to provide for the child. There’s a million reasons why a woman could get an abortion, and again it’s your body. And I understand the other side. It’s a human. It’s a baby.”

Andrew Mitchell, Finance, junior: “I think it’s not right. I’m pro-choice, so I feel like there are circumstances where keeping a baby may not be feesable for someone.”

Hadrien Chan, Interior Design, sophomore: “I believe it is always up to the woman. If she wants to abort it, that’s her decision. You can’t control what she can and cannot do.”

Maverick Phillips, Psychology and Forensic Science, sophomore: “Well, I am religious, but I also believe that people should be able to do what they want, especially with their body. I don’t think religion should oppose what specific people believe in.”

Jordan Cramer, Sociology, junior: “I don’t think it’s necessarily a good idea because if you criminalize it, you’re just going to have people throwing themselves down the stairs and doing abortions in not humane ways at all.”

Tyra Cooper, Interpersonal Communications, junior: “If the woman wants to have an abortion or physically needs it, I think she should be able to have it. I think it’s wrong to criminalize people for having one.”

Charles Toussaint, Psychology/Premed, senior: “I don’t think it should be criminalized. I don’t think you should tell people what they can or can’t do with their body.”

Elena Garcia, Biomedical Sciences, freshman: “I think that it shouldn’t be criminalized, but I think there are other options that people can do instead of abortions. But it shouldn’t be criminalized because it should be people’s choices.”

Lalaina Lusty, Criminal Justice, freshman: “I think that it is 50/50.

Just because part of it, it’s your body you can do what you want. But on the other side, that is another human inside of you. So, I would have to say that I’m neutral on it because I can see both sides.”

Xavier Daniels, Mechanical Engineering, sophomore: “I don’t really want to decide for who does what to their body. I don’t want to judge.”

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February 18, 2020

House Dem Caucus

Oklahoma House Dems Release 2020 Agenda Maury “Kevin” Blair @mauryb007 REPORTER

Touting efforts toward “A Brand New State,” the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus announced its 2020 legislative agenda at a Feb. 10 press conference at the Capitol.

“This agenda, the ‘Brand New State’ agenda, was a collaborative effort, and was created by every member of this Caucus,” said House Minority Leader Emily Virgin (D-Norman) in her opening remarks.

Virgin said there are four main policy areas within the agenda: healthcare, criminal justice reform, education and jobs and the economy. Each member of the Caucus was asked to participate in the development of the agenda in one of the areas.

There are four members of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives who served as policy chairs and who spoke about the details of the plan.

“We have a plan for education that puts Oklahoma children first,” said Rep. Melissa Provenzano (D-Tulsa).

“Imagine if we simply applied what we know, and that research consistently supports that a well-trained, experienced teacher makes the single biggest impact in the education experience of a child.”

Provenzano filed legislation in January proposing a “Student Borrowers Bill of Rights” to protect higher education students from predatory lending practices.

Rep. Collin Walke (D-Oklahoma City) said that diversion programs such as drug courts and mental health courts would save taxpayers $15,000 per participant, versus incarcerating them.

“Those savings could then be used and reinvested in how we fund our court system and lessen our reliance

The 2020 legislative session has begun at the Oklahoma Capitol building in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma House Democrats released their 2020 agenda on Feb. 10 at the Capitol. (Kevin Blair/The Vista)

on fines and fees which over the last six years has led to more than $600 million in delinquent court debt,” Walke said.

Walke said court debt leads to disproportionate jail stays solely because of an inability to post bond, which creates a debtor’s prison.

“If you can’t afford bail and you’re in jail for the same reason [as] somebody who can post bond, the only difference is a matter of wealth, and wealth should not decide justice,” Walke said.

“Justice is blind, but she hears us, and with our plan we can become a state that leads the nation in being smart on crime, not just tough on crime.”

Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-Oklahoma City) referred to the economic agenda of “A Brand New State” as “an economy that works for everyone.”

“House Democrats have filed 17

McAlester, Oklahoma is home to the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, a male maximum security prison. Criminal justice reform is one of the four main policy areas detailed in the democratic caucus agenda. (Provided/Wikimedia Commons)

bills that will improve the economic empowerment for citizens across the state,” Dollens said.

Examples, according to Dollens, include raising the state minimum wage, restoring the ability of municipalities to set their own minimum wage and permanent cost of living increases for retirees. The bills also include expanding apprenticeships and workforce development “to meet the demands of a 21st century economy,” and put money back into the pockets of 300,000 Oklahomans by “ensuring they’re getting their full Earned Income Tax Credit,” Dollens said.

“At the end of the day, Oklahomans just want to be able to know that they can pay their bills, put food on the table, spend time with their families and know that they can progress forward up the ladder,” Dollens said. “It’s with these values in mind that the House Democratic Caucus has put together our economic agenda.”

Rep. Forrest Bennett (D-Oklahoma City) said this session marked eight years since state leadership rejected Medicaid expansion and $3.5 billion that would have now been in communities.

According to a press conference handout on brandnewstateok.com, the agenda would “aggressively expand access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Oklahomans,” by Medicaid expansion, mental health and substance abuse funding, decreased mortality rates among mothers and infants, and lower prescription drug costs, and by “addressing the rising costs of healthcare.”

Bennett cited examples of how

Oklahoma lags behind several other states in terms of healthcare.

“We see healthcare the way everyone should: as a smaller piece of a larger puzzle that must be intact for our state to see true prosperity,” Bennett said. “All of those issues - healthcare, criminal justice, economic opportunity and education - they’re all intertwined.”

Bennett also said that the day the state recognizes this is the day that everyone and not just those with wealth and resources will have access to the best in these categories.

“The time is now, and the House Democrats stand ready to work with our colleagues all over the building to address these issues and bring that ‘Brand New State’ sense of hope and optimism back,” Bennett said.

Virgin concluded the conference by reiterating that through this agenda they can unlock the potential of Oklahomans all across the state.

“For too long, in this building we have focused and invested in people who can afford lobbyists, wealthy Oklahomans and corporations and it’s time we focus on working families, our neighbors,” Virgin said. “Those families have seen a state government for a very long time that has not invested in them.”

Virgin believes the new state agenda is much improved from past decades and calls upon House colleagues from across the aisle to work together in a legislative session that will be a success for every Oklahoman.

NASA Handgame/NAACP Panel

February 18, 2020

7

NASA Plays Traditional Handgame Kat Tabak @vista1903

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Native American Student Association held its second annual Intercollegiate Handgame in the Nigh University Center Ballroom C on Feb. 14.

The event invited Native American student organizations from different universities to play games and partake in food and a prize raffle.

Handgame is a traditional Native American game that is commonly played by many of the tribes within Oklahoma as well as some tribes outside of Oklahoma.

“Culturally it has been played much like one would play a board game today,” said Mickey Loveless, NASA president. “You would invite your family and friends over and play.”

The rules and how to play Handgame differ from tribe to tribe. Overall, the goal is for one participant, the finder, to locate the marbles or beads that the other players, the hiders, hide in their hands.

If the finder locates the marbles or beads, they get a point and then the players swap roles and the game continues like this until one side wins.

Sengo Zibiwes Ngemojek, or Squir-

rel Creek Singers in Potawatomi, provided music for the event. The group was headed by Justin Neely, director of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation language department. During each round of the game, they drummed and sang in Potawatomi until the round was over and a team had won.

In between each round of the Handgame, other games were played including an orange game. In this game, players stood in a line and could only use their necks or shoulders to pass an orange to the other players until they reached the end of line.

Participants also played a soda drinking game, as well as a game where two players had to balance a potato between their foreheads and move around without dropping the potato until only one team was left.

“At first I was unsure of what I was doing there, I knew nothing about Native American culture,” said Arnold Farias, an attendee. “But once I decided to ignore my [insecurities], I started to have fun. I got to experience a small piece of the beauty behind Native American culture.”

While this is only the second year that NASA has hosted the Handgame event, they hope to continue bringing it back each year as a fun learning experience for students.

Members of the Native American Student Organization gather to play a traditional Native American handgame. The game is played by taking turns to guess what marbles are where. (Provided/UCO NASA)

NAACP Hosts Annual Police Panel

A University of Central Oklahoma police car is parked in the lot outside of UCO Department of Public Safety. UCOPD was one of three three law enforcement departments invited to the NAACP police panel on Feb 10. (Cici Simon/ The Vista)

Xunhong Zhou @vista1903

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at the University of Central Oklahoma hosted their Annual Police Panel to

provide students with a space for discussion and questions with local police.

As part of Black History Month, the panel featured officers from Edmond, Oklahoma City and UCO, who provided insight into their jobs and an-

swered audience questions on Feb. 10.

NAACP was founded in 1909 and is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, comprised of thousands of workers, organizers, leaders and members.

The panel consisted of four local police representatives. Brandon Love is a UCO police officer with over half a decade of law enforcement experience. Paco Balderrama is a more than 20 year veteran deputy chief of the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Central Bureau, which includes the Southwest and Bricktown Patrol Divisions.

Ron Bacy has been a member of the Oklahoma City Police Department for almost 28 years and currently serves as the commander for the Southwest Division. JD Younger, has been the chief of police for Edmond since May 1, 2017 and has been in law enforcement since 1994.

“I’m a helper, we help people fix things,” Younger said.

The panel said they like to help people, like teamwork and hope to make the world a better place, which is why they are officers.

Students and the officers discussed new traffic laws in Oklahoma during the panel. One law discussed was that drivers cannot use any electronic devices while driving. It was noted, however, that Bluetooth can be used for phone calls while driving.

“Most of the time, we pull over the car and we don’t really want to give them a ticket to pay a fine, but as an educational opportunity,” Balderrama said.

An example Balderrama cited was that drivers cannot turn left on a newly built road. He said people may not know this, so police pull them over to inform them and not give out a ticket.

The panel also discussed police mental health. Officers usually won’t show weakness to people, but have frequently seen unusually horrible things like dead bodies.

According to ABC News, a record number of current or former police officers died by suicide last year, according to Blue H.E.L.P., a nonprofit that works to reduce stigmas tied to mental health issues for those in law enforcement.

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Febuary 18, 2020

Miss Black UCO

Erica Burkett Crowned Miss Black UCO Continued from pg. 1

just about me getting on the stage and showing my confidence and telling myself that I can do something as gracious as this,” Bruner said.

The money allotted for the pageant can vary, according to Liz Tabak, ODI coordinator, however $2,000 is typically requested. The funds come from the UCO Student Association, which is where all UCO pageants receive the majority of their funding.

Contestants do not have to raise any

money in order to be a contestant, making the playing field even and open to all.

The pageant allows women in the African American community to wear their natural hair, if desired, and to follow the beauty ideals of their culture, which is part of why it was established in 1985.

“I want black women on this campus to be confident and proud of who they are,” Burkett said. “We have so much magic that we aren’t even aware of.”

Finalists, from left, Dominique Bruner, Erica Burkett and Destiny Long gather together for a photo after the Miss Black UCO pageant on Saturday. Burkett took the 2020 crown. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

Winner of Miss Black UCO Erica Burkett sings for her talent portion of the pageant.

Each contestant brought their own creativity to the table with monologues, dance numbers, singing and more on Feb. 15, 2020. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

Destiny Long performs a dance number for her talent. Each contestant had their own talent for the judges varying from dance, monolgues or music. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

Graduate student Mandisa Sobers wears red while walking across the stage. The pageant was hosted in Constitution Hall at the University of Central Oklahoma on Feb. 15, 2020. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

Tyshael Friday is interviewed by past Miss Black UCO. Each contestant is asked a question in front of a panel of judges. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

Miss Black UCO

Febuary 18, 2020

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Left to Right: Tyshael Friday, Mandisa Sobers, Dominique Bruner, Erica Burkett, Kristi Rose, Jada Wells and Doriane Kimou. The group posed together after final walk of pageant. The winner for Miss Black UCO was Erica Burkett. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

Contestant number seven, Destiny Long performs a dance number for her pageant talent. The pageant originally started in 1985 and has continued on since. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

Mandisa Sobers performs her monologue for Miss Black UCO 2020. A panel of four judges observed each contestant as each brought their own set of talents.

(Cici Simon/The Vista)

Erica Burkett is crowned Miss Black UCO 2020. There was a total of eight contestants and a panel of four judges for this year’s event at the University of Central Oklahoma.

(Cici Simon/The Vista)

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February 18, 2020

Lt. Lanning

Former UCO Police Officer Killed in Car Accident JaNae Williams @janaebwilliams REPORTER

A retired University of Central Oklahoma police officer, most recently employed as a Canadian County Sheriff ’s Deputy, was killed in a car accident while on duty Friday morning.

Lieutenant Shirley Lanning was involved in a head-on collision in the 10100 block of Northwest Expressway on Feb. 14 around 9:22 a.m.

Lanning died from injuries sustained in the collision.

Lanning came to UCO in 1997 and worked for the university until her retirement in 2014.

In a statement, Jeff Harp, executive director of Public Safety for UCO said: “If you were a UCO student, staff or faculty member from 1997 to 2014, Shirley Lanning touched your life in some positive way whether you knew it or not. She was a fierce advocate for victims of crime, and very dedicated to UCO. She cherished her relationships on campus and mentored our student employees, RA’s and new of-

ficers. We remember her high energy level and ability to get anything accomplished.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, family, her co-workers at the Canadian County Sheriff ’s Office and her many, many friends both within and outside the law enforcement community.”

Lanning leaves behind a record of service to the university and the entire Central Oklahoma community.

“Shirley loved being a law enforcement supervisor at UCO. She was proud to serve the UCO community,” said Branden Baxley, an officer with the Edmond Police Department, who worked with Lanning at UCO from 2005-2009.

“While I was there, she worked at improving her officer’s working conditions and backed her officers when needed.”

Lanning began working part-time for the Canadian County Sheriff ’s office in 2014 and became a full-time deputy in 2016, according to CCSO. “She dedicated most of her life serving in some type of law enforcement capacity,” Baxley said.

Lieutenant Shirley Lanning, a Canadian County Sheriff’s Deputy, retired from the University of Central Oklahoma Police Department in 2014. Lanning was killed Friday morning in a head-on collision with another vehicle. (Provided/Canadian County Sheriff’s Facebook).

February 18, 2020

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Games

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CAMERA CAR BATTERY CELLPHONE CHEVY VOLT DRONE EARBUDS FLASHLIGHT KINDLE LAPTOP PURCHASES SPEAKER TESLA THE ENEMY TOOTHBRUSH WATCH

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21 to April 19) There could be some negative reaction to your tough stance when making a recent decision.

But overall, your efforts result in well-earned recognition and all that can follow from that.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your financial situation seems confusing, even for the fiscally savvy Bovine. Maybe it’s the conflicting advice you’re getting. Check it out before things get too tangled to unknot.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A relaxed attitude goes a long way in helping you deal with any of life’s irritants that might be popping up this week. You’re also a reassuring role model for others in the same situation.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your aspect favors creativity, which should persuade you to work on your artistic projects. If time is a problem, prioritize your commitments so that your work isn’t compromised.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Scrutinize all the job offers that interest you.

Most are honest and worth considering. But a few might not be completely forthcoming about what the job is and what the salary and benefits are.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An unexpected snafu could delay the completion of a project you’re eager to finish. Find out what’s causing it, fix it, and if you need help, don’t be shy about asking for it. Good luck.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) An idea that could be helpful to you comes from an unlikely source. Listen to it. Discuss it. If

CROSSWORD Answers

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS February 11, 2020

MAGIC MAZE Answers

(Week of Feb. 17, 2020)

necessary, adjust it. If it looks as if it might work out quite well, go ahead and use it.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Be careful about allowing someone to share a very personal secret with you. This could cause problems down the line with others who are involved in that person’s private life.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A cooling down of a relationship could be the result of neglect, unintended or not. To save it from icing over, you need to warm it up with a large dose of hot Sagittarius passion.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) This is a good time to get involved with a number of family matters that involve money and other issues that might jeopardize the closeness between and among family members.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Cheer up. That difficult person who appears to be deliberately stalling your project might just need to be reassured of the value she or he brings to it.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Good news! Expect to feel re-energized now that you’ve gone through that stressful energy-depleting period involving a lot of changes.

Now, go out there and show them what you can do.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a warm, giving nature that inspires many to follow your example. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

Weekly SUDOKU Answers

12

February 18, 2020

Esports

The “Battle of Brotherly Love” in Philadelphia

In this July 28, 2018, file photo, London Spitfire fan Rick Ybarra, of Plainfield, Ind., reacts after London won the second game against the Philadelphia Fusion during the Overwatch League Grand Finals competition at Barclays Center in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

Ty Wallace @Haltexe

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Last Saturday, the Overwatch League hosted the Philadelphia Fusion’s Homestand, “Battle of Brotherly Love,” at The Met in Philadelphia. The games were played by the Florida Mayhem, the Houston Outlaws, the Washington Justice and the Philadelphia Fusion.

The first match started with the Florida Mayhem and the Houston Outlaws, with the first map being Busan, a control map. The first point was taken by the Florida Mayhem, with the Outlaws only capturing 17 percent. The second point was a little bit closer, with Mayhem still capturing the point, but with the Outlaws getting 73

percent of the capture.

The second map was played on Havana, an escort map.On round one, the Outlaws managed to defend against Florida capturing a single point and only let them push the cart 86.06 meters total.

The next round, Florida managed to hold the payload only letting Houston reach 80.46 meters, winning Florida the map.

The third and final map of the matchup between Florida and Houston was played on Eichenwalde, a hybrid map. Florida attacked first, earning all three points available in their first round, pushing the cart to the very end of the map with no time left remaining in their timebank.

The Houston Outlaws then attacked in round two and were only able to make it past the second

checkpoint. Florida won the match against Houston 3-0.

Many fans went to Twitter questioning Houston’s decision to play two off-healers Brigitte and Lucio for most of their stage time.

In a standard team composition, at least one main-healer is played most of the time, someone who can output a lot of healing for the team. While Brigitte and Lucio bring a lot of utility, fans still questioned why Rawkus was not playing his most notable hero, and main-healer Ana. The next match was the Philadelphia Fusion against the Washington Justice. The first map was played on Nepal, a control map.

Round one was taken by Washington, with Philadelphia coming in a close second with a 99 percent capture on the point. Rounds two

and three were turned around by Philadelphia as they took both points, with Washington capturing 99 percent on both.

The next map was Havana, an escort map. Continuing the theme of almost full-holding Havana from earlier, Washington denied Philadelphia from capturing the first point and only let the cart be pushed 91.15 meters. On round two, Washington pushed the cart past the 91.15 meter mark and took the map victory with 61 seconds remaining.

The third map was played on King’s Row, a hybrid map. Washington attacked first and was able to get two checkpoints. Philadelphia then attacked in the second round pushing past their two checkpoint goal and won the map with 96 seconds remaining in the round.

The fourth and final map was played on the Temple of Anubis and went four rounds. Both teams captured both points in their first and second rounds, bringing the match into the third and fourth rounds.

Washington attacked in the third round capturing the first point again but not able to gain any capture progress on the second point.

Philadelphia in the fourth round brought the match to a close by fully capturing the first point, and then capturing 33.33 percent of the second point, the minimum requirement to win the match.

The map victory brought the match to a 3-1 victory for the Philadelphia Fusion.

Logos for the Flordia Mayhem and the Houston Outlaws. Both teams competed last Saturday at the Overwatch League in Philadelphia at The Met stadium.

The match took place in the second week of the Overwatch season. (Provided/Flickr)

Basketball

February 18, 2020

13

Women’s Basketball Win Second In A Row Tanner Johnson @TheVista1903

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The University of Central Oklahoma women’s basketball team returned home looking to build off their roadwin on Feb. 8 against Fort Hays State University.

Kelsey Johnson finished the game with a career-high 24 points, added seven rebounds and ultimately led the Bronchos to a 68-60 win over the Newman University Jets.

Newman hit five 3-pointers in the first quarter alone, and led the Bronchos 21-13 going into the second.

Central ended up winning the game, but had to change things up after trailing 33-27 at halftime.

“We did a good job adjusting at halftime and played better defensively in the second half,” said UCO head coach Guy Hardaker. “I’m proud of the girls for making that adjustment and getting the win.”

The Bronchos came into the second half like a new team, with a couple shots by Johnson and a 3-pointer by Shatoya Bryson putting them ahead 44-39. Newman answered with a 6-2 run of their own, but the Bronchos led 46-45 going into the fourth.

UCO forward Kaci Richardson (44) attempts a free throw while guard Aliyah Llanusa (22) looks on. The Bronchos beat Newman University 68-60 on Saturday at Hamilton Field House. (Anthony Mellendorf/The Vista)

Central outscored Newman in the fourth quarter by nine points, 23-14.

In the fourth quarter alone, Johnson scored eight of her 24 points, and the Bronchos forced some turnovers to separate themselves from the Jets. The defense by Central in the second half was too much for the Jets to overcome.

Bryson finished the game with 14 points, Micayla Haynes tacked on 13 points and Kaci Richardson added seven points. Jaci Littell, McKenna Pulley and Clary Donica combined for nine points.

Central shot 22-of-57 from the floor (38.5 percent) and 18-22 from the

free-throw line (82 percent).

This win was the second in a row for UCO, who are now 17-7 on the season and 11-5 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play.

The Bronchos host Emporia State on Feb. 22 in Hamilton Field House at 1:30 p.m.

Men’s Losing Streak Comes To An End Against The Jets Garrett Johnson @garrettmj97

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The University of Central Oklahoma men’s basketball team ended their losing streak with a victory against the Newman University Jets, 77-51.

Eleven of the 12 Bronchos to see the court scored in the win, led by Dashawn McDowell’s game-high 19 points.

The achilles-heels of the Bronchos on the eight game losing streak had been defensive consistency throughout the entire 40 minutes and executing late game offense. This streak matched the longest set of consecutive losses in the past 70 seasons.

Their strength, however, has been early game success on both ends of the floor and that narrative carried over into the matchup with the Jets.

UCO got up 13-7 with just over 12 minutes remaining in the first half, encouraged by team defense and closing out on shooters, which was missing in their most recent loss to Fort Hays State University.

The Bronchos racked up three steals in the first 10 minutes of the game, indicative of increased intensity and a “win-or-go-home” mentality. The hope to make the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association end

of season tournament is still alive, but Bob Hoffman’s team will need to win the remainder of their games and get some help from other teams across the league.

The top 10 teams in the league qualify for the end-of-season tournament in the MIAA. The winning team receives an automatic qualification into the NCAA Division II championship tournament.

UCO currently sits at No. 13 out of 14 teams.

“Our focus is just getting into the [MIAA] tournament,” Hoffman said in a recent interview with UCO radio play-by-play announcer Tony Sellars.

“We’ve had chances in a lot of these games that just come down to a couple of plays or calls not going in our favor, but our heads are up.”

UCO took a 36-24 scoring advantage into the locker room with McDowell scoring 11 points to be the only player on either team to reach a double-figure point total. Redshirt freshman Justin Nimmer tied with Carson Calavan for the most first half assists by a Broncho with his two alley-oops to D.J. Basey.

The Bronchos came out of the locker room with the same level of intensity they ended the first half with, grabbing two steals in the first three

UCO forward Camryn Givens (33) drives past Missouri Western State University forward Beau Baker (25). The men's basketball team snapped a losing streak with a win Saturday over Newman University. (Jeff Farmer/The Vista)

minutes accompanied by a Cam Givens 3-pointer to extend their lead to a game-high 14 points with 18 minutes left.

UCO got their second half lead as

high as 28. This win keeps postseason tournament chances within reach.

The Bronchos return Feb. 22 against Emporia State University at Hamilton Field House, with tip off at 3:30 p.m.

14

February 18 , 2020

Softball

A Look At UCO Softball’s Victory Over St. Edward’s

UCO Softball beat St. Edward’s University 4-2 on Sunday at Broncho Softball Field. (Above) UCO Pitcher Kylee Lynch (22) throws a pitch during Sunday’s game versus St. Edwards. (Top Right) Outfielder Audrie Morrison (9) swings at a pitch versus St. Edwards. (Bottom Right) Head coach Cody White gives outfielder Lexy Dobson (8) instruction during Sunday’s game against St. Edward’s.

(Gerald Leong /The Vista)

Sports Column

February 18, 2020

15

Rolling Through Campus Athletics

UCO junior heavyweight Garrett Beier (left) contends at the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association during the University of Central Oklahoma’s tournament Sunday. The Bronchos earned their third MIAA title in the last seven years. (Provided/Bronchosports.com)

Jacob Silva @JacobDSilva_ SPORTS EDITOR

The University of Central Oklahoma’s sports teams are barreling through their regular season competition.

We’re about a month into the semester, so it’s time to take a look around the university to see what’s up and what’s down in 2020.

Baseball: The Bronchos are 5-2 in 2020, with big wins in their pocket over Henderson State University and Northwestern Oklahoma State University. UCO heads into their rematch on Feb. 18 with Northwestern Oklahoma State on a two-game winning streak.

Keep an eye on a pair of seniors, Kyle Crowl and Philip Scott. They’re leading this offense in their final season at UCO and have something exciting to offer every night they compete.

Softball: With an unusually grueling 1-5 start for the Bronchos softball team, one weekend is all it took for a heel turn, as they went an undefeated 6-0 in the UCO Softball Invitational.

Since then, the ship has steadied, and they are 8-8 overall with a promising 7-3 record at home.

Bronchos softball plays Midwestern State University on Feb. 21. Although

it will be hard to match the 48-8 record from last season, much of the season still remains for this squad and I fully believe they can trend in a positive direction.

Men’s Basketball: After snapping an eight-game losing streak – a mark not seen at UCO since 1950-1951 – the Bronchos basketball team surged to a huge win over Newman University last Saturday, winning 77-51.

The season comes to a close for Central basketball at the end of the month, and it’s fair to say that it’s been a disappointing one. Despite that, they’ve been touted time and time again by head coach Bob Hoffman for their grit, competitiveness and heart.

Those are characteristics we all hang our hats on at UCO. Roll ‘chos.

Women’s Basketball: Coming off two wins in a row and nearing the end of a successful season, the UCO women’s basketball team has stampeded its way to 17-7, and a fourth place spot in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association standings. Three games are left in the team’s regular season, and a spot in the MIAA Tournament has already been clinched.

Kelsey Johnson and Micayla Haynes are leading the team in scoring, with both averaging double digit points.

As Spring Break approaches and the semester gets harder for us, we can rally around these girls when they

compete at the MIAA Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri from March 4-8.

Wrestling: Another truly dominant season is being written by the UCO wrestling team. Last Sunday, the team catapulted themselves through the doors of the MIAA tournament,

trouncing Central Missouri, (whom they had a 41-0 record against coming into the matchup) and nabbing their third MIAA dual title in seven years. The Bronchos finished with an 12-2 record on the season, and a berth in the NCAA Division II Super Regional Tournament on March 1 on the horizon. Heading into Kansas for tournament play, the Bronchos hold the sixth seed.

We give thanks to the seniors who went to the mat for the last time at home last Sunday. Thank you all for a great season.

Track and Field: Madelyn Caldwell and Abena Sey have been standouts all season for the UCO track and field team. Caldwell has willed herself to the top six in the weight throw and shot put competitions at every event this season, and Sey continues to find success at high jump.

Earlier this season, Harlie Hanson set a school record in the 5,000 meter race, with a time of 18:09:20.

Men’s Golf: The spring season is just beginning for UCO golf, but it began with a bang. The men’s team took home a victory at the Houston Classic on Feb. 10-11.

Looking to further competition, the team prepares for the Saint Leo Invitational on Feb. 24 in Florida, and the Broncho Invitational on March 16 in Edmond.

UCO outfielder Audrie Morrison (9) and catcher Halley Randolph (17) high-five to celebrate a win against St. Edwards on Sunday. The Bronchos sit at three games above .500 at 5-2. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)