“Student Loan Service Navient Accused of Deception” on 11 Volume 114, Issue 4
Students Gather Peacefully
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VISTA “The Student Voice Since 1903”
Follow the Vista: UCentralMedia.com vistanews1903 @TheVista1903 thevista1903 The Vista Monday, Feb. 6, 2017
The Vista
@TheVista1903 Staff Reports
Hijabs and protest signs decorated the University of Central Oklahoma campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1 when at least 100 people gathered for a peaceful demonstration against recent immigration orders issued by President Donald Trump. Trump’s actions temporarily ban travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — and calls for the immediate construction of a border wall with Mexico.
“We wanted to breathe freedom.”
Demonstrators shouted phrases like “From Palestine to Mexico, all these walls have to go!” and “Where are we? We are home!” as students and guest speakers shared stories and words of encouragement. At one point, the crowd circled a drummer and chanted along to his beat. The rally was organized by several campus groups, including the UCO Arab Student Organization, Muslim Student Association, Hispanic American Student Association and the LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Association. Zoha Qureshi, a graduate student who read a poem about her experience as a Muslim woman in America, said the rally’s purpose was to bring people together. “We’re out here to promote peace and show people that banning any person, building a wall around any person or saying that people can’t come to the U.S. is against American morals — and human morals in general,” Qureshi said. See No Ban No Wall on 8
A protestor who declined to be named holds an American flag and chants during the peaceful No Ban No Wall demonstration at the University of Central Oklahoma on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Edmond, Okla. The protest, hosted by various organizations on campus, lasted over an hour and drew a crowd to listen to guest speakers and stand in resistance of Donald Trump’s latest executive order. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista).
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Feb. 6 2017
CONTENTS
Comedian and actress Jessi Campbell performs her stand-up comedy "Pause for Laughter" for students in Constitution Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017 The event was sponsored by the Student Programming Board. (Aryn Robinson/ The Vista).
CONTENTS UCO Parking..................................................3
Student Loans...............................................11
Around Campus..........................................4-5
Editorial........................................................12
Local News....................................................6
UCO Basketball...........................................13
No Ban No Wall.............................................8
Bucking Broncho.........................................14
Public Safety...................................................9
Voices...........................................................15
STAFF NAME AND POSITION
Kateleigh Mills Megan Prather Peter Agnitsch Siali Siaosi Cara Johnson M i r a n d a Va n M e t e r Elizabeth Spence K a t i e To w l e r A . Suave Francisco Ryan Naeve Te d d y B u r c h
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Online Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r S p o r t s Re p o r t e r Photographer Advisor
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The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both classified, online and print ads. Email your questions to: ucovista.advertising@gmail.com
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 thevista1903@gmail.com.
UCO PARKING
Feb. 6, 2017
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Transportation and Parking Services
Introduces Parking Management Solutions Erika Williams
@williams_erika_ Contributing Writer
UCO’s Transportation and Parking Services has recently rolled out smart parking management solutions that will be implemented across campus. These solutions are intended to help UCO students find parking spots more quickly. Transportation and Parking Services (TPS) plans to install solar and AC-powered signs at the entrances of the parking lots on campus. Beginning with single entrance and exit lots, these signs will use road sensors to display the number of parking spots available. Chelsea Ratterman, digital content specialist and media contact for TPS, gave some insight into the progress made so far. According to Ratterman, while signs are already up in the library student and faculty/staff lots that have single entrances and exits, signs for the larger lots, like the one on the east side of campus by the Quad and Liberal Arts building, may be coming soon. "The company we are working with is fantastic in helping us explore solutions to the challenges these lots present, both to us and to their current coding and tech structures. The
biggest hurdle facing the larger, multiple entrance/exit lots is the need to have signs communicate wirelessly over a larger distance that the current coding and technology we have is capable of,” Ratterman said. TPS has partnered with Canada-based Parking Logix, which produces the OpenSpace system that the signs run on. This company allows UCO to collect data about parking trends. “All of the data we acquire is used to help us determine how we can better improve the parking experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This may not necessarily mean lot creation and expansion, which is often the quickest option presented, and most difficult option to make happen just due to the available space around campus for this sort of construction," Ratterman said. She also explained that TPS may be making other changes to current parking procedure, such as how permits are issued. Currently, parking permits at UCO are the same price for everyone, regardless of where they plan to park. TPS is considering a plan that would allow for tiered pricing for permits, based on lot size and location of the lots where each student
Parking at the University of Central Oklahoma is often a problem for commuter students. The implementation of the smart parking system is intended to assist students in finding parking more easily. (Provided/ Vista Archives).
would be parking. These changes come in response to complaints about the current parking conditions at UCO. “I have classes in the Math and Science building and I have to park on the other side of campus just to find a spot,” said residential student
Sierra Wilkinson. “I even have a hard time finding a parking spot on campus when I get back from work late at night.” TPS is also hoping to create a mobile app that will give UCO’s students, faculty, staff and visitors the ability to view parking spot availability before they even reach campus. “I think an app is a great idea and I would definitely use it because I would know if I would be able to park before I even get to the lot,” said commuter student Carly Montgomery. There is currently no timeline on the app, but there is no doubt that TPS is working to make parking at UCO as easy and efficient as possible.
The commuter lot on the west side of the library hosts one of the University of Central Oklahoma's new smart parking. The system alerts students before they enter the lot on how many spots are available for parking. (Provided/ Vista Archives).
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Feb. 6, 2017
AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND THE CAMPUS
Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 MSA Library: In Howell Hall, represen-
tatives from the Muslim Student Association will be in Room 221N. MSA has created a library that lends textbooks to students at no cost. These textbooks are available for University Core classes. More information or to check book availability can be found by contacting bronchomsa@gmail.com or on OrgSync.com.
OrgSync 101: At 9 a.m. in the Administration Building’s Room 101A, the Student Organizations Office will offer training for officers, advisors or members of organizations who need to learn the basics of OrgSync, as well as any helpful tips. Non-Traditional Student Support Group: Beginning at 11 a.m. in the Nigh
University Center’s Room 415, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will offer a support group for students who are having issues balancing school, work and family.
American Democracy Project Meeting: At noon in Thatcher Hall’s lobby,
the American Democracy Project will have a meeting to plan spring events. ADP is looking for members who have ideas to encourage civic engagement on campus. Contact the American Democracy Project at adp@uco.edu for more information or RSVP to the meeting on OrgSync.
UCOSA Congress Meetings: At 1
p.m. in the Will Rogers Room in the Nigh University Center, UCOSA Congress members will have their weekly congress meeting.
Got Stress Workshop: The Center for
Counseling and Well-Being will hold a class on learning how to manage stress and college life in NUC Room 402 from 2-3 p.m.
Life Skills Around Eating: At 3:30
p.m. in Nigh University Center’s Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will be holding a free and confidential support group for those who suffer from eating disorders and symptoms that suggest eating disorders.
LGBTQ+ Public Administration & Policy: Then, Now, What is Next?: At 6 p.m. in Grand Ballroom C (NUC), Pi Alpha Alpha will host a STLR-approved speaker presentation featuring Dr. Wallace Swan, a scholar on LGBT public policy issues. The presentation will include historical points of view on LGBTQ+ public policies as well as the recent advances of national, state and local policy. Dr. Swan will also speak about the challenges that the public may face in the future. Pi Alpha Alpha partnered with UCO’s SAFE, Praxis, LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Association, Freedom Oklahoma and The Gayly.
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 The Vagina Monologues Auditions: From 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Room 113, the Women’s Outreach Center will have audtions for “The Vagina Monologues” written by Eve Ensler. Auditions are open to all UCO staff, faculty and students living as women. Cast members are required to perform on Feb. 23, 2017. Scripts can be picked up at the Women’s Outreach Center (NUC 113) or the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (NUC 211). Auditions will continue through Feb. 9. Contact Chrissy Kyles for more information at woc@uco.edu or call 405-974-3626. Faculty and Conduct Lunch and Learn: From 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the
Nigh University Center’s Room 402, the Virginia Lamb Living Room (HES 109) presenters from the Office of Student Conduct will answer questions to faculty on how to utilize their services, such as how to report an incident to OSC. To attend, RSVP with OSC Director Chris Snoddy at CSnoddy@uco.edu.
This Month with SPB: At 11 a.m. members from the Student Programming Board will have an activity table in the Nigh University Center near the food courts to talk about events they have planned for February.
SMART Recovery: At noon in the NUC Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will have a SMART Recovery meeting for those in recovery to learn skills to stay balanced and motivated in staying healthy. More information about the SMART Recovery can be found on www.smartrecovery.org. Anger Tamers: From 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in
the Nigh University Center’s Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will give confidential and free support for those who struggle with controlling anger.
How to Land Your First Job Panel:
Beginning at 3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center, Praxis has asked members from the State, Local and National levels to talk to students about what they are looking for during the hiring process. They will also talk about what to do and ask during an interview, what experiences are most valued and how to negotiate a contract.
Be-YOU-tiful: Beginning at 7 p.m. the Black Student Association will have members in the Cherokee Room to help women and men improve esteem and body image. They will also discuss the statistics about topics such as self-esteem, eating disorders and suicides. SAFE Movie Night: At 7 p.m. the Student Alliance for Equality will have special screening in Liberal Arts Building’s Pegasus Theatre for students, faculty, staff and members of the community. Application Deadline for Truman Scholar: The last day to apply to become a
2017 Truman Scholar is Feb. 7. To apply, visit http:www.truman.gov.
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 Seeking Strength: At 1 p.m. in the Nigh
University Center’s Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will hold a free and confidential group for those dealing with trauma or substance abuse symptoms. The groups work on skills such as how to set boundaries in relationships, understanding triggers and learning how to self-care.
AROUND CAMPUS BGLTQ+ Support: From 2 p.m. - 3
p.m. in the NUC Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will offer a support group for individuals thinking about coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or for people who have recently come out and are seeking support. These groups are free and confidential.
African Student Association Meeting: At 4 p.m. the African Student Association will meet for their general meeting in the Nigh University Center.
Design Movie Night: Between the Folds: At 7 p.m. in the Radke Fine Arts The-
atre (CTL), the design department will have the Design Movie Night event, which happens 3 times per semester. The movie is open to all UCO students, faculty, staff and community. The event is also STLR-tagged.
SPB Central Perk Presents Raquel Lily and Seth Cook: UCO’s Student Pro-
gramming Board will host YouTube sensations Raquel Lily and Seth Cook for their second annual Central Perk Night. For more information, contact the SPB through Campus Activities at 405-974-2363 and SPB@uco.edu.
Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 Stress Paws: From 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will have therapy dogs to help students relieve stress every Thursday.
Feb. 6, 2017 NASA Craft Night: Valentine Beaded Rings: The Native American Student
Association will be in the Cherokee Room in the Nigh University Center at 5:30 p.m. to make beaded rings. NASA asks for RSVPs for this event so they can buy enough supplies.
SMART Recovery: At 5:30 p.m. at the International House, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will have a SMART Recovery meeting for those in recovery to learn skills to stay balanced and motivated in staying healthy. More information about the SMART Recovery can be found on www. smartrecovery.org. Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Anger Tamers: From 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will give confidential and free support for those who struggle with controlling anger. Grief Group: Beginning at 11 a.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will offer a grief group to individuals who are experiencing grief. Round Table: At 3 p.m. at Cafe Evoke,
the French Club will meet to drink coffee and practice speaking French.
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Mr. Central Pageant: At 7 p.m. in Constitution Hall the Men’s Programming Board will have a talent show for Mr. UCO. Those who participate have the opportunity to win $5000 in scholarship and tuition waivers.
Information gathered for ‘Around the Campus’ can be found on UCO’s OrgSync page, uco.edu, blasts.uco.edu, Campus Activities and from other organizations across campus.
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Feb. 6, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Healthcare Reform Impacts on Students
President Barack Obama speaks with President-elect Donald Trump during the presidential inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan 20, 2017. (Saul Loeb/ Pool Photo via AP)
Skyler Baldwin
@SkylerBaldwin13 Contributing Writer
Few things during Barack Obama’s presidency cultivated as much controversy as the Affordable Care Act — regarded as one of the worst things to happen to the United States by many conservatives and a godsend by some liberals. The ACA has taken the controversial spotlight once again with President Donald Trump’s plan to repeal and replace it. What causes many Americans to worry is Trump’s habit of changing opinions and beliefs. In the late nineties he was quoted as saying, “I like universal [healthcare]; we have to take care, there’s nothing else. What’s the country all about if we’re not going to take care of our sick?” during an interview with Stone Phillips. He also has not mentioned a universal healthcare system since his election. In fact, until recently he has mentioned very few details of a healthcare plan, other than criticizing
the one currently in place. UCO freshman Joshua Chidester feels that a free, universal healthcare system that draws inspiration from the Canadian system, would be the best possibility for the United States due to the rapid cease of the spreading of disease. “Since there is less disease going around because of the free healthcare,” Chidester said, “there would be far lower rates for sickness.” Of course this doesn’t come without disadvantages. “It’s expensive,” UCO junior Dustin Stepp said. “We would have to cut budgets from other government programs, like defense.” Although Stepp is not personally affected by the change, being covered by a Native American healthcare system, he personally knows others who could be. By far, the biggest concern with a change from “Obamacare” to “Trumpcare” is the question of preexisting conditions. Those with chronic illnesses are much more difficult for insurance companies to cover, due to expense.
“I’m type one diabetic,” OSU senior Jb Pry said. “If the ACA is repealed and its replacement doesn’t protect people with preexisting conditions, then I’m in pretty big danger of not being able to get insurance again.” This is a big impact for someone who must have a steady supply of medication. “It probably stops me from living, honestly,” Pry said. “After I turn 26, if I lose my coverage, I could just straight up be denied it. I have to start paying for my insulin and diabetes supplies out of pocket. Multiple hundreds of dollars a week — I can’t afford that.” Trump has said in the past that there was a lot about the ACA that he liked and coverage for those with preexisting conditions was one of them. “That being said,” Pry said, “people like me would feel a lot more comfortable if we could see a plan in writing.”
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NO BAN NO WALL
(Continued from cover) The rally was also meant as a symbol of standing in solidarity with those who are being affected by these executive orders. “It also shows unity,” Qureshi said. “So the people who are scared right now know there’s people out there who support them and that they’re not alone.” Felix Yanez, vice president of UCO’s Hispanic American Student Association, said it’s “appalling” not to consider the countless families impacted by Trump’s travel ban. “Educate yourselves, step into the shoes of others and recognize they don’t have the same privileges as you,” Yanez said during remarks to the
crowd. Community leaders also attended the demonstration to offer messages of hope and discuss suggestions for navigating today’s contentious political climate. Adam Soltani, executive director of Oklahoma’s Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said minorities must stand up for one another now more than ever. “We’ve entered into a time in our country’s history where nobody of any race, creed or ethnicity can sit by idly and overlook or just watch and observe what is going on,” Soltani said. “Because if you are being silent, you are being complicit and you are agreeing.”
Above: An unidentified protester chants and hold a sign brandishing Lady Liberty during the No Ban No Wall protest on campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista). Right: Students laugh during chants at the No Ban No Wall protest on UCO’s campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista).
Above and Below: Students gather to protest the executive order Donald Trump passed on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 that called for a ban of people from certain Middle Eastern countries. Several organizations at UCO organized a demonstration to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista).
Above: Zoha Qureshi holds a sign with an excerpt from Emma Lazarus’s “The New Colossus” during the No Ban No Wall protest hosted at the University of Central Oklahoma on Wednesday Feb. 1, 2017. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista).
PUBLIC SAFETY
Feb. 6, 2017
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Status of Illegal Immigration in State What Trump’s Executive Order means in OKC Elizabeth Spence @lizzlynn Reporter
After Donald Trump drafted the executive order on illegal immigration there was worry in the state of Oklahoma for local immigrants. During an Oklahoma City council meeting on Tuesday, Police Chief Bill Citty said a few things about whether or not Oklahoma City is a sanctuary city. “There is nothing in the current executive order that is going to require any changes as to what we currently do,” Citty said. The policies and procedures in Oklahoma’s immigration laws have been looked over by the state and the executive order will cause no change for any of its residents. “Our policy and procedure itself is to be able to foster trust within our communities that have a high level of
undocumented persons,” Citty said. According to the Pew Research Center, Oklahoma City is home to 75,000 undocumented immigrants, most of them coming from Mexico. The executive order that President Trump implemented has the intent to lessen those numbers, but not by use of the Oklahoma City Police Department. The policy restricts them from doing any investigating because of the lack of authority, training, experience and man power. “It also states that we do have the responsibility to enforce state law,” Citty said. This means that if the state passes a law or new policy stating that the state police are to be involved, they have no choice. “The state law basically requires that if a person commits a felony or a DUI or we feel like there is evidence that they were harboring or transporting for the purpose of having some-
President Donald Trump sits at his desk after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. White House press secretary Sean Spicer watches at right. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) body stay within our community that’s not documented, that is a state violation,” Citty said. The law is strict and states that
there has to be probable cause or reason for suspicion for any resident to be investigated.
STUDENT LOANS
Feb. 6, 2017
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Student Loan Service
Navient Accused of Deception
This Wednesday, April 2, 2014, photo, shows the headquarters of student loan debt collector Navient Corporation, in Wilmington, Del. Student loan servicers play a key role in the lives of the 44 million Americans who, combined, have run up $1.4 trillion in student debt. In January 2016, regulators filed a lawsuit against the largest of them, Navient, accusing it of making it harder for borrowers to repay loans by giving them flawed information, processing payments incorrectly and failing to act on complaints. (William Bretzger/The Wilmington News-Journal via AP)
Victor Quezada
@vicq87 Contributing Writer
Sallie Mae and Navient have had similar incidents in the past, taking advantage of veterans, students and even families. According to the New York Times, the Con“These companies just take advantage of the sumer Financial Protection Bureau is suing students,” Tony Jackson, UCO student said. “It Navient, the nation’s largest provider of both is bad enough that we have to pay for a higher federal and private student loans, for systemateducation, but big business influencing it is the ically and illegally failing borrowers at every worst.’” stage of repayment. Along with the complaint processes in effect, “The fact that these companies are taking groups such as Strike Debt and the Rolling Jubiadvantage of students is extremely disheartening,” Alicia Rubin, UCO student said. “Students lee want to bring awareness of this crime to the trust these loan services with their money. Many rest of the country. Navient has been the leader of student loan times students go into loans without fully understanding the process and completely trusting the debt responsibilities since their split from Sallie Mae in 2005. company to care for their money.” Navient’s strategy failed to inform their clienNavient reportedly misled their 12.5 million tele about the hazard of taking too much of the clients through shortcuts and deception, creating obstacles of repayment, providing bad informa- loan before considering debt rises due to spikes tion, processing payments incorrectly and failing in interest percentage after the first year, accordto act when borrowers complained, according to ing to consumerfinance.gov. Jacqui N. Jemison, a student financial services a report from the Consumer Financial Protection counselor, recommends that students be aware of Bureau. possibly taking too much from student loans. This incident not only increases distrust of “This Navient situation does not surprise me,” loan institutions by students facing large loan Jemison said. “Student loan services are there debts for education, but also reveals a layer of for students to take advantage for themselves deception among those thinking that these loan in higher education. It is disheartening to hear companies already make enough.
about this because it impacts families and students alike.” The set up by Navient appears to make it near-impossible for the borrowers to pay off their debt completely by setting up obstacles for them. The obstacles include intentional crashing of the servers when payment is sent, misinformation of what the actual minimum payment meant and incorrect descriptions of the interest markup. The repeated processing errors were intentional for the clients to blame the system before being set up for the bigger debt based on the delayed bill due date. Students at UCO are more familiar with loans being dealt by Direct Loan, instituted by the U.S. Department of Education, according to the UCO’s website. Currently, the Justice Department of the United States is filing a lawsuit against Navient, who released their 4Q profits and statement reports from the previous year. The impact of this accusation could raise awareness of the possible dangers in loans but could also promote learning more about the responsibilities of reading the fine line.
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Feb. 6, 2017
EDITORIAL
Everyone Loves the Super Bowl, Right?
A helicopter flies over NRG Stadium for the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Peter Agnitsch @PeteyPete33 Sports Editor
There is reason to believe that President Donald J. Trump does not like the NFL. To figure out why, you have to go back in time to 1983, when a new spring football league was just starting, named the USFL. In the USFL’s inaugural season, they started with 12 teams and signed million-dollar television deals with ABC and ESPN. Everything looked to be going up after the league’s first season - they weren’t profitable yet, but the ratings for the league looked positive. They had young, future football stars like Steve Young, Jim Kelly and Herschel Walker. Everything would change during the fledgling league’s first off-season when Oklahoma City oilman, J. Walter Duncan, sold the New Jersey Generals to Trump, who eventually became one of the league leaders. Trump had his own agenda for the league and wanted to move its season to the fall to compete against the NFL. “If God had wanted football in the spring, he wouldn’t have created baseball,” Trump said. Trump’s reasoning for going up against the NFL in the fall was to steal ratings from the NFL and force a merger between the two leagues and hopefully bring his team into the NFL. When the USFL agreed to move to the fall they realized they
had one problem, the NFL had televiIt seems that President Trump only One thing that will probably be for sion contracts with all three major likes two things in the NFL and that’s sure is that Trump will tweet that his networks and that no one would sign Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Brady inauguration crowd was bigger than TV deals with the USFL. and Belichick have both been Trump the Super Bowls’. So, Trump did what he does best: supporters. he decided to sue the NFL, claiming they were monopolizing football in an anti-trust case for $1.2 billion. Surprisingly, Trump and the USFL won the case, but didn’t get anywhere near what they asked for, only being rewarded $1. Since the league couldn’t find television networks to cover them in the fall, the league remained in the spring for two more seasons before it disbanded. In a 2009 interview with Mike Tollin, Trump said that it ultimately would have been “small potatoes,” which led to Tollin’s documentary, “Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL.” It’s quite obvious that Trump is responsible for the downfall of the USFL. If he hadn’t pushed for the league to move to the fall and expand too quickly, it might still be around. That being said, Trump has taken his frustrations about the USFL and used them to complain on multiple occasions about the NFL. For example, in a campaign rally in Florida, he criticized league officials for throwing too many penalty flags during games. “It’s become soft, and our country President Donald Trump gives the thumbs-up as he walks from White House has become soft,” said Trump later in Washington, Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, to the South Lawn to board Marine One on at the campaign rally. for the short trip to Andrews Air Force Base, Md. en route to West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
UCO BASKETBALL
Feb. 6, 2017
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Broncho Basketball Recap Men and Women’s Teams Top Central Missouri Austin Moseley @Austin_Moseley Sports Reporter
The eighth-ranked UCO Bronchos women’s basketball team faced off against the Central Missouri Jennies at Hamilton Field House in a MIAA conference showdown. A balanced scoring effort along with stingy defense helped the Bronchos secure their 20th win of the season as they beat Central Missouri 65-55. UCO was led by senior guard Marley Anderson, who had 17 points to go along with 3 assists and 1 steal. Jesheon Cooper also played a huge role in the Bronchos victory, finishing the game with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks. UCO also received contributions from Melinda Murillo, who scored 16 points and Olivia Mason who had 6 points and 8 rebounds. From the opening tip-off, the Bronchos were pushing the pace and pounding the ball inside to take advantage of their size. Cooper was a focal point on the offensive end to start the game, as she produced a quick six points and two blocks to help the Bronchos gain a 10-5 lead early in the first quarter. Austin Moseley @Austin_Moseley Sports Reporter
The UCO Men’s basketball team (13-7, 8-4) defeated Central Missouri (14-6, 8-4) 58-54 in a MIAA matchup on Thursday. Marquis Johnson and Jake Hammond both led the Bronchos with 12 points each. Hammond also finished with nine rebounds and three blocked shots for the game. The first five minutes of the game for the Bronchos were plagued by turnovers, resulting in an early 10-3 deficit. Marquis Johnson’s early 3-pointers kept UCO within striking distance as the team started to warm up. UCO began making a push and, with the help of a Demari Edwards’ 3-point shot, cut Central Missouri’s lead to 3 points with 12 minutes left in the first half. The Mules however, led by Kyle Wolf, capitalized off the Bronchos mistakes to take a 20-12 lead. The Mules carried all the momen-
“She definitely had a mismatch”, UCO’s head coach Guy Hardaker said. With the help of Cooper, the Bronchos crashed the glass relentlessly the entire game. “We were just focusing on rebounding,” Hardaker said. The Bronchos out-rebounded the Jennies 13-5 in the first quarter, whcih helped the Bronchos get a 21-9 lead. To start the second quarter, Central Missouri switched from a man defense to a zone, attempting to catch the Bronchos off guard. The zone defense helped Central Missouri mount a comeback as the Broncho lead was cut to just seven points in the middle of the second quarter. UCO once again leaned on their size as they grabbed five offensive rebounds in the second quarter, giving them a 22-11 advantage on the boards and leading them to a 38-28 lead heading into halftime. The Bronchos started the third quarter shooting 1-8, as the team struggled to get a basket. UCO ended up shooting 31% for the quarter, allowing Central Missouri to claw their way back to within single digits of the Bronchos’ lead at the end of the third. Paige Redmond led Central
tum, but the Bronchos rallied together as they slowly chipped away at the Central Missouri lead. “We just kept fighting and plugging away,” UCO head coach Tom Hankins said. With less than three minutes remaining, UCO quickly mounted a 7-0 run to cut the Mules lead to just one point. Jordan London’s 3-pointer would cap a 14-2 Broncho run, as the team stormed back to take a 24-22 lead heading into halftime. “When we started getting the ball inside and started driving it more, that’s when things opened up for us,” Hankins said. UCO shot just 33% in the first half, but behind a suffocating defense, held the Mules to 31% shooting in the first half and only 25% from the 3-point line. After taking 13 3-point shots in the first half, the Bronchos began to take the ball inside, which resulted in the team taking 15 free throws in the second half. UCO was able to
Sophmore Madison Lee defends the basket at the UCO vs. Central Missouri Women’s game at the Hamilton Field House on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017.(Elizabeth Roberts/ The Vista).
Missouri with 23 points and, with a three-point shot, trimmed the Bronchos lead down to 6 points early in the fourth quarter. Central Missouri had five fourth-quarter comebacks, but the Bronchos refused to be
another victim. UCO went on a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 15 and the Bronchos never looked back. With this victory, the Bronchos clinched a spot in the MIAA tournament.
convert 18-19 free throws. Early in the second half, center Jake Hammond grabbed a pass from a teammate and jumped through a sea of defenders to hammer down a two-handed flush, giving the Bronchos a 34-27 lead and forcing a timeout from Central Missouri. Hammond continued a productive second half by driving the lane and making a layup with contact to put the Bronchos up 42-37 halfway through the second. Hammond a 67% free throw shooter on the season, converted 86% of his attempts at the line in the game. UCO followed up their stifling defense from the first half with a lock-down performance of Central Missouri’s leading scorer. Wolf, who scored 13 out of his team’s first 15 points, did not score again until the 8-minute mark of the second half. With the Bronchos leading by two points with five minutes remaining, Corbin Byford, who had 8 points and 7 rebounds, hit a hook shot over the
outstretched arms of a Central Missouri defender to beat the shot clock and put UCO back up by four, but the Mules wouldn’t go away. With under a minute remaining in the game, Central Missouri hit a 3-point shot to trim the Broncho lead to just two points and after forcing a miss on the other end, called timeout and had the ball with 27 seconds left. Coming out of the timeout, the Bronchos switched every screen, trying to confuse the Central Missouri playmakers. The Mules got the ball into the post with Hammond defending and the Bronchos were able to force a travel with 10 seconds left. The Mules fouled Josh Holliday on the proceeding inbound pass, hoping for a missed free throw. Holliday sank both free throws with ease, clinching a 58-54 victory over the Mules. “He’s made big free throws for us before, so I had a lot of confidence in him,” Hankins said.
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The Vista
Feb. 6, 2017
BUCKING BRONCHO
The Bucking Broncho: Racism Still In Sports Today
A. Suave Francisco @SuaveFrancisco_ Sports Reporter
Racism is a term that covers multiple different aspects of life, but one we fail to pay much attention to is athletics. Although that may sound ridiculous due to the majority of athletes being African-American, it is a fact. From decades ago to more than 100 years ago, racism was a way of life, but now it’s not that simple. However, it’s still alive and well in athletics. A great example of modern day racism in sports is represented by the Donald Sterling situation. All this was the norm once upon a time. Sports were segregated and there was an unfortunate understanding of what black athletes could and couldn’t do. They typically played in the minor leagues despite their talent or had inferior facilities compared to white atheletes. Honestly, though, those were privileges; sometimes blacks weren’t even allowed to play. If you haven’t already, study up on the Jackie Robinson story, or simply watch the movie “42.” Throughout his career, but especially in the beginning, he faced many death threats, including some from his teammates. Forty years before Venus and Serena Williams, there was Althea Gibson, a black woman who despite
Jackie Robinson, the iconic African American baseball star, faced criticism due to his race, despite having enough talent to get him into major league baseball in America. (Provided/ Wikipedia.com)
winning multiple championships, was denied hotel rooms or a seat at many restaurants. Things are easier now, as they should be, but racism has revamped itself in a new form. “I support them and give them food, and clothes, and cars and houses. Who gives it to them? Does someone else give it to them? Do I know that I have-- Who makes the
game? Do I make the game? Or do they make the game? Are there 30 owners that create the league?” That is just a small, but summarizing section of former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s rant to his girlfriend after she associated with black people, which infuriated Sterling. She simply asked him “Isn’t your whole team black?” and that was his response.
In this Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 photo, United States’ Serena Williams, left, embraces her sister, Venus, as she celebrates after winning the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, File)
Although this controversy happened three years ago, you can’t help but notice how the slave-owner mindset is still alive and well today. Black men still make money for white men by doing physical labor. That’s the brutally honest truth. The only difference now is that they are getting paid a lot of money to do it. But still, they have to answer to the owner who can dispose of them as he pleases. Let’s get this straight: I’m not in any way saying all owners in professional sports have this mindset and I’m also not saying this format should change, since that would do away with professional sports. I’m just shining a light on how a significant portion of our country still perceives African-Americans. Many people in our society that we see and interact with every day still have this mindset, that’s the brutally honest truth. Athletically speaking, things have gotten better and will continue to get better in time, but yes, a form of racism as well as a form of slavery, is still alive and well in American athletics, despite the strides we’ve made in other areas of life, proving our worth more and more every day.
VOICES
Feb. 6, 2017
The Vista
15
Voices of Oklahoma
Above: “I was really young. And I got grounded in Colorado and I had to go to time-out sitting in this window. And I’m looking out this window and I remember seeing all of these elk, but I was in time-out so I couldn’t tell anybody about these elk. It’s just one of those memories that I remember often. I just remember being the only one in the house that saw the elk. I feel bad because the child in me was too afraid to break the rules of time-out to be able to tell my family, ‘Hey, there’s a bunch of elk out there!’” - Molly Hatch, UCO Senior.
Left: “After I came out I lost everything. I started studying Sociology to say I mattered and so others, hopefully, wouldn’t have to experience my coming out story.” Dallas Smith, Academic Advisement Center Division of Student Affairs.