Volume 116, Issue 1
the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018
Edmond Kicks UCO Students Off the Streets Katie Standlee @katiestandlee Reporter
The City of Edmond plans to install “No Parking” signs on neighborhood streets around campus, no longer allowing students to clog the streets. Violators of the new regulation will receive tickets from Edmond PD. Photo Illustration. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista)
The University of Central Oklahoma’s community is in for more parking difficulties as the City of Edmond establishes new regulations on the streets around campus. Edmond is initiating a change for the neighborhood streets near campus and plans to install signs on both sides of the streets reading “No Parking, 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m., Weekdays, School Days Only” to keep UCO students from parking there. This change was prompted by several complaints from the inhabitants of those residential streets. “I’ve been here for over 30 years and we’ve always had this issue come up when the UCO semester starts that the kids are parking in front of [and] in the residential neighborhoods...making the streets narrow, parking in such a way that they block people’s driveways,” said Tom Minnick of the City of Edmond Traffic Planning Department. See “Parking” continued on page 3.
UCO Student Wins Miss Oklahoma USA Peter Agnitsch @peteypete33
Online Editor
University of Central Oklahoma student Cheyene Gorman spent her winter break in a state of, what she called, “relief” after a yearlong journey of hard work and training that turned into her very own Miss Oklahoma USA crown. “I had done something; I had finally done something for myself to prove that I am not as much of an
underdog that people thought I was,” Gorman said. Miss Oklahoma USA 2018, held Dec. 17, was the first time Gorman had competed in a pageant. “It was literally a 360 flip for me,” Gorman said. “ I didn’t even know how to hardly walk in heels.” Since it was her first pageant, Gorman embraced the role of underdog, a role she felt she’d related to her entire life.
“I felt like I’ve always been seen as kind of an underdog,” Gorman said. “No one really recognized the potential I had and no one really took the time to work with me and get me to my full potential.” The pageant gave Gorman the platform to show people the potential she always believed she had. “In doing this, it was kind of me not only proving to myself, but proving to other people I have a lot
See “Miss Oklahoma USA” continued on page 5.
UCO NEWS
Medieval Society Launches 25th Year at UCO
on pg. 8
(Provided/Cheyene Gorman)
BRONCHO SPORTS
Hale Yeah: UCO Lands OSU Transfer on pg. 13
the
Contents
Jan. 16, 2018
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VISTA
CONTENTS
Street Parking/ Integrity Week.............................................3
Advertise with us!
Around Campus...................................................................4
The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters.
Miss Oklahoma Jump/ Integrity Week..................................5 Oklahoma Research Day......................................................6 Medieval Society...............................................................8-9 DACA/ Humor Column...................................................10-11 Men’s Basketball/ Eli Hale.............................................12-13
In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both classified, online and print ads. For information or questions contact at: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com
Marqueese Grayson/ Bucking Broncho...........................14-15
STAFF Cara Johnson Elizabeth Spence Austin Moseley Ryan Naeve Megan Thele Peter Agnitsch
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Online Editor
Christian Tabak Vy Luong Alejandro Gonzalez Evelyn Stewart Katie Standlee Jonathan Goudeau Dylan Brown
Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Sports Reporter Humor Columnist
Michelle Pennza Hayden Barzditis Teddy Burch
Graphic Designer Photographer Adviser
On Cover: Bottom left: A suit of armor stands on display near the Mediaval Society’s table at the 2015 Liberal Arts Symposium. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista) Bottom right: OSU transfer Eli Hale, top, holds down an opponent during a wrestling match for the University of Central Oklahoma. (Provided/UCO
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.
Edmond/ UCO
Jan. 16, 2018
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Edmond Kicks UCO Students Off the Streets Continued From Page 1, UCO sent out an email blast on Jan. 5 to the UCO community to notify students of the upcoming change. As stated in the email, this is a decision that is anticipated to impact commuters. According to Brian Hiney of the City of Edmond’s Traffic Planning Department, this decision has been in deliberation since approximately the beginning of October. “I believe that the issue is that whenever students park on both sides of the street around the campus, it could be difficult for emergency vehicles to move up and down the street,” Hiney said. “The fine is $40, but if they don’t pay it within the first five days it goes up to $50 and that’s a City of Edmond municipal ticket,” said Lt. Todd Strader of the Edmond Police Department. Strader said that even though they will be ticketing vehicles, there will not be any towing. The restricted times will not just apply to UCO students, but to
residents living in those areas as well. Prior to this decision being announced the City of Edmond sent out 373 letters to the homeowners in those areas. According to Minnick, there were 22 negative responses, most of which were from residents with concern for service workers that may come out to the residents’ homes, such as a lawn crew or repair worker, who typically arrive to perform service during the restricted times. “Then we had a couple of concerns with some residents who didn’t have driveways,” Minnick said. “Those residents will either have to park behind their house in the alley or they’ll have to put in a driveway.” While some residents have concerns about the new policy, others are more welcoming to it. “When we got that letter, we jumped up and down we were so excited,” said Valerie Elliott, a current resident in the affected area. “It was getting to the point where delivery drivers can’t make their drives, [the]
A line of cars is parked down a sidestreet east of UCO’s campus on Wednesday, Jan. 10. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista) post office can’t do it, trash can’t get picked up and our driveway is blocked constantly.” Hiney said that only restricting one side of the road was considered during the deliberation process, but the city decided to restrict both sides. A section of the letter sent to residents said, “there are several reasons why the signs should be posted on both sides of the street. If we allowed parking on one side only, how do we determine which side would be
chosen over the other side? If parking were to be allowed on one side, students would be trying to capture those available spaces leaving none for the residents.” The signs have not yet been placed, but according to Minnick they have been ordered for Traffic Control to install. For any further questions, contact Brian Hiney at 405-359-4736 or Tom Minnick at 405-359-4775.
Integrity Week Returns to UCO for Third Year Evelyn Stewart @evelynn
Reporter
The third annual Integrity Week kicks off on Jan. 22 at the University of Central Oklahoma, encouraging students to take an Integrity pledge, which asks them to be honest professionally and academically and not cheat or plagiarize. Director of Student Conduct Chris Snoddy said that the purpose of Integrity Week is to teach students the meaning and importance of integrity. “We started Integrity Week to help students further their academic endeavors by teaching them integrity,” Snoddy said. The pledge opened online for students on Jan. 8 and remains available until 12 p.m. on Jan. 26. Students who take the pledge are eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship. Last year, over 1,200 students took the pledge. Integrity Week has four main events Monday through Friday to help students learn about integrity. Each morning free doughnuts will be offered for the event DO-NUT Cheat, Be Honest! on the second floor of the Nigh University Center.
An Integrity Week 2017 volunteer hands out donuts and information to students in the Nigh University Center. (Provided/Chris Snoddy, Director of Student Conduct)
On Monday Jeanetta Sims, Assistant Dean of the Jackson College of Graduate Studies, is speaking at the Radke Fine Arts Theatre in the Center of Transformative Learning Building starting at 12 p.m. Sims plans on talking about the differences between operating with and without
integrity. On Tuesday there is a self-defense seminar for all UCO students, faculty and staff based on the Israeli martial arts style Krav Maga. Krav Maga is a form of self-defense taught to U.S. law enforcement personnel. It is hosted at the Wellness
Center from 1-3 p.m., and is designed to teach students the basics of hand-to-hand defense. “Krav Maga is not a sport and has no rules. It is purely defense,” said Christina Traverso, case manager for Student Conduct. Traverso said that this type of martial arts is great when a student is out on the street and needs to defend him or herself. Those who want to attend must go online and fill out an application. Students are also welcome to observe the event. “The Plagiarist” will be screened at the Food and Film event on Wednesday in the Radke Fine Arts Theatre at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday night in Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall, Acts of Integrity, Take 3! will show student-made videos on the importance of integrity. The final videos will be due Jan. 19 on OrgSync. Students attending the events can earn STLR points in the Leadership tenant. The winner of the $1,000 scholarship is announced Friday afternoon.
Jan. 16, 2018
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Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018
Around Campus
PHL Tabling: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nigh University Center, UCO Peer Health Leaders will be educating their peers on alcohol abuse and commonly used date-rape drugs. They will also be conducting an anonymous survey regarding drug use among students.
Non-Traditional Student Support Group: The group is hosted by the Center for Counseling and Well-Being to help non-traditional students find support at UCO. Attendees can talk and relate their life experiences with one another in order to help meet their personal needs. The group meets from 2 -3 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center.
Power Nap: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is providing a place for students to take a nap from 1-2 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center.
SPBe Awkward: SPB will have a photo booth for students to take awkward family photos outside of the bookstore in the Nigh University Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
UCO Wrestling: The Bronchos Wrestling team faces off against Newman at 7 p.m. in Hamilton Field House.
Greek Leadership Institute: From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Nigh University Center, GLI brings together the Greek community to learn life and leadership skills in order to be a good student, Greek member, and citizen. Students will get the opportunity to speak with campus and state leaders, as well as others, through workshops and group sessions.
SMART Recovery: In Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being hosts a meeting for those in recovery to learn tools for coping with urges and managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The meeting takes place at 12 p.m. Flash Mob Meditation: At 1:15 p.m. in the Quad Fitness Room, representatives from the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will offer meditation, tai chi, yoga and relaxation. UCO counselor Jeff Jones will lead the group every Tuesday. Connections Group: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being will hold a Connections Group from 2-3 p.m. in Nigh University Center’s Room 402 to help students increase communications and social skills in order to connect more easily on campus. Graphic Novel Night: Fandoms Anonymous holds a monthly graphic novel night at 6:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center to discuss a new graphic novel. Miss Black UCO Rehearsals: This is a chance for those participating for Miss Black UCO to rehearse for the upcoming pageant. The rehearsal is from 7-10 p.m. in Room 320 B of the Nigh University Center. SAFE Welcome Back Party: The Student Alliance for Equality is celebrating the spring semester and 2018 with a meeting to discuss plans for the term. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in Nigh University Center’s Room 326.
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 PHL Tabling: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nigh University Center, UCO Peer Health Leaders will be educating their peers on alcohol abuse and commonly used date-rape drugs. They will also be conducting an anonymous survey regarding drug use among students. Power Nap: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is providing a place for students to take a nap from 1-2 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center.
Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 PHL Tabling: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nigh University Center, UCO Peer Health Leaders will be educating their peers on alcohol abuse and commonly used date-rape drugs. They will also be conducting an anonymous survey regarding drug use among students. Life Skills Around Eating: This is a group that offers an affect regulation approach to eating disorders. The group focuses on skills that increase mindfulness and teach appropriate emotion regulation. Life Skills Around Eating meets from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Power Nap: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is providing a place for students to take a nap from 1-2 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center. Trauma Recovery: This workshop addresses topics like self-soothing, the mind and body connection, effects of trauma on relationships and healthy relationships. The event is from 2-3 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center. Stress Paws: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being offers students to take a pause from their stress by seeing the therapy dogs. The dogs are going to be in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center from 3-5 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 19, 2018 Anger Tamers: From 9-10 a.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 402, students can learn to identify their own anger triggers and gain tools to help reduce conflict in their lives. The free and confidential group is hosted by the UCO Center for Counseling and Well-Being. Grief Group: From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Center for Counseling and Well-Being is holding a grief group for anyone grieving. Group and individual sessions will be in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center.
Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018
UCO Women’s Basketball: The UCO Women’s Basketball team is up against Northeastern State University at 1:30 p.m. in Hamilton Field House. UCO Men’s Basketball: The UCO Men’s Basketball team takes on Northeastern State University at 3:30 p.m. in Hamilton Field House.
Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018 UCO Wrestling: The Bronchos Wrestling team faces off against Lindenwood at 2 p.m. in Hamilton Field House.
Monday, Jan. 22, 2018 Integrity Week Keynote Address – The Business of Integrity: In response to a rise in academic misconduct cases across the nation, UCO will educate students on misconduct and the consequences it can have on educational and professional careers. In UCO’s 3rd Annual Integrity Week, Dr. Jeanetta Sims kicks off the week with a Keynote Address on the business of integrity from 12-1 p.m. in Radke Theatre in the Center of Tranformative Learning. Mind Strength: This is an open group for students to learn skills to enhance awareness. The group meets from 12-1 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center. Frisbee Game: The Recreational Ultimate Frisbee Club plays a weekly game of Frisbee in Plunkett Park at 4 p.m.
UCO
Jan. 16, 2018
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UCO Student Wins Miss Oklahoma USA Continued From Page 1,
more to offer than what a lot of people have ever given me credit for,” Gorman said. That was until her friend Brady Balenti convinced her to compete in Miss Oklahoma USA and coached her to the top. “Cheyene is one of the most naturally beautiful people I’ve ever met inside and out. Pageants are kind of my thing, and I knew she had every ounce of potential to do well just from the friendship we have,” Balenti said. “He’s an amazing friend,” Gorman said. “He has been my best friend, almost a brother, for a very long time.” While growing up, Gorman never thought about competing in pageants and was more focused on team sports like soccer. “I kind of had a negative perception on pageants growing up, just because it wasn’t something I had ever done before or knew anything about,” Gorman said. Gorman said that view changed once she started learning what the
system was really about, what they do and how contestants can make a difference in their home state. “It really opened up doors to me and opened up my mind, and I fell in love with it,” Gorman said. Gorman plans on using her platform as Miss Oklahoma USA to raise money and help Oklahoma’s public school system. After graduating from Shawnee High School following her junior year at 17-years-old, Gorman saw what she had that other kids may not. “In doing that, it kind of opened my eyes in seeing that not all these kids are blessed with opportunities in pursuing their education,” Gorman said. Her focus is on raising money for school supplies so teachers will not have to pay for them out of pocket. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about wearing the crown and sash. It’s a job,” Gorman said. “I want to be here for the moments that people can’t see and when I can inspire little kids or work on non-profits.”
UCO Strategic Communications student Cheyene Gorman is crowned Miss Oklahoma USA by the 2017 recipient Alex Smith, who graduated from UCO last year. Gorman will go on to compete in Miss USA 2018. (Provided/Cheyene Gorman)
The School Within the School
UCO Establishes First Freshman Leadership Academy Megan Thele
@1bigtimenicole Copy Editor
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Office of Student Engagement is starting a Freshman Leadership Academy to help freshmen learn leadership skills and get involved in the community. “The program is built to equip participants with knowledge about their leadership skills, how to be an effective leader and team member, how
“The program is built to equip students with knowledge about their leadership skills...”
to plan events and much more,” said Nicole Doherty, Student Engagement coordinator. Over the spring semester, four meetings will discuss different areas of UCO as well as leadership, program and community development. The two hour meetings take place on the last Friday of each month, starting on Jan. 26. “There are set topics that will be discussed in each meeting,” Doherty said. “We plan on bringing in speakers, presenting useful information and bringing in current student leaders to lead activities and give advice.” Meetings are designed to help students come to a better understanding of themselves as leaders, encourage involvement at UCO and teach them how to use these skills in the community and in the workplace. Doherty said the end goal for the program is to have participants feel confident about getting involved on campus and in the community. The academy was created to replace the Freshman Activities Board, as a
way to ease freshmen into student organizations and leadership roles on campus. Applications closed on Jan. 12 and Doherty said about 25 students signed up. “As the inaugural class, we hope the Freshman Leadership Academy can complete its goal of preparing students for involvement,” Doherty said. Students that attend all four meet-
ings will be invited to a graduation for the Freshman Leadership Academy Class I. “For the future, we hope that students will join this class as an entry point for student involvement on campus,” Doherty said. “We hope that students that have gone through this class will be prepared for involvement and leadership in organizations of all kinds on campus and in the community.”
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OK Research Day
Jan. 16, 2018
UCO Dominates Oklahoma Research Day Christian Tabak @TheVista1903 Reporter
Oklahoma Research Day 2018 is expected to bring more than 550 presentations and 1,000 student and faculty presenters to Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s campus on March 9. More than 50 percent of the presentations originate from the University of Central Oklahoma. As a research symposium dedicated to promoting research across Oklahoma campuses and all academic disciplines, the ORD Council accepts any abstract submission so long as they adhere to the submission guidelines and are submitted by a currently enrolled student or current faculty member of an Oklahoma institute of higher education. The conference is continuing to accept student and faculty abstract submissions through Jan. 31 and registration for the event is free, an opportunity that UCO’s Office of High-Impact Practices is encouraging students to take advantage of. “Abstracts do not go through a peer-review process,” said Michael Springer, director of UCO’s Office of High-Impact Practices. “The purpose of the event is to create an opportunity for interaction among students and faculty at Oklahoma’s colleges and universities.” The first ORD was founded by former dean of UCO’s College of Graduate Studies and Research,
Narasinga Rao, and was hosted on UCO’s campus in 1999 with only 233 poster presentations from Oklahoma students and faculty. Now in its 19th year, the event regularly attracts upwards of 1,000 participants and more than 500 presentations from across the state. Noteworthy attendees in the past have included Nobel Laureates, program advisors from the National Science Foundation and guest presenters knowledgeable about the NSF’s Graduate Fellowship Program. While ORD was hosted by UCO until 2007, the event now rotates every two years among different universities as a means of promoting academic participation across the state. Aside from UCO, previous hosts for the conference have been Northeastern State University and Cameron University, with NWOSU hosting for both 2017 and 2018. “Any student interested in attending graduate school should be excited to participate in ORD since research is such a large part of graduate education,” said Shawn Holliday, the 2017-2018 ORD Coordinator and NWOSU’s associate dean of Graduate Studies. “It gives students experience and preparation.” UCO continues to provide the research symposium with the greatest number of presentations and attendees. Participants from UCO average 600-700 of the event’s 1,000 attendees, with a majority of these presenting from the university’s College of Math and Science and College of
The Northwestern Oklahoma State Jazz Band performs for Oklahoma Research Day 2017 attendees during the ORD Banquet. (Provided/ORD Facebook)
Oklahoma Research Day logo. (Provided/ORD Facebook)
Education and Professional Studies. While submissions to ORD are more prevalent from scientific and social science fields, the poster format of the conference does create a barrier in some instances, as it does not necessarily lend itself to presentations from other disciplines, such as those within the liberal arts. “Experimental activities, whether they take place in the lab, involve surveys or otherwise develop quantitative data, produce results that are best delivered in a poster format,” said Catherine Webster, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “Literary, philosophical and historical research, among others, do not produce the same kind of results and are best delivered as a presentation or academic talk.” This decreases opportunities for participation from some of UCO’s colleges that are distinguished within undergraduate research of their own fields, such as the university’s College of Fine Arts and Design, but presentations from these colleges have been increasing over the years, according to Springer. One of the primary goals of the Office of High-Impact Practices is to create undergraduate research opportunities across all disciplines. The office has spear-headed many of these, including supporting the expansion of the university’s student publications and bringing events such as the National Conference for Undergraduate Research to UCO’s campus.
“UCO faculty and staff invest considerable time and resources into creating undergraduate research experiences for students because such experiences help students learn, develop a sense of their professional self and prepare them for their future careers. I am proud to be a part of that,” Springer said. The university’s dedication to undergraduate research and transformative learning through both UCO’s Student Transformative Learning Record and its history with ORD is believed to be a major component in being chosen as the host of NCUR 2018, according to UCO Provost John Barthell. “It is well documented that students working with faculty members on research projects increase their likelihood of staying in college and may even give them an advantage in the job market or in applying to graduate schools,” Barthell said. Alongside providing the most submissions to ORD, UCO has submitted over 400 abstracts to the upcoming NCUR conference and Oklahoma has submitted more than any other state, with over 650 submissions. “These large events create an atmosphere that supports and celebrates student work,” Webster said. “They provide a welcoming and comfortable environment that reduces the anxiety some students may experience just thinking about this type of endeavor.”
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Jan. 16, 2018
Medieval Society
Medieval Society Launches 25th Year at UCO Christian Tabak @TheVista1903 Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Medieval Society has announced that, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, it will be reassembling its authentic medieval trebuchet for a final display during the 42nd annual Medieval Fair in Norman. Standing 21-feet-tall with the ability to launch a 10-15 pound projectile 300 yards, the trebuchet was built in 2001 by students as part of a project for a medieval humanities class taught by professor Stephen Law. It was designed as a replica of an English medieval trebuchet, built using tools as similar as possible to those used in the Medieval Age. “They wanted to do it after a trip to England with Law and he put it on their shoulders,” said Medieval Society Treasurer Robert Mize. “He said they could do it, but that they had to design it and research it. They put their heads together and, with some trial and error, designed it.” The Medieval Society has participated in the fair for 24 years, with the trebuchet serving as the organization’s primary draw alongside its authentic medieval shields, helmets and other handcrafted projects. An integral part of the society, the trebuchet and associated siege work has a designated officer position known as siege master, that is centered around overseeing the trebuchet’s operation and safety during
Retired Air Force Maj. and professional jouster Aaron Homjak gives a presentation on the history of jousting during a lecture on “The Art of the Joust” for the Medieval Society on Oct. 6, 2016 in the Liberal Arts Building. (Provided/Vista Archives)
displays. “My job will be to inform the general public about what the trebuchet was and would have been used for, and to keep people at a safe distance as we explain and watch the trebuchet’s dry launch,” said Elizabeth Shuffield, the society’s current siege master. While the trebuchet is perhaps the society’s biggest undertaking, other projects have included the construction of an authentic Viking longboat in 2007 and last year’s handcrafting of medieval shields. Learning about the period through hands-on activities is a central part of the society’s work. In addition to the workshops hosted for crafting the projects, the society also participates in other activities including feasts and skirmishes.
Retired Air Force Maj. Aaron Homjak shows his personal sword-fighting helmet to the Medieval Society during a presentation given on Oct. 6, 2016 in Room 130 of the Liberal Arts Building. (Provided/Vista Archives)
The skirmishes can be as simple as basic combat displays or participation in large-scale battles. In 2000 and 2006, the society traveled to England to participate in the annual reenactment of the Battle of Hastings. While medieval-style clashes and craftsmanship are big parts of the society’s culture, the heart of the organization remains focused on the interdisciplinary study of the Middle Ages and the associated humanities studies of the time period between A.D. 500-1500. “We are primarily an academic organization,” Mize said. “We do look at the medieval era and we do try to do recreation to lead to a better understanding of not just learning about the culture by reading a book or writing a paper, but also actually trying to live it and trying to apply it.” The organization itself was created by Law’s students in 1993 as part of a medieval humanities course. It gave students a way to better understand the period outside of the classroom. The society hosts monthly medieval history and culture presentations by professors and professionals in the field of Middle Age humanities from UCO, as well as other universities, such as the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. “In the Middle Ages, on an academic level, there’s a lot you can actually do, especially with a humanities degree,” said Raven Wahkinney, Medieval Society vice president. The developing field of digital humanities is one of the areas Wahkinney cited, a field where researchers utilize digital imaging software and other programs to analyze and study
cultures and artifacts. “You can potentially at least get grants to do this stuff with technology in a major where people usually go ‘I can teach or do nothing,’ but there’s more you can do with it,” Wahkinney said. While the society’s activities and purpose have remained constant over the last 25 years, the scope of its projects fluctuate depending on the size and involvement of the organization’s membership. In spite of promoting activities and maintaining an active presence on campus, engaged membership and awareness for the society have gone down largely for what they believe to be a misunderstanding in the organization’s purpose. “It’s easy to put up a sign that says ‘free pizza, free music,’ but it’s a little bit more challenging to bring someone into an academic organization,” Mize said. “It takes someone with dedication who finds it interesting and is willing to stick with it.” Meetings are at 3:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, though the location is still to be determined. Along with the regular presentations, the rebuilding of the trebuchet for the Medieval Fair on April 6-8 is serving as the society’s central project for the semester. The society hopes to use its anniversary as a time to promote their activities, focusing as much on rebuilding membership and interest in the organization as rebuilding the trebuchet. “We need people who are genuinely interested, not just in the Middle Ages, but humanities in general, because this may or may not be the last semester for it to be the way it is today and we want to keep it going,” Wahkinney said.
Medieval Society
Jan. 16, 2018
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Members of the UCO Medieval Society hold up the society banner before marching in the 2017 Homecoming parade. (Provided/UCO Medieval Society)
The UCO Medieval Society participates in a reenactment of the Battle of Hastings in 2000 during a trip to England. (Provided/UCO Medieval Society)
Medieval Society alumni battle during a 2017 Viking sparring event last summer. (Provided/UCO Medieval Society)
The UCO Medieval Society gives a trebuchet demonstration on the lawn outside of the Liberal Arts Building. (Provided/UCO Medieval Society)
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Jan. 16, 2018
DACA
Federal Judge Stands Up for Dreamers Christian Tabak @TheVista1903 Reporter
A federal judge issued a temporary block on the Trump administration’s order to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program Tuesday, ordering the administration to resume accepting DACA renewal applications from anyone previously protected under the program. The ruling emerged from an ongoing court case on behalf of DACA recipients between the University of California and the Department of Homeland Security. While federal judge William Alsup did call for the administration to continue to maintain the DACA program on a nationwide basis for the duration of the legal battle, the decision provided no framework for resuming DACA coverage. “Unfortunately, even with this decision, fear and uncertainty persist for DACA recipients across California and the nation who want to continue to live, work, learn and contribute to the country they know as home.” the University of California said in a statement. “It does not negate, nor lessen, the urgent need for permanent protection through a legislative solution.” Alsup’s decision brought criticism from the White House, with President Donald Trump tweeting that it reflected how the “broken and unfair” court system operated and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders calling the decision outrageous. “President Trump is committed to the rule of law, and will work with members of both parties to reach a
Opponents of demonstrators urging the Democratic Party to protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA) stand outside the office of California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein in Los Angeles Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. California has the largest number of people who are affected by the law, also known as the Dream Act.(AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
permanent solution that corrects the unconstitutional actions taken by the last administration,” Sanders said in a statement. The DACA program was created in 2012 by the Obama administration as a means to protect the more than 800,000 undocumented immigrants who had been brought to the U.S. as children from deportation, otherwise known as Dreamers. The program provided applicants with a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and made them eligible for a work permit. Applicants were required to meet a series of eligibility requirements that included the stipulations that they had been brought to the U.S. prior to their 16th birthday and had no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions on record.
Cristina Jimenez speaks to demonstrators, urging the Democrats to protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, during a rally outside the office of California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
The Trump administration ended the program in September, permitting DACA applicants to renew their applications by Oct. 5 before completely phasing the program out in March 2018. The decision sparked several legal battles across the nation, including the California lawsuit that initiated the hold. Since the announcement to phase out the program in September, the University of Central Oklahoma has joined the outcry against the decision, with UCO President Don Betz, Student Association President Stockton Duvall and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion all releasing statements supporting those affected by the decision. The most vocal response on campus came from the Hispanic American Student Association, alongside the Latino Faculty and Staff Association, who sponsored numerous rallies and events in support of DACA and UCO’s DACA students. “From the announcement of the executive decision to rescind DACA, Dreamers throughout our nation lived in an uncertainty for their futures that many of us will never understand,” said HASA Preisdent Thalia Rodriguez. “Thankfully, when Alsup blocked that decision, it provided some sort of relief for the Dreamers knowing that they could reapply for DACA status.” The campus organizations also hosted events that provided students the opportunity to contact state legislators to express concerns as well as forums on immigration policy and reform with Dream Act Oklahoma, a local non-profit focused on support-
ing Dreamers. “For this semester, HASA will be keeping up with any updates on DACA and the current immigration issues,” Rodriguez said. “We will make it a point to discuss these issues in our general body meetings, as well as continue having events to contact our legislators to express our concerns.” The court decision also came at a time during which Trump and congressional leaders had been discussing possible legislative alternatives to the DACA program. Trump had given Congress until March to create a bipartisan immigration plan that would replace DACA. Oklahoma Republican Senator James Lankford has been closely involved with the discussions to create the new legislation, calling for a solution that considers both Dreamers and U.S. immigration standards. “Dealing with the DACA students that are literally caught in a place where they have no home is a compassionate thing to do, but along with our compassion, we also uphold the law,” Lankford said last week on the Senate floor. The talks on a legislative alternative hit a roadblock Thursday, when reports surfaced that Trump referred to Haiti, El Salvador and African countries as “----hole countries” as he criticized lawmakers’ proposals for the immigration deal. While the White House released a statement that Trump continues to fight for a stronger, merit-based immigration system, it did not deny his comment.
Humor Column
Jan. 16. 2018
11
2018’s Worst Shows Coming to Netflix
Warning: This is a Fictional Column Intended for Satire America is the land of freedom, but it comes with a cost. Being able to enjoy wonderful movies and television shows is a large part of American culture. But those star-spangled eyeballs might not want to see what’s on your Netflix queue. This is a list of the new year’s worst shows coming to Netflix. Because your life doesn’t need to waste those few precious and beautiful moments by watching shows that don’t make sense. These precious life moments could include hugging your son, playing baseball with a daughter you have or even just shaking hands with a local businessman. Enjoy.
1. SPACEY OR NOT House Hunters is back at it again, but this time they changed up their host. Kevin Spacey takes couples to their dream home and renovate it to their liking. He brings that same dark and ominous vibe to the show that he does with everything else, including life. You might have liked him in House of Cards, but not anymore. Now, you don’t have to like him on an HGTV show either.
2. MARVEL’S ADDITIONAL SUPERHEROES There is no number of superheroes that Marvel can make up and put onto your Netflix feed. This time they have thrown together a new group of superheroes that seem to not grab your attention whatsoever. One of which is Taxman, a guy who is able to do your taxes. Track-andField Girl; just a girl who is slightly above average at track-and-field. Interior Decorator Guy; a guy who knows what a villainous floor plan needs to be good. Of course, people will watch this show; it’s Marvel and people watch whatever superheroes they come up with.
3. THE RANCH (WITHOUT HYDE)
5. STRANGER THINGS ALL GROWN UP
The Ranch is back for yet another season, this time without the character from That 70’s Show. No description needed for why this show won’t be good. Just watch That 70’s Show and try not to be creeped out by that guy who wears glasses constantly. Hyde, come on man. (THIS IS ACTUALLY REAL)
Rugrats did it, why can’t Stranger Things. It’s 40 years later, the story follows Eleven as she makes her way to Toronto to hopefully land a job as CEO of a telemarketing corporation. Mike plays guitar at a bar in Hawkins since he never got his band off the ground. Dustin ended up marrying Steve and they now live in Wisconsin with their kids in a six-bedroom house. After Dustin left Hawkins, Lucas decided to travel the world. Will ended up joining Herbalife and is the president of one of their clubs in Nebraska. It’s actually not all that bad of a show, just too real for some people.
4. ADAM SANDLER’S ATTEMPT AT TV We all remember Adam Sandler as Billy Madison, Longfellow Deeds and Happy Gilmore. After that, his movies turn you into a 50-year-old trying to remember the good times when things were simpler. Sandler takes his hand at television now in a new Netflix series. The whole plotline of this show is hoping Adam Sandler comes up with something good once again. (HE NEVER DOES).
So, give your eyeballs and brain the true American dream by watching shows that are worthwhile on Netflix. Shows like Last Man Standing with Tim Allen, Rules of Engagement with David Spade or even Zoo, a show that makes complete sense. No matter what show you watch, it’s a new year, but not a new you. Don’t act like 2018 will be the year you start exercising more. You’ll just watch Netflix more.
(Provided/Pixabay.com)
(Provided/Pixabay.com)
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Jan. 16, 2018
Sports
SPORTS
Threes Please for Bronchos Austin Moseley @Austin_Moseley Sports Editor
The University of Central Oklahoma Men’s Basketball team is having one of their best 3-point shooting seasons ever. The Bronchos are currently shooting 38 percent from long range, which is up from 35 percent last year. Bronchosports.com has team statistics dating back to the 2006-07 season, and this year's Broncho team has the best 3-point percentage of any team shown on the site. UCO Head Coach Tom Hankins said a lot of credit for their 3-point success has to go to his players spending time practicing and improving their shots. He said that they have talented centers and power forwards, which has allowed them to play their inside-out style of basketball, by driving the lane or passing it to their big men and letting them find the open man on the perimeter. “We’ve added some depth in the frontcourt so now people will have to pay even more attention to our big guys, which gives our guards open looks,” Hankins said. Jordan Hemphill, Jordan London, Josh Holliday and Kole Talbott are all shooting above 40 percent from three this year. Last year, the Bronchos had just one player shoot above that threshold.
“It opens up the lane, helps you get opportunities to the basket and get easy shots.”
With the bigs helping the guards, Hankins said it also works vice versa. “It opens up the lane, helps you get opportunities to the basket and get easy shots,” Hankins said. Corbin Byford, a power forward, is the leading scorer for the Bronchos, averaging 13.4 points per game. When UCO is able to knock down threes, Hankins said it makes life easier for Byford and the other big men by forcing the defense to spread out more. While Hankins said recruiting hasn’t really changed, he said it is hard for them to recruit guards who are poor shooters, unless they are really talented athletes and can get to the basket. “We’ve always emphasized recruiting shooters and hopefully we continue to get better,” Hankins said. With the 3-point shot getting more popular, statistics show that the midrange shot is not as efficient as taking a 3-pointer. “A lot of people’s philosophy is we’re either gonna shoot layups, dunks or threes,” Hankins said. “I don’t believe in that. Some guys are really good midrange shooters and you have to honor that.” Hankins said his team has a lot of great midrange shooters and that coaches have to play to the strength of their team. “I don’t really buy into it that the midrange shot is a bad shot or a thing of the past,” Hankins said. “I still think it’s a big part of the game and can really help you win games.” One thing Hankins said has changed due to the popularization of the 3-pointer is the versatile players that are playing. Hankins said these players can shoot the three, but also have the ability to guard multiple positions. Anthony Roberson, who plays for the Bronchos, is one of those versatile players, Hankins said. “Because the NBA is going to it, guys like that are starting to develop more and more,” Hankins said. “You see them more in high levels of college and it will trickle down to Division II.”
Josh Holliday, No. 11, shoots a 3-pointer against Oklahoma Baptist University on Nov. 25, 2017 in Hamilton Field House. (Hayden Barzditis/The Vista)
Sports
Jan. 16, 2018
13
Hale Yeah: UCO Lands OSU Transfer Austin Moseley @Austin_Moseley Sports Editor
Eli Hale, a wrestler who transferred to the University of Central Oklahoma mid-season from Oklahoma State University, beat the defending national champion Ivan McClay of Notre Dame College 1-0 in the NWCA Division II National Duels on Jan. 5. “I’m in a position right now where I feel like [I’ve] got the ability to beat anybody in the country,” Hale said. “I’ve got full confidence in my dedication to this season and the effort I’m putting forward.”
“I’m in a position right now where I feel like {I’ve} got the ability to beat anybody in the country,”
Mid-season transfer Eli Hale, senior, grips his opponent during a wrestling match for UCO . Hale transferred from OSU, where he was a two-time letterman for the Cowboys wrestling team, among other awards and honors he achieved while in Stillwater. (Provided/UCO Athletics)
Hale, who wrestles in the 125-pound division, finished the weekend 4-0 and said the win will definitely give him confidence moving forward, but noted that he can not get caught up in his victory over the national champion. “I think we’re both going to be better at the end of the season so I don’t really put too much into that
victory,” Hale said. Hale is a senior who spent four years of his college career at OSU. He redshirted his first year, but wrestled as an unattached entry in multiple tournaments where he won the Fort Hays State Open. Coming off an injury that sidelined him during his sophomore year, Hale had a record of 15-8 in his third
Eli Hale gets an opponent in a hold during a wrestling match for UCO. (Provided/UCO Athletics)
year at OSU and went 1-2 against ranked opponents. Last year with the Cowboys, Hale had a record of 10-4, finishing runner-up in the Reno Tournament of Champions and the Outlaw Open. Hale said he still was on the bench behind some really tough competition, but he wanted an opportunity to compete and decided to transfer to UCO. “I grew up wrestling here in Oklahoma and a lot of these guys on this UCO team are really tough Oklahoma kids that I grew up wrestling with,” Hale said. “I’ve been in yearround wrestling rooms with these guys, so it’s a really comfortable fit for me.” Having known a majority of the wrestlers at UCO, Hale mentioned how tough and talented the group is and he hopes he is the piece that can put the Bronchos over the top. “I’m as dedicated as I can be to this season and doing everything I can to help UCO win a national title this year,” Hale said. Hale had to adjust to UCO quickly, as he transferred over Christmas break, but in just a few appearances as a Broncho has already showed the impact he can have when he defeated the reigning national champion. Hale said that he’s looking forward to what he and UCO can accomplish the rest of the year.
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Jan. 16, 2018
Sports
Marqueese Grayson’s Last Stand Jonathan Goudeau @Goudeau_jdg
Sports Reporter
University of Central Oklahoma senior guard Marqueese Grayson has learned a lot on his journey to becoming a Broncho, helping him both on and off the court. "It's been a long journey," Grayson said. "I feel like I learned a lot everywhere I went. I'm thankful for the journey." Grayson's path to Edmond started at Tomball High School, in Tomball, Texas, where he was a three-year letterman and averaged 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals per game as a senior. He then accepted an offer to Gillette College, a junior college located in Wyoming. "JUCO was a tough experience," Grayson said. "I didn't play my first year, but by my second year I started to play a lot." Grayson flourished on the court and in the classroom at Gillette, earning both All-Region honors and NJCAA All-Academic team in 2016. He finished his final season averaging 13.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, good enough to earn a scholarship from the University at Albany. "I learned that you have to take everything as it goes and be a better teammate. That's why when I came here I knew I would be a great teammate and a great leader because of what I learned there." Grayson played in 27 games and started in 18. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and one assist a game as a junior, but decided it was best to seek an opportunity elsewhere.
"I started the first 18 games and then I more or less lost my spot", Grayson said. "I figured I would transfer out so I took visits closer to home and I really liked my visit here." Grayson said head coach Tom Hankins’ coaching style played into why he wanted to come to UCO. "Coach Hankins and the rest of the coaches give you freedom on the court," Grayson said. "That's how it was in high school for me so it was an easy transition." Grayson has started all 15 games and is the second leading scorer for the Bronchos, averaging 11.1 points per game. He is shooting 42.5 percent from the field and has had nine double-digit scoring games so far this season. "The coaches are giving me the green light to shoot the ball," Grayson said about his fast start. "I feel like I can make the shot and my teammates are looking for me." Grayson, a marketing major, hopes to continue his basketball career overseas, but his focus is on helping the Bronchos win a National Championship. "I want a championship," Grayson said. "I won a conference championship at JUCO, but I want a national championship." Grayson said he believes that the Bronchos have the team to do it. "I feel like we have the guys to do it and coaches who believe in the fact that we know we can do it," Grayson said. "I don't care if I score 50 points or zero points, I just want to do what I can to help this team win a championship."
Marqueese Grayson, No. 10, takes the ball to the net Nov. 14, 2017 against Oklahoma Christian. Grayson had a team-leading 18 points throughout the game. (Hayden Barzditis/The Vista)
Senior guard Marqueese Grayson, No. 10, drives through opponents from Oklahoma Baptist University on Nov. 25, 2017 in Hamilton Field House. (Hayden Barzditis/The Vista)
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Bucking Broncho
Jan. 16, 2018
15
The Bucking Broncho: Believeland Peter Agnitsch @peteypete33
Online Editor
The Cleveland Browns became the second team ever to finish a season defeated at 0-16. The last team to do so was the 2008 Detroit Lions, led by quarterbacks Drew Henson, Dante Culpepper, Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky. Unlike the Lions, the city of Cleveland jokingly embraced the winless team and threw a defeated parade in their honor. The Browns faced a similar quarterback carousel this season with Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan and DeShone Kizer. Kizer started most of the regular season, throwing 11 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. The Browns selected Kizer last season in the second round of the NFL draft, but it doesn't look like they're getting much in return for the investment. The Browns have started 27 different quarterbacks since the franchise came back to Cleveland in 1999, with only Derek Anderson making a Pro Bowl. Cleveland has tried almost every strategy on how to pick a quarterback; traded for four, drafted 10 and signed 13, but none of the quarterbacks have stayed for longer than four seasons. In that time, the Browns have avoided the most common way of taking a quarterback: drafting one with a top pick in the NFL draft. The last quarterback they drafted with the first pick was Tim Couch, who they
Cleveland Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer (7) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Tyson Alualu (94) during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
selected over Eagles legend Donovan McNabb. The failures of Tim Couch shouldn't scare the organization from
taking a quarterback with the top pick in this year's NFL draft. Couch was stuck in a bad situation with a new NFL expansion team that was nowhere near ready to win, nevertheless protect a rookie quarterback. Browns fans are thinking, "oh no, not another rookie quarterback," but taking a quarterback with one of the top picks is different than taking one late in the first round or later rounds. It shows that the organization has a quarteback in mind and is all-in. The Browns need to stop taking a quarterback because they like the value where they selected him. The last three quarterbacks the Browns selected in the first round -- Johnny Manziel, Brandon Weedon and Brady Quinn -- were all selected late in the first round. There are multiple teams in the NFL that select quarterbacks in the later rounds and it has worked, but this strategy has not worked for the Browns.
Cleveland has tried to take shortcuts in finding their franchise quarterback for years now and it has reflected through the team's record over the years. The Browns may say "well, we just haven't found a quarterback we have fallen in love with yet" under the Hue Jackson regime, but the team has had the chance to select Carson Wentz, Jared Goff and Deshaun Watson with their high first round pick and elected to trade the pick. The Browns need to stop passing on quarterbacks early in the draft. They should buy in on who they think is the best quarterback in this year's draft and show the quarterback why they call the city Believeland. If the team doesn't find a franchise quarterback soon, the defeated parade may not be a one-time thing.
Left: Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) sits on the field after allowing a pass from quarterback DeShone Kizer to go through his hands for an incompletion during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)