“Endeavor Games” on 7 Volume 114, Issue 14
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VISTA “The Student Voice Since 1903”
UCentralMedia.com vistanews1903 TheVista1903 TheVista1903 The Vista Monday, June 12, 2017
Privatizing the Eyes in the Sky Christian Tabak @TheVista1903 Contributing Writer
The Trump Administration’s proposal to privatize air traffic control at airports across the nation is being closely monitored by Oklahoma City airport officials. On June 5, President Donald Trump announced his air traffic control initiative, a major component of removing the job of tracking and guiding airplanes from the oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration. “Under this new plan, the FAA will focus firmly on what it does best -- safety. A separate nonprofit entity would be charged with ensuring route efficiency, timely service and a long-awaited reduction in delays,” Trump said at a press conference held on June 5. Under Trump's proposal, a board made up of airline, union and airport officials would oversee the nonprofit entity that would assume oversight of air traffic control after a three-year transition period. About 2,700 air traffic controllers and new hiring candidates are trained annually at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy housed in the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) in Oklahoma City. Under a system where air traffic control is transitioned from the FAA to a private entity, the implications for the MMAC are uncertain. “All airports will be monitoring the development of this initiative. But, it is really too early to comment on its impact,” said Karen Carney, public information and marketing manager for the Oklahoma City Department of Airports. As the proposal still needs to undergo congressional approval, local FAA officials have said that it is too early to speculate on what kind of impact the initiative might have on the FAA’s operations. FAA administrator Michael P. Huerta expressed his support of a proposal that would help modernize the national air traffic control system. “While the FAA has made progress to upgrade our nation's air traffic control system, despite certain constraints, I support looking at new ways to help us provide stable
Trump’s FAA proposal would privatize air traffic control in the United States. The proposal, if put into action, could have an impact on Oklahoma jobs.(Provided/ Pixabay).
and sufficient funding to more rapidly modernize our system while maintaining the highest level of safety," Huerta said in a statement released on June 6. Presenting on the Department of Airports budget at the Oklahoma City Finance Committee Meeting held June 6, Department of Airports Director Mark Kranenburg said that it was still too early in the proposal’s development for the department to comment on its potential impact on the city’s relationship with the MMAC. “The legislation that’s going to be proposed on that has not been introduced yet,” Kranenburg said. “We will have to wait and just see what that legislation looks like before we can take a position on that.” The city has a lease agreement with the federal government that provides 1,000 acres at Will Rogers World Airport to house the FAA Academy and offices. “Our priorities with the city are to support FAA operations and airport funding,” he said. “We will want to make sure that anything that comes about with potential air traffic reform does not hurt those priorities.” Another major component of Trump’s proposal is transitioning the financial support of air traffic control away from taxes to user fees, a system that has long been championed by U.S. See “ Trump and FAA” on 3
Show Us the Money
UCO BronchoSpirit Cards will soon be replaced by a new refund system for tuition refunds from the university. (Illustration/ Cara Johnson/ The Vista).
Faith Kelly
@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer
The University of Central Oklahoma’s new refund plan will let students access their refund preferences through UConnect, UCO’s student website, instead of a third-party website. Students can use their own bank account to receive refunds starting June 15. UCO has been using TouchNet to process refunds for years. UCO will process all payments through the payment company TouchNet, and will no longer partner with BankMobile. TouchNet is a payment company that partners with many universities to handle refund disbursements. TouchNet’s website promotes the words Efficiency,
Technology, and Trust. James Powers of the Bursars office at UCO, said the change should make it easier for students to process refunds, since they can access their account through UCONNECT and not a separate website. If students do not have an existing bank account, MidFirst Bank will be available for students to create accounts at UCO. MidFirst Bank partners with UCO and has a bank in the Nigh University Center. The Card Services office in the Nigh University Center will be able to provide help to students who need assistance with the process. A customer service representative at BankMobile described the bank as an See “Refund” on 3
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The Vista
June 12, 2017
CONTENTS
CONTENTS Crime/FAA/UCO Refund ....................3 Columns ..............................................4 Softball ................................................5 UCO Rowing ......................................6 Endeavor Games .................................7
STAFF NAME AND POSITION
Peter Agnitsch Elizabeth Spence Austin Moseley Cara Johnson Megan Thele Jordan Belew Nate Baldwin Michelle Pennza Ryan Naeve Te d d y B u r c h
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VISTA
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.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carolyn Pickle Dylan Brown Christian Tabak Faith Kelly
Maturing Millenial Humor Columnr News News
UCO Crime
June 12, 2017
The Vista
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Continued Trump and FAA Christian Tabak @vista1903 Contributing Writer
The city has a lease agreement with the federal government that provides 1,000 acres at Will Rogers World Airport to house the FAA Academy and offices. “Our priorities with the city are to support FAA operations and airport funding,” he said. “We will want to make sure that anything that comes about with potential air traffic reform does not hurt those priorities.” Another major component of Trump’s proposal is transitioning the financial support of air traffic control away from taxes to user fees, a system that has long been championed by U.S. airlines. While opponents of the proposal have cited concerns that the new user fee system might produce increases in airfare costs, the FAA has reiterated that the initiative’s outcomes are still speculative. “It is too early yet. Congress must ultimately pass a bill,” said Lynn Lunsford, the mid-states public affairs manager for the FAA.
(Provided/ Pixabay.com).
Continued UCO Refund Faith Kelly
@vista1903 Contributing Writer
The Card Services office in the Nigh University Center will be able to provide help to students who need assistance with the process. A customer service representative
at BankMobile described the bank as an “electronic bank” and “financial institution” with one office in New Haven, Connecticut. Most transactions are made through the website. BankMobile is a branch of Customers Bank, which has multiple locations. Students at UCO have previously had to create an account with BankMobile to receive refunds, which would be transferred to their personal
bank account if they preferred. With the new change, students will be able to use the payment company TouchNet for refunds, which can be accessed through UCONNECT, UCO’s student website. If students still want to have an account through BankMobile, they will be charged the regular fees. The fees were previously waved for enrolled students because of UCO’s partnership with BankMobile.
Summer Not A Prime Time For Crime
Traffic Enforcement and Larceny Top Summer Offenses Megan Thele
@1bigtimenicole Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma ranks 8 out of 20 in Niche’s list of Safest College Campuses in Oklahoma, with the top three crimes being possession of controlled dangerous substances, larceny and warrants, according to the UCO crime log. “Crime rates drop off half from commencement to August 1,” said Chief of UCO Police, Jeff Harp. The Sunday after commencement to the start of summer classes are the slowest weeks. The summers are busier in terms of camps and conferences, bringing hundreds of visitors to campus and the residence halls. Most visitors are under 18, which presents unique challenges for UCO police. “The arrest rate probably doesn’t change much,” said Harp. Most summer arrests are from traffic enforcement or larceny cases. Visitors are often not contributing factors to summer crime. The UCO Police Department wants students to know they are still active during the summer months. Accord-
ing to Harp, there are a minimum of two officers on campus 24/7, with more on campus during the day.
New measures are being implemented across campus to improve coverage. A dozen cameras are
being installed for expanded views of parking lots and public areas like Plunkett Park. SafeWalk boxes around campus are in the process of being updated to make them more accessible. “Cameras solve cases. If someone is caught, they are less likely to commit again,” said Harp “Over time, crime rates will decrease.” UCO also offers safety precautions including the SafeWalk program where students can request assistance to their vehicle or on-campus residence and the Rave Guardian app. That alerts students of precautions they need to take if anything dangerous is happening on campus or if they are in trouble, it provides them the ease of pressing a button that sends the UCO Police their location immediately so that they may send help their way. The UCO police want students, faculty and visitors to utilize these safety features or to directly contact them at 405-974-2345 or police@uco.edu. A University of Central Oklahoma Police cruiser sits outside of the UCOPD station on campus in Edmond, Okla. (Provided/ Vista Archives).
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The Vista
June 12, 2017
COLUMNS
Life After Graduation
I couldn’t stop smiling on the day of my graduation this past May. Everything about the whole day was perfect. I didn’t trip, I got to see everyone I love that helped me along the way, and my orchid even bloomed that morning. It was like a sign from the universe saying “Good job Carolyn. You made it. Have a pretty flower to look at.” I made Dean’s Honor Roll for the semester that I didn’t think I would make it through. I had three breakdowns during the first half of the semester, and I had all but given up for the second half. But somehow, it all came together and I actually got to walk across that stage. I was more than just happy, I was overjoyed. And shocked. It felt like a miracle.
So, that means that hardest part is over, right? Nope. Not for me at least. Graduating was just the first of three obstacles that I will have to overcome in 2017. My wonderful boyfriend Ben proposed to me in January and I couldn’t be more thrilled. So, all semester I have been planning our wedding in addition to my classwork. The wedding date? June 24, 2017. Yeah, it’s in two weeks. You may be wondering why we decided on such a short engagement. Am I pregnant? No, thankfully not yet, but the real reason feels just about as hefty and life-changing as a baby. We are moving to Seattle on July 9.
I can’t give you a really good reason why we are moving, we just decided to do it. As far as other cities to live in, Seattle has always been our ideal. It’s west, but it’s not hot like California. It’s north enough to where we can pop on over to Canada if we have to, for whatever reason. It’s vastly different from Oklahoma as far as politics go, but it isn’t as hipster as Portland. It checks all our boxes. But now that it’s getting down to the wire, I’m getting nervous. It’s a big move, and I’ve never lived that
Thirty-two-year-old Damon Carter decided to drive the speed-limit on Broadway for the first time in his life, a life decision that he is proud of. “It’s forty-five miles per hour, but I’ve always driven thirty, and I don’t know why,” said Carter. Driving on Broadway through Edmond, a person might experience a bit of frustration with the traffic that seems to go at a steady pace of thirty miles-per-hour while the legal limit is forty-five. “If I press my right foot on the gas pedal more than I usually do, my left foot slams on the brake,” said Carter. Carter had reached a scientific conclusion that is based on complete facts; when a person uses momentum from their foot, it is possible to increase the speed of the automobile they are operating. Also, a recent study done by Edmond Ivy League College University (EILCU) found that 1 out of every 5 drivers who commute through Edmond decides to drive the legal limit or more that is allowed. Austin Faraday, a scientist involved in the study at EILCU was confused by the results in the study. “I know it is possible to drive the speed limit but why would you?” said
Faraday. “You would have to be scientifically crazy to actually drive the legal limit. That’s a fact, I’m a scientist; you should believe me.” “My wife left me,” said Carter, “she said she could never see herself in love with someone who drives so fast. And she took our kids and left.” Damon Carter has recently found a self-help group that meets once a week called Legal Edmond Drivers Anonymous (LEDA). “The group has really helped me cope with the fact that I drive the speed limit in Edmond,” said Carter. “My wife left me, my dog left me, and my parents don’t talk to me anymore. But hey, at least my co-workers still like me.” “I don’t like him,” said one of Carters co-workers, Andrew Shabowitz. “I don’t like him at all. I used to carpool with Damon and the day he started driving the actual legal limit I told him to pull over and let me out. Haven’t talked to him since. He’s an idiot.” Another Edmond driver, Lucy Alexander described her feelings on the matter. “What’s the speed limit on Broadway?” asked Alexander. “That is way too fast, forty-five? Why can’t everyone just drive thirty miles under
the speed limit?” Alexander is a daily commuter down the street of Broadway as well, and feels that those who drive the legal limit are irresponsible. “All of them are hoodlums,” said Alexander. “I never have anywhere to go, so I really don’t feel the need to drive the speed limit when going through Edmond.” Even though everyone in Carter’s life has left him and nobody likes him, he still feels very confident about his life decision to not drive twenty miles under the speed limit while in Edmond. “Honestly, I get to places on time, now that I go the speed limit in Edmond,” said Carter. “Also, I don’t have drivers telling me to speed up while yelling disgusting language. My life has changed for the better.” Carter owns a small accounting firm on the south side of Edmond and commutes daily to the Walgreens on the north side of Edmond.
Edmond’s Fast & The Furious
(Provided/ Carolyn Pickle).
far away from my family before. I’m going to be a newly-graduated newlywed in a new city. I’m going to have a new name and a whole new life, basically. Will we survive the five-day road trip? Will we be able to find jobs? Will we have somewhere to live? Who knows! We can find out together. You may feel some uncertainty about your future after college, and that’s normal. Hopefully reading about my experiences makes you feel a little better about yours.
“It’s crazy, I actually get to places on time,” said Carter. “I’m going to keep this up. But on the highway, I always stick to a solid forty miles an hour.”
“My wife left me,” said Carter, “she said she could never see herself in love with someone who drives so fast and took our kids and left”
SOFTBALL
June 12, 2017
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The Vista
UCO Slides Into the Record Books
Outfielder Brooke Zukerman, 10, waits for the ball during the April 7, 2017 softball game at the University of Central Oklahoma. (Provided/ UCO Archives).
Austin Moseley @Austin_Moseley Sports Editor
After finishing the regular season with the best record in the MIAA conference and winning the conference championship, the University of Central Oklahoma's softball season ended after a 4-0 loss to Augustana (S.D.) in the NCAA Regional Consolation Final. The Bronchos entered the season ranked 20th in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, climbing as high as the ninth best team in the country. The returning core of Morgan Heard, JoBi Heath, Carli Jones and the addition of the University of Oklahoma transfer pitcher Jayden Chestnut placed high expectations on the Bronchos. UCO started the year by winning their first five games, and as the regular season came to a close, the team had won 22 of their past 24 games. Their hot streak continued as the Bronchos swept the conference tournament, winning it for the first time since joining the MIAA in 2013. Riding an eight-game win-streak into the national tournament, UCO was ready to bring home a national championship. Their quest for their second championship started off on the right foot, as the Bronchos shutout Pittsburg State 9-0. But, during the next two games UCO had trouble
scoring, a strength of the teams throughout the entire season. In the second round, the Bronchos faced off against Minnesota State and were held to only three hits, going scoreless in a 3-0 loss. UCO lost their next game against Augustana, officially ending their season. The Bronchos finished the season with a record of 48-11, the second most wins in school history, in the debut season of their $2.4 million stadium. “Before this it was tough, we didn’t have a place to really gather and to discuss, have meetings, and watch film and now that we have this were able to utilize some things we’ve been wanting to do.” White said. UCO had four players named to the 2017 Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) All-Region Team. Tori Collet and Carrie Abrams earned First Team All-Central Region honors, while Morgan Heard and Jayden Chestnut were placed on the Second Team. Additionally, Abrams won MIAA Player of the Year and became just the 14th player in UCO history to be named to the CCA All-American Team. The Bronchos have now had the MIAA player of the year in back to back seasons as Heard earned the honor last year. “Carrie Abrams is such a hard
worker and a phenomenal kid.” White said. UCO once again finished the season as the best hitting team in the MIAA conference, with a .335 average. The Bronchos also finished first in total hits (540), runs (351), doubles (105), homeruns (56), runs batted in (324), and slugging percentage (.526). A year after finishing with the 7th best Earned Run Average (ERA) in the MIAA, the Bronchos jumped all the way to first with a 1.71 ERA.
UCO also gave up the second fewest hits in the conference, the least amount of runs, and the second lowest opposing batting average. With every season's end, comes a few seniors who graduated. This year Ashleigh Tramel, Brooke Zukerman, Tori Collet, Lexi Watson, and Jessi Walker finish their Bronchos career's. “That senior class is one that I’ll always remember,” White said. “I truly believe that those seniors have left their mark and left a legacy here.”
Pitcher Peyton Walker, 35, throws the ball during an April 7, 2017 softball game at the University of Central Oklahoma. (Provided/ Vista Archives).
ROWING
June 12, 2017
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The Vista
Where New Jersey Dreams Are Made UCO Finishes Second Place in NCAA Championship
Nathan Baldwin @nbaldwin05 Sports Writer
The Women's Rowing team of UCO placed runner-up in the NCAA Division II Rowing Championship for the second year in a row, coming up one point shy of Western Washington's 17 points on the final day. The Lady Bronchos were four points away in the 2016 Championships, as they inch closer towards the ever-fleeting National Championship. "The way they [the team] finished as a team," Head Coach Montia Rice said was what he was most proud of. "Our sport is a little different, even though they aren't all together in the race," Rice added. "They are all out there trying to achieve the same thing." The racing format consisted of four teams with a four woman team and an eight woman team. Along with two at-large teams in the 8s race. UCO fell behind early as the four woman team, led by Baylee Roberts, placed third in their third race in as many days, securing four points for the Lady Bronchos. "They were able to regather themselves going into the second day," Rice said. As the 4s struggled at first, they bounced back to qualify for the last day. "That was our main focus, get to the finals and see what happens," He added. Western Washington finished first to capture eight points, while Mercyhurst came in second with six points. The eight woman race concluded the final day of competition. With the Lady Bronchos sitting in third
UCO’’s 4+ boat competes in a repechage race. (Provided/ UCO Athletics). overall; it was a neck-and-neck battle on the water. Then, UCO made a late push, soaring to a first place time of 6:58.51 and awarding the team a full 12 points. Bringing the overall score to 16. "They got their confidence heading into nationals after winning the programs first major race," Rice mentioned. "Which pushed them over the edge and gave them the confidence to go and win." Western Washington was able to come in second, adding nine more points for a total of 17 on the day. The Lady Bronchos look to continue their work heading into next
season, only losing four rowers. "It's exciting looking forward to what's going to happen," Rice said. UCO will have a rare combination of youth and experience next season. "It's going to pay off for the incomers," Rice stated. "They will be able to walk right in and see the way it needs to go to win." For the program to have another finish like 2017, means to continue what is being built. "One of our big goals for next year is to continue the stability and success of the program, both on and off the water," Rice said. Lady Bronchos Rowing finished
towards the top of the nation in the classroom as well. In late May Britney Baker, Trista Cripe, Erica Mitchell, and Maddie O'Brien were named Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association National Scholar-Athletes. Cripe also received the NCAA Elite 90 Award, going to the student-athlete with the highest GPA entering the National Championships. In mid June, the Lady Bronchos also expect to have their tenth All-American in just six years selected. "They work their tails off on and off the water," Rice emphatically said.
UCO’s 8+ boat competes in a race. The team finished in first at the rowing national championships. (Provided/ UCO Athletics).
ENDEAVOR GAMES
June 12, 2017
The Vista
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Endeavor Games Return to UCO Cara Johnson/ Ryan Naeve @cara_johnson_ & @ItWasRyan Vista Photographers
The University of Central Oklahoma was the host of yet another Endeavor Games, providing competition in various sports for adults, children, and military members with physical disabilities. The event was held June 8-11. 2017 sports included archery, air rifle shooting, cycling, power-lifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis and others. The games originally came to UCO in 2000, and eventually was integrated into the university. Hosting the Endeavor Games played a big part in UCO becoming a U.S. Paralympic Training Site.
Lilly Biagini, 6, practices sitting volleybal on Thursday, June 8 before the Endeavor Games officially began. Biagini is a double amputee who came from Santa Rosa, California to compete in the Endeavor Games (Ryan Naeve / The Vista)
A group of sitting volleyball players warm up in the UCO Wellness Center on Thursday, Tyler Jones, 16, lifts his third power-lifting attempt of 65 kilos on Friday, June 9, 2017 June 8, 2017 during the 2017 Endeavor Games in Edmond, Okla. (Ryan Naeve/ The during the 2017 Endeavor Games in at Hamilton Fieldhouse in Edmond, Okla. (Cara Vista). Johnson/ The Vista).
Zachary Jones prepares for his second power-lifting attempt of 155 kilos on Friday, June 9, 2017 during the 2017 Endeavor Games in at Hamilton Fieldhouse in Edmond, Okla. (Cara Johnson/ The Vista).