The Vista June 30, 2010

Campus Quotes

Miss Oklahoma

NBA Draft

World Cup

How have you been enjoying summer?

Page 2

UCO senior crowned Miss Oklahoma 2010 on June 12.

Page 5

Thunder selects new star player.

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Ghana beat U.S. 2-1 at World Cup. Page 8

JUNE 30, 2010

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THE VISTA

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA’S student voice since 1903.

In this photo taken Saturday, June 26, 2010, protesters attack a police car in Toronto, while demonstrators clash with police at the G-20 summit. Despite a $900 million security budget for the G-summits, the streets of Toronto were swarmed by an angry mass of blackclad anarchists who wreaked havoc.

600 Arrested at G-20

“People need to realize ... that a competitive nation cannot tolerate digital divides between haves and havenots.”

PHOTO BY CHRIS YOUNG

By Samantha Maloy / Staff Writer Pockets of anarchists groups rioted this past weekend in Toronto during the G-20 summit. Thousands of protesters had gathered with peaceful intentions, but were disrupted by the more violent groups as they smashed windows and set fire to police vehicles. Police arrested around 600 rioters throughout Saturday and Sunday and placed them in a temporary containment building designated for the summit.

According to the Huffington Post online, serious injuries By Jack Chancey / Staff Writer were not reported among those involved in the riots. Security Life in the 21st century has offered people many luxuries costs for the summit totaled in the hundreds of millions. and freedoms unknown to generations past. One such innovation is the Internet, broadband connection in particular.

Broadband Internet, categorized as a high-speed connection, has drastically changed how the Internet has been used.

“Broadband has created many opportunities, and I love the ability to put up videos and sound,” William Andrews, web designer for the College of Liberal Arts, said.

Before the Internet, sharing of information was limited to communications between computers on a specific network.

Technological advancements led to the standardization of the Internet, which came online for public use around 1991. Connection speeds at this time were slow, allowing only e-mail and text-based web browsing. With the advent of broadband connections, multimedia use in the Internet has greatly expanded its usefulness.

PHOTO BY GARETT FISBECK

PHOTO BY CHRIS YOUNG

BROADBAND FOR THE MASSES

Continued on page 3

A protester offers a police officer flowers during a street protest in Toronto on Saturday June 26, 2010, as the G-20 summit commences.

WEATHER TODAY

H 89° L 66°

INTERNET

BY THE NUMBERS:

TOMORROW H 89° L 69°

The Max Chambers Library is a place where students can access the Internet on a regular basis.

Broadband internet.

is

categorized

as

high-speed

99% of ZIP codes have Internet access.

Approximately 100 million Americans not have access to broadband.

do

Oklahoma County has 100 percent access to broadband.

78 percent of users use the Internet to buy products.

70 percent of Americans surf the Internet.

Broadband took 10 years to break 50 percent adoption, followed by the CD player at 10.5 years, the VCR at 14 years, cell phones took 15 years, color TVs took 18 years, as did the personal computer.

Social Networking

COVER YOUR ASSETS ON FACEBOOK More weather at www.uco360.com

DID YOU KNOW? Los Angeles’s full name is “El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula” and can be abbreviated to 3.63% of its original size: “L.A.

By Andy Snow / Staff Writer Throughout the years, there have been massive innovations in technology that have forced us to change the way we did just about everything in our lives. These include, but of course aren’t limited to: radio, television, and most recently, the Internet.

Now while each one of these innovations completely changed the game as far as communication was concerned, it’s arguable that the Internet could be the most important of them all. After all, the Internet has a level of interaction and equality that isn’t really present in either of the other two

technologies, be it TV or radio. And lest we forget, the Internet brought about the creation of the ever-present beast that we call social networking.

Be it Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or any other number of sites currently operating, there’s always somewhere on the Web you can place all that information about yourself that should probably be reserved for close friends and relatives. This fact does raise questions, however: Are social networks safe and secure? Are they a good place to keep your personal information?

These very same questions were raised and, supposedly, resolved last

month, when privacy settings for Facebook were drastically simplified, and the site was almost completely revamped. In an interview with CNN last month, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed some of the issues that are commonly linked to the website. Zuckerberg said a very important part of determining how to identify and fix an issue with a website such as Facebook is to listen to user feedback.

By listening to user feedback, Zuckerberg began to understand some of the users’ frustration. For example, the fact some information posted on parts of Facebook profiles is public by

default tended to frustrate users.

Another issue associated with Facebook is the amount of users who are simply unaware of how to change many of their settings, and accidentally expose information they expect to be private and invisible to the public. In order to counteract this, Zuckerberg said the new system directs users to Facebook’s privacy page, and guides them through the process of changing their settings.

An issue that’s long been linked to Facebook is the concept of third parties potentially obtaining personal in-

Continued on page 3

OPINION

2

JUNE 30, 2010 So long, and thanks for all the mints ...

THE VISTA

LOSING MY RIGHT ARM

By Dr. Terry Clark / Professor of Journalism

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, with a maximum of 150 words, and must include the author’s printed name, title, major, classification and phone number. 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 730345209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be e-mailed to vistauco@gmail.com.

STAFF

Management Kory Oswald, Editor-In-Chief Elina Golshani, Copy Editor Chris Wescott, Sports Editor

Advertising Brandon Cameron

Circulation Stephen Hughes

Adviser Mr. Teddy Burch

Editorial

Ethan Larsh, Staff Writer Jenefar De Leon, Staff Writer A.J. Black, Staff Writer

Cartoon Prakriti Adhikari

Photography Garett Fisbeck

Graphic Design Steven Hyde

Administrative Assistant Tresa Berlemann

C ARTO O N BY S T E V EN H Y DE AN D KO RY OS WAL D

Samantha Maloy, Staff Writer Jack Chancey, Staff Writer

“Ah, you’re a little early,” I said more than 13 years ago.

“No I’m not. I’m right on time,” she said.

Three of us were interviewing applicants for the secretary’s job at the Journalism Department at UCO. As chair I could have made the decision myself, but I asked two faculty members, Sherri Massey and Bob Illidge, to interview with me. I respected their judgment and experience and wanted their help because it was such an important job for a growing, student-oriented department.

I looked at the schedule, and, for the first time of many in all the years since, found that Sherry Sump was correct.

She was the second applicant of the day. ... After Sherry’s interview, the decision was unanimous. Bob Illidge, with 30 plus years experience in the advertising business, was adamant. “We need her experience,” he said. Sherri Massey ... agreed. ....

Sherry Sump had been an executive secretary for Exxon in Houston. She had a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young. She and her husband Gary had just moved here, where he worked for an oil company. She was precise and professional. And she wasn’t afraid to correct me.

In my 19 years as chair of the department, Sherry Sump is the most important person I’ve ever hired, and my best hire.

We soon found out she had a sense of humor to go with her efficient organizational skills. She endeared herself to the faculty because she treated us all equally. In fact, that became her trademark − a magnetism of sincere interest in people. She knew all the names of the physical plant staff, those hard-working people who keep any organization alive, yet who are often overlooked or ignored especially in the sometimes pompous, basically insecure world of professors so concerned about their status. As a result, when the department needed something done, we often got preferential treatment. Painters and custodians and everyone else were always welcome to come in on a cold day for coffee, or a piece of candy, or a donut. Hers was a first-name relationship with the staff.

Students always found a mother who would listen and try to help, with patience and a smile. As word of her retirement spread, more and more tributes came in from graduates, about how she helped them survive the red tape of the campus. ...

Other secretaries came to rely on her for advice, and soon, she was one of the

‘‘

“Seven Dwarves,” the liberal arts department secretaries. Of course, she was “Grumpy,” and she enjoyed the humor.

To the chagrin of some academics on campus, we began calling her “Dr. Sump,” thanks to Bob Illidge’s dry humor. ... To those who would protest, we’d say she did “hold a doctorate.” Every night. Her husband Gary has a Ph.D. in Engineering, and she holds him every night.

In my 19 years as chair of the department, Sherry Sump is the most important person I’ve ever hired, and my best hire.

She always spoke her mind, which to me was an asset, though some on campus didn’t agree because of her impatience with micromanagement or inane policies or incompetence or unfair pay in administration. Such honesty is often not appreciated by the politically correct, glacially-moving world of higher ed. In the Journalism Department, we loved it.

Not that she and I wouldn’t fuss, especially the longer we worked together and became a team. We understood each other. She was always respectful, calling me “Doctor Clark.” She always asked for time off ahead of time. She always followed procedures. She was a meticulous bookkeeper. I’d ask her for an estimate on budget balances, and she wouldn’t give it. She’d look it up and give me the dollars and cents.

But we could joke at each other out of mutual respect, throwing good-natured gibes at each other, typical of what I would call “Newsroom humor.” One day we were fussing, rather loudly, and a student came in the office with a concerned look. “Are you two married?” she asked.

We laughed and it stuck, Sherry becoming my “other wife.” Susan picked up on it, especially when I’d tell her about talking to Sherry about problems in the department or other everyday events. We could talk about anything, and Susan would ask, “Well, what did your other wife say?”

Bob Illidge and I would get to work early, at least by 7 a.m. and sit there in the darkness of the office in the winter months, drinking coffee, sighing and talking. We agreed ... she’s the best secretary we’ve ever known, and Bob especially had worked with many. Many times she’d show up early too, and sit and talk with us. I started calling her “The World’s Best Secretary,” until we merged departments and Charlotte

Life, liberty and the pursuit of online convenience ...

CAMPUS QUOTES

Waddle became our colleague and that’s just not fair to another professional.

But I also called her my right arm, and she still is. Every leader needs people like Sherry Sump around. They become part of you, because leadership is not bossing or micromanaging, but helping other people to succeed, and knowing when and how to make decisions. To do that you need people to trust, other voices, and you need big ears. Literally, I have big ears, and I’m a reporter, so I have built-in reliable sources, and I know how to read people and find stuff out. But Sherry has been a key part of those ears. She was not a “snitch,” but many times she’d say something like, “You might check...,” or “did you know there’s a problem....” Her guidance was always to help people and the department. And as a leader, you need someone with the integrity and self-security to tell you when you’re wrong. You don’t need a cheerleader or “Yes” person.

I attribute a lot of this to her western upbringing, growing up on the Western Slope of Colorado. Those people tend to be self-sufficient, competent, and working-people oriented. I also told her once that if all I knew about the Mormon religion was Gary and Sherry Sump, I could become a member....

About the only drawback to her success was her success, because I couldn’t get work done with all the traffic outside my non-soundproof door. She was right outside my office, and she was such a magnet for people to come in and talk to. Students, faculty and staff would all come in, to sit and visit, or bring problems to, and then the phone would ring.

I could hear every word. Shutting the door didn’t help, and it was sometimes impossible to get work done. The office of the Journalism Department became a popular destination, thanks to her, and that builds a sense of community and success and professionalism.

Her professionalism extended beyond the department, across the state, as she helped me with the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. She has been the contact for most media people in the state, and they respect and love her as much as our students and UCO staff. I announced she was retiring June 30 to the 250 people from around the state attending the April Hall of Fame ceremony. Many publishers and others came up and asked, “What are you going to do without her?”

I don’t know.

‘‘

The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, semi-weekly during the academic year except exam and holiday periods, and only on Wednesdays during the summer, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.

To read this article in its entirety visit Dr. Clark’s blog at http://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/

How have you been enjoying your summer?

WILSON MACHARIA

Sophmore-Business Law

“I’ve been hanging out with the British girls from Swansea.”

JT HACKETT

CHRIS MACINTOSH

BECKY TA

Sophmore-Exercise Science

Sophmore-Business

Senior-Biology

“I’ve been making wonderful new friends whil working as a summer housing assistant.”

“Frontier City, shopping … and working with my friends.”

“I haven’t been. I’ve been too busy working and going to school.”

NEWS

JUNE 30, 2010 Broadband continued from page 1

PHOTO BY GARETT FISBECK

UCO students access Internet in areas like the Max Chambers Library.

for their futures,” Copps said in an EnterprisingNetworking article. “And they need to understand that a competitive nation cannot tolerate digital divides between haves and have-nots, between those living in big cities and those living in rural areas or on tribal lands, between the able-bodied and persons with disabilities.”

With the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, $787 billion was allocated to stimulat-

ing America’s shaky economy. Part of the bill was the Broadband Initiative which allocates funds to states to use in implementing broadband connections to rural areas, community anchor institutions − schools, libraries and healthcare facilities − and businesses. Oklahoma has chosen to participate in this initiative that will take place in two phases In the first phase, Oklahomans are urged to take place in the Oklahoma Broadband Mapping Project which will “collect the necessary data to identify broadband assets, gaps in broadband services, and opportunities for expansion of broadband services.” The data will then be used to determine what areas are served, underserved, and unserved by broadband, which will allow the government to help in making decisions on the allocations of resources to the underserved areas.

The second phase is the Oklahoma Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Grant Application to build the Oklahoma Community Access Network.

As said on the Oklahoma government website, “OCAN will expand infrastructure capacity to vastly improve the delivery of educational and work force development services, and improve access to health care and public safety services.

OCAN will be a catalyst for technology to position Oklahoma more competitively in the global economy.”

It is clear where federal and state governments stand on the broadband issue.

The United States as a whole has less access to broadband than other industrialized countries. Finland, for instance, recently passed a law stating all citizens must have access to broadband Internet.

Countries such as South Korea and the Netherlands have higher percentages of broadband users than the United States.

To be sure though, America’s geography makes it hard for 100 percent coverage.

With the helping hand of the government, the United States may soon catch up with the other leading countries of the world.

PHOTO BY GARETT FISBECK

PHOTO PROVIDED

Facebook continued from page 1

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Copps is in favor of a nationwide broadband plan to establish 100 percent coverage for all Americans.

However, not everyone in the United States has access to broadband Internet.

Oklahoma’s Broadband Initiative and similar programs across the country are working to establish 100 percent coverage for all Americans. Nearly 100 million people live without broadband access, mostly in rural locations. For example, Oklahoma County residents have 100 percent access to broadband whereas Cimarron County, in the panhandle, has only 64 percent coverage. Oklahoma’s Broadband Initiative will attempt to balance this disparity.

The Federal Communications Commission states broadband is the great infrastructure challenge of the 21st century. It will be the foundation for economic growth, job creation, global competitiveness, and a better way of life. The Internet started out as a government-funded project then moved into the private sector and has now come full circle to being funded by the federal government again.

Michael Copps, the FCC’s longest sitting chairman, is in favor of implementing a nationwide broadband plan.

“People need to realize that meeting the broadband challenge is really something important in their lives and

3

Facebook has implemented a new privacy policy for applications before users can have access to them.

formation about you through the site, and using it for their own endeavors. Under Facebook’s new system, applications that ask for more personal information must give more detail as to why they need it.

Now in light of these questions, it’s important to understand that most anything a person can put on a site like Facebook was certainly intended to be seen by someone. So is it really right to get angry when your creepy uncle or ex-soulmate sees a post that you made about your drunken mistakes last Monday? The answer to that question really depends on the person.

“I think that whenever people put anything online, it should be expected that it’s part of the public domain,” UCO senior Jon Gray said. “You shouldn’t really be all that surprised when people discover all the ‘secrets’ that you post every day on a public website. If you really want something to be private, then you should probably just call someone.”

As far as privacy and security on Facebook go, some are fine with it just the way it is.

“Facebook is a perfectly secure and private place for those who know how to use it,” UCO junior Lance Loomis said.

“There are plenty of security options with which you can hide your information on your account if you aren’t friends with somebody. Also, you can hide your account from being searched. Really the problem is people posting things that should be private in a public domain in the first place. I don’t think it’s a technology issue.”

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NEWS

JUNE 30, 2010 Opinion

STUDENTS GIVE BLOOD

OPINION LACED

PHOTO BY GARETT FISBECK

Health

WITH

FACT

BY

A.J. BLACK

I am struck with an odd sense of irony most every weekday morning as I enter the Edmond city limits. Typically this feeling comes to me at the point where Broadway Extension transitions from a highway into the main artery of the city and the speed limit suddenly shifts from 60 to 35. In the median of the divided six-lane main drag, you cannot help but notice an inconspicuously placed Broncho blue banner that reads, “Bike to Work.”

I have silently chuckled at the publicly funded message countless times and often wondered if anyone else found it to be as ridiculous as I do. It seems as of late that the whole civilized world is in love with the green. No, not the oh-so sweet smelling plant matter, or the cold hard cash that has been said to rule everything around me − but rather, the eco-friendly, anti-carbon footprint; use less stuff, take a long hike off a short cliff, and go plant yourself a tree, green.

UCO is so committed to save the biosphere that it was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for its efforts, and given the 2009-2010 Individual Conference ChamSenior Meredith Marrs, applied liberal arts major, gives of her time and blood on June 24 as Dana Alexander, pion Award for being the greenest university in the Lone Star an OBI volunteer, carefully secures the needle in Marrs’ arm. Marrs is one of the 50 students who dropped by Conference. the Nigh University Center to donate to the blood drive.

According to a quote in The Vista from 2008, UCO Vice President Steve Kreidler estimated that the university had saved approximately $15 million since beginning its campusday, but students and faculty have been wide green initiative in 2004. Unfortunately, all that money we

By Jenefar De Leon / Staff Writer stopping by to donate, Bussert said. have saved hasn’t kept tuition rates from being raised around While some UCO students She said she loves volunteer- 33 percent or prevented increases to the student activity fee, or spend their summer taking ing at the Red Cross and see- given any substantial salary increases for many of the fine inclasses or just enjoying their ing people caring to donate structors who grace us with the knowledge we seek, especially summer vacation elsewhere, blood. in the arts colleges, but that is another issue. some UCO students took In 2006, the Red Cross the time on Thursday to help collected 16 million blood save lives. donations in the U.S. Because I have silently chuckled at the publicly The Oklahoma Blood Institute someone in the U.S. needs blood funded message countless times and often had a blood drive from 10 a.m.-3 every two seconds, donors are viwondered if anyone else found it to be as p.m. Thursday, June 24, on camtal. pus by the stand-up computers Sara Hawk, sophomore his- ridiculous as I do. on the first floor of the Nigh Unitory major, donated blood for Now, back to the green – with all the leaders of the world, versity Center. the first time at the UCO blood institutions, and friendly corporations seeking to transition Nearly 50 students came to drive. us from a non-sustainable energy source to a responsible and donate blood, according to re“I feel really good to contribute endlessly renewable supply of power, I began to wonder how cords. Although the number some way to a cause,” she said. much have we really done, how much of what we have done is may look small, each donor will Hawk said she was scared at genuine, and how much is simply for appearances. help save the life of more than a first, but the free T-shirt, snack Now, I have to admit, at the time I was thinking all of this hundred people who are in need and Oklahoma City Zoo tickets stuff about the genuineness of the initiative, I was riding my of blood. were great gifts for just donat- bicycle, an all-white vintage Peugeot that I had just removed More than 38,000 blood doing. She was also curious of her from the bike rack on the front of the city bus, when an Ednations are needed every day, acblood type, which was one of mondite in a long, jet black, late-modeled SUV nearly killed cording to Red Cross statistics. her major motives to donate. me and my Peugeot, by speeding around me as I observed all Just donating blood can save In case of an emergency; she of the traffic laws that apply to cyclists. The driver, a young millions of lives, and UCO stuwould know her blood type. and handsome 20-something, yelled an expletive in my direcdents were part of Oklahoma’s It is important to know your tion, and in a friendly manner gestured to me with his finger Blood Institute’s efforts that day. blood type in case of emergen- and suggested that I use the sidewalk.

Frances Bussert, a volunteer cy or even car accidents.

I was taken aback a bit but quickly regained my composure for the Red Cross, has been According to the U.S. Cen- as I envisioned my all-knowing and all-loving God tormentvolunteering for more than sus Bureau, 20-to-24-year- ing that man’s soul for all eternity in the depths of a fiery hell. seven years. olds are second highest in As I got to campus and locked my bike up to an empty bike She believes in the imporhaving car accidents, follow- rack, I took a deep breath and my lungs were suddenly filled tance of others giving blood. ing adults ages 25-35. But with a foreign substance. I turned and saw a groundskeeper She became involved when in one car accident, a victim walking next to a service truck that was equipped with a large she was part of a local blood can require up to 100 pints of green tank filled with some chemical agent. He was spraying drive for a family friend who was blood. the chemicals on the grass right next to the pristinely azure undergoing a liver transplant and also in need I t only takes less than 20 minutes to Broncho Lake. None of the fish or geese seemed to notice. I of blood. Since then she has become involved in donate, and donors can donate every 56 days. The hadn’t given the scene much more thought when I came across letting others know the importance of giving blood.

Red Cross has more than 200,000 blood drives a year. two campus police officers chitchatting on their lunch break “Donating one pint of blood helps save the lives of up to Bussert said especially in current weather temperature, Red with some ladies, as their vehicles idled in the parking lot a three different people who are in need of blood,” Bussert said. Cross staffs recommend donors to drink a lot of water and eat few feet away. … Light that shit my neezy. What it do, what it Originally nearly 20 students scheduled to sign up for that a full breakfast before donating. don’t, what will, what it won’t. − Light it up, AJ.

Boot Camp

SUMMERTIME WORKOUT SHAPES LOCALS

By Bethany Scott / Staff Writer The sun rises over Wantland Stadium. Instead of seeing just an empty field, one notices an array of orange cones and a woman dressed in all black athletic wear. Loud pop music is playing through a makeshift speaker system, and women of all different ages are starting to trickle down to the field.

This is an average morning for Brennan’s Boot Camp. Dr. Martha Brennan, the head women’s track and field coach, is leading a fitness boot camp for women 6:30-7:30 a.m., June 7-July 2 on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The boot camp is open to all ages.

There are 82 women registered for

the boot camp, with around 40-50 showing up at each session. Participants include UCO students, staff and community members. The attendees are all across the board when it comes to fitness levels.

However, no one is left behind during a routine.

“There are no superheroes here,” Brennan said.

All of the routines are timed and include activities such as squats, sit-ups, pushups, burpies and other exercises. The regimen is altered slightly each week; at least two or three new activities are added. The drills are track related but are not catered to runners only. The exercises are focused on strength conditioning, designed simply to help

participants achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Brennan started the boot camp because she was tired of the high sedentary rates and obesity rates.

“Most people can’t do a pushup,” Brennan said.

Brennan has a great deal of experience. She has been coaching track since she was 22.

Throughout the morning, Brennan is upbeat, encouraging everyone to stay active. Her enthusiasm feeds the attendees motivation, keeping them from giving up.

The participants show up excited to work out, despite the early wakeup call. Attendee Crystal Mohamed said she became involved because she was out of shape. The routines

have been beneficial to her.

“I found a burst of energy I didn’t know I had in me,” Mohamed said.

Meshawn Conley, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services, is also a participant in Brennan’s Boot Camp.

“It’s a great opportunity to work out with other co-workers,” Conley said.

Brennan hopes the participants will feel stronger and healthier after the boot camp is over. It isn’t designed for the women just to help them lose weight, but if they are keeping up with the regimen, they should.

“We’re not just doing jazzercise here,” Brennan said. However, Brennan hopes people won’t be scared

“There are no superheroes here ... most people can’t do a pushup.” off by the term “boot camp.”

The boot camp is an opportunity for women to gather together and work toward a healthy lifestyle.

“The hardest part is getting your feet on the floor,” Brennan said. The boot camp is an opportunity many women have taken advantage of and are already experiencing positive outcomes from. The boot camp is cost-free, but donations are accepted.

NEWS

JUNE 30, 2010

5

Miss Oklahoma

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

UCO SENIOR WINS University of Central Oklahoma senior Emoly West was crowned Miss Oklahoma 2010 on June 12 during the annual pageant at the Mabee Center at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa.

West, who competed as Miss Edmond LibertyFest, will receive a $16,000 scholarship for winning the Miss Oklahoma Pageant, and will go on to compete in the 90th Miss America Pageant on Jan. 15, 2011, at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

West, 24, a dance major at UCO, is the daughter of Jack and Stephanie West. Her platform is leadership and character development. West described how being cool and collected helped make the pageant a great experience.

“In pageantry, you have to be as flexible as possible,” West said. “Because I was able to enjoy the week, I was able to have more fun.”

There were 43 women competing in the pageant. Betty Thompson, Miss Northwest Passage, was first runner-up, and Alicia Clifton, Miss Moore-Norman, was second runner-up. This year was West’s fifth attempt at the title, and her victory is still sinking in.

“We took pictures yesterday, and it was crazy thinking we’re picking pictures for Miss America,” West said.

Brian Attebery, West’s personal trainer and owner of Results Fitness and Nutrition Center in Edmond, does guest lecturing at UCO. Attebery is the trainer of Miss USA 2010 runner-up Morgan Woolard as well as 2007 Miss America winner and UCO Alum Lauren Nelson.

“This is my third Miss Oklahoma to win in the Miss America system,” Attebery said about West winning the crown. “She’s a very hard worker, whether she works at her platform, her talent or her physique.”

Throughout the five years West has competed, her hard work has become increasingly evident. Although this is the first year for West to win Miss Oklahoma, she won the swimsuit competition every year she competed. She

also won the talent competition this year for her ballet en pointe performance.

West is also a certified volunteer “Character Coach” with the Oklahoma City-based leadership development program, Character First.

This program strives to reduce bullying, tardiness, drug abuse, cheating, profanity and disrespect for teachers among students.

At UCO, West was a member of the Kaleidoscope Dance Company, a touring company entertaining audiences with modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and theater dance. She is also an instructor and choreographer at Arts Revealing The Son, a nonprofit arts outreach ministry to the church and community.

Attebery has high hopes for West in the Miss America Pageant next January.

“I believe Emoly has a fantastic chance of winning Miss America,” Attebery said.

West is looking forward to competing in Miss America and would love nothing more than to win.

“We’ve had six Miss Oklahomas become Miss America,” West said. “I hope I become The UCO tobacco ban takes effect on Thursday, July 1. The policy pertains to students, the seventh!” faculty and staff as well as any visitors on every property owned or leased by UCO. PHOTO BY PHOTO SERVICES

By Ethan Larsh / Staff Writer

POLICY

PHOTO BY GARETT FISBECK

MISS OKLAHOMA

THE TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS

The UCO tobacco ban pertains to ALL FORMS of tobacco, not just cigarettes.

So before you decide to slyly dip in class, remember that the ban also includes any form of smokeless toEmoly West was crowned Miss Oklahoma. bacco and dip.

The policy does not pertain to students only. It also covers current faculty and staff, as well as any visitors present on the campus. So be sure to let your chain-smoking grandma know about the policy before she attends your graduation.

The university plans to provide smokers on campus with tobacco cessation programs, as well as provide people with more information on the harmful side effects of smoking and risks associated with other forms of tobacco.

Until legislation passes in November allowing citations to be written for smokers on campus, the policy will be largely self-enforced by students and their peers. Anyone is capable of reporting cases of tobacco use for possible action against that person.

The ban effects each and every property owned or leased by UCO, so remember to be careful when attending events at other UCO properties, such as the Jazz Lab and other locations.

Sitting Volleyball

U.S. TEAMS SEEK HOME COURT ADVANTAGE

By Samantha Maloy / Staff Writer Edmond is the chosen stage for 27 countries as they compete in the 2010 Sitting Volleyball Worlds, which will be July 10-18.

Thirty-seven teams comprised of nearly 600 athletes will make their way to the UCO campus to compete for the top three spots in the men’s and women’s brackets. Those top three finishers automatically qualify for the 2012 Paralympics in London.

“This competition is the largest international event Edmond has ever hosted,” Ryan Wilson, a UCO PR and marketing assistant, said.

The last Worlds was in 2006 in Roermond, Netherlands. It was in

2006 that UCO was asked to put in a last-minute bid for the next Worlds hosting site. Since UCO became the official training site of the men’s and women’s U.S. Sitting Volleyball teams in 2005, the selection was logical as well as a huge honor.

The Worlds is a premier opportunity to showcase the campus, as well as showcase the city of Edmond. The influx of 600 athletes along with their family members obviously presents excellent revenue opportunities for the city.

“For a lot of athletes, this may be their first and only time to visit America,” Wilson said. The Worlds also provides a wonderful “coming out” venue for teams from countries like Rwanda and Kenya that are just

Want a chance to win a new

beginning to build their programs.

A lot of the athletes will be housed on campus in the Suites, while many of the officials will be staying off campus.

Bill Hamiter is the head coach for the U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball team. He sees that there are many advantages for the Worlds to be here in the United States.

“It’s great that the championships are held here in the U.S.; expand that even more with them held on our training site,” Hamiter said. “It’s a huge advantage to us.”

Hamiter cited travel obstacles the U.S. teams will not have to overcome on top of the actual competition, like the drain of jet lag or adjusting to different foods.

Kodak Zi8?

“It’s nice to have a home crowd that can root for us; [we’re] looking for a good USA crowd backing us up,” Hamiter said.

Hamiter also hopes to see the community become better acquainted with the team.

“That visibility [of the Worlds] will create awareness for our program,” Hamiter said.

Only the women’s team made it to Beijing for the 2008 summer games, where it finished with a silver medal. Wilson said they are definitely pushing to get both teams to London for the next summer games in 2012.

It will be a long time before Oklahoma will have another opportunity to show its support for a

national team. The community can do that, not only by buying tickets and coming to the matches, but also by volunteering during the 10-day span that the competition takes place. Wilson said there are more than 1,000 volunteer opportunities during this time. Positions range from ticket taking to set up and tear down, but the greatest need is actual help on the courts during the games.

Volunteer registration and ticket purchases are available online at http://administration.uco.edu/ ucowc/worlds/. Tickets for day pass are $10 for adults. Coupons for buy one ticket, get one half off are available at the UCO Wellness Center.

Scavenger Hunt coming August 2010

Stay connected with your friends at the Vista

6

CLASSIFIED

JUNE 30, 2010

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

Server Positions Available

Part-Time Job

Window Cleaner Needed

Pearls Lakeside. within. 748-6113

Apply

Shogun’s Steak House Of Japan

Hiring for waitstaff, busers, dishwashers, host, bar tender.

Apply in person at Northpark Mall (NW 127nd N. May) after 5:30 pm. 749-0120

Teacher Needed Immediately For Edmond Day care

FT/PT experience preferred. Competitive wages.

Apply in person @ 24 NW 146th or call Camelot CDC @ 749-2262

Part-Time Jobs

Senior Services of Oklahoma is looking for students to fill part time positions. Several from 9a.m.-1p.m. shifts and1:30p.m.-5:30p.m. shifts are available for Monday- Friday. We pay $10.00 per hour for energetic phone work educating senior citizens on healthcare issues.

No experience is needed; We will train. Business is located at 1417 N.W. 150th St. in Edmond. Call 8791888 to set up interview.

Ask for Megan Parris.

Part-Time Jobs

Work Part-time at Edmond’s newest gourmet food store: The Beef Jerky Emporium at Danforth and Kelley.

Fun job with flexible hours.

Retail experience helpful.

Call Mark at 405-235-2183.

Tutoring Needed Tutoring needed for 4 year -old. Early childhood major preferred. Approximately 5 hours per week. 919-8019

Baby sitter/nanny needed Babysitter/ nanny needed.

Must speak Mandarin. Approximately 10 hours per week. 919-8019

Part-Time Jobs

Job Description – Part Time Graphics Designer DM Mailing Services, Inc. is taking applications for a part time Graphic Designer and is looking for a candidate who can plan, analyze and create visual marketing and branding solutions for our clients. Duties Include: • Develop and refine logos, taglines and graphics.

• Assist team members with on going projects utilizing Adobe InDesign CS2, Illustrator CS2, PhotoShop CS2, PageMaker and Microsoft Software. Job Requirements: • 2 to 5 years of design experience or actively pursuing a degree in design, marketing or related field.

• Outstanding communication and organizational skills with a strong attention to detail. Demonstrated experience with Adobe Creative Suite.

Please send your cover letter and resume to: DM Mailing Services, Inc. 237 South Coltrane, Edmond, OK 73034. Or fax: 405.348.8966 attention to detail. Demonstrated experience with Adobe Creative Suite.

Please send your cover letter and resume to: DM Mailing Services, Inc. 237 South Coltrane, Edmond, OK 73034.

Or fax: 405.348.8966

Job Description – Part Time Sales & Graphics Designer DM Mailing Services, Inc. is taking applications for a part time Sales & Graphic Designer and is looking for a candidate who can plan, analyze and create visual marketing and branding solutions for our clients.

Duties Include: Develop and refine logos, taglines and graphics. Call on potential clients by phone and communicate that DM Mailing Services, Inc. is their “Direct Marketing Professionals” in brand image via flyers, postcards, newsletters and all other quality printed vehicles. Assist team members with on going projects utilizing Adobe InDesign CS2, Illustrator CS2, PhotoShop CS2, PageMaker and Microsoft Software. Job Requirements: 2 to 5 years of design experience or actively pursuing a degree in design, marketing or related fieldOutstanding communication and organizational skills with a strong attention to detail. Demonstrated experience with Adobe Creative Suite. Please send your cover letter and resume to: DM Mailing Services, Inc. 37 South Coltrane, Edmond, OK 73034. Or fax: 405.348.8966

Part-Time Job

DM Mailing Services, Inc. is taking applications for a seasonal / part time Mailing Machine Operator. This is a perfect job for someone who would like to make a supplementalincome while attending school. The position requires the ability to be able to work as needed to cover peak business demands.

The hours of work will normally be from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM (M-F); flexible work schedule.Job Requirements: 2 years basic computer skills.Customer service skills.Oral and written communicationsskills. High school diploma or GED. Lift 30 - 50 pounds.Please send your cover letter and resume to: DM Mailing Services, Inc. 237 South Coltrane, Edmond, OK 73034. Or fax: 405.348.8966

Fun Job

CROSSWORDS

Must have vailid driver’s license. Bilingual perferred.

Will train 405-340-3914

Nanny for Infant/Light Housekeeping

Mon-Fri. Summer and Fall semester. Call Sheryl 8637937

FOR RENT

House for Rent

1 bedroom $350 + utilities. No Pets No smoking. 31 1/2 West Hurd Edmond. Call Patty 408-8765

Nearly New

Walking distance to UCO. 3 bed/2 bath w/ washer and dryer $750. 2 bed/1 bath w pool $540. 340-8147

For Rent

Furnished rooms with shared common areas, $400 dollars and up. Rent includes bills payed, wireless internet, cable, free parking, and volleyball court. Also, another 3 bed 1 bath available, call for details. $400 is based off your contract, shorter contract terms available, call for details. Applications deposit and fee required.

Trailer for Rent

16X80 Trailer for rent @ 601 S. Vista Lane #258. 3 bedroom/ 2 bath. $800 + utilities. One mile from campus.

Call Virgil at 863-0861

FOR SALE

2005 Solitare

2005 Solitare Mobile Home for Sale by Owner. Three bedrooms, two bath with deck.

The home spacious and bright with plenty of closet space and storage.Located at 301 Dennis, Lot 153 Edmond Ok 73003. Call 405-359-9471

Across 1. Ceremonial splendor 5. Amateur video subject, maybe 8. Puts out 14. Grow too much of 16. From this point on 17. New Jersey city 18. Simple eyes 19. Accommodate 20. “I see!”

21. A hand 22. Be bombastic 25. “Check this out!”

27. A chip, maybe 28. Region survey 31. “___, humbug!”

32. Store convenience, for short 33. ___ power 34. Removal of inhibitor 40. “A Nightmare

Able Aged Ages Agree Am Arc Area Arm At Ball Bean Bed Bite Bow Bud Built Buy By Cabs Cell Charge

Work part-time at Edmond’s newest gourmet food store, the Beef Jerkey Emporium at Danforth and Kelley.

Fun job with flexible hours.

Retail experience helpful. Call Mark at (405) 255-2185

SERVICES

Conveniently located on the UCO campus, offers English as a second language classes for international students/individuals.

NOW FEATURING a specially designed program with: Strong emphasis in listening /speaking, highly interactive classes, and new and improved TOEFL program.

Enjoy small classes and the campus facilities. Contact us at (405) 341-2125 or www. thelanguagecompany.com

Down 1. Appear, with “up” 2. Egg cells 3. Big Apple attraction, with “the” 4. Fast 5. “Major” animal 6. Place to walk 7. Control 8. Young, weaned pigs 9. “Rambling Wreck from Georgia ___” 10. “___ we having fun yet?”

11. Profound depression 12. Respectful 13. Insinuating 15. Inexperienced 20. Balaam’s mount 22. Sun, e.g.

23. Go through 24. Accomplishment 26. Like 27. The “A” of ABM 29. Masefield play “The Tragedy of ___”

30. Amazon, e.g.

35. Concrete section 36. Babysitter’s handful 37. Indicates 38. Mamie’s man 39. Lagerlof’s “The Wonderful Adventures of ___” 43. Barely get, with “out” 44. Aristocracies 45. Lookers 46. Cheat, slangily 47. High degree: Abbr.

48. In charge of steelmaking furnace 49. Adhesive 53. Affirm 55. Boat in “Jaws” 57. Charlotte-toRaleigh dir.

58. Embrace 59. Gobbled down 60. Pan, e.g.

61. Dash lengths

WORD SEARCH

Part-Time

The Language Company: Edmond

on ___ Street” 41. 100 qintars 42. Deception 44. Thick, unsweetened milk 49. Commoner 50. Copter’s forerunner 51. Porridge ingredient 52. Order between “ready” and “fire” 53. Matterhorn, e.g.

54. Eye makeup powder 56. Stuff in a ship’s hold 58. Birthright 62. Sawbuck 63. Harriet Beecher Stowe character 64. Dimethyl sulfate and others 65. Fed. construction overseer 66. 1990 World Series champs

ANSWERS FROM JUNE 23

Chop Come Degree Dip Do Drew Dye Egg Eldest Elf Evil Eye Fed Few Fill Foods Go Gym Headed Hog Icy

Ideal Inn Its Jets Kit Last Lie Logs Met Millions Mobs My Nails Nearly New Oil Or Own Pad Paw Pet

Pistol Pit Responsibility Rod Sail Sea Seek Sew Sign Size Ski Sky So Tap Tell Utter Way We Yes You

7

SPORTS

JUNE 30, 2010

UCO Hockey

By Chris Wescott / Sports Editor The University of Central Oklahoma hockey team lost nine seniors to graduation following its most successful season to date. It can be difficult to rebound from such a massive talent turnover, and losing the maturity that comes with having such a seasoned squad can also be devastating. With that in mind, the Bronchos took recruitment to new heights this off-season, signing 11 players to letters of intent with expectations of more to come.

In the past, UCO’s recruitment has been somewhat stationary. The Bronchos boasted an incredible 14 players native to Illinois. While this brought extra fans and excitement to the games against the University of Illinois, as well as the national tournament in Chicago, the team took a more widespread approach this year.

Of the 11 players who have signed a letter of intent, only one is from Illinois. Two are native Californians; four are from the state of Wisconsin; one is from Texas, and one is from Iowa. The others are actually from different countries. Mackenzie Thiessen from St. Albert, AB in Canada and Peter Ekholm from Sweden have both signed letters of intent.

The two Californians are Nolan Hopkins and Jack Boyamyan. Anthony Knuth, Taylor Ludy, Matt Mosso and Conrad Kersten are from Wisconsin. Travis Reed is from Highland Village, Texas, while Logan Boehm is from Iowa.

There is no doubt UCO’s recent success has opened up new doors

PHOTO BY GARETT FISBECK

BRONCHOS SIGN 11 TO INTENT

Former UCO senior Erik Jansen (15) awaits a pass in front of the Sooners’ net in a game against the University of Oklahoma last season. Jansen is one of nine gradutated seniors from last year’s team.

for recruiting.

For head coach Craig McAlister and the rest of the Broncho coaching staff, it’s been a long process. A process that began right after last season ended, and one that has continued through today.

“We’re going to have a lot of guys, I think, that will be here,” McAlister said. “But you’ve got to make sure they actually show. You’ve got to constantly keep in contact, make sure they are fully admitted. Make sure that they took care of all that.

I mean, there’s a lot of issues there to get them admitted. Then after they’re admitted you have to make

sure they enroll, make sure they’re really coming.”

McAlister has been in almost constant contact with the 2010 recruiting class, getting things in order for them to report in August. The fact that every single recruit is from out of state means there is more work to be done in getting everything together. Coach McAlister says it’s a lot different than last season, in which UCO only had three new players come in.

“It’s nice when you have a veteran team because you don’t have to worry about half this stuff. Like last year, it was real simple. You had

three guys coming in, not a problem. Three guys are nothing. But, when you have, say for instance, like 10 to 14 guys, it’s a real pain.”

A real pain that could have a big payoff. UCO’s newest recruits could go a long way in reinforcing a Broncho squad that made the semifinals of the national playoffs this past year. The coaching staff sure is excited about the potential of this class.

One of the most intriguing position battles to watch come August is the one between the posts. Incumbent goaltender Eric Murbach is going to have a few rookies pushing

him for playtime. McAlister said the Bronchos are bringing in four new goaltending options this year. But there is one that McAlister expects big things from.

“I think our main goaltender that’s going to be able to start is the guy that’s actually had a little USHL [United States Hockey League] experience and a little NAHL [North America Hockey League] experience. His name’s Nick Holmes. He’s from Chicago, and I think he’s going to be something special.”

Offensively, the Bronchos have players like last year’s leading scorer, Jonathan Cannizzo, and senior forward Matt Cohn returning. They will also rely on the growth of seniors like Brent Block and younger players like Kevin Bergquist who showed promise last season.

But, coach McAlister says they may also get a boost from some of the recruits coming in.

“One guy is coming in, his name is Nolan Hopkins from California.

He played in the Western States for the Long Beach Bombers out there.

We’re going to lean a little heavier on him. We also have another player [Anthony Knuth] who played for the El Paso Rhinos, and he’s from Wisconsin.

“I think these guys are going to add a little more fire power to us and add to the depth of the guys that are already there.”

The UCO hockey team reports to Edmond on Aug. 14 to start its offseason camp. Its first game is Sept.

16 at the University of Oklahoma.

NBA Basketball Opinion

By Michael Collins / Sports Writer On what turned out to be one of the craziest NBA drafts in history, the Oklahoma City Thunder ended up with a player who could put them in the hunt for an NBA title this next season. The Thunder came into the draft with three first-round draft picks, and ended up with one very skilled big man in Cole Aldrich.

With so many first-round draft choices, many fans and media personnel were hoping for a “sexy” player. Someone who could sell tickets or light it up from the outside was the consensus. But if you look at the Thunder’s past season, there was only one glaring weakness, size. “Chicks dig the long ball.” While that may be true, the Thunder didn’t lose to the world champion Lakers because they couldn’t hit the three. They lost because the Lakers had two towers playing the paint in Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.

Maybe the Thunder gave up too much to get Aldrich, but maybe he is just the player they need. With Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, and eventually James Harden all expecting big contracts once their rookie deals are up, the Thunder really can’t afford to have another big payday player. It is a number game. Most teams only have one max-contract guy, and the Thunder could very well be looking at four already on their team.

With no real post-presence this past season, the Thunder relied on Durant and Westbrook.

Along with Aldrich, the Thunder also added Tibor Pleiss, a 7-foot-1 center from Germany.

Many scouts believe Pleiss is one of the best international prospects. If you add Pleiss’ height with Aldrich’s height, the Thunder effectively added 14 feet of length with just two players. If anyone thought the Thunder weren’t gunning for the Lakers’ spot as Western Conference champs with their picks, they were wrong.

The Thunder also added Latavious Williams and Ryan Reid. Williams was traded from the Miami Heat to the Thunder for a future second-round pick. Williams will be well-versed in the Thunder’s offense when he arrives for camp, due to the fact he played for

AP PHOTO/CRAIG RUT TLE

NBA: OKC THUNDER DRAFT RECAP

Kansas’ Cole Aldrich addresses the media after being as picked by the New Orleans Hornets in the NBA basketball draft in New York on Thursday, June 24, 2010. The Hornets agreed to trade Aldrich and guard Morris Peterson to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Thunder’s 21st and 26th picks in the first round. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

the Tulsa 66ers last season. He became the first player ever drafted out of high school to the NBA D-League. Now he has his chance to make his mark with the big boy club.

Reid was added in a trade with the Indiana Pacers for the Thunder’s 51st pick, Magnum Rolle. Reid was selected out of Florida State as a power forward. At 6 feet 8 and 232 pounds, he will be a bit undersized to bang with the taller players, but his hustle and hard play should make up for the size mismatch.

Overall the Thunder looked to have significantly improved their team on draft night. The only real weakness they had last season was the size issue. With Aldrich and Pleiss, maybe the Thunder’s problem has been solved. But the real problem will be locking up Durant and Westbrook. If they are able to do that, this draft will not be looked at harshly. But if they were to lose those two players, this draft

will have been a huge waste of draft picks.

The reason they took their chances with Aldrich is they are banking to have a prime-time player in Durant for years to come. If Aldrich

could average 10 points and seven to eight rebounds, the Thunder could be a very tough team to deal with this next season.

Oklahoma Prospects in the Draft • Ekpe Udoh, Edmond Santa Fe- Golden State (6) • Xavier Henry, Putnam City- Memphis (12) • Daniel Orton, Bishop McGuinness- Orlando (29)

OU/OSU Prospects in the Draft • James Anderson, OK State- Chicago (17) • Tiny Gallon, Oklahoma- Washington (30) • Willie Warren, Oklahoma- Dallas (50)

SPORTS

JUNE 30, 2010

8

World Cup

By Michael Collins / Sports Writer What a wild ride the World Cup turned out to be for the United States this year. Stunning comebacks, crazy refs, and very annoying vuvuzelas, this World Cup had it all.

The game vs. Ghana started out just like every other game for the United States; it gave up an early goal just five minutes into the game.

China was the last team to give up goals in the first 15 minutes of three or more games in a World Cup back in 2002. So naturally the Americans were scrambling right off the bat. U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard was visibly upset after he gave up the early goal, again. Howard was one of the worst players for the U.S. throughout the World Cup in the first 15 minutes of every game, but once he settled down, he was also one of the best players after the clock ticked past 15 minutes. Coming into the tournament, Howard was listed as a key strength the U.S. had on all the competition because he is one of the best goalies in the world. If you take away the start of every game, that stat still rings true.

The bright spot for the United States was the play of its captain.

Landon Donovan not only scored some of the most prolific goals in U.S. history, but he quite possibly made himself a lot of money. With Donovan’s late-game heroics, it is almost a given advertising and marketing campaigns will come call-

AP PHOTO/THE DALL AS MORNING NEWS, JOSH BIRNBAUM

HEARTBREAKER

USA soccer fan Matt Barbour watches as the USA vs. Ghana World Cup game comes to an end at the Pizza Hut Park Stadium Club in Frisco, Texas on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Ghana beat the USA, 2-1. (AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News, Josh Birnbaum)

ing. There is also talk of Donovan joining the English Premier League team Manchester City, which would result in a significant pay raise.

With Howard giving up the lead early, the U.S. looked to Donovan again to come to the rescue, and sure enough he answered the bell, just like he has this entire World Cup. In the 62nd minute, Ghana’s Jonathan Mensah pulled down Clint Dempsey, giving Donovan a penalty kick. After a few deep breaths,

Donovan’s shot clanked off the post and went into the net, sending the Americans and their fans into a frenzy. After that shot, it looked like the U.S. had all the momentum, and the game would eventually fall its way, but that wasn’t just in the cards.

After Donovan’s goal in the 62nd minute, the U.S. controlled the ball and the pace of the game. You got to give Ghana credit for not throwing in the towel, because as was the case

in the start of every game, Howard’s problems continued with the start of the overtime period.

In the 93rd minute, just as the extra time session was getting started, Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan sneaked past the U.S. defense and flicked a shot right past Howard, who looked to be in decent position. The lack of pressure hurt, because there is only so much a goalkeeper can do.

Once that shot hit the back of the net, everyone on the team looked

as if they were just hit with an uppercut from Mike Tyson. The life was sucked right out of the U.S. squad and its fans. To make matters worse, the U.S. didn’t put a shot on target after the 76th minute. So the miracle that everyone was hoping for was impossible. The Americans couldn’t get close enough to get a decent shot. And every time the U.S. pressed Ghana, it would flop and lay on the ground. Some of the flops were so bad, Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers even had to shake his head.

As the time ran out on the Americans, everyone’s attention went straight to the future. “What is next for the U.S. soccer program?” The future is bright, with Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and the coach’s son Michael Bradley. The midfield for the U.S. should be a strong point for the next few years. If Charlie Davies, who suffered major injuries in a car wreck just less than a year ago, can come back to the U.S. squad, he will add just another up-and-coming star to the team.

With as far as the U.S. soccer program has come in the last few years, if it continues to develop players and trust in itself, there is no reason to think it won’t be back and better than ever when the next World Cup rolls around. If it can get rid of the vuvuzelas and the refs from this World Cup, the next time we see this team in action could be special.