The Vista March 12, 2019

Volume 117, Issue 8

the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Getting to Know UCO’s 21st President

“If someone told me this is where I would be, I would be floored!”

Madison Bolton @TheVista1903 Reporter

Patti Neuhold will become the 21st president of the University of Central Oklahoma when current president Don Betz retires on June 30. News stories and press releases have noted her strong leadership skills and that she is currently UCO’s Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, but none have discussed who she is outside of work. The Vista’s reporter, Madison Bolton, sat down with Neuhold to discuss her beginnings, academic journey, hobbies and more.

Her responses have the possibility to give students, faculty and staff insight into their new president before she officially takes office July 1.

Continued on Pg. 6

Patti Neuhold, middle, interacts with student Mayona Presley, right, at a Black History Month event hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusions on March 6, in the Nigh University Center. Neuhold will become the 21st president of the University of Central Oklahoma in the following academic year. (Sarah Lauffenburger/The Vista)

Potential HIV Cure Discovered in Britain GoFundMe Raises $52,000 For London Patient in Possible Long-term HIV Remission

Katie Standlee

Double Homicide Victims Vy Luong

@katiestandlee Managing Editor

@vy169 Online Editor

A potential cure for HIV might have been discovered after a patient in Britian who received a bone marrow transplant is in what some scientists are calling a long-term remission.

This would be the second known case where a patient was cured of HIV since the AIDS epidemic began in 1981.

According to UNAIDS, in 2017 there were 36.9 million people globally who were living with HIV and Continued on Pg. 11

This electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health shows a human T cell, in blue, under attack by HIV, in yellow, the virus that causes AIDS. (Seth Pincus, Elizabeth Fischer, Austin Athman/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/NIH via AP)

TECH NEWS

Fitbit’s Latest Smart Watch Gets a Cheaper Option See Pg. 7

Michael Logan Walker plays the drums at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Jazz Lab on Feb. 8, in Edmond. Walker was shot on March 4, making this one of his last performances at UCO. Walker was a UCO adjunct, teaching percussion and drums from 1995-2004. (Brian Gorrell/Provided)

A GoFundMe page has raised over $52,000 dollars for the Walker family, who were victims of a double homicide that happened in Edmond last Monday.

Around 2:30 a.m. on Monday, police received a 911 call about shots fired inside of a home near E. Covell Road and N. Bryant Avenue. They found the bodies of Michael Logan Walker, 50, and Rachel Walker, 44, inside the home.

Continued on Pg. 5

BRONCHO SPORTS

UCO’s Avery Makes the Most of Final Season See Pg. 14

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the

March 12, 2019

VISTA

CONTENTS HIV/Permitless Carry............................................................3 Around Campus ...................................................................4 Congress/Homicide............................................................5 UCO’s 21st President............................................................6 FitBit/She Recommends........................................................7 Executive Order..................................................................11 Dominate................................................................12 Kick..............................................................................13 Unsystemic......................................................................14 Bucking Broncho.................................................................15

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 thevista.ads@gmail.com.

On the Cover: Left: The new Fitbit products are high-quality, easy-to-use and more affordable, so getting healthy can be accessible to people around the world of all ages and activity levels. (Brian Ach/ AP Images for Fitbit)

Right: University of Central Oklahoma forward, Adarius Avery, passes during a home game at Hamilton Field House. He set numerous score records in his only season at UCO. (Sarah Jekel/The Vista)

Contents

STAFF Christian Tabak Katie Standlee Jonathan Goudeau Tanner Laws Megan Thele Skyler Baldwin Vy Luong Michelle Pennza Yi Wen Wong Lauren Morris Madison Bolton James Jackson Derek Parker Samantha Karbelk Gerald Leong Teddy Burch Alex Brown

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Co-Copy Editor Online Editor Design Editor Reporter Reporter Reporter Sports Reporter Sports Reporter Photographer Photographer Adviser Advertising Specialist

Advertise with us!

The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters.

In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads.

For information or questions contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com

HIV/Permitless Carry

March 12, 2019

3

Potential HIV Cure Discovered in Britain Continued from Pg. 1

21.7 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy.

The London patient, who remains anonymous, was receiving the treatment for HIV-associated cancer. The virus has not returned 18 months after the patient stopped taking antiretroviral drugs, according to a report from the scientific journal Nature.

Nature also reported that this is the same treatment that the Berlin patient, American Timothy Brown, received over a decade ago and has remained virus free. However, according to Nature, researchers are saying it is too soon to say that either patient is completely cured.

The Associated Press reported that Brown was the first person to be considered cured of HIV. Both Brown and the London patient have received transplants with cells from allogeneic donors who have a naturally occurring mutation, called CCR5D32. This mutation makes the patient’s T cells resistant to infection by types of HIV. “In both the reported success cases, the patients have received a bone-marrow stem cell transplant from a delta 32 donor,” said Hari Shankar Kotturi, biology professor at the University of Central Okla-

homa. “The procedure is expensive and comes with its own risk. It may be quite some time before it can turn into a viable cure.”

Kotturi, who has done stem-cell research in the past, said two patients in long-term remission is certainly a piece of good news for the HIV research community. In the case of long-term outcomes as something that can be applied to all HIV patients, he said it may be a bit too early for something that can be beneficial to everyone with an HIV infection.

“These success stories do open the door for manipulating bone-marrow stem cells in the lab and using them for treating patients,” Kotturi said.

“Hopefully, it will increase funding from federal and private funding agencies.”

Kristen Eberly, director for the Division of Prevention and Intervention at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, said she does not anticipate any new research coming to Oklahoma as a result of this is, but she said she would assume there is national, even worldwide research occurring.

Eberly said she doesn’t think this treatment is feasible to go wide-scale.

“To get a bone marrow transplant you have to really reduce someone’s immune system and make them very,

very sick,” Eberly said. “With antiretroviral therapy you can take a pill a day and keep your virus at an undetectable viral load, so that’s much healthier for people to do.”

Eberly said if someone tests positive for HIV that they can start antiretroviral therapy and keep the virus where it is undetectable in their system.

“The best course of action is still prevention through safe sex practices and avoidance of risky drug practices,” said Linda Rider, chair and professor for the Nursing Department at UCO. “There is also PrEP, a medication to help avoid infection for highrisk individuals. For those who have contracted HIV, effective treatments are available.”

“In the past, you could get still get guns through the gun show loophole, but couldn’t carry it,” Tripodi said.

“Now you can carry a gun without a license and without going through the OSBI background check.”

The gun show loophole refers to the sale of firearms by private sellers, including those done at gun shows, that do not meet federal background check requirements.

Although getting your license and going through OSBI’s background check is expensive, according to Tyler Miller, executive director of Wilshire Gun in Oklahoma City.

“Almost everything we do actually inadvertently hurts the poor more than anybody else. The average cost to go get a conceal carry permit, get training, take a day off work to go get fingerprints can run you between $400-$500 total,” Miller said.

“That’s people’s rent for a month, that’s people’s car payments, that’s utility bills for a lot of people that don’t make a whole lot of money.”

Miller said he believes those less unfortunate are really the ones who deserve the right to bear arms.

“If you look at crime statistics, the people that most likely will need a

gun to defend themselves are normally from the lower income brackets within our state and nation,” Miller said. “So, our laws were penalizing the poor who needed it the most by taking away their right because they couldn’t afford [it] or making themselves criminals in the use of their own God-given right to protect themselves.”

A large part of the argument with permitless carry and the national debate on gun restrictions rests on gun advocates arguing that permits and license laws risk restricting Second Amendment rights.

“No right in the Bill of Rights is absolute,” Tripodi said. “For example, Freedom of speech is pretty clear cut: you can’t walk into a movie theater and say fire or you’ll be arrested, you can’t have hate speech, etc. Why? Because of public safety.

So, the Second Amendment was never meant to be absolute, meaning you can carry whatever gun you want wherever you want.”

Tripodi said this has been very clear from the Supreme Court: people have a right to bear arms in their home. However, as soon as they walk out of their homes, outside of their

property, states have the power and the constitutional authority to regulate those guns due to public safety, according to Tripodi.

“The Bill of Rights is not granted by the government but rather the government recognizes that they existed before the formation of the government,” said Miller. “Your right to defend yourself from a tyrannical government, to have a gun, was taken from English common law and represented that not even the crown could touch this. These belong to you as an individual or to the states and therefore that is your right that the federal government will never go take and make no law that abridges them.”

Miller said that he believes the Second Amendment gives you the freedom to practice our natural instinct, which is to fight or flee when you are in a certain predicament.

The bill will allow those 21 and over to carry a gun, but the age requirement is lowered to 18 for active duty or reserve military and veterans. Oklahoma will join 15 other states that allow open carry without a permit or license on Nov. 1.

University College London Professor Ravindra Gupta, left, presents at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Tuesday, March 5, 2019, in Seattle. Gupta presented the case of a second patient who has lived 18 months after stopping HIV treatment without sign of the virus following a stem-cell transplant, a possible second case of HIV being cured. (Carla K. Johnson/ AP Photo)

Debate Over Permitless Carry Continues

Madison Bolton @TheVista1903 Reporter

Governor Kevin Stitt’s decision last month to approve Bill 2597, which will allow for anyone age 21 or over to carry a firearm without a permit, has generated controversy from both sides of the debate over open carry.

University of Central Oklahoma political science professor Joe Tripodi, who is retired military and has grown up around guns his whole life, said he has some concerns for the new bill.

“The impact on UCO is going to be transparent, you’re not gonna know the difference. However you got your gun, however you are now able to carry it, you still cannot carry it on any state school campuses,” Tripodi said. “But, you may see them on the other side of the street on University Drive or something.”

According to Tripodi, the process included having to go through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to receive a conceal to carry license, which was very thorough.

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March 12, 2019

Around Campus

Students gather on the steps of Old North to Rally for Real Food on March 8, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The rally’s initiative was to push for the university to source at least 25 percent of their food from local farmers. (Samantha Karbelk/The Vista)

Tuesday, March 12, 2019 MLA Workshop: The Chambers Library is hosting a workshop on MLA formatting at 7 p.m. in Chambers Library Room 226.

BSA Gospel Explosion: The Black Student Association is hosting a Gospel Explosion event as part of their Freshman Action Team Week from 6-8 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. The event will feature a night of worship with testimonies from a variety of individuals.

Life Skills Around Eating: This free and confidential group meets from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 328. The group will discuss and focus on the affect regulation approach to eating disorders and will teach how to handle stress triggered by food.

AAUW Study Hall: The American Association of University Women at Central will host a study hall for all students from 6-8 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 320C. The event will feature fellowship and fun for students studying for midterms, and snacks will be provided.

SAFE Interactive Arts Experience: The Student Alliance for Equality will host a hands-on art project from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 119 of the Art and Design Building. The art lesson and activity will be led by Charleen Weidell, SAFE co-advisor and UCO faculty member.

APA Workshop: The Chambers Library is hosting a workshop on APA formatting at 7 p.m. in Chambers Library Room 226.

Anchor Weekly Meeting: Christian student organization Anchor will host their weekly meeting from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Cherokee Room 213. The event will feature food and activities.

Beta Upsilon Pie: The Beta Upsilon Chi fraternity will host a pie-throwing fundraiser for Bronchothon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Central Oklahoma Clocktower by Broncho Lake.

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Thursday, March 14 2019

Non-Traditional Student Support Group: This group is designed to help non-traditional students find support at UCO with other students who can relate to your life experience and share resources to help meet personal needs and ensure success at UCO. The meeting is from 2-3 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322.

Stress Paws: Come take a stress “paws” with therapy dogs from 3-5 p.m. on the Nigh University Center fourth floor.

African Student Association General Meeting: The African Student Association will host a general meeting from 4-6 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 314.

Make Your Research STLR Workshop: The Chambers Library is hosting a workshop on how to improve research skills for class assignments at 7 p.m. in Chambers Library Room 226. The workshop is day two of the program and STLR Transformative credit is possible upon successful completion of all activities.

Going Green: The Student Programming Board and the Students for Sustainability will be making t-shirt totes and flower pod castings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Central Oklahoma Clocktower by Broncho Lake. T-shirt totes can be used to carry groceries and other items as an alternative to using plastic bags.

Glamazon: The University of Central Oklahoma’s annual drag show, Glamazon, will be hosted 6-8 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Grand Ballrooms. The event highlights the art of drag and gives students the opportunity to learn more about the LGBT community.

Chicago Style Workshop: The Chambers Library is hosting a workshop on Chicago Style formatting at 2 p.m. in Chambers Library Room 226.

Food and Nutrition Club (FNC) Health Fair: The Food and Nutrition Club will be celebrating National Nutrition Month by hosting the FNC Health Fair from 10 a.m. to noon in the Nigh University Center’s Cherokee Room. Students can participate in games, visit informational booths, and other student health organizations including Peer Health Leaders, The Exercise Science Club and Central Pantry.

GI Bill® Benefit Representative Talk: Representatives from the

Muskogee VA Regional Office will be on campus to answer questions about education benefits and provide assistance in improving financial and occupational wellness 1-3 p.m. in Max Chambers Library Room 221.

The event is a great opportunity for current or former military member, veteran, spouse, or dependent to learn more about your specific eligibility with the GI Bill® with a personal face to face meeting.

Friday, March 15, 2019 Chill Skills: This group works to reduce conflict in your life; identify triggers, patterns and purpose of anger; gather more tools for enhancing communication, boundaries and healthy relationships. The group meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322.

LGBTQ Support: From 1-2 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will host a support group for those considering coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, and those who have recently come out. Anyone who identifies as LGBTQ, is questioning or unsure can meet and talk about various topics around sexuality, gender and other life issues.

A Life Worth Living: This group works on skills for improving boundaries and strengthening healthy relationships, enhancing sense of self and ways to manage distress. The group meets from 2-3 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 328.

Congress/Homicide

March 12, 2019

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Congress Establishes New Election Committee Lauren Morris @TheVista1903 Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma's Student Association passed legislation at their last meeting to create an election committee that would oversee the creation of an election test that UCOSA presidential candidates need to pass in order to run for office.

CB19-203, passed unanimously, was presented by Sen. Emma Sawyer, was described as “an act regarding the codification of the special committee on elections and the appropriation of powers to it.”

The bill creates an election committee to create a test that someone would need to get at least a 95 percent on if they wanted to run for UCOSA president. Originally, it was just the chair of Congress who would create the test each year. Sawyer’s idea is for multiple people to make the test so there would be less of a chance of favorability.

In new business, Chair of Congress Tate Atkinson talked about CB19202, which proposed to change the requirements listed in the UCOSA bylaws to become UCOSA president.

In the Feb. 11 UCOSA meeting, one of the authors of the bill, Sen. Jarrod Barnett, had said the bill’s goal was to make the position of UCOSA president available to more students at the university. The bill did not pass, with 17 nays, nine yeas and five senators choosing to abstain.

Atkinson addressed the senators, asking for reasoning as to why the bill did not pass.

Sen. Cash Deitz said the bill would not account for experience for higher UCOSA positions. He said that if someone had been in UCOSA for a period of time and held a position such as Chair of Congress or Secretary, they should not have to take an exam.

There was also consensus among many senators that any UCOSA president should be a senator in the Congress before they can be eligible to run. Atkinson said that while all of the UCOSA presidents he remembered had been a senator before running, there is no actual legislation stating they must be in order to run.

The meeting also included committee updates. These included suggestion boxes; security cameras in parking lots; a Human Diversity

UCOSA Senator, Emma Sawyer, reads a bill on establishing a new election committee to administer the test that UCOSA presidential candidates are required to pass each year. The bill was passed unanimously. (Lauren Morris/The Vista)

newsletter; overseeing attendance rules for senators; the possibility of creating a faculty and staff accountability program; and the finalization of the Ways and Means budgeting committee for student organizations

to receive funding for the next academic year.

UCOSA’s next meeting is at 4:30 p.m. on March 25 in the Nigh University Center’s Will Rogers Room.

GoFundMe Raises $52,000 For Double Homicide Victims Continued from Pg. 1

“My cousins lost their parents, and neither of them have the funds for a burial or any other costs that surely will arise,” said Kai Austin, the GoFundMe creator and niece of Michael and Rachel Walker. “[Besides that], we want to provide counseling for the family, as well as funds for basic living necessities.”

Michael Walker was a former adjunct at the University of Central Oklahoma. Their funeral services will be held on March 12 at 3 p.m. at Life Church Oklahoma City. Over 600 people have donated through the GoFundMe page, which Austin described as an outpouring of support from the Oklahoma community.

“So many people knew and loved my Uncle Mike and Aunt Rachael.

Uncle Mike is kind of a legend here in Oklahoma because of his prodigious percussion skills. My aunt was bubbly and fun, and she made quick connections with people because of how big her heart was,” Austin said. “So, the donors are from every corner of Oklahoma because that’s how far my aunt and uncle’s love reached.”

Michael Walker taught at UCO

from approximately 1995 to 2004 as an adjunct professor in the College of Music, teaching percussion and drums.

“He will always be an important [part] of the jazz program at UCO and we miss him,” said Brian Gorrell, director of Jazz Studies in the UCO School of Music. “I played what was to be my last time ever with him at the UCO Jazz Lab just a few weeks ago on Feb. 8.”

Gorrell said he knew Michael Walker since 1986 and has been close with the Walkers throughout the years.

When UCO Jazz Lab was opened in 2002 on 5th Street in Edmond, Michael Walker’s office was right above the stage.

“We simply loved the new facility and Mike played with us there on the very first concert during opening week,” Gorrell said. “He was one of my best friends, and one of the most important musicians that influenced and shaped my career as a jazz artist.”

Michael Walker completed a bachelor’s degree in music from Oklahoma City University in 1991 and completed a master’s degree of music in performance from UCO in 1993. Gorrell said Michael Walker had an office in the music building, as he was a grad-

uate teaching assistant and spent untold hours practicing.

“Mike hosted frequent jam sessions during those evenings and late nights, inviting diverse musicians from all over the city to come and play at times,” Gorrell said. “He was not a musical snob whatsoever, but instead loved to bring musicians that played different styles together.”

Gorrell said Michael Walker had a wide network in the Oklahoma music community and that he made everyone he played with “sound far better than they should.”

“He was one of the most outstanding musicians that the OKC music scene has ever produced,” Gorrell said. “He was a sought-after drummer for thousands of recording projects, concerts, bands, you name it.”

Gorrell said Michael Walker did not believe in musical limitations, instead he viewed everything, as he liked to say, as “just another option.”

“His openness, along with his quiet sense of humor, humility and kindness drew people to him like a magnet,” Gorrell said.

Police arrested their 19-year-old son, Michael Elijah Walker, on preliminary first-degree murder charges last week. He is jailed without bond

and records do not list an attorney for him.

“Regarding his son Eli, he had been struggling with schizophrenia since the age of 14 from what we’ve heard from family members,” Gorrell said.

“It had clearly gotten progressively worse to the point of being paranoid schizophrenia.”

The defendant told police his parents had not harmed him and that he shot them during an argument in his bedroom after he asked them a question about Satanism.

“The real tragedy here is also about his daughter Ashten, younger son and of course Eli, who likely doesn’t even understand or fully comprehend what he’s done and will be facing a life of turmoil and pain,” Gorrell said.

The Edmond Police Department obtained a search warrant last Friday to go back to the house with their bomb squad, with assistance from Oklahoma Patrol Highway bomb squad.

They used bomb dogs and officers to walk the entire property outside and checked inside the house.

“We are not at the point in our investigation where we want to say specifically what we were looking for,” said Jennifer Wagnon, EPD public information officer.

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March 12, 2019

UCO’s 21st President

Getting to know UCO’s 21st President Continued from Pg. 1

What is your best childhood memory?

“I have to start by saying, I have so many that it’s hard to pick one. I had a terrific childhood. If I had to pick the thing that rises to the top for me right now, it’s playing in the neighborhood with all my friends until dark. Back in the day I was allowed to run lose for hours on end because, everybody knew each other in the neighborhood.

It was kind of like controlled independence.”

Neuhold was born in Naperville, Illinois, a town right next to Lisle, Illinois, where she was raised. Neuhold’s father was an entrepreneur and had a desire to own his own business, so in the 5th grade she moved to Wichita, Kansas, for a year and then Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the family has been ever since.

Where did you attend college?

“I got my bachelor’s from Oklahoma Christian [University] and I got my master’s degree from the University of Tulsa. My bachelor’s is in psychology and management, and my masters is in organizational psychology.”

What led you to pursue these degrees?

“I was always fascinated with what made people tick and psychology was just so fascinating to me. To learn how the mind works and how personality manifests itself in what we do, how we think and how we feel. So, when I found that there was a master’s degree in something that combined my passion for psychology and business, I decided in my bachelor’s program to see if I could have a minor in management along with my major in psychology. This was something they didn’t have at the time, so it was a special request.”

Going back to your college years, did you ever think you’d be where you are now?

“No way! If someone told me this is where I would be, I would be floored; I would’ve been in disbelief. When you do organizational psychology you’re not thinking about that end result, I think. You’re thinking about being inside of an organization and trying to understand the people inside the organization. But, it has been an exceptionally helpful path for me to have that understanding of people as I’ve grown in my career.”

How do you spend your free time?

“This is a very unsung answer, but reading and writing for my dissertation. I am a candidate in a Ph.D. program right now. So, all the reading I do right now is not for fun, it’s all for research. I am three years in and I’m in my final year, so I should be finishing up this year.”

What do you feel most proud of?

“That’s easy: my son. I have a 19-year-old son and he is such a sweet, fun, good person. He’s just my pride and joy.”

Patti’s son has been playing hockey for 11 years and for eight of those years has been playing at a competitive travel level. For the past two years he has been playing hockey in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lives with a host family.

What is your favorite music?

“Anything I can sing along with. I love music and harmony of all kinds.

I like anything from the lounge music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to country music, show tunes, 80s music, all kinds. I love it all!”

Neuhold also enjoys live music as well. She loves to attend performances put on by the University of Central Oklahoma at the Jazz Lab, Mitchell Hall and the Academy of Contemporary Music performance lab downtown. She even mentioned she will be attending the P!nk concert in Oklahoma City later this month.

If you could travel anywhere where would you go and why?

“That is a tough one… I have been to Paris, France, a couple times and I absolutely loved it. So, I have to say I would go back to Paris. There are other places I would go as well, but I think Paris is a number one spot for me. Sometimes you just feel a connection to a place, to a city, and Paris is just one of those.”

According to Neuhold, if she could explore somewhere new it would probably be Ireland. But Paris has always been number one for her, she loves everything about it: the fashion, art work, history, the pace, architecture and the café experience.

Neuhold even has a minor in French and said it helped her a lot with the language barrier when visiting.

If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?

“My grandmother’s piano. She left me her 120-year-old grand piano and

Patti Neuhold, left, poses with professional media graduate, Mayona Presley, at a Black History Month event on March 6, in the Nigh University Center. Neuhold is currently the Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer at the University of Central Oklahoma but will become UCO’s 21st president. (Lauren Bieri/Provided)

I love playing that; it’s like my connection to her. Boxes of photos, letters from friends and family, and sentimental jewelry.”

She also said she would include her dogs in that list. Neuhold owns a miniature schnauzer named Idgie (named after Idgie Threadgoode in the book Fried Green Tomatoes) and a shih tzu named Poppi.

Who has made the most impact on you and why?

“I’ve had so many people who have influenced my life, but I would be remiss not to say it’s my parents.

Because they instilled my core values in me, they were good role models for how to treat people and how to respect yourself, and they provided a really good balance of encouragement and discipline throughout my life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my parents.”

What are your top three favorite books?

“‘Leadership on the Line’ by Ronald Heifetz, ‘Necessary Endings’ by Henry Cloud and ‘The Culture Code’

by Daniel Coyle.”

Neuhold said she enjoys mostly nonfiction but there are times when fiction books peak her interest. Usually when they’re about thrillers or mysteries.

“Where you’re trying to figure out who’s doing what and what it would take to get the next step, I like to solve problems even when I am reading about them.”

What skills would you like to improve?

“I would say my piano skills. I currently play piano to unwind, slow down, take time to myself and accompany my singing. I would love to play great piano! I’ve listened to several of

the piano instructors here on campus like, Sally Pollock, who are just so truly gifted. I’d love to have a tenth of their talent. I’d also like to improve my drawing skills; I enjoy drawing!”

Neuhold said she comes from an artistic family. Her mother was an artist, her father and grandparents were talented musicians, and all of her family members sing as well.

All throughout high school Neuhold was in show choir and at least five musicals. She carried on her artistic talents in college at Oklahoma Christian University, being a part of the freshman variety show and directing her club through Spring Sing her senior year. She even grew up singing at weddings and funerals of close family and friends.

What does a perfect day look like to you?

“I’d say brunch with my friends, walking my dogs and just relaxing.

Actually, not having to do homework would be ideal! Now, when I say relax, it just means doing whatever I want to do when I want to do it. So that could be running errands, watching a movie at home or cooking.”

Brunch is Neuhold’s favorite.

When asked where she would go get brunch she said Hatched, Café Kacao or Neighborhood Jam.

What goals would you like to accomplish during your presidency?

“Overall, I want to leave UCO better than I found it. I want people to be proud to work here and attend school here. We have such a powerful reservoir of knowledge, experience, ideas.

I intend to tap into that every chance that I get. I want to expand our innovative thinking into innovative action across the university.”

Fitbit/She Recommends

March 12, 2019

7

Fitbit Reveals New Smartwatch

As the school year continues, health classes are taken more seriously and the University of Central Oklahoma Wellness Center is used more often as freshmen do everything in their power to avoid the dreadful “Freshman 15.”

More and more students look for motivation to continue working on their bodies in the gym. For some, a quick look in the mirror is all they need to keep going. But for others, it takes a little more.

Over 25 million people have turned to Fitbit, a device used to track steps, heart rate and quality of sleep, along with other health indicators.

Fitbit is a device that has become commonly known throughout the fitness community. However, it’s no secret that many college students struggle financially and the hefty price of the new Fitbit Versa Smartwatch can be out of reach.

Fitbit has done something about that as of Wednesday. They have revealed a new smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa Light, the third installment of its watches.

Although the Light is not lighter nor thinner than the old Versa, it is cheaper. The Light comes in at $159.99, nearly $40 cheaper than its predecessor's price that stood at $199.99. The cheaper watch still has

sleep and exercise trackers and still runs Fitbit OS. However, it won’t have WiFi, NFC, swim-lapse, stair climbing counts or music playback.

It can still control music from your phone, but you cannot store music onto this watch.

“There’s a ton of growth happening in the smartwatch market, but the tracker market is still really important and it’s holding steady,” said Melanie Chase, Fitbit vice president of Product Marketing.

Those who love the appearance of the Fitbit Versa original but can’t afford the $40 difference will be happy with the new Light. At first glance, the watches look exactly the same.

The size, shape and screen are nearly identical.

The only aesthetic difference is that there are not a set of buttons on the side of the Versa Light, just a single button. The original has three buttons: one on the left used as the power/wake button and two on the right used for navigation. This means that the Vista Light is entirely dependent on its touch screen.

“We want to right size our product line to sort of match what’s going on there, so you want to have a really efficient value-oriented tracker lineup where we have a good, better, best, model to serve the needs of that con-

Fitbit CEO James Park announces Fitbit Versa Lite Edition™, its newest addition to the Fitbit Versa™ smart watch family; Fitbit Ace 2™ for kids 6+, Fitbit Inspire™ and Fitbit Inspire HR™, now available to all consumers, at a media event on Tuesday Mar. 5, 2019 in New York. (Brian Ach/AP Images for Fitbit)

sumer with a very efficient device.”

Fitbit currently has three smartwatches: the Versa Light, Versa and Ionic.

All other models have been discontinued but remain for sale until stock runs out.

She Recommends Offers Book Recommendations Katie Standlee @katiestandlee

Managing Editor

Three female professionals’ book recommendations are coming to the University of Central Oklahoma’s bookstore this month as part of Women’s History Month to help the UCO community gain insight and inspiration.

The event is put together by the UCO Women’s Outreach Center as part of their Women’s History Month events, and the books will be available in the bookstore until the end of March.

UCO’s MeShawn Conley, director for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion; Monica Lam, dean for the Col-

lege of Business; and Jeanetta Sims, dean for the Jackson College of Graduate Studies are the three professional women recommending books.

Conley recommended “Becoming”

by Michelle Obama, Lam recommended “Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership” by Gary McIntosh and Samuel Rima, and Sims recommended “The Secrets of Six-Figure: Surprising Strategies to Up Your Earnings and Change Your Life” by Barbara Stanny.

“When we talk about leadership, we usually think about the positive and glamorous side,” Lam said.

“This book points out the dark side of leadership such as compulsive, narcissistic, paranoid, codependent and passive-aggressive nature of leadership.”

Right now UCO’s bookstore is currently ordering all of the books, but once they come in they will be available at a bookend in the bookstore.

“I thought we have this great kind of brain trust of women leaders on campus and wouldn’t it be great to know what they’re reading and what’s motivating them to make some big changes on campus,” said Liz Tabak, coordinator for the UCO WOC. Tabak helped to organize this event after she had a conversation with Sharra Hynes, associate vice president for Student Affairs, where Hynes recommended a book to Tabak.

“The kernel of that came from that we have some really amazing women leaders here on campus and we can learn from them and I think a lot of

times we don’t reach out to them as mentors to get ideas, to get recommendations from them,” Tabak said.

The WOC has held several events for Women’s History Month already, but there are several still happening the rest of this month, such as an Exceptional Women’s Brunch on March 28 at 11 a.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Will Rogers Room 421.

The rest of the events for this month can be found on the Women’s Outreach Center’s page on uco.edu under programs and events.

“Find your people, find a good mentor. Find people, and look for the women who are doing what you want to do and learn from them,” Tabak said. “Get advice from them and then adapt it to what’s going to work for you.”

10

March 12, 2019

Potential H.I.V. Cure

Executive Order

March 12, 2019

11

UCO Considers Free Speech Change After Executive Order Vy Luong

@vy169 Online Editor

President Donald Trump announced on March 2 that he would sign an executive order requiring universities and colleges to maintain free speech on campus in order to continue to receive federal research funding. However, it is still unclear as to how the executive order would affect the University of Central Oklahoma.

“When we don’t have the full explanation from the White House about what it is, it is difficult to understand what it means,” said UCO President Don Betz.

The U.S. government awards universities more than $30 billion annually in research funds. As UCO does receive federal funding for research in many categories, John Wood, associate professor of political science, said that it could close down a university if the funds are blocked, but it also depends on how much will be taken away by the order.

“What is the criteria for this executive order?” Wood said. “I think these are all open questions.”

This criteria needs to be considered,according to Wood, including if a single complaint would be enough to shut down the university.

Wood also said officials would need to consider who would decide what crosses the line of free speech in those cases, such as if a Nazi speaker is invited to come to campus.

“Faculty more on the left have been

A University of Central Oklahoma student gives a speech during the 2017 ‘No Ban No Wall’ protest under the blue tent on campus. President Donald Trump announced that he would sign an executive order requiring universities and colleges to maintain free speech on campus. It is unclear how the executive order will affect the University of Central Oklahoma. (Vista Archives)

targeted in watch lists because of complaints by conservative activists.

Does free speech extend to faculty and staff, too?” Wood said. “What if a liberal student complains, will that be taken seriously as well?”

Wood said presidential executive orders, once issued, remain enforced until they are canceled, revoked, adjudicated unlawful or expire on their own terms.

“Executive orders can last a long time as they are subject to judicial review and may be overturned if the orders lack support by statute or the Constitution,” Wood said.

In the spring 2018 semester, UCO had a controversial issue regarding free speech when the University of Central Oklahoma Student Associa-

In this March 2, 2019, photo, President Donald Trump speaks at Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md. Trump’s proposed executive order to protect free speech on college campuses follows a growing chorus of complaints from members of Congress and others that the nation’s universities are attempting to silence conservative voices by heckling, disinviting and otherwise discouraging their presence. (Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo)

tion invited creationist Ken Ham as part of their speaker series program.

Concerns were raised by the Women’s Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center around using student activity fee funding to bring Ham due to his comments on the LGBT community and women, as well as his views as a creationist.

Due to contractual difficulties, the original speaker invitation to Ham was rescinded. Ham claimed that the rescission was due to pressure from the LGBT community on campus and that it was a violation of free speech.

Addressing the issue, Betz reinvited Ham and hosted several events highlighting free speech and related issues on college campuses.

“At UCO, we strongly protect free speech. We do it in the way that we can protect each individual and get control of time, place and manner,” Betz said. “We don’t want someone to walk to your class wanting to have free speech and disrupt your class by speaking.”

Wood said UCO is a designated public forum. As stated in the campus expression policy, there may be some restriction regarding time, place and manner to avoid disruption to or substantial interference with the university's regular and essential operations and activities. The university will not base restrictions upon the content of the message, except as permitted by law.

“If the person is a provocateur, for example, the campus police can monitor what the person is doing to keep from violence, vandalism, etc. We have an open area that is supposed to be safe for the UCO community,” Wood said. “At the same time, anyone can go and speak, and no one can stop you.”

In August 2018, Betz convened the Freedom of Expression Working

Group, which is in charge of reviewing campus free expression policies at other institutions and developing a proposal for an expanded and updated campus expression policy for UCO. Wood is a member of the group and he said it may be a way for UCO to deal with the executive order. “[We will] ensure that UCO’s policy in this matter will be up-to-date, will address the wide range of issues associated with free expression on campus and will reflect best practices within higher education throughout the United States,” said David Macey, assistant vice president for Cultural and Global Competences, who serves as the group’s facilitator.

Macey said during the 2018 fall semester, the group reviewed a range of essays, articles and policies from leading figures and institutions in higher education in order to identify best practices regarding free expression on college and university campuses. “[The] draft policy proposal and recommendations have been shared with UCOSA and with UCO’s Faculty Senate and Staff Senate for review and discussion,” Macey said. “We will meet on March 28 with members of the UCOSA, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate leadership teams in order to receive feedback for the further development and revision of the draft policy proposal.”

Macey said the revised draft policy proposal will then be distributed to the UCO community to review and an open forum will take place at 2:00 p.m. on April 16 in Constitution Hall. Students, faculty and staff may ask questions, make suggestions and express concerns about the proposed policy. A final version of the policy will go forward to UCO leadership for consideration for adoption and implementation.

12

March 12, 2019

Dominate

SPORTS

Bronchos Dominate in 16th Straight Win

University of Central Oklahoma pitcher Bailey McKittrick prepares to throw a pitch during a home game this season. The freshman threw a complete game, allowing just three hits and two runs, only one earned and four walks. She struck out two and is now 9-0 on the season.(BronchoSports/Provided)

Derek Parker @D_Park2

Sports Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma softball team moved to 20-1 on the season following the sweep of conference rival Missouri Western State University, outscoring the Griffons 13-5 overall in two games.

The Bronchos have now won 16 straight games and are 4-0 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play.

UCO played both games against Missouri Western on Mar. 8, winning the early game 7-3 and the second 6-2.

After falling down 3-0 early in the first game, the Bronchos scored six of their seven runs in the bottom of the third and never looked back. Central outhit the Griffons seven to three but left eight runners stranded.

“We had to find a way today,” said head coach Cody White. “We played well enough to win and that’s all that matters.”

Sydney McLeod moved to 8-1 with

the win, pitching a complete game, striking out two, allowing six hits and three runs. She walked just one batter in the seven-inning contest.

Hazel Puempel and JoBi Heath led the Bronchos at the plate in the first game, both going 2-for-4 on the day.

Puempel finished with a double and four RBI’s on the day, and Heath hit the 58th and 59th doubles of her career in the contest.

With the bases loaded, Puempel hit a double to left field that scored three, giving UCO a 6-3 lead.

Puempel earned her fourth RBI and the Bronchos seventh run of the game in the fifth inning, scoring Brighton Gilbert on a single to right field.

In the second game, Central relied on a late-game push to beat MWSU. “We really had to battle today and I’m proud of this team for doing that,” White said. “This was an intense game and it took us just a little bit to get going with the bats, but we found a way and got the win. It’s always good to win, and especially to win the MIAA games.”

After both teams scored one run

in the first inning, the next run came from Missouri Western in the fourth.

The Bronchos couldn’t answer in the fourth, but scored two runs in the fifth and three in the sixth to take the game.

Gilbert hit the RBI single that scored Lexy Dobson to tie the game up at 2-2, and Puempel drew a twoout walk that scored Allie Eicher, which gave the Bronchos the lead.

UCO scored three more runs in the sixth inning to win.

Eicher led the Bronchos at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI’s.

She also scored two runs in the game.

Bailey McKittrick earned the win for the Bronchos, throwing a complete game, strikings out two and allowing two hits, which moved her to 9-0 on the season.

With the wins over Missouri Western, the Bronchos now lead the MIAA conference at 4-0.

They travel to Lindenwood University Saturday for a double-header and to Lincoln University on Sunday for a double-header.

University of Central Oklahoma utility Hazel Puempel scores during a home game earlier this season. She had a double and four RBI’s in the first game against Missouri Western State University. (BronchoSports/Provided)

Kick

March 12, 2019

13

Mules Kick UCO Out Of Tournament

The University of Central Oklahoma guard Megan Hartness goes up for a layup during Feb. 21 home game against Fort Hays State University at Hamilton Field House. She finished her season with two points and four rebounds in the Bronchos’ loss to the University of Central Missouri. (Sarah Jekel/The Vista)

Ryan Dunn

@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer

The University of Central Oklahoma women’s basketball team was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Postseason Tournament Thursday night in Kansas City, Mo. “That’s a tough way to go out,” said head coach Guy Hardaker. “Hats off to Central Missouri tonight. I just want to say how proud I am of the

seniors on this team that fought their tails off just to get here. They’ve done everything that was asked of them and they are a great group of kids. It always stinks to get to this point and have it end.”

Seniors Blake Blessington, Madison Lee and Megan Hartness ended their collegiate basketball careers Thursday night. Blessington, who played 122 games for UCO, scored eight points.

Micayla Haynes led the team in scoring with 13 points. Ireon Smith added 12 points and 11 rebounds.

University of Central Oklahoma guard Blake Blessington drives during a Feb. 21 home game against Fort Hays State University at Hamilton Field House. She finished her career as the 19th leading scorer in UCO history. (Sarah Jekel/The Vista)

Both teams went back and forth to start the game. Central Missouri jumped out to a 10-4 lead before the Bronchos responded with an 11-0 run.

“That’s a tough way to go out. I just want to say how proud I am of the seniors on this team that fought their tails off just to get here.”

Guy Hardaker Blessington contributed a 3-pointer in the run, which moved the senior guard into 19th place on UCO’s alltime scoring list. UCM initiated another run to the end the first quarter and took the lead, 20-18.

Smith made a layup one minute into the quarter, which started an 8-0 run from UCM. Blessington halted their run scoring a layup with 5:55

left in the quarter with a score of 3022. UCO pushed a 6-2 run in the closing moments of the half, but a UCM 3-pointer extended the lead to 35-28 going into halftime.

Central Missouri came out strong in the second half. The two teams traded buckets in their first possession before UCM went on a 12-0 run.

UCM’s run lasted nearly six minutes before Hartness hit a pair of free throws with 3:45 remaining in the third quarter.

UCO struggled as they shot 2-12 from the field and scored eight points in the quarter. Central Missouri outscored the Bronchos 27-8 headed into the final quarter with a 49-32 lead.

Haynes kept going in the fourth quarter as she knocked down a 3-pointer followed by a pair of free throws. However, UCM stretched the lead, and pulled away for the win.

Kaci Richardson added nine points and four rebounds for the Bronchos and Shatoya Bryson scored three.

UCO shot 27.6 percent from the floor, making 16 of 58 shots, and made 4 of 24 from behind the arc.

UCO’s 2018-19 season ended Thursday with an overall record of 19-12.

14

March 12, 2019

Unsystematic

Unsystematic: The Adarius Avery Career

University of Central Oklahoma forward Adarius Avery drives to the goal during a Jan. 31 home game against Southwest Baptist University at Hamilton Field House. Avery finished the season as the only player in the MIAA to average a double-double. (Sarah Jekel/The Vista)

James D. Jackson @JamesDJackson15 Sports Reporter

There is never a certainty to how an athlete’s career will pan out. Injuries can happen at any time and change everything a player worked their entire life for. For some players like Adarius Avery, however, they come back stronger.

When opening the University of Central Oklahoma’s basketball record books, inside will be the names of all-time greats who each had record-setting seasons; now listed at number six will be his name. However, playing at UCO was a stop for Avery at the end of a long, unsystematic collegiate path.

“When I grew up, I started out with soccer,” Avery said. “My dad growing up played pretty much every sport so I kind of tried to be like him. But he wouldn’t let me play football, and the only other sport left at my school was basketball. So, I tried out basketball and literally was horrible, couldn’t stand up for five seconds without falling.”

Despite early troubles, Avery would grow to become one of the best players in the state of Tennessee as he averaged 25 points per game at Arlington High School. He was the Atlanta vs. Memphis All-Star Game MVP, the Penny Hardaway Hoopfest MVP and earned all-district, all-region and all-state accolades.

“I was like the top 10 scorer in Tennessee, I got all types of awards and stuff, but D1’s would look over me, they would show interest but none of them would offer me,” Avery said. “I had like two offers, then I had a lot of JUCO offers so I just

took the JUCO route.”

Avery started his collegiate basketball career at Connor State University, after being recruited by now UCO Assistant Coach Cameron Henderson. After his freshman year averaging 10.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, Avery shot to stardom.

During the 2016-17 season, Avery’s sophomore year, the 6-foot-6inch guard ranked second in the nation as he averaged 24.1 points per game, 10.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

In all of his 34 games with the Cowboys, Avery scored in double figures as he recorded 40 points twice and 30 or more points in eight different games.

His career high came against Eastern Oklahoma State College with 42 points. With those performances, Avery earned some attention and was finally offered a D-1 scholarship that he was willing to take.

“I had interest my first year in a lot of schools, I thought about leaving my freshman year and going somewhere but my second year when I kind of blew up,” Avery said. “Loyola was probably the first or second school that showed interest. They told me a lot about what they could do for me in the future, as well as academically, and I believed in it, I went for it.”

On April 26, 2017, Loyola University-Chicago men’s basketball head coach Porter Moser announced Avery’s signing. From JUCO to Division I basketball, Avery was where he wanted to be.

“It was great. Teammates were cool, coaches were cool, Chicago is amazing,” Avery said.

However, just as opportunities arise, they can disappear.

“I got injured as soon as I got there; my shoulder, rotator cuff,” Avery said. “I missed over half the season and then got back, played a couple of games and coach just stopped playing me. But it was fun.”

Loyola, as the No. 11 seed, would make it all the way to the Final-Four as they defeated No. 6 University of Miami, No. 3 University of Tennessee, No. 7 University of Nevada, and No. 9 Kansas State University, eventually falling to No. 3 University of Michigan. However, Avery was not given the playing time he valued, as he appeared in just 12 games off the bench during the season, averaging three points and 1.9 rebounds a game.

With that reality set in, Avery, like many athletes, decided it was best to make a move that would be better for his career: transferring.

The NCAA sets up rules for all student athletes in terms of transferring.

“If you transfer from a four-year school, you may be immediately eligible to compete at your new school if you meet ALL the following conditions: You are transferring to a Division II or III school, or you are transferring to a Division I school in any sport other than baseball, men’s or women’s basketball, football (Football Bowl Subdivision) or men’s ice hockey,” according to ncaaorg.com.

Sitting out a year to transfer to another D-1 school was not something Avery wanted to pursue. So, he decided to drop down from Division I to Division II. For Avery, it was an opportunity to reconnect

with a coach he once knew: Cam Henderson.

“When I was in high school at Connor State, he recruited me to go there and he told me that summer that he was leaving to go to UCO,” Avery said. “That kind of broke my heart that I was coming all the way there for him and he left, but that just shows how relationships can last no matter what. I basically came back for him.”

As a Broncho, Avery would lead the team, averaging 22 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He is the sixth player in UCO history, 92 seasons, to ever average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.

He recorded a double-double in 18 of the 28 games this season, making him the only player this season to average a double-double in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Associations Conference.

Three times throughout the season Avery was named the MIAA Player of the Week.

On Tuesday, Avery was named to the 2018-19 Second Team AllMIAA and with the Bronchos season ending with a record of 11-17, missing the postseason for the first time since 2011-12, Avery says he’s not sure what’s next for him.

“The season just ended last weekend...and it’s been kind of hard. I’ve had a lot of agents come into contact with me already in a week,” Avery said. “[The agents are] basically talking about the future and overseas or G-League tryouts, stuff like that. So, kind of wait it out a little bit, get closer to the summertime before I file with an agent and see where that takes me and hope for the best.”

Bucking Broncho

March 12, 2019

15

Duke Leads Can’t Miss Predictions With the conference tournaments fast approaching, here are some top teams ready to make a run at the title.

Conference tournament predictions: ACC: Duke. Regardless of whether future number one pick Zion Williamson has returned to the lineup by tournament time, Duke should have plenty of firepower to take the ACC championship with fellow freshmen R.J. Barrett averaging 21.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists, and Cam Reddish averaging 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

Big 12: Texas Tech. Despite the Kansas taking the last 5 Big 12 titles, I think this is the year Tech finally knocks off the Jayhawks. With Dedric Lawson at KU, and Jarrett Culver at TTU, both teams have Big 12 Player of the Year candidates, but Tech seems like the more complete team to me so far.

Big 10: Michigan State. While Michigan and Purdue with be tough contenders for the Big 10 title, its hard to bet against Cassius Winston Jr and the Spartans. Winston is averaging 19.2 points, 7.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game, and has led MSU to be the no. 6 ranked team in the country.

Big East: Marquette. The only thing I need to say for this pick is Markus Howard. Howard is easily a top 3 player in the country, averaging 25.3 points 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists a game. Howard has led Marquette to a 22-6 record, and has

scored 45 or more points 3 times this season.

SEC: LSU. The toughest pick so far, the SEC is loaded with a ton of quality teams, making this decision hard. I’m not quite sold on Kentucky or Tennessee yet, and the Tigers have shown the ability to be a really good basketball team. If they can get on a hot streak, they have enough talent to take down a loaded SEC. AAC: Houston. I’m all for being bold and taking the underdog, but this is just a little too lopsided for me. Houston is the top-rated team in the AAC, and is currently sitting at No. 8 in the country. The next closest is Cincy at No. 23. It’ll be a tough task for anyone to take down Houston.

Mountain West: Nevada. Nevada should be the clear favorite to win the Mountain West. Nevada went all the way to the Sweet Sixteen in last year’s tournament, and has the potential to do so again. Winning the Mountain West should be Nevada’s first step before focusing on another tournament run.

PAC-12: Oregon. The PAC-12 is easily one of the weakest conferences in basketball. That being said, I’m going with my sleeper pick, Oregon. Oregon has more than enough talent to win the PAC-12 with Payton Pritchard and Bol Bol, and has enough experience in the tournament to give me hope they can beat out Washington and UCLA for the PAC12 title.

Big 12: Texas Tech. Definitely Texas Tech, they are doing the right things coming into the Tournament red hot and they’ve proven they can win big games as this season they have taken down Kansas and Kansas State.

ACC: Duke. This one is easy and should be question, Duke. With RJ Barrett and a healthy Zion Williamson, the Blue Devils should be nearly unstoppable.

Big East: Villanova. They always has a way of coming together as a team and making a run in the postseason. I like their chances.

Pac-12: Washington. I think Washington’s conference just lacks talent this year. Arizona State is the only threatening team and I like Washington’s odds in that game.

SEC: Kentucky. We all saw the embarrassing outing the Wildcats produced against Duke University in the season opener losing 118-84 but they have pulled back stronger as a team.

Mountain West: Nevada.

Just three losses on the season, all by unranked opponents, this team has proven they know how to win tough games and that will translate well in the post-season when nearly all games are a battle.

At left, in a Jan. 28, 2019, file photo, Duke’s RJ Barrett (5) dunks against Notre Dame during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in South Bend, Ind. At right, in a Jan. 19, 2019, file photo, Duke’s Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket against Virginia during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Durham, N.C. They are 1-2 in the league in scoring. (AP Photo/File)

West Coast: Gonzaga.

This team is number 1 in the country for a reason and I’m sure they are ready to show their talent.

Big 12: Kansas Because, well they’re Kansas.

ACC: Duke. Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish are too much to handle.

Big 10: Michigan State.

It’s a tough conference this year but Tom Izzo beating Michigan on the road has me sold.

Big East: Marquette.

Two words, one name.

Markus Howard.

Pac-12: Washington. Not going to lie picking solely based on record SEC:Kentucky. I like what Rick Barnes has done at Tennessee but Coach K and his team are too much.

Mountain West: Nevada.

Utah State has a half-game lead in the standings but the Wolfpack will have the lead as the clock hits zero in the championship game.

West Coast: Gonzaga. Saint Mary’s are always tough but Gonzaga has too much talent and too much on the line to Follow us on Twitter: @Goudeau_jdg @JamesDJackson15 @D_Park2