The Vista March 3, 2020

Volume 117, Issue 20

the

VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Coronavirus: Six U.S. Deaths; Two Pending Oklahoma Cases Jeff Elkins @JeffElkins12

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A sixth person has died from coronavirus, COVID-19, in Washington state and the first cases have been reported in Florida, New York and Rhode Island.

After analyzing pathogen samples, researchers say the virus may have been circulating for weeks undetected in Washington state.

According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering, there are nearly 90,000 cases worldwide, with 86 of those being U.S. citizens. Of those confirmed U.S. cases, 45 cases were aboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner that was quarantined near Japan earlier this year.

The Centers for Disease Control reports there are 16 confirmed and 27 presumptive positive domestic cases in the country. In presumptive posi-

tive cases, a public health laboratory has tested a sample positive, but the case is pending confirmation by the CDC. As of March 2, there are two pending cases of coronavirus in the state of Oklahoma and four cases ruled as negative, according to Jamie Dukes, Oklahoma State Department of Health spokesperson.

Ozair Naqvi, a communicable disease epidemiologist at the OSDH, said once an individual has symptoms like fever, cough and shortness of breath and they have traveled within 14 days of the onset of these symptoms, the response process begins.

“We then arrange for them to seek medical attention because we want to make sure they are receiving adequate attention from a medical provider,” Naqvi said. “We work through medical facilities to make sure that proper precautions are taken and that there is good infection control, then we would

In this Feb. 29, 2020, file photo, a staff member blocks the view as a person is taken by a stretcher to a waiting ambulance from a nursing facility where more than 50 people are sick and being tested for the COVID-19 virus, in Kirkland, Wash. News organizations must walk a fine line in covering coronavirus. They need to convey the story’s seriousness without provoking panic and report a flood of news while much remains a mystery. At the same time, they have to remind people who to stay safe and keep their own employees well. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

arrange for a test to be done with our partners at the CDC.”

There are currently no confirmed positive cases in Oklahoma.

Trial Date Set for Killings of UCO Adjunct, Wife Maury “Kevin” Blair @mauryb007

REPORTER

An Oklahoma County special judge has set a trial date for Micheal Elijah Walker in the 2019 killings of a former University of Central Oklahoma adjunct professor and his wife.

Walker, 20, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of Michael Logan Michael Elijah Walker, 20, stands for his mugshot. He is accused of shooting his parents, Rachel May Walker, 44, and Michael Logan Walker, 50. (Provided/ Edmond Police Department)

CAMPUS CHAT

SPORTS

How do you feel about Tennis Recap Campus Housing? See Pg. 5

See Pg. 14

Walker, 50, and his wife Rachel May Walker, 44, in the early morning hours of March 4, 2019 in Edmond, records show.

Judge Kathryn Savage found probable cause after a Feb. 21 preliminary hearing, and ordered Walker to appear before District Judge Natalie Mai for pretrial conference on April 1 at 9 a.m., according to the Oklahoma State Court Network.

One count of possession of an explosive device was added at the preliminary hearing, according to OSCN, meaning that Walker now faces three charges.

The decision comes after several

months of court proceedings regarding Walker’s competency to stand trial, according to OSCN. As reported by The Vista on March 4, 2019, Michael Elijah Walker was placed under arrest and was interviewed by detectives. He was transported to the Oklahoma County Jail on two counts of first-degree murder.

According to Jennifer Wagnon, Edmond Police Department public information specialist, Edmond Police responded to a 911 call at 2:31 a.m. and found Michael Logan Walker, 50, and his wife Rachel May Walker, 44,

AROUND CAMPUS

STATEWIDE

Glamazon Photo Story

Multipurpose Stadium

See Pg. 8

Continued on Pg. 3

See Pg. 9

2

the

March 3, 2020

Contents

VISTA

Content

UCOSA/Cockroaches/Trial.........................................................3 Around Campus...........................................................................4 Campus Chat...............................................................................5 International Women’s Day/Podcasts..........................................6 Glamazon Photo Story..................................................................8 Multipurpose Stadium..................................................................9 Games....................................................................................11 Overwatch.................................................................................12 Basketball Wrap-up....................................................................13 Tennis.........................................................................................14 Bucking Broncho........................................................................15

Staff Jeff Elkins Haley Humphrey CiCi Simon Megan Thele Jacob Silva JaNae Williams Kevin Blair Lauren Morris Chelsye Bacon Gerald Leong Teddy Burch

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

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Sports Editor Reporter Reporter Reporter Photographer Photographer Adviser

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.

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.

LETTERS

The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters

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

On the Cover: Left: Corey Horton, Criminal Justice, sophomore, smiles for a Campus Chat photo. Students this week gave their thoughts on campus housing. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista) Left Middle: Adel-Byanu Abidullina, freshman, swings during the ITA Indoor National Championship, hosted at the Oak Tree Country Club. (Cici Simon/The Vista) Right Middle: Jacob Young puts his makeup on to begin his transformation.

Young begins to paint or apply makeup to his face. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista) Right: An artist rendering of the proposed MAPS4 multipurpose stadium that will be home to the Oklahoma City Energy FC. (Provided/OKC Energy)

UCOSA/Cockroaches/Trial

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March 3, 2020

UCOSA Passes Night Walks, Expells Senators

Lauren Morris @TheVista1903 REPORTER

The University of Central Oklahoma Student Association congress meetings over the last two weeks have unanimously passed three bills concerning senator expulsion, annual night walks and funding.

On March 2, CF20-203, created by senator Alex Galaviz of the Accountability, Reform and Transparency Committee and Secretary Dillon Rasberry, will expel five senators from congress for having four or more absences.

The bill will also give the executive board of UCOSA (Rasberry, Chair James Limbaugh and Vice Chair Emma Sawyer) the job of reviewing remaining senator applications to fill the vacant seats.

These senators are Lucas Litchfield, Raeven Hagen, Hunter Wilson, Michah Wilson and Kenzee Butler.

Chapter 2, paragraph 3 of the UCOSA Bylaws lets congress vote for a senator’s expulsion after their fourth unexcused absence.

“We’ve reached out to all of them,” Limbaugh said. “Between the three of us, they’ve been informally [contact-

ed].”

At the Feb. 24 UCOSA meeting, the student congress unanimously passed two bills.

CR20-202, authored by senators Hannah Turner and Victory Ogunbanwo of the Campus Development committee, was made to create a night safety walk on campus. There would be a check in the fall semester and a re-check in the spring semester.

“We believe that by mandating these campus night walks, UCO will continue to remain safe for current and future students,” the bill said.

The goal of these night walks would be to walk around campus and spot any area that would need more lighting for pedestrians. Times and dates of the walks will depend on the congress and committee during the semester the walks take place; the bill only states that the walk must be done over the course of the semester. It will be conducted by members of UCOSA, campus police and Transportation and Parking Services.

“The last time we had one [passed into legislation] was about 10 years ago,” Turner said. “A lot of things have clearly changed since then.”

CFR20-205, created by Sens. Marcus Ting and Deveron Shannon of

Sen. Marcus Ting addresses UCOSA. His proposed bill would provide funding to five student organizations for various functions and travel expenses on Feb 3. (Nick Bieser/ The Vista)

the Ways and Means committee, gave $1,000 to UCO’s Students for Sustainability for food and programming for the Oklahoma Student Sustainability

Summit, which will be on April 3.

UCOSA meetings are held every Monday at 4 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Will Rogers Room 421.

Student Reports Roaches in University Commons Trial Date Set

for Killings of UCO Adjunct, Wife

Continued from pg. 1

The University Commons is an apartment complex on the University of Central Oklahoma’s campus. A student has informed the Vista that she and her roommates have been living with cockroaches since August of last year. (Chelsye Bacon/The Vista)

Sierra Carpenter @sierradian13

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A student living in the University Commons, who wishes to remain anonymous, has reported to the Vista that her apartment has had cockroaches since moving in last August.

The student said she has turned in the issue to housing multiple times,

but the problem has persisted. One time she encountered a maintenance worker who had come to spray, but did not realize it was for cockroaches.

According to terminex.com, the American Cockroach is most likely to infest homes in the U.S. and can mature in one month. Females lay anywhere from six to 14 egg capsules in their lifetime, and nymphs hatch from the eggs after four to eight weeks.

The problem is not widespread

based on maintenance requests, according to Scott Monetti, director of Housing and Dining.

Any students with concerns can contact Monetti at smonetti@uco.edu and he said he will look into the problem and address it personally.

The Vista is currently gathering more information on this developing story, and any student with a similar experience is welcome to contact us at thevista.ads@gmail.com.

dead of multiple gun shots wounds.

Officers encountered the suspect Michael Elijah Walker, 19, in the home with a weapon. Police communicated with Walker through the PA system on their cars and were able to talk him out of the home without incident. A handgun was located inside the home.

Michael Logan Walker was also active at the UCO Jazz Lab. A juvenile, 17, was identified as the 911 caller who informed dispatch that he heard gunfire 10 minutes before the phone call and that his brother was still in the house.

“He is my brother and he shot my parents,” the 911 caller said. “My father is in his room on the floor and my mom is by the front door on the floor.”

The shootings took place near Bryant Avenue and East Covell Road.

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March 3, 2020

Around Campus

Jaycee Miller, senior studio art major adds details to her project. Varying from masks to bowls, each student completes their own unique project located in the design building at the University of Central Oklahoma. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

Tuesday, March 3, 2020 Singularity - UCO Symphonic Band: From 7:30-9 p.m. the UCO Symphonic Band will host a concert inside the Mitchell Hall Theater. The band encourages high-performance standards and creativity. The group seeks to broaden performance and teaching skills through the programming of band repertoire. With a heritage of traditional symphonic and military band literature, this group is able to also explore the work of contemporary composers. The event is STLR tagged for Research, Creative and Scholarly Activities.

UCentral News-Decision 2020: From 6-10 p.m., UCO professional media students and members of UCentral’s newscast will broadcast a four-hour live election show. The show will include guests, up-to-date election information, live poll updates and more. The show can be seen on Cox 125 and Facebook Live on UCentral’s page.

Wednesday, March 4, 2020 Women’s History Month Kickoff 2020: From 2-3 p.m. inside the Nigh University Center Heritage Room 326, UCO Women’s Outreach Center

and AAUW@Central invite students to join them for a Women’s History Month Kickoff. The event will be STLR-tagged in Global and Cultural Competencies, and Leadership.

Baseball vs. SWOSU: Beginning at 5 p.m. at Wendell Simmons Field, UCO’s baseball team will take on Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Sushi Rolling Night 2020: From 6-8 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms, the Asian American Student Association will host its annual Sushi Rolling Night. It is a hands-on experience for those who want to learn about the art of sushi rolling.

Guest organizations will be present to educate the public on the various Asian-oriented organizations that are present on campus.

Thursday, March 5, 2020 Career and Internship Fair: From 12-3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms, the Career Development Center will host its annual Spring Career and Internship Fair.

Students go to the fair if they are about to graduate, switching jobs, looking for an internship or to devel-

op networking experience. Employers will represent a wide range of organizations and graduate programs recruiting all majors. Students can see who will be attending by logging on to Handshake. Professional dress is not required, but encouraged. Students are also encouraged to bring several copies of their resume. This event is STLR tagged for Health and Wellness.

GAYme Night: From 6-8 p.m. inside the Nigh University Center Carl Albert Room 300, the Student Alliance for Equality invites students to a game night. Students will play a variety of board and card games, share refreshments and build a supportive community together.

Design Movie Night - Art & Copy: From 7:30-9 p.m. in the Melton Gallery, the documentary about advertising and inspiration, Art & Copy, will be shown.

Big Pink Volleyball: Until 10 p.m. in the Wellness Center, Big Pink will host its Big Pink Volleyball, which is an opportunity for students to learn about Breast Cancer Awareness while also raising funds for Susan G. Komen of Central and Western Oklahoma. The event will be STLR tagged in Health and Wellness.

Friday, March 6, 2020 Transfer Student Day: From 10-3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center, transfer students will tour the campus. This tour is specifically designed for students interested in transferring to UCO. They can meet other transfer students, take a campus tour, learn about transfer requirements, hear from an academic adviser and have lunch on campus. Individuals and transfer groups are welcome. Registration is now open.

Softball vs. Northeastern State: Bronchos softball team will take on Northeastern State University at Broncho Softball Field at 2 p.m.

Softball vs. Northeastern State: UCO’s softball team will take on Northeastern State University at Broncho Softball Field at 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 7, 2020 Softball vs. Rogers State: UCO’s softball team will take on Rogers State University at Broncho Softball Field at 12 p.m.

Softball vs Rogers State: UCO softball will take on Rogers State University at Broncho Softball Field at 2 p.m.

Campus Chat

March 3, 2020

5

Regarding reported issues, how do you feel about campus housing?

Gabrielle Porter, Pre-Med and Psychology, freshman: “They need to take care of it and they should be catching that stuff early before it becomes such an issue that it’s forcing people to move out and change housing.”

Ronan Rife, Mathematics, senior: “Campus housing is something that is neglected over the years. You know, you get so many people living in a condensed space, it just deteriorates.”

Jessica Herrera, Nursing, freshman: “I think it’s pretty disgusting to have to come and live in a place like that while doing your schooling. I mean, it can cause a lot of sicknesses. I’m grateful for living off campus and not having to deal with that. I think they should do something about it though.”

Connor Hasty, English, senior: “I don’t live on campus, but a friend of mine does. He said he didn’t choose to live in the Commons because of the reputation. I would say that, if that’s a reason he chose not to live there, then that’s a reason why other people choose not to live there.”

Telena Villa, Child Development, freshman: “I really don’t know how to feel because I don’t live in the dorms.

Mold is a safety issue because it’s really dangerous if it was to get into the water system or something. I feel like it is the school’s job to clean it up. It’s for [students’] safety.”

Zane Amon, Biology and Forensic Science, senior: “I lived in the Quad.

It was nice. I think it depends what dorm you’re in. I had a friend who lived in Murdaugh and West Hall, who kind of got the short end of the stick.”

Zoe Wright, Composition and Rhetoric, first year graduate: “As a commuter, I would like to believe that living on campus would be nice, but knowing about the reputation that housing on campus has, I would much rather drive 30 minutes everyday. If they want to incentivize living on campus, it would help to take better care of campus spaces.”

Seth Herrera, History, junior: “It’s disgusting. I definitely would not want to live on campus with mold, which can cause sickness, and roaches, which are just disgusting; definitely not.”

Lacy Moody, Marketing, freshman: “I live at the Suites, so right now it’s fine. I can see why everyone would be freaked out though if there’s mold and it’s not being taken care of much.”

Breanna Brown, Business, freshman: “I’ve debated on moving in there, but after so many things happening one after another, it made me kind of hesitant. I plan on never living there.”

Corey Horton, Criminal Justice, sophomore: “I’ve heard other people talking about the dorm situation before. I know they’re not typically what you would expect to be living in when you’re here, but I would say I would not feel comfortable living there. I guess I’m kind of glad I live off campus.”

Felipe Barron, Political Science, freshman: “We pay all this money, and they should really have a standard of living. They’re not really doing that with the mold and cockroaches. I have friends that live there.”

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March 3, 2020

International Women’s Month/Podcasts

International Women’s Day Kicks Off Women’s History Month Xunhong Zhou @thevista1903

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women’s achievements while calling for greater equality.

International Women’s Day has a history of more than a century, with the first celebrated in 1911, according to the IWD website.

The day is not a holiday specific to any country, group or organization, but is celebrated as a collective holi-

day for all around the world.

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights,” said feminist, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem, according to the IWD website.

International Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975. In December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and Interna-

tional Peace to be observed on any day of the year by member states, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

The fight for women’s rights and women’s suffrage, which predated the famous Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, is one of the most important civil rights struggles in U.S. history, according to history.com.

The perceived status of women has changed considerably in the past few decades. They began going out of the house to work in society, instead of

largely staying at home as housewives.

For the first time in the U.S., in 2011, women made up slightly more than half the workforce, according to The Guardian. While still few comparatively, there are some high-profile women chief executives and a small but increasing number of female business presidents. Women are moving into jobs that used to be done by men.

The month of March is Women’s History Month, which celebrates the contributions of women to events throughout history.

Vista Staff Political Podcast Recommendations From our earbuds to yours, here's a look at some of the podcasts The Vista staff is listening to in correlation to Super Tuesday. All are available on Apple.

“Four former aides to President Obama—Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor—are joined by journalists, politicians, activists, and more for a no-nonsense conversation about politics. They cut through the noise to break down the week’s news”

“Every weekday, NPR’s best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don’t just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters. Every afternoon.”

“The President’s Inbox podcast examines the foreign policy challenges facing the United States. Each week, CFR’s James M. Lindsay sits down with experts to discuss pressing topics like trade, immigration, China, climate change, and much, much more.”

“Tired of liberals and conservatives screaming partisan talking points?

We were, and so we created The Politics Guys as a sane and civil alternative. Each week, a liberal and a conservative talk *to,* not at each other, in an attempt to better understand the week in politics and policy.”

“The United States of Anxiety is a show about our history and its grip on our future. Many of the political and social arguments we’re having now started in the aftermath of the Civil War, when Americans set out to do something no one had tried before: build the world’s first multiracial democracy.”

“A weekly discussion of current events with Rich Lowry, Charles C.W. Cooke, Michael Brendan Dougherty, and Jim Geraghty.”

“News comes at you fast. Join us at the end of your day to understand it.

Today, Explained is your all killer, no filler, Monday to Friday news explainer hosted by Sean Rameswaram and featuring the finest reporters from the Vox Media Podcast Network and beyond.”

“A Tipsy Political Roundtable: “Join UCB Theatre veterans Cody Lindquist & Charlie Todd as they welcome a panel of NYC’s most hilarious comedians, journalists and politicians to chug two beers on stage nd discuss the politics of the week. It’s like Meet The Press, but funnier and with more alcohol.”

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March 3, 2020

Glamazon

Getting Glossed for Glamazon 2020

Jacob Young (Penny - Quinn) begins his transformation into a drag queen by gluing his eyebrows. It is common practice to glue down eyebrows and cover them with a foundation. This allows for a blank canvas and lets the individual draw their desired eyebrow shape. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista)

Jacob Young layers panty hose to smooth out the rough edges of his padding. Pads are stuffed into the hose to widen the hips and achieve a more feminine look. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista)

Jacob Young begins to paint or apply makeup to his face. The process takes a few hours to complete to fufill the final look. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista)

Penny - Quinn officially ready for her night out to UCO’s Glamazon event. It is courteous to refer to Young as a she and in her drag name once the transformation is complete. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista)

Jacob Young receives help from fellow drag sister, D.J. Fortner (Tiffany Diamond). The two spent the afternoon getting ready for Glamazon together. (Bailey Bussell/The Vista)

Multipurpose Stadium

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March 3, 2020

A Changing Energy in Oklahoma City JaNae Williams @janaebwilliams REPORTER

On Dec. 10, Oklahoma City residents voted to approve the resolution for MAPS4 as put forward by the mayor and city council, including a multipurpose stadium with an estimated $37 million price tag.

As proposals were brought before the city council for consideration, the stadium was one that was not always unanimously embraced, according to Todd Stone, Oklahoma City city councilman for Ward 4. Some concerns were raised by community and city council members about the necessity of another sports venue in the city and the accessibility of the venue to lower income residents.

“When I look at the possibility of different levels of activities taking place in that stadium, to me that’s what brings about a lot of the inclusion, a lot of the making sure that everyone gets to go visit that,” Stone said.

Proposed uses of the stadium include concerts, high school, college and professional soccer, high school football, lacrosse, rugby, esports and drone racing among other things.

OKC is currently the only top-50 market that lacks an outdoor entertainment venue, according to the presentation given to city council during the MAPS proposal meetings.

One of the main arguments made in favor of the stadium revolved around providing a home for the city’s soccer team, OKC Energy FC. Jeff Kretchmar, the Energy’s chief operating officer, said the organization shares the commitment to providing accessible entertainment to all Oklahoma City residents.

“It’s never our intention or goal to have the highest price tickets… our goal is to keep it affordable for a family of four,” Kretchmar said. “We want people to come out, know that

Taft Stadium is the current home to the OKC Energy FC. The newly approved multipurpose stadium that is part of MAPS4 will allow the Energy to compete on a field that meets the U.S. Soccer regulations. (Provided/Energy FC)

they can have a good time, they can have some hot dogs and some soda or whatever, eat from a food truck and it not be painful for people.”

Currently, the Energy play at Taft Stadium, which does not have a field that meets U.S. Soccer regulations.

Because of this, the team cannot host any U.S. Open Games.

“We’re playing on a waiver right now from U.S. Soccer,” Kretchmar said. “We’re the only Division II team in America that’s playing with that waiver. We’re also the only professional team in America playing in a high school.”

Kretchmar said that while Taft has served its purpose for the most part, in order for the team to continue competing, a new stadium is necessary. Currently the team has to move any official U.S. Open Cup games to Norman.

“U.S. Open Cup won’t play on a

Atiba Harris, defender, heads a ball during an Energy FC game in Oklahoma City. The new multipurpose stadium in the city will house Energy soccer games in the future.

(Provided/Energy FC)

smaller field, so it’s hard for us to pick up and move cities like that,” Kretchmar said.

Kretchmar added that this required movement calls into question the city’s ability to be considered a “big league city.”

Oklahoma City’s overall population has grown by nearly 1.6 percent since 2010, according to data from the U.S. Census and worldpopulationreview. com. This growth and the changing demographics of OKC, specifically the growing Hispanic population, were among the reasons given to promote approval of the multipurpose stadium.

Stone has lived in Oklahoma City most of his life and has watched firsthand as the city has grown and changed.

“Looking back at when I was a youngster, [there has been] a huge increase in the Hispanic population,” Stone said. “That culture represents a lot of things that are very dear to me.

It’s a culture of family and it’s a culture of hard work, and it’s a culture of self-reliance.”

Based on data obtained by the Vista from the State Department of Education, the Hispanic population in Oklahoma City Public Schools has grown by 32 percent since 2010. In 2010, Hispanic students made up 43.7 percent of the student population.

Data for fiscal year 2019 shows the Hispanic student population is 58.3 percent of the total student population for OKCPS. Stone said that beyond the multipurpose stadium, the city’s needs from a government standpoint will continue to change based on growing diversity.

“It’s up to the council and mayor to make sure that we’re out there talking to different people in the community,” Stone said. “You’ve got to make sure that you’re not just interacting with those that you’re the most comfort-

able with.”

Kretchmar said that like Oklahoma City, the Energy has seen growth across its seven seasons. Founded in 2014, the team originally played games at Bishop McGuinness High School and ran at 101 percent capacity before moving to Taft.

“We’ve experienced small growth year over year…it’s a very positive thing,” Kretchmar said. “Last year I believe we had a one percent growth.”

Kretchmar said the Energy will work to continue to provide the community with reasonably priced and fun family entertainment for the foreseeable future.

Stone said the new stadium will open the city to opportunities that span beyond just what the Energy can provide, including hosting state championships in multiple sports.

These events have the potential to open doors to the future for some OKC students, he added.

“I love when [elementary school] kids get to see something that they do, kind of be done on the next level,” Stone said. “You can kind of see that, ‘Hey I kind of like this sport and there’s an avenue for me to continue’.”

Stone said young people having positive outlets, whether athletic or artistic are important to their development and involvement in the community as a whole.

With the format of the MAPS4 projects, there is no clear timeline for when ground will break on the stadium, in what order the projects will be funded or how long construction will take once given the green light.

“I don’t think we’re going to be first and I don’t think we’re going to be last,” Kretchmar said. “I think that us being on a little bit longer time table actually benefits us and the community in that we can hopefully build the best venue that we can for the dollars that are being provided.”

March 3, 2020

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Games

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CAREEN CAREER CAREFREE CAREFUL CAREGIVER CARELESS CARET CARETAKER CHILD CARE DAY CARE ELDER CARE HAIR CARE HOME CARE SCARE SKIN CARE

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Change is still dominant for Rams and Ewes, both in the workplace and their private lives.

This is also a good time to look at a possible relocation if that has been one of your goals.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Doing things for others is what you do well. But don’t forget that Bovines thrive on the arts, so make some time for yourself to indulge your passion for music and artistic expressions.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) While the Romantic Twin considers where to go for his or her upcoming vacation, the Practical Twin will start making travel plans now to take advantage of some great bargains.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your sensitive nature helps you deal with a difficult emotional situation. Be patient and continue to show your sincere support wherever (and for whomever) it is needed.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) You’re making progress as you move through some unfamiliar territory. And while there might be a misstep or two along the way, overall you’re heading in the right direction. Good luck.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Some good news arrives -- and just in time to remind you that you’re making progress. Perhaps things aren’t moving as quickly as you’d prefer, but they’re moving nevertheless.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) This is a good week to step back and assess the facts that have recently emerged to see where they can be used to your advantage. Also, don’t

CROSSWORD Answers

LAST TIME’S ANSWERS February 18, 2020

MAGIC MAZE Answers

(Week of Feb. 17, 2020)

hesitate to make changes where necessary.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You should begin to experience some support from those who now agree with your point of view. This should help counter the remaining objections from die-hard skeptics.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Don’t let your aim be deflected by trivial matters as you try to resolve a confusing situation.

Take time to find and thoroughly assess the facts before making any decision.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) The possibility of moving to another location has come up. But before you dismiss it as unworkable, it’s worth checking out just in case it does have some merit after all.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) New relationships -- personal or work-related -- show mixed signals. Best to assume nothing.

Let things play themselves out until you have something substantive to work with.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your ability to make needed changes without causing too much, if any, negative ripple effect comes in handy when dealing with a sensitive matter either on the job or in the family.

BORN THIS WEEK: Although you like things to go smoothly, you’re not shy about making waves when you believe the situation calls for it. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

Weekly SUDOKU Answers

12

March 3, 2020

Esports

UCO Grinds Out Win Against Concordia

Ty Wallace @Haltexe

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The University of Central Oklahoma Overwatch team played their first varsity game of the 2020 season on Feb. 22 against Concordia University.

The games were played in a best of three format, but only went to two maps after a 2-0 victory from UCO. The first map was Illios, a control point map. The first round was played on the ruins section of Illios, with UCO running Reinhardt, D.va, McCree, Mei, Moira and Lucio. Concordia ran a composition featuring Reinhardt, Zarya, Reaper, Junkrat, Zenyatta and Ana. The match started out with a quick pick on Concordia’s Reinhardt, leaving them without their main tank and letting UCO push back the enemy team and start the point capture process on the point.

UCO then held the point to 100 percent without losing the point once, and without having either of their supports die during the round.

The second round on Illios took place on Well. UCO kept mostly the same team composition, after trading out their D.va for a Wrecking Ball for extra crowd control.

Concordia also went for higher crowd control, changing their hero lineup to have Orisa, Roadhog, McCree, Junkrat, Ana and Moira.

UCO again fully held the point to 100 percent. Concordia made some controversial plays with their Orisa, as they shot their deployable barrier behind UCO, leaving its defensive capabilities unused by Concordia.

The second map was selected by Concordia, who is able to pick after a loss. They selected Havana from the poll of available escort maps.

UCO took the defense in the first round, while Concordia was on the attacking side, tasked with escorting the cart across three checkpoints. Central’s hero composition this round included Reinhardt, D.va, Mei, McCree, Ana and Brigitte. Concordia attacked with Reinhardt, D.va, Junkrat, Widowmaker, Mercy and Ana. After using almost all of their four-minute timebank, Concordia managed to escort the payload to the first checkpoint with nine seconds remaining, adding two minutes and 30 seconds to their remaining time. At this point, UCO swapped out their D.va for a Zarya. The round ended after UCO stopped Concordia from reaching the second checkpoint and exhausting their timebank.

On attack, UCO traded their McCree for a Reaper, who is able to teleport long distances behind the enemy team. UCO initiated their attack with the long-range teleport on to Concordia’s Widowmaker.

The remaining Reinhardt, Zarya, Junkrat, Mercy and Ana were tak-

Devan Wright (left), Overwatch game captain and off support player, and Ty Wallace, Vice President of UCO Esports and support player, compete in an Overwatch match.

UCO played against Concordia University. (Provided/UCO Esports)

en out quickly after.

UCO captured the first checkpoint in a little over a minute. At this point, Concordia traded their Mercy for a Baptiste, known for his immortality field and multi-target healing. UCO cleaned up the second point with a game-changing

Blizzard from Mei, leaving Central to finish off the remaining Zarya and McCree on point.

UCO then captured the point with a little under four minutes remaining in their time-bank.

The match overall was won 2-0 by UCO.

Basketball

March 3, 2020

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Women Fall to Fort Hays State, Head to MIAA Tanner Johnson @TheVista1903

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The University of Central Oklahoma women’s basketball team picked up a win over the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers on Senior Day with a final score of 69-61.

The Bronchos were without Micayla Haynes and Kaci Richardson, but their teammates stepped up to help them come out with a win.

“We had Micayla and Kaci out, and Kelsey played with a rolled ankle,” said sophomore forward Clary Donica. “We just played together and battled for each other, and I think it shows a lot of character.”

Kelsey Johnson led the team in scoring with 26 points, a career-high for Johnson.

Nebraska-Kearney opened the game up with a 3-pointer, then the Bronchos scored the next nine points of the game – a 3-pointer from Brooke Rayner, back-to-back buckets from Johnson and a layup from Shatoya Bryson.

Johnson had 10 points in the first quarter alone, and the Bronchos led

Junior forward Kelsey Johnson rises for a contested jump-shot against the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers last Saturday. UCO women’s basketball will compete in the MIAA Tournament in Kansas City, MO from March 4-8. (JaNae Williams/The Vista)

the Lopers 17-14 going into the second.

With 6:48 remaining in the second quarter, the Lopers took a 21-20 lead after Maegan Holt made a layup as she was fouled. It was UNK’s first lead since 3-0, but the lead was shortlived. The Bronchos got the lead right

back after buckets from Rayner and Bryson.

Lauren Chancellor dished it to Donica, and she drained a 3-pointer with 1:54 remaining in the second quarter.

The Bronchos led the Lopers 33-32 at halftime.

UNK took a 42-37 lead just four

minutes into the third quarter, but the Bronchos answered by going on an 8-0 run of their own, capped off by a steal and transition layup from Bryson. This gave the Bronchos a 4542 lead.

After a 3-pointer by Jaci Littell and a driving layup by Tayler Factor, Central led UNK 50-44 going into the final 10 minutes.

UNK’s Aspen Jansa made a 3-pointer to tie it at 52, but it was all UCO from there. The Bronchos outscored the Lopers 17-9 in the final six minutes, and the Bronchos defense got the best of them in that time.

Central had 16 points off turnovers, compared to UNK’s four. The Bronchos also shot 88 percent from the free-throw line (22-25).

Bryson and Rayner finished with 11 points each, McKenna Pulley tacked on eight points and Donica added five points.

The Bronchos will next face the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Tournament in Kansas City, MO from March 4-8. Times and opponents are to be determined.

Men Overcome Losing Streak, Qualify for MIAA

Carson Calavan makes a dunk during their game on Feb 29. Calavan averages 4.7 points and 2.8 assists per game for the Bronchos. (JaNae Williams/The Vista)

Garrett Johnson @garrettmj97

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The University of Central Oklahoma men’s basketball team wrapped up their regular season with victories over Fort Hays State University on Thursday and University of Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, clinching the eighth seed in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Conference Tournament.

They will play Lincoln University on March 4 at 6 p.m., with the winner

taking on Northwest Missouri State University, the top ranked division 2 team in the country, on Thursday.

UCO finished their regular season campaign 11-17 overall, 8-11 in MIAA play, reeling off four consecutive victories after their longest losing streak since the 1977-78 season ended at eight.

Their postseason appearance was officially clinched after the victory over Fort Hays State on Thursday evening. They beat the Tigers 80-73 in overtime, redeeming a loss earlier this

season amidst their losing streak.

“Their resiliency has amazed me,” said head coach Bob Hoffman. “We lost a lot of games in row and they never quit fighting and now we’ve got a little win streak going and we made the postseason.”

Resiliency was the key for the Bronchos. UCO was tied for 13th in the MIAA just under two weeks ago before starting their win streak and getting some help from other teams beating those immediately ahead of them in the bottom of the standings.

The final regular season game was a nail-biter, won 68-64 over Nebraska-Kearney, and guaranteeing the Bronchos the eighth seed out of 10 in the MIAA tournament, locking them into a win-or-go-home showdown with ninth seeded Lincoln.

The Bronchos trailed by one with just over a minute to play in the game but locked in on both sides of the ball to win the final 90 seconds, 7-0. After many games of not finishing down the stretch of closely contested games, this was a redeeming end to Bob Hoffman’s first regular season coaching the Bronchos.

“We could have given up when things got tough, and they got really tough, but our guys kept competing

for each other now we’ve extended our season just a little bit,” Hoffman said.

UCO was led in scoring for the regular season by Dashawn McDowell at an even 11 points a game, followed

by Cam Givens who poured in 10.7 points per contest.

Colt Savage and Cam Givens both shot over 40 percent from 3-point territory. Freshman D.J. Basey led the Bronchos in overall field goal percentage at 61 percent.

The MIAA tournament is in Kansas City, Missouri from March 4-8.

Seth Hurd makes a pass during one of UCO’s home games. The Bronchos men’s basketball finished their regular season on Saturday. (JaNae Williams/The Vista)

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March 3, 2020

Tennis

Bronchos Show Promise in ITA Tournament Prince Gay @TheVista1903

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The No. 9-ranked University of Central Oklahoma women’s tennis team left the weekend with one win and two losses at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Indoor National Championships.

The Bronchos faced off against Columbus State University, University of Indianapolis and Washburn University.

Coming into the tournament, UCO was on a three game win streak. However, the Bronchos finished the weekend 1-2 after losing to Columbus State and Indianapolis, the No. 3 and 4 teams in Division II, respectively.

“We were excited with the event,” said coach Jaron Maestas. “There were the best teams in the country here. We were two points away from beating the No. 3 team in the country and we had UIndy on the ropes as well.”

In the set against Columbus State, Mariona Franco and Lotte Lesscher won 6-4 in doubles, and Franco won in singles play against Agostina Bigotti. Lotte Lesscher is one of the most experienced players on the roster, having been a standout player at her Netherlands prep-school.

UCO lost 2-4 against Indianapolis.

In singles play, Lesscher and Nikki Boyar each won 6-4 and 6-3 against

Adel-Byanu Abidullina, freshman, prepares to strike the ball during a match at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond on Feb. 28. The University of Central Oklahoma participated in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Indoor National Championships, hosted at the country club, facing off against multiple universities throughout the weekend. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

their opponents, Maria Solnyshkina and Maja Pindelska, respectively.

In a tournament upset, Adel-Byanu Abidullina and Isabella Dunlap won 6-3 in doubles against the No. 3 team in the country.

The final set against Washburn was a turning point for the Bronchos as they swept the Ichabods 4-0. The set gave the team an opportunity to find their rhythm again after the weekend’s

two earlier losses.

“With us being so young, we learned a lot and know we are close to the top teams,” Maestas said. “We will work hard and get right back on track.”

The Bronchos are a young team this year, with a roster of three freshmen, four sophomores and only two upperclassmen in juniors Paola Landin and Lesscher. Even in the losses UCO has sustained, the development of it’s

young players remains constant and they show flashes of their potential in each set.

UCO will compete March 14 against Azusa Pacific University in California, who are 5-1 and on a five game win streak, with a 2-0 record at home.

Continuing the road play, March 15 sees the Bronchos competing against the Academy of Art, who are 4-1, in San Francisco.

Isabella Dunlap, freshman, prepares for her next swing during a match at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond on Feb. 28. The University of Central Oklahoma tennis team faced off against multiple universities throughout the weekend at the ITA Indoor National Championships. (Cici Simon/The Vista)

Sports Column

March 3, 2020

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum takes a jumpshot over Utah Jazz Center Rudy Gobert. Tatum scored 33 points to go along with 11 rebounds. This game capped off an impressive February for the 21-year-old. (Rick Bowmer via AP)

Jacob Silva @JacobDSilva_

SPORTS EDITOR

The final third of the NBA season has arrived. Now beyond the trade deadline and All-Star Weekend, we can start to see how this season will shape up for the league’s most interesting players and teams.

As national ESPN writer Brian Windhorst says, “almost every night something great happens in the NBA.” Let’s take a look at the storylines that will define the remainder of the 2019-2020 NBA season.

Jayson Tatum playing like 2003 Tracy McGrady is not something I expected out of this season. Tatum’s ceiling has always projected out to be an elite scorer and quality defender, but he’s completely shattered that glass ceiling in this post all-star break stretch of games.

In the month of February, Tatum put up averages of 30 points per game and seven rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the three-point line. Coming into this season I didn’t have high expectations for Boston, but Tatum’s play has completely changed my perception of the team.

I am a firm believer that if you have the best player on the court, you have a chance to win. In the Eastern Conference playoffs,

Tatum has a chance to be that in all but a matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. At 21 years old, the sky’s the limit for the young forward.

The race for the eighth seed in the Western Conference is tightening up. The Memphis Grizzlies currently hold that spot, but the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers are only a couple games behind.

Damian Lillard injured his groin before the All-Star break, and the

Blazers already had a thin roster.

Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. have both been out with injuries as well and were key parts of the energy that got Memphis to this position.

The Pelicans have my bet to lock up the eighth seed. Zion Williamson is an 18-wheeler disguised as a man, and the only person who has proven that they can defend him is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Zion is averaging 24 points and shooting

Rookie forward Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans backs down center Tristan Thomson of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Williamson has been a immediate difference maker despite only playing in 15 games for the Pelicans. (Rusty Costanza via AP)

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60% from the field.

The Clippers could be in real trouble if they don’t win a title in the next two seasons. They traded nearly every asset they had to Oklahoma City last summer to acquire Paul George and lure Kawhi Leonard to Los Angeles in free agency. Even after all of that, the two stars only signed two-year contracts with the team.

This puts the Clippers at risk of losing everything if they can’t appease those two players by the time the 2022 season rolls around.

On paper, the Clippers are the favorite to win the title this season.

Their bench could probably make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. However, issues have already shown their teeth this season.

Kawhi and George have rarely played together at the same time.

Big man Montrezl Harrell has cited problems in the locker room, and the team that shares the Staples Center with them has commanded the spotlight all season.

If the Clippers can find cohesion, they should at the very least make the conference finals. If not, their future beyond 2022 looks bare.

Questions concerning Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and their fit in the Philadelphia 76ers lineup have existed for nearly three seasons now, and we still don’t have an answer.

To put it simply, the Al Horford signing has prevented that answer from being found.

Philadelphia is paying $109 million for Horford to come off of their bench. Lineups that included Simmons, Embiid and Horford simply don’t have enough space for those players to operate in the way that best suits them.

The Sixers have the roster that is best constructed to combat the Milwaukee Bucks and throw different defensive looks at Giannis.

The question is: how will they make it that far in the playoffs?

If Philadelphia can’t figure out how their roster fits together, fans should expect sweeping changes in the off-season, with Brett Brown being the first man on the hotseat.

You don’t find players like Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid very often, so the Sixers will look to change everything else before they trade one of those two stars.