The Vista March 6, 2018

the VISTA

Volume 116, Issue 8

“Our Words, Your Voice.”

ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Silence of the Ham: Alternate Ending

Campus Sexual Assault Suspect in Custody Vy Luong @vy169

Reporter

The man accused of assaulting multiple female students on the University of Central Oklahoma campus last week turned himself in to Edmond city jail after seeing media coverage that included footage of him in the Max Chambers Library.

“Edmond jail staff called UCO Police, who then picked him up for questioning at our department,” said Adrienne Nobles, assistant vice president for University Communications. “After questioning, police determined there was enough evidence to arrest him and charge him with sexual battery.”

Curtis Redmond was reported to have approached several students in Max Chambers Library and outside the Education building on Feb. 28, engaging them in sexual-related conversation. One report also said that the accused hugged and kissed a woman against her will.

UCO Police released an email about the case later that afternoon with surveillance photos of the suspect as well as a general description.

A post with the information UCO’s Facebook page received over 2000 shares, helping to spread the information throughout the community.

“The first two photos shared were captured quickly while the suspect was moving to get initial information out as soon as possible on Wednes-

Creationist Ken Ham and UCO President Don Betz speak in the Constitution Hall before Ham delivered his presentation: Genesis and the State of Culture. Photo story inside. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista) on pg. 8

State Slashes University’s Budget Again

Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma is facing an additional $260,000 budget cut for Fiscal Year 2018, resulting from the $44.7 million slash to state financial allocations that was included in the 2018 budget approved by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin at the end of February.

The cut represents an additional 2 percent reduction to UCO’s budget on top of the 6.1 percent it already sustained at the beginning of FY 2018. While it remains to be determined where the cuts will be made from the university’s operating budget, the latest reduction will see the university enacting more permanent financial fixes, according to Vice President for Finance Patti Neuhold.

“It’s too early to offer any sug-

on pg. 3

NEW Letter to the Editor Inside

on pg. 10

gestions on what adjustments may be made,” Neuhold said. “We are at a point where we have to make longer-term adjustments rather than temporary adjustments in order to ensure financial strength in the future, and these types of adjustments will be made for the 2019 fiscal year budget.”

The $260,000 cut will be implemented proportionally amongst the on pg. 7

UCOSA WATCH

BRONCHO SPORTS

The Co-MIAA Freshman of the Year on pg. 5

on pg. 13

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March 6, 2018

the

VISTA

Contents

CONTENTS

Sexual Assault.....................................................................3 Around Campus...................................................................4 UCOSA Watch....................................................................5 AASA/ Heard on Hurd........................................................6 Budget Cuts.........................................................................7 Photo Story.........................................................................8 Gun Control........................................................................9 Letter to the Editor.............................................................11 Humor Column...................................................................11 Women’s Basketball/Jo’Nah Johnson..............................12-13 Men’s Basketball................................................................14 Bucking Broncho................................................................15

STAFF

Cara Johnson Elizabeth Spence Austin Moseley Regan Rosson Megan Thele Peter Agnitsch Michelle Pennza Christian Tabak Vy Luong Alejandro Gonzalez Evelyn Stewart Katie Standlee Jonathan Goudeau Dylan Brown Gerald Leong Ryan Naeve 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

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.

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Online Editor Design Editor Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Sports Reporter Humor Columnist Photographer Photographer Adviser

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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.

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On the Cover:

Bottom Left: Letters to the Editor are accepted and encouraged from readers.

Letters are printed the week they are received, as long as they are received before the paper goes to print. (Provided/Pixabay)

Bottom Right: Freshman guard Jo’Nah Johnson, No. 23, runs the ball down the court during a game against Northeastern State University on Jan. 20 in Hamilton Field House. (Gerald Leong/ The Vista)

Bottom Middle: Vice Chair Kalina Popova, left, Chair Remington Dean, center, and Secretary Mario Figueroa address the student body during the UCOSA Congress meeting on Feb. 26 in the Nigh University Center Will Rogers Room (Ryan Naeve/ The Vista)

Sexual Assault

March 6, 2018

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Campus Sexual Assault Suspect in Custody Continued From Page 1 day,” Nobles said. “As more footage was reviewed by police, they found opportunities to capture images where the suspect was not moving. These were shared on Thursday.”

Besides UCO campus, Redmond also reportedly approached several women at a Walmart store located on Santa Fe Ave. and Danforth Road in Edmond.

Laura Thederahn, a UCO student who works as a sales associate at that Walmart, said the suspect came to the store around 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the same day he was on campus. The suspect approached Thederahn and asked her if she was single.

“Once I had turned him down, he commented on how nice looking I was before continuing on through-

out the store,” Thederahn said. “He approached many different women throughout the store before leaving.”

Thederahn said Redmond had been banned from the store two years ago for sexually harassing and assaulting multiple associates.

“I still attend UCO, and it worries me to know that someone like him, that probably isn’t a student, is able to come up to campus and assault others,” Thederahn said.

Nobles said UCO Police work 24/7 patrolling campus and responding to the needs of our students, faculty and staff. Students can also use the Safe Walk program to request an officer to escort them to parking lot or other buildings.

“This was a very rare circumstance last week,” UCO Police Chief Jeffrey Harp said. “As for indoors, recom-

mend immediate movement to other people and don’t be afraid of making a scene to draw attention.”

In Oklahoma, sexual battery is a felony, and a conviction brings a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Redmond has been convicted on multiple meth and marijuana charges in the past.

Max Chambers Library security footage shows the campus sexual assault suspect entering the east doors of the library on Wednesday, Feb. 28. The suspect allegedly made lewd comments and engaged in sexual conversation with multiple female students on campus.

Curtis Redmond turned himself in to the Edmond jail last week. (Provided/ UCOPD)

Title IX Office Helps Assault Victims on Campus Alejandro Gonzalez @A_Gonzalez_17 Reporter

Twenty percent of female college students who are sexually assaulted report the attack to law enforcement, according to the Justice Department, and at the University of Central Oklahoma the data is rather similar.

“We receive between 10 and 20 reports of non-consensual intercourse or contact each semester,” said UCO Title IX Coordinator Adrienne Martinez. “Reports are increasing.”

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination, sexual assault and sexual harassment at federally funded schools.

“We encourage people to speak out and address the situation,” Martinez said.

The Title IX Office at UCO provides disciplinary options for the aggressor, as well as classroom arrangements to provide security, protection and comfort to the victim.

Counseling is also available with an advocate to help a victim heal following an attack.

“UCO has a no tolerance policy for any kind of sexual misconduct,” Martinez said.

If the perpetrator of a rape case or sexual assault is identified and caught, they will be removed from campus, according to the UCO’s Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment. The aggressor could also face jail time, monetary fines

and is considered a sex offender, which shows on public record.

The Title IX Office also requires all news students to complete a training regarding the university’s sexual misconduct policies and procedures.

According to the Title IX Office website, UCO is committed to an environment that is all-inclusive and free of gender-bias harassment and discrimination.

The Center for Counseling and Well-Being also helps survivors of sexual assault with programs like Project SPEAK, which stands for Supports, Promote, Educate and Advocate for Knowledge.

Project SPEAK gives survivors options for services available to them.

They assist the survivors in finding a counselor and other support services, including filing police reports on- or off-campus, assisting with dorm relocation and addressing academic concerns.

The Department of Justice estimates that between 4 and 20 percent of female college students who are sexually assaulted report the attack to law enforcement. Out of those reported cases, only a fraction of them lead to arrests and a trial.

“Many individuals delay or decide never to report out of fear, feeling overwhelmed, doubting that they will be believed and various other reasons,” Martinez said. “Some may feel it is their fault or may even want to protect the person who assaulted them.”

Old North, the oldest building on the University of Central Oklahoma’s campus, is located at the far west end of UCO. Sexual assault is a serious issue on college campuses, and has been seen at UCO in the past week. UCO’s Title IX Office offers sexual assault survivors options to overcome their assault. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)

The campus type, location and student body are factors that might affect the rate in which sexual assaults take place.

“UCO is a safe campus and people are reporting more,” Martinez said.

“I think it’s because of all the tools that we provide.”

The Title IX Office is located in the Lillard Administration Building in the Office of Legal Counsel.

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Tuesday, March 6, 2018 SMART Recovery: In Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being is hosting a meeting for those in recovery to learn tools for coping with urges and managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

The meeting takes place at noon.

Flash Mob Meditation: At 1:15 p.m. in the Quad Fitness Room, representatives from the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will offer meditation, tai chi, yoga and relaxation.

UCO counselor Jeff Jones will lead the group every Tuesday.

Connections Group: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being will hold a Connections Group from 2-3 p.m. in Nigh University Center’s Room 402 to help students increase communication and social skills in order to connect more easily on campus.

QPR – Suicide Prevention Training: QPR is a suicide prevention training offered by the Center for Counseling and Well-Being. This session is at 2 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Carl Albert Room.

UCO Tennis vs. Oklahoma Baptist: The UCO Tennis Team takes on Oklahoma Baptist at the Broncho Courts at 2 p.m.

Be Your Best Self: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is hosting a group for those looking for a positive change in life. The group focuses on self-improvement, relationship building and other skills to improve mental health and wellness. This group meets at 4 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402.

Mixed Asian Heritage – A Multiplicity of Identities: At 6 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Heritage Room, an event explains how mixed Asian individuals explain their culture to others, featuring Miss UCO Asian Yi Wen Wong. This is an STLR event under Global and Cultural Competency.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 Stages of Change: In Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will have a support group designed to help students learn how to make and clarify goals and begin lasting changes in their lives.

The group begins at 12:30 p.m.

AASA Wellness Workshop – Yoga: The Asian American Student Association is teaming up with STLR to bring a yoga workshop to educate students on the importance of yoga to the Asian culture, as well as the health impacts it has. This is an STLR Global & Cultural Competency and Health & Wellness event that

March 6, 2018

begins at 2 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Heritage Room.

Non-Traditional Student Support Group: The group is hosted by the Center for Counseling and Well-Being to help non-traditional students find support at UCO. Attendees can talk and relate their life experiences with one another in order to help meet their personal needs. The group meets from 2-3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 402.

Around Campus

organizations to learn the basics and helpful tips and tricks to help their organizations from 1-2 p.m. in the Administration Building Room 101A. The Bamboo Ceiling: The Asian American Student Association and Office of Diversity and Inclusion are addressing barriers Asian Americans face in the professional world from 2-3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Will Rogers Room.

Student Activism in Oklahoma (19621972): In the Liberal Arts Building Room 234, Socialist Alliance at UCO will host Dr. Sarah Eppler Janda to discuss her research on the history of protests in Oklahoma. Janda’s presentation begins at 2 p.m.

Trauma Recovery: This workshop addresses topics like self-soothing, the mind and body connection, effects of trauma on relationships and healthy relationships. The event is from 2-3 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402.

The Bamboo Ceiling: The Asian American Student Association and Office of Diversity and Inclusion are addressing barriers Asian Americans face in the professional world from 2-3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Heritage Room.

Stress Paws: UCO offers students a chance to take a pause from daily stress and visit with therapy dogs on campus. Each week, Stress Paws will be held in Nigh University Center Room 402 from 3-5 p.m.

Dr. Andrae Marak – ‘Of Men and Women, Farmers and Housewives: The Tohono O’odham Nation and BIA Assimilation, 1900-1940.’: Dr. Marak from Governors State University in Chicago is speaking on how non-Native American does research on Native American topics. The presentation is at 6 p.m. in Radke Theatre of the Center of Transformative Learning.

Study Hall: The National Society of Black Engineers is hosting a study hall at 5:30 p.m. in the Max Chambers Library for members of NSBE to get advice and help from people who have taken their current classes.

SPB Open Mic Night at Late Night Buddy’s: At 8 p.m. in Buddy’s Cafeteria, students can showcase their talent for SPB Open Mic Night.

Thursday, March 8, 2018 Bronchos Got Your Back – Bringing in the Bystander Training: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is hosting another Bringing in the Bystander training to educate students on the 4 Ds (Direct, Distract, Delegate and Delay) to safely intervene in potentially dangerous situations. The training is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Robert S. Kerr Room.

International Women’s Day: From 11 a.m. to noon, The Women’s Outreach Center at UCO is hosting visiting professor Dr. Nyla Khan in the Nigh University Center Heritage Room to celebrate International Women’s Day. Khan will speak on women, violence and political issues in her homeland of Kashmir, India. Miss International UCO will also perform.

OrgSync 101: The Student Organizations Office is offering an OrgSync training for officers, advisors and members of student

Asian Cultural Fashion Show: The Asian American Student Association is partnering with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and STLR to present a cultural fashion show of garments from multiple Asian cultures.

The show begins at 6 p.m. in the International House Ballrooms.

Glamazon: At 6 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms, students can come learn about the art of drag and female illusion at the annual presentation of Glamazon.

Friday, March 9, 2018 Anger Tamers: From 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402, students can learn to identify their own anger triggers and gain tools to help reduce conflict in their lives.

The free and confidential group is hosted by the UCO Center for Counseling and Well-Being.

Grief Group: From 11 a.m. to noon, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being is holding a grief group for anyone grieving. Group and individual session will be in the Nigh University Center Room 402.

Life Skills Around Eating: This is a group that offers an affect regulation approach to eating disorders. The group focuses on skills that increase mindfulness and to teach appropriate emotion regulation. Life Skills Around Eating meets from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

UCOSA Watch

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March 6, 2018

UCO Softball vs. Nebraska-Kearney: At 1 p.m. at the Broncho Softball Field, the UCO Softball team will play Nebraska-Kearney.

UCO Baseball vs. Southwest Baptist: The UCO Baseball team takes on Southwest Baptist at 2 p.m. at Wendell Simmons Field.

Big Event: Beginning at 9 a.m., students, faculty and staff can participate in volunteering throughout the Central community as a way to say thank you through service. Big Event will start in the parking lot near the Liberal Arts Building and is listed as a STLR Service Learning and Civic Engagement event.

UCO Tennis vs. Fort Hays State: UCO Tennis plays Fort Hays State at 3 p.m. at the Broncho Courts.

UCO Tennis vs. Nebraska-Kearny: UCO Tennis takes on Nebraska-Kearney at the Broncho Courts at 11 a.m.

AASA Networking Night: The Asian American Student Association, Office of Diversity and Inclusion and STLR are presenting a networking night for UCO Asian identifying students to meet with Asian identifying faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

UCO Softball vs. Fort Hays State: The UCO Softball team will play Fort Hays State at 12 p.m. at the UCO Softball Fields.

Saturday, March 10, 2018 UCO Rowing vs. Oklahoma City University: UCO Rowing takes on OCU at the CHK Central Boathouse all day.

UCO Baseball vs. Southwest Baptist: UCO Baseball plays Southwest Baptist at Wendell Simmons Field. The game begins at 2 p.m.

Monday, March 12, 2018 Adulting 101: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is hosting a support group focusing on handling the difficult life transitions that come with being an adult. The group is held from 1-2 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402.

LGBTQ Support Group: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being holds a support group for those who identify or think they may identify somewhere within the LGBTQ community. The group is held from 2-3 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402.

Frisbee Game: The Recreational Ultimate Frisbee Club plays a weekly game of Frisbee in Plunkett Park at 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 11, 2018 UCO Baseball vs. Southwest Baptist: UCO Baseball plays Southwest Baptist at Wendell Simmons Field. The game begins at 1 p.m.

UCO Student Association Pets a Dog Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Reporter

Committee updates and a discussion on available resources through the Center for Counseling and Well-Being provided a change of pace at last week’s University of Central Oklahoma Student Association meeting after several weeks of high-tension discussions over UCO’s Ken Ham controversy.

Following the approval of the previous week’s minutes, the meeting opened with a presentation on counseling and stress relief services provided by UCO’s CCWB. The discussion had been specifically provided due to reports that Congress meetings had been tense in recent weeks, according to Alex Russell, assistant director for Health Promotion and Outreach.

“Basically, I just wanted to do a

quick self-care check in with you all because I know it’s been a little stressful around here these last few weeks,” Russell said. “Specifically speaking, with the stuff that went on the last couple weeks, there may be some of you who agree or disagree with what happened, but just make sure you’re being aware of yourself.”

With no new business to discuss, the meeting moved into a 10-minute recess that provided senators the opportunity to interact with CCWB therapy dog Kevin the Greyt.

“If you ever want to request Kevin for a meeting, there is a Kevin request button on OrgSync under the Center for Counseling and Well-Being,” Russell said. “You can invite us any time, the only thing is that we are not coming to your house or your dorm room.”

The meeting then transitioned to committee updates, focusing on ongoing work by the Committee

Students gather in the Nigh University Center Will Rogers Room for a UCOSA Congress meeting on Monday, Feb. 26. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista)

Center for Counseling and Well-Being therapy dog Kevin the Greyt interacts with owner Alex Russell, assistant director for Health Promotion and Outreach during a UCOSA meeting on Monday, Feb. 26 in the Nigh University Center WIll Rogers Room. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista)

for Accountability, Reform and Transparency to review and amend UCOSA bylaws and constitutional provisions.

“We’re looking at revising the membership of each individual and if there are people who have been absent for certain unexcused reasons and didn’t justify why they were absent, we’re going to limit them to three times before passing legislation to remove them,” said Sen. Camilo Ulloa.

The Public Relations Committee announced the commencement of their Senator Spotlight social media campaign that would highlight a member of UCOSA Congress each

month. The Committee for Human Diversity also announced that they had begun a process to evaluate areas across campus that could be more diversified.

“We’ve started a Google Doc that is formatted for different communities that are oppressed and ways we can help those communities,” said Human Diversity Chair Kendon Williams. “Right now, we have the Ability and Health Committee, for students with disabilities, and we’re looking at reaching out to the Disability [Support] Services Office or even Student Support Services and see what problems students are facing.”

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March 6, 2018

AASA/Heard on Hurd

UCO Hosts First Asian American Awareness Week Erika Williams

@williams_erika Contributing Writer

The University of Central Oklahoma’s first annual Asian American Awareness week began yesterday with a special kickoff event featuring keynote speaker Michelle Myers in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms.

Asian American Student Association President Mai Pham said the purpose of the week is to educate and break down stereotypes.

“Asian American Awareness Week, essentially, is a series of events hosted within five days to view oppression, history [and] traditions,” Pham said. “We’ll be looking at how a lot of media and society portrays Asia and breaking that, and really show-

ing the true colors of Asia and our culture.”

Pham said in the past, AASA has hosted these types of events throughout the year, but they decided to condense it in to one week to offer a more in-depth look at Asian culture.

“We feel that there’s so much more of our culture that we want to share so that others can understand and see,” said Pham.

The second event of Asian American Awareness Week is a panel discussion on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 213, and is a collaboration between The Women’s Outreach Center and AASA. “The topic for that evening is a multiplicity of identities, so it’s a panelist conversation about women in the Asian community, the stereo-

types that an Asian woman must face and kind of how they deal with it,” Pham said.

There will be four female panelists including Miss Asian UCO, Evonne Wong.

The Bamboo Ceiling, a discussion focused on the barriers faced by Asian Americans in the professional arena, is on Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 326. The event is intended to educate and explore how racism and stereotypes can affect success.

On Thursday, there is an Asian Cultural Fashion Show from 6-7:30 p.m. in the International House Ballroom. Pham said in addition to viewing casual and royal attire from different Asian cultures, attendees will be able to participate in a trivia game and win prizes.

“We want our attendees to understand the culture more and be able to identify them, so that we can break down a wall of cultural appropriation and stereotypes,” Pham said.

The last event of Asian American Awareness Week is an AASA Networking night on Friday from 6-8 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballroom A. “It’s an event where you meet Asian alumni, staff, faculty and community members,” said AASA Internal Vice President Vinh Thai. “You get to hear their college experiences and how it impacts them. Making connections with Asian alumni, staff, community members and faculty will help guide you to your path for graduation.”

Heard on Hurd Heads Back to Edmond

Dylan Brown

@DylanTaylorBro Reporter

Food trucks, vendors and entertainment are rolling back into downtown Edmond on March 17 to kick off Citizens Bank of Edmond’s local street festival, Heard on Hurd.

Heard on Hurd has historically been a monthly event held on the third Saturday of the month, March-October, but due to changes in downtown Edmond, the 2018 schedule may be impacted. Citizens Bank of Edmond will be announcing the Heard on Hurd events on a month by month basis due to the uncertainty.

“We hope to stay as close to our original monthly schedule as possible,” says Courtney Garrison, community engagement manager at Citizens Bank of Edmond. “We are ready to celebrate all things local and host our favorite neighborhood block party. We are working with

the City of Edmond to ensure a safe experience for our vendors and attendees.”

Last year, the Edmond festival hosted more than 158,000 people throughout the season, averaging 25,000 attendees per event, including UCO students. The event also enabled $5.1 million in local economic impact.

This season, the opening event is scheduled to be a “Go Green” theme in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Citizens Bank of Edmond is also introducing a new aspect of the festival called The Trading Post on Hurd.

This addition will be located on Hurd Street and focus primarily on pop-up shops with artisan products, clothing, gifts, vintage, home décor and more for attendees.

The streets of Edmond are bringing back dozens of food trucks and local musicians are invited to take the stage as they have done in years past.

The goal of Heard on Hurd is to

A band prepares the stage while attendees of the Sept. 16, 2017 Heard on Hurd sit under umbrellas in the rain. 2018 Heard on Hurd begins on March 17 with a “Go Green” theme to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. (Vista Archives)

create a unique atmosphere large enough to bring in diverse audiences and vendors, but small enough to see a neighbor, friend or fellow student.

Citizens Bank of Edmond has said that they are proud to provide the

means for so many local and thriving businesses.

The Heard on Hurd Festival is currently accepting vendors. To apply, go to their website at citizensedmond.com.

Budget Cuts

March 6, 2018

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State Slashes University’s Budget Again Continued From Page 1

university’s divisions and the specific areas to be cut will be decided by the leadership of each division.

The state budget requires the reductions to be made between now and June 30, and represents a more sudden and dramatic cut compared to the cuts made at the beginning of the year, according to UCO President Don Betz.

“We are obviously not pleased that we have another cut to our budget,” Betz said. “Coming so late in the year, in the last four months, you end up having to draw down almost three times the amount because you can only spread it over four months, as opposed to 12.”

Since 2008, the university has seen a 40 percent reduction in state appropriations. With approximately 22 percent of its funding currently derived from state funding, UCO already receives the lowest rate of taxpayer contribution per student among the state’s 13 public universities.

While a decrease in state appropriations typically requires an increased reliance on tuition, UCO’s declining enrollment rates for both domestic and international students have also

contributed to the institution’s lack of funding.

Coming off of a record student population of 17,271 in 2013, fall semester enrollment has declined by 6.49 over the last five years, while spring semester enrollment has declined by 10.1 percent over the last five years.

The decline in enrollment has been most significant amongst international students, a population that has seen an enrollment decline of approximately 25 percent over the last five years.

“When that happens, you have to reframe the formula that you undertake to meet your fiscal responsibilities, so you have to build a smaller budget because you have fewer students,” Betz said. “You have to do some things differently and then you have to proceed to build a strategic enrollment plan that targets different populations of students.”

These potential populations could consist of domestic out-of-state students, as well as non-traditional students such as returning adults and transfers, who already make up a sizable portion of the university’s student population, according to

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, top, presides over a Board of Equalization meeting in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018. Revenue collections are continuing to climb as Oklahoma emerges from an economic recession, but finance officials say state legislators still will have a $167 million hole to fill in next year's budget because of increasing obligations. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Old North, the oldest building on the University of Central Oklahoma’s campus, is located at the far west end of UCO. The university is set to face more budget cuts at the hand’s of the state legistlature after a new budget for Fiscal Year 2018 was finally decided. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)

Betz.

“What you’ll be seeing is that Enrollment Management is very hard at work creating a very flexible, adaptable plan for enrollment,” Betz said. “You know, you don’t get to turn these things around in three or four minutes, you have to work at it, but the plans are being very seriously developed.”

The state’s new budget requires that most state agencies cut between 1 and 2 percent of their remaining spending plans. The state’s higher education budget was an exception, receiving a cut of only 0.6 percent or $4.7 million.

Higher education has already sustained a staggering 16 percent cut in Fiscal Year 2017 and another 6 percent decrease in FY 2018. Each additional reduction continues to put ever increasing strain on the state’s colleges and universities, according to Angela Caddell, vice chancellor for Communications with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

“While the state system has continued to cut costs in an effort to protect academic and student services as much as possible, we have reached a tipping point,” Caddell said. “Additional budget cuts will result in increasingly negative impacts.”

These impacts include significant reductions in funding for statewide programs, such as concurrent enrollment and tuition waivers. Cuts also threaten to hinder the processes for financial aid distribution and institutional accreditation, according to Caddell.

To combat these cuts, OSRHE voted in December to request a higher education budget of $909.1 million for Fiscal Year 2019. The funding

request represents a 16.6 percent increase, compared to the allocation for FY 2018, but Caddell said it is still too early to comment on the outlook for FY 2019.

“Given Oklahoma higher education’s unique role in advancing our state’s degree completion agenda and meeting the state’s workforce development needs, we will continue to make the case throughout the current legislative session that higher education must be a top funding priority,” Caddell said.

While the state legislature had adopted a budget for FY 2018 last May, the budget fell through when the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled its proposed cigarette tax unconstitutional in August.

The tax was expected to bring in more than $200 million and the Supreme Court’s decision left a deficit that state lawmakers were unable to solve during a four month special session convened by Fallin last year.

“Developing a budget in this difficult fiscal and political climate is never easy,” Fallin said. “This budget keeps our government operating and, despite challenging circumstances, funds our core mission services.”

With the FY 2018 budget finally settled, lawmakers now have until the end of the legislative session in May to address a $167.8 million shortfall for FY 2019.

“Of greater concern to our campus community will be next year’s budget,” Neuhold said. “Rising costs of business services, supply and labor, as well as the continued decline in enrollment, are all factors exerting downward pressure on our budget, but we will make adjustments as necessary to minimize this impact on our classrooms.”

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March 6, 2018

Photo Story

Silence of the Ham: Alternate Ending

The Vista

@TheVista1903 Staff Reports

Ken Ham visited the University of Central Oklahoma campus on Monday following the controversy surrounding his rescinded offer and reinvitation by UCO President Don Betz.

Throughout the day, several protestors arrived on campus and in the surrounding areas to speak on abortion, religion and other issues and interact publicly with students.

Before Ham’s presentation, titled “Genesis and the State of Culture”, the university hosted Rick Tepker for a presentation titled “Expressive Liberty & Civic Equality: First Principles For Students, Professors and Public Universities” in Constitution Hall. The presentation included moderator and UCO Associate Professor in Political Science John Wood.

Tepker’s speech began at 11 a.m., followed by Ham’s at 3 p.m.

Another event will take place on Tuesday at 10 a.m. on science, civil discourse and social justice.

Ken Ham, a widely publicised creationist speaks at the University of Central Oklahoma. Ham was originally scheduled to speak at the campus in February, but had to cancel and then reschedule due to protests from student groups. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista)

An unidentified UCO student shouts “I’m bi and I’m proud” at a man going by the name Brother Jim under the Blue Tent on Monday, March 5. Brother Jim stood under the tent shouting at students about Allah, God, religion and Ken Ham. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)

A television in the Nigh University Center displays the text “Banners and signs are prohibited in the Nigh University Center. Those who interfere with the speakers’ presentations will be subject to removal.” on Monday, March 5.

(Ryan Naeve/The Vista) Security officers search bags before attendees are allowed to enter the Constitution Hall to watch Ken Ham speak (Ryan Naeve/The Vista)

A man going by the name of Brother Jim points and yells at a UCO student under the Blue Tent on Monday, March 5. Brother Jim wore a shirt reading “Allah is Satan” and spoke on religion to students throughout the day. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)

Several books written by Ken Ham were sold at a discounted price in the Nigh University Center before and after Ham’s speech. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista)

Gun Control

March 6, 2018

9

Gun Control Issue Sparks More Debate Katie Standlee @katiestandlee Reporter

Following the Feb. 14 Florida high school shooting, several schools have had threats and lockdowns, some businesses have issued some changes regarding guns and talk of gun control from both advocates and detractors has swept the nation.

According to the Educators School Safety Network, there have been 797 threats made since Feb. 15, an average of 72.5 threats made per school day. Some of these threats occurred in Oklahoma schools, resulting in lockdowns. However, none resulted in any deaths.

Parkland, Florida students began advocating for better gun control, moving some corporations to issue changes on gun sales in stores and some are even cutting ties with the National Rifle Association.

CEO of DICK’s Sporting Goods, Edward Stack announced Feb. 28 that, nationwide, stores will no longer sell assault-style rifles and would be increasing the minimum age for purchase of a firearm from 18 to 21.

“Some will say these steps can’t guarantee tragedies like Parkland will never happen again. They may be correct – but if common sense reform is enacted and even one life is saved, it will have been worth it,” Stack said in his media statement.

The DICK’s Sporting Goods Twitter posted several screenshots of Stack’s letter, and the full statement can be found on the corporation’s website under Media Statements.

Stacks also announced that high-capacity magazines and other assault-style rifle accessories, such as bump stocks, will not be sold in stores.

In addition to DICK’s Sporting Goods, Walmart also announced that their stores would be raising the minimum age for purchase to 21 as well, joined by Kroger on March 1 and L.L. Bean on March 2.

Stores have received feedback on the announcements from both sides of the gun control debate.

Former Dick’s Sporting Good’s employees Griffin McCullar and Alex Degarmo, both 20-years-old, quit their jobs because of the new gun policy.

McCullar and Degarmo posted their resignation letters on Facebook.

On his post, Degarmo claimed to be systemically discriminated against by the company’s decision.

Several corporations took to social media to notify their customers that

Maya Morales, 15, holds a sign during a walkout and demonstration for gun control at Anderson High School in Austin, Texas, on Friday Feb. 23, 2018. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

the companies’ partnership with the NRA has ended. Some of these companies include the First National Bank of Omaha, The Hertz Corp., Enterprise Holdings Inc., Best Western and Delta Air Lines, among others.

Some detractors of gun control are claiming second amendment violations with any kind of gun control.

On the other hand, advocates say that gun violence will continue without gun control.

“Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, they’re both taking a hard position on [gun control], and both sides have valid arguments,” said University of Central Oklahoma political science professor Joseph Tripodi.

There are more sides to the gun control debate than these two examples. However, Tripodi said that compromise from both sides is what it is going to take for legislation to be able to pass anything regarding this issue.

One example of compromise could mean universal background checks applied every time a gun changes ownership.

“Most folks who own guns aren’t against that, they are not against that concept at all,” Tripodi said.

Tripodi said there is no centralized FBI database that stores data about who owns a gun and what kind of gun they own, which adds to the complexity of this issue in U.S. politics, from the local to national level.

The Second Amendment does guarantee certain rights for Americans to own guns, which has been reinforced by the Supreme Court in multiple cases.

“Factually, states that have higher regulations on guns have lower gun related homicides,” Tripodi said.

Tripodi also said that the gun con-

trol issue is a complex issue with no single solution.

“Guns can be regulated, there’s nothing against that,” Tripodi said.

“But you have the right to have a gun, so it comes down to public safety. It’s not about rights or absolutes.”

A portion of the rack displaying various models of semi-automatic sporting rifles is seen at Duke’s Sport Shop in New Castle, Pa. on Thursday, March 1, 2018. Sales of firearms slowed dramatically after the election of President Donald Trump in 2016 allayed fears of a Democratic crackdown on gun owners. That trend continues, even with talk of gun control in Congress following the massacre of 17 people at a Florida high school last month. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

10

March 6, 2018

Letter to the Editor

Your Words, Your Voice.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, I believe that most of us Americans have been victims of bullying and/or some form of abuse at some time in our lives. As a former counselor and therapist, I worked with and tried to help many victims of everyday bullying, as well as various other forms of abuse.

I found that the biggest problem, issue, and challenge that they dealt with was that they did not stand up to their bullies and abusers. The best question that I have ever heard a counselor or therapist ask their clients and patients relative to this was the following: “What parts of yourself don’t you love that allows you to let this bully or abuser to continue to mistreat and abuse you?”

This question prompted many people to finally make some serious changes in their lives and to walk away from and leave their abusers.

Sincerely, Stewart B. Epstein Rochester, New York

P.S. I want you to know why I have submitted this letter to the editor to your newspaper. I spent five years working as a professional counselor and therapist in the fields of Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Mental Illness/Mental Health, and Marriage and Family Therapy. But for most of my working life, I was a college professor of Sociology, Social Work, and Psychology. I loved my students and cared very deeply about their well-being. I miss them. I miss how idealistic that they are and how much that they want to try to make the world a better, more caring, and a more compassionate place.

A major reason why I submitted this letter to you is because I believe that the question contained within it might help some of your students, especially your female students, who are being abused and bullied by their boyfriends. They need to realize, as many of us eventually learn, that “Being in no relationship is better than being in an abuisve and bullying relationship.”

The Vista always accepts letters to the editor to be published in the issue following its receival. If you would like your response displayed in the next issue, please send your letters to The Vista at 100 N. University Drive Edmond, OK 73034 or email your response to The Vista at thevista.ads@gmail.com.

**Personal contact information has been omitted. No other changes to these letters have been made.

Humor Column

11

March 6, 2018

Winston Churchill once said, “Getting rid of the flu is like getting rid of Germany. You have to stand strong with your fellow countrymen and that’s when you will be able to defeat it.”

Flu season has come and it has gone and it has come back again and it left for a bit, but I guess it came back again. There’s no telling when you will get the flu. When you have it, you might have a sudden urge to attack the person that gave it to you. You know it’s probably Brad.

He was sneezing a bunch last week and blowing his nose all around the office. Oh, and you know he uses YOUR coffee mug. It has YOUR name on it. Man, Brad’s the worst.

However, attacking Brad won’t cure your symptoms. It will make you feel a little bit better, but until scientists of the world find a cure for the flu, there’s nothing to do but try and ease the pain. You COULD take over-the-counter medicine, but then you would just end up getting addicted and find yourself living on the streets, begging for a sip of Nyquil from every CVS Pharmacy.

You’re better than that. That’s why you opened up the newspaper (or scrolled around online) and found this REAL news article that can help you fix the flu. These tips will not only help you get past the frightening flu symptoms, but it will prevent you from having to curb-stomp Brad’s face on YOUR coffee mug. Man, Brad’s the worst.

1 2 3 4 ENERGIZE:

BRING YOUR SPIRIT BACK TO LIFE

Bring a bit of energy into your life and that will make you feel 10 times better. Go ahead and drink a few Five Hour Energy drinks, at least five of them, and energize the flu right out of your life. This energy will make you completely forget about the symptoms you’re feeling from the flu because you’ll be too worried that you’re going to have a heart attack. Also, you’ll get a ton of work done in the process. Although, you may end up laying down, trying to control your breathing and wondering how fast a normal heartbeat is.

USE YOUR HEAD Find a way to switch the pain from the flu symptoms into something more unique, like a severe head injury. While you have the flu, go skateboarding or rollerblading without a helmet. Eventually, you will fall and hit your head. That head injury will cause you to go into a deep coma that may last weeks, months or even years. When you wake up, you will find yourself in an apocalyptic world where artificial intelligence has taken over. But you are in a hospital that has not been a working hospital in years. So, now you have to find weapons because the A.I. see humans as waste in this new world. It will be a hard life, but you can find comfort in knowing that you aren’t sneezing as much as you were before the coma.

JUST GIVE IT TO

– BACTERIA + BACTERIA=

The battle of Mordor is going on in your body right now (that’s from Lord of the Rings). So, in order to defeat the Orcs that are fighting for the flu, you need to throw in more Orcs to save the day (also Lord of the Rings). What I’m saying is, flood your body with more bacteria so that it will balance out the current amount of bacteria. Lick toilet seats in the public restroom of a gas station, visit the sick wing of a hospital without a mask or even just stay in the public restroom of a gas station and lick everything. This will flood your body with bacteria and send Frodo into Mordor with the ring (last Lord of the Rings reference).

SOMEONE ELSE

Come on, it’s like a superpower. You can give it to someone else, maybe Brad, who literally just got over the flu. You see him drinking out of your coffee mug once again. This time, you can laugh, because he’s drinking up an entire cup filled with your virus. Welcome to the jungle Brad.

No matter what, stay safe this flu season and stay away from a guy named Brad who sneezes. Also, don’t listen to any of this advice, this is fake news. Wake up, SHEEPLE.

12

March 6, 2018

Sports

SPORTS

Bronchos Fall Short of NCAA Tournament James D. Jackson @JamesDJackson15

Contributing Writer

The University of Central Oklahoma women’s basketball team came up short against Missouri Western State University Thursday night at Municipal Auditorium 49-46 in the second round of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association tournament.

“We shot barely a little over 60 percent from the foul line,” UCO Head Coach Guy Hardaker said.

“We missed layups and shot one for twelve from three; just one of those nights where it was just not going to go in.”

This is the first time in history a 12-seeded team advanced to the MIAA Tournament semifinals. Coming into the tournament Missouri Western had lost 14 of their last 15 games.

The Bronchos shot 17 of 44 from the field, but as the game winded down they had a chance of winning the game.

Missouri Western’s Manaia Timson made two jump shots at the end of the third quarter to give the Griffons a one point lead over the Bronchos going into the fourth.

After shooting 1 of 5 through the first three quarters, senior guard Melinda Murillo found her shot in the fourth quarter as she scored the Bronchos first six points. Her three consecutive scores gave UCO a 3938 lead with 6:41 left.

The Griffons then went on an 8-2 run, taking the lead, 46-41, with 3:29 left in the game. Blake Blessington, who led UCO scorers with 13 points, then brought the game within three with a layup.

On the next possession Ireon Smith committed her first foul of the game and Cera Ledbetter made 1 of 2 free throws, containing the Missouri Western lead which stood 47-43.

After making her first three shots of the fourth quarter, Murillo attempted a 3-pointer but missed.

However, UCO got the rebound and Murillo was then fouled with 1:31 left on the clock. She made both free throws, making it a two point game 47-45.

Sophomore guard Shatoya Bryson, No. 21, drives to the basket against a Fort Hays State defender on Feb. 10 at Hamilton Field House. (Lauren Bieri/UCO Photo Services)

With a chance to tie or take the lead on the next series, UCO needed a defensive stop to gain possession, but the ball did not bounce in their favor.

“There was just a little over a minute and it was a one possession game,” Hardaker said. “We were down two I believe it was and their running some clock and they called a hand check on us. Now they got a whole new shot clock to start over again and that happened twice. So then we ended up having to foul [to stop the clock].”

With the foul, Missouri Western guard Melia Richardson, who led all scorers with 17 points, made both of her free throws to put Missouri Western up by four, 49-45, with 20 seconds left.

Coming out of the timeout Murillo missed a jump shot and Blessington had to foul the Missouri Western rebounder. Missouri Western missed both free throws and Cooper got the rebound with 13 seconds remaining.

On the last series with 11 seconds remaining, MIAA Co-Freshman of the Year Jo’Nah Johnson missed a 3-pointer. Jesheon Cooper got the offensive rebound, but missed both of

her shots at the rim. Shatoya Bryson then got an offensive rebound of her own and was fouled. She made 1 of 2 free-throws bringing the score to 49-46. However, with four seconds remaining UCO could not force a steal.

“We played very well defensively,” Hardaker said. “I mean we held them to 49. If you would have said we were going to hold someone in the 40’s we were going to win. It’s just one of those nights where we didn’t and we ended up losing by three.”

The loss eliminated the Broncos from the MIAA tournament and the 64-team NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament which was decided when the NCAA committee selected 40 non-conference championship teams at the NCAA Division II Selection Show Sunday Night at 10 p.m.

According to the NCAA “Automatic qualification was awarded to the winners of the 24 conferences that participated in the 64-team tournament. The remaining 40 teams were selected at large by the committee.”

“I hate it for our team,” Hardaker

said before the selection show. “I think we had a hell of a year, we won 22 games [and] I’ve never had a team win 20 games and not get an at large bid in the NCAA tournament and we’re not going to get one. The top eight get in and I think we’re going to finish 9th.”

The Division II Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament consist of eight regional tournaments.

Each Regional contains eight teams.

UCO is a part of the Central Region but with a record of 22-7 and an early loss in the MIAA tournament UCO was not selected.

The eight teams selected by the committee to represent the Central Region were Augustana (27-3), Central Missouri (24-3), Southwestern Oklahoma (26-4), Arkansas Tech (26-3), Northern State (25-6), Minnesota State University MoorHead (23-5), and the MIAA Conference Champion Lindenwood (20-12).

“I wish they would take the conference winner and then take the teams as they’re ranked across the country to get to their 64, but they don't do it like that” Hardaker said. `

Sports

March 6, 2018

13

The Co-MIAA Freshman of the Year Jonathan Goudeau @Goudeau_jdg

Sports Reporter

In a Feb. 10 home game at Hamilton Field House, University of Central Oklahoma freshman guard Jo'Nah Johnson crossed over her opponent, which had the crowd yelling “ankles!”. Johnson crossed her way past defenders in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association as she was named Co-MIAA freshman of the year.

“I was pretty excited,” Johnson said. “I didn't expect it, because at the beginning of the year I wasn't playing at my full potential. But once the year started to go on, I started to get into the groove of things and found the true player that I am.”

Just a season after she earned AllState honors, as well as Super Five honors from The Oklahoman, Johnson played in all 29 games this season, with 16 of them being starts.

She averages 20.3 minutes and 8.6 points per game, both of which are the fourth highest on the team. However, Johnson said the transition was not smooth at first.

“I could do whatever I wanted to in high school,” Johnson said. “Now, it's run the offense and get good shots. In high school, I just went and scored every game. It's a huge difference now.”

Not only was the offense different to Johnson, she said getting used to head coach Guy Hardaker's coaching style was too.

Freshman guard Jo’Nah Johnson, No. 23, dribbles toward the basket against a Nebraska-Kearney defender on Feb.8 at Hamilton Field House. (KT King/UCO Photo Services)

“Getting used to coach Hardaker's style of play wasn't easy,” Johnson said. “Leaving [Edmond] Santa Fe for UCO and figuring out the style of play compared to last year in high school season is a huge difference.”

Despite all the differences, the one constant was Johnson's expectations of herself.

Freshman guard Jo’Nah Johnson, No. 23, defends Northeastern State guard Tree Brooks, No. 21, during a game at Hamilton Field House on Jan. 20. (Gerald Leong/ The Vista)

“Coming into the season I expected a lot,” Johnson said. “I knew how far they got last year and I knew that I could add to that and help win championships. That's what I expected then and that's what I expect now.”

Johnson also credits her teammates for her quick success this season, but none may have had a bigger impact than senior guard Melinda Murillo.

Johnson said the two-time All-MIAA guard helped her learn and adjust to the program and the culture.

“I'm learning the program from her,” Johnson said. “Coming in as a

freshman to somebody that's been a leader here, learning what I can do for the team this year and even next year when she leaves. She's really been a good leader.”

In a season filled with transitions both on and off the court, Johnson said she knows just how special this honor is.

“It's really, really special because I just didn't feel like I was going to get it. All my teammates believed in me so that extra push by them helped my confidence and helped me win the honor,” Johnson said.

14

March 6, 2018

Sports

UCO’s Tournament Hopes Bear-ied Austin Moseley @Austin_Moseley Sports Editor

The University of Central Oklahoma men’s basketball team season ended Saturday as they lost in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association conference semifinals, 65-57, to the Northwest Missouri Bearcats in Kansas City.

“You can't afford to have bad segments like we did,” UCO Head Coach Tom Hankins said. “We outplayed them and outscored them in the second half, we just didn't have enough offensive power to get all the way back.”

Before facing the No.1 seeded Bearcats, the Bronchos had to get past Central Missouri, a team they lost to earlier this year.

This time, the Bronchos won 72-68 and led the entire 40 minutes.

Jordan Hemphill scored 20 points for the second straight game and the Bronchos moved on to the semifinals for the first time since 2014, and a first time appearance for third-year UCO Head Coach Tom Hankins.

Northwest Missouri is the defending Division II National Champions, but Hankins said this is a different team than they have been in years past. Last year the Bearcats went 35-1 and, at one point, won 24 straight games.

This year Northwest Missouri finished the regular season 26-3.

They also returned 2017 Division II National Player of the Year Justin Pitts.

Though UCO lost to the Bearcats 60-47 in December, Hankins said his team felt confident going in.

“Everybody knew they were one of the top teams in the country, but our guys felt good about themselves and they seemed excited to play,” Hankins said.

UCO gained an early lead, 3-2, off a Marqueese Grayson 3-pointer, but that would be the last time the Bronchos had the lead for the rest of the game. Over the next couple of minutes there were plenty of ties, but UCO was not hitting their shots.

Hankins said prior to the tournament that his team is hard to beat when they are playing their style of basketball and making shots. The Bronchos started the game shooting 2 of 11 from the field, but were only down two with just under 10 minutes to go in the first half.

UCO’s Corbin Byford tied the game 11-11 off a layup, but North-

Junior guard Josh Holliday, No.11, drives to the paint against Southern Nazarene guard Micah Speight, No. 3, during a game at Hamilton Field House on Dec. 19, 2017. (KT King/UCO Photo Services)

west Missouri answered with a quick scoring run. The Bearcats scored nine unanswered points, with the Bronchos turning the ball over three times during that span.

“We didn’t match the intensity of Northwest Missouri,” Hankins said. “We turned the ball over quite a bit, gave up a bunch of offensive rebounds and I think a lot of it had to do with just our effort.”

UCO went into halftime down 26-16. The Bronchos shot 26 percent from the field in the first half. These 16 points was their third lowest first half score total of the year.

“We held them to 26 points, which is really good defensively, but we had a hard time scoring,” Hankins said. “We had some bad possessions and took some tough shots.”

Down double-digits to the reigning National Champions, guard Marquis Johnson led a second half run to lead the Bronchos comeback.

In the first half, Johnson scored two points, but in the second half he scored 16, while going 4-6 from behind the 3-point line.

Johnson drove the lane with less than seven minutes to go and made a layup to bring the Bronchos within five points.

UCO was making their shots in the second half, but Northwest Missouri was too.

Right after Johnson’s layup, the Bearcats hit back-to-back 3-pointers to push their lead back to 11.

UCO got the score to within five

again with 25 seconds left and tried to extend the game by sending Northwest Missouri to the free throw line. The Bearcats went 7 of 8 from the line in the last minute to end the Bronchos hopes at an MIAA championship.

In what was their last game as

Bronchos, Byford scored seven points, Jake Hammond scored six, and Grayson had five. Anthony Roberson sat out due to an injury he suffered earlier in the year.

“I really love them and appreciate all them,” Hankins said. “They're all four really good guys.”

Sophomore guard Marquis Johnson, No. 13, is defended by Emporia State guard Danny Hodge, No. 12, during a game at Hamilton Field House on Feb. 24. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)

`

Bucking Broncho

March 6, 2018

15

The NFL Combine Academy Awards The Academy Awards is where the Hollywood elite gather to celebrate the year's best films and usher in new stars. This can make or break an actors career, just like how the NFL combine can for an upcoming football player.

This year the NFL combine had all the glitz, shine, flair and drama that the Academy Awards has every year.

The combine had it all, whether it be about Lamar Jackson being told to move to wide receiver, Josh Allen throwing 75 yard passes or Shaquem Griffin running the fastest 40-yard dash for a linebacker. Here is a list of this year's NFL combine Academy Awards.

Best Picture Griffin is easily the best story and performance coming out of this year's combine. When Griffin was four-years-old, he lost his hand by amputation and has been able to play football his entire life. He was the leader of the University of Central Florida's defense this season and helped lead them to an undefeated season (and national championship, in the minds of UCF fans), where they beat Auburn in the Peach Bowl.

With one arm, Griffin put up 20 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press portion and then ran a 4.38 on his 40-yard dash. It was the fastest 40 yard dash time for a linebacker at the combine since 2003. Griffin is not just the best story in this years draft, he might be one of the best players in it as well.

Best Actor The Best Actor Award has to go to someone who performed better than the rest and that was Saquon Barkley. He was dominant at the combine and showed people that he was the real deal. Barkley's performance at the combine had NFL scouts willing to do anything to draft him.

“I would punch myself in the nuts many, many, many times to be able to draft him,” one NFL Assistant Coach told Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman.

Central Florida linebacker Shaq Griffin runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 4, 2018.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Barkley ran the second fastest 40-yard dash for a running back with a 4.40, bench pressed 225 pounds 29 times, and had a 41 inch vertical leap. The performance was so good, it has NFL draft experts suggesting he could be the number one overall pick.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Barkley is a contender to be selected at No.1 for the Browns.

Barkley would be the first Penn State running back selected number one since Ki-Jana Carter in 1995.

Best Supporting Actor Every great musician, actor or athlete needs a great hype man. Chucky D had Flavor Flav, Reggie Miller had Spike Lee and Mike Tyson had Don King. This year Josh Allen had his and it was NFL broadcaster Rich Eisen. After every one of Allen's amazing deep throws down the field, you would hear a subtle "wow" or at the end when he threw it from the 10 to the other 24-yard line, you

heard “now he is just showing off”.

Allen's throws down the field were impressive and some were even jaw dropping, but to see the broadcaster for the event in amazement made it feel special. Eisen not being able to control his natural instinct of being in awe of Allen's throw shows how talented he is and should help him climb up mock drafts.

Best Animated Short The two biggest negative things being said about the reigning Heisman winner Baker Mayfield is that he is too short and he is too animated. Should those two things be heavily scrutinized for an NFL quarterback anymore? Russell Wilson and Drew Brees are both quarterbacks, six-foot-tall and are two top 10 NFL quarterbacks. Mayfield takes the criticism scouts say about his height head on.

“If you're worried, I have three years of tape you can watch,” Mayfield said at his press conference at

the NFL combine. “I think I have less batted balls at the line of scrimmage than all other guys here.”

People should embrace Mayfield's confidence and swagger like they have with other quarterbacks in the NFL. For example, Cam Newton was caught this season talking trash to a defender before he threw a touchdown pass and people loved it.

Quarterbacks are supposed to play with confidence and nobody plays with more than Mayfield.

He is so confident he said that if there's anyone who would turn around the Cleveland Browns around, it'd be him. Mayfield later went on to talk about how the Browns have the right pieces and that they just need a quarterback. The confidence Mayfield has in himself reflects onto the field.

One thing is for sure: Baker will always be animated and it doesn't look like he will be any taller anytime soon.