See Page 7 for Men’s and Women’s Golf Volume 113, Issue 20
the VISTA “The Student Voice Since 1903”
Follow the Vista: UCentralMedia.com vistanews1903 @TheVista1903 thevista1903 The Vista Monday, Oct. 3, 2016
New Softball Studium Being Built for Next Season Elisabeth Slay @Eslayslay Reporter
In spite of major budget cuts, the University of Central Oklahoma is building a new softball facility across from the Wellness Center which should be completed by March 1, 2017. Half of the money for the new field comes from student activity fees, while the other half is from various donations and fundraising to the athletic department acquired over the last few years, according to Athletic Director Joe Muller. “Part of it came from student activity fees which was part of the deal when students passed the last activity fees and athletics agreed to spend that money not on anything other than facilities,” Muller said. Although the vote was decided in 2012, the project was approved just this year. See Softball on 5
Dave Timberlake, Cody White, Joe Muller, Don Betz, Jon Hunter, Gerry Pinkston and David Reed break ground at UCO’s softball field where the new softball stadium is currently being built. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
Campus Support for Lactation Room Lagging Queila Omena @queilaomena Reporter
Mothers around the world find it challenging to breastfeed while not receiving the support from the community. This year, the University of Central Oklahoma implemented lactation spaces dedicated for mothers on campus which are located in the Nigh University Center and Wellness Center. The idea to implement lactation rooms started last fall when Erika Cerda, senior employer relations specialist at UCO and certified breastfeeding educator, along with Carrie Irwin, director of employer relations at UCO, decided UCO needed to accommodate mothers on campus and show community support for breastfeeding. For that, UCO needed to develop a worksite lactation policy that would be supportive to mothers who choose to breastfeed their infants. When Cerda worked on the lactation worksite policy this January, she reached out to different buildings at UCO to acquire more space for lactation rooms. Despite the UCO’s great support for mothers on campus, Cerda found it difficult to utilize
more areas on campus dedicated for breastfeeding mothers. “I started reaching out to different buildings, and different people on campus. I really tried to advocate for more spaces on campus, but I haven’t got a lot of good traction. I’ve got a lot of pushback, and I understand that spaces are limited here, but I have been a little disappointed,” Cerda said. Cerda said that despite the pushback at first, UCO designated locations on campus to support mothers by providing a comfortable, clean and private environment for nursing mothers during their time on campus. See Breastfeeding on 5
A new breastfeeding pod, called Mamava, now sits in the Wellness Center on campus, and allows mothers a private space to nurse their children.Photo by Miranda VanMeter, The Vista.
Got a Concern? Go to UCO’s Student Congress Kateleigh Mills @kateleighsuz Editor-in-Chief
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Student Congress gathers every Monday at 1 p.m. in the Will Rogers Room in the Nigh University Center where a portion of the meeting is to discuss student concerns. UCO’s Student Congress is the Legislative Branch of the UCOSA, UCO’s Student Association. The members
include senators, Chair of Student Congress, Caleb Shaw, Vice Chair of Student Congress Stockton Duvall and Secretary of Student Congress Kalina Popova. There are also seven congressional committees, which include: Accountability, Reform, and Transparency, Campus Development, Graduate Student Affairs, Human Diversity, Public Relations, Ways and Means and Academic Affairs, according to UCOSA’s website.
According to Parliamentarian of UCO Student Congress, Caleb Power, when a student has a concern it usually comes in two forms. According to Parliamentarian of UCO Student Congress, Caleb Power, when a student has a concern it usually comes in two forms. The first type of concern is where a student has an issue they wish to bring to UCO’s Student Congress but they do not know how they would fix it. See Concerns on 3
CONTENTS
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Asia Augustine, community service coordinator for the Black Student Association, along with other members leads the walk around Broncho Lake at the University of Central on Monday Sept. 26, 2016. The students marched to raise awareness about the nationwide controversy of African-Americans being killed by police. (Photo provided by Sundas Shadid).
CONTENTS Concerns........................................................3
Bucking Broncho...........................................6
Around Campus.............................................4
Men's and Women's Golf...............................7
Softball/Breastfeeding...................................5
SafeWalk........................................................8
STAFF NAME AND POSITION
Kateleigh Mills Alex Brown A . Suave Francisco Cara Johnson Ta y l o r M i c h a u d Elisabeth Slay Elizabeth Spence Megan Prather Queila Omena Peter Agnitsch Ike Wilcots Ryan Naeve Te d d y B u r c h
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r S p o r t s Re p o r t e r S p o r t s Re p o r t e r Photographer Advisor
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The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained. EDITORIALS Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO. LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters. Address letters to: Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista1903@gmail.com.
CONCERNS
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Concerns Kateleigh Mills @kateleighsuz Editor-in-Chief
(Continued from cover) The second type of concern is where a student who has a concern has an action plan that would work towards fixing the problem. Power said that it is better if the student comes to congress and has an action plan in place. “Any UCO student, and oftentimes faculty as well, can come up and voice any concern that they have... If there is a senator who agrees with the concern, that senator can take it and form it into legislation. That’s basically how a student talks to student government,” Power said. Power also recommended that the more personable a student can be towards a student government, the better. This is because students are running the government. After legislation is written it is then taken through the committee process. The chair, Caleb Shaw, will take the piece of legislation to the committee that often deals with the issue, according to Power. Legislation that typically has two committees backing it will have a higher percentage of being brought to the congressional floor for a vote. The committee meetings are open to the public and convene outside of congress, according to Power. “The committee will debate on the bill and they will make modifications as they see fit and usually that’s a vote of the committee,” Power said. The committees have three options for a legislation: a do-pass, a vote for the legislation; a do-fail, where the legislation dies in committee; and a no recommendation, the committee doesn’t have an opinion on the legislation, according to Power. “After that happens it comes to the congress and then Caleb, as the chair, will put it on the docket,” Power said.
"Any UCO student, and oftentimes faculty as well, can come up and voice any concern that they have."
Caleb Shaw, Advisor Cole Stanley, and UCOSA Presdent Cash Deitz listen to concerns of Vista staff members after the weekly UCOSA Congress meeting in the Will Rogers Room on the fourth floor of the NUC. Photo by Jessica Sanchez, The Vista.
The legislation that has undergone the committee process will be brought back to Shaw who will put the legislation on the docket under ‘items to be considered’ for the weekly congress meetings, according to Shaw. Oftentimes the senator and author of the legislation will come up and talk to student congress about it and then senators will question the legislation until a consensus is met, according to Power. The type of legislation will determine what happens after it passes in Congress, according to Power. If legislation is a resolution, which is more like an opinion of the student congress, and is passed, it will stay in student congress. “There are points of our extent where we can’t go any further... [for a resolution] we sent a letter to President Betz, to his desk, so that’s what it was able to do,” Shaw said. If legislation is a bill, that is something that specifically changes something that congress doesn’t need approval from, such as changing a statute or by-law within UCO Student Congress. “A bill that changes something in our [UCOSA] statutes which controls all of UCOSA, will require the signature from President Cash Dietz. He can either sign it or veto it, or do a pocket-veto,” Power said.
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AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND THE CAMPUS
Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 UCOSA: From 1 p.m. -2 p.m. the University of Central Oklaho-
ma’s Student Association will meet for their weekly congress meeting in the Will Rogers Room located on the fourth floor of the Nigh University Center.
NON-TRADITIONAL SUPPORT GROUP: From 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 415, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will be hosting a support group for non-traditional students to help them learn how to balance school, stress, family, and work. SPB: From 11 a.m. -1 p.m. the Student Programming Board will be in the Nigh University Center to give students an idea of events happening around campus in October. GOT STRESS WORKSHOP: From 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. in Nigh
University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will be helping students discover strategies for managing college life. LIFE SKILLS AROUND EATING: From 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will be hosting a confidential support group for students affected by eating disorders.
MASS ON CAMPUS WITH FR. JOE: From 7 p.m. - 8:30
p.m. in the Y-Chapel, the Catholic Student Center at UCO will be celebrating mass with Fr. Joe, who has just returned from a mission trip to Peru. "POETRY", A FILM BY CHANG-DONG: From 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. in Pegasus Theater, as part of the Passport to Global Korea Monday Movie Series, STLR will be showing "Poetry", a film about a woman finding purpose after entering a poetry class.
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 BGLTQ+ Support: From 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will be hosting a confidential support group for anyone who identifies with the BGLTQ+ community. LIBRARY 411!: From 1 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. in UCO Chambers Library, STLR will be hosting a workshop to introduce students to all the resources for them in the library. HILEY HINTON-TEACHING ENGLISH IN KOREA:
From 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. in Pegasus Theater, as part of the Passport to Global Korea Monday Movie Series, STLR will host a lecture from Hiley Hinton, a UCO English graduate and teacher in Seoul.
SEEKING STRENGTH: From 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in Nigh Univer-
sity Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will be hosting a confidential support group to offer coping mechanisms to reduce trauma and substance abuse symptoms, and promote healing.
JOUVERT: From 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Fieldhouse
Lawn, the Caribbean Student Association will host a powder paint festival to celebrate the beginning of carnival.
Tuesday Oct. 4, 2016 LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP SEMINAR: From 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. in Constitution Hall, STLR will host a seminar where students can hear advice from local business and educational/ public leaders based on experiences in their field. EMOTIONAL FITNESS: From 10:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. in
Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will be hosting a confidential wellness group, offering students tools and advice to increase the ability to live life more mindfully.
SPBe Sober: From 11 a.m. -1 p.m. the Student Programming
Board will be at the Clock Tower asking students to make a pact to always drive sober.
SMART RECOVERY: From 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will be hosting a meeting for those in recovery to learn how to keep a positive and healthy lifestyle with motivation, healthy coping mechanisms, and skills to manage thoughts and behaviors, ANGER TAMERS: From 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in Nigh University
Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will be hosting a confidential wellness group, helping students learn how to reduce conflict in their lives, and control anger.
QPR-SUICIDE PREVENTION: From 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in
Education Room 111, UCO Peer Health Leaders will host their suicide education program 'Question, Persuade, Refer'.
Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 SPB FIND BUDDY: From 12 p.m. -2 p.m. the Student Programming Board will be hiding a stuffed Buddy somewhere on campus. The first student to return it to the CA Office in NUC 424 will get a Broncho Pride Bundle. Follow SPB on Snapchat for clues. SPB: From 11 a.m. -1 p.m. the Student Programming Board will be
in the Nigh University Center to give students an idea of events happening around campus in October.
Get Out the VOTE! Exhibit Opening: From 5:30 p.m. -7:30
p.m. in the Melton Gallery, STLR will be opening the exhibition of design posters, reminding students of the importance of their responsibility to vote. The exhibit will be open through Oct. 19.
FALL FESTIVAL: From 6 p.m. -8 p.m. in Plunkett Park, the Black Student Association will host a festival to get the community excited about voting. Friday, Oct. 7, 2016 SPB FIRST FRIDAY FLICKS: From 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Kick-
ingbird Cinema, the first 50 students with a UCO ID will get in to a movie, selected by SPB, for free.
SOFTBALL/BREASTFEEDING
Softball Elisabeth Slay @Eslayslay Reporter
Currently the softball team does not have a sufficient place to practice. “We’re having to go all over town to find places to practice. We’re practicing at high school facilities and temporary facilities until ours is done,” Muller said. This facility will replace the existing field and will have new developments that will make life better for the players and their fan base. “We’ve never had a team locker room so they will have their own locker room. We are going to put in public restrooms because they have never had a public restroom. There will be a coach's office. There will be a new press box. There will be new fan seating all around,” Muller said. The department is hopeful that this new development will not only be beneficial for the softball team, but UCO as a whole. “What we’re trying to is something very positive, very redeeming and something that will bring value to the university,” Muller said.
With funding coming primarily from student activity fees and donations, the department gained $630,000 for their budget, increasing it from $350,000 for the 2015-2016 fiscal year to $980,000 for the 20162017 fiscal year. “Great facilities, whether they are athletic facilities or classroom buildings, add value to the campus because they give you a sense of pride when you walk in them,” Muller said. With these changes will come new opportunities for the university in terms of hosting tournament and other events. “Our backstop wasn’t within the NCAA regulations where we were able to host NCAA super regionals, regionals and all of that. When we can host those events it actually brings money into campus,” Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator, Britni Brannon said. The softball facility is being built by the Timberlake construction company and designed by Sparks Reed, which is an architecture company located in Tulsa Oklahoma. In addition to the new softball stadium, the athletic administrations is also
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Workers stand in the construction site of the new UCO softball fields on Sept. 30, 2016. Construction on the new softball fields began during Summer 2016 and is expected to be finished March 1, 2017. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
planning on building a sports performing center. “It’s a facility that is going to be built at the north end zone of the football stadium. It will have everything from new training facilities to weight rooms,” Muller said. It is their hope to build the center by next March and it will be open to the public. “It will be primarily used by student athletes but it will have many uses to the general student body as well,” Muller said The funding for the new center
is also partly from student activity fees and fundraising, such as the $10 million donation to the athletic department by Paycom Software Inc. CEO Chad Richison. For the last six years the athletic department has had a flat budget either receiving only a small portion of funding or losing it. “As far as the facilities go, the bottom line was we knew we had to do something because the facilities here are substandard in our own league. We go to other schools and they have beautiful facilities,” Muller said.
Breastfeeding Queila Omena @queilaomena Reporter
“We want to be a place where we uphold research and scholarship activity, and we want to be competent when it comes to culture. We can’t say those things and have an environment that isn’t supportive of mothers who are wanting to provide their children with optimal nutrition,” Cerda said. UCO now has the first Mamava in the state of Oklahoma, located in the Wellness Center. The Mamava is a private suite for nursing, equipped with AC and a USB power outlet, allowing mothers to charge their phone, listen to music or power their breast pump. The suites provide mothers with one fold down table, two benches, and an extra space that could be used for an infant, a partner or a stroller. “My hope is that as the university continues to build buildings, we will make sure they are considering a lactation space. It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but mothers do need a privacy place that they can go to. I think it’s very important that we build those spaces and those options. I’m hopeful that we’ll continue moving forward,”
Cerda said. UCO was recognized this year as a Breastfeeding Friendly WorksiteGold Star Employer by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates, and the Oklahoma Healthy Birth Alliance. The recognition is given to employers that displayed all the criteria necessary, and also exceeded the criteria in at least three different areas. “We exceeded the minimum. So, I don’t think we should be ashamed, but we are a big campus. And so, I think that we can continue to do even more and better,” Cerda said. Breastfeeding has shown to have innumerable benefits to the mother and the infant, including lowering the risk of breast cancer for both the mother and the female infant. Breast milk contains a multitude of antibodies that help the baby fight of virus and bacteria, which cannot be simulated in formulas, said Advanced Lactation Consult at Thrive Momma Collective, Claire Powers. Babies who are breastfed for the first six months without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. “The health benefits are immeasurable. As wonderful as it is to have artificial milk for babies — is what
The Mamava Sip & See sits in the lobby of the Wellness Center on campus. The pod gives new mothers a place to breastfeed their children without being exposed to the public. Photo by Miranda VanMeter, The Vista.
formula is—formula will never be able to recreate what mother’s milk is providing, and that’s really the antibodies,” Powers said. "The benefits of breastfeeding can be found anywhere, luckily with the breastfeeding rates on the rise, the public has a lot of published articles about the importance of breastfeeding," Power said. On the business side of breast-
feeding, statistics show that mothers that received community support and resources for breastfeeding tend to return from parental leave earlier, and take less sick days in the first year of the infant's life, Cerda said. Mothers are also more productive at work, knowing that their company or workplace supports their choices, and gave them the resources needed.
EDITORIAL
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The Bucking Broncho: UCO’s Track and Field Program Deserves More A. Suave Francisco @SuaveFrancisco_ Sports Editor
Last year, the University of Central Oklahoma’s Women’s Track team displayed some firepower with one of their athletes. Mariah Garcia won the 2015 Track and Field National Championship in the discus throw, the first such award in school history. Did the average student know about this? Probably not, because as embarrassing as it is, I wasn’t even aware. Even though I wasn’t Sports Editor or even a member of The Vis-
ta staff, I was far more aware of the athletic happenings around campus, due to many people in my circle being involved in UCO athletes. With that being said, once again, I wasn’t aware of Garcia’s national championship. I feel like this is a problem that needs to be addressed. I guarantee if the football, basketball or hockey team won a championship UCO would make sure that everyone on campus knew, besides sending out a mass e-mail. There would be pep-rallies, signs all over campus and may-
be even a parade. I’ve noticed that the women’s sports just don’t share the same recognition that the men’s sports do. I’m not saying that Garcia should get a parade, but I do believe this should be as widely known as possible. Not only did this girl win a national championship, she made history for UCO. In addition to the lack of recognition, Women’s Track doesn’t even have a track-and-field facility. They can’t even get a track around the football field? That’s almost the stan-
Mariah Garcia is the first athlete in UCO history to win the Track and Field National Championship in discuss throw. Despite this achievement, very few UCO students are aware of their track and field team and their accomplishments. (Photo provided by UCO Photo Services)
dard for high school football fields. It absolutely is the standard for major universities nationally and it should be the standard for schools with a respectful track program like UCO’s. There’s no reason why national champions like Garcia shouldn’t have a facility to train on at her college campus. I’m definitely not one for finances, or anything involving numbers unless it’s scores, rankings or player statistics, but something I do know (because it’s obvious) is that UCO spends a ton of money on both football and basketball. The vast majority being football. That’s clear, look at the facilities UCO has. They are so nice that other sports ask to use them. I’m not sure if they still do, but the Men’s Basketball team lifts weights with the football team on occasion and often times conditions with them as well. I’ve seen the track team having to stretch on a cold floor outside of the basketball gym, with training tables right outside of the basketball gym. That’s where I’ve seen many teams receive treatment. I’m aware that UCO would love to move up to NCAA Division I, but with facilities in the condition they are in, I’m not sure that’ll happen anytime soon. As for Mariah Garcia, she’s a junior now, looking to defend her title. Garcia, talent-wise, could’ve gone to a wide variety of larger universities. Division I programs that may not have advertised her accomplishments any more than UCO did (which is a problem), but surely would’ve had nice facilities for her to train in, potentially making her an even better athlete than she already is. The University of Central Oklahoma is a great university, with a plethora of opportunities for its students, both athletically and academically. This is something I strongly believe will take the school’s athletic program over the top and attract even more athletes similar to Garcia to the various Broncho programs.
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UCO SPORTS
UCO Men Win the MSSU Invitational; UCO Women Finish Fifth at MIAA Fall Preview Peter Agnitsch @PeteyPete33 Sports Reporter
The Broncho’s men’s golf team came into this week’s tournament looking to improve from last week, where they finished third at the Northeastern State University Classic in Tahlequah. This week’s Missouri Southern State Invitational was played at Shangri-La Country Club in Monkey Island, Okla. The Bronchos took the lead on Monday after two rounds and never looked back, shooting 571 as a team. On Tuesday, the Bronchos put it all together, shooting a 289 in the third and final round of the tournament, sealing their first win of the year. Winning the MSSU Invitational was the first win for UCO head coach Josh Fosdick. “ It was a great team win. I’m so happy for those five and our two players back home,”said Fosdick They were led by the phenomenal play of sophomore Alberto Ruiz-Nava who took first place individually. He shot a total of 140 in the two rounds Monday. On Tuesday, he shot a 69. “ I think his great play really energized the team.” said Fosdick. Ruiz-Nava’s play at the MSSU Invitational led him with the honor of being named MIAA player of the week. “For this bunch of guys I think it’s simply a step in the right direction. It shows that the hard work and dedication is paying off, but they know this isn’t what we are striving for at the end of the day.” said Fosdick. His teammate junior Cody Troutman had a stellar performance, too, tying for fourth place and finishing 5 shots behind Ruiz-Nava at 214. Other notable Broncho performances were from junior Eli Armstrong, who tied for seventh; freshman Nick Pierce tied for 15th and junior Wesley Jackson tying for 29th. The UCO men’s next action will be Oct. 10 and 11 at the MWSU Invitational at St. Joseph’s Country Club in St. Joseph, Mo. UCO women’s golf finished third two weeks ago in the Northeastern State Classic and looking to improve on that success going into the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association in Warrensburg, Mo. They came in a little short, fin-
ishing fifth overall in this week’s tournament. The Bronchos after Monday were in second place shooting 312 as a team only trailing Lindenwood University, who shot a 308. UCO women’s golf team fell short on the second day though, shooting seven shots behind their Monday score of 319 in the second round, making their total score for the tournament 631. Lindenwood came away with the team tittle, shooting 609. “Both days had too many big numbers. The first day didn’t start off on the right foot,” coach Michael Bond said. “Just too many big numbers.” The Bronchos were once again led by junior Marla Souvannasing, who had an individual third-place performance of 148. Souvannasing also finished tied for third last week in the Northeastern State Classic also shooting a 148 on the tournament. Bond described Souvannasing as a team leader. “ She keeps the ball in play and limits her mistakes.” The only other golfers to finish in the top 25 of the tournament for the Bronchos was sophomore Grace Shin who tied for 18th and her fellow
Junior Wesley Jackson takes a swing at a tournament against Missouri Southern State Invitational. (Photo provided by UCO Photo Services)
sophomore teammate Camilla Schou finished tied for 25th. UCO Women’s Golf will host the
RCB Classic at the Golf Club of Edmond on Monday and Tuesday next week.
Sophomore Grace Shinn competing in a tournament in the Northeastern State Classic where UCO women’s golf finished third. (Photo provided bt UCO Photo Services)
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UCO SPORTS
UCO Men Win the MSSU Invitational; UCO Women Finish Fifth at MIAA Fall Preview Peter Agnitsch @PeteyPete33 Sports Reporter
The Broncho’s men’s golf team came into this week’s tournament looking to improve from last week, where they finished third at the Northeastern State University Classic in Tahlequah. This week’s Missouri Southern State Invitational was played at Shangri-La Country Club in Monkey Island, Okla. The Bronchos took the lead on Monday after two rounds and never looked back, shooting 571 as a team. On Tuesday, the Bronchos put it all together, shooting a 289 in the third and final round of the tournament, sealing their first win of the year. Winning the MSSU Invitational was the first win for UCO head coach Josh Fosdick. “ It was a great team win. I’m so happy for those five and our two players back home,”said Fosdick They were led by the phenomenal play of sophomore Alberto Ruiz-Nava who took first place individually. He shot a total of 140 in the two rounds Monday. On Tuesday, he shot a 69. “ I think his great play really energized the team.” said Fosdick. Ruiz-Nava’s play at the MSSU Invitational led him with the honor of being named MIAA player of the week. “For this bunch of guys I think it’s simply a step in the right direction. It shows that the hard work and dedication is paying off, but they know this isn’t what we are striving for at the end of the day.” said Fosdick. His teammate junior Cody Troutman had a stellar performance, too, tying for fourth place and finishing 5 shots behind Ruiz-Nava at 214. Other notable Broncho performances were from junior Eli Armstrong, who tied for seventh; freshman Nick Pierce tied for 15th and junior Wesley Jackson tying for 29th. The UCO men’s next action will be Oct. 10 and 11 at the MWSU Invitational at St. Joseph’s Country Club in St. Joseph, Mo. UCO women’s golf finished third two weeks ago in the Northeastern State Classic and looking to improve on that success going into the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association in Warrensburg, Mo. They came in a little short, fin-
ishing fifth overall in this week’s tournament. The Bronchos after Monday were in second place shooting 312 as a team only trailing Lindenwood University, who shot a 308. UCO women’s golf team fell short on the second day though, shooting seven shots behind their Monday score of 319 in the second round, making their total score for the tournament 631. Lindenwood came away with the team tittle, shooting 609. “Both days had too many big numbers. The first day didn’t start off on the right foot,” coach Michael Bond said. “Just too many big numbers.” The Bronchos were once again led by junior Marla Souvannasing, who had an individual third-place performance of 148. Souvannasing also finished tied for third last week in the Northeastern State Classic also shooting a 148 on the tournament. Bond described Souvannasing as a team leader. “ She keeps the ball in play and limits her mistakes.” The only other golfers to finish in the top 25 of the tournament for the Bronchos was sophomore Grace Shin who tied for 18th and her fellow
Junior Wesley Jackson takes a swing at a tournament against Missouri Southern State Invitational. (Photo provided by UCO Photo Services)
sophomore teammate Camilla Schou finished tied for 25th. UCO Women’s Golf will host the
RCB Classic at the Golf Club of Edmond on Monday and Tuesday next week.
Sophomore Grace Shinn competing in a tournament in the Northeastern State Classic where UCO women’s golf finished third. (Photo provided bt UCO Photo Services)
SAFEWALK
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Students Ignore SafeWalk Elizabeth Spence @lizzlynn Reporter
SafeWalk is a program that provides safety for students and faculty on the University of Central Oklahoma campus while they walk to their vehicle, classroom, office, or housing by the UCO police officers. There are some circumstances people go through that could make them feel unsafe walking alone. Whether it be a threat, stalking, or just a bad feeling, the UCO police will provide assistance to anywhere they are traveling on campus. SafeWalk can be utilized at any time of the day or night and any day of the year by any person on campus. “SafeWalk is highly underutilized,” said UCO Chief of Police, Jeff Harp. The program was created to provide safety for students or any person on campus while they are walking to their destination on campus. If their destination is off campus, they will be walked or driven in a golf cart to
the edge of campus grounds and then watched until they reach their vehicle or house. “Our officers are here to help,” said Harp. Requests for SafeWalk cannot be scheduled in advance because the campus police officers have
“SafeWalk is highly underutilized,” unpredictable schedules and events happening in their lives. If anyone needs assistance from SafeWalk the number is 405-9742345. Another way of requesting SafeWalk is by using one of the SafeWalk phones located on the first floor of most of the university academic buildings or one of the outdoor emergency phones.
Another way to request SafeWalk is by using the Rave Guardian application by touching the “Contact UCO Police Services” option located in the app. It will take around 10 minutes for the SafeWalk officer to arrive and assist. It is advised for people to keep in mind that SafeWalk is not for recreational use. “This is not a ‘free ride’ service,” said Harp. When calling or making the request for SafeWalk, the director will ask the person’s exact location and a general description of themselves. This way they can be easily spotted by the officer coming to SafeWalk. SafeWalk is here to provide a secure campus and environment for students or anyone on campus. Several SafeWalk buttons are placed throughout buildings on campus. The button calls UCO Police directly. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
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